Sideways In Solvang
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Sideways In Solvang

A piece of Denmark in Southern California

22
Sideways In Solvang
Expedia

Tucked away in the San Ynez Valley lives a hidden piece of Denmark. As if lifted and transported by a flock of geese across continents and oceans. Solvang offers Californians an affordable, weekend trip to Scandinavia, sans the sartorial dilemma of winter wear (a wardrobe facet we know little about in this land of eternal sunshine), and the inevitable discomfort of a long flight.

OK, so Solvang isn't really an authentic replica of Denmark, but with bakeries, a windmill and souvenir gift shops with plenty of wooden clogs for sale; you'll get your fill of tourism and a slice of "It's A Small World" without the exorbitant entrance fee. Did I mention the town is in the middle of wine country?

We booked a boutique hotel, walking distance from everything, called the Mirabelle Inn. The rooms are small, but lovely and well decorated. Nothing about the hotel screamed: "Wow, Denmark!" but they did have an affiliation with one of the many local wineries; a notable "takeover" reality of Solvang.

We spent our first day walking around and eating. The weather was perfect - no wind and a clear, sunny sky. The popularity of wineries in recent years has definitely made its imprint on Solvang. My dad mentioned visiting when he was younger, around the time of The Ice Age, and said there was a Danish bakery on almost every corner. There are a few bakeries left, more tourist geared than authentic feeling, and the rest of the shops are all-things-wine. Every street has multiple tasting room options from local vineyards.

I opted with skipping the adult beverage sampling and set off to satisfy a different palate. Paula's Pancake House is a Solvang staple. As the most authentic breakfast you can hope for; I highly recommend indulging at Paula's. The Danish pancakes are twice the size of your head and worth every bite.

The short road trip getting there is also remarkable. With a few scenic overlooks to stop and enjoy, the views are beautiful. Santa Barbara is an unavoidable stop, but with the excitement of entering perpetual Christmas, stopping on the way might be difficult to muster. On your way back to Los Angeles it is a no-brainer. After all, there's nothing like that ocean air.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85031
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51171
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

986836
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments