Julian California invites everyone to cruise the Back Country. The Julian apple season is definitely underway. This past weekend Julian celebrated its Apple Days Festival to kick off the fall apple harvest season.
Julian began as a gold mining town then became as famous for its Apple growing in 1907, when boxes of Julian Apples won eight gold medals at the Jamestown Exposition in Virginia. Julian went on to win the prestigious Wilson Medal at the International Pomolical Apple Show where competition fruit was brought from all over the US and Canada. Julian wanted to celebrate this victory and in 1909 held their first Apple Days Festival.
A drive to Julian is a great way to get in the mood for the Holiday Season. Out in the back country the seasonal changes can be seen, tasted and touched. The crisp mountain air with its golden autumn light carries the aroma of the most awesome apple pies on the planet into every corner of this turn-of-the-century town. What better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday than to take a step back in time to simpler days.
During the annual two month celebration fans of old time fun can take part in an Oktoberfest, a scarecrow contest, hayrides, tractor displays, a pumpkin patch and book signings. Stroll up and down Main Street and shop for locally handcrafted jewelry, clothing, textiles, handbags and of course don’t forget to take home a pie (or two). There will be old-time melodrama performances, winery tours, country markets and some great antique shopping in the county to round out the Apple Days festivities.
On October 9th attend the Centennial Gala, a fundraiser to benefit the Julian Pioneer Museum and the Julian Children’s Coalition. The 1909 themed costume event to be held at the historic Pine Hills Lodge will feature early 1900s Victorian cuisine, live music, a silent auction and local wine tasting! If you have never been to Pine Hills Lodge it is truly a one of a kind hotel in a very romantic and beautiful pine tree setting. Keep an eye open for Deer, Quail and Wild Turkeys.
Apple Days runs through November 15th. For more information call 760/765-4758.
