Bates Nut Farm

"Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is the perfect family escape from Temecula! The scenic drive sets the stage for a day of fun. Their market is a treasure trove of adorable gifts, homemade fudge, and unique treats like flavored nuts. The best part is seeing the pure joy on my daughters' faces as they feed and interact with the friendly goats, sheep, llamas, pig, chickens and roosters, geese and ducks! We always leave Bates Nut Farm feeling happy and refreshed."

"Went here for an event once, and came here on another trip just for the goodies - nuts, fudge, coffees and teas! Such a wide selection of everything, but the best are both the nuts and home-made fudge. Never can leave without getting both! A visit to the small zoo is a must-do as well. See if the tortoise is out and about."

"We had so much fun here! Someone recommended it to us because we were in the area. We thought it was maybe a little roadside stand or something. Nope! We went for the pumpkin patch and ended being there for two hours! We also did a fair amount of shopping at the gift shop inside."

"We love the Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. We go every year for the farm vibe and fresh pumpkins. Be cautioned that if you show up halfway through October or closer to Halloween, there are a lot of pumpkins that are no longer good. The variety of pumpkins is amazing. The kids attractions are pretty expensive. We usually limit the kids to only a couple of activities. At $4/ticket, multiple tickets per attraction, it adds up fast. We love the Bates shop, which is open year-round. Be cautioned that the shop is super busy and overcrowded during the Pumpkin Patch. They have first-class fudge and baked goods, including sugar free and gluten free options. They have nuts, jams, sauces, candies and all sorts of delicious items. My husband always gets strawberry rhubarb jam and he looks forward to it all year. There is also a little back room that has all kinds of fun toys and old-timey decor, and during Halloween, it is jam packed with adorable Christmas decor. This is my favorite part of the shop."