For many states, the arrival of cooler weather and fall colors is a sure bet that fall has arrived. However, in South Carolina, we rely on other cues to remind us - like fall festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. These things arrive well in advance of cooler weather or any changing colors in the Palmetto State. And with them arrives endless opportunities for wholesome, family fun.

In fact, one of the most popular corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the Midlands of South Carolina opens on Friday, September 18th!

Clinton Sease Farms is a leader in the state in both agriculture and agri-tourism.

Each year, the Lexington-based farm hosts a variety of events, including their annual fall events.

Although the farm has been in the same family and in operation since 1942, the agri-tourism business didn't get underway until 2004, when Clinton Sease Farms hosted its first annual corn maze.

Over the last 16 years, the event has blossomed into a much larger affair and has become a tradition for locals and other South Carolinians alike.

It's easy to see why!

The event now includes an ala carte system where you can purchase just a pumpkin patch pass or just an admission to their sunflower field, or even just a ticket to the corn maze. Some people prefer to come back over several days and enjoy each of these separately. This system makes it easy!

For those traveling any distance, experiencing as much as possible in one visit is the objective. The corn maze ticket is the best bet for a full day of activities. It includes admission to the maze, the pumpkin patch, the playground, and also unlimited hayrides.

As you can imagine, 2020's event may look a little different than in previous years.

The farm is taking extra precautions by regularly sanitizing playground equipment throughout the day.

Additionally, all visitors are encouraged to stay at least six feet apart.

And finally, the hayride, which is usually an elbow-to-elbow affair, will operate only at a capacity of 50 percent this season. It's all in the name of keeping the community safe. Masks are encouraged throughout the event, but only mandated on the hayride.

This year, a full sunflower field will be in bloom and open via a separate Sunflower Field ticket on two upcoming weekends.

The field will be open on September 18-20 and September 25-27. Admission for this special event includes ONE cut sunflower and is $10 per person. Additional cut-your-own flowers can be purchased for $1 each, or $5 for a half dozen stems. Learn more about it here.

The Corn Maze is open September 18 through November 15, 2020.

And the Pumpkin Patch is open September 18 through October 31, 2020. For Pumpkin Patch hours and more information see this link.

And for Corn Maze hours and more information see this link.

The Corn Maze is open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Anyone arriving for the night session is required to have their own working flashlight to enter the maze after dark.

Have you discovered this annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in South Carolina yet? Plan a weekend to explore all this centrally-located agri-tourism farm has to offer in the way of wholesome, family fun. Learn more on the official website for Clinton Sease Farm and be sure to give it a follow on Facebook to keep up with any weather closures during this seasonal event.