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...

Celebrating Fall in Socal

It's finally starting to feel like Fall in San Diego which is very exciting considering how hot it has been for the past two weeks. Pre Parker, fall didn't seem like that big of a deal and the thing I looked forward to most was getting to wear boots again. Post Parker, everything is celebrated (!) and everything is new (!) and fantastic. It's amazing how having a baby changes your outlook on life. I've compiled a list of family friendly outings for us to celebrate fall. If we can check just 2 of these off the list, I would consider it a success.
 
1. Visit Bates Nut Farm to pick out a pumpkin. There are a lot of pumpkin patches in San Diego but I think I want to take Parker to Bates Nut Farm. We need to pick out a winning pumpkin for the Chu Family Annual Carving Contest!

Shop for pumpkins, squash and gourds. Also, a farm zoo, pony rides, hay rides and a straw maze. Sept. 25-Oct. 31; visit website for hours. Free admission.
15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center
760-749-3333
www.batesnutfarm.biz
 
More info on pumpkin patches in San Diego is available here.

2. Take a day trip to Julian, where the leaves actually change color. For more info, visit http://www.julianca.com/
 
While we are in Julian, we'll probably visit...

 

Apple Starr Orchards - U-Pick - August 24, Start of the 2013 Season!!
Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends - By appointment weekdays.
Certified Organic Orchard (CCOF) since 2000 growing Apples (delicious, fuji, gala, granny & jonagold) and Pears (bartlett, bosc, anjou). We are open for u-pick on weekends through October. Groups should email to schedule appointments.
(760) 305-2169
1287 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
www.apple-starr.com

Mom’s Pies
Stand outside and let your kids watch pies being assembled through the large storefront window—they are sure to get a smile and a wave from the friendly bakers. Come inside for a slice or take home a whole pie.
2119 Main Street.
760-765-2472
www.momspiesjulian.com
 
Miner’s Diner
Original olde-fashioned soda fountain and diner with full breakfast and lunch menu. Daily specials.
(760) 765-3753
2134 Main Street, P.O. Box 1027, Julian, CA 92036

3. Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland. We celebrated Halloween at Disneyland the first year they offered it and had such a fun time! I would love to go again though we probably could not do it without having some of my sisters come along to help or dropping Parks off with a sitter in the OC area (hint hint).
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/

4. Old Town San Diego's Dia De Los Muertos Festival, November 1-2
This event celebrates the unity of life and death, considered by many to be the most important holiday of the year in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The primary focus of the celebration will be on the altars or ofrendas. A Tour of Altars is available; a map and way-finding signage throughout the town will guide you to over 50 Old Town businesses, museums, and historic sites that are participating in the event. A ton of free crafts, face painting, entertainment, food and drink specials and art exhibits will also be available.
http://sddayofthedead.org/index.htm

 

There are a ton of other events happening in and around San Diego this fall. Be sure to check out the events calendars on San Diego Family, Red Tricycle and the City of San Diego website for more info on all the art festivals, food festivals, beer festivals and Oktoberfests!