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The sunflower maze at Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm in Baiting Hollow is now open. (Credit: Tara Smith)

You don’t have to wait until fall to get lost in a living maze.

A field of sunshine has returned to Sound Avenue as the sunflower maze is now in bloom at Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm in Baiting Hollow.

“We’ve had some tough times and I think people are looking for an outlet, for some relaxation and something uplifting,” said Jeff Rottkamp, one of the owners. “It’s what the world needs right now.” 

Rottkamp began planting the mazes — there are several different fields — in early April. “They’re not all open at the same time because you have to stagger the plantings,” he explained, since the blooms only last two to three weeks. This year, Rottkamp said there are about eight different varieties in a range of colors and heights planted.

The maze opened for the season Father’s Day weekend and Rottkamp said they plan to be open daily until at least Labor Day. “As long as it’s nice and sunny out, we’ll be open,” he said.

You can visit the sunflower maze at Rottkamp’s through Labor Day. (Credit: Tara Smith)

Tickets are $8 per person and children under 5 receive free admission to the maze. Only cash is accepted at the admission booth. “All I have is a little ticket booth out in the middle field. There’s no WiFi, it’s done the old fashioned way,” Rottkamp joked.

Weather permitting, the maze will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and wristbands are good for the entire day. “You can come in the morning, go to lunch, go to town and then you’re welcome to come back later in the day,” Rottkamp said. 

Throughout the day, the petals of the sunflowers begin to turn west as they follow the sun as it descends across the sky.

As you wander through rows of the golden flowers as far as the eye can see, Rottkamp has also added several photo props along the path, from two enormous Adirondack chairs to a giant swing. “It’s a pretty cool experience,” he said.

In addition to the sunflower maze, you can spend time picking up fresh, local produce at the farm stand (or pick your own) or take the kids to the playground. If you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can also pick up colorful, Instagrammable treats from For Goodness Cakes Co., a dessert truck that makes macarons, cookie dough cones, rainbow cookies and frequently sells out. 

Grab your besties and explore the rows of the golden blooms at Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farms, located at 2287 Sound Avenue in Baiting Hollow. 

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