Post-Halloween and pre-holidays, we wanted to do something that said "fall" even as the malls were saying "winter." Layman's Family Farms in Bedford County fit the bill. Their corn maze (maize, if you prefer) was the first in Virginia and makes for an excellent family trip. Before Halloween, there is a haunted maze, but through mid-November, the farm is a fall playland with animals to view, a corn crib "sandbox," hay rides, and a "cow train" to ride as well. The large corn maze remains open, and while we didn't tackle it, we did enjoy the child-sized maze and viewing the fantastic photos of corn mazes past and present in the produce shop. Those pictures felt special, as Justin and Kim, still dating, visited the first Layman's corn maze back when they were in Botetourt.
Our tips for a trip? Plan to spend a few hours and maybe enjoy a "snack meal" of festival food like fries and carmel corn. The event is great for kids of all ages, and the farm is able to host church groups, birthday parties, and the like. If you go at night, remember flashlights! To make a weekend or a full-day trip, know that the farm is very near Reba Farms Bed and Breakfast, a good site for a horseback ride.
Reference Links:
Layman Family Farms
Reba Farm Inn
