Just two hours up the coast from Malibu, discover Solvang, a European-style getaway with no passport required. Affectionately known as “Little Denmark,” Solvang was named by Orbitz Travel Worldwide as one of its “top 5 U.S. domestic destinations with international flair.” Founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators and celebrating its Centennial throughout 2011 with dozens of special events all year long, Solvang (meaning “sunny field” in Danish) is a wonderful escape from our daily routines.
At the turn of the 20th century, Solvang thrived with farms, dairies and a folk school, church, grocery, lumberyard, creamery, bakery and other enterprises. In this 320-days-of sunshine-a- year paradise, the settlers carried on Danish traditions of language, folk dancing, music and cuisine. Mid-century, after the conclusion of World War II, idyllic Solvang was “discovered” by a reporter from the Saturday Evening Post and described as a “spotless Danish village that blooms like a rose,” and started the stream of visitors who wanted to see this slice of Europe in the middle of California for themselves. Now in the 21st century, Solvang’s 5,000-plus residents of many cultures still continue to enjoy the same traditions of hospitality and old-world charm as evidenced by the many festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
You can savor local food and wine at the Taste of Solvang every March, the Scandinavian heritage celebration Danish Days during the third weekend of September (75th annual this year featuring three parades, free entertainment, dancing and dining) and the Julefest Celebration during the December holiday season (amazing gift shopping!). Solvang recently hosted a Royal Visit as part of the yearlong centennial celebration by welcoming His Royal Highness The Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark on June 11 with a free party in Solvang Park.
Welcoming you to Solvang at the corner of Mission Drive (State Route 246) and Alisal Road, there is a “Little Mermaid” statue, a half-scale version of the world-famous landmark in Copenhagen harbor. Scandinavian architectural details include half-timbered buildings, and thatched and coppered roofs topped with wooden storks, a symbol of good luck for all who enter. Windmills catch the breezes throughout the intimate 2.2 square-mile village. With every step along the flower-lined streets and courtyards, Solvang feels as if you’ve been transported to Northern Europe without leaving California.
Solvang brims with 150-plus unique shops featuring everything from collectibles and antiques to Danish imports and handcrafted items. Gourmet restaurants (more than 30 to choose from, including six new eateries in the last two years such as Root 246, a restaurant by Bradley Ogden, the renowned farm-to-table culinary genius), four authentic Danish bakeries, confectioneries and ice-cream emporiums will all pique your appetite. And don’t miss the aebleskiver, Danish-style pancake balls draped with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered suga, so addictive you’ll have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Making it simple and safe to enjoy the nearby Santa Ynez Valley’s viticultural bounty without any driving, in downtown Solvang you can stroll between a dozen wine-tasting rooms and wine bars to get your palette tickled on Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay varietals. If you’ve seen the Academy Award-winning movie “Sideways,” you’ll recognize some of the vintages and venues that were filmed on location in the Solvang area.
To scratch your cultural and artistic itches, check out the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art featuring Danish heritage along with contemporary art exhibits; the charming Hans Christian Andersen Museum honoring the Danish father of the fairytale; the Vintage Motorcycle Museum, a private collection of two-wheeled treasures; and the National Historic Landmark 1804 Mission Santa Ines, the 19th in the chain of 21 missions dotting the California coast-beautifully restored buildings, gardens, museum and an active parish.
The professional Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts Company offers live dramas and exciting musicals outdoors under the stars in the Solvang Festival Theater from June through September each year.
Laura Kath is co-author of “Day Trips from Los Angeles and Fun with the Family Southern California.” (both books published by Globe Pequot Press).
Fifteen welcoming hotels, inns, and a full-service ranch resort provide accommodations to suit every taste and budget, and offer special packages throughout the year. To discover all about the 100-year-young Solvang, get a free 76-page visitors guide by calling 800.468.6765 or visiting www.SolvangUSA.com
Laura Kath is co-author of “Day Trips from Los Angeles and Fun with the Family Southern California.” (both books published by Globe Pequot Press)