News Nearby: Buford Corn Maze Set to Open Friday

It may not quite be fall yet, but area residents can begin getting in the autumn mood this Friday, Sept. 9, when the .

Now in its third year, the Buford Corn Maze offers a variety of family activities, including a 5.5-acre corn maze, hay rides, a corn box, antique tractors and equipment displays. Additions this year include a new pavilion and a haunted forest attraction set to open in October.

The local attraction is the creation of Rodney Miller and Jerome Beggs. Miller’s wife Kendra and Beggs’ wife Tina also participate in what Beggs describes as a family affair.

According to Beggs, the two-family business started out as a hobby farming project.

“We just had a corn field. We visited a corn maze and looked around and thought that might be a good thing for us to pursue,” he said. “It has worked out well for us.”

Beggs attributes the facility’s success to its atmosphere.

“We are more than a carnival-type atmosphere,” he said. “We are a family-oriented, farming-type atmosphere. We are real farmers. We aren’t just some guys that decided to have a corn maze. We take pride in our farming activities as well.”

Beggs’ partner Miller, assistant to the dean and director of the Office of Advancement at the College of Agriculture at the University of Georgia, said he dreamed of creating an agritourism facility to showcase his love of agriculture. Miller said the maze is a perfect place for families to visit because it provides wholesome family fun in a warm, friendly environment.

“We also try and educate folks on agriculture and the history of agriculture,” he added.

According to Miller, interacting with visitors and helping them have a good experience at the maze is the most enjoyable aspect of the business.

“It is a step back from the franticness of life, to a less stressful environment,” he explained. “We love our patrons and strive to make every visit memorable.”

Miller's wife Kendra said she and her business partners have created many friendships at the maze.

"I think we make people feel comfortable. They love the feel of the farm life," she said.

Beggs agrees.

“What we offer is not a commercial experience, but actually a quality farming activity that is created and designed by real farmers,” he said.

The Buford Corn Maze is located at 4470 Bennett Road in Buford. For directions, hours of operation and pricing, visit BufordCornMaze.com.