If it’s not the case already, Julian should be known as much for its shopping as its pie. Shoppers can spend a whole day strolling up and down Main Street and find everything from apple cider by the gallon to old-fashioned toys.
There are also multiple places to stop for coffee or a quick bite, so shopping there can truly be an all-day event. Here are four places to consider visiting for this year’s holiday gifts.
Julian Pie Company, 2225 Main St., has an express window for ordering a whole pie to-go. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Julian Pie Company
One of the biggest appeals of the Julian Pie Company, besides its delicious desserts, is a special to-go window for take-home pies. While there’s often a line for pie-lovers who want to sit and enjoy a piece, visiting shoppers can cut straight to the side of the building to a grab-and-go window just for them. Pies make great gifts, especially for guests who don’t want to show up empty-handed to holiday meals. Give the gift of Dutch apple, pecan, strawberry rhubarb, original apple or any of the other many tasty filling options. While they’re on the pricey side, and also sold at various grocery stores around San Diego County, gift-givers can get bonus points for getting the pie straight from the source. 2225 Main Street, Julian. 760-765-2449, julianpie.com
The Olde Goat, 2106 Main St., sells products made from goat milk or inspired by goats. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Olde Goat
Anyone looking to wow their friends and family with the uniqueness of their gifts could consider The Olde Goat. Sourced from a farm in Ramona, products for sale include lotion, laundry soap, fudge and butter made from goat milk. Much of this comes from the Dirty Goat Soap company, but the shops also stocks its shelves with gifts from other companies, including La Vaquita Lux. Toward the back of the shop, for a bonus option, The Buckpen Sportscards and Memorabilia is set up with interesting local sports merchandise to explore. 2106 Main St., Julian. 858-204-4085, instagram.com/theoldegoatjulianca
Old Julian Garage, 2126 Main St., is packed with wall-to-wall gift ideas. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Old Julian Garage
This store is packed with so many items that it’s almost to the point of overwhelming, but that only increases the odds that shoppers will find what they need this holiday season. Inside, find options for music-lovers, people who go camping, fans of Tiki culture, friends and family members with beards and kids who are obsessed with cars, among other people on this year’s list. There is also clothing, mugs, salsas and games for all ages. In the back of the store, the Julian Jewel Box sells beautiful jewelry designed by Patricia McConnell. 2126 Main St., Julian. 760-765-0665, oldjuliangarage.weebly.com
Customers could spend hours in the Warm Hearth, 2125 Main St., and still not see everything in its multiple rooms and levels full of gifts. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Warm Hearth
It’s not an exaggeration to say that shoppers can spend hours in The Warm Hearth. After looking around the main level, they will find that the shop expands to multiple levels and rooms and is more like the size of an antique mall. There is an astounding amount of merchandise at The Warm Hearth, but it is still a pleasant place to peruse. In addition to stocking major brands, find also local products such as Julian Blackwood Provisions, Ceramics by Sonja and Julian Country Traditions. Some of the highlights include home decor, books, stationary, candles, leather goods, wooden toys, gardening supplies and hats. If shoppers only have time to go to one store, and have a big list to shop for, The Warm Hearth will get the job done. 2125 Main St., Julian. 760-765-1022, warmhearthgifts.com