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Where It All Pans Out
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Julian, California
Jeff Buchanan
05/01/2006
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The mad rush for gold that swept through California in the
mid-to-late-1800s inspired a great many townships to spring up to accommodate
the sudden influx of people eager to cash in on the boom. Unfortunately, the
earthly riches proved less plentiful than the pioneers’ avarice, and many of
these once-burgeoning cities lost their luster and their populaces, fading
rapidly into lonesome ghost towns.
One of the small mining towns that did
survive was Julian. Having discovered another kind of gold in its abundant apple
orchards, Julian today is a charming tourist attraction with a serious bent
toward apple pies.
About an hour’s ride northeast of San Diego, Julian
is perfectly situated as the central hub among a plethora of motorcycle-friendly
roads. Snuggled in the Laguna Mountains at 4,200 feet, Julian boasts a rarity in
Southern California: four distinct seasons. Beautiful when cloaked in its fall
colors, Julian can get cold and icy in winter, so motorcyclists would be well
advised to check weather conditions before tackling the mountain.
Julian’s
Main Street is a throwback to the wood-plank covered walkways of the Old West.
The general store and saloon have given way to a variety of shops, restaurants,
and bed & breakfasts. However, the quaintest aspect of Julian is its high
ratio of shops proffering the modern day gold of its renowned apple
pies.
From its lilac blossoms and historical reenactments to the turning
leaves and a host of local festivals, Julian is a quintessential California
escape for the weekend two-wheel adventurer.
www.julianca.com | 760.765.1857
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