Why You Should Visit Julian, California

My wife and I got married in Julian, California, at a wonderful, charming resort called Angel's Landing Country Inn.

The resort, which has since been renamed Julian Meadow View Inn, was perfect for our celebration, and along with our guests, we had the whole place to ourselves.

Julian itself was perfect, as well, because the town was somewhat of a central location for our family members, and also because we didn't want the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, such as nearby San Diego, which is about 60 miles to the west.

"Hustle" and "bustle" are not terms you're likely to hear associated with Julian. This small town, nestled in the Cuyamuca Mountains of southern California, is famous for its apples and fresh apple pies. The downtown area features small shops and a few small restaurants. Horse-drawn carriages cruise along Main Street; my wife and I rode in one after our wedding ceremony, and it seemed as though everyone in town was out congratulating us, waving as we rode by.

Bed-and-breakfast inns are the primary lodging in Julian, which offers a handful of recreational opportunities, including hiking and sightseeing. But most of all, this is a place to go if you want to unwind a bit, take it easy and enjoy a little bit slower pace of life. I can highly recommend Julian Meadow View Inn, which has small lodge rooms and larger multiple-bedroom units with full kitchens and private bathrooms. As the new name implies, the meadow views are fantastic and available from almost every room on the grounds.

The best time to visit Julian, if you plan to be outside at all, is during the spring and summer, when the weather is usually warm and dry. It's a four-season area, and winters get cold, with snow a common sight.

We tried several restaurants and bakeries in town, and all were good, including Miner's Diner, Mom's Pies and The Fajita Grill. We sampled apple pie at nearly every place that served it (and nearly every place does serve it), and if you go, I certainly suggest you do the same.

Picnicking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular in and around Julian, and the town is close to two casinos - Santa Ysabel Casino is about a 15-minute drive away in the town of Santa Ysabel, and Viejas Enterprises is 25 miles away in Alpine, California.

There are also a handful of art galleries in town, a couple of nearby wineries and, of course, the apple orchards, which offer tours and U-pick opportunities.

Julian features plenty of activities and attractions, but mostly, it offers a nice getaway from the busy, sometimes hectic feel of everyday life. I can't wait to go back.

Sources:
Our Rooms, Julian Meadow View Inn
Julian, California Chamber of Commerce