Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (12102 S 180th St, Gretna)

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:51 am

In the OWH story, it mentions that they have 1,300 seasonal workers and 50 year-round.

They were also quoted saying that they are looking to add more rides in the future, but would be mostly smaller rides, not a full-on rollercoaster, but they didn't say never. He just stated that they would have to be open more year-round for that type of investment to make sense.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Sat Oct 28, 2023 7:27 pm

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 11:45 am

I was out there this weekend. Normally, the weekend before Halloween is a nightmare, but since temps were in the 30s it was gloriously empty.

I run fairly hot, so wandering around in the cold doesn't bother me much,. Heck, I wore shorts and and hoodie. lol

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 11:55 am

Good to know, I didn't think it would be too busy this past weekend. I thought about going tonight, but I don't know if my kids will be able to stand it.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:42 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:51 am In the OWH story, it mentions that they have 1,300 seasonal workers and 50 year-round.

They were also quoted saying that they are looking to add more rides in the future, but would be mostly smaller rides, not a full-on rollercoaster, but they didn't say never. He just stated that they would have to be open more year-round for that type of investment to make sense.

I’ve been wondering if they could get that critical mass to just be open year round with coasters and the like. At this point it feels like their toes are increasingly dipped in the theme park end of the spectrum, just for the scale of their operation.

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:48 pm

Garrett wrote: Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:42 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:51 am In the OWH story, it mentions that they have 1,300 seasonal workers and 50 year-round.

They were also quoted saying that they are looking to add more rides in the future, but would be mostly smaller rides, not a full-on rollercoaster, but they didn't say never. He just stated that they would have to be open more year-round for that type of investment to make sense.
I’ve been wondering if they could get that critical mass to just be open year round with coasters and the like. At this point it feels like their toes are increasingly dipped in the theme park end of the spectrum, just for the scale of their operation.

I have heard in the past that one of the challenges to opening longer is the license to operate, and the requirements that they need to meet change substantially if they go away from seasonal. This was a few years ago, and I heard this from a person who was related, although somewhat distant, to the owners. They were close enough, though, that they got passes to me a few times. I feel the info, at least at that time, was accurate. I also understand that they are nearly maxed out on the days of operation to be considered seasonal. Of course, this is all with a grain of salt, so I may be completely wrong.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 2:41 pm

Garrett wrote: Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:42 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:51 am In the OWH story, it mentions that they have 1,300 seasonal workers and 50 year-round.

They were also quoted saying that they are looking to add more rides in the future, but would be mostly smaller rides, not a full-on rollercoaster, but they didn't say never. He just stated that they would have to be open more year-round for that type of investment to make sense.
I’ve been wondering if they could get that critical mass to just be open year round with coasters and the like. At this point it feels like their toes are increasingly dipped in the theme park end of the spectrum, just for the scale of their operation.

I agree in principle, but I think labor becomes an issue too. It’s easier to get the 1,300+ people they need for six weeks, than say for 5-6 months.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 8:18 am

I still find it a bit of a stretch that they continue to classify themselves as "agritourism" (and the waiver of liability that comes with it) as if they're still primarily a farm that just so happens to have a few fun activities as a side hustle. lol

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 9:19 am

ChadJK wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 8:18 am I still find it a bit of a stretch that they continue to classify themselves as "agritourism" (and the waiver of liability that comes with it) as if they're still primarily a farm that just so happens to have a few fun activities as a side hustle. lol

That's funny - I'm guessing this place is pretty much grandfathered in and can do essentially anything they want at this point. And if they shouldn't be able to then I'm thinking it will simply be swept under the rug so to speak.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:05 am

How far does the property line go for Vala's? Do they have a lot of land left to work with besides the fields for farming?

I always thought it would be cool if they open a winter themed section. Valas Winterland. Build a ton of cottages or gingerbread style houses. It would be Santa's Village, Elf workshops, etc. As for the agritourism status we can say they are growing candy canes and gumdrops. (Wink, Wink) LOL!

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:15 am

Dusty wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:05 am How far does the property line go for Vala's? Do they have a lot of land left to work with besides the fields for farming?

I always thought it would be cool if they open a winter themed section. Valas Winterland. Build a ton of cottages or gingerbread style houses. It would be Santa's Village, Elf workshops, etc. As for the agritourism status we can say they are growing candy canes and gumdrops. (Wink, Wink) LOL!

I imagine they have a quarter section, so about 160 acres total. On google maps the tree line between 180 and 192 is probably their western boundary, and the other borders are pretty clear

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:38 am

I saw an article with them worried about losing their agricultural zoning due to annexation and the tax impact that would have on them. I believe they mentioned owning ~300 acres. I'm not sure if it's all adjacent acres.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 1:10 pm

They own the area outlines in red which equals 374.47 Acres.

I believe the majority of the pumpkins are trucked in from elsewhere in Nebraska.

VALA.JPG

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 3:06 pm

Brad wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 1:10 pm They own the area outlines in red which equals 374.47 Acres.

I believe the majority of the pumpkins are trucked in from elsewhere in Nebraska.

VALA.JPG

How does their current operations fit into that zone?

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 3:33 pm

Brad wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 1:10 pm They own the area outlines in red which equals 374.47 Acres.

I believe the majority of the pumpkins are trucked in from elsewhere in Nebraska.

VALA.JPG

Just a little smaller than Disneyland, let's do a year round pumpkin patch theme park haha

Post by **Brad** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:28 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 3:06 pm
How does their current operations fit into that zone?

Most of the land is zoned "TA - Transitional Agriculture District"

TA Transitional Agriculture District
5.6.1 Intent: The Transitional Agriculture District is an area that is in the process of transitioning from full
scale agriculture to more urban uses. The district is established for the purpose of preserving agricultural
resources, during the transitional period, that are compatible with adjacent urban growth. It is not intended
for commercial feedlot operations for livestock or poultry

.

Their houses are included in that 374.74 acres, but they on smaller lots that are zoned "RE - Residential Estates District"

5.8.1 Intent: The Residential Estates District is established for the purpose of allowing low density
residential uses that are compatible with adjacent urban growth.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:44 pm

Dusty wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:05 am How far does the property line go for Vala's? Do they have a lot of land left to work with besides the fields for farming?

I always thought it would be cool if they open a winter themed section. Valas Winterland. Build a ton of cottages or gingerbread style houses. It would be Santa's Village, Elf workshops, etc. As for the agritourism status we can say they are growing candy canes and gumdrops. (Wink, Wink) LOL!

My wife wants to open a "Winter Wonderland" like you're describing... that's not a small task on a small biz budget!

These guys already have so much property and infrastructure in place that it could probably be a cool thing to offer.

Opening businesses today are next to impossible if you need any sort of overhead. I don't see how half the places open that do. At the same time it can also be said that more than 1/2 of those end up closing down.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 5:05 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 3:06 pm
Brad wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 1:10 pm They own the area outlines in red which equals 374.47 Acres.

I believe the majority of the pumpkins are trucked in from elsewhere in Nebraska.

VALA.JPG
How does their current operations fit into that zone?

I would say the current operations takes up just over half of the pink square. This leaves plenty of room to expand. I zoomed in on what the pink square looks like to show reference.

They could easily open a Winter themed land on the other side of their property. Pumpkin patch (Harvest theme) until Halloween weekend. Then shut down that side. 2 weeks later open the Winter themed side.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 12:41 pm

CHEAP EATS: Vala's Thanksgiving Market

As 3 News Now's Serese Cole reports - if you don't have the time or the energy to make your holiday pies - Vala's is here to help.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm

At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:15 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.

Very Large, Very good Pumpkin Pie at Costco for $5.99

Post by **Brad** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:38 pm

nebugeater wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:15 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.
Very Large, Very good Pumpkin Pie at Costco for $5.99

Just curious. I walk through that barn on the way out and see all the food for sale. Do they sell a lot of it?

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:39 pm

I went there on a Saturday this year, and the food area was completely wiped out. They had nothing left at night except for a few bags of kettle corn. So believe it or not, they do sell all or most of it and they were making caramel apples and selling them the instant they were made.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:28 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.

$30 for a pie? I'm with the $6 Costco option, which our family does every Thanksgiving.

I get their overhead has to be crazy, but damn... $30 for a pie. heck I think you can get a whole Cheesecake at NYCKF for about that.

Oh, and don't forget the $12 pint of cider beer to go along with the pie.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 6:43 pm

djc311 wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:28 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.
$30 for a pie? I'm with the $6 Costco option, which our family does every Thanksgiving.

I get their overhead has to be crazy, but damn... $30 for a pie. heck I think you can get a whole Cheesecake at NYCKF for about that.

Oh, and don't forget the $12 pint of cider beer to go along with the pie.

Cracker Barrel has pies for $12.99 and they are incredible.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 6:43 pm
djc311 wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:28 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:02 pm At $30/pie Vala's certainly doesn't qualify as "cheap eats". I mean, sure, it's a paid-for promo spot on Channel Third and not an actual report on discovered inexpensive gems around the city. But, damn, even Hy-Vee's pumpkin pies are half that cost.
$30 for a pie? I'm with the $6 Costco option, which our family does every Thanksgiving.

I get their overhead has to be crazy, but damn... $30 for a pie. heck I think you can get a whole Cheesecake at NYCKF for about that.

Oh, and don't forget the $12 pint of cider beer to go along with the pie.
Cracker Barrel has pies for $12.99 and they are incredible.

Same with Village Inn…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…

Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 9:42 am

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…
Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol

Hellz to the no! Still one of my faves, although it's lost some of it's flair to me for some reason (maybe because I'm like 30 years older and can't eat as much chocolate?)

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 10:06 am

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…
Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol

No joking - the French silk from HyVee is nothing to pass up.

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:56 am

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…
Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol

It's now called "The" Village Inn for some reason. The 135th & Maple location was remodeled and now it's super plain. And now they sell alcohol too.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 12:03 pm

My guess is they underwent the rebranding as a result of their sale to BBQ Holdings (parent co of Famous Dave's) in July 2021. Their franchise page also boasts of these recent changes in design, addition of alcohol, etc.

Village Inn wrote:Part of our redesign has been to update our color palette for a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Customers love our crisp whites, sunny orange, and soothing teal and gray colors that pair together for a clean and cozy atmosphere. We have seen a significant impact by adding a dedicated pie store to every new location, which drives more sales with a gorgeous display case that shows off our baked goods. We’ve also added a bar for those who want a boozy breakfast or brunch, as well as espresso stations for coffee lovers.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:19 pm

EricHaley wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:56 am It's now called "The" Village Inn for some reason. The 135th & Maple location was remodeled and now it's super plain. And now they sell alcohol too.

Ahh... the "minimalist" trend.

Every restaurant need to be a gray or beige box. The interior should be as sparse as possible.

Remember when they were trying to also be known as "V.I." and were putting "vi" on their signage. At the time, some of the younger gen would refer to the place as V.I. and I guess Village Inn thought if they captured that in their branding they'd appeal to the younger generations. lol

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Fri Nov 17, 2023 10:01 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:19 pm
EricHaley wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:56 am It's now called "The" Village Inn for some reason. The 135th & Maple location was remodeled and now it's super plain. And now they sell alcohol too.
Ahh... the "minimalist" trend. Every restaurant need to be a gray or beige box. The interior should be as sparse as possible.

Remember when they were trying to also be known as "V.I." and were putting "vi" on their signage. At the time, some of the younger gen would refer to the place as V.I. and I guess Village Inn thought if they captured that in their branding they'd appeal to the younger generations. lol

I guess they’d be TVI now, which sounds like an STD

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:56 am

nebugeater wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 10:06 am
ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…
Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol
No joking - the French silk from HyVee is nothing to pass up.

From what I understand, their pies are still worthy today…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Nov 20, 2023 2:54 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:51 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 pm Same with Village Inn…
Was there anything cooler than showing up to an event in the 1980s with a French Silk pie from Village Inn? lol

my kid legit asks every weekend if we can go get a french silk pie from village inn. I'm gonna give in one of these times...

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri May 31, 2024 11:24 am

I see that Vala's Cider and Pie Barn Pies will be available for purchase at the Gretna Farmers Market (Saturday mornings on McKenna Avenue in Downtown Gretna between 8AM and Noon).

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Jul 19, 2024 9:43 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:27 pm Updating the prices from recent previous years:

2015 $ 16.99
2016 $ 17.99
2017 $ 18.95
2018 $ 21.95
2019 $ 23.95
2020 $ 25.95
2021 $ 29.95
2022:$ 39.99
2023:$ 43.99
2024:$39.99

Maybe I am seeing it wrong, but it looks like they lowered prices this year. It is $35.99 for the weekend if you buy online.

Season passes are $99.99 in person or $84.99 online. They do have the 40 hr season pass sale from 7/25-7/26 for $74.99.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Jul 25, 2024 7:07 am

Looks like Valas is having their season pass sale now through July 26 @ 10 PM

https://valaspumpkinpatch.com/

https://www.simpletix.com/e/2024-flash- ... uuDJW_3KwQ

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Aug 30, 2024 11:47 am

Vala's has officially unveiled and confirmed their roller coaster, obviously geared towards kids:

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Aug 30, 2024 12:18 pm

That looks like another great addition. I really do wonder at what point they might expand their operations even further. This year is the longest season that they have ever had, they open tomorrow and are open until Nov 3rd.

My kids are going to love this ride.

I know people always complain about the price, but we just recently went to the zoo and the carousel is $4/person to ride. So that would be $12 just for my kids to ride a 2-3 min ride. At least at Vala's we can get the season pass and if you go during a weeknight early in the season, you can ride their carousel several times included with admission price.