For me, buying a bunch of sunflowers at the Montclair Farmer’s Market is a big thrill, so you can imagine how I felt to find myself in the middle of a 30-acre sunflower farm yesterday. We were driving up Rt. 15 in Sussex County when we suddenly saw signs for a Sunflower Maze, and the “children” — ages 19 and 23 — insisted we stop. It was a good call. Though the maze aspect of the experience was a little disappointing — you can see right over the flowers — being surrounded by thousands of the giant friendly flowers was anything but. It’s pure magic: Vincent Van Gogh meets Wizard of Oz, with a dash of Dr. Seuss thrown in for good measure.
The Sussex County Sunflower Maze — open Tuesday through Sunday as long as the blooms last — is located at Liberty Farm in Sandyston Township. (The turnoff is right where Rt. 15 N turns into Rt. 26, and you can get there from Baristaville in just under an hour.) Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You have to sign a liability release form first, stipulating that nobody in your family is allergic to bees, and acknowledging that you’ll assume the risk of walking on uneven terrain and the possible intrusion of wildlife. We did see a lot of bees, but they weren’t interested in us. Afterwards, you can pick up bunches of sunflowers, a bag of sunflower seeds or Jersey Devil Salsa.
I can’t vouch for the weather this weekend, but if you see a patch of blue, pack the kids into the car and go. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. This might just be the backdrop for this year’s family photo Christmas card.
Sussex County Sunflower Farm
Just past Ross’ Corner at Roseline’s Farm and Bakery, 553 County Route 565, Augusta, NJ
973-219-6356
Ok but if we get there and that guy in the top picture is not there I’m going to have one cranky four year old on my hands!
A bunch of years ago the wife and I went cycling through France in Sept, the height of sunflower season. I remember the flowers being over our heads, but perhaps they grew in my memory. In any case, there are few things as beautiful.
We went today; tons of fun. The sunflowers themselves were amazing, and our seven-year-old enjoyed the scavenger hunt, too. We went just late enough in the day that the heat wasn’t overwhelming and the crowds weren’t bad. A win, definitely!