Historic Downtown Julian is known for its locally-owned boutiques and shops. You can find everything from antiques and foods to clothing and specialty stores. Today, I want to take some time to highlight these treasures in our town. Our local businesses are very supportive of the community, so I want to take a moment to put them in the spotlight for a change. Who’s ready to go shopping? I am! Come on—let’s go.
Santa Ysabel
Santa Ysabel General Store
Nestled in the beautiful Santa Ysabel valley where Highways 78 and 79 meet, the historic 1884 Santa Ysabel General Store is open for business. This hidden gem is one of those places you don’t intend to come across, but once you do, you are sure glad you did. Today, the non-profit Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) owns the store and the barn in the back. They have restored San Diego’s only remaining false-front adobe building back to its original beauty. The store is stocked with canned goods, home goods, and of course antiques.
Oak and Olive
Right next door is the newest antique shop, Oak and Olive. They have a wonderful variety of great old gems and new gifts.
Wynola
The Barn Vintage Marketplace
In the market for industrial, primitive, rustic, farmhouse, and/or unique home décor? The Barn Vintage Marketplace is sure to have something you've been looking for. This quaint mother-daughter-run business is unstoppable. They are always looking for original finds for the market. Stop by on your way to Julian.
Murdo Acres
Murdo Acres specializes in custom wood design projects. Their cutting boards are constructed out of quality woods by a husband and wife team, right here in our local mountains. They do a fantastic job of keeping their work decorative and functional. These one-of-a-kind pieces make great gifts for both genders, all ages, and any relation. Find them in the Julian Station.
Julian Farm and Orchard Gift Shop
When you pop into this pop-up shop you will find locally made products, gardening items, and agriculture products.
Wynola Junction
Three miles west of Julian down Highway 78, you can find Wynola Junction. Back in the day, this shop was originally a fruit-packing shed. In 2003, Tracy turned the building into a wonderful antique mall that carries a variety of collectibles and antiques, furniture, and more. From the moment you step inside, you'll be on a trip down Memory Lane!
Dogs are welcome… just as long as they don't eat the cat food.
Julian
Crow and Lilac
Crow and Lilac is a wonderful boutique that is well known for its handmade vegan body care line, Add Joy products. You can buy individual items or sign up for their gift club to receive handmade goodies right to your door (or, in this case, your friends and family members’ doors) four times a month.
Yogi Picnic Baskets
Julian's own Yogi Picnic Baskets has everything you’ll need to go on a picnic. They have baskets, wine totes, coolers, and accessories. It’s the perfect place to shop for the outdoor lover on your list. This cute store is located in the Hoskings Rental, built out of salvaged lumber. Come on inside to see the history for yourself.
Julian Arts Guild
For over 40 years, the Julian Arts Guild has been bringing together artists, artisans, and others interested in art. The Guild puts on three annual art shows, as well as workshops, demonstrations, and speakers at their monthly meetings. Most recently, they opened up a permanent gallery space! Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Here you can find a wonderful variety of local art, including photography, jewelry, paintings, Native American art, and clothing.
California Wolf Center's Nature Store
The CWC has been a prominent nonprofit organization in our community for years. Recently they took the opportunity to open a resource center in town, and they have run with it. In addition to educational resources here, you can find a one-of-a-kind nature store. From wolf merchandise to locally made items like Mountain Made candles, this is a wonderful place to shop and support a great cause in the process.
Julian Mercantile
This store is packed with eye-catching treasures from here at home and around the world. They feature stunning wood carvings from Bali and the latest local fashion trends. In the winter, they are your one-stop shop for winter hats, gloves, and scarves. You just never know what you might find here.
Kathy’s Dress Shop
Once a gold miner’s home built off an abandoned one-room schoolhouse, the Frary House is now home to Kathy's Dress Shop. Here you can find ladies' fine fashion, jewelry, purses, and gifts. If you are ever in need of some alterations, this is the place to come. While your wives shop, you men can sit, relax, and enjoy the mountain air in the garden.
Juliantla Chocolate Boutique
It's no secret that their specialty here is chocolate. Juliantla offers a great selection of chocolate confections including locally crafted truffles, fudge, and Oaxaca chocolate disks. But don't let the name fool you. In addition to the wonderful chocolate selection, you may find Swedish candy bars, T-shirts, tea, baked goodies (including apple pie), and Mountain Made candles. Vegan-friendly items are also available. As a nonvegan, I would like to say that just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's lacking in flavor, so don't be afraid to try new things!
Julian Tea Cottage
Back in the day, George Valentine King, founder of the Golden Chariot Mine (the second most productive mine in the Julian area), called this cottage home. In 1995, Edie and Jim Seger bought the house to be the home of their business, Julian Tea & Cottage Arts. They offer classic afternoon tea (reservations required) and a charming gift shop with a vast array of gift items, stationary, teas, and seasonal items.
Julian Cider Mill
The Julian Cider Mill was founded in 1975 by the Slaughter family. Here you can find a wide assortment of yummy snacks, local honey, and of course, homemade raw apple cider made with only local apples. The cider is 100% pure apple juice. Unlike the ciders you find in the grocery store, the cider here is unpasteurized, unfiltered, has no added sugar, and is never watered down. You can taste the difference!
Candy Mine
The coolest candy store you will ever step foot in. Located in the back basement of Miner’s Diner, the Candy Mine is every candy-lover’s dream come true. From your parents’ childhood favorites to modern-day treats, there’s sure to be a piece of candy that will catch your eye. After all, everyone finds the motherlode here!
Restoration Zen
Restoration Zen is all about turning trash and junk into beautiful, functional treasures. Here you can find affordable up-cycled and hand-made treasures. Be sure to stop by next time you’re in town.
Mountain Beadworks
This inspired, well-stocked shop is every bead lover’s dream. From jewelry-making workshops to unusual and eye-catching beads, this is definitely a place to see.
**All information provided in this post was correct to the best of my knowledge at the time the post was published. Information provided may change without notice. Please double-check with the individual business for the most up-to-date information. I do my best to be as inclusive as possible, but this is not a complete list of all the businesses that fit into this category.**