Solvang
Solvang Pixabay Public Domain
Walking through Solvang you'd think you had been transported to Denmark, the land of Hans Christian Andersen, windmills, and poppy flowers. Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish immigrants who wanted a town of their own, one that would reflect their heritage without the harsh Midwest winters. They found their paradise in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, California.
The buildings reflect the Danish architecture with gabled roofs and colorful, Tudor-esque facades with statues of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a replica from Copenhagen, as well as a bust of the writer himself. Even more impressive is the replica of Copenhagen's Round Tower is set behind the town, visible to tourists as you explore the shops selling traditional Danish apparel, homemade Danish goods, and more. The city is also nearby several delectable vineyards, historic Spanish Catholic mission churches, and museums for an extra incentive to visit!
With Solvang, you get all of the benefits from international travel without ever having to leave the United States. With the beautiful weather, smiling faces of locals and tourists, and the attentiveness to details make this an authentic and wholly unique destination for an unusual yet exciting vacation. From boutique shopping to wine tasting, museum hopping, golfing, cycling, and plenty of locally scheduled entertainment activities, Solvang will capture your heart and your imagination!
