Michael Bonfante ’ s original vision was to celebrate the horticultural and historical aspects of this community . Inside the Gardens there are many elements that celebrate not only Michael ’ s personal heritage , but the local heritage as well :
• Claudia ’ s Garden — names after Michael ’ s wife .
• Uncle John ’ s Restaurant — named after Michael ’ s Uncle John .
• Sugar Plum Farm — named after one of Michael Bonfante ’ s favorite restaurants , currently The Grove , on Highway 156 in Hollister .
• The Red Barn — named for the Red Barn , south of Gilroy on Highway 101 .
• Skeels — originally Skeels Orange Freeze , named after a popular Morgan Hill 1940-50s diner .
• The Timber Twister — named after the California Diamond Back Rattlesnake .
• Halls Mercantile — originally on the corner of Sixth and Monterey in downtown Gilroy where for many years Casey Tibbs and his horse stood on the roof .
• Miguelito Taqueria — a link to Big Mike and Little Michael Bonfante .
• San Juan Grill — for the Mission San Juan Bautista .
• Red and White Stage — representative of the first grocery store managed by Uncle John Bonfante , currently Rocca ’ s Market in San Martin .
2001
Bonfante Gardens Opens To The Public It was to be a nonprofit education entity . By this time Nob Hill Stores were sold and Michael focused all his efforts on the Gardens . The Gardens opened with forty rides , eateries , and educational kiosks , in a beautiful garden setting . But the costs of such a unique start up venture took their toll and the Gardens closed early that first year . The Gardens drew acclaim for its unique venue but continued to struggle financially .
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