Although this coming weekend’s forecast might feel a little more like summer than autumn, it’s still perfect weather for some fall related farm activities. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Lynn and Peter Reading’s farm in Plympton. Billingsgate Farm not only has great organic produce, but pick-your-own pumpkins and a huge, 3½ acre corn maze. This year’s maze theme is “Pirate Adventure.” When starting the maze, you are given a worksheet with a word game and picture find. As you go through the maze, there are several check points where you can find the answers to these puzzles. Adding this “scavenger hunt” to the maze was really fun (and educational!) Although I spent a long time in the maze, and got plenty lost, I wasn’t able to find all of the story boards and picture stations. It’s quite the challenge! Upon completing the maze, you can take a ride back to the stand on the Grain Train. In addition to the Pirate Treasure maze, there are other activities for children (and young-at-heart adults), such as the Finger Funnies game, the Kiddie Corn Maze, the Hay Bale Maze, wagon rides, and the Corn Box (think sand box, replacing the sand with corn kernels). Later in October, there will also be Flashlight Nights (corn maze after dark) and Dog Days at the Maze.
Billingsgate also had a large selection of gorgeous pumpkins to choose from, both picked or pick-your-own. Additionally, the Readings had a great mixture of fruits and vegetables, as well as local eggs, jams, jellies, syrups, and dressings. I had a great time at the farm and it was wonderful talking with Lynn and Peter. Be sure to pick up some produce if you’re in the area…and have fun getting lost!