New Sunflower Maze Opens At Longtime Long Island Family Farm

CALVERTON, NY — There's a new sunflower maze in Calverton that's giving people a way to escape their worries about the pandemic for a while as they enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor beauty of the vibrant field.

Rottkamp's Fox Hollow Farm in Calverton has created a new sunflower maze experience that's given people a place to go and just enjoy the outdoors.

Jeff Rottkamp, who's been planning the fields as new attraction at the farm for more than a year, said the timing couldn't have been better to give visitors something to enjoy at a time when options are limited.

"Sunflowers are kind of a simple thing," he said. "You can go and take pictures with your friends. I just thought it would be a great way for people to have a nice time."

Especially during the pandemic, the sunflowers are a bright spot, Rottkamp said. "I planned this long before pandemic but it's crazy — now, here we are. You can’t travel, you can’t go to amusement or theme parks, but you can come here and have a nice time."

The sunflowers, he said, are "very peaceful. Very soothing."

Planning the sunflower maze, Rottkamp decided to utilize some of the smaller fields at the front of the farm, visible from the road. The first was a one-acre field that opened on June 26; Sunday marked the last day for that field. On Monday, Rottkamp opened the new, second field, which encompasses 2.5 acres and will be open until about the first week in August.

Next, he said, two additional fields are planned for September and October.

So far, the fields have been drawing about 75 visitors a day to soak up the experience and pose for Insta-worthy shots among the sunflowers. "It seems to be growing every day," he said. "I'm content with the way things are going so far."

Asked about the universal appeal of the sunflower, Rottkamp said: "There's something about sunflowers that bring overwhelmingly happy feelings to everyone. I can't put my finger on it — it's just the way it's always been."

A family business for 53 years, Rottkamp said sunflowers symbolize an evolving business model for the farm.

"Sunflowers appeal to pretty much everyone," he said. "When they come to the farm, it's more than just coming to buy vegetables. Now, people can go to the sunflower maze to have a nice time. Especially now, with the pandemic, it's nice to get out of the house — to spend a half hour in the sunflower maze and enjoy yourself."

Rottkamp's Fox Hollow Farm is located at 2287 Sound Ave in Calverton. The sunflower maze is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is $5 per person, with children under 5 free. Everyone visiting is asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distance.