What To See and Do Near Pinezanita
- Betty Morgan, VP Marketing
High above the smog and away from the bustle of city life lies a small mountain resort village named Julian. This quaint village has an elevation of 4280 feet. The discovery and mining of gold literally put Julian on the map in 1870. The gold era is over, but you can trace the town's history with a tour through the Eagle Gold Mine and Pioneer's Museum.
Julian was also found to be an ideal location for growing apples and pears. Today, orchards compliment pastoral oak and pine-covered hills. Apple pie is Julian's claim to fame now, and the fragrance of baking in the village will almost certainly cause you to stop in a pie shop for samples and purchases, along with fresh cider to take back home.
Fabulous little shops line all the streets, so browsing the afternoon away will be easy. You will find specialty shops with candles, artwork, food, knitting, books, cards, and antiques. We guarantee you won't be bored as a shopper.
The Menghini Winery
The Menghini Winery and Orfila Winery have wine tasting rooms and a good selection of locally produces wines. A visit to their business would be a great addition to your day in Julian.
Romantic horse and antique carriage rides are available right on Julian's Main Street. The ride travels out of the village on a beautiful road that has very little traffic. You can hire the carriages for day or evening outings.
Hiking Trails
There are unlimited hiking trails throughout the California State and County Parks that surround the Julian area. Contact California State Parks and Recreation for trail maps and information as to what trails are open.
Dudley's Bakery
Should you run out of things to do in Julian, travel another 4 miles to Wynola. There you can find more small shops and apple growers selling their goodies. Go a little further down the hill and you'll find the best bread in the world! Santa Ysabel is the home of Dudley's Bakery. Call ahead for your order or they may be sold out of your favorite variety when you get there.
Fishing at Lake Cuyamaca
Fishing Classes
Lake Cuyamaca
760.765.0515
Saturdays
10AM
Cost: FREE
Directions: Building located to the right of the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant
Program: Depending how the fish are biting will determine the class curriculum... trout, bass, blue gill, crappie and catfish are all in the lake. So whatever is biting for the day will be talked about.
Basics for fishing, bait use, lures, rigging your tackle, casting, and knot ties will get any beginner ready to catch fish at Lake Cuyamaca on your first day fishing!
Web Site: www.lakecuyamaca.org/free.htm
Churches
Hillside Community Church
Pastor Rick Hill
Worship Services
Sundays 10:30 AM
Wednesday Night Fellowship
7PM in Fellowship Hall
Web Site: www.julianchurch.org
Apple Pie
Julian Pie Company
The season for L O C A L Julian Apples is OVER, but you can still find excellent pies at the Julian Pie Company at the far end of Main Street... my favorite is the caramel topped version. If you plan on getting pies, call in your order ahead of time to avoid any disappointment if all your favorites are sold out.
For those of you wanting to save money, bring paper plates, a sharp knife, forks and napkins. Buy a whole pie and then cut it up yourself. This will save $5.75 if you bought 6 slices separately.
Julian Coffee
Julian Coffee & Tea House
My favorite coffee place is the Julian Coffee and Tea House. It is located at the opposite end of Julian by the gas station. I suggest you get your coffee at the Julian Coffee House, slowly sip while strolling down Main Street till you get to the Julian Pie Company. Now, buy a whole cut pie and eat a slice with the remainder of your coffee. Take the rest of the pie back to your campsite or cottage for dessert later!
The Spa at Warner Springs
Take a short 30 minute drive and go for a massage at The Spa at Warner Springs. While there you can spend a few hours soaking in the mineral pool and soak up some sun. This is a great day trip and very relaxing. I go there at least once a month and the services and hot mineral water are very healing, relaxing and soothing. There is a small poolside restaurant that serves excellent health menu items. Dressing rooms, lockers, showers, towels and lounge chairs make this a must-do excursion when staying at Pinezanita.
Warner Springs Ranch is a private club, so you must book a service at The Spa at Warner Springs in order to use the mineral pool. I recommend getting an early massage appointment and then spend the rest of the morning soaking in the mineral water and sunning. Dine at the poolside restaurant and then return to Pinezanita for a quiet relaxing evening.
California Wolf Center
619.234.WOLF or 760.765.0030
Saturdays
2PM
Cost: $8 Adults | $4 Children
Directions: 4 miles south of Julian on Highway 79 | Enter at KQ Ranch Campground & Resort | California Wolf Centeris located behind the resort.
Program: Wolves of North America are presented to visitors through an outdoor walking tour, an educational talk and a comprehensive slide show.
Web Site: www.californiawolfcenter.org/
The Julian Bed & Breakfast Guild
The Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild is an unique organization of innkeepers dedicated to providing visitors with local information and a fine selection of quality, smoke-free Julian lodging. Their members are ready to answer your questions every day, between 9AM and 9PM.
Julian Bed and Breakfast Guild
LINKS
Links to other web sites with useful information about Julian: