Visit Solvang for Danish Treats and Imports
Bakeries, Gift Shops and Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara, County
In 1910, a small group of Danish immigrants purchased farmland in the fertile Santa Ynez Valley and set down plans to settle in the area. They started building a general store, a hotel and church in the style of their homeland. The early settlers farmed the land and lived a modest life among the rolling hills of Central California. After WWII, the Danish Village expanded and attracted tourists who would stop on their way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Today, the town thrives with numerous Danish bakeries, Scandinavian import shops and restaurants.
The Fragrance of a Danish Bakery
For many years the main attraction in Solvang has been the scent of Danish pastries right out of the oven. Numerous bakeries line the several block town and bakery treats can be purchased to take home or to enjoy in the café with a cup of coffee. A favorite local treat is the aebleskiver, a small round dumpling served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam. All types of cookies, tarts, sweetbreads and pastries are made daily and tempt even the strictest dieter. For overnight guests, breakfast menus include Belgian waffles and Danish pancakes with loads of locally grown and preserved raspberry jam.
Scandinavian Gift Shops in Solvang
After sampling a few Danish treats, there are plenty of shops to explore. Scandinavian import shops carry blue and white porcelain dishes, figurines and collectibles. Handmade linen embroidery can be purchased for table linens and candle shops, toys and dolls and small gifts make browsing an enjoyable sport. An exclusive antique shop carries Old World clocks and precious silver items. Contemporary clothing, leather and shoes – clogs included, round out the many choices for shoppers. For non-shoppers, the half timbered storefronts, flower boxes and many benches make a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the California sunshine.
For Solvang History Buffs
One of the original buildings in the town is the Bethania Lutheran Church that is reminiscent of similar churches in Denmark. A model ship hangs from the ceiling and the pulpit and altar bear beautiful wood carvings. Before the Danish discovered the valley, the Spanish missionaries had arrived in California. The Santa Ines Mission was founded in 1804 built by Native American artisans and Spanish settlers. The chapel, gardens and Mission ruins are located in the center of Solvang and represent a different era in the history of the town.
Wine Tasting in Solvang
One of the newer attractions to the Solvang area and the Santa Ynez Valley, are the award winning wineries that grow and produce local varietal wines. Many of the wineries that are in the valley have tasting rooms in town. In line with the European feeling of this village, small restaurants with outdoor seating serve local wine paired with California cuisine. Wine and olive shops that sell accessories and kitchen items add to the new ambiance of this Danish California town.
Solvang is located about a half hour north of Santa Barbara and can be visited as a day trip or overnight stay. Many hotels and Bed and Breakfast style Inns are located in town with easy walking distance to the restaurants and shops.
Hamlet Square
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Solvang Architecture
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