Swank Farms, The Experience - Farmers' market in Hollister - 4751 Pacheco Pass Hwy, USA

My husband and I have visited Swank Farms before Halloween for the past two years. Although Swank Farms is a bit of a trek, we're happy to make the journey. We love picking out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, wandering through the corn maze, strolling through the garden, and taking photos throughout the property. They even have an adorable red barn which is not only great for taking photos but also serves as a small store and dining hall. We never leave Swank Farms without picking up homemade pumpkin fudge and kettle corn. We love supporting local family-owned operated small businesses such as Swank Farms.

First time visit to Swank Farms. We went later in the evening (arrived around 7pm) as we specifically wanted to do the Trail of Lights which is primarily what this review is on. Before entering, they had security personnel checking bags and using metal detector wands. Always better to be safe than sorry! To get to the Trail of Lights, you take a pathway through the cornfield. You are on a farm in the middle of a field, so keep in mind the walkways are all loose dirt and very dusty. Once you’ve made it through the cornfield, this is where there is the tunnel of lighted trees that are decorated with twinkle lights and some Halloween blow up decorations. This was very pretty BUT if you’re there specifically to see or have photo-ops under these lights it was hard to really enjoy them as it is crowded with a long line of people waiting to enter the Trail of Frights. It would have been better if they had the line on the pathway outside of the trees where there was still plenty of space. The entrances for both the Trail of Frights and the Trail of Lights are right next to each other so be aware that if you or you have young kids that scare easily you will hear all the screams and loud sounds of chainsaws. For the Trail of Lights, there was no line and is a short walk through a small corn patch. It’s an easy, non-scary stroll for young kids, but for adults it can be a bit underwhelming with a single strand of twinkle lights strung along the winding pathway. There are a few areas hidden in the corn where there are dolls, skeletons, and spiders with spotlights on them. Some of the light strands towards the end were very dimmed or burnt out. The lights on the trees were more eye catching and wish we could have looked at those more. The highlight of our visit was the giant jump pads. It took our toddler a few moments before she would jump on, but once she got started, we couldn’t pull her away! I also had tons of fun on there with her! The Trail of Frights did sound like it was a good time if that’s your thing, but for us, a day trip may have been more worth the ticket price and to take in more of everything else they had to offer. Side Note: the porta-potties were a gross mess. Everything was wet inside, checked at least 3 of them before finding one that had still had seat covers and toilet paper. The pump sinks outside were empty or the water barely trickled enough to wet your hands. No soap or paper towels.

Was not expecting to have this much fun! Pumpkins are very reasonably priced! The corn maze was more a labyrinth but still very enjoyable (map is provided with a fun riddle to compete within the area). Loved being able to feed pig and goats! Wonderful place for kids and adults. The trail of lights was very pretty and the field of frights was awesome. Plenty of scare actors to keep us on our toes. Wish there was more variety for hot drinks such as apple cider or coffee. Would have taken part in the pumpkin slingshot but it was cash only with no sign in advance. (Walked a short distance from other attractions not too far). No atm around to pull cash that we saw. Did not know that was not part of general admission. So many great photo opportunities through the venue. Overall 10/10 will return and do recommend!

Had a great time at Swank Farms. Lots to do and reasonably priced at the gate! The kids loved it you can spend a whole day out here.. the food was delicious and adult drinks are available in the barn! We will definitely be heading back before Halloween. 🎃

Fun place to go for some fall festivities! They have a lot to do for kids, but they also have some fun for us too! We went through the field of frights, and it is sure to get your blood pumping. Lots of jump scares and they will even chase you. The only draw back was the line. We stood in line for over an hour, and we went at 9pm. Overall, another cool place to visit if you are looking for some Fall/Halloween fun.

Went on halloween, very disappointed I must say... website says they're open from 10am-10pm. We showed up at around 3 and nothing was open. Food wasn't open or anything. Only thing open was the corn maze. They also for some reason didn't advertise that the Halloween light trail/ the fright trail opens at 7:30 so we had to wait a good 4 hours for that. Food was gross.... a got a burger, and the bun was cold. Also got chicken tenders and it tasted like the chicken was cooked in the same basket as the fish, as the chicken had a fish taste. It was also rubbery. However! There is a silver lining. Their fudge is very good.

An amazing experience! Ignore the negative reviews. It was super duper fun and staff are all so friendly and nice. They made it even better! I loved feeding the goats. 😊❤ The scary maze was quick but fun! I thought it was worth the 15 minute wait. Food line was too long so we didn't try. We got stuff at the barn instead. Really cute merch at a reasonable price! Bar was surprisingly quick and efficient. There's one adorable silkie chicken!! Trail of lights was cool. Really pretty! I recommend coming around 4/5 pm because the sun will start setting around 6 pm and it makes for the best photos! I will definitely return this year!

Wish I could say I had a good time but it was terribly unorganized, from the food booths to the attractions. In order to get to the trail of lights, you have to walk past a long line of people waiting for the Field of Frights. Unfortunately, some people weren’t too happy and thought we were cutting but we just wanted to get around to go to the trail of lights (which didn’t look as advertised) and hard launched a corn at me. Parking was beyond hectic and no signs to guide us. Food was good though and workers were trying their best. Would have been more fun if things were more organized and people weren’t childish.