Apples and Art Orchards, Julian

About Apples and Art Orchards

Apples and Art Orchards is a family-owned u-pick apple orchard near Julian where visitors harvest their own apples and make fresh cider. The experience begins with a twenty-minute talk from the owner about apple varieties and picking techniques, covering apple facts like why apples float in water. The orchard grows Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, Fiesta, Greensleeves, Queen Cox, Liberty, and heirloom varieties on trees up to fifty years old. Visitors use apple pickers to harvest from tall trees, with younger children receiving assistance. After picking, the owner demonstrates hand-crank apple pressing, loading about fifty washed apples into the press to extract fresh cider for tasting. The orchard's pulp feeds resident chickens, and visitors may see newly laid eggs collected from the coop. Picnic tables are available on the grounds. Groups typically range from families and scouts to homeschooling classes, visiting this Julian farm park to enjoy nature, learn apple facts, and take home their harvest.