Julian, California is located an hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca mountains. Once a gold rush town, it is now a city full of shops and historical buildings. In 1907, Julian apples won eight gold medals at the Jamestown Exposition in Virginia. In celebration the town commemorated this prestigious accomplishment by creating a fall festival, which they called Apple Day. It quickly became an annual event. This year, 2009, will be the Centennial Apply Day Festival.
Julian is known throughout southern California for its famous apple pies that can be purchased year-round and are a special treat. Julian candy stores also carry some of the most delicious gourmet candy apples with coating of dark chocolate, white chocolate, almonds and caramel. These large enough to be a meal are also available throughout the year.
Julian Apple Days
Apple days are an annual event which this year are held on October 3rd and October 4th. The Apple Days Festival is sponsored by the Julian Merchants Association and is held at:
the Menghini Winery
115 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, Ca 92036
(760) 765-2072
The hours are:
Saturday, October 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The cost of admission is:
$5.00 for Adults
Children under 15 are free
You can call (760) 765-1083 for further information
During the festival there will be a number of activities which will include:
Antique Tractor Display
Beer and Wine Garden
Music and Karaoke
Food Vendors
Merchandise Vendors
Kids Games
Apple Displays
Further information can be found at: http://www.julianappledays.com/
Julian Apple Days Centennial Gala
Also part of Apple Days, On Friday, October 9th, there is the Julian Apple Days Centennial Gala. This will be held at the Pine Hills Lodge. It will be a festive night of history and celebration with a 1909 theme.
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cost:
$55.00 per person
$95.00 per couple
This is a benefit for the Julian Pioneer Museum.
Reservations: 760-765-1100
Pick your own apples at a Julian an apple orchard.
It is best to contact the Orchards for specific picking times and some may require a reservation.
Apple Starr Orchards
1020 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, CA 92036
(949) 230-7269
E-mail: [email protected]
O’Dell’s Organic Orchard
1095 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, CA 92036
(562) 810-9570
E-mail: [email protected]
www.odellsorganicorchard.com
Raven Hill Orchard
1284 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, CA 92036
(760) 765-2431
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ravenhillsculpture.com
Calico Ranch
4200 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036
(858) 586-0392
4200 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036
E-mail: [email protected]
www.spencervalley.com
Julian is a lovely town to visit and the Festival Days are a terrific way to spend a weekend. Whether you go to enjoy the daily melodramas available throughout September and October, enjoy the festivities, or stop in for a caramel apple or a take-home pie, it will be time well-spent. And, as we all know, apples are not only delightful treats, they are also healthy-an apple a day keeps the doctor away! But don’t you stay away. Come to this beautiful mountain town and enjoy a day of celebration and fun.
