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| - Szalay's used to be the most perfect place on the face of the planet (or, rather, the 20-mile span around my house), but lately you must arrive either 10 minutes after it opens or 20 minutes before it closes to not get mauled by minivan moms that made the pilgrimage for the quaint scenery, kitschy gifts, and "local" produce. The secret is out.
I still love Szalay's. There is no better place to usher in my favourite season -- fall -- with the arrival of hot, spiced apple cider and every kind of pumpkin and gourd imaginable. In summer, nothing beats Szalay's sweet corn. It's so fresh and flavourful and deeeelish. If you can't wait until you get home to give it a try; they have roasted, buttered corn in the little stands at the front. Heaven. Besides corn and other seasonal goodies, there is a rather large farm market inside; and the prices are mostly reasonable. There might be a few locally grown items, but I doubt it. The last time I checked, baby carrots and Chiquita banana don't really fit the mold. There are all kinds of local baked goods and jams. And, if you come early on Monday morning, they occasionally have awesome day-old bread on sale.
Before you head home, there's an AWESOME corn maze across the street. There are lots of fun Halloween decorations inside, and it's a seriously entertaining way to spend 15 minutes.
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