By Miriam Raftery
October 27, 2010 (Valley Center) – Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is famed for its giant pumpkins—some topping the scales at over 100 pounds. You can also find Jack-o-lantern pumpkins, mini-pumpkins, and much more. In addition, the farm offers tractor hayrides, a straw maze, pony rides, petting corral, farm zoo, costume contest and scarecrow contests—plus a shop chockfull of sweets, nuts, other goodies and gifts galore.