SNAPSHOTS: Visiting the Garlic Shoppe

Animals and pickled garlic—you can't go wrong.

The Garlic Shoppe, nestled off Monterey Highway, has been around since 1985, according to Alex Larson, who took over the business in '89.

The shop has to-die-for concoctions, like garlic blue cheese butter, spicy pickled garlic and even cooking wine from Rapazzini Winery next door, which Larson also owns.

They sell garlic chips and just about any garlicky delight one could imagine. All products with the "Garlic Dude" logo are produced in-house by staff.

On the Garlic Shoppe website there's an elaborate list detailing their garlic-infused recipes. There are hot sauces, bread spreads, olive oils, garlic salsas and much more.

For those who can't easily swing by to score some garlicky recommendations from Larson—who seems to be one of the kindest, cheery and informative people around—just go to the website and purchase any desired items online.

There's also a barn located next door that houses Larson's "pets." There are bulls, a pair of horses and donkeys and a beautiful sheep.

The old building with its rustic charm and iconic "Garlic Dude" plastered on the wall are enough eye candy, and the animals and garlicky treats are extra benefits of visiting the Garlic Shoppe.

The Garlic Shoppe is located at 4350 Monterey Hwy., Gilroy.