San Benito

San Benito County

While my kids will forever refer to Gilroy Gardens (a.k.a Bonfante Gardens) in tones of wonder as "the Circus Tree place", this family oriented theme park actually features over 40 different rides and attractions. But what sets Gilroy Gardens apart from other theme parks is its emphasis on natural beauty. Many children, not to mention adults, leave more typical theme parks exhausted by the concrete, cash-crunching hustle bustle. But at Gilroy Gardens, there are many opportunities to rest the body and the spirit by basking in the wonder of the natural world including a variety of gardens, ponds, waterfalls, playgrounds, picnic groves -- and of course, the Circus Trees. The result, parents say, is a much more relaxed, grounded experience. But kids will most likely remember the beautiful carousel, the rock maze that changes daily, riding the Artichoke Dip or the Garlic Twist, and -- yes, all right -- the Circus Trees. The only bad news about the park is that it is on the pricey side. To get your money's worth, plan to arrive early and spend the entire day.

"Gilroy Gardens offers five self-guided tours of our beautiful park. Guests can pick up these free brochures at Information, Please! or by clicking one of the links below. Tours include Agriculture, Guide to the Circus Trees, Garden, History and Culture, and Water and Environment. Be sure to pick up these valuable learning guides to enhance your educational experience at Gilroy Gardens. And don't forget about our wonderful volunteer Docents who are on hand to answer any questions you may have while on your self-guided park tour. Adobe Reader required to open these files."

Casa de Fruta was once one of a great many family run produce stands dotting the sides of central California's semi-rural highways. But over the last few decades, as the Santa Clara Valley and its surrounding areas have turned from agriculture to high tech, such establishments have all but disappeared. Casa de Fruta is part of a small handful that still persevere, and one of the very few to prosper. Through creative management Casa de Fruta has blossomed from a roadside stand into a favorite tourist stop, event venue, and an ideal destination for family outings. Located in the Pacheco Valley, two miles east of the junction of Highway 152 and Highway 156, Casa de Fruta is easily accessible from both Interstate 5 or Highway 101, and is only short drive from either Gilroy or Hollister. [map]

For years families have been bringing children to Casa de Fruta for a train ride, a visit to the small zoo, and a leisurely browse in Casa de Candy -- the old fashioned style candy shop that also features train merchandise, such as Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. But now children can also enjoy a gorgeous old fashioned carousel handcrafted in Italy. While tickets are sold for single rides on either the train or the carousel, Casa de Fruta also offers day passes and annual passes, for kids who just love to go "again!". Meanwhile the playground is available all day without charge and older children will be intrigued by the many historic farm machinery displays that dot the grounds. While kids should not climb aboard any of the rusting machinery, a large train engine, long retired from active duty, is okay to climb on and gives them the opportunity to step aboard "the real thing" and play train engineer. (Don't forget your camera!)

Parents will enjoy Casa de Fruta for its wine shop, and for its bountiful selection of mouth watering California fresh or dried fruits and nuts (the latter in a plethora of tempting seasonings), as well as gift packs of gourmet meats and cheeses. Naturally breads and beverages are available to make your picnicking complete, and a small deli is also available. The scenic grounds offer a relaxing place to sample your purchases while your children romp and explore within view. Please note that there is a shallow open pond near the playground, so those with active toddlers will need to exercise caution.

If all of this is not enough to tempt you to visit, Casa de Fruta hosts a variety of events, including a Native American Pow Wow, a wine festival, a Civil War Reenactment, and a Renaissance Faire. See their website for details. If your drive is a long one, Casa de Fruta also features a 300 space RV park, called RV Orchard Resort, as well as the Peacock Inn, a.k.a. Casa de Motel. (See the accommodations on their website for more details.)

With public restrooms available near the playground as well as in the coffee shop, and plenty of room and reason for little ones to stretch their legs, Casa de Fruta is the ideal "pit stop" to those traveling through from Highway 101 to Interstate 5, and back again. There's even a nearby gas station in case the car needs refueling too. What's more, for those seeking indoor refreshments in the cooler months, or on those late evenings passing through, Casa de Coffee is open 24 hours a day offering diner style refreshments in a very family friendly atmosphere.

The historic town of San Juan Batista got its start circa 1797, with the founding of Mission San Juan Bautista by Father Fermin de Lausen, successor to the famed Father Junipero Serra. The town is still fairly small and rural but proud of its historic heritage.

This is a great place to visit with kids -- especially if you have a 4th grader learning about California history! After visiting the mission and it's out-buildings (I love the barn with all the old buggies & equipment), be sure to mosey on over to check out the seismology display. As you check the read out to see how big the last tremor was, you can have a nice chat about plate tectonics. Be sure to wander the town and see all the old-fashioned buildings and the many shops specializing in antiques. Don't miss the bakery (mmm -- pan dulce!) or Dona Esters Mexican Restaurant.

San Juan Batista also hosts fun and educational Native American events. For more details, visit the homepage for the San Juan American Indian Council (www.oneearthonepeople.org)

Website also features the One Earth, One People Peace Project & Reyna's American Indian Gallery & Museum . Or just stop by and see Sonny and Elayne at their Gallery, located at 311 Third Street. [They can be contacted by phone @ (831) 623-2379]