Howdy folks! I’m Ranger Gilroy G. Parks. Locals around here just call me Ranger Roy. I was born and raised right here in Gilroy, California, widely hailed as the garlic capital of the world. My dad loved this farming community so much he wanted to name his son after this fine city. Problem was, my twin sisters Alli and Sati came along first so he had to wait. Finally, after several years he got his wish, and here I am today, Gilroy G. Parks, head ranger and tour guide of Gilroy’s Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn! Folks who know me best, though, say, “Ranger Roy, your name should have been Garlic.”
I guess that’s because there’s nothing I like better than the sweet, spicy, pungent taste of Allium Sativum (that’s the official botanical name–unofficially, some call it the Stinking Rose). I don’t know about the stinkin’ part. To me there’s no sweeter scent than the smell of garlic floating through the air. There’s nothing about garlic I don’t like. As head ranger, part of my job here in Gilroy is to make sure you know where to find the best bounty of garlic.
Another part of my job is helping visitors discover all the great things here in these parts–from restaurants, fun things to do, special events, and of course where to find lots of garlic products. In fact, in my next post I’ll introduce my new series, Roaming with Ranger Roy, and guess what this first one’s about? Yep, you guessed it. Garlic! I’ll tell you about my recent visit to Gilroy’s world famous Garlic Festival (including secret tips on free stuff if you’re planning a visit next year).
One other thing, as head ranger, I get to choose the Best Western PLUS Forest Park Inn Member of the Day from one of our registered Best Western Rewards Members. If I pick your name, you’ll get a special gift basket full of goodies when you check-in. And just because I want to make all my new friends feel welcome, if you mention my name when you check-in, you’ll receive a special Ranger Roy baseball hat just for saying, “Ranger Roy sent me.”
Well folks, that’s about it for now. Don’t forget to come back next time and check out my tales of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. In the meantime, have safe travels and eat lots of garlic!
Written by Laura Wrede, Gilroy freelance writer and photographer