Getting to Julian is easy and it takes less than an hour from almost anywhere in San Diego County. Refer to the county map for directions. Then take either Highway 67, 79 or 78. For more information, contact the Julian Chamber of Commerce (9) at (760-765-1857). They are open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You can also learn more about ucpoming events and weekly news from the local paper at JulianNews.com.

Each September the Julian Chamber of Commerce features an annual Grape Stomp Festa. The event is held at the Menghini Winery located 3 miles north of the town of Julian. The cost to get in is $10 for adults.

Two tons of grapes are stomped. Plus, there is live music, great food and wine tastings from 14 San Diego County wineries. A delicious wine to try is the Viognier, from the J. Jenkins Winery. The event is an upbeat, feel great event. I suggest everyone go next year! It's that much fun! Julian's other very popular local wineries defintely worth visiting are Orfila Winery and Witch Creek Winery and their fabulous wine tasting rooms.

Julian is home to romantic Bed & Breakfast Inns that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

Butterfield Bed & Breakfast (1), 2284 Sunset Dr., Julian, CA 92036 (800- 379-4262). ($135–$185). Celebrating its 25th year, this charming inn has five guest rooms. It also features fireplaces and gourmet breakfasts. AAA approved, three diamond rating. [butter fieldbandb. com]. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast (11), 2609 D St., Julian, CA 92036 (760-765- 1252). ($165–$185). Townsite Victorian with great views. Four guest rooms, fireplaces, A/C, pool, spa, patios, full breakfast and desser ts. [eaglenestbandb. com]. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Julian Gold Rush Bed & Breakfast (4), 2032 Main St., Julian CA 92036 (760-765-0201). ($125–$210). Sunset Magazine’s “Best of the West Bed & Breakfast.” [julianhotel.com]. Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.

Oak Hill Farm Lodging (5), 2333 Sunset View Dr., Julian, CA 92036 (760- 522-9021). ($85–$95). Private baths and entries, pool, continental breakfast. [oakhillfarmlodging.com]. Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.

Orchard Hill Country Inn (6), 2502 Washington St., Julian, CA 92036 (760-765-1700). ($195–$450). Features 22 rooms. AAA approved, four diamond rating. [orchardhill.com]. Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.

Pine Hills Lodge (7), 2960 La Posada Way, Julian, CA 92036 (760-765- 1100). ($80 –$180). Cozy cabins in a rustic country setting. Sunday Brunch is served in the lodge with its stone fireplace. Have cocktails in their bar open Fri.–Sat. Plenty of space for weddings and special events. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Shadow Mountain Ranch (8), 2771 Frisius Dr., Julian, CA 92036 (760-765-0323). ($135–$150). Themed cottages on 15 acres in the Pine Hills area. Features pool, hot tub, wedding chapel, archery, badminton, croquet and horseshoes. Country breakfast and afternoon tea. Credit cards: none.

Wikiup Bed & Breakfast(10), 1645 Whispering Pines Dr., Julian, CA 92036 (760-765-1890). ($175–$185). Secluded and romantic five-bedroom B&B located in the woods one mile from Julian. Features private hot tubs, fireplaces and featherbeds. AAA approved, and three diamond rating. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Country Carriages (12) will pick you up in front of the Julian Drugstore at Main Street and Washington Street and take you on a two-mile ride out into the country (760-765-1471). The halfhour ride is ($30) per couple. Tours are available Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 a.m–7 p.m. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

A great historic adventure is taking a tour of one of Julian’s original gold mines. The Eagle & High Peak Mine (2) is located at the end of C Street (760-765-0036). Tours are given daily at 10 a.m. till closing and cost ($10) for adults; ($5) for children five years and older; and under five years ($1).

Another sure bet is horseback riding. For reser vations call Julian Stables (760-765-1598) or by appointment only for Kenner Ranch (13) at 17550 Harrison Park Rd. (760- 473-5681).

The newest back country casino is Santa Ysabel Resort & Casino (19) at 25575 Highway 79 in Santa Ysabel (760-787-0909). See map. They feature 371 gaming machines and 6 gaming tables with a poker room. Dine at Orchard Restaurant and don’t miss the Seven Oaks Tap Room featuring a bar, cocktails and more than 20 drafts on tap. Live entertainment is 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Jeremy's on the Hill (20), 4354 Hwy. 78, Wynola, which is just west of Julian on Hwy. 78 (760-765-1587). Romantic live piano music is performed Saturday evenings. Happy hour is 2:30–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri. Champagne Brunch is 8 a.m.– 11 a.m. Sundays ($11–$18). Lunch is served daily 11 a.m.–4 p.m ($8–$21) and dinner Sun.–Thurs. 4–8 p.m. and until 9 p.m. Fri.–Sat. ($11–$31). Destined for greatness is young, talented San Francisco trained Cordon Bleu Chef Jeremy Manley. He was raised in Julian and has been preparing food since the tender age of 10. Yet, his talent at age 24 is far beyond his years.

This Californiastyle bistro offers impressive local and regional wines paired with the freshest of fish and meats. Their menu changes seasonally. Memorable entrées include an amazing 8-oz. flat iron steak with Danish blue cheese, portobello mushrooms, field greens and whipped Yukon gold potatoes. Totally impressive is the checker board sesame crusted Hawaiian Ahi filet. The Chambord raspberry crème brûlée is the perfect ending to any meal. This is a highly recommended place to dine in Julian. Childrens menu. Beer and wine. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

The Julian Grille (14), 2224 Main St., Julian (760-765-0173). Open for lunch daily, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; dinner Tues.–Thurs., 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m; Fri.–Sat. 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m. This cozy cottage serves steaks, seafood and prime rib. Patio dining is available. Full bar. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Rongbranch Restaurant (16), 2722 Washington St., Julian (760-765-2265). Open Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Their specialties include steaks and seafood. Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA.

Julian Pie Company, 2225 Main Street (760-765-2449) is lLocally owned family business specializing in apple pies and cider donuts. Some 17,000 trees provide apples for pies at our Julian and Santa Ysabel locations.

Blue Door Winery (18), 1255 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian (760-765-0361) [the bluedoorwinery.com]. This is the newest winery in Julian and some say it is also the best yet. It’s open Mon.–Thurs., noon–4:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sun., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost is ($6) for five tastings and ($10) to keep the souvenir crystal tasting glass. They serve an exceptional Merlot. When you are a repeat customer, bring your glass and a tasting flight is only ($5). Credit cards: MC, VISA.

Menghini Winery (18), 1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian (760-765-2072) [menghiniwinery.com]. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during the week and till 5 p.m. on weekends. Wine tastings are ($5) and include a free wine glass. Don’t miss their annual Grape Stomp festival. See the Calendar of Events in this chapter. Located in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard, this winery produces an extraordinar y chardonnay, cabernet rosé, cabernet sauvignon, voignier, Syrah and a 2007 Riesling called “Fool’s Gold.” This winery has a picnic area and a charming shop of fering wonder ful cheeses, dips, honeys and jams. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room (17), 4470 Hwy. 78, Julian (760-765- 0102) [orfila.com]. Use their discount coupon in this book or online for a two for one wine tasting. This is Orfila’s second wine-tasting location and is open Fri.–Tues., 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Browse their quaint gift shop for gourmet foods and wine related items. You can taste six different reds and whites for ($10). Use their coupon to get a 2 for 1 wine tasting. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Witch Creek Winery (4), 2000 Main St., Julian (760-765-2023) [witchcreek winery.com]. It’s open Thurs.–Mon. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. This quaint tasting room is located in the heart of historic downtown Julian. Wine tasting is ($5). Present their ad in this book to get one free tasting when you buy one. Use their coupon to get two wine tastings for the price of one. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

Each September the Julian Chamber of Commerce features a Grape Stomp Festa. The event is held at the Menghini Winery (18) located 3 miles north of the town of Julian. The cost to get in is ($10) for adults. Two tons of grapes are stomped. Plus, there is live music, great food and wine tastings from 14 San Diego County wineries. A delicious wine to try is the viognier, from Jenkins Winery. The event is an upbeat, feel great event. Once you attend this annual grape stomp you’ll want to attend every year.

For exact dates, prices and other information, call the Julian Chamber of Commerce (9) at (760-765-1857). They are open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Julian News is also a good source for what to see and do.