This year, the one place we have not been restricted from visiting is the great outdoors! Spring and summer 2020 featured unprecedented use of local trails and greenways as families sought ways to keep in shape, keep some distance from their new screen routines, and keep everyone happy and entertained. Lucky for us, there are farm-families in several not-too-far-away spots who enjoy certain seasonal staples, and they are doing whatever it takes to provide the favorite autumn activities you’ve been wondering about.
Naylor Family Farm
East of Apex, you’ll find the Naylor Family Farm spread out along 28 acres in Fuquay-Varina. From their detailed information online, they are looking forward to a full fall schedule that includes bonfires, pumpkin-picking, hayrides, a petting zoo and a 10-acre “giant corn maze,” all with visitor safety and well-being in mind.
They listed the many ways they will be adhering to North Carolina’s current guidelines in regard to COVID-19. For instance, visitors can expect that staff will begin every day by thoroughly sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, and they will be disinfecting areas throughout the day. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. Thermal imaging equipment will detect feverish visitors. Stations will be set up in various places for hand washing and hand sanitizing. Face coverings are strongly suggested at all times but required primarily if social distancing is a challenge or not possible. Hayrides will run at half-capacity with appropriate distance markings for those waiting. Tickets can be ordered online to keep farm entry contact-free.
The Naylor Family Farm is located at 6016 US 401 North, Fuquay-Varina. Before you go, check naylorfamilyfarm.com for hours, ticket information, group reservations and the most current information you will need to plan your visit. Activities are scheduled to run through November 8, 2020.
Phillips Farms
Head down Highway 55, toward RTP, and you’ll find Phillips Farms on the right, just off of Morrisville Carpenter Road. They, too, have provided online answers to many questions, along with reassurance that while this year looks different, they are committed to bringing you a fun fall season.
To control admission and encourage social distancing, they have broken their busiest days into sessions with set start and end times. But don’t worry, each session leaves plenty of time for hayrides, a fun house, the pumpkin patch, a corn maze and much more. Maybe even goats! This year, the corn box and bounce houses will not be set up, but on Friday and Saturday nights, two sessions will be available for those visitors brave enough to enter the Haunted Farm.
No matter what day of the week, or which session you choose, expect to see sanitizing stations around the farm, waiting lines and areas that encourage social distancing, and employees taking extra precautions when it comes to cleaning equipment and common surfaces. Masks will be encouraged when safe spacing is difficult.
Phillips Farms is at 6701 Good Hope Church Road in Cary. Definitely visit their Facebook page and their website (www.phillipsfarmsofcary.com) to see the session times for every day of the week, admission prices, ticketing procedures, and weather policies. Activities are scheduled to run through Sunday, November 1, 2020.
Feel like a drive? Wake Forest has some spooky stalks just waiting to confuse and confound you.
Crossroads Corn Maze
Located between Rolesville and Knightdale, Crossroads Corn Maze also has a hay maze, hayrides, fresh fall produce, and fire pits. To keep visitors safe, employees will encourage everyone to wear a mask, although a face covering will not be required. (If you forget yours, they will have masks available.) Shared surfaces will be continually sanitized, waiting areas will allow for social distancing, and entry to the corn maze and hayrides will be limited to small groups. Guests are urged to purchase tickets online to promote contact-free admission.
You’ll find Crossroads Corn Maze at 3937 Louisbury Road in Wake Forest. They are closed Monday through Thursday and, in addition to daytime hours on the weekends, they offer admission to the 5-acre corn maze on Friday and Saturday nights… ”when the stalks go dark.” Be sure to visit their website, crossroadscornmaze.com, and Facebook page for the latest details about hours, admission costs, and weather closures. Activities are scheduled to run from October 2 through November 1.
Tractor’s Corn Maze
Tractor’s Corn Maze, also in Wake Forest, will be open on Saturdays and Sundays for daytime hayrides, choosing the perfect pumpkin, and exploring the twists and turns of an 8-acre corn maze. Then, if you dare, bring a flashlight and try Tractor’s Corn Maze After Dark.
Tractor’s Corn Maze is located at 13912 Bold Run Hill Road in Wake Forest. Check Facebook for their admission costs (cash only!), weekend hours, and closure updates. Tractor’s Corn Maze will be open from October 3 to November 1, 2020.
