Julian California is an old historic gold mining time about an hour east of San Diego. Gold was discovered here in the 1870’s. The town was founded after the civil war as veterans of the Southern Confederate headed west to seek their fortunes. Mike Julian and cousin Drew Bailey found the area to their liking and the town that sprung up was named for Mike Julian. A cattleman found some gold flecks in one of the creeks and it was the start of San Diego’s only Gold Rush. It didn’t last very long and the residents then numbering in the area of 600 stayed to work the land. As it turned out, the land proved rich for growing apples. With 4 seasons mostly because of the mountainous areas, the rich land meadow still produces these sweet tasting apples even today. The current full time population is now less than 300 but because of the rich history and the quaint romantic village atmosphere, Julian attracts visitors from all over and when it’s Apple Festival Time, they come by the droves. Today with all the historic sites, one of the old gold mines is still open for tours, The Eagle and High Creek Mine. There you can take a tour of the hardrock mine and even pan for gold. Finding a fleck or two will make your day!
Julian is a small village and one with so much grace and charm, visitors come to also enjoy the scenery, the mountains and the rich romantic atmosphere, not to mention some of the best Apple Pie that you ever have tasted. I observed the fall colors of the foliage as you will see in some of the pictures and it is so very beautiful. Not something we get to see here much in California. But you will see it in Julian. As you would guess with the folks that want to go and visit,Julian has accommodations for all these year around visitors. Julian has developed and boasts of now being the Bed and Breakfast capitol of Southern California. With B & B’s located all over town, I think they are right.
I hope you will enjoy this little photo tour as we turn back the clocks to another era. I am in love with this town and the pies are out of this world. I also observed that the people are so friendly and the residents treat you just like family!
PS. I discovered this horse just west of downtown. When I walked up to him, he seemed to very interested that I might be carrying some food. I didn’t have any but he (she-I didn’t look?) posed for me. I think this horse knows about cameras. So that is why his ( her) picture is here. I will say it was the biggest horse I remember seeing but then think about where we are, in Apple Country. Enjoy the tour!
Comments(29)