#corn mazes

[hometoursandotherstuff]

[bonkers-4-hatter]

Lotor X !Plus Sized Female Reader - Fall Traditions

"It's tradition Lotor! I know you don't want to be around people, but please, go for me?" I give him a pout, jutting out my bottom lip as I put on my 'puppy dog eyes' which always make him cave.

He let out a scoff, but sighed and deflated in defeat. "Okay Starlight, I'll go to this...corn maze as you say."

I hug him as he slides his arms around my plump form. "You know I'd do anything for you starlight." He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. Only alone would he show me this kind of affection, and I understand, with a smile I cherish the affection he shows that's only reserved for me.

I was giddy as we pulled up to the corn maze. Growing up, coming to these places during the fall were fun and filled with laughter and frights especially if we went through the maze at night.

Lotor takes my hand as we walk to the ticket booth. I smile as I see families with small children as they laugh and run around picking the perfect pumpkin. "You said this was a tradition starlight? Do all humans participate in it?" He gave my hand a light squeeze as we walk through the rows of pumpkins.

"Not all humans participate. It's a tradition for me and a lot of humans because we used to do this when we were younger. My mom always brought me and my siblings here every fall. We'd pick pumpkins, go on the hay ride and through the corn maze and have applie cider, it was so magical for me as a kid...and one of the rare happy memories I have...I know to you it's silly..but-."

My words were cut off as he gave me a soft, chaste kiss. My round cheeks flushed as he pulled back before I could fully process it. "It's not silly if it holds special memories for you (Y/N)...nothing that's special to you is silly my starlight, never forget that. Now let's go make more of those special memories."

We look through the pumpkin patch first, my soft, round face scruched in concentration as I tried to look for the perfect pumpkin. Lotor helped, picking the biggest pumpkin he could carry before putting it in our wagon. Picking a few other pumpkins and hay stacks we bring them to the car.

"I can't wait to carve the pumpkins! We'll put them on our porch for the trick or treaters!" I was excited as I spoke, my soft arms and hands waving in the air as I spoke with them. Lotor sported a soft smile as he watched me talk animately.

Getting hot apple cider, we enjoyed the cute hayride that showed us the farm and along the way it had cute cardboard cut outs of Halloween themed characters or scenes and even giant spider made out of black plastic pipes and hay bails. Lotor's arms wrapped around my pudgy waist, his fingers skimming my sweater clad skin.

"This drink...can we make it at home?" He was on his third cup of hot apple cider. I laughed and nodded. "I'll order some, not sure how good it'll be if I try to make it, I'm sure they sell some here too." His eyes lit up at the notion making me smile. He was enjoying himself...which would be a first for an Earth activity.

As the sun started to go down, I decided it was the perfect time to do the corn maze. Once inside, the cute decorations and cardboard cut outs were back, with festive lights scttered around. "So...you pay to be put in a maze? Starlight, what fun is that?" He asked looking down both sides of the fork in the cornstalks.

I pull him down one path enjoying the atmosphere. "Because it's fun! It's cute and it's getting dark so it'll be a bit spooky!" Hitting a dead end, I pout. "Fun you say?" He smirks before taking the lead and tugging me back the way we came.

A good chunk of time passed and we're still in the corn maze, the moon high in the sky. The sound of laughing children and soft music coming from the farm, but I was straddled on Lotor's lap as he sat on a haybail in the corner of another dead end of the corn maze.

Our lips were slated against one another in a dance. His hands gripped my soft round hips anchoring me down on his lap. Pulling back, our hot breaths lingered together. "You were right (Y/N), these corn mazes are fun." He nipped and sucked along the curve of my neck going down to my collarbone.

The sound of people nearby caused Lotor to stand with my plump, soft body in his arms before he gently sat me down. Giving me one last hungry kiss, he grabbed my hand and headed back to the maze to finally get out. "Let's find our way out, we'll have more fun at home my starlight."

Biting my lip, I flushed at his words as we both whispered and laughed together as we navigated the corn maze hand in hand.

[desertdweller]

Life dump, I s’pose.

[oh-heck-yeah-doritos]

WAIT

WAIT!!

ARE MAZES CALLED MAZES BECAUSE LOTS OF MAZES ARE MADE WITH CORN??

Y’know

MAIZE??

like someone years and years ago went “oh what’s that” to a corn maze and the other guy went “oh that’s maize!!”

AND THE OTHER GUY THOUGHT “okay so that’s a maze, the place you get stuck”????

wait so would it. seem like they’re saying “maize maze”. like. the sahara desert or sm.

I��ve literally never thought abt this but i was thinking abt corn/maize which led to me thinking abt mazes (bcs of the corn ones i’ve been to)

[epeltheapple]

eppy!!! we r we grew up on farm buddies!!! mine was a hay farm tho nothin too fancy

that’s awesome! Hay farms are pretty cool, it must’ve been fun!

[esmesqualor-not-esmecullen]

October Book Recommendation

I devoured What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell. It's a timey-wimey YA horror novel with Annihilation vibes.

Note that when you inevitably stay up way too late to read it, you will start thinking you see things in the dark.

[theworstcreature]

If you own a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or really any other fall activity it is NOT acceptable to build a shitty corn maze. Either make a good one that you can get lost in or dont bother.

I get making it easier for little kids but I say they need to develop the ability to choose the right direction purely based on vibes (and how to run from creepy noises in the dark)

- a person who believes the best part about fall is corn mazes and is tired of the *vast* range in quality

[feralchaton]

Corn Maze Season

[honeysbunchesofoats]

very intriguing implications re: corn mazes vs. "never ever ever go into a full grown corn field" it's like we're microdosing danger because the draw of the corn is so too strong. we must provide a healthy outlet that doesn't cause death.

I feel bad for people who’ve never experienced a corn maze bc it’s not even fun but you just have to do it

[mkdigi]

PATCH WORK!

pumpkins at Harvest Valley While pumpkins and squash will continue to be a great option for your kitchen looking ahead, there’s just a weekend or two left to visit area pumpkin patches this season. Here’s a handful of our favorites! Check their websites for details on hours and availability. Harvest Valley Farms features live music, hayrides, face painting, pick-your-own pumpkins, carving kits,…

[susielindau]

It's Time for Spooky Season!

Spooky season has arrived. It's the perfect time for frightening experiences like dipping into foggy cemeteries and awakening souls in haunted hotels. Stop by for all kinds of Halloween vibes!

[airyairyaucontraire]

The Wikipedia article for corn mazes gives possible earliest dates as 1993 (but the source is marked as possibly unreliable) and 1989 (in the Los Angeles Times, presumably more reliable). Unfortunately the LA Times archive is behind a paywall so it's hard to get a good look at the article (here's what I mean), but I believe the paragraph reads:

The pumpkin patch at R & H Ranch, 100 Kent St. at Avenue J in Lancaster, features scarecrows and a corn maze, and it is adjacent to additional you-pick fruits and vegetables. Hayrides and tours for groups are available with reservations. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What I note about this is that in 1989 no explanation or further description of "a corn maze" is given, implying that it wasn't a novelty at the time but a reasonably familiar seasonal attraction, right alongside hayrides and pick-your-own pumpkins.

Until some keen sleuth finds earlier records to help us narrow down the dates, it seems fair to say that corn mazes originated sometime earlier than 1989. A thing may exist in common knowledge for a while before it makes it into print in a paper of record, particularly in the pre-Web era when every new thing didn't immediately have trend pieces written about it.

The notes on this post include people pointing out that a corn maze is typically cut through the dried-out corn plants after the cobs/ears of maize are picked, so you don't lose any of your crop by making one*, you actually get a bit more money out of it after the main harvest, and people who remember or whose parents say they remember corn mazes in earlier decades, one as early as the 1960s. I can't speak to the accuracy of any of that, but perhaps it will provide a clue for someone else to find more solid information.

*OP may have been confusing corn mazes with crop circles, which are constructed in fields of growing crops and damage the plants by flattening them down in pretty patterns, not cutting paths through them.

corn mazes were invented WHEN???

[lilcottoncandyheart]

downtown cozy autumn insp 🦊🏈🍁☕🐿️📝🧸🍁🎃🍁🎃💖

[staceysoleil]

Tulsa Botanic Garden [September 2024]

Tulsa Botanic Garden: Where Nature Blooms and Dogs Roam Free (on Select Days, of Course)

This weekend, we did something that made both our hearts and our dog’s tail wag. That’s right—we took advantage of dog day at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, a.k.a., one of the prettiest places to walk, breathe, and let your four-legged friend get a sniff of the good life. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a serene day out among some of Oklahoma’s most beautiful blooms while your dog gets to live their best life, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is the place to be.

Nestled just a short drive from downtown, this 170-acre slice of heaven is where humans and nature connect—whether you’re chasing tranquility, exploring the seasonal flower displays, or (like today) making sure your pup gets in on the action. Here’s everything you need to know about why this spot is one of Tulsa’s best-kept secrets, and why you should get it on your calendar (with or without your furry friend).

Dog Day at the Garden: A Tail-Wagging Time

Let’s start with the real MVP of today’s visit: dog day. If you’ve got a canine companion, you know how it feels to find a place that welcomes your dog and offers you a great time too. Usually, we’re relegated to the nearest dog park or trail (no complaints, but a little variety would be nice), but the Tulsa Botanic Garden changes the game by offering specific dog days throughout the year. This means your pup can roam the gorgeous grounds, make new furry friends, and soak up some nature.

Our fur-baby has special needs as a senior pup, she’s 16-years young, is blind & deaf, however she loves special outings on the weekend—sniffing every plant, feeling the breeze on her fur and maybe getting a little too excited about some of the sculptures scattered throughout the garden. The trails are spacious enough that even on busy days, you’re not constantly dodging other dogs, and there’s plenty of room for your sweet fur-baby to enjoy themselves without pulling you through a hedge.

Pro Tip: While dogs are welcome on dog days, they do require leashes, so bring one that gives your pup enough freedom to explore but still keeps them close enough to avoid flower bed casualties & please remember to be kind and pick up after your pet!

It’s All in the Details: Gardens That Wow

Keeping things real, we weren’t quite sure what to expect from the Tulsa Botanic Garden, but we were excited to check it out and if we loved it we knew we’d scoop up a membership. We figured it’d be pretty, but the variety and attention to detail here take it to the next level. The themed gardens are so thoughtfully designed that you could visit multiple times a year and still feel like you’re discovering something new.

The Children’s Discovery Garden is a hit even if you don’t have kids in tow. It’s interactive and whimsical, with giant flowers that spray mist in the summer and water features that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

The Lakeview Terrace offers killer views of the lake and it’s super expansive…so completely relaxing. We’re excited to come back and visit during the spring blooms to see the flowers showing off in all their glory. We’re told the park is brimming over with vibrant tulips, perennials, and wildflowers that make you stop in your tracks and appreciate how good Mother Nature really is.

But let’s not forget the star attraction: the Tandy Floral Terraces. These multi-tiered terraces are like something out of a dream. Seasonal flowers line the stone pathways, and the large water feature in the center is the perfect spot to stop and snap a few pics (for both your Instagram and your dog’s IG, obviously).

The Seasonal Perks: Always Something New

What’s great about the Tulsa Botanic Garden is that it’s always changing with the seasons. So, even if you’ve been before, it’s worth returning to see what’s new. As mentioned above, in the spring, the garden goes all out for its Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS, where you’ll find over 120,000 bulbs putting on a colorful show. And if you’re more of an autumn lover, the Tulsa Botanic BOO-tanical event is the place to be, complete with festive fall displays, pumpkin decorations, and all the spooky vibes you didn’t know you needed. This is precisely what they were setting up when we arrived, so we had some fun snapping pics amongst the pumpkins, and even did a little time lapse through the pumpkin hay maze, LOL! [You can catch a sneak peek of the fall set up, the fall blooms as well as a time lapse of the maze HERE on our IG]

During the summer, the Tulsa Botanic Garden opens up their Thursday Late nights, so you can wander the gardens in the cool evening air while catching a sunset over the lake (with or without a glass of wine from their events).

Can’t Forget the Amenities: The Details Matter

If you’re worried about comfort, (aside from there being NO shade throughout most of the park), the rest of the well thought out custom comforts will put your mind at ease. The Tulsa Botanic Garden has done a great job at making sure guests have everything they need for a relaxing visit. The bathrooms are clean (yes, I checked), the paths are well-maintained, and the signage is clear so you can easily find your way around.

The staff here is friendly & super knowledgeable about the blooms. Whether you’ve got questions about a specific plant (for when you’re ready to flex that gardening hobby) or just need advice on which path is best for a quiet stroll, they’ve got you covered. Where we were disappointed in all honesty was that 5 minutes after buying our tickets we asked if we could apply the cost of our tickets today towards a season pass if we enjoy the park and we were told we could not. The only accommodation they offer is $10 off. ProTip: If you think you’ll come back even just once a season, it’s more affordable to get a family pass, so just ask for one PRIOR to purchasing your tickets.

And yes, the gift shop is a total delight. Think plant-inspired gifts, gardening books, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs that help support the garden. Trust me, you’ll want to grab something on your way out. We found the cutest little fairy crowns for the grand toddlers as well as cute tshirts and magnets.

The Perfect Place for Tulsa’s Best Doggone Day

Tulsa has a lot of great places to hang out with your dog (shout out to the Midland Valley and riverfront trails, which are dog-friendly every day), but the Tulsa Botanic Garden? It’s a special treat. You get the beauty and peace of nature, your dog gets to be part of the adventure, and you both leave feeling refreshed.

Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming dog days, because trust me, your pup will thank you. And even if it’s not a dog day, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is worth the trip. Whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or with your four-legged family, it’s the perfect spot to get outside, unwind, and take in some of Tulsa’s natural beauty.

The Bottom Line: Tulsa Botanic Garden is for Everyone (Especially Dog Lovers)

If you haven’t been to the Tulsa Botanic Garden yet, it’s time to plan a visit. Whether you’re a die-hard nature enthusiast, a casual stroller, or someone who just needs a beautiful backdrop for your next dog walk, this place has something for everyone. Trust me, once you experience the charm of this place, you’ll find yourself coming back season after season (and on every dog day you can get to).