Negative-G - Gilroy Gardens 2019

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I know I am too big to ride the Apple & Worm but I really want to as it is so damn cute.

One ride we didn't have time for but I really wanted to was the South County Backroads. This car ride is built through another one of the elaborately designed gardens at the park.

Hidden off in the trees us an appropriately themed swing ride that looks like a giant mushroom.

Getting back to the story of Gilroy Gardens in 2001 on Michael Bonfante's birthday his Bonfante Gardens finally opened to the public. Throughout the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's Michael's passion project grew, expanded and ended up as one of the most amazing theme parks. As I said earlier the park didn't make money for the first few years of being open to the public. Cedar Fair was brought in to manage the park in 2003 and then in 2008 wanting to preserve such a wonderful part of their community the city of Gilroy purchased the park and set it up as a not for profit organization. Cedar Fair still manages it and along with the city there are plans to continue to add onto the wonderful idea that came to Michael Bonfante as he headed into the woods to relax.

Right now Bonfante Gardens is a place for education, a place for wonder and a place for beauty. It is used as a theme park and as you can see here it can be used for gatherings like weddings. Since my visit it has been announced that there are plans to add zip lines, mountain biking courses and other attractions to the mountain side to make Gilroy Gardens more of a multi-use facility.

To be honest Gilroy Gardens was not on our original trip schedule but I am so glad we added it at the last minute. Without the two coaster credits it still was worth the time to head here as this is such a wonderful place. If I find myself headed to the bay area again I am going to plan on heading to Gilroy Gardens again. The next time though I want a full day here.