Slovang - California, USA
Denmark? On the Central Coast of California?!
The town of Slovang may not be Denmark, but it comes close!
Known as "The Danish Capital of America, " this town takes its Danish roots seriously.
Founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators, Solvang's shops, bakeries, restaurants and hotels reflect old-style Danish architecture. They feature half-timbered walls, dormers, stained glass and thatched roofs. Many of the sidewalks here are cobblestone and local restaurants serve Danish specialities including albeskivers, a round pancake drizzled with jam and sprinkled with powdered
sugar, and medisterpole, locally a delicious , locally made sausage.
The Honen, an authentic Danish trolley pulled by Belgian draft horses, is available to transport visitors around town almost daily during spring, summer and fall and on weekend s during the winter.
A favorite attraction in this charming town is the Elverhoj Museum, a haven of Danish home and
demonstrations of lace-making, weaving and old-world construction techniques.
Pre-dating the museum is the historic Santa Ines Mission, the19th in a chain of 21 California mission.
Self-guided tours of the mission, which was completed in 1817, are available
Shopping is a popular pastime in Solvang - one that only increases in popularity as more and more factory outlet centres locate here. In the downtown area, European-style shops offer fine gifts, handmade laces and collectibles for sale.
Bicycling over the area's flat, rural roads that offer views of beautiful countryside is also a popular
pastime here. Two major annual bicycle rides are based in Solvang: the Century in March and the Prelude in November.
Summertime visitors and locals alike can enjoy a performance of a Broadway-style musical under the stars at Solvang's outdoor Theatrefest, courtesy of the nationally acclaimed Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Not to be overlooked is the town of Buellton considered the "Gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley" just two miles east of Solvang on Highway 101. Nestled in an area of gently rolling hills. Buellton is home to several award-winning wineries. The vineyards of these and other wineries have helped the Santa Ynez Valley become a respected grape-growing region.
In addition to wine-tasting tours, visitors can tour several of the horse ranches that border Buellton. At these ranches that border Buellton. At these ranches, Thoroughbred, Arabian and Sport-horses are bred and trained. A new polo center has also opened nearby.
Just a few miles south of Buellton on Highway 101 is the run-off for Nojoqui Falls County Park.
A breathtaking, 160-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of this 88-acre park, which houses a multipurpose field, sandy volleyball court, horseshoe pits, playground, picnic and barbecue areas and plenty of hiking trails through its thickly forested hills.
The waterfall is fed by a natural spring and can be reached by walking 10 minutes on an easy, slightly uphill trail. Hours are 8 am to dusk everyday.
For those whose tastes run to the manicured lawns of golf courses, Buellton will not disappoint . Zaca Creek Golf Course is located in town and La Purisima Golf course ia a short drive away.
MIllions of people know Buellton best for the famed restaurant that was born here - "Pea Soup Andersen's" Started on June 13, 1924. Andersen's is known as a charming, family restaurant and, of course, for its famous pea soup!. Today, the Buellton restaurant is the flagship in a series of Pea Soup Andersen's "One Stop Highway Centres" that include a restaurant, complete with an electricity-generating windmill, an inn, service station and general store.
In addition to Buellton and Solvang, the pioneer western towns of Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and Ballard complete the roster of Santa Ynez Valley towns.
Cachuma Lake, south of Santa Ynez on scenic Route 154, off Highway 101, accommodates sports
fishermen, campers and naturalists. Boat rentals, fishing licenses, bait and tackle are all available. Eagle watching tours are offered November through March, docent -led nature walks are available Saturday afternoons and a Nature Center showcases local plants, wildlife, history and artifacts. Bicycles are available for rent and swimming pools are open during summer months.
Visitor information about the Santa Ynez Valley is available by contacting the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau at (800) 468 6765n or the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at (805) 688 7829
Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
1511 A Mission Drive
P.O>Box 70
Solvang CA 93464
(805) 688 6144
(805) 688 8620 Fax
Comments