| California's "Little Denmark" or Solvang is east of U.S.
Highway 101 near State Highway 154. Danish immigrants established the town
more than 50 years ago in 1911 and chose to adorn the village and homes
with architecture reminiscent of their native land. Dedicated to the teachings
of crafts and values of their ancestors, Danish is still spoken amongst
locals.
This picturesque city is set amidst gently sloped hills
and mountains, a 30 minute drive from the Pacific Ocean in nearby Lompoc.
Tourism is very popular here with bus loads of travelers stopping in the
city for overnight stay. Ranches and farming are also part of the
Solvang landscape, as well as wine, gaming, ranching and retirement living in
this scenic region of the Central Coast California. Giant clog shoe sidewalk display.
There's a miniature pony ranch, several wineries, art
galleries in nearby Los Olivos where Elizabeth Taylor stayed on a visit
to see Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, antique shops in Los Alamos
and Santa Ynez, a carriage house museum, two missions, Chumash Indian Casino
and several golf courses, all within a 15 minute drive.
Authentic Danish architecture was integrated in
the town's four windmills, half-timbered buildings and weathered, green
copper roofs visitors enjoy while strolling flower-lined streets. Solvang is a shopper's paradise, with its multitude of
Danish craft shops offering porcelain, antiques, clothing, books, jewelry,
souvenirs, and tasty treats such as
AEbleskivers.
A favorite way to tour the town is on the "Honen", a replica
of a 1915 Danish streetcar drawn by two, blonde Belgian draft horses.
Danish Days Festival celebrates Denmark's Independence
Day with costumed folk dancers and three days of street activities held
in September. Solvang's nightly Festival Theater program, from June
to September, offers contemporary and classic stage productions in an open
air theater.
The Denmarket Square on the corner of Mission and Alisal
features a Little Mermaid fountain and a three-quarter replica statue that
stands in Copenhagen Harbor, honoring Hans Christian Andersen. He
was a Danish author who wrote children's fairy tales nearly 200 years ago.
Standing in testament to Danish culture, as well,
is a hand-crafted building which houses Elverhoj Museum of History &
Danish Culture. Located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, it is open Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.,
Friday through Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. (805) 686-1211. On the upper
level of the Book Loft shop is Hans Christian Andersen Museum. It has an
extensive collection of books, letters, manuscripts and photographs pertaining
to the life of the Danish author.
Don't miss Mission Santa Ines, located just behind the
busy shopping district. Built nearly 200 years ago, it is number
19 of 21 missions founded by Fr. Junipero Serra, "Father of California
Missions". Located on 1760 Mission Drive, a small fee is charged for touring
the buildings but you can also roam the grounds for free and browse the
gift shop which offers affordable souvenirs.
Places to stay-
ALISAL GUEST RANCH
BEST WESTERN KRONBORG INN
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
MARIOTT RANCHO SANTA BARBARA in
nearby Buellton for an affordable resort style vacation.
ROYAL SCANDINAVIAN INN in the
heart of Solvang
SVENDSGAARD'S
DANISH LODGE in the heart of Solvang near the Mission Santa Ynes
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