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If you think about it, there aren't a lot of spookier places than a cornfield at night on 300-year-old New England farm. That scenario alone could be – and probably has been -- part of many horror films.
Luckily, for local fans of fright, Warner Farm in Sunderland offers just such a tableau each fall when the family turns eight of the farm's 150 acres into Mike's Maze, an attraction that draws thousands of visitors from all over.
The timely aspect of the maze in the next few weeks, of course, connects with Halloween. While daytime walks through the maze are only daunting if you're claustrophobic, the nighttime strolls can be a bit more hair-raising.
At night, you can choose between the more intense Haunted Maze, which features frightening scenes, and the regular flashlight tour, which can be scary enough (unless you're used to walking through an unknown corn maze in the pitch dark with only a flashlight). There is also the Zombie Night Patrol, a paintball wagon ride where participants become members of a defense squad that is responsible for protecting the farm from zombie attacks.
Daytime visitors also have an array of choices: rides on a horse-drawn wagon, pony rides, choosing a Halloween pumpkin, and lunch at the Corn Cafe. Younger children can take part in activities and games at Mike's Mini Maze. Older kids can enjoy the new pedal carts on hand.
People with dogs who want to bring their furry friends will have that opportunity on Nov. 1, when the farm holds Dog Walker's Day.
A great aspect of the maze is that each year has a different theme. This year, it's Alice in Sunderland, based on Lewis Carroll's work, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." So, just as Alice had to navigate the characters and creatures of Wonderland, maze-goers must negotiate the twists and turns of corn maze in Sunderland.
The daytime hours for the maze are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The Haunted Maze and flashlight tours are available Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 8 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, and $10 for children. All children 4 years and under are admitted free. There is a $2 discount if you buy your tickets online. Tickets to the Zombie Patrol ride are $22. There are also discount packages available. The farm is at 23 S. Main St.