Description
In 1921, Gilbert and Beatrice Bates moved their nutty family to the beautiful, picturesque oak filled valley of Valley Center, where they purchased the Walnut Slope Ranch. They raised their family of 5 boys, complete with geese, ducks, goats, horses, rabbits, sheep, tractor, plows and all sorts of old fashioned farm things. Little did Gilbert know that 80 years later his family farm would provide joy and pleasure for 5 generations of his family, but also for the thousands of visitors from around the world that make that special trip to the Bates farm each year.
We don?t know exactly how the Bates business became so famous? Perhaps it?s the beautiful farm setting, the picnic and park areas, the farm zoo, or the casual, down home environment. Or maybe, it?s the reminder of simpler times and those childhood farm memories. Farm antiques and tools line the walls of the Bates store that is filled with fresh, delicious nuts, candies, dried fruits, chocolates, fudge and gourmet delights. Watch the peanut butter machine grind fresh peanuts into peanut butter. Not only is it a feast for your eyes, but you can?t help but taste. Pick up and sample your way through the Bates store. A sample of our own homemade fudge is a must with over 10 different choices. Our new old-fashioned candy counter will make a chocolate lover?s mouth water. You can?t help but feel like a kid at a candy counter. Over 25 feet filled with truffles, mammoth turtles, a variety of chocolates and sugar-free candies, fudge and chocolates.
Bates Nut Farm started with walnuts, but now purchases nuts from all over the world. Pistachios, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pignolias, sunflower seeds and much more can be purchased on the farm. The nuts come raw, roasted, some spiced up and unsalted. To insure quality and freshness we roast and package our nuts on the farm. The Bates family takes pride in providing a quality product at a fair price. It?s part of the tradition.
Nuts may of made Bates famous, but now you?ll also discover over 5000 square feet of gifts to be found on the farm between the Farmer?s Daughter located in the original barn and the Bates gift shop. What fun you will have browsing through the nooks and crannies of home and garden accessories, kitchen items, baby, stationery, collectibles, candles, personal care, jewelry, inspirational books, greeting cards, seasonal items and much more. There is a little something for everyone at the Bates farm.
The Bates Nut Farm has become well known for its special events held throughout the year on the 100 acre ranch. You?ll love coming out and having a picnic in the beautiful tree filled park and feeding the menagerie of farm animals. For over 30 years families have made it an annual tradition in October to come out to Bates in search of the perfect pumpkin. The Pumpkin Patch is the largest, oldest and most famous in San Diego County. Arts and Crafts Fairs, Antiques, Collectibles and Crafts Markets, Fine Art Fairs, and Car Shows are held throughout the year. . For groups of 15 or more you can take advantage of our educational tours; ?Nuts For You? and ?The Life of a Pumpkin?. See our Special Event and education and tour page. Visit our South Bay location in Chula Vista a retail only store filled with the same quality gourmet delights and gifts you?ll find in our country store.
Hours
Experience a hands-on educational tour, based on the Bates family history and role in the agricultural community. Valley Center?s oldest working farm provides groups of 15 or more with a memorable country experience. Learn about a variety of nuts. Acquire a knowledge of nut histories, how they are grown, harvested, and their nutritional values. Smell the wonderful aroma of freshly roasted nuts as you tour through our roasting and packaging rooms. Enjoy a hayride around the farm and a little snack. Feed the menagerie of goats, sheep, chickens and geese in our farm zoo. Picnic on the farm. Then, shop in the Bates store filled with a variety of nuts, dried fruits and our new old fashioned candy counter filled with truffles, chocolates and our own fudge.
$5.50 per person / minimum 15 people
Allow 1 hour for tour/Not available October
Bring a picnic lunch or let us cater your country experience with our lunch menu options.