Solvang, California
20 March, 2017
Where?
Solvang, a small Danish town nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley of
southern
California.
Why now?
A Danish-American settlement founded at the turn of the 20th
century, Solvang stands as a bright reminder of the impact
immigration has had on the American
landscape. The Danish-Americans responsible for its
establishment sought to embody the American lifestyle while
preserving and promoting Danish culture. Seemingly a world away,
the town is a significant getaway in its celebration of the beauty
that emerges from the diverse intersections of global culture.
When to go?
If you’re after sunshine and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are
the best times to visit the town and its surrounding valleys.
Who to take with you
Your foodie friends. Alongside the town’s offerings of
traditional
Danish food, Solvang lies in the middle of Santa Ynez Valley
wine country; head to a nearby vineyard for a unique grape-to-glass
wine tasting experience.
Most likely to bump into?
The windmills, thatched roofs and timber architecture are
impossible to miss as you walk down the streets that look as though
they were plucked out of Denmark and plopped into the hills half a
world away.
Don’t miss
Two words: Danish. Pancakes. We suggest heading to Ellen’s
Danish Pancake House, a diner-style restaurant that will make
you feel right at home among the locals (go for the Danish sausage
pancakes for the perfect balance of sweet and savoury).
An essential to bring with you
A hefty appetite; you’ll want to arrive ready to take advantage
of the countless bakeries, restaurants and local food market
offering a wide range of traditional Danish treats.
How to get there
Drive along the San Marcos Pass from
Santa Barbara. Make sure to have working air conditioning in
the car – the temperature rises significantly as you head into the
mountain pass and away from the coast.
