Each artist is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation to and from Julian. We encourage artists to coordinate travel and share rides whenever possible.

The closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 1–1½ hours from Orchard Hill.

Travel Information + Carpooling

Use the shared Travel Information Spreadsheet to view flight plans and carpool opportunities, connect with artists traveling on a similar schedule, or add your own information. Links for submitting your travel details are included in the spreadsheet.

Rental Cars + Getting Around Julian

Julian is a small mountain community, and having access to a car can be helpful if you'd like the freedom to explore the surrounding area during your free time. If you're flying in, you may want to consider renting a car, especially if you're comfortable sharing rides with other artists during the week.

If you don't plan to rent a car, that's okay too. Much of your time will be spent at Orchard Hill, and we anticipate artists will naturally share rides for optional outings throughout the week.

Shared Car Service

For artists who aren't renting a car or able to coordinate a ride, Orchard Hill has recommended XM Global Transportation for transportation between San Diego and Julian. The service can accommodate individuals or groups traveling on similar schedules.

Current one-way rates provided to us are:

• Sedan (up to 2 people + luggage): $210

• SUV (up to 4 people + luggage): $250

• Sprinter van (up to 14 people + luggage): $480

Rates may be shared among artists traveling together. Contact Rafael at 619-403-7415 to confirm availability, pricing, and make a reservation. Be sure to let him know you're traveling with the Speranza Foundation. Reservations and payment should be arranged directly with Rafael.

Uber + Lyft

Because Julian is a small mountain community, on-demand rideshare availability can be limited, particularly when leaving Julian. We recommend arranging transportation in advance rather than relying on Uber or Lyft for your return to the airport.

The Julian Retreat is intentionally self-directed. Outside of our shared dinners and optional community gatherings, your days are yours to create, work, rest, collaborate, explore, or simply see where the week takes you.

Sunday, Oct. 18

3:00 p.m. - Check-in

5:00 p.m. - Opening Dinner

Monday-Friday, Oct. 19-23

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast baskets delivered to rooms

Daytime – Self-directed creative time

5:00 p.m. - Happy Hour in the Main Lodge

6:00 p.m. - Dinner

7:30 p.m. - Optional Creative Shares & Fireside Chats

Saturday, Oct. 24

11:00 a.m. - Check-out

The Community Sign-Up Board is organized into three tabs:

• Creative Invitations – Offer a creative experience, share a skill, host a conversation, invite collaborators, or ask for feedback on something you're working on.

• Creative Shares – Request a time to share your work during one of our informal evening gatherings after dinner. These can be works in progress—music, writing, film, visual work, or anything else you'd like to invite the community into. Each sharing opportunity will be approximately 10 minutes, including a little time for response or conversation, and collaborators are welcome to share a slot.

• Creative Space – Request a shared space at Orchard Hill for focused work, rehearsal, collaboration, Zoom meetings, or other creative needs during the day. Reservations will generally be available in 1–2 hour blocks between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All Community Sign-Up Board activities are optional.

Breakfast

Daily breakfast baskets consisting of fruit, pastries, and coffee will be delivered to your door around 8 a.m. each morning.

Lunch

Lunch is on your own and at each artist's expense. There are a variety of dine-in and takeout restaurants along Main Street in Julian.

Dinner

Dinner will be provided every evening in the Main Lodge or Meadow.

Below is our menu (subject to change). Alternative dishes will be available for any dietary requirements shared in advance.

Sunday, October 18

Seasonal Salad, Cornbread, Mix of BBQ Ribs and Tri Tip + Berry Cobbler

Monday, October 19

Chef’s Choice of Soup, Carnitas and Pollo Asada Tacos with Rice and Beans + Mexican Brownies

Tuesday, October 20

Seasonal Hummus with Bread, Mediterranean Chicken, Rice, Pita, Tzatziki Sauce and Greens + Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies

Wednesday, October 21

Seasonal Salad, Seasonal Pan-Seared Salmon with Seasonal Vegetables + Seasonal Cheesecake

Thursday, October 22

Chef’s Choice Salad, Butter Indian Chicken, Coconut Rice, Roasted Cauliflower and Naan + Mango Chia Seed Pudding

Friday, October 23

Seasonal Salad, Seasonal Bruschetta, Chicken Meatballs with Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce and Risotto + Chocolate Ganache Cake

Your creative work and the residency community are the heart of the week. If an afternoon of exploration feels like the right companion to your creative process, we've gathered a few nearby places that offer inspiration and a change of scenery while still leaving plenty of space to return to your work.

These are optional, independently arranged outings; any associated costs are the responsibility of the individual artist.

Ilan-Lael Foundation
Just a short drive from Orchard Hill, James Hubbell's extraordinary home and studios offer a beautiful example of a life shaped by art, imagination, and a profound respect for nature. 10-minute drive

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
One of Julian's most beloved hikes, Volcan Mountain winds through oak woodlands to expansive summit views that reveal the remarkable meeting of Southern California's coastal and desert landscapes. 5-minute drive

Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve
Wander through rolling hills, native grasslands, oak groves, and open meadows on an easy hike through Julian's backcountry landscape with plenty of cows along the way. 10-minute drive

Eagle Mining Co.
Explore one of Julian's original gold mines and experience the underground world that gave birth to this mountain town. The guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity, craftsmanship, resilience, and stories of those who first settled here. 5-minute drive

Wylde Reins
Hannah and Tanner Phillips offer thoughtfully guided equine experiences that invite participants to slow down, become more present, and discover what horses can teach us about communication, trust, leadership, and authentic relationship. 30-minute drive