Families have been making the journey to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center for over 40 years to celebrate the fall season. The famous Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch opens Saturday, September 24, and continues daily through October 31 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come and experience the fall harvest at the Farm with the colors, scents, tastes and sounds found on our 100 acres. Scarecrows welcome you as you shop for pumpkins, squash and gourds in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Family and friends will enjoy numerous activities including hay rides, straw maze, pony rides and farm zoo. But picking pumpkins is only half the fun. Each weekend, enjoy a variety of special events, entertainment, country barbecue and other treats. Since 1963, shopping for goodies in the Bates store has been an adventure with its wonderful variety of nuts, barrels of candies, samples, homemade fudge counter, and gourmet treats. Bates sells a variety of fall home accessories and decorations to bring the farm home. Visit Farmer’s Daughter Boutique full of clothing, jewelry and gifts. There are pumpkins to pick and memories to make at the Bates Farm, located only 12 miles northeast of Escondido.