Swank Farms' Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Every October, Swank Farms opens its gates to the public for its annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.  Located on San Felipe Road, just past the north end of the Hollister Airport, the annual event has something for everyone of all ages, from a huge jumping pillow for the tots to a petting corral, pedal karts, pumpkin toss, pig races, pick-your-own pumpkins, and more.

The piece de résistance is the Maniac Maze. Every year, Bonnie Swank designs a new amazing corn maze to challenge the young and old. This year, the theme is Alien Invasion, which goes along with Swank Farms' spooky haunted Terror in the Corn. The Maniac Maze is open during the day all this week until November 1. If you want to try the maze at night, it's open on Halloween night. It may be also open on Friday and Saturday. Given them a call to make sure -- 831-637-4704. 

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See the yellow-tipped spider at the right. Yowza!

To see the Swank Farms pick-your-own pumpkin patch,
click here and scroll down to the bottom of the post.

The pigs flashed by so quickly, my camera caught nothing but their dust.

Ornamental gourds. All grown by Swank Farms.

This sweetie is part of the Kiddy Corral.

The Peafowl of Casa de Fruta

Peacocks and peahens wander aimlessly around the grounds of Casa de Fruta. I came across this peahen near the swimming pool of the Casa de Motel, also known as the Peacock Inn.

Seriously, these guys and gals are all over Casa de Fruta. They walk through the parking lots. They hang near the pond. They saunter around the exhibits of antique farm machinery. They even stop and watch the kids ride the Casa de Carousel and gaze at folks eating their lunch on the patio of  the Casa de Wine.

Yes, a visit to Casa de Fruta for me is not complete without an encounter with one of the peafowls. Now, if only one of the peacocks would've strutted about with his feathers in full display. Next time.

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Pumpkins!

Yes, you can buy your pumpkins at the supermarket. Nothing wrong with that. But, if you want a bit more added fun, you might check out one of these local hot spots.

Tonascia Farms Pumpkin Patch

The Tonascia Farms Pumpkin Patch is in the parking lot on the west side of Airline Highway (aka Highway 25) just before you reach Bertuccio's Market–The Farm, near the corner of Union Road. Another reference point for you: Where Maverick's BBQ is set up on Friday afternoons. The pumpkin patch is self-pay. If you'd like to buy gourds, Indian corn, and decorative pumpkins, then head down to Bertuccio's Market.

Swank Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

At Swank Farms, you can choose to pick your own pumpkins or buy them ready to go. While you're there, you might enjoy some of the other fun activities, besides the corn maze, they offer throughout October, such as the pumpkin sling shot, pedal cars, pig races, and the corn cannon. If you want a good fright, go at night and check out their Terror at Night, Alien Invasion.  Mwahahahahaha!

Pumpkin Junction at Casa de Fruta

Every October, Casa de Fruta, just a few miles northeast of Hollister, sets up its Pumpkin Junction with pumpkins of all sizes ready to go. Either before or after choosing your pumpkins, take the time to enjoy the various activities and shops that Casa de Fruta has to offer, including its infamous produce stand, Casa de Choo-choo, Casa de Carousel, wandering peacocks, antique farm machinery, and more.