Travel Guide to Julian, California
Julian is known for it’s famous apple pies. Fresh picked apples and pears are plentiful and available for sale September through Thanksgiving. Some orchards will allow you to pick your own fruit. You must check with the individual owners upon arrival regarding their “pick ur own” policy. MJ Ranch is a popular among locals and will allow you to pick your own fruit. They can be contacted ahead of time at info@julianapples.com or visit their Web site at www.julianapples.com. The fruit adventure doesn’t end with apple pies. Stop at a few of the shops in town and sample the jellies, jams and dried fruits. Most vendors happily provide samples to visitors.
There is more to picking apples and pearsÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½in Julian. Being a historical gold rush town, why not tour one of the mines? Tour one of theÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½gold mines with a local tour guide. More information on the tours can be obtained by calling 760-765-0036. There is also horseback riding, sky sailing and fishing for the outdoor types. For the thespians at heart, stop and visit the Julian Theater Company for an evening of comedy or music in lovely Julian. For schedules contact the theater at 760-765-1688 or visit the Web site at www.juliantheater.com. For a more quiet introspective evening, visit the Observers’ Inn for an evening of stargazing. Led by a professional astronomer guests view the beautiful skies of Julian with professional instruction.
If history is your thing, visit the Pioneer Museum which was the original home of the Mayerhofer Brewery and Treshil Blacksmith Shop back during the gold rush era. Housing old artifacts and history of a bygone era, this is the perfect stop to take a trip back in time. For hours of operation call 760-765-0227. Julian is a very historic city. One of my favorite stops was the Grosskopf House, which is an original pioneer house. The house sits adjacent to the Julian Pioneer Museum. And then there is the Julian jail built in 1914. This is a two-cell jail located at the corner of 4th and C Street. At one time this was the only building with an indoor toilet. A very interesting place to visit is the Julian Pioneer Cemetery where many of the early pioneers are buried. The 100 year old Town Hall is a must see displaying many historic photos from Old Julian. Spencer Valley School built in 1876 used to be a one-room school building is a single school district now, quite unique to California. For total fun while in Julian check out the History Hunt sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce. Participants have an opportunity to win $50.00 in a monthly drawing by searching for facts and trivia about Historical Julian and filling out a card that is picked up at the Town Hall. Adults and children are encouraged to participate in the fun. Information for the History Hunt can be obtained at the Town Hall at 2129 Main Street.
Julian is very active during the autumn with concerts, grape stomping, arts and craft shows, hiking, October Fest, Halloween Costume parties, and more. Finally what is a trip to Julian without a visit to the winery? Local wineries and their Web sites in Julian include J. Jenkins Winery with a Web site of www.jenkinswinery.com. There is Menghini Winery at www.theblendmagazine.com, Orfila Winery at www.orfila.com, and Witch Creek Winery at www.witchcreekwinery.com. Contact the wineries ahead of time for tour information. Guided tours are provided with limousines so there is a designated driver. This is encouraged for the safety of all. For more information on each winery, visit their perspective Web sites. Before you leave the quaint little city of Julian be certain to stop and the pie shops and get their famous apple pies to go. What better way to reminisce about a wonderful trip than over a warm piece of home made apple pie?
