A Maze Made of Sunshine

Agricultural Puzzlemaster Jerry Spence works year-round to create awe-inspiring sunflower mazes, bringing joy, laughter, and beauty to all who find their way to Goldpetal Farms in Chaptico, Maryland.

Less than a 90-minute drive from Washington, DC, the farm welcomes the public (and well-behaved, leashed dogs) from late June to mid-August. In addition to the sunflower mazes, the farm boasts pick-your-own flower fields, a butterfly garden, firefly blitzes, painting stations, a scavenger hunt, picnic tables, corn hole and other games.

Your Sunny Adventure Begins

As you turn off the winding country road onto the farm, you’ll feel like a kid on summer vacation again. The friendly folks in the admissions barn will give you the lay of the land and answer any questions you may have. Light refreshments are available or bring along your own picnic lunch.

A-maze-ing Flowers Everywhere!

Thousands of sunflowers surround you, towering overhead as you enter the maze. Note the unique variety of blooms ranging in color from vibrant yellow, dazzling goldenrod, and deep moody red. See how many distinct colors you can find. While it can be fun to race through the mazes, we suggest you slow down and take in the scenery. After all, there's no wrong way to experience the maze!

Notice the buzz of bumblebees, butterflies, and other little friends among the flowers. Don't forget to mark the insects you see on your scavenger hunt. They're 'buzzy' at work pollinating the field, and won't bother you if you don't bother them.

The Magic Behind the Maze

Jerry Spence, the mastermind behind the mazes, spends months planning and designing his fields. He harvests seeds each year to be planted the following year, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind sunflowers. Diehard fans wait with bated breath to discover the next season's theme. His creativity is boundless, with themes ranging from Vincent Van Gogh, Metamorphosis, Bob Ross, and Southern Maryland Landmarks. In 2020, he honored the front-line workers of the pandemic with a maze titled "Salute to Healthcare Heroes."

A Bouquet To-Go

After the maze, rows and rows of bright zinnias, cheery sunflowers, and a bounty of blooms await you in the cutting garden. Grab shears and a bucket and get started on your own creation! Whether you select a rainbow of blooms or a monochromatic masterpiece, your hand-picked bouquet will be a meaningful gift for a loved one or for yourself.

We're All Kids at Heart

Goldpetal Farms offers a pastoral backdrop for experiences beyond the family outing. Pack a picnic for you and your sweetie, and watch the sunset over the flowers on an unforgettable date night. Connect with your creative side at one of the plein-air painting stations, or take to the fields with your camera to capture the beauty of the blooms. Take your best shot and enter the farm's annual photography contest.

Feel a sense of wonder as sunflowers envelop you from above. Rediscover whimsy as butterflies loop and swirl through the sky. Catch a lightning bug, or two, or three, during an evening lightning bug blitz. Regardless of your age, you'll feel like a kid again at Goldpetal Farms.

Make a Trip of It!

Beyond the sunflowers, discover endless fields of fun nearby. Try the legendary fried chicken at Chaptico Market. Stop by St. Clement's Island Museum to explore the story of how Maryland first began. Hop on the water taxi and ride to the island itself! Leonardtown, just down the road, offers restaurants, shops, and a waterfront park all within the historic downtown. So now you've really fallen in love with St. Mary's! Book a room at The Inn at Leonardtown, or at any of our unique accommodations.