Page 137 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

GILROY
Home to garlic and great gardens
B Y J I L L K . R O B I N S O N
FROM AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE in
a giant banana to history lessons from
classic buildings to a hint of garlic, there is
enough in Gilroy to please everyone in the
family. This Santa Clara County city has
long been known as the Garlic Capital of
the World, but Gilroy has much more going
on than the annual festival that celebrates
the pungent plant.
Start with a visit to 4,595-acre Coyote
Lake/Harvey Bear Ranch park. It’s possible
to spend more than a day here, with local
wildlife exhibits, a 635-acre lake, camping
and boat-launch facilities, and miles of
hiking, bicycle and horse trails winding
through oak canyons. Features of the
Gilroy Gardens family theme park are
majestic gardens (including the legendary
“circus trees”) and more than 20 fun rides
and attractions. Once just a fruit stand,
Casa de Fruta is another popular destina-
tion for travelers, from its Casa de Choo
Choo miniature locomotive to antique
farm machinery and freshly baked treats.
Within walking distance of downtown
Gilroy, more than 75 historic buildings
allow history buffs to meander at their own
pace to learn more about the region once
called “Pleasant Valley” and the town’s
founder, John Cameron Gilroy. Favorite
stops include the City Museum (in a
building that housed the town’s first public
library) and Old City Hall. A different kind
of history haunts The Milias Restaurant,
where friendly ghosts tap patrons on the
shoulder and move kitchen items around.
The region’s wineries offer tastings and
tours for the grape-obsessed, and local
restaurants often include Gilroy’s beloved
garlic. Or, come for the Gilroy Garlic Fes-
tival at the end of July—a three-day
celebration of food and drink, music, arts
and family entertainment. Can’t find the
perfect souvenir? Consider something from
one of the 145 designer and name brand
stores at Gilroy Premium Outlets.
»GARLIC, GOLF,
WINE, FUN!
Gilroy Tourism
Information
gilroywelcomecenter.org
FAMILY DAY at Gilroy Gardens, top;
garlic ice cream selfie at the Gilroy
Garlic Festival, below.
2015 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A 135