Travel Guide: How to Enjoy a Stay in Solvang, California

Solvang is a charming Danish community located on the coast in Santa Barbara County California. Danish bakeries, smorgasbord restaurants, windmills, and folks in authentic native costumes give visitors a taste of what "old country" Danish life was like. Solvang dates back to 1911 when settlers moved out to the fertile fields and rolling hills of the Santa Inez Valley. These Danish educators built a Danish folk school, which soon relocated to Attertag College, which included Danish culture in its curriculum. Danish Days are celebrated each September and you'll find many other events and festivals in this charming town all year long. It's mild climate makes Solvang a pleasure to visit all year round.

Stay at the Meadowlark Inn just a little bit out of town, and set on two acres with giant redwood trees and views of the nearby mountains. There are cozy guestrooms to large suites with full kitchens available. All the rooms feature cable TV, telephones, king/queen size beds, and some are equipped with refrigerators and private outdoor hot tubs or Jacuzzi tubs. A pool, lawn area, picnic tables and lawn chairs are also on the ground. Your dog may join you.

Enjoy a free European breakfast buffet if you stay at the Inn at Petersen Village. This is an award winning (4-Diamond AAA) property, situated in the heart of Solvang. Here, you're close to dining, shopping and other activities. Relax in their garden area, read current newspapers in the sitting area and dine in their exclusive Caf� Provence. Choose a room with a canopy bedsor opt for their Tower Suite. This is on three levels and features a fireplace in the living room, a king bed in the bedroom, and a two person Jacuzzi

Enjoy a tour on the Hoven, Solvang's horse drawn streetcar at the start of your visit. It's about 20 minutes long, leaves from the parking lot at Copenhagen Drive at Second Street and is a great way to see much of Solvang and enjoy its ambiance. Then, rent a bicycle or a four-wheeled "surrey cycle" and cycle around town on your own.

Be sure to stop in at the Jule Hus, Solvang's Christmas House on Mission Drive. This charming holiday store has been keeping both locals and visitors coming back for over 40 years. Select a gift to take home - Old European Christmas ornaments, European blown glass ornaments, and other European collectibles. There is also see a wonderful Bethleheim Village, a big selection of Nativities, and German wood nutcrackers and smokers. You'll also want to Spend some time browsing in Solvang's other interesting shops - an olive shop, several woodwork shops, antique stores, toy shops and other unique stores and art galleries.

Sample pastries and breads from the many authentic Danish bakeries in Solvang and try the aebleskiver - jam-coated, powder sugar-dusted pancake balls. Order medisterpolse (sausages) and frikadeller (meatballs) which are served in the local eateries. And, don't forget to sample the luscious Danish (and European) chocolate.

There are many other activities near Solvang - golfing, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, hang gliding, and other sports. And, check the community calendar to see what festivals that coincide with your Solvang stay.

For more information, visit

http://www.solvangusa.com