A Visit to Solvang California
The last stop on our whirlwind trip up the California coast to Napa and Sonoma recently was in Solvang, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country (the Santa Ynez Valley).
Solvang is a Danish replica town (having never visited Denmark, despite my Scandinavian heritage, I'll take their word for it), presumably what you would see if one were to visit Denmark, with perhaps a touristy/Californian influence. No matter, Solvang oozes Danish charm - the architecture, food (smorgaasbord restaurants, for example), pastries (oh, yes, those pastries), beer, wine tasting rooms, and the storks on seemingly every building (not real, of course). And of course the names of many of the businesses and streets.
Solvang, as I've learned, was founded in the early 1900s by a group of Danes seeking to settle in a community far from the cold Midwestern winters (coming from New England I get that!!). The charm of Scandinavia with pal trees and temperate weather all year? What could be more appealing? You can read more about the history of Solvang here. And their 100th anniversary is coming up next year so you might gear up for a visit and lots of celebratory activities.
The Santa Barbara wine country is spectacular, and the drive into Solvang, just a few miles from the 101, was like stepping into another world (Frankenmuth, Michigan's Bavaria, is a good example of a similar themed town - you may know others, so share!!). Unfortunately we were only there over night - time to spend a hour or so strolling streets, having dinner (more on that in a sec), a quick take-pout Danish bakery goody, then off to the freeway.
While we weren't there at a time to enjoy them, there are tons of activities and events, it seems. The Danish Days, September 17 - 19, for one. Then there's the annual Taste of Solvang next March. And certainly one can and should pay a visit to Santa Barbara's wine country. I'm sure there's more.
The area is beautiful and if you ever wanted a horse farm, the ones we saw driving into town are stunning (and I have seen some beauties in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virgina, Maryland and Florida). Given we are in Santa Barbara County prices were not cheap, but certainly more affordable than near the coast.
I will admit to not being a particular fan of Scandinavian food, despite my Swedish background. There are some faves, but keep me away from things likeLudefisk (it's vile, in my opinion).
Our search for dinner, thus was NOT for a Danish restaurant. Sorry. We happened to find my type of place, Root 246 by Bradley Ogden (an anomaly in the midst of all the Danery - is that a word?) which you can read about and covet.
Anyhow, nuff said. You probably have heard more than you can stand - on to the pics.
Hej hej
ENJOY THE PHOTOS!!
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Jeff,
I was there a few months ago and its funny because some of pic look the same as mine:). We went to Santa Barbara and Solvang. I had never been to Solvang, it is beautiful, unique city. I have to say the pastries were too big!! Santa Barbara si my favorite though!
Jeff - Next time you are there, try Fresca, a new restaurant opening in a few weeks. They serve fresh California-type food, - great sandwiches, good stuff. And there is no ludefisk to be seen! There aren't many options if you are not into pickled herring. It's my nephew's restaurant... I'll be there for the opening!
Jeff, It has been seven or eight years since I was in Solvang, but your pics prove not much has changed. It is a charming community and there are some great wineries not all that far from there. I particularly remember Gainey Vineyards and their "Rat Cellar" shirts. Great Chardonnay.
Hi Jeff, seeing your wonderful post on Solvang reminded that I have yet to actually put up my central coastline photos. Living out here in California is seems just endless the beauty and the amazing cultural abundance we have. From the little communities to major cities , it would talk a lifetime to even begin to truly capture it all .
Jeff, I love Solvang. I loved the place as a kid growing up in Los Angels and got to go back and visit as an adult. What a pretty area too! The country side is beautiful, to town is quaint dispite being a tourist area and I used to like Andersons split pea soup. Is it still there?
From the east coast it looks like a great area I've never heard about...been to napa & sonoma counties but didn't get to santa barbara county...it must feel like europe...great pics & commentary..thanks jeff
Jeff I think I am going to strat referring to you as the traveling Realtor! You go to more places than anyone I know:)
Ina - hope you also had a good time. I'm not surprised about the photos, given what there is to photograph. LOL. And while I love pastries, it was overwhelming.
Sally - great idea. Not sure I can be up in the area for some time now but I will keep it in mind. PLEASE take photos, a video and share with us. We will appreciate it as will your nephew.
Deborah - somehow I think Solvang has looked this way for many years. I would like to visit some of the wineries when I get up that way again.
Willliam - so true. The more I see and vist the more there is to see and visit. CA is a remarkably diverse state. Would love to see your photos...as they are always so wonderful.
Dena - guess I forgot that you lived in LA. Yep, Anderson's is still there. I didn't go but saw several ads for it.
Ginny - it is so completely different from other nearby areas, although the mountains and the palm trees remind you of where you are. An interesting contrast to the European feel of Solvang.
Bill - LOL. And I don't even write about it all. Guess I do get around a bit.
Jeff
Jeff, Solvang is a lovely little place. I visited Denmark in the early 80's and remember having dinner in a building that was or looked like a big windmill.
Ahhh, this brings me back to childhood memories of wanting to get out of Solvang! Not so nice when you're a teenager.. I have been back since then and have to say it is a lovely town!
Rebecca - well that is sort of how I imagine it, as least from photos I have seen of Denmark. In any case, no matter how realist or not, it IS an intriguing place to be...for a limited period of time IMO.
Josh and Julie - not sure who is speaking, but it doesn't matter. I can see how this could be a tough place to grow up. I imagine your perspective is now quite different.
Jeff
Hi Jeff! I visited Solvang a few years ago. I remember spending a ton of money on a cup of coffee and some pastries with my Wife. Very pricey area :) Great pics, brings back a lot of memories.
Thanks,
Mario
Jeff, it's a fun visit to Solvang and anyone traveling to and from Santa Barbara will enjoy. The shopping and eating are both great fun. I don't remember Danish food...just sweets! I also remember we had fun!
Mario - well our breakfast was included with our room so can't comment on the cost. But the pastries sure were good.
Jeanean - well there was a lot to explore and I would go back to do just that. It's well worth a visit, and likely great fun for oone of teh festivals.
Jeff
Great post.
Jeff - If you ever get a chance, go to Oktoberfest. What a great time to be had by all. The streets are alive and the beer is plentiful. If that is your cup o tea.