Three miles north of Solvang on Highway 246 is Ballard, a little town with a Bed & Breakfast Inn, a  residential street and the historic, red school house. The town of Ballard was established in 1880 and this historical landmark, the red school house pictured above,  was built a few years later.  It is still used as a school, but guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds which are a great location for a picnic. Location:  2425 School Street. 

Right down the road on your way into town, is one of the largest miniature horse ranches on the west coast. Quicksilver Ranch has 20 acres of grounds for breeding registered miniature horses.  They cannot exceed 34 inches in height and inquisitive and intelligent, animals make loving pets. You can see them on the road as you drive past. This old road sign for Ballard is actually located 3.5 miles away at the Parks Janeway Carriage House and Historical Museum in Santa Ynez.  At one time, it directed travelers to that location.

There is actually a bed and breakfast in the one road town of Ballard and it is fittingly called Ballard Inn.  Guest rooms have queen or king beds, highlighted with handmade quilts and antiques, reflecting the history of the Santa Ynez valley and its residents. The Inn's Cafe Chardonnay serves creative wine country cuisine,  with such entrees as lemon-herb roasted chicken.. Location: Santa Ynez valley. 35 miles north of Santa Barbara. 3.5 miles north of Solvang via  Alamo Pintado Rd., 2 miles south of Los Olivos. 2436 Baseline Ave. 

 
Ballard Animal Hospital, 1751 Lewis St.
Ballard Restaurant 2449 Baseline Ave. 
Cafe Chardonnay, 2435 Baseline Ave

  Solvang