Heartbreak in the Heartland: Why Virginia’s beloved Liberty Mills Farm shut its gates after a storm of harassment and hate
For more than 16 years, Liberty Mills Farm in Somerset, Virginia, stood as a joyful symbol of autumn—where families got lost in the laughter of its sprawling corn maze, picked pumpkins under golden sunsets, and built memories that lingered long after the harvest. But this season, the laughter has faded. The gates are closed, and the future of the beloved attraction hangs in the balance.
In an emotional post shared on Facebook, owners Kent and Evie Woods announced that Liberty Mills Farm would shut down for the remainder of the season—possibly for good—after a weekend of escalating threats, harassment, and abuse.
According to their statement, what began as a normal weekend at the corn maze spiraled into chaos. The couple and their staff were reportedly berated, insulted, and even threatened with physical violence. “Staff, along with myself, were threatened with physical violence and a phone was repeatedly shoved in my face. We were sworn at and accused of being racist,” the Woods wrote.
At ages 70 and 63, the couple said the hostility became unbearable. The stress, the anger, and the sleepless nights left them questioning whether their lifelong passion was worth the emotional toll. “We are no longer having fun at what we are doing,” they said—a heartbreaking admission from two people who once turned their farm into one of Virginia’s top-rated destinations.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office was reportedly called after several groups were removed from the premises. The Woods said they had endured years of smaller incidents—visitors damaging crops, ignoring rules, or using profanity—but this time felt different. The anger was personal, the attacks relentless.
Liberty Mills Farm has been nationally recognized for its creativity and hospitality. Its corn maze has frequently ranked among the top five in the United States by USA Today. Families from across Virginia have celebrated birthdays, field trips, and annual fall traditions on the farm.
Following the closure announcement, hundreds of supporters flooded social media with sympathy and disbelief. “Liberty Mills has been a highlight of our falls for the past five years,” one loyal visitor wrote. “The owners and staff always treated us like family.”
Another commenter said, “This is so sad. My family and I have visited several times and were always welcomed warmly. No one deserves this kind of treatment.”
The Woods confirmed that customers who purchased advance tickets will receive full refunds. They plan to take the winter months to decide whether to reopen in 2026.
For now, the fields of Liberty Mills will grow silent—empty of laughter, footsteps, and the rustle of maze stalks in the wind. What remains is a painful reminder that behind every small business are real people—dreamers who give their hearts to the community, only to be worn down by hostility in a world that sometimes forgets the value of kindness.
FAQs
1. Why did Liberty Mills Farm close early this season?
The farm shut down after owners Kent and Evie Woods reported receiving threats and harassment from visitors, including accusations of racism and physical intimidation.
2. Will Liberty Mills Farm reopen in 2026?
The owners have not made a final decision. They plan to evaluate over the winter whether to reopen next year.
3. What will happen to customers who already bought tickets?
All customers who purchased tickets for future visits will receive full refunds.
4. Has Liberty Mills Farm faced issues like this before?
The Woods mentioned dealing with unruly visitors and crop damage in the past, but the recent escalation of hostility prompted their decision to close immediately.
5. Where is Liberty Mills Farm located?
The farm is located in Somerset, Orange County, about 90 minutes northwest of Richmond, Virginia.