ALONG COMES MARY

As some of you might know, I semi-grew up in Solvang, California; I say ‘semi’ since I consider myself more of a Los Angeles native, yet spent a good ten years in The Santa Ynez Valley. While it’s a great place to visit, I can’t say I miss living there. Yet, you cannot beat Solvang & the Central Coast in general. For my 2nd installment in my “Weekend Getaway” series, I thought I would round-up a small list of things to consider checking out in Solvang during these up-coming months. Enjoy & tell me, have you been to Solvang?

WHAT TO DO:

PCPA at Solvang Theatrefest,  June 11th-September 13th
The venue that launched my love for theatre. While I have not been in recent years, The Solvang Festival Theatre will always be one of my most favorite places in the world, no matter where I may ever travel & love. Each Summer, this gorgeous 700 thrust stage venue comes alive every night (except Monday) with professional live theatre performances from Santa Maria’s PCPA Theatre Company. Go early & enjoy a picnic, then make sure to bring some blankets as it gets extremely chilly being outdoors til around 11pm.

4th of July Parade & Fireworks
I have always loved celebrating The 4th of July, & some of my favorites were in Solvang. They have an adorable, hometown parade at 10am, followed by a day of hustle & bustle through out Copenhagen Drive (the main drag) & then the festivities conclude with fireworks at The Santa Ines Mission. A perfect place to get away to for the holiday if you want a short road trip from SoCal.

Wheels & Windmills, August 29th
Another great reason to mingle in the streets, find some wine or a dessert, then ooh & ahh at the awesome cars on display for The Wheels & Windmills Car Show! I was there for its first & its gone on to become one of Solvang’s biggest crowd gathering events.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Landsby Hotel is the newest addition to the “Sunnyfields” city (Thats what Solvang means in Danish!) & the timing could not be more perfect. The Landsby is set to become the place to stay when looking to add some posh & modern flare to your getaway; just check out these rooms. You might not leave at all to explore!

WHAT TO EAT:

With no shortage of bakeries within walking distance of each other, consider Mortensen’s Bakery for an authentic Napoleon’s Hat or Cherry Boat. If you want a great espresso drink along with your treat, Birkholm’s is where it’s at; they even sometimes have gluten-free available.
One of the newest adds to Solvang for fine dining is Mad & Vin (meaning Food & Wine in Danish), a beautiful courtyard dining experience, just steps from The Landsby. For great casual dining, check out Taco Roco up Alamo Pintado Road for lunch/dinner, & for a proper rancher’s supper, head over to The Hitching Post, or to Pea Soup Anderson’s for funky, awesome diner grub (both in Buellton, 3 miles away).

WHERE TO SHOP:

Whether you need an Aebleskiver pan, weather vane, needlework or just a post card, Rasmussen’s is the most beautiful department shop in Solvang. Rasmussen’s has been family owned & operated since its day in the 1920’s as a general store & have somehow mastered the art of changing with the times while preserving its humble, early era roots.

Chain bookstores like Borders & Barnes & noble might be slowly heading down the drain, & I couldn’t be happier as independent book shops like Solvang’s The Book Loft, continue to thrive & show ‘Mom & Pop’ isn’t always so bad.
With all new books downstairs, & their loft boasting vintage books & a Hans Christian Anderson Museum, there is something for everyone to be read at The Book Loft.

Happy Road Trips! xo