Szalay’s Savors the Fall Spirit

Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm and Market, located in Peninsula, Ohio, still thrives after 85 years and four generations. Established in 1931 as a vegetable farm, it now exists as a specialized sweet corn farm and traditional farm market. The current owners, John and Paula Szalay, are the third generation, aided by their children Johnny and Georgia. In addition to the business’s family operators, the farm employs around 20 others to help provide a number of services to the public.

Voted Akron’s Best Farm Market and one of Northeast Ohio’ Top 100 Destinations, the Szalay farm boasts three outdoor food huts, where visitors can buy Deli Dogs, salmon, turkey burgers, sausage, pork loin sandwiches, roasted corn on the cob, freshly-squeezed lemonade, sweet tea, fruit sundaes, and ice cream cones. The farm’s fresh produce market offers an assortment of fruits and vegetables, alongside treats such as caramel-covered apples, peanut brittle, and apple butter.

After purchasing the snack of their choice, visitors can relax in an oversized swing, gliding table, or covered wagon while watching live musical performances. Checking out their surroundings, they will find themselves amidst heaping piles of pumpkins and gourds available for purchase in all shapes and sizes.

Perhaps the farm’s most popular feature is its decorated 3-acre corn maze open from mid-September through the end of October, from 10 am to 6 pm. Participants are given a map and challenged to find all eight wooden pumpkins hidden throughout the maze, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Admission is only $6 (kids 3 and under are free) and includes a trip through the Spinning Barn - a disorienting optical illusion fun for all ages.

A popular place for many, the farm’s parking lot is often full on weekends, with old and young alike eagerly abandoning their cars on the side of a classic country road to enjoy the festivities. Conveniently located near the Towpath Trail, Szalay’s can be coupled with a day of biking through the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks.

However, the fall fun doesn’t end when families leave Szalay’s. They can purchase Indian corn, corn stalks, straw bales, critter corn, fresh chestnuts, local honey, maple syrup, home-grown apples, and fresh-pressed cider to bring the fall feeling home with them.

Overall, Szalay’s Farm and Market provides an opportune event to spend time with family, and an assortment of attractions that appeal to all ages. Although some of the merchandise comes with a high price tag, an annual trip to Szalay’s is well worth the time and money.