Nestled in the quiet hills of nearby Robertson County lies a magical place known as Fiddle Dee Farms, home of Shuckles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Just 20 minutes from Hendersonville, the 57-acre homestead is a must-visit destination for family fun. While the farm offers special activities throughout the year, it really comes alive during the fall when the maze and pumpkin patch are open.
Shuckles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of family-friendly activities for children and adults of all ages. One of its most popular attractions is the corn maze, an 8-acre labyrinth that is sure to delight every escape artist. While Shuckles offers all of the usual daytime twist-and-turn challenges, it also offers a special “Maze by Flashlight” adventure once the sun goes down.
Owned by Hendersonville residents Craig and Karen Pulley, the maze was originally opened in 2010 in Gallatin adjacent to Station Camp High School. They operated the maze at this location for five years before relocating to their new Fiddle Dee Farms property four years ago. Now in its ninth season, Shuckles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch will draw thousands of visitors during its 2018 fall season.
In addition to individual visitors, Fiddle Dee Farms also welcomes large groups and organizations. Many area companies, schools, churches and civic groups choose to hold their events at the farm each year.
Ironically, the Pulleys did not initially set out to be farmers, much less corn maze operators.
“About 10 years ago, we visited a friend who had opened a corn maze outside of Atlanta. After seeing his setup, Karen was hooked. She knew right away that she wanted us to have a corn maze of our own in Tennessee. Initially, I was skeptical. However, Karen’s persistence won me over. She convinced me that we could do it, and we did,” Craig says.
Since moving to a larger location, the Pulleys have dramatically increased their attractions and activities. This fall, Fiddle Dee Farms will offer more than 30 activities each day spread across the entire property. Individual events include pumpkin decorating, hayrides, bonfires, a farm animal zoo, giant pillow jumping, a playground fort, a 40-foot super slide and music. In addition, award-winning children’s entertainer and magician Bruce Amato will perform two shows daily on Saturdays and Sundays during October.
In between scheduled activities, the Pulleys and their staff keep things hopping with music and short games, including corn shucking, tugs-of-war and bubble blowing contests. From opening time until closing time, there is never a dull moment at Fiddle Dee Farms.
To keep visitors fueled up for their activities, Fiddle Dee Farms also serves a terrific menu of fun food and pumpkin-themed desserts at its Butterstick Bakery and Fiddler’s Stop cafés. Scrumptious items include Angus burgers, Italian sausage sandwiches, pumpkin bread, apple fritters and their signature item: deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Beginning in early 2019, Fiddle Dee Farms will take on an entirely new dimension with the opening of a new wedding and event venue known as the Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms. This beautiful event center will operate year-round, and it will serve as the focal point for weddings, dinners, corporate meetings and much more. With a capacity just under 300 people, the Barn will add much-needed event space for surrounding counties.
“The Barn will allow us to host many different events on a year-round basis rather than just operating during the fall and spring seasons,” Craig adds. “It will be a game-changer for us and our community.”
7526 Swift Road, Greenbrier, Tennessee, 615.669.6293, FiddleDeeFarms.com
