Where In The World Is Julian, California

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The quant little mountain village of Julian is a perfect get-away from LA or San Diego. I rarely want to leave the San Diego area, but it was hot there in September, and cooler in the mountains for the recent Julian music festival.

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Although the village is small, managed to walk over 5 miles on Sunday. After the music, I hit the local Farmer’s Market behind the BBQ rib place. This, along with the aromas of apple – cherry cider, made  my mouth water all day long. Then I hiked up into the hills to pet horses and pick apples.

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The Julian Chamber on Main, or their website, is an excellent source of information for the many free things to see and do in Julian.

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My walking included stops in museums, antique shops, rare books, and cowboy stores. Later, I relaxed at a nearby vineyard for a tasting that featured many San Diego wines.

 

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In Julian, I like to step back a century and stay at the historic old Julian Hotel, right smack in town on Main Street. Every room is unique, with quilts and lace curtains. Some cabins and suites offer an outside terrace. True English style tea is graciously served each afternoon in the library parlor.

 

Although I plan to try a different cafe, all only steps away, I keep returning to Romano’s. Now, it is even more authentic since the original owners are back.

 

I feel a warm welcome the minute I step onto the wooden porch. A family member, red-checkered tablecloths and the aromas of real Italian and Sicilian sauce greet me at the door.  Gemma Romano pours me a glass of house Chianti at the bar and I am home. Then, who can resist a rich, ruby- red, short rib sauce simmering on the stove for a simple Sunday supper?

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Julian offers many more gems than my highlights. If you want to step back to the gold rush days, or feel that touch of New England, Julian is an ideal four season mini adventure for the entire family. Or, just go solo to relax and read a book in the garden, with a cup of English tea or fresh apple cider.

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Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where And What in the World