It’s that time of year again! Halloween is one of my very favorite times of the year. I love when the cool nights begin. I love when the decorations come out. I love when the leaves turn. What’s not to like? I love it all!
We were invited to Bate’s Nut Farm in Valley Center, California. Bate’s Nut Farm has been open for business for more than 90 years. It has been family owned for five generations. It is nestled in the picturesque area of Valley Center, east of the San Diego coastline. Bate’s Nut Farm started as a walnut farm, but now features a variety of nuts, candy, souvenirs, specialty teas, sweets, and treats. Whether it’s fudge, rock candy, candy corn, truffles, sugar-free chocolate, chocolates, or chocolate covered nuts—Bate’s Nut Farm has something for everyone.
We got a tour from Sherrie, who is the owner and has been involved with the farm since her grandparents were running the fam, when she was a little girl. She shared her memories of the old days, when Bate’s Nuts Farm still grew their own nuts. While Bate’s Nut Farm still sells, salts, and processes nuts the nuts they are famous for, they purchase nuts from around the world. This means that they are able to have a huge variety of goodies! They still make their own homemade goods, like a vast variety of fudge. Mmmmm. Fudge! We were able to sample birthday cake fudge, which is unique and fun!
While at Bate’s Nut Farm, we enjoyed our favorites—fudge, cashews, candy, even lunch on the grass. There were so many gourds and we got to pick our favorite pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.
The girls enjoyed the petting zoo and got to hold some baby chicks. Sheep, pigs, geese, ducks, an ostrich, and pony rides! There’s something for everyone to do!
We wandered through the corn maze. Mr. Bear and I walked leisurely through the corn maze, while Allie and her competitive friend rushed through the maze, assuring that they beat us. HA! They had a good time and the weather was nice. It is beautiful at Bate’s Nut Farm. It is surrounded by oak trees and it is nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of suburbia.
Weekdays on the Farm
- Pumpkins, squash, gourds—all shapes and sizes
- Hayride: $2.50 each
- Straw Maze: $2.50 each
- Pony Rides: $8.00 each
- Petting Corral: $3.00 each (9/29-10/31)
- Farm Zoo
- Picnicking
- Farmer’s Daughter
All weekday activities are available on weekends too!
Weekend Activities on the Farm:
- Face Painting
- Live Music
- Kids ‘n’ Paint
- Bounce & Slides
- Rock Climb
- What’s Cookin’ BBQ
- The Valley Center Optimist Tacos & Quesadillas
- Ice Cream, Snow Cones
- Kettle Corn
- Cookies
- Pizza
- Funnel Cakes
- Food Trucks
Family Fun Day Package: $80
2 Pumpkins ($15 value)
30 Tickets ($75 value)
Entertainment Package: $50
22 Tickets ($55 value)
Bates Pumpkin Package: $11
1 Pumpkin ($7.50 value)
2 Tickets ($5.00 value)
Upcoming Events:
East County Cruiser Car Show & Toy Drive
Saturday, November 10th
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas in the Valley
Friday, December 7th
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 8th
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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