Since Julian’s foundation in the 1860s, the town’s claim to fame was its hills, rich with gold. In 1907 the legacy of the town was forever changed when twenty-one varieties of Julian-grown apples received the Bronze Wilder Medal, a top honor, from the American Pomological Society at the 1907 Tricentennial Exposition held in Jamestown, Virginia. Since then, we have been known as the hills rich with gold and fresh apples. Over the years, local businesses have devised very creative ways for visitors to experience our famous apples, from pies to ciders, and caramel apples. Some locals have even shared their "secret" recipes in the Julian Cookbook. Picked, cooked, and juiced, you can experience it all around here!
U-Pick Apples
Julian has multiple U-Pick orchards open to the public. The orchards open each year when the fruit is ready (usually mid- to late August) and close when they sell out (usually early October). Make sure the orchard of your choice is open before you make the drive. I definitely recommend coming during the week. If you can come only on a weekend, try to arrive at the orchard when it opens for the day. By noon, Julian is crowded during Apple Season. This is a great family-fun activity for all ages! Might want to wear closed-toed shoes.
Note: Many of the orchards accept only cash.
Fresh Pie
Julian’s world-famous apple pie is a must-taste! There is such a high demand to try our fresh pies that during the fall, many visitors wait in a long line for pie at one of our many bakeries. You can find a list of local bakeries and what makes each of them unique here. If you want to avoid the line, get your pie first thing in the morning. You can also stop by Jacks, The Corner Market, or Don's Market, order online, or stop in at a Wynola/Santa Ysabel bakery location. You can buy pie all year long, so come on up during the slower seasons, winter-summer.
Apple Drinks
After a day of walking around, cool off with a fresh cup of crisp apple cider or a glass of hard cider. Julian Apple Lane Orchard uses local apples, preserving the year's crop in their cider. The Julian Cider Mill is home to cherry apple cider and an all-Julian apple cider that hits their shelves this time of year too. (They also have yummy caramel apples.) For seasonal alcoholic options, check with the individual wineries, brewers, and tasting rooms. I put together a blog post with more details on the apple beverages available.
Apple Blossom Tea
It’s time for tea. Join the Julian Women’s Club and the Julian Tea Cottage for the tea party of the year. This one-of-a-kind event is not only fun, but it also helps support the community.
Mountain Made Candles
Yeah, I just stuck a sales pitch into this guide, but hear me out. Our Julian Apple Pie and Apple Orchard candles allow you to experience Julian’s apple season with one of your five senses.
Let the fun begin!
With SoCal’s lack of seasons, places like little old Julian attract thousands of visitors eager to experience fall. So come early and stay awhile. See you soon!