If you’re visiting us in San Diego this autumn be sure to make the drive out to Julian for the Fall Apple Harvest. The Fall Apple Harvest is a two-month event hosted in Julian, California, which is approximately an hour outside of San Diego. The event takes place through September and October and draws crowds from all over the United States. The Apple Harvest has something for everyone, from roadside fruit stands to wine tastings and even hikes on nearby Volcon mountain. This event—and the great taste of a Julian apple—have truly made this small town a household name.
The bakeries in Julian have become well-known throughout California for featuring some of the most appetizing baked goods around. Julian’s specialty, however, is the warm, flaky taste of an apple pie baked with the most fresh ingredient available. To get a taste of this celebrated dessert you’ll want to pay a visit to The Julian Pie Company, Apple Alley Bakery or Mom’s Pie House, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy even the most relentless sweet tooth.
Every Sunday during the harvest the Certified Julian Farmers Market opens up to the public. The market allows local farmers to showcase their fresh organic produce, nuts, eggs and specialty foods ranging from mouth-watering salsa and tamales, to sambusa, kettle corn and fresh baked breads. This event draws a weekend crowd from 11 am to 4 pm at the Wynola Farms Marketplace.
September boasts even more exciting culinary events for visitors to the Julian area, including the Santa Ysabel
Casino Best Back Country Chili Cook Off on September 18th. This exciting competition will give you the chance to taste the best and most varied selection of chili that Southern California has to offer. If you would like to participate, the entry fee is $35-$40 and cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. Decorate your booth with some personal flair and enter to win $100 worth of free play at the Santa Ysabel Casino.
On October 2nd and 3rd come out for the Julian Apple Days Festival, which is a special part of the harvest celebration. The festival is held at the Menghini Winery and features apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests and, of course, plenty of delicious apple pie. The festival offers an activity to entertain just about anyone, and tickets are only $5 for adults and free for children under 12, so feel free to bring the whole family!
So when you’re visiting us at the Ocean Park Inn for some beautiful beachside weather this September or October we’d recommend you also make the short trip out to Julian for these exciting events—and a slice of world-famous apple pie.