Julian, CA

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Julian, CA 

Nothing like visiting a picturesque little town nestled in the mountains near San Diego…..right?!  If that sounds good to you then you’ve got to visit Julian, CA!  It’s about 1 ½ hours from Orange County, and well work the drive.  Once you get off the freeways, the back roads are charming!  It is known for its apple orchards.  There are plenty of fields that you can stop at along the way to do some apple picking, but we head straight for the quaint town for the apple pie, apple cobbler, apple cider, the list goes on & on!

Julian is about 3 blocks long with charming stores and plenty of pie shops.  Parking is free.  For a few bucks you can ride a horse drawn carriage through town and wave at all the tourist!  (No I didn’t do that!!  I just waved at those passing by me!)

I enjoy visiting Julian in the Fall, but I’ve got to give you a “heads up” because I think everyone else loves the Fall too!  The line for the pie shops were down the block!  Something about being up in the mountains for Autumn helps to put me in the mood for the season.

All & all this is a sweet get away that really only costs you the gas to get there BUT……I’m sure you’ll want to spend some money on some apple treats!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 Romano’s Restaurant-2718 “B” Street, Julian, CA

Romano’s was great!  It’s located in a small cottage type house and is very cozy on the inside.  The food was very tasty!

 

 

Getty Villa

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This is the place to go if you want to step back in time to ancient Greece & Italy.  The Villa is a beautiful escape up on the hilltop over looking the Pacific ocean.  The Getty Villa is free but you do have to make a reservation.  (Parking is $15).  You can make your reservations from 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday / Closed on Tuesday.

In 1970 J. Paul Getty sat down with architects

to recreate a first century Roman country house.  This house is picturesque everywhere you turn!  You see column after column, garden after garden, and beautiful statues and art adorn this building.  Actually I find the building itself a piece of art.  Remember to look up!  I’m amazed at the art that adorns the ceilings!  I find all of the gods from Greek mythology so interesting.  How Venus & Athena are the same, they were just different names in different countries!  Here you will find a lot of archived items, rather than paintings.  If you have a desire to see paintings you’ll want to visit the Getty Museum.

As you work your way up the hill from the parking lot the 1^st thing you’ll encounter is the Barbara & Lawrence Fleischman Theater.  It is an outdoor theater that was created based on ancient prototypes.  Most weekends you can attend concerts and shows that are available for an additional price.  I can’t help but think that one of these performances would be extremely tranquil and beautiful.  How can it not be when your surround by such beautiful architure, gardens and art?!

I enjoy walking the reflecting ponds that are adorned with fountains and arbors.  They have 4 gardens that are all inspired by ancient Roman models.

At the Getty store you will find very unique items that I’m sure can only be found at the museum.  They have a café that you can pick lunch up at, a coffee kiosk, and for an additional price “Tea by the Sea”.

This is a great place to loose yourself, to feel like your apart of the ancients!  Go!  Explore!  Enjoy!

Patricks Roashouse, 106 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA

OK, So I LOVED the character of this place!!  You could feel the vibe here!  For starters you can’t miss it!  It’s painted bright kelly green and it’s basically right on PCH.  I love the décor, the history and most of all the menu!  I got a delish burger that had a mango chutney on it and homemade chips that came out hot!

Arnold Schwarzenagger eats there frequently and even has a huge chair that he brought in especially for him.  The story goes that he broke one of their chairs and was so embarrassed that he brought in this huge chair that is now located at the back of the dining area.  Other celebrities that have visited this iconic roadhouse: Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Carson Daly, Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, and the list goes on & on!

I can’t wait to go back!!  Whose ready to go with me!