Tag: california trip planning

Julian

Julian Jail

Julian is a small town that can easily be explored in just a short time. What is especially nice is that, although it is a tourist attraction, the town is not “tacky touristy”. Rather, you get the feeling you are in the last century as you wander through the streets and stop to browse at some of the antique shops, visit the small historical museum in the old brewery, and enjoy refreshment at the soda fountain in the 1880s drug store.

If you want to delve deeply into gold mining, just a short drive (or long walk) away on the outskirts of town is the Eagle Mine, founded by pioneers from Georgia, many of them soldiers who came here after the Civil War. Tours are taken deep into the mine and a narration gives not only the history of the mine, but the history of Julian.

Julian, sunset

When visiting Julian in the fall, you can enjoy another of the town’s offerings—apples. Although you can sample Julian’s wonderful apples throughout the year (every restaurant has its own special apple pie on the menu), the apple becomes king during the fall harvest. Beginning in October and continuing on into November, special crafts shows and events are held in the Julian Town Hall. If you visit one of the packing plants on the edge of town you can buy not only apples, but every conceivable item that has apples as a theme.

It is only a short drive north from Julian on Hwy 79 to Santa Ysabel where you turn right at the main intersection. At this junction you see Dudley’s Bakery, a rather nondescript-looking building that houses a great bakery: loyal customers drive all the way from San Diego just to buy one of their 21 varieties of tasty bread.

When you have finished your tour of town take time to visit and  taste the offerings at some of the  fine boutique wineries that have cropped up in the Julian vicinity.

Orhcard Hill Country Inn, Julian, California

Located just off Main Street, Julian’s Orchard Hill Country Inn is an excellent place to stay. The luxurious Inn mixes the best of a five star hotel with the intimacy and friendliness of a highly rate Bed and Breakfast Inn. Orchard Hill Country Inn offers private cottages as well as smaller guestrooms in the elegant main Lodge. Delicious dinners are served on selected nights in the romantic setting of the lodge.

Julian scenery

If you are doing any California trip planning, be sure to check out our itineraries. The first part of this route includes many well-loved attractions: Muir Woods, the Russian River, Sonoma County wineries, the Mendocino Coast, and the Avenue of the Giant Redwoods. Then it becomes less “touristy” as you reach the Victorian jewel of Ferndale, the bustling town of Eureka, and the coastal hamlet of Trinidad, and concludes amongst the giant coastal redwoods of Redwood National Park.

San Francisco is an iconic town, famous for its skyline, its marvel of a bridge, and its many unique neighborhoods. You’ll need several days exploring the city before heading north to Mendocino. Along this four-hour drive, be sure to make time for the Point Reyes National Seashore, which offers bird-watching excursions, nature trails and the often-photographed Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Mendocino, your next big stop, is a bit like a trip to an old New England fishing village. After exploring the town, you’ll want to head up to the Avenue of the Giants, where you’ll feel a bit Lilliputian compared to the trees, the world’s tallest.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular — a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you’ll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs. Here’s more information on this San Francisco Boutique Hotel/Inn.

You can find more information on this area here: California Travel Plans.