Julian CA: A Norman Rockwell Mountain Town

There is a town in southern California high up in the mountains that smells of warm apples. On its Main Street is the town’s post office, bank, gas station and chamber of commerce; in between are shops of candy, antiques, books, clothes and, appropriately enough for a segue, painting supplies. Norman Rockwell spent his life in the northeastern part of America, but somehow a town in the southwestern corner of our country manifested all the idyllic charm that his paintings suggested. That enchanting heaven is Julian, California.

About 65 miles northeast of San Diego, Julian is the bucolic getaway of the metropolis’s locals and tourists. After the half hour drive along the 8 East, take Exit #40 toward “Julian” and turn Left onto CA-79. As you drive the little over 20 miles north, the sinuous road slows your travel pace and just in time. Passing by fruit stands and horse ranches up the mountain, you’ll weave through Cuyamaca Park. The usually beautiful forest suffered in the fire of 2003. Gazing upon the scorched woods, you’ll quiet as you recognize the destruction we humans can incite but then each bit of new growth that you see will remind you of nature’s resilience. Once through the once-charred and newly-burgeoning forest, you’ll arc around Lake Cuyamaca where you can stop to fish or boat (paddle, wheel, canoe, motor and row boats are available.) Then with the rising elevation, the air begins to thin and the view becomes more impressive as you wind your way up the mountain. You won’t mind this 1-1 ½ hour drive. 

When you finally reach Julian, you’ll step out of your car and smile because you just stepped into one of Norman Rockwell’s paintings.