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There’s Gold
in Them There Hills WRITTEN BY: ErIN rOSE BELAIr PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JENAvIEvE BELAIr STYLED BY: BrIttANY HArt TOP AND BOOTS PROVIDED BY: HOUSE OF BOUTIQUES houseofboutiques.com BRA, SHORTS, AND RINGS PROVIDED BY: EDEN BOUTIQUE 520 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.696.3336 www.edenboutiques.com
he winding stretch of highway 78 leading me east of San Diego and up through the Cuyamaca Mountains may very well be a one of the most lovely drives I have taken. The bends and dips in the road brought me finally to a small town just 60 miles east of our beloved San Diego: Julian, California. This old gold rush town is nothing short of the wild west I had in my imagination, and upon arrival, I am convinced somewhere along the 78, we must have found a way to time travel. Rolling into town there aren’t many choices. You go left or you go right. The main drag stretches just a few blocks long and has everything you’re looking for. We parked far off to the left of town under a weeping willow and took to the streets. The quiet streets hold endless shops, restaurants and artifacts all giving a nod back to the golden days when time moved slower and life felt simpler. I don’t think I would have to argue with many when I say a muchneeded respite from city life can change one’s perspective entirely, and there isn’t a better place to do so than Julian.
A HISTORY LESSON Before we go gallivanting through my time in Julian, I’ll bring you up to speed on just where we are. Julian was originally founded following the Civil War but became famous in 1869 after the discovery of gold flecks in the creek. Miners from all around the world descended upon the quiet mountain town and while no one actually struck it rich, it gave Julian a name and place in history forever. Around the same time, pioneer James Madison arrived and decided it was a fine place with fertile soil and perfect for planting apple orchards. Julian to this day is most famous for it’s incredible apple orchards and the delicious products they produce like pies, ciders and more. However, coming to Julian, I discovered there is a whole lot more to get excited about. This location is a must-do getaway this summer.
Gold Mining & Panning Tour at Eagle and High Peak Mine Call to book tours: 760.765.0036 Ah, the legendary mines of Julian California. We now find ourselves high in the hills at The Eagle Mining Company. This wonderful, exciting and
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informative tour will teach you to relive the golden glory years of the mines as you tour the underground mining operations and experience first hand the milling process. You will see 1000 ft. of underground hard rock tunnels, authentic machinery and tools, rock displays, antique trucks and loads of gold veins. Bring a lunch with you and enjoy the afternoon surrounded by the “rich” history of Julian California.