I had never been to Julian for "Apple Days" in particular. Had I been to Julian? Yes, several times. My mom loves it there, with all its charm and craft stores. I love the caramel apples. And the apple cider. And the apple pie. Hmm, do you think I associate outings and travel with food and eateries? Likewise, my unfavorable memories usually include the snacks that I didn't have, or because I remember being hungry and the only thing my mom had to offer was a bruised up red delicious apple that had been rolling around back and forth in the bottom of her purse all day. {I neither fault her nor guilt her for this.. on purpose, anyway}.
I packed up my mom and daughter in the car and headed out to Julian for the day {i.e. a few hours before it got too hot}. I pulled into town and it was nearly empty. I thought, "amazing!". Then my mom said we had to turn and drive up the road a few miles. Oh.
There was some traffic building up, with a line to find parking, but we ventured on and got ourselves a space.
{The man in the van who parked an inch and a half away from my side as to not allow me to exit my vehicle, we won't get into it.. I reversed to "scoot over" my car to the right, and as I was going to pull back into my parking spot, the man came around his van and opened up the passenger door to let out his lady.. the only thoughts I had were, "Are you serious?" and "Really?!"}
The Julian Apple Days Festival had an admittance fee of $5 per adult, with children 15 and under being FREE. The first 250 people received a free pie server.. we each got one! {we later saw these same plastic pie servers on sale at the Julian Pie Co. for $1.50 each, so really admittance was only $3.50!}
There were free games and activities for kids to do including a corn play area, little croquet mallets and balls, toss-through wooden games, races to participate in, a bouncy house/brincolín, and for an additional fee, pony rides. {I think the pony rides were $4 or $5..} They also had face painting for a very small fee, starting at $3, with full-face at $6. I pulled my child out of line because I noticed that they were using the same makeup applicator for EVERYONE, and that wasn't very hygienic, so I distracted my girl with something else. I hope next year they have disposable tools and use a new one for every child.
What's a Festival without a famous cupcake "from the winners of Cupcake Wars"? That's what we thought, so we purchased ours.. 1 for $3 or 2 for $5..
We moved on over to apple tasting {the golden delicious samples were incredible! I never want to eat another store-bought apple again..} We tasted an apple called a "Snow Apple" which was snow white inside. Yummy! Then we bought a bag of Red Delicious Apples which are sweet, but still have that slightly bitter outer skin.. not my favorite apple, but {red}delicious nonetheless.
On one end of the Festival we noticed a table set up with the CUTEST hand-knitted hats and headbands in assorted Fall colors, which drew us in immediately. The booth renter greeted us with a very friendly "hello." We "hello"d back.. and proceeded to compliment her on her goods.. She thanked us, graciously, and just as I was about to tell her about Etsy, I noticed her sign with an Etsy web address. I said, "Oh, and I see you are an Etsy shop owner, we love Etsy.." and she told us how much she loves Etsy and handmade. She mentioned that when people shop on Etsy, they know they are getting quality items. They are not there to get the cheapest price or the best deal, but they are showing their support and desire for high quality made with love and care. The shop was "Treasures from Sally", and you can find it here on Etsy. I am so happy to say that they are located here in San Diego! Bonus for us San Diegans, but rest assured, they ship throughout the United States and Canada.
Here are a few more pics.. Julian Hard Cider {I tried their original, and not being a drinker, I could taste the apple aftertaste. It was good.}, Whipped Maple Syrup {cinnamon was the best!}, Wynola Valley Orchard..and, oh yeah, the "Apple Sample Guy".. I have no idea what his name was, but he sure was friendly and opted to pose for my picture! How do you like them apples? I like 'em!
And here's how we ended our visit on the way out of town::
It was an absolutely charming day at the Julian Apple Days Festival! See you next year!
For more fun things to see and do in Julian, share your interest by visiting the Julian, CA website.
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-Becky Charms