This past week I hiked up to Heublein Tower, and that view never gets old. At the summit I spotted a couple of lanternflies; if you see them, be sure to squash them. They’re invasive pests, and every little bit helps.

Now that fall is in full swing, it feels like the perfect time to get lost in a corn maze. You won’t really need a map or flashlight, but bringing along a friend with a decent sense of direction? Always a good idea.

Tackling a maze or another local event? Tag The Valley Verve in your Instagram pics or email me at [email protected]—I love hearing what you’re up to.

There’s something about a corn maze that just makes me happy… at least until I’m actually inside one. Before we go, I’m all, “This is going to be great!” And honestly, I feel that way about a lot of things: jumping into leaf piles (almost lost my wedding ring once), wrapping Christmas presents (does the pile ever shrink?), and helping my daughter with math homework (I was a mathlete in high school — don’t hold it against me). These things should be fun.

But about five minutes into a maze, every wall of corn looks exactly the same, and I start wondering if it’s closing in on me. I turn corners full of optimism until I think, “Wait… we’ve definitely been here before.” Thankfully, my husband has a great sense of direction. He lets us have our “fun,” then guides us out like it’s no big deal, while the rest of us stumble toward the exit like we’ve been without water and haven’t seen open land for a week.

Still, despite knowing exactly how it’ll go, every year around this time I can’t help myself: Let’s go to the corn maze! If you’re in the same mood, here are a few local ones worth exploring.

🚜 Close to Home

🌽 Rosedale Farms & Vineyards (Simsbury)

While not the biggest maze in the state, Rosedale's version is charming and scenic, tucked between vineyard rows and pumpkin patches. A more relaxed experience, ideal for a low-key fall outing.

🚗 Worth the Drive

🌽 Fair Weather Growers (Cromwell)

This one’s for the committed maze-goers: a whopping 16-acre corn maze with a new design each year. You’ll also find hayrides, a corn pit, animals, and enough fall activities to keep your tiny crew busy for hours.

🌽 Lyman Orchards (Middlefield)

A Connecticut favorite, Lyman’s 4-acre themed corn maze blends fun with trivia as you solve clues and navigate the paths. This year’s theme? A pizza pie. Bonus: ticket proceeds support local charities.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

🐣 Canton Library is hatching up some fun! Beginning Tuesday, September 30, the much-loved “Hatch the Chicken” program returns. Kids can peek into the magic of incubating eggs, cheer as fluffy chicks hatch (around October 20 or 21), and watch them grow right in the Children’s Room. This year’s chicks are getting star treatment too; they’ll be named after characters from the K-Pop Demon Hunters movie!

🎃 Meanwhile, just down the road, the Barney Library in Farmington is kicking off its 3rd annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt on Wednesday, October 1. Families can roam local neighborhoods in search of festive decorations, checking them off a spooky scavenger list. Finish the hunt and you’ll be entered for a chance to win some delightfully “spooktacular” prizes.

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.