San Diego’s season transitions might not be as drastic as other locales, but local inhabitants eagerly anticipate the range of experiences and opportunities that each season brings. Despite the absence of chilly winds and falling leaves associated with autumn elsewhere, San Diego’s fall has a unique charm of its own – Julian Apple Picking Season.
Approximately 15-minutes drive from San Diego’s heart, nestled in the beautiful mountains, Julian is a little town that comes to life every fall. A trip to Julian is akin to stepping into a warm, inviting postcard. The aroma of fresh apple pies and the tang of apple cider hint at the age-old traditions that the town embraces with open arms.
Volcan Valley Farm
Julian’s grandest orchard, Volcan Valley Farm, bursts into life with its vast offering of 7,000 trellis-grown apple trees. This picturesque farm invites visitors to explore the diverse array of apple varieties available. From the tanginess of Granny Smith apples to the sweetness of Red Delicious, filling up your $12 bag with a selection of your favorites is an experience like no other.
The fun doesn’t stop there! The orchard encourages you to taste the apples as you go, allowing you to handpick the ripest and juiciest ones for your bag. The farm opens its gates from Thursday to Monday, 9am-5pm. Drop by at 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian 92036 for an apple picking adventure.
Peacefield Orchard
Peacefield Orchard, adorned with a beautiful landscape, offers a tantalizing array of red and green apples ready for picking. From the crisp Granny Smith and sweet Red Delicious to the unique Transcendent Crab Apple, the options are boundless.
But the orchard’s appeal extends beyond apple picking. It also offers French plums and Bartlett Pears for sale, adding to the variety of farm-fresh produce available. Spend the day here. Pack a lunch and unwind at their picnic spots, or find tranquility in their Meditation Garden. Engage in a fun photoshoot with the vintage farm tractors onsite or take a moment to appreciate the 115-year-old Gravenstein Apple Tree – a true testament to the farm’s heritage.
Admission for $10 per person (free for kids 3 and under) includes a 1/2 peck farm bag for collecting apples and a guided tour of the orchard. Each additional person costs $5. Remember to bring cash for this cash-only place. Visit them during weekends by appointment, from 9am-2pm at 3803 Wynola Road, Julian.
Julian Cider Mill
Established in 1975, the Julian Cider Mill continues its legacy of offering an impressive selection of farm-fresh produce and specialty items. Besides a cornucopia of apple and pear varieties, this traditional mill houses a collection of delicious preserves, raw honey, French prunes, and Italian plums.
Their assortment of dried fruits and nuts is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia. This quaint little corner also has specially-crafted caramel apples, delightful candies, and an array of unique gifts. When you visit, don’t forget to indulge in a cup of piping hot cider to encapsulate the essence of the season. Located at the intersection of Main and B streets in Julian, this old-fashioned gem is a must-visit entity.
Oasis Camel Dairy
A visit to the Julian region is incomplete without a detour to the unique Oasis Camel Dairy, a delightful oddity tucked between Julian and Ramona on Highway 78. This working camel farm promises an unforgettable experience, presenting visitors with an opportunity to explore something distinctive.
Choose from a wide range of camel-milk-based products, from organic handcrafted soaps and moisturizing lotions to exotic camel milk chocolate. Visitors are offered guided tours of the farm, where they can interact with these majestic creatures and learn more about their nurturing and lifestyle.
For the thrill-seekers, the farm provides camel rides, ensuring a fun-filled adventure that’ll stick in your memories. Oasis Camel Dairy is an interesting blend of education and entertainment, located at 26757 Old Julian Highway, Ramona 92065.
Wynola Flats Produce
Step into Wynola Flats Produce, a rustic farmstand that sells a variety of fresh fruits and produce throughout the year. Operating directly with both conventional and organic farms, this marketplace offers the freshest of farm-to-table produce.
From an array of fresh fruits to a collection of local honey sourced from smaller apiaries, the variety here is astounding. In addition to this, they house an impressive selection of gourmet Balsamic vinegar, high-quality olive oils, dates, and nuts.
Shop at your leisure in their separate dry goods room that hosts a minimal yet essential set of supplies. Open from Friday to Monday, a visit to Wynola Flats Produce is a must for every health-conscious tourist. Visit them at 3962 Highway 78, Julian 92036.
Julian Mining Company
Add a touch of excitement to your visit to Julian with a trip to the Julian Mining Company. This thrilling destination provides a unique opportunity to mine for gold, gems, and minerals using traditional gold pans.
What makes it even more interesting is their gift shop that sells a variety of novelty items, perfect for souvenirs. Come October, the venue morphs into a vibrant setting with its pumpkin patch featuring vine-ripened pumpkins. A tractor-drawn hayride around the farm, u-press apple cider, and a petting zoo complete your farm experience.
Raspberry picking is also conducted depending upon the year’s yield. Open on Saturdays from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 12pm-5pm, this place promises a fun-filled day for the entire family. Find them at 4444 State Hwy 78, Julian/Wynola 92036.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2016 Julian apple picking season offers a richer experience than merely harvesting apples. It entails soaking in the rustic charm of Volcan Valley Farm, immersing in the tranquil ambiance of Peacefield Orchard, savoring the authentic taste of nature’s offerings at Wynola Flats Produce, and engaging in a nostalgic adventure at the Julian Mining Company. Each of these unique destinations captures a slice of Julian’s vibrant heritage and tradition. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking a unique, fun-filled experience, Julian’s apple picking season presents the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable memories. To discover La Jolla’s beauty, delve into the top running trails. Ideal for both serious runners and casual joggers, these trails offer stunning views and diverse challenges, enriching your La Jolla experience.