A jaunt over to Solvang, “California’s Denmark” and one of America’s 10 best historic small towns is worth the 35 mile drive from Santa Barbara via Amtrak or car. 
“Solvang” means “sunny field” in Danish and it was the favorable California weather which attracted the Danish away from the harsh midwestern winters of other states. In 1911, the Danish developed this area and preserved their culture. The approximately 9,000 acres of the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata Mexican land grant became this community located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. The Chumash Native Americans were the original settlers to this area.
60 year old bakeries and delicatessens flourish with wine tasting rooms. Walking through it, it’s easy to forget you are in America, in fact.
It resembles Denmark so much with its Danish Provincial style. The authentic hamlet square and the four windmills of the village are such a departure from the usual Californian wine country architecture and ambiance. A wine tasting inside a windmill is a unique experience overlooking the quaint hamlet. 
Starting with a fluffy danish, shopping, taking a wine tasting break, strolling some more, visiting the Hans Christian Anderson museum and then ending with a sausage and beer is the ideal itinerary.
The Hans Christian Anderson museum and Little Mermaid statue are tributes to Danish heritage. 
Prince Frederick and Princess Ingrid visited Solvang in 1939. Their visit sparked tourism to the area, thereafter. Reportedly over one million tourists visit per year. Since 1936, Solvang has been celebrating its heritage with the annual Danish Days which is held the third weekend of September. A Danish maid leads village procession of traditions, competitions, and performances.
In 1960, Princess Margarethe of Denmark visited Solvang and returned in 1976 as the Queen of Denmark with her husband Prince Henrik. Years later, in 2011, Solvang celebrated its centennial.
I’ve heard it’s a great destination around Christmas time, too. I recommend it if you are in the area of Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley, etc. because it’s a unique sightseeing spot with delicious eateries and several shops. Eating a danish pastry will never be quite the same as it is in America’s Little Denmark. 
© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley
photos by GIna Michalopulos Kingsley
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