This 4th of July we celebrated early.
My husband and I were off Friday and Saturday. Sunday and Monday are working days for my husband (technically, he is not off during holidays). Given the circumstances, we had two days to do get out of the city.
We ended up driving around the windy roads of northern San Diego County. Friday, around 3:00 p.m., we entered the historic center of the tiny, mining town of Julian.
To our surprise, the town was dressed in red, white and blue. The colors of the national flag were sprinkled everywhere.
Turns out the town has a parade and BBQ every 4th of July. All businesses on Main Street were ready for the action. That was perfect for us since we were able to breathe the Independence Day atmosphere three days before the actual event.
You may not be aware but Julian is famous for the one thing that it is said to be the most American of all: apple pie.
And, let me tell you something, the pies sold in the town’s bakeries are smashing! Pie is not even my favorite dessert and right now, my mouth is watering because I am thinking about all the delicious slices I consumed during my visit. As soon as you get out of the car, the cinnamon and sugar scent hits you. You stop to inhale the aroma and proceed to make the line to get your slice (better if it is served with cinnamon ice cream).
It is not only the pie. There are so many elements that make you feel like in a movie dedicated to all things Americana.
Apple Cider
Motorcycles
Soda Fountain
Milkshakes
Burgers
BBQ
Baked Apples
Pancakes
Stars
Stripes
Giant Flags
I leave you with several photos I took during my visit. Hope they give you a sense of how Independence Day is celebrated in the United States.
Happy 4th of July to all my friends in the United States (and to expatriates too)!
What reminds you of the United States?
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
it looks very festive!#monday escapes
Ruth says
Yes, great to get the celebration feeling.
Lisa @ LTTL says
What a fun town to visit. You got a little Americana to celebrate the 4th early, that’s a fun treat. I think I need to add this town to my California see list. Hope you have a Happy 4th!
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Ruth says
It is a nice little town surrounded by natural, open spaces. Is ideal for people who like the outdoors.
Jeanna says
I’d LOVE to go there, The Candied Apple Pastry Company, yip. Nice find and a fun and fitting way to celebrate the holiday. I like how you made a list of things tasty about Julian and the US. Wonderful post and wonderful little town.
Ruth says
Well, it was a short list. I think we can come up with more of a hundred things that are tasty in the United States.
Photo cache says
Oh goodie, I will have to take my husband here. I am not into pies (am a cake gal) but he’s on a quest to find the best tasting apple pie. This is prolly where he will find it.
Happy 4th!
Ruth says
I am not into pies either but the ones made in this town are so good that you will feel like a pie aficionado. Your husband will love those pies for sure.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
Great shots!
Thanks for joining in at this week’s Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday):
http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/07/happy-independence-day.html
Ruth says
Thanks!
Jo @ Jo Jacks Travel says
I used to live in SD and would drive up into Julian whenever I got an urge for apple pie. I would eat a fat slice there and take a pie home to finish for breakfast! Its a beautiful drive. What a great day you chose to visit – getting to experience some real Americana.
Ruth says
Oh Jo! So great somebody get the feeling of going to Julian and enjoying a big slice of pie. I wasn’t expecting all the red, blue and white colors but I enjoyed them.
Corey with fifi + hop says
It indeed looks and sounds very Americana! I’ve never heard of it. But I love apple pie so am going to have to check it out next time I’m in Cali! #mondayescapes
Ruth says
Definitely, a great place to check if you like apple pie.
ladyfi says
How very picturesque!
Ruth says
Thanks! Glad you like the photos.
kelleyn says
Love it! Let freedom ring!
Ruth says
Ja, ja! Great way to summarize things up!
PauMau says
Looks like everyone is celebrating. I specially like the one with motorbikes 🙂
Ruth says
The town was full of bikers. Most of the streets were lined with bikes. I really liked that.
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
Yep, this does look like America in a nutshell! Absolutely gorgeous!
Ruth says
Looks like small towns know how to celebrate!
Pat says
I love little towns like Julian that have a wonderful patriotic spirit!
Ruth says
It would have been nice to be in town for the actual parade. That would be cool. After the parade, people go to a BBQ and then go back to the coast for the fireworks.
Anna says
I’ve never heard of this town, even though I’m from SoCal. It looks too cute, and omg just the mention of american apple pie has me drooling. Apple pie is seriously one of my favorite desserts ever, and I miss it so so much when traveling/living out of the country!! I’m drooling at even the thought of cinnamon, sugar, and baked pastry aroma in the air!
Ruth says
Every time I mention the town, there are some Southern Californians that have never heard of the town. But, if you love pie, this is the place for you. There are other culinary pleasures too.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
What a fantastic taste of America – literally and figuratively! I know we’ve just got back from California but I already fancy a trip to San Diego and around the city so this is right on my list. How fun to see it dressed up for Independence Day too – happy 4th of July! And thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ruth says
I read you enjoyed Southern California a lot. Therefore, you have to make plans to return and visit Los Angeles and San Diego. I bet you would love those places too.
Jill says
Lovely photos! I had heard of Julian as a destination for apples and pie but didn’t know they did July 4th so big! Glad you had such a fun holiday weekend!
Ruth says
I didn’t know either! My findings were a coincidence. I went to enjoy the pie and end up extra happy because of everything that was happening.
Kathy says
What a gorgeous little place. The Americans are so patriotic when it comes to celebrating their heritage. The red, white and blue decorations are so colourful. Apple pie just so happens to be my favourite dessert!
Ruth says
Wow! There are more fans of apple pie than I thought. I would have to write a post dedicated only to pies.
budget jan says
My husband really likes apple pies and so do I. I’ve found there are so many different ways they can be prepared. I’ve never thought about where they first came from. It looks like a cute town.
Ruth says
The interesting thing is that there are different versions of apple pie in this town. They have the original,dutch apple pie, apple and berries and other varieties. This time I tried apple and peach. Is is nice to see what they have in season.
Trekking with Becky says
I spent two 4th of Julys in the States – one in NYC in 2009 and one in Florida 2001. Neither of them were anything like your photos, but they were special and fun, nonetheless.
Ruth says
Really! You have to celebrate it in California. It is fun in here!
Ruth Daly says
What fun pictures! I love all the red, white, and blue everywhere.
Ruth says
The town is pretty but I can argue it looked better with all the flags around.
Indrani says
Loved reading about your celebrations. The description is good and the pics tempt me to have one of them now.Never knew the origin.
Ruth says
Thanks Indrani! Glad you learned something new thru the post.
Michelle | michwanderlust says
Wow, this town looks a great place to visit – especially in early July! Love towns which have a bit of character, and this one has it in buckets. The apple pie sounds delicious – I’ve never tried American apple pie before, although I’ve tried apple pie in Japan. Not sure if it would be the same thing! If you visit Nagano, do check out the apple pie – apples are the regional specialty so you’ll see a lot of apple-themed stuff. If I ever visit Julian I’ll let you know how compare 😉
Ruth says
Thanks for the tip. I need to find more info about Nagano and its apples. Apple deserts are not a thing of the Caribbean and I am not necessarily crazy about them. But the pies in Julian are something else. Just the smell makes you crave a slice.
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
We literally just got back from visiting our friends in San Diego, and they were telling us about Julian! My husband’s favorite dessert is apple pie, so they promised that they’d take us there next time we visit! It sounds like you stumbled upon Julian at the perfect time for a great Fourth of July parade and BBQ!
Ruth says
Take your friends word and go! It is a nice place to visit year around. Do not miss it next time!
Cathy says
What a picture perfect day! Even the clouds and sky were trying to fit in the color scheme:)
Ruth says
I was surprised by the clouds that day. They were fantastic. I have tons of photos of them. I will share them at another time.
Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe says
Ruth, this July 4th we celebrated my Mother and her twins’ 80th birthdays. As a little girl Mum always said one year she would celebrate her birthday in America for the biggest birthday ever. Unfortunately, with the long flights from Perth added with Mum has never owned a passport, I doubt at 80 that will happen. But when I finally get to US I would love it to be July 4th so I can celebrate on her behalf. Thanks for linking with #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Oh Lyn! What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it with. Many blessing for your mom, here sister and your entire family. If one day you find yourself in Los Angeles, please feel free to give me a ring.
Rhonda says
I like the way the town of Julian dressed up for the 4th of July. Bring on the pie!
Ruth says
Yes, they thew the house thru the window. There was a superb attention to detail.
Minoru says
Hi! Nice Independent day for you and for USA citizens. I enjoyed Canada day at July first in Vancouver. Thanks for sharing.
Ruth says
Thanks! These celebration are always fun!
Katy says
Wonderful photos Ruth. As a non American this is how I picture 4th of July celebrations. Love all that apple pie goodness.
Ruth says
Glad you got a glimpse on how it is celebrated in here. In Puerto Rico, we celebrate it but in a very different way.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Love your photos, Ruth! I have never tried apple pie in America. It would be interesting to compare it to the apple pie we eat in the UK. I’ll have to find a recipe and try it out – we always have a ridiculous amount of apples on our trees in the garden in the Autumn.
Ruth says
I would like to compare the different versions too. You have to tell me about a place where they make great pie in the UK.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
I haven’t been to Julian but sounds like a great little town, much like the one I grew up in. Things that remind me of America….there are so many but a few…food (hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit pie, French fries, cheesesteaks, Key Lime pie, etc.), sports (baseball/football/basketball), displays of patriotism (being in the UK now, it is noticeable the absence of flags etc.), covered bridges and red Mail Pouch barns, films (so many films watched everywhere are American), and clothing (baseball hats, blue jeans, tee shirts). ~ Jessica
Ruth says
Wow Jessica! So many things that are so related to the United States! Thanks for the great list. BTW, where you grew up?
Anda says
I heard of Julian but have never been there. It looks quite nice, I’d love to visit it. 4th of July is a very special day for our nation and I love it when the communities decorate themselves so festively.
Ruth says
Anda, you should pay a visit around fall when the apples are in season. They have apple pie (and other products) available all the year but apple picking season is particularly fun.
Elizabeth (wander Mum) says
Wow! Amazing pictures and some true patriotism. You’ve certainly delivered a slice of American culture to my table ; ) I’d love to visit Julian and try the famous American Pie! Happy Independence Day and thanks for linking to #citytripping
Ruth says
I have to write more about apple pie. I have written about the pies sold in the town before but another post will be nice. I visited some new bakeries.
Vlad says
I love apple pie, I’d love to try it whenever I’ll visit the US. By the way, as I was reading the post, I saw you mentioned burgers and I was already craving one. Glad there weren’t photos of burgers to feed my craving, haha
Ruth says
You have given me a great idea for a post. Burgers chains seems to be a war in here. They are always discussions on which one is best.
Nancie says
Hi Ruth. This little looks like it takes the 4th of July and its pies very seriously! What fun that you and your husband got to enjoy the festivities. Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
Ruth says
There are families that have been baking pies for more than 70 years. They know what they are doing since their products are extremely good (and delicious).
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
I had no idea! And now I’m dying to go. What a fun little town! I love stumbling across unexpected finds and hidden gems like Julian. Thanks for putting it on our radar – one more reason to get back to San Diego!
– Rob.
Ruth says
Northern and rural San Diego and so overlook. However, they are full of treasures. I visited its beach towns this weekend and had a blast.
Mary{The World Is A Book} says
Love all the festive decor! We usually go to Julian during the Fall for apple picking but never thought to go there for 4th of July. It’s such a charming town and those delicious apple pies are always worth a drive.
Ruth says
I think you live not that far away. So, it should be nice every time you are craving pie.
Ranthambore National Park says
What a fun town to visit.
It in reality looks and sounds exceptionally Americana! I’ve never known about it.
Be that as it may, I adore crusty fruit-filled treat
Ruth says
Thanks! I hope you have the opportunity to visit one day.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
It’s like the way the Holiday used to be celebrated everywhere … Not so much anymore at least in the bigger cities. Lovely series.
Ruth says
I have not taken that into consideration but you are right. This may be more real than what we experience in big cities.
Isabel says
Pies definitely remind me of the US! Also barbecue ribs, beer and great shopping, hehe!
Ruth says
Ribs and pies! That sounds like an excellent combination.
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
Oh, gosh. I want a pie, and a burger and a hot dog and a shake… Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
Ting, I think we are on the same frequency in here ;0)