Day trip to Julian, Ca. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures
Looking for a day trip from San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs, Riverside County or Los Angeles?
Just outside of Julian, Ca you will find a town called Santa Ysabel. Along that Highway -Historic Hwy 78 you will find small Mom & Pop shops, antiques and trinkets and of course APPLE PIE!
My favorite place to stop is Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures located in Santa Ysabel, near Julian, Ca. 12 acres of pure natural fun!
It may sound familiar to you because not only do they offer fun family events, but they also host school tours and groups. There are several packages to choose from- These range from learning about the Kumeyaay Indians and Pioneer settlers, as well as hands-on skills such as archery, pottery, tomahawk-throwing, Sling shot- paint ball, playing in a jug band and dancing in a hoedown.
Fort Cross has something to do for all ages! Toddlers to Grandparents- Couples looking for a fun date day, large groups, family day out and of course those adults that want to feel like a kid again!
Fort Cross is a family owned and operated outdoor education center for all ages, with a focus on hands-on activities. Originally centered around living history, they offer programs and private events that involve music, art, survival skills, team building, and agriculture workshops.
Not just for kids! Events for all ages welcome!
My ADVENTURE @ Fort Cross- day trip to Julian
My family and I took a nice Sunday drive to Julian and along the way we stopped to spend the day at Fort Cross old timey adventures. I have always wanted to visit this place, so I was really excited to check it out!
I was so happy that it finally was happening! I have been following their page for awhile now, so I had an idea of what the place was about.
What I had no idea about was that it would be better then I had imagined! As soon as we drove up, I felt like I was at a Country Hoedown. Cute signs all over the place- pointing in the direction of where to enter, different places to visit on the farm and of course an arrow pointing towards the check in area.
As you enter the “Fort”, you are greeted with some old timey goods and signage. There was a cool “Fort” to climb on and of course my Son had to have a photo taken of him as “King of the Fort”. There are numerous areas to have a picnic, lots of trees, flowers, gardens… so much to look at! It truly is an educational experience!
It was a beautiful day in Julian & there was so much to look at!
After being in “awe” for a few minutes, I wanted to stop and take photos of EVERYTHING!
Friends- Let me tell you, Truly lots of photo ops here!
I entered the “Fort”, followed the signs to check in and I was greeted by: Doreen. She explained the Farm to us and the days activities.
Fort Cross Adventures-It was activity time!
We decided to start off with the Hoedown-Music and dancing. Little did I know that “we”, my family and I were going to get picked to be the “band”!
We sang, we danced and we laughed with our fellow guests.
Petting Zoo
The have a few furry and also feathered farm animals to visit. Chickens, Rooster, Bunnies, Goats, Rabbits and a few other animal friends.
Reptile Show
The reptile show was a special program they offered over the weekend. We had a chance to see a tortoise and some Snakes-not “snacks”! There was a little one that kept yelling to their Mom- “Mommy, Mommy I want to go in there to get SNACKS!” The Mom couldnt figure out why her kid kept saying that! It is so funny when kids start learning how to read!
Hayride
The hayride was calm and easy. We took a little drive along the farm, Jesse told us about the property, the History of the area and we even sang some fun Jubilee songs! I had fun singing along like a little kid!
Archery-Paintball & Tomahawk throwing
This may have been the kids favorite thing to do! Hands on fun- I even attempted to have a little fun myself. I found out that I was pretty good at throwing a tomahawk!
The staff was so helpful and encouraging.
Cider Pressing
We had so much fun doing this activity and of course enjoying the cider! Farmer Ben led this activity. Both my husband and my younger son helped out Farmer Ben making the cider.
Did you know that it takes about 5-6 apples to make a small Dixie cup size of juice?
Candle Making
This was fun, but it does take patience! Have you ever dipped a candle? Dip-wax ,water-dip-wax,water…. over and over again!
One small candle can burn for approx 40 hours!
Pumpkin Painting
This was a nice ending to the day. We sat and drank our coffee and painted. There is a shelf available to sit the artwork on to dry.
Coffee Break!
The have a small coffee hut that has amazing coffee!! I had a salted caramel americano! YUM! The barista is a sweetheart! Stop in and say Hi!
*They do take cash & card. Price is reasonable. My “specialty” coffee was $4.
Gift shop
Remember that fun day you had at Fort Cross. Grab a trinket for yourself or loved one. Located near check in you will find a small gift shop with handmade soaps, gems,rocks and other gift items. *Some days they even have apple pie that you can purchase to take home. As well as apples & treats that were grown in the garden.
Outdoor fun- Beautiful Julian weather!
We hiked around the property and checked out the gardens, trails, campsites and found some fun places to explore, there was even a tire swing!
You can also make a Dino or Fairy garden *additional fee
My Family and I spent hours here and we really enjoyed our time. I can’t wait to go back in the Winter for the Holiday hayride and then in the Spring to see the lilacs.
Being able to connect with Nature and also spend time as a family was nice!
Lilac Farm- @ Fort Cross Julian
Do you love flowers? During the Spring, they have beautiful gardens full of lilacs. Fort Cross is the 3rd largest Lilac grower in Southern California. They supply the lilacs to many popular stores.
Fact- Did you know that Lilacs date back to the Greeks?
There are many varieties such as striped and double-bloom versions. Fort Cross sells three: the old-fashioned Common Eastern Lilac, all-white Martha Washingtons popular for weddings, and French double-blooms, which are beautiful but really hard to pick, since they must be picked just as they begin to bloom.
PLEASE MAKE NOTE- Due to Fort Cross being a major supplier of these beautiful lilacs, There is no guarantee that there will be fields and fields of them when you visit!
Interesting Fact- Lilacs need 1,500 hours of freezing temperatures each year. Julian has perfect weather.
The Cross Family
Jessie and Doreen Cross run this beautiful Nature adventure park and education center just outside of the town of Julian, in Santa Ysabel.
I had the pleasure of meeting Doreen and spoke to her during our visit. She is so passionate about the Farm and all the programs that they offer. She has a sparkle in her eye when she talks about Fort Cross. She wants to share this Natural Wonderland with more groups and families. If you are interested in booking a trip- feel free to reach out to her.
I met Jesse too! I was his “side-kick” in the “Jamming Jubilee”. My Family and I were the “band”. My husband played the bass, my Son the washboard and for me- the tambourine! Oh what fun it was! We sang, we laughed and made some great family memories!
This is a family ran business, so you will have a chance to meet them both and interact with some other great people during your visit!
A little ” Fort Cross” History-
You’re probably wondering how the Cross family came up with Fort Cross! Well, Jesse grew up helping his Grandfather with his 700 acre Apple Orchard near Yucapia, Ca in Oak Glen. (This is another very popular Apple picking family spot to visit).
Jesse grew up in a Family that has a great love of History. Many of his family are amazing artists too, including him! He started in the living history business around the year 2000 on his Family’s Farm in San Bernardino County. It was there at Riley’s Farm where he helped with their very first living history program.
Fact- Fort Cross has been around for about 15 years. The business moved from Cherry Valley to Julian almost 4 years ago.
Jesse & Doreen brought that love to Julian about 4 years ago. FORT CROSS OLD TIMEY ADVENTURES.
The Cross Family has a few other fun spots in Julian as well-
Jesses parents own an apple farm & orchard in town-Crosscut Farm & Orchard.
Jesses brother owns the Julian Mining Company across the street- which stands on the original homestead site of A.E. “Fred” Coleman, who discovered Julian’s gold and started the gold rush back in 1869 that drew soldiers and freed slaves. Coleman helped to grow this charming Mountain town.
Field trips- head to Fort Cross in Julian!
I have to admit, I am a sucker for Field trips! I absolutely loved bringing my students and their families on new adventures!
Do you enjoy field trips? Make sure to add this to your list and share with your Child’s school!
I personally feel that every child should have a chance to experience a fun day here at Fort Cross. Whether it is a family day or on a school field trip, there is so much to see and do.
As a Teacher, I think that students need to witness things first hand through play. Seeing, touching, hearing… being able to engage and explore is crucial to their development.
Group leaders-this is HUGE!!!!!
Attention Group Coordinators! This is more than generous!!! Check this out….
Group Coordinator and immediate family are invited to attend for free (up to $100 value) with a 20 student minimum
or you can choose to receive a $100 gift certificate for personal use to another event as a thank you for booking with Fort Cross!
FYI-Any of these programs can be made into an overnight camp out!
Ask about major discounts for student groups of 100 or more!
PLEASE NOTE- Fort Cross would like for the schools to have a chance to visit- please inquire with Doreen if you have any special circumstances or requests.
Here are some of their offerings-
https://www.fortcross.com/group-tours
All age groups- Family events & campouts available. Please see website for more details.
-Julian Homestead
-California History
-Native Experience
-Colonial Life
-High adventure tour
SEASONAL –
-Spring Spectacular
-Peter Rabbit Adventure
-Johnny Appleseed- Discovering America
-Holiday Hayride
– Haunted Hayride
-Autumn Jubilee
-Homeschool days
CHECK WEBSITE FOR DATES, TIMES,PROGRAMS AND PRICING. THEY MAY VARY-
Travel tip- Check website for deals. If you book in advance, some programs offer discounts.
Camping & Outdoor activities
Fort Cross also offers tent camping and has a few RV spots available. https://www.fortcross.com/camping
Pitch a tent or bring your camper! Located on 12 acres near the idyllic and historic town of Julian, famous for pies and old time nostalgia. Fort Cross is a working farm and offers many great activities including Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Ghost Town paintball- Slingshot Range, Petting Zoo, and so much more! Many high rated trails and hikes are located in the surrounding area.
The location is great for Star gazing, as Julian is part of the Dark Sky Network. It’s not uncommon to see shooting stars and it’s a popular destination during meteor showers.
FORT CROSS OFFERS CAMPING PACKAGES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS THROUGH OUT THE YEAR- please see website for more details.
Example of Pricing-
Basic Camping Package
$45 per campsite. Allows for 2 small tents, or 1 large tent. Up to 4 people per reservation.
Bring your own tent, food, and cooking supplies. They supply firewood for community camp fire (weather permitting), showers (during warmer months only), outdoor community kitchen, and outhouse.
Most sites allow for your vehicle to park nearby.
On site activities during your stay!
Normally $20 per person, but campers receive 10% off!
Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Ghost Town Slingshot Range, Petting Zoo, Reptile Show, Tire Swings, Lilac Maze, and Walking Trails!
Fairy & Dino Garden Making also available.
The Famous Town of Julian-
Julian-What once was a mining town has now turned into a tourist hot spot. This small town is well known for their APPLE PIE. Tourists flock to this area all year long, but it is extremely popular during apple season.
Tip- For many years, Apple picking season was in October. With the Climate change, apple season comes earlier now. In Julian-You can start picking Apples in September.
After spending the day having fun at Fort Cross, I guarantee that you will have worked up an appetite! There are several restaurants close by.
TIP- They do not have a cafe on premises. But you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch-please be kind and pick up your trash.
They do have an AMAZING coffee hut on property. I had an americano that was so good! Organic half and half with a drizzle of Caramel & the foam was PERFECT!.
There are several dining options in town-Julian and a few places within walking distance of Fort Cross- Moms Pies, a pizza place, burger joint, wine tasting and a craft beer bar.
Being that I love craft beer, I couldn’t resist and had a to take a peak inside the the tap and tasting room! The bar is called Cooler , it recently changed ownership and the new owner has great plans! She offers several local beers on tap and has a huge array of bottled beer. Outdoor seating and they even have live music on specific nights.
- they do have local “Julian” beer on tap!
Interesting fact-The town of Julian originally started by a Pioneer who offered land in exchange for people to come and start their own farm.
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures is definitely worth a stop on your way to the heart of Julian. Better yet, plan to spend a day exploring the new and unique attractions along these lesser-known outskirts in the place where the gold rush town’s Pioneer roots began, and before that, where Native American Kumeyaay also lived during their seasonal migration from the desert to the sea. You can learn about all of this and more at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures.
A big thank you to Doreen and Jesse for an amazing time. https://www.fortcross.com
I cant wait to hear about your trip to Fort Cross. What was your favorite activity @ Fort Cross? Did you stop in the town of Julian and have the famous “Julian apple pie”? Feel free to share your experience in comments section below!
Until the next adventure my friends…
xo Christy
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Last week we took a trip to Oak Glen! The week before, I was in Texas! Glamping & river tubing!
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