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__ For kids of all ages, visit Gilroy Gardens, a theme park that includes rides, attractions, gardens, food concessions, an events plaza and more. Their main attractions are Circus Trees - some very unusual and over 50 years old - rescued from Scotts Valley, Calif. The park also features: Monarch Garden, in a greenhouse so large that a train, a monorail, and a river runs through it; the "Quicksilver Express" mine coaster; a boat ride; and an antique car ride through the "back roads" of South County in cars from the 1920s and 1950s. For park hours and information visit www.gilroygardens.org. __ There are a number of historical buildings in Gilroy dating from the mid-nineteenth century. Built in 1857, the Christian Church at 160 Fifth St., is the oldest wood framed church in Santa Clara County in continuous use. Blacksmith and Civil War soldier George Eustice's house, at 213 Fifth St., was constructed in 1869. The Gilroy Museum is housed in the historic 1910 Carnegie Library Building, 195 Fifth St., and offers a look at all of Gilroy's heritage and historic districts. For information call (408) 846-0446. __ Gilroy has a cozy downtown district offering restaurants and specialty stores. A handful of antiques shop line Monterey Street offering a variety of vintage, antiques and collectibles. Collective Past ((408) 842-0180), is a 6,500 sq. ft. mall with 26 dealers and a large selection of architectural salvage. Ashford's Heirlooms ((408) 842-8236) is a co-op of 15 dealers offering general antiques and estate sale services. Sue's Coffee Roasting Company is located downtown, with an antique bar and a working coffee roaster. Free live music is played on the weekends. For information go to www.suescoffeeroasting.com Gilroy is also home to the Gilroy Premium Outlets, a large shopping center consisting of over 140 outlet stores. __ The City's biggest event is the Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 24-26, 2009. Now in its 31st year, the celebration of the town's heritage includes art and crafts vendors, recipe contests and cook-offs, live entertainment, kid's games, the Miss Gilroy Garlic Pageant and more. There is, of course, a multitude of fragrant foods offered in Gourmet Alley, along with a few garlic-free varieties. The 2009 Gilroy Garlic Festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 60 and up, and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 will be admitted free. Parking is also free. Advance tickets are available online at www.gilroygarlicfestival.com. For information call the festival office at (408) 842-1625. _ Those seeking real adventure should travel by RV and stay in one of the many local RV parks. If a bed and breakfast is more your style, try the Fitzgerald House Bed & Breakfast, a Queen-Anne home originally constructed in 1885. For information call (888) 847-6421 or go to www.gilroyfitzgeraldhouse.com. If you want to experience the outdoors, try hiking, biking, fishing or camping in one of Santa Clara County Parks. There are three golf courses are within the city limits: Gilroy Golf (www.gilroygolfcourse.com), Gavilan Golf (www.gavilangolf.com), and Eagle Ridge (www.eagleridgegc.com). Within five miles of Gilroy there are eleven wineries that offer a variety of tasting opportunities and entertainment. _ To find about all the rich flavor the "Garlic Capital" has to offer, go to www.gilroyvisitor.org or www.gilroy-california.com.  This copper beaded handbag ($85) can be found at Ashford's Heirlooms, 7547 Monterey St., www.ashfordsheirlooms.com |
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