Garlic. It’s been used in dishes for thousands of years. Its distinct savory flavor is either loved or hated, but if you’re from this one Northern California town then you probably love it. Who knew the Garlic Capital of the World was hiding out right here in NorCal? It’s true. If you love garlic, you’re going to want to plan a trip to this town that boasts garlic everywhere and on everything.
As you approach the peaceful community of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, you're sure to get a huge whiff a familiar smell. This town proudly calls itself "The Garlic Capital of the World". It's a strange slogan, but it makes so much sense.
Just by driving through it, Gilroy appears to be just like any other mid-sized Northern California town. It's a quiet place with a very typical residential exterior.
It has a beautiful and charming downtown area, complete with an abundance of shops and restaurants. However, you're sure to notice something funny about this place...
Many of the businesses boast a quirky theme relating to a certain aromatic bulbous plant. Oh, and the pungent smell of garlic is commonly floating around. Garlic City Cafe pictured below boasts a variety of typical cafe fare, with an emphasis on garlic infused dishes.
Then there's the Garlic Shoppe, which might just be one of the world's only garlic retail stores. Here you'll find garlic in every imaginable form. Garlic sauces, pickled garlic, loose garlic, garlic jelly, garlic mayonnaise, garlic salsa, etc. You name it, they have it.
But there's one event in particular that has led Gilroy to be known as the Garlic Capital of the World: the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. Yes, it's a real thing.
At the festival, you can experience rare delicacies such as garlic ice cream! Don't knock it 'til you try it. Locals go crazy over a delicious cone of garlic infused vanilla ice cream.
If you're a garlic lover, you're probably guilty of going overboard with this wonderful ingredient when you cook (I know I am). However, your love for garlic is no match for the town of Gilroy. This town takes it to a whole other level!
