Fall festival fun at the Queens County Farm Museum

Imagine running through a 3-acre corn maze in the crisp fall air; petting friendly goats as chickens strut across dirt paths leading to pumpkin patches and vineyards; sitting on the steps of a big barn and sipping apple cider after watching a pie-eating contest. No, you are not in Iowa; you are at the Queens County Farm Museum, just 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

The Queens County Farm Museum operates the oldest working farm in New York City and holds a two-day county fair in September, an apple festival in October, and an interactive corn maze from September until November. Leave the city for some country fun, without actually leaving the city.

The 28th Annual Queens County Fair is on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. There will be pie-eating and corn-husking contests, a petting zoo, hayrides, scarecrow making, Irish and German bands, and many other activities. Anyone can enter the blue-ribbon competitions in several categories including crafts, baking and floral arrangements. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.

The Apple Festival on Oct. 3 is free and will offer a variety of apples and cider pressing demonstrations, plus games for children and hayrides. According to the Farm's website, the country's largest apple cobbler will be baked there as well.

The longest running fall event at the farm is the Amazing Maize Maze. Gather clues and solve puzzles to find your way through this 3-acre corn maze. It will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 19 to Nov. 7, and on Oct. 11. If you want a real challenge, the farm will keep the maze open until 9 p.m. on Oct. 9 and Oct. 16. (Perhaps it's best to figure out the maze in the daylight first, then take on the maze by moonlight.)

To be truly spooked, visit the farm on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 to tour the haunted house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a $4 entry fee. Then shake off the chills with mulled cider and other treats.

Besides special events, the farm offers free admission all year, and sells its produce on site and at various local farmers markets.