Solvang - an afternoon with the Danish

Solvang (Danish for 'sunny meadow') is a ‘themed’ community, priding itself as a genuine traditional Danish village.  Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danes lured from the harsh winters of the midwest.  Located above Gaviota in the Santa Ynez Valley (Saint Agnes Valley). It is noted for its Danish-style architecture, Danish cuisine and the 20 tasting rooms from the nearby wineries.  And there it is, the two reasons we’re heading 20 minutes up the hill – lunch and wine.

The main landmark is the windmill, although the Pea Soup Anderson’s windmill in Buellton is way bigger, this one is prominent enough to keep us oriented as we wonder the shops.


As we wander the streets with the kids checking out the specialty shops, I'm looking over menus.  They went back to sleep and had a light breakfast.  But I've been up since 3:30, after the launch I put the blog together.  The walk is nice, the air fresh and the menus appetizing.


The Danish are known for baked goods and there is no shortage of bakeries to select from. 


We selected Mortensen’s, where we each selected 2 items, then cut each into quarters to share.  The unanimous favorite was the Danish Waffle


The Danish Waffle is a light pastry shaped like a hotdog bun filled with raspberry jam and butter cream then totally sugar coated – what’s not to like? 

The Danish also pride themselves on their chocolates. 


Fran and I are suckers for a really good pecan turtle.  This one was a distant second, the best are found at Pumpkinland Chocolate Company on Highway 99 near Red Bluff.  So far I've encountered no competition for them.


I did mention there are a ‘few’ tasting rooms in the village.  Since we have no plans to hit them all we will be selective and visit the one that’s closest!

Well maybe not the Wandering Dog it seems to have an identity crisis…  And a micro-brew in Solvang – oh how did they get a permit? 


Kami and I split a tasting of red wines.  And had to revisit their 2014 Pinot Noir (pee-no-more) was indeed worth taking back as our dinner selection.


No trip to Solvang is complete without an Aebleskiver!  These little balls of Danish pancakes are served with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar.  The ice cream is optional  …. or is it?


Sunday morning it was time for the kids to head home.  We went down to the beach for a parting picture.  Aj was in a band competition in Coronado this weekend and not able here.  Her band won GOLD!  Congrats Aj!  And well done supporting the band and your friends!



I went back up on Monday to have another Danish Waffle!  and didn’t share



I was also there for gas and propane and to visit the missions. Well, as long as I was here  ….  2 wineries is getting to be my limit, without someone to share the tasting.   Lucas and Lewellen offer some pretty decent estate wines.  Estate wine is from a single vineyard of the winery, hence can vary year to year.


Mosby Winery is fun, even whimsical and offers some pretty good wine.  They do not have a high-rent tasting room in Solvang.  The result is a more intimate tasting room at the vineyard, with good wine for a lower price.


I did not take a picture of the RV parking lot, but coming toward Solvang from Buellton it will be on the left on the far side of town.  If you pass the mission you just missed it!, but the mission also has a large level lot.  Both are FREE!

Next I’ll blog the missions, which is really why I was back up the hill Monday … not just for the wine … or was the wine an excuse to visit the missions  ???