Visit the Danish Village, Solvang!
Have you ever wanted to visit Denmark or Germany? Allow me to save you the heartache of flying across the world, drive 3 hours North of LA and discover the charm and beauty of Solvang!
Solvang is a city in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley, the town is known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the city's Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs. The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese and European motorbikes. The Old Mission Santa Inés is an early-1800s Franciscan church which is breathtaking. The entire town is mesmerizing, from its history, rich food, and entertainment, I promise you’ll never want to leave.
We stayed at the Solvang Inn & Cottages, which by the way is pet-friendly, so you can take the entire family on vacation. The hotel has an old school charm, the pool is super cute with the mermaid statue. Lush patio furniture that will have you wanting to stay outside for hours.
Solvang is known for there wine tasting, shopping, outdoor adventures, and unique museums. The Historic Danish Village offers many things to do with family and friends. Solvang has 5 local Golf courses, or you can take a trail ride, tour the town in a horse-drawn trolley, a surrey bike or a Segway. Enjoy the 100+ wineries in the Valley and savor the incredible variety of flavors and international cuisine that is offered in Solvang restaurants.
Talking about food, OMG, you MUST eat at CHOMPS. My kiddo wolfed down a double patty hamburger with a monstrous milkshake and as for myself, they had a kick-ass vegetarian burger and fries which I promptly devoured. CHOMPS also has a sweet coffee shop that is full of life, The Coffee House by Chomp. Allow me to explain, they have a kids corner, that has a kids table, books, toys, and the coolest part, a chalkboard wall where kids can draw on the wall! Yes, on the wall, so you can sit back and not worry. They have these comfortable chairs that you sink into and enjoy your coffee with your danish pastry. We loved CHOMPS Restaurant and The Coffee House by Chomp.
Whatever you do, you must have breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House! Their Danish pancake is outrageously delicious, light, fluffy and YUMMY. Kiddo had TWO orders of there pancake, yes, two. When you're done, walk next door to Olsen’s Bakery and Danish Coffee Shop. They have a life-size gingerbread house that’s stunning and their pastries are fantastic. Take some to go, so when you’re walking around town you can enjoy your almond bear claw. There’s so much to do in Solvang, below are just a few ideas.
Solvang Arts & Culture Touring Suggestions
* 11am-5pm (Wed-Mon) Wildling Museum of Art & Nature 1511-B Mission Dr; Phone 805-688-1082. Contact Stacey Otte-Demangate for info and personal tour. $5 adults; 17 under free.
* 9am-5pm daily The Copenhagen House (shops)/ Amber Museum Exhibit, 1660 Copenhagen Drive. Phone: 805-693-5000. Free.
* 9am-5pm daily Hans Christian Andersen Museum (upstairs from The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Drive); Phone: 805-688-6010.
* 9am-4: 30 pm daily Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive. Phone: 805-688-4815. $5 donation, please.
* 11am-4pm (Wed-Sun) Elverhoj Museum of History &Art showing Danish history and period rooms and rotating art exhibits. 1624 Elverhoy Way. Phone: 805-686-1211(Free, donations welcome.)
*11am-5pm (Sat & Sun or by appt.) Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, 320 Alisal Road.
Returning from Solvang I wanted to turn back the clock to a period when people lived in small towns and took care of each other. Solvang will capture your heart and you’ll never want to leave. Thank you Solvang for everything, we can’t wait to return.