Around The Retreat
There is plenty to keep you busy in and around our property. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and interact with our 4 acre property. There are lots of activities to do, but keep in mind that they may vary depending on the season.
Around Julian
A premier mountain getaway, just an hour east of San Diego, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. Take a step back in time to the days of Julian’s beginning rooted in the 1870’s gold rush. Get away from the hectic rush of city life… discover the charms of Julian.
See where gold was discovered—shop stores housed in historic buildings dating back to the 1870’s—sleep in a romantic B&B or historic hotel—sample Julian’s famous apple pie —hike and picnic amid oaks and pines—ride down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy!
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Gold Mining
Explore the tunnels of a real gold mine, take a guided tour of some secluded mines, take a scenic train ride up to an authentic mine, or try your hand at gold panning and discover gold and minerals.
Picnic Sites
For centuries, people have been combining the pleasures of sunshine and fresh air with another of life’s great pleasures: food. A half-dozen scenic parks surrounding Julian provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable picnic.
Orchards
Wander through century-old apple and pear trees at one of our numerous orchards and pick fresh fruit from mid-August through September, learn how to make apple cider, or enjoy a picnic under large shady oak trees.
Hiking Trails
With numerous scenic trails to choose from ranging from easy to moderately strenuous, the state and county parks and preserves in the Julian area offer thousands of acres to discover and explore its unique natural resources.
Boating and Fishing
Boaters can explore the 110-acre Cuyamaca Lake in kayaks, pontoons, rowboats, motorboats or peddle boats.
Country Christmas
An annual tree lighting ceremony takes place in Pioneer Park the Saturday after Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of Julian’s Country Christmas which runs until the new year. Strolling Victorian carolers, hot apple cider, horse-drawn carriage rides, brunch with Santa, living nativity displays, theatrical performances and more mark this enchanting time of year and there’s always the possibility of snow.
Taste of Julian
Sample the very best of Julian cuisine with this self-guided tour of numerous restaurants, wineries and breweries during this one-day event which typically takes place in April.
Gold Rush Days
Celebrating the discovery of gold, this free weekend event features entertainment, gold panning, tomahawk throwing demonstrations, children’s pioneer games, a petting zoo, historic skits, candle dipping and plenty of family fun.
Grape Stomp
Held the first Saturday in September, this old world-style festival celebrates the harvest and the rich local wine industry with wine tasting, gourmet food, kids activities, bocce ball and, of course, grape stomping.
Music Festival
Originally a banjo fiddle competition and more recently known as the Julian Bluegrass Festival, the Julian Music Festival bring together a variety of music including bluegrass, Western ballads and contemporary music every September.
Apple Days
As part of Julian’s Apple Days Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival is held the last weekend of September at Menghini Winery. The celebration 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, apple pie. The event runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, both Saturday and Sunday. The admission is $5 for adults with children 12 and under free of charge.