When you come to Solvang take your picture by one of four wooden windmills.

Are you visiting Solvang for the first time?

Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in California’s Little Denmark, that just turned 101 years old in 2012. Founded by Danish-Americans in 1911, Solvang means Sunny Fields in Danish and has plenty of old-world charm and a definite Northern European feel (no passport required). Surrounded by the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Solvang is a special gem in the heart of Santa Barbara County and California’s Central Coast.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to a variety of places depending on their special interests. Definitely not to miss—a trip to an authentic Danish bakery for pastries, breads, kringles and aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls).  Solvang’s Danish heritage is displayed in the culinary delights found in numerous restaurants and bakeries: frikadeller (meatballs), medisterpølse (Danish sausage), rødkaal (red cabbage) and the smorgaasbord (buffet).

Solvang’s bakers create Danish pastries, kringles, marzipan, almond rings, cakes, cookies, tarts and breads at  Danish Mill Bakery (1682 Copenhagen Dr., 688-5805), Mortensen’s Danish Bakery (1588 Mission Dr., 688-8373), Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery & Coffee Shop (1529 Mission Dr., 688-6314). Besides the Danish baked treats, sweet offerings include Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates–handmade chocolates and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor or the Old Danish Food Farm with fresh fudge and candy apples.

No visit to Solvang is complete without enjoying a Danish favorite called aebleskiver

No visit to Solvang is complete without enjoying a Danish favorite called aebleskiver–light and airy pancake balls (pronounced aye-bell-ski-ver). The name may lead you to believe there are apple slices inside—and in many places of Denmark, that is how they are served; but in Solvang, the tradition is aebleskiver dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam. Legend has it that when Vikings were roaming up and down the coasts of Europe they used their dented horn helmets and shields to cook their favorite pancakes—which turned out round!

Looking for a quiet place to escape and unplug? Check out the tranquil gardens of Old Mission Santa Ines, 19^th in the chain of 21 California Missions. The view from the front of the Mission overlooking olive grove and vineyards and the Santa Ynez Mountains is lovely, too!

If you have kids traveling with you try Ostrich Land, a 33-acre breeding farm to see/feed more than 100 ostriches and some emus up close. Flag Is Up Farms, home of Monty Roberts, the “Man Who Listens to Horses,” is where visitors are welcome to see the equine facilities and trainers in action. Discover Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch, a breeding facility for 34-inch-and-under horses that welcomes visitors daily for free viewing from 10:00 am–3:00 pm and visit Seein’ Spots Farm, breeders of miniature donkeys and mules. You’ll want to call ahead for current opening/closing hours.

Looking for typical Danish cuisine, I recommend the Bit O’Denmark Restaurant

Solvang on food:

Solvang’s dozens of restaurants and cafés are noted for fresh local foods and gourmet wine-country cuisine, hearty American fare and Danish specialties, of course!  The bounty of nearby vineyards and wineries is easily sampled from more than a dozen wine tasting rooms and wine bars featuring a variety of vintners. For the freshest fruits, veggies, flowers and local items, check out the downtown Farmers’ Market, between Mission Drive (Hwy. 246) and Copenhagen Drive on First Street, every Wednesday afternoon year-round (962-5354). Gourmet food shops tempt palates throughout the 2.2-square-mile pedestrian-friendly village. Since 1982, the third weekend of March each year celebrates Danish and local foods, wines and live entertainment during the Taste of Solvang. Friday evening kicks off the weekend with a dessert reception & live entertainment. Saturday is the Walking Smorgaasbord with 40 taste stops downtown from 11am-4pm followed by a Saturday evening Wine Tasting Room Walk featuring local vintners.

If you are looking for typical Danish cuisine, I recommend the Bit O’Denmark Restaurant, in a historic 1911 building that has been serving Danish foods including the popular Smorgaasbord since 1960s (full bar, lunch and dinner).

For wine country cuisine, don’t miss Root 246 at the Hotel Corque; River Grill at the Alisal; Cecco Ristorante (Cal-Med); Mirabelle Restaurant and Fresco Valley Café to name just a few of the many of choices for any taste or  budget.

When you come to Solvang, get your picture taken near the giant red clog

Solvang photo opportunities

When you come to Solvang, get your picture taken near the giant red clog at the corner of Copenhagen Drive and First Street in front of the Solvang Shoe Store. Or in front of one of four wooden windmills throughout downtown. Not to be missed photo op! The best vantage points are taken by standing at the corner of Copenhagen Drive and Alisal Road and capturing the large windmill in the background.

In Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley, the call of the outdoors is loud and clear here where mild weather and an abundance of sunny days year-round make it easy to get out and have fun. The golden and sage-green hills and Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges that hug the valley provide inspiring scenery along with outdoor opportunities galore. There’s something here for all ages and interests.

Solvang on wheels

Bicycling (road and mountain) are popular sports — warm sun, quiet roads and challenging climbs. Several 25/50/100-mile amateur cycling rides are held throughout the year and the area proudly hosted the Individual Time Trial stage of the professional cyclists’ Amgen Tour of California in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and many pro bicycling teams train on valley roads and mountain passes. Take a spin on bicycles and four-wheeled surrey cycles from Wheel Fun Rentals. Or hop on a daily guided tour, complete with winery tasting and picnic lunch; a cycling vacation or custom cycling package with Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. For a different set of wheels, take a 4-wheel thrill-ride at Nojoqui Falls ATV Tours or check out the Skatepark for ‘boarders at Solvang’s Hans Christian Andersen Park.

Solvang’s Danish background and architecture.

Solvang on land

Take a hike; easy, moderate or challenging. Energetic hikers may climb to Gaviota Peak, offering Pacific coastline views, and take a dip in a hot sulfur spring just a short hike from the trailhead. Or picnic  next to a seasonal waterfall—it’s an easy 15-minute hike at Nojoqui Falls County Park. Los Padres National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails that meander through mountains, rivers and streams, and includes the federally designated Dick Smith Wilderness and the San Rafael Wilderness. Spring wildflowers provide splashes of color throughout the valley, especially off Figueroa Mountain Road. Sedgwick Reserve is a 5,896-acre historic ranch that offers seasonal guided hikes and programs as part of the University of California Natural Reserve System. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 10 minutes south of Santa Ynez, has easy-to-moderate trails and Saturday weekly hikes led by docents. The lake is a popular spot for overnight stays in campgrounds, tents, yurts and cabins.

Solvang on horseback

Saddle up at Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables for year-round horseback riding, with or without an overnight stay. Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang offers their guests private horse-back riding experiences. Vino Vaqueros takes guests on exclusive vineyard horseback rides. The Santa Ynez Valley is known in the equestrian world for its horse ranches, with a focus on quarter horses, thoroughbred and Arabian breeds, as well as respected training, breeding and veterinary facilities.

Solvang on water

Water activities are sure to float your boat, especially at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which offers boating and fishing, and now welcomes kayaks and canoes. Guided nature cruises are offered year-round aboard the Osprey, a 49-passenger pontoon boat.

If you’re yearning for salt water and surf, you’ll find it nearby, just 11 miles south of Buellton off US Highway 101 at Gaviota State Beach Park. The oceanfront park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, fishing and scuba diving.

Solvang up in the air

Get a bird’s-eye view of the valley on a glider ride or. Birding throughout the valley takes flight with hundreds of species, including yellow-billed magpie, red-tailed hawk and bald eagles.

Solvang architectural treasures abound including the Little Mermaid bronze sculpture.

Solvang museum lovers

If  you are a museum lover, soak up Solvang’s Danish background at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art featuring historic photos, artifacts, Danish arts, crafts and period pieces. Docents periodically dress in authentic Danish costumes to create living history and exhibits throughout the year. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum honors the Danish father of the modern fairy tale. A bronze statue of Andersen graces Solvang Park. Solvang’s Danish provincial-style architecture reflects its roots. Don’t miss the 1804 Old Mission Santa Ines, a National Historic Landmark District and the Mission Mills State Historic Park (being developed by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation). Solvang’s Vintage Motorcycle Museum pays homage to two-wheeled wonders. Solvang architectural treasures abound including Bethania Lutheran Church and the Little Mermaid bronze sculpture. A 1/3-size replica of Copenhagen’s famous 17th-century Rundetaarn (Round Tower) is on display behind one of the village’s four large windmills at 436 Alisal Road.  Take a moment to relax on the sladerbænken (gossip bench) located at1518 Mission Drive. Solvang’s world-famous chiming carillon clock tower atop at 486 First Street plays seasonal tunes –and serves as a reminder that there is always plenty of time to relax here.

Enjoy a night out on the town.  Solvang Brewing Company offers live entertainment, karaoke and big screen TV viewing; feeling lucky, check out the nearby Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez.

The Santa Ynez Valley News will keep you posted on what’s happening in Solvang and surrounding areas.

You can tell a lot about Solvang from visiting and watching the annual Danish Days Celebration every September or the Julefest winter festival every December.

In the spring you should attend Taste of Solvang in March.

In the summer you should attend PCPA Theaterfest! 2012 marks the 48th season of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) Theaterfest in Solvang—the only professional resident theater company on the Central California coast where from June-September, nights sparkle with PCPA’s world-class theatrical productions in the 700-seat open-air Solvang Festival Theater—which hosts many other concerts and events year-round such as the Nativity Pageant, Oktoberfest, Halloween Haunted House.

Founded by Danish-Americans in 1911, Solvang means Sunny Fields in Danish and has plenty of old-world charm

Insider Tip: Check out the often over-looked parks in town: Hans Christian Andersen Park on Atterdag Road is a woodsy green space with picnic areas, tennis courts, a playground and Skate Park for boarders; and the whimsical playground and ball field at Sunny Fields Park on Alamo Pintado Road is a family favorite. or take an easy hike to a waterfall at Nojoqui Falls County Park.

Don’t forget wine tasting—with 14 tasting rooms within a 4 block area in downtown Solvang. And of course, Solvang is in the center of Santa Ynez Valley wine country (where the movie Sideways was filmed).   Santa Ynez Valley is one of four distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVA)—also known as wine appellations–in Santa Barbara County’s wine country. The others are Santa Maria Valley, Sta. (Santa) Rita Hills and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara (tucked in the east end of Santa Ynez Valley).  Together, they comprise 23,000+ acres of grape vineyards that annually produce more than a million cases of wine—including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, but also Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier. The unusual east-west orientation of the area’s coastal mountains creates transverse valleys that funnel cool Pacific Ocean air and fog inland during the late afternoon and evening.

The best way to see Solvang is to STROLL and enjoy the friendly, sunny atmosphere, architecture, shops and attractions!

What are your favorite things to do in Solvang?

For more up-to-date happenings, follow SolvangUSA on Twitter and like their page on Facebook. For all things travel related, follow Travel Expert Nancy D. Brown on Twitter.

Thanks to Laura Kath and Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau for assistance with this post.  Photos, YouTube video and article by  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.

Related Posts:

Alisal Dude Ranch Horseback Riding Vacation

Things to See and Do in Santa Barbara, CA

Solvang

Tags: California, Danish Mill Bakery, nancy d. brown, Olsen's Danish Bakery, Solvang, things to do