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So…I am thinking when I said, “ Julian” you probably responded, “Pie.” If that’s
what you did then you would be about 10% correct. A recent four-day stay in Julian
tells me this place is trending in all the right places: food, wine and unique travel
activities… four seasons a year.
The key to getting to know this special place is to stay awhile. It’s about an hour
away from San Diego and Palm Springs; add another 30 minutes from Orange County and
LA. Coming up for two hours for a cup of cappuccino and a slice of apple pie, just
doesn’t make sense. This is a smart, hip mountain town that combines all the elements
foodies and small-town aficionado’s look for.
Think easy to walk downtown area with lots of different shops, a microbrewery, a
multitude of incredible restaurants small and large, a charming tea shop, and my
favorite of course…wine tasting rooms. Venture out ten minutes past downtown and
you’ll find wineries to visit, hill top dining in Wynola, a picturesque fishing lake,
an ultra-cool stargazing facility, and killer hiking opportunities like the Pacific
Crest Trail. This is Julian? Yup…and there’s even more. Drive 20 minutes from downtown
and you’ll be able to do some gold mining, discover a wolf education center, and
work those slots and poker tables at a casino. Ahhh, I see I have your attention
now.
Here’s a round-up of my favorite places. Use it as a quick guide of what to do and
enjoy in and around Julian.
In the Downtown Area
Park your car and enjoy.
Julian Lodge Bed & Breakfast - Designed after the Washington Hotel, built in 1885,
the affordable Julian Lodge (generally under $90) with modern amenities is just steps
away from all things fun: shopping, biking, hiking, dining, wine tasting and afternoon
tea. Guests enjoy recently refurbished rooms and a pleasant continental breakfast.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Open year-round. Be sure to check out their online
and walk-in specials. Hikers welcome! www.julianlodge.signonsandiego.com
Orchard Hill Country Inn – Book here for a serene and romantic AAA four-diamond experience. I
know you’ll love the choice of twenty-two well-appointed rooms, 10 comfy lodge rooms,
and 12 secluded cottages near downtown Julian. Stroll the grounds and sit awhile
in this lovely mountain top retreat. Enjoy your own personal “Ahhh moment” viewing
gorgeous sunsets and wandering through the seasonal gardens. Includes many in-room
amenities, Internet, a full breakfast and afternoon hors d’ouevres. Be sure and
make reservations for their four-course sophisticated dinner served on Tuesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday evenings. Room rates run from $195 - $450. Check out the Web
site for specials and packages. www.orchardhill.com
Just Outside Town
10 minutes away on a charming country road.
J. Jenkins Winery- This boutique winery is ready to run with the big dogs. With
15 year-old vineyards, their wine has finally come into its own. Currently there
are 7 wines to taste, all have merit. There is a $6 fee to taste which allows you
get to keep the glass. My jaw dropped at the exquisite 2005 Syrah ($22). Big and
bold, this ruby colored wine is complex, expressing both bold fruit and a definite
earthy quality. I took this one home intending to share it with my wine club as
an example of a great local wine find. Melanie was tending the wine bar. She suggested
we try the Dolcezza ($16) (apple wine) made from 100% apples. Light, crisp with a
slight effervescence, sipping it out on their patio was quite a treat.
Menghini Winery– Just down the road from J. Jenkins , this winery is surrounded
by apple orchards and a six acre vineyard. This is country charm at its best and
a major site for many Julian events. The winery produces approximately 4,000 cases
of wine annually. I think you’re going to like the 2006 Syrah with its berry notes
and hints of oak, and the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc showcasing some grassy notes on
the nose and palate. Should be an excellent food wine.
In Nearby Wynola
Surprising dining options on this hill top.
Wynola Pizza Express- Located a mere three miles west of Julian on State Highway
78 and 3.5 miles east of Santa Ysabel this is where you go for the best gourmet wood-fired
pizza, a variety of entrees, desserts, wine and beer and lively entertainment. Affordable
and great for singles, families, or date-night. There’s a variety of places to dine
at, from a bistro-style dining room, to casual booths or a group dining area. My
favorite dishes were the Fire-Roasted Artichoke Dip (serves 2-4) $ 9.95. Artichoke
hearts, pepperoncini, Romano, provolone and mozzarella cheeses blended with herbs
and spiced and served with Buffalo crackers; Sausage Pizza $11.95 Sausage, red onions
& bell peppers & mozzarella cheese; and the Sumi Salad (an Asian slaw) - $7.95.
Crisp green cabbage tossed with crunchy noodles, scallions, shredded carrots tossed
with house rice vinaigrette and topped with toasted sesame seeds and almonds. www.wynolapizzaexpress.com
Jeremy’s On The Hill – Heads up foodies! This family owned and operated business
specializes in fresh and sumptuous gourmet foods. Put this experience in the fine-dining
category without the pretentious stuff . They take pride in providing an atmosphere
that promotes family friendliness while still providing for romantic intimacy. Chef
Jeremy is dedicated to using only the finest and freshest ingredients available--most
of which are locally provided. Because of that, the menu can often change, while
still providing guest favorites. Got to love a place that brings in organically grown
produce from Julian, Borrego Springs, Valley Center and other nearby locations. Great
wine list and the Sunday Brunch is to die for. Put this 24 year old chef on your
“to watch” list. www.jeremysonthehill.com
Country Cellars - Think and drink local beers, wine and hard ciders with owner Trezette
"Trez" Gotfredson. Country Cellars offers $6 tasting which include a mixture of
local wine and beer choices. Offerings change weekly so you’ll always be surprised
at what Trez is pouring. If you’re lucky you’ll come on a day Trez is offering her
mini food & wine pairings. This should be one of your first stops on the way into
Julian so you get an idea of what the local microbreweries and wineries have to offer. Plan
your tasting AFTER you spend some time here.
A Little Further Out
There’s more unique fun about 20 minutes outside town.
Observer’s Inn Sky Tour– This is going to be an OMG moment for you, guaranteed.
One of the best ways to see Julian's star-filled skies is by taking a sky-tour with
owner/innkeeper Mike Leigh. He’s set up a small – but mighty observatory with research-grade
telescopes. Mike’s evening sky tours are literally out-of-this world. Mike will guide
you through the star clusters and galaxies, pointing out planets and nebulae. This
ain’t your boring high school astronomy class. Mike leads a lively presentation
challenging everyone to think outside their comfort zone. The best $10/person you’re
likely to spend. www.observersinn.com
California Wolf Center – Ahhh, the heart and soul of it all. This place is likely
to bring you to tears – happy ones – for all this center does. The California Wolf
Center is a one-of-a-kind education, conservation organization. Founded in 1977
to educate the public about wildlife and ecology, the Center is currently home to
several packs of gray wolves, some of which are exhibited for educational purposes.
The wolves serve as ambassadors representing wolves in the wild. They also host highly
endangered Mexican gray wolves, now being reintroduced into the southwestern United
States. A visit to the Center provides a unique close up experience involving one
of the most charismatic and controversial species in North American history. Perfect
for singles, families, and couples.
Santa Ysabel Casino- Escape to a hidden getaway with intimate gaming, breathtaking
views and some of the best craft beer and tequila shots around. Enjoy over 350 of
the most popular slots, blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Pai-gow and exciting poker tournaments.
Full service restaurant featuring lots of variety. www.santaysabelcasino.com
Julian Tea & Cottage Arts– Despite the name this place is definitely all about the
tea. A gracious staff makes your time here a welcome retreat. I loved the way the
staff member Jill explained each course and the tea that accompanied it. Tea is
served in a charming turn-of-the-century home. Afternoon Tea consists of finger
sandwiches, scone with whipped cream, homemade jam and dessert. However, if you just
want a cup of tea or tea and cookies, you’ll also be welcomed with open arms. Ask
to try the Yorkshire Gold. Seriously, for those of us who love all things afternoon
tea, this has to be on your places to visit and do some major shopping. www.juliantea.com
Witch Creek Winery- A boutique winery focusing on quality over quantity, by producing
small-lot, handcrafted wines. The result is full-bodied well balanced wines rich
in flavor that have earned many medals over the years. Server Tammy told me “We’re
all about the Reds.” She was right. Be sure to taste the 2009 Screaming Kitty ($23),
the Tre Amici ($29- Gold Medal Winner) and the Cat’s Pajama’s ($21).
Candied Apple Pastry Company – Owner/Executive Pastry Chef Charles Scott bring quality,
scratch-made pastries and delicious lunch entrees to Julian. This is the bakery
you’ve been longing to find. Sit outside and people watch while munching on unbelievable
treats, enjoying unique lunch offerings, sipping some local fresh pressed apple cider
(seasonal) or enjoying the full espresso bar. This place has passion for its product
and the community it works in. DON’T MISS IT. http://www.candiedapplepastry.com
Bailey Pit BBQ & Julian Brewery – This is the place for dinner and live entertainment. Bailey
Barbecue has a big-boy BBQ menu, 16 draft beers, in addition to a full bar. Enjoy
live music and dancing every Saturday night and some Friday nights. The place was
packed and rocking out when I was there. There’s a special vibe to this place that
will call to your artistic side. The Julian Brewing Company (brewing facility located
in the garage of the historic Bailey house) has released the first brewed beer in
Julian in over 100 years. Trust me, it’s all good – the food, the music, the beer. Check
out the Web site for the menu and live entertainment schedule. http://baileybbq.com/
Eagle & High Peak Mine – Just a few blocks from downtown tour one of Julian's original
gold mines. Guides lead you through the intricate path of tunnels in the hard rock
mine and share tales of the life of early residents of Julian. Great fun! Perfect
for all ages.
Julian Pie Company -You know you’ve come to the right place for apple pie when you
find out each one weighs 2.85 pounds –give or take an apple slice. Hot, juicy, luscious
come to mind. This is the ultimate apple pie stop, don’t miss it. Think about combing
your visit with lunch. It’s a simple lunch menu that’s offered, but its Big Boy
sandwiches at their best…for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. One of my favorite
places. http://www.julianpie.com/
Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' is a professional travel, food, and wine
writer based out of Southern California. Through her persona as The Wine Chix www.WineChixs.com and her Web site www.AllInGoodTaste.info, she specializes in easy, breezy destination
stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits.
Trendy Julian, California
Julian Lodge Bed & Breakfast -
Orchard Hill Country Inn – Book here for a serene and romantic AAA four-
Just Outside Town
Menghini Winery – Just down the road from J. Jenkins , this winery is surrounded
by apple orchards and a six acre vineyard. This is country charm at its best and
a major site for many Julian events. The winery produces approximately 4,000 cases
of wine annually. I think you’re going to like the 2006 Syrah with its berry notes
and hints of oak, and the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc showcasing some grassy notes on
the nose and palate. Should be an excellent food wine.
Wynola Pizza Express -
Jeremy’s On The Hill – Heads up foodies! This family owned and operated business
specializes in fresh and sumptuous gourmet foods. Put this experience in the fine-
Country Cellars -
Julian Tea & Cottage Arts – Despite the name this place is definitely all about the
tea. A gracious staff makes your time here a welcome retreat. I loved the way the
staff member Jill explained each course and the tea that accompanied it. Tea is
served in a charming turn-
Witch Creek Winery -
Candied Apple Pastry Company – Owner/Executive Pastry Chef Charles Scott bring quality,
scratch-
Bailey Pit BBQ & Julian Brewery – 
Eagle & High Peak Mine – 
Julian Pie Company -
Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' is a professional travel, food, and wine
writer based out of Southern California. Through her persona as The Wine Chix www.WineChixs.com
and her Web site www.AllInGoodTaste.info, she specializes in easy, breezy destination
stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits.