Butterfield Bed and Breakfast

Out of the Past!

by lmkluque

Eat apple pie, tour the old mine, have a romantic get-away-weekend at the old Julian Hotel or just walk down the main street to see shops that cater to the needs of the local residents. One of my favorite shops sells all types of wood burning stoves. More than twenty-five years ago I began a mini vacation plan for my two sons that I called "Adventures." Every couple of weeks I'd take my sons out on my day off from work. The only two rules we had were:

1. To get along in a cooperative manner and
2. To stop when any one of us wanted to explore something.

Often times Julian was the farthest point of the adventure. Anything either of us noticed on the way would be a reason to stop and explore. We also found many things to explore once we arrived in Julian.

Over the years we saw the changes made to the town because other San Diegans discovered this little mountain hide-a-way.

Apples seem to be the biggest crop and many of the residents offered anything you could think of made out of apples; pies, apple cider, apple juice, apple butter, apple jam, even dolls of little old ladies/witches, whose heads were made out of shrivled up apples!

Travel light, dress in layers...

by eMtnMan

You're a long way from a bell captain, so it's best to travel light! The weather can be quite variable at all times of year, so bring a variety of clothing and dress in layers to maintain your body temperture. Some sort of head-cover and sunscreen is useful in order to combat the effects of the mid-day sun.

Summer months are usually mild, but we can also have days above 100F, and nights below 40F. I've seen mid-winter days above 90F; while at other times, sub-freezing tempertures can last for weeks at a time. People with heart conditions, asthma or other breathing disorders may have problems with our 4,500-foot (1,500m) plus elevations. Allergy medicines may also be useful. Pets are common at some B&B's, so if you have pet allergies, be sure to check with the Innkeeper before you reserve your room! Film is available, but expensive. You're sixty miles from the nearest camera store so come prepared! Hiking boots, a day pack, nutrition and water containers are the basics for hiking here. Fishing gear might also be useful at our nearby lakes. If you plan to hike, remember that this is Southern California and you should carry adequate water with you at all times. If you're hiking near a lake, stream, or during the wet Spring months, insect repellent may also be useful. Great golfing is available at nearby Warner Springs and Borrego Springs. Cross-country snow skiing is possible after a snowstorm in the pristine meadows of the nearby Laguna Mountains (altitude 6,000ft/2,000m).

LAKE CUYAMACA

by lmkluque

This lake is located on Highway 79 in the Cleveland National Forest, on the way to Julian.

It's a great place for fishing, camping or boating. There is a restaurant here as well as a place to buy a fishing licence, fishing supplies, rent a boat (with or without motor,) or to rent a cabin to spend the night or longer.

California Wolf Center

by eMtnMan

The California Wolf Center's Julian Wolf Preserve offers free educational tours to students and members (membership is $35). If it's a full moon, you can also visit the scenic turn-off at Inspiration Point (about two miles south of Julian on Hwy 79) and hear the wolf pack howl nearby... a very eerie sound!

JULIAN, CALIFORNIA APPLE COUNTRY

by travelgourmet

"APPLES AND GOLD MINES MAKE A WONDERFUL RURAL TOWN"

Julian, California is a rural mountain town in San Diego County. The population in town is only 300 full and part-time residents. Getting to Julian is half the fun with wonderful mountain scenery and large boulders hugging the road along the way. Julian is a historic gold mining town about an one hour drive east from San Diego or south via Temecula. Today, it is better known for the apples that grow in this crisp, clean air that make wonderful apple pies. B & B's seem to be everywhere and the town is known for it's quiet nights and clear days.

This is where you can chill out and get to know yourself, your mate, or your family without too many pots on the burner. Honeymoons seem like a natural here. There is just enough to do to keep everyone from getting cabin fever and what you can do is take a wonderful hike in the hills, shop the boutique shops, visit the historic buildings that house businesses, eat at one of the restaurants (apple pie, anyone?), ride a horse drawn carriage, ride a train, visit the local wineries, gamble at a nearby casino or just snuggle up with a good book at your B & B. There's even more to do, but how much can you do in a couple of days and relax, too.