Where To Find Swan Boats

Do you have oddly specific dreams?

And I don’t mean dreams that wake you in the middle of the night like Jon Hamm and Audrey Hepburn showing up to dinner unexpectedly and you’re not dressed, but more like Life List dreams of seeing a swan boat in person?

Well, that was one of mine, no doubt fueled on by my favorite MRS. And I’m happy to report my DREAM CAME TRUE!

Somehow within the past few months I saw that there were swan boats in California.

Perhaps this intel came via Glitter Guide’s Instagram? If so, thank you GG! If not, thank you whoever shared that brief but life-making morsel. I celebrate you.

It turns out that Gilroy Gardens, in Gilroy, California, just south of San Francisco, has swan boats.  Since we would be passing through on our California roadtrip up to the Bay Area, a stop was on the top of my list. And because we opt to take the road less travelled, we made it just in the nick of time.

Let’s just say LIFE MADE! What I didn’t expect, however, was that Gilroy Gardens, a vintage-esque theme park chockfull of charm, also housed other treasures. Like horticultural rides so adorable, it made me (almost) want to have a baby. I said almost. Luckily that’s what nephews and nieces are for.

And they have Circus Trees! I’d never heard of said trees, but they are made and formed without being cut, springing forth from man’s imagination and lots of patience.

Apparently Gilroy is also the garlic capital, with an annual garlic festival that attracts millions. How cute is this little ride?

It’s these delightful discoveries that fuel my fire.

Circus trees, swan boats, fruit- and vegetable-shaped rides, such are the joys of the vintage-inspired delights at Gilroy Gardens.

I’d definitely recommend popping in for some old-fashioned fun next time you are in the area. I felt like I was in an episode of Gilmore Girls, sharp yet sweet fast-talking young employees included.

Special thanks to Deanna for sharing all of the history with us and for making our visit so memorable. And to Fred Baby for making all of my dreams come true.

 Aren’t roadtrips the best?

What I’m wearing:

Dress: Shabby Apple c/o | Hat: Chico’s c/o (similar) | Sunglasses: similar

SHOP THE LOOK:

PHOTOS by FRED MOSER