Back in the 1920s, Richard Holtz's grandfather immigrated to the United States from Italy and worked in the fields to support himself. Years later, he started his own farm in Half Moon Bay at Tunitas Creek, growing peas, beans, lettuce and artichokes. Eventually he decided to stop farming so he could concentrate efforts at a larger farm in another part of Half Moon Bay.
In 1998, Holtz jumped at the opportunity to purchase some land at the original Tunitas Creek location, and Tunitas Creek Family Farm was reopened the next year. Housed on an eight-acre lot, the farm is a true family operation, with most of the work being done by Holtz and his mother.
Operating year-round, the farm produces pumpkins (of all types), gourds and squash in the fall and peas and beans in the spring. The family also raises goats.
When the farm is open to the public in September and October, the land is transformed into an autumnal feast with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, harvest dolls, a witch and other seasonal characters.