The scent of bubbling apples and cinnamon lead you to a memorable day or weekend outing in the mountains 4,500 feet above San Diego. Here, bathed in the orange- and yellow-splashed leaves of fall, you will find a sparkling nugget of early California history — the Gold Rush town of Julian.

The quaint, historic city that was founded on gold-dust fever now offers a bounty of mouth-watering apple pies at every turn, along with crisp autumn days that make you long to snuggle in front of a cozy fire.

A designated historic district, Julian's late-1800s downtown is filled with antique shops, arts and crafts boutiques and home-style cafes. Snacking or dining in Julian is a fun experience in itself. Miner's Diner & Soda Fountain on the corner of Washington and Main is a good daytime stop for sopping up some history.

One of many apple pie eateries, the Julian Pie Company at 2225 Main Street, stands out as one of the most charming. The Victorian cottage has both a front and rear patio nestled around apples trees and serves original, Dutch and natural-cider-sweetened apple pies, and lunch specialties.

Downtown Julian is a pleasant stroll, but, for some romantic cuddle time, make your way through downtown and the scenic countryside by old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. Catch your carriage at the corner of Washington and Main streets and snuggle under a quilt for two. Another way to stave off the chill in the air is to stop for afternoon tea at Julian Tea & Cottage Arts (www.juliantea.com). The snug turn-of-the-century bungalow at 2124 Third Street serves finger sandwiches, scones with whipped cream, homemade jams and desserts along with its tea service.

Around town touring

Art takes center stage in Julian in November when the town hosts its annual Open Studios Tour ((www.julianartsguild.org), Nov. 21-22. The two-day event lets visitors inside as many as 17 local galleries or artists' homes by way of a self-guided map. The map is purchased for a nominal fee at Town Hall, but entrance to art locales is free. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Make it a weekend and stay in one of the area's quaint bed and breakfasts.

Julian has a handful of wineries for tasting the area's “other” harvest — grapes. A scenic drive down a two-lane country road directly out of downtown leads to the Menghini Winery, a local favorite. The daily tasting of the winery's offerings is $5 and includes a souvenir glass.

At the end of “C” Street is the only remnant of the area's mines, the Eagle and High Peak Mine. The original gold mine offers tours daily through the intricate path of tunnels.Call (760) 765-0036 for reservations.