Quick Trip: Three Days in Solvang, California

If you are planning a long weekend vacation or a quick trip of three days, give Solvang, California a whirl. Solvang is a charming Danish town in the San Ynez Valley located about 35 miles from Santa Barbara.

Day 1:

Start with an introduction to the history of Solvang and its Danish heritage by a visit to the Elverhoj Museum (805-686-1211). Admission is free although donations are appreciated. The museum is open Wednesdays & Thursdays from 1-4pm and Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from noon to 4pm. Located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, it is a short walk to the main shopping district with its distinctive Danish architecture and colorful flower beds. You will feel that you have entered a Danish village as you stroll and shop.

Day 2:

Solvang is in the heart of Santa Barbara Country wine country. Best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot noir, there are over 60 wineries in the area. A complete listing can be found at Solvang's website. Click here to view. One popular choice is to visit wineries such as Sanford Winery, Kayla Winery, Fess Parker Winery, Foxen Winery, Firestone Winery which were all part of the 2004 film Sideways.

Day 3:

You have your choice of outdoor activities in the Solvang area. Before you head home, give any of these ideas a try:
Play a round of golf at the River Course at Alisal. Click here for website.
Take a ride in a glider. Click here.
Go horseback riding. Click here.
Do a Bike tour. Click here to see my article, "Cycling Guide: California's Other Wine Country: Santa Barbara County".

Additional or Add-On Activities:

If you are looking for alternative things to do or add on to your trip, consider the following:
Old San Ines Mission in Solvang: http://www.missionsantaines.org/home.html
Motorcycle Museum: http://www.motosolvang.com/overview.htm
Chumash Casino: http://chumashcasino.com/
A hike to Nojoqui Falls: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/NojoquiFalls_7480.asp
Cold Spring Tavern,a former stagecoach stop on the way to Santa Barbara via San Marcos pass. http://www.coldspringtavern.com/
Mattei Tavern another former stagecoach stop in nearby Los Olivos. http://matteistavern.com/tavern.html

Other Info

The town of Solvang has a well-maintained website where among other things you can book a hotel or check what events will be happening during your stay. For example, this September just concluded 73^rd annual Danish Days. Coming up in October are Nashville Nights. Every Wednesday there is an awesome Farmer's Market at First Street between Mission Dr. (HW 246) and Coppenhagen Dr. from 2:30 to 6:00pm. Click here to visit the Solvang site.

You should have some good ideas now what to get started on planning your quick trip to Solvang, Ca. What's at the top of your list?

Sources:

Elverhoj Museum. < http://www.elverhoj.org/> Accessed on September 28, 2009.
Santa Barbara Bike Coalition. "Sideways Bicycle Ride Via Lompoc." < http://www.sbbike.org/region/rides/Sideways-1.pdf>. Accessed on September 28, 2009.
Santa Barbara Bike Coalition. "Sideways Bicycle Ride Via Los Olivos."< http://www.sbbike.org/region/rides/Sideways-2.pdf>. Accessed on September 28, 2009.