Fall Fun at the Julian Mining Co.

[These stylish kids are dressed head to toe in Joy+Love's Fall/Winter collection.]

When you think of San Diego, the first thing that comes to mind are our beautiful beaches but if you venture just one hour east, you will find a little town called Julian nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains. After gold was discovered nearby in the 1870s, the town of Julian became a boom town of aspiring gold rush miners. Julian is now best known for its apple orchards, delicious pies, historic buildings, cozy B&Bs and lush landscape of oaks and pines. For SoCal moms craving a more authentic fall experience, Julian is the perfect place to see the leaves change color, take in the cool mountain air and wear your favorite fall boots and sweaters while taking in some old-fashioned entertainment. Parker and his cousins loved sluicing for gems, exploring the antique farm equipment, snacking on crispy Julian apples and working on their carpentry skills at the Julian Mining Company located a mile from Main Street.

Julian Mining Company
4444 CA-78
Julian, CA 92036
951-313-0166

[This Appaman cardigan is my favorites from the boys collection.]

[We collected some really great stones including quartz and amethyst. They're lined up on Parker's window sill now.]

[The woodworking station has a bunch of build options including different size gem boxes and bird houses. After you finish building your project, there is an option to paint them.]

[Hannah banana.]

[Nora and Audrey are growing up so fast. They are in that awkward teeth phase right now.]

Mini Me Look for [Imaginary] Apple Picking in Julian

This is how I would dress Parker if we were apple picking this year. Unfortunately, that won't be happening since all the orchards are closed for the season due to the terrible drought that is wrecking havoc on California's agricultural industry. It's so sad that Julian's orchards are closed during their peak tourist season. We had so much fun last year (see photos here) and I have no doubt Parker would have really enjoyed going again this year. See you next season, Julian!

Mini Me Look for Apple Picking in Julian by marychu on Polyvore

Gap Baby Warmest Puffer Vest Size 12-18 M / Toddler Boy's Cherokee Declan Chukka Boots Brown / Gap Stripe Sweater Hat Size Up To 7lb / Skinny cords / Young and Restless- Baby, Toddler, Kids Red Baseball Tshirt. American...

An Easy Day Trip to Julian

Saturday, we woke up early and drove out to Julian for a half day of old fashion fun. After driving about an hour, we arrived in Julian and were welcomed by the crisp mountain air and clear blue skies. It was the perfect day to wear a sweater and pick some apples. We got to Volcan Valley Apple Farm around 10 AM to beat the crowds and took our sweet time helping Parker pick apples. Most of the apples he tried to pick ended up on the floor (Sorry Volcan Valley!) but he did manage to snag 3 or 4 successfully. I'm glad we went early because by the time we left, there was absolutely no parking and a ton of people pouring in.

 

After apple picking, we drove to Main Street to have lunch and eat pie! Mom tip: don't be like me and forget your baby carrier. Almost all the buildings in Julian are considered historic which means that doorways are small, access ramps are few and far between and a stroller is not ideal.

[We meant to go to Apple Starr Orchards but accidentally went to the Volcan Valley Apple Farm instead. Since they also grow organic apples, we stayed and got to picking!]

[One of the many many rows of apples. The variety was dizzying. There were a lot of families there enjoying the day.]

[The sky was really that blue. Jonathan apple on the branch.]

[That apple is bigger than Parker's hand.]

[All Parker wanted to do was touch the grass.]

[Little did I know, this was Tuan's first time apple picking too! I learn something new about my husband everyday.]

[To my horror, Parker shoved this apple that he just picked straight into his mouth. Ahh well at least it's organic.]

[My SIL got Parks this batman sweatshirt at H&M. So cute. He's also wearing H&M leggings and TOMS cordones for babies.]

[Parker and Tuan]

[There were 3 different bag sizes for apple picking. We paid $14 for a large bag of apples.]

[After apple picking, we drove to Main Street and had lunch at Miner's Diner. The food was meh. I would not eat there again. There are a lot of other options around.]

[BUT they do have an old fashion soda fountain!]

[Next door is the drug store which happens to have a 'Cave of Candy'. There are a lot of candy shops that sell taffy and other old fashion candy on Main Street.]

[Racks and racks of pies at Mom's Pies. This is what heaven looks like.]

[Mom's also sells caramel apples. Drool.]

[Apple crumb pie a la mode. This alone is worth the drive to Julian.]

[Huge variety of honey at the Julian Cider Mill store.]

[We bought an entire gallon of cherry cider from the Julian Cider Mill. This tastes the best ice cold. I'm drinking a cup as I type.]

For more info about visiting Julian, check out the city website
http://www.julianca.com/