 Visit our neighbors!
 
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SOLVANG
SOJOURN
The Danish Capital of America, Solvang, is nestled in the picturesque Santa Ynez
Valley, surrounded by gentle hills, mountains, vineyards, farms, world class wineries and
nationally known horse ranches just 45 miles north of Santa Barbara via US HWY. 101.
To the small group of Danish refugees from Midwestern winters who arrived in 1911, the
9,000 acres of former Spanish land grant near the Mission Santa Ines must have looked like
heaven on earth with its warm sun, grassy knolls dotted with oak trees and sheltering
mountains.
Today, the local population remains over 60% of Danish descent and welcomes more than 3
million visitors annually to a shoppers paradise of over 350 shops filled with Old World
arts and crafts, jewelry, fine leather goods, porcelain figurines, hand made lace, music
boxes, collectibles, books, sweaters, candies, imported foods, kitchen utensils and
apparel with a few factory outlets stores.
Food lovers will appreciate Solvang's famous bakeries and varied cuisine, wine tasting
rooms, yet it's the Danish dishes and smorgasbords that give this charming community its
unique culinary reputation. .
Fine art abounds in the galleries. Painting is typically representational and
California plen-air painters, impressionists, noted seascape artists, water colorists,
wildlife, and western artists are all well represented.
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum documents the life of the father of the modern fairy
tale with books, sketches, and personal artifacts. The museum at Mission Santa Ines,
the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum and the Parks-Janeway Carriage House offer
history and memorabilia from Chumash Indian implements to clothing and furnishings from
the European settlers for hours of enjoyment.
Solvang is surrounded by a playground of things to see and do. Dozens of
vineyards and wineries, such as the popular Fess Parker Winery and Firestone Winery, are
just a short and scenic drive away: as are several exotic animal farms (Ostrich Land) and
"par excellent" golf courses.
Rich in ethnic heritage, architecture ( thatched roofs, windmills, Danish architecture
everywhere) and history, home to world class dining, shopping and accommodations, the
Solvang sojourn is truly an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Thanks to Passport Gateway Magazine
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NOTES
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