Photo by Burst
Fall is finally, officially here and the forecast is calling for days upon days of brisk, seasonal weather. I’m giddy with excitement as I toss the bathing suits and beach towels into storage and pull out the scarves and sweaters. The weekends are going to be packed with as much corn maze adventuring, pumpkin picking and cider donut eating as possible!
Aquebogue
If you are looking to test your trivia knowledge, head to Stakey’s Corn Maze. Start off with a copy of the Corn Maze Trivia Game and make your way through this life sized corn puzzle. Answer the questions correctly and head to lunch early. Wrong answer and you’ll be turning in circles wishing you had a bigger breakfast! Regardless of how much time you spend in the maze, Barrow Food House is a quick two minute drive away. Chefs Amanda Falcone and Kyle Romeo are serving up fresh produce sourced from their family’s Cedar Grove Farm. Be sure to try the Roast Beef sandwich on Sourdough Bread, the Hand Cut Fries and the Mazarin Tart for dessert!
Stakey’s, 270 West Lane, Aquebogue, NY 11931 (631) 722-3467
Barrow Food House, 452 Main Road, Aquebogue, NY, 11931 (631) 779-3379
Riverhead
The Robin Hood Corn Maze at Harbes Orchard is by far my family’s favorite. Robin Hood’s cast of characters provide help and much needed comic relief when you find yourself completely lost in the maze. The interactive nature of the maze is what makes it so unique. Where else can you learn to shoot a bow and arrow and sword fight to defeat the sheriff’s champion? Once your quest is complete head downtown for a relaxing river-view lunch at Jerry & the Mermaid. Jerry packs his menu full of fresh ingredients from local waters and Long Island farms. Favorites include the New England Clam Chowder, Mermaid Combo and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.
Harbes Orchard, 5698 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY (631) 369-1111
Jerry & the Mermaid, 469 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY (631) 727-8489
Bridgehampton
If you are looking for a fun fall date night, the Fairview Farm at Mecox is where you should plan your next evening out. Fairview Farm’s corn maze features ten foot tall stalks spanning across eight acres of picturesque farmland. You can leisurely stroll through two miles of corn while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from bridges located in the maze. The maze is open until 6:00 PM which will give you plenty of time for a romantic dinner for two at Almond. The ambience of this French bistro provides the perfect setting for your date night. Owners Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner put an emphasis on sourcing local produce and seafood. Almond regulars recommend the Brussels Hot & Cold appetizer, Le Grand Macaroni & Cheese and the Chocolate Pot De Creme for dessert.
Fairview Farm at Mecox, 69 Horsemill Lane, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (631) 537-6154
Almond 1 Ocean Rd, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (631) 537-5665
Brookhaven
If you aren’t in the mood this weekend to deal with east end traffic, check out Glover Farms in Brookhaven. This family owned farm has been providing Long Island with fresh fruit and vegetables since 1952. Bring your animal loving friends and family to pet the roaming goats and feed the menagerie of farm animals. After exploring Glover Farm’s ten acre corn maze, head down to Varneys for lunch. Owner Will Varney spent years clamming on the Great South Bay before opening Varneys in 1981. Try the Baymen’s Best with hot buttered bread or Mussels Gone Wild for a tasty, laid back lunch.
Glover Farms, 633 Victory Ave, Brookhaven, NY (631) 286-7876
Varneys, 2109 Montauk Hwy, Brookhaven, NY 11719 (631) 286-9569
