Welcome to Danish Disneyland aka Solvang, California! According to our spooky tour guide, Casey, from The Haunt Ghost Tours, that is what Michael Jackson allegedly called it. MJ’s Neverland Ranch (now Sycamore Valley Ranch) is located about 12 miles North of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Allegedly, the king of pop even lived in self-imposed solitude at the ranch, sometimes visiting the town of Los Olivos and also Solvang. Casey said the reason there is a Subway and Domino’s but no other major corporate food chain stores is town is because those two were his favorites and at any time of the day or night, he was able to request his cravings for a hefty at the time $100 tip. So they left them linger however that’s what makes this town so charming – is it is the land of mom and pops! And has been on my bucket list for a while so when Visit California connected me with their tourism board, it was on like Donkey Kong.
The city of Solvang is the Danish Capital of America complete with Copenhagen Drive, where Cali wine cellars mix with tons of European bakeries and mom and pop shops. It’s where you can drink, dine and go shopping like a Dane without ever leaving the California sunshine – or country. And in this current climate, can we have some escapism please in ‘Merica? The best part is that everything is walkable once parked at your overnight accommodations and we really put in some impressive steps on this trip, followed by equally impressive afternoon naps! HUGE thanks to my bestie for driving us from Apple Valley, CA and back – about a 3.5 hour drive each way if you haul ass. I literally couldn’t have done this trip without her physically. She even drove us home on no sleep just pure Sagittarius fire! Us Earth signs could never… but we got r done which sounds so much cooler in Danish.
Så Er Den Ged Barberet! Which translates to “Then The Goat Is Shaved” in Danish. It signifies that work has been done or that a problem has been resolved. When you or somebody else has completed a task, you can say, “Så Er Den Ged Barberet.” Now how to pronounce that is a different story! The language is very foreign to me as my primary language lessons were in English first, French second. Trying to say the word “hygee” pronounced “hugh-a” is still boggling my mind. Hygee is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about, relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures. I had all intentions of doing that until the day before we left, a monsoon ripped through Phoenix and tore shingles off my roof causing me more stress because I was working on fixing that while doing this. After my string of American dream nightmares lately, I tried to put all my energy back into deep diving into this funky little Danish town until our drive home. So first, our walkable home base room tour!
Hamlet Inn is located in the heart of downtown Solvang, California making it a perfect home base to walk around this small town! We arrived after a restful overnight at next door town Buellton in Santa Barbara County at contactless Hotel Hygge Buellton, which was an experience in itself and less pricey if you’re doing Solvang on a budget. The best part? The sister hotel Sideways Inn had complementary fresh coffee and donuts every morning as well as a pool, hot tub and restaurant with happy hour pricing – where we should have went for dinner. But back to Hamlet Inn in Solvang!
This place fills up fast at Hamlet Inn Solvang so keep an eye out for the vacancy sign.It’s contactless however had an office during some business hours and texts were the way to communicate at Hamlet Inn Solvang.We appreciated the bikes but again my luck and fixed that flag to fly free at Hamlet Inn Solvang.A gazebo and lounge area at Hamlet Inn Solvang.We were room 15 at Hamlet Inn Solvang which the corner pockets are best.Minimalist Danish vibes at Hamlet Inn Solvang with this flag on the blue accent wall.The desk facing the parking lot at Hamlet Inn Solvang and hooks came in handy.Our beds with the Danish flag as a blanket and pillow at Hamlet Inn Solvang.Out TV which didn’t get much use other than a late night 80s movie to fall asleep to at Hamlet Inn Solvang.The bathroom was small but efficient at Hamlet Inn Solvang.Please stop making these static shower heads, everyone! Gals need hair and shaving options.Nuker and fridge are always appreciated at Hamlet Inn Solvang. An electric kettle for instant coffee and water upon request were the only amenities at Hamlet Inn Solvang.
The location was key, literally across from a brewery and bakery with huge bags of fluffy meringue we’re still drooling over. The beds were comfortable, the AC and fan at night was great, water bottles as requested and a fridge and microwave which came in clutch with all the eating we were doing. The rainfall shower was obviously designed by a man (fellas not every lady wants to wash their hair daily, especially the curly gals) and footsteps sounded like elephants as well as neighbors screeching chairs across the floor. It has a slight Danish vibe in the lobby and outdoor lounge areas but otherwise a decent motel. It’s also a great deal especially during the week and made for a good crashing pad for our afternoon naps when the heat and sun got to be too much!
Full of excitement, piss and vinegar upon arrival, we walked all over town in our sneakers getting all the best photo opps to share. You can steal my poses on social media and here’s a fun little list to follow too!
Solvang, California Photoshoot List
1. Solvang’s big “Paaske” windmill (next to Solvang Bakery)
Cassie Hepler strikes a pose in Solvang, California. Go early in the morning on a weekday and no one will be there!
2. The Round Tower (Rundetårn) replica (in the courtyard behind the big windmill).
Too hard to climb the tower but this made for a great shaded spot while wearing a pop of color in Solvang, California.There’s an Airbnb in this tower if you can believe it in Solvang, California.
3. The Little Mermaid Fountain and sculpture at the northwest corner of Alisal Rd and Mission Drive in front of CHOMP burgers, fries and shakes.
I wasn’t going to climb onto the fountain in Solvang, California. Not with my luck lately! And she’s much smaller than she appears.
4. Windmill at Solvang Brewing Co. (1547 Mission Drive), across from our hotel at Hamlet Inn.
It was this moment when I learned my Android Galaxy had an AI removal tool for wayward thumbs in Solvang, California. Also I learned this dress has pockets!
Better to grab this pic in the late afternoon without sun glare in Solvang, California.
6. The Big Red Clog (in front of Solvang Shoe Store, corner of Copenhagen Drive and First Street)
If you have pets or kids, put them in the clog in Solvang, California.
7. The bust of Hans Christian Andersen in Solvang Park (Mission Dr and First St)
My bestie Liz made the perfect model for this as she is an author and book worm in Solvang, California.During out walkabout, we noticed this place which looks good online but you have to read the reviews for the full experience.The previous night we were rolling in bed laughing at this one review in Solvang, California. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!Let’s go back to the windmill and the Solvang Bakery! I mean look how charming everything is.Inside are hints of gingerbread houses that The Kardashians order a huge one for Christmas each year at Solvang Bakery.Piles of pastries for miles at Solvang Bakery!Another patio out back of the Solvang Bakery near the parking lot.I could put one of these on each butt cheek immediately after eating it.Or better yet a whole chocolate cake with a fork is my dream come true! Oink, oink.Just walking down the street is a vibe in Solvang, California.Like a fairytale castle in Solvang, California.Peeking over a fence in Solvang, California looks like a little Disney village is being constructed. My kind of tiny house!Even the liquor store is stunning in Solvang, California. There’s MJ’s Subway!Thriving succulents line the streets everywhere in Solvang, California.We immediately came across this fairy core store in Solvang, California.Bestie was all in and so was I at Fairy & Frog in Solvang, California.So many whimsical moments at every turn in Solvang, California.We loved it so much we came back to get some chunky rosemary and sage incense for bestie’s son in Solvang, California.
Fairy & Frog is an enchanted store filled with whimsical handmade items! Owner Nancy at Fairy and Frog makes all kinds of silk flower arrangements, wreaths, ornaments, head wreaths, and wands – using birds, butterflies, fairies, mermaids, Swarovski crystals & many other enchanted bits and pieces. You will also find fragrant candles, essential oil blends, one of a kind piece made by local artisans, soaps, music boxes, crystals and minerals, beautiful pearl and gem bracelets, clocks and vintage glittered wall art, charming cards, books, Swarovski crystal window danglers, potpourri, and numerous other wondrous treasures! We also have what you need to begin creating your own fairy garden. We loved this Solvang, California mom & pop so much we came back twice for some chunky rosemary and sage incense! That’s the thing about Solvang, they are almost ALL mom and pops and so unique.
The most Alice in Wonderland looking clock in Solvang, California.And back to the clog at the Solvang Shoe Store, selling all things Danish in Solvang, California. I felt like this guy flying!Architecture everywhere that was stunning visually in Solvang, California. I would like these outside my front door.I was quite enamored by this huge rock which we found out later via Casey our haunted tour guide it is for viking burials in the shape of an oval coffin on the ground, not burning ships as we thought from TV in Solvang, California.There’s also a rad record store you should check out just for the vibe in Solvang, California.Off The Record Vinyl & Vintage, (446 Alisal Road) is upstairs on the second floor inside, it’s next to Solvang Skate Shop, which is also a cool shop with an indoor mini-ramp!If vintage records are your jam, this is a goldmine in Solvang, California.Suddenly I noticed every single shingle around and these wooden ones seems sus to me in Solvang, California. They look cool though!This is the building with the rad shops on the second floor, more in store too but closed earlier in the week in Solvang, California.We love a country that supports the matriarchy and this queen in still alive to this day in Solvang, California.A little history lesson for you in Solvang, California. Gorm the Old was giving wizard vibes btw.It was a picture perfect day with flowers in bloom in Solvang, California.Back to exploring after we checked into the hotel, Liz was on the hunt for some tummy approved peppermint tea in Solvang, California.The Spice Merchant was a spice and tea lovers dream in Solvang, California.Rows and rows of options were available and Liz got a meat spice rub for her hubby in Solvang, California.The cutest little ice cream alley we ever saw in Solvang, California.You have to stop at this Solvang Restaurant in Solvang, California, very easy to remember the name.Even the door decor was so very Danish in Solvang, California. The pan is for cooking lunch!Inside Solvang Restaurant in Solvang, California.The cutest booths in Solvang, California.We sat towards the back in Solvang, California. Hello, me!Behold the lunch that filled me up fast in Solvang, California.These balls of dough sure pack a punch!One of the best sausages I’ve ever had! Insert joke here.Just in case you missed it, they lure you in from the outside too!
Solvang Restaurant is home to the Danish Æbleskiver and sausage combo! Pronounced “able-skeever” these pancake like biscuit balls are usually covered in jam and a hearty ball of dough from the days of the Vikings. The succulent sausage is dipped in the honey mustard tasting sauce and surprisingly this small lunch is very filling and with a price point of $10, a must taste and experience. Located in the heart of downtown Solvang, they also sell the pans to cook with, utensils to turn with, jams for topping, mix for making. If you are looking for anything Æbleskiver related, we are sure you will find it here. Enjoy your flavor journey!
Next stop was The Copenhagen House for the Solvang Viking Museum in Solvang, California.For $10, you too can escape the sun into the cool air conditioning in Solvang, California.First glimpses as you walk inside the Viking exhibit in Solvang, California.This was an impressive Viking wood carving in Solvang, California. Do you know this fella? I bet you do!I was obsessed with these dresses in Solvang, California.Perhaps I was born in the wrong era minus the bathing once a week which was often for Vikings in that era.I’ll take the red gown and walk around Arizona in it!A little history behind the couture in Solvang, California.This fella was giving my high school ex-boyfriend vibes with the long blonde hair in Solvang, California. I kid you not!Minus the fork beard… in Solvang, California.He also didn’t have this rad tattoo on the side of his head in Solvang, California.A Viking ship made in Denmark and brought to Solvang, California.Amber was the treasured jewel of the vikings and was for sale in the store in Solvang, California.Viking women were also warriors I also learned in Solvang, California. Badass!A freaky amber head that is art in Solvang, California.Golden horns for the win in Solvang, California.Another part of the exhibit belonged in the old bank vault in Solvang, California.This virtual skull was a nice touch in Solvang, California.Weapons Vikings used in Solvang, California.Skulls used in Pagan rituals in Solvang, California.Parts of Europe still celebrate this style of revelry.Berserker in full costume is pretty cool in Solvang, California.Perhaps you have heard of a God now named Odin?
The Solvang Viking Museum features its own authentic Viking Ship built by the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum in Denmark! Learn all about these Pagan roots including the construction of Snorri and the maritime experimental archaeology, 1000-year-old Viking weapons collection with authentic Viking swords, axes and spearheads, the Viking burial and their journey to Valhalla, the Vikings discovery of North America as the first Europeans. And let’s not forget about the fashion – and animal heads, skulls, tattoos and more that make this an amazing way to digest some Viking history of a hot sunny afternoon in the air conditioning! The Danish gift store also offers amber jewelry, fun Danish toys, gizmos and more for souvenirs. Learn more at solvangvikingmuseum.com.
Popping back out, we stumbled upon the Solvang Visitors Center playing polka music in Solvang, California.The kindest couple you’ll ever meet in Solvang, California. Have questions? Go there!On our walkabout, we stumbled upon the farmers market in Solvang, California.We also swung by the Bethania Lutheran Church but it was closed and it was getting hot out again in Solvang, California. There was a cute little take a book, leave a book stand outside of it too.My bestie’s favorite stop was The Book Loft with Hans Christian Andersen Museum. This indie bookstore is now over 50 years old and is a favorite among both locals and loyal visitors. As you ascend and descend from the attic-space museum, you pass through The Book Loft’s antiquarian book section.Liz is on the hunt for her perfect book in Solvang, California!Upstairs at The Book Loft, does this statue look familiar? It’s also in the park in Solvang, California.A gorgeous cuckoo clock in Solvang, California.The attic is dedicated to the man with the craziest cool imagination in Solvang, California. Hint: Read the OG Little Mermaid it’s morbid!Walking to dinner that night, the whole park came alive in Solvang, California.People were all out dancing, enjoying food, beverages and all the music in Solvang, California.After our afternoon nap, we were ravenous for meat and happy to walk only four minutes in Solvang, California.The perfect place for all the BBQ meats in Whiskey N’ Rye in Solvang, California.The interior is dark and moody with AC in Solvang, California.Belly up to the bar if that’s your comfy place in Solvang, California.Some sports for the fans if needed in Solvang, California.We ordered the BBQ platter with ribs, pulled pork and brisket in Solvang, California and soon dug in like the carnivores we are.I couldn’t resist the elote corn in Solvang, California so cheesy!For good measure, a farm fresh salad was refreshing.The mac-n-cheese was a clear winner in Solvang, California.The cookie skillet was gooey and dreamy in Solvang, California.And bestie got a seasonal cheesecake in Solvang, California.For all you whiskey lovers, they have them all here!Some merch in the store and to go section in Solvang, California.Outside near sunset, people started to gather in Solvang, California.With out bellies full, we delved into a long walk toward the Mission in Solvang, California.
Old Mission Santa Ines was the nineteenth of the 21 missions built in California from 1769 to 1836 by Spanish Franciscan priests led by Father Junipero Serra. Founded in 1804, it is one of the original California Missions established by Franciscans along the Pacific Coast. We caught it after closing at sunset and hear it is haunted by a ghost dog inside among other fun, freaky facts from @thehauntghosttours! Learn more at missionsantaines.org.
It was closed for the day but a great sunset vibe at Old Mission Santa Ines.That night we met up with Casey from The Haunt Ghost Tours at the Solvang, California sign.It’s a whole different feeling at night in Solvang, California.He gave each of us this EMF reader that tells of electricity increases in Solvang, California.He told us the tale of the HeMan looking serial killer in Solvang, California.We then tried these dowsing rods and Liz was not very successful in Solvang, California. Crossing meant yes when asked a question.I gave it a go and since the nearby ghosts weren’t biting, I asked if Grandma was there and they crossed!We shuffled over to a house that is now a salon and he told us more tales of these random steps in Solvang, California.Liz tried one more time to no avail in Solvang, California.Then we did some street BDSM haha just kidding! A blindfold and this radio were meant to hear voices beyond the grave. No dice though.We peeked over a fence and into a nearby cemetery but no orbs seen in Solvang, California.And back through a fountain square that was a hotel at one point in Solvang, California. No ghost contact other than Grammy and I’ll take it!
After some dead to the world sleep from walking SO many steps, it was time to go on a Danish Bakery hunt in Solvang, California! This is the best way to see – and sample – all the many pastries in town and work off some of those calories while you’re at it. We started at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, a 55-year-old classic, then onto the many others in no particular order as they are all amazing including Birkholm’s Bakery & Café over 70 years in business, Danish Mill Bakery, over 60 years in business, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, over 60 years in business, Brød & Kage by Danish Mill Bakery, the new Danish bakeshop, next to The Landsby Hotel with the cutest courtyard. A lot of them have animatronic bakers in the bay windows, one a bunny rabbit which is both cute and weird! Finding a savory croissant was our goal one morning, then a sweet cheese danish the next. We ended with my favorite Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates with Danish chocolate recipes locked in a safe they are that good. It’s a whole foodie fun delight!
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery across the street from our hotel. I organized them into a good, walkable list without backtracking.A lot of these shops had these strange little bakery men in Solvang, California.The bakery had a sit down area in Solvang, California.And immediately I was overwhelmed with options but glad they have samples to taste in Solvang, California.Welcome to the most picture perfect Mortensen’s Danish Bakery in Solvang, California.The largest apple strudels ever at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.Inside is also an all white studio at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.Also a coffee counter with tea too at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.Then back over to Birkholm’s Bakery & Café where we learned the upstairs was once a brothel on our ghost tour with Casey in Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.You will know the baker by his large mustache at Birkholm’s Bakery & Café! He seemed curious about us and us – him.Rows and rows of fresh made treats at Birkholm’s Bakery & Café. I obviously like big piles of cream!I grabbed a coffee from here and it was weak for me, I like rocket fuel at Birkholm’s Bakery & Café.Bestie loved her cheese danish at Birkholm’s Bakery & Café.I was on the hunt for a savory delight in Solvang, California! Danish Mill Bakery seemed promising.More weird little men bakers doing things at Danish Mill Bakery.It started out with chocolates and macaroons at Danish Mill Bakery.Then moved onto pastries at Danish Mill Bakery.And finally some savory pastries at Danish Mill Bakery!A darker space than the others at Danish Mill Bakery.My mom would love these authentic candies at Danish Mill Bakery.My ham and cheese croissant at Danish Mill Bakery for the win!Technically not a bakery but still sweets at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates across the street!I was the first one in there upon opening at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates.The cutest little store at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates.Everything your heart could desire at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates.Meet chocolatier Kim Jensen who taught me all about Danish chocolates at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates.Kim could tell my love for chocolate and gifted me these four gems, the peanut butter cup was my favorite and so gooey at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates.And this huge chocolate haystack made with coconut at Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates was divine!A little side quest of these handmade, authentic children’s clothing in Solvang, California.And our last bakery stop of the day, Brød & Kage by Danish Mill Bakery, next to The Landsby Hotel.Liz getting all pastry-ed out at Brød & Kage. I forget sometimes this travel blogger life is a grind to others!The newest kid on the block, Brød & Kage.They also had savory options like a whole pizza at Brød & Kage.Don’t forget the weird baker men in the window this one laying down on the job at Brød & Kage.The courtyard out back of Brød & Kage is super cute. I would recommend staying at this hotel for the best vibes!Next up, the California Nature Museum in Solvang, California.The land where trash meets art in Solvang, California!Above the lobby desk, an eagle made of bullet casings screams America in Solvang, California.But the lady we came to see was actually a troll in Solvang, California!Meet 13 foot tall LuLu Hyggelig in Solvang, California!The pastry LuLu Hyggelig is stashing for later after she ravaged the town much like we did!
Behold Lulu Hyggelig, California’s first permanent Thomas Dambo Troll! Located inside the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang, California, international Danish artist Thomas Dambo is a recycling advocate who is celebrated for his well-known imaginative and colossal sculptures made from recycled materials. Creating enchanting wooden trolls around the world, Dambo breathes whimsical new life from inside the world’s trash cans. Driven by his “Waste no more” mission believing the world is drowning in waste, he quit his job in 2011 to dedicate his life to showing the beauty of upcycled materials. His other projects include plastic creations, birdhouses, and “Happy Walls,” spanning 20 countries and five continents working with local communities and making them co-creators of his art. Learn more about this visionary artist at thomasdambo.com and plan your visit to the museum at calnatureartmuseum.org.
Also a rotating exhibit is available this one by William Neill in Solvang, California with my favorite photo here. Stunning!The git shop at the art museum in Solvang, California.Lots of fun trolls from the artist himself and merch in Solvang, California.I like the simplistic beauty of this art in Solvang, California.Upstairs kids are welcome to create crafts and art in workshops in Solvang, California.
After all that walking, we were again hungry for lunch! I’ll take Spanish ham over caviar any day at Peasants Deli. But they have caviar bumps too at this fancy deli with an arcade in the back. We enjoyed our farm to table, fresh made subs and sides immensely for lunch. Hospitality industry duo, Chef Michael Cherney and wife, Sarah Cherney, soft-opened their first Santa Ynez Valley wine country restaurant, Peasants FEAST during the pandemic. Across the street is Peasants Deli with a speakeasy-style doorway to the arcade, which features over 15 vintage video and pinball games as well as an air hockey game including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball game; a two-player, seated The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift car racing game; NBA JAM, Mortal Kombat, Area 51, and all-time classics like PAC-MAN and Galaga video games; other rotating pinball machines such as JAWS, Terminator 2, and Godzilla. There’s also a library wall and reading nook if that’s more your speed! Learn more about this dynamic duo at peasantsdeli.com.
Across from Peasants FEAST in Solvang, California.The first thing I saw walking in the deli at Solvang, California.We need more gourmet delis like this one in Solvang, California.We loved this nook in the corner in Solvang, California.Other options right by the deli in Solvang, California.Water is always available as well as booze, soda, tea options too in Solvang, California.To the right of the water station, an arcade in Solvang, California.A bookcase for all you introverts in Solvang, California.A pinball wall of fun for all ages in Solvang, California.Rad artwork in Solvang, California!The sweetest couple in Solvang, California!The meat I was stalking in Solvang, California.Chef Mike hooked us up with a plate in Solvang, California, it was like salty butter.An array of chips and tea to keep me going in Solvang, California.Pickled beets were so refreshing in Solvang, California.Olive spread for the chip dip in Solvang, California.My roast beef with fresh fluffy bread in Solvang, California.Bestie got a turkey with the sesame bread in Solvang, California. After this we went into a food coma that resulted in a nap.Sleeping in a foreign bed is always a gamble and thank goodness for Little Rainbow Foot Spa in Solvang, California.Liz walked in and immediately they took her back and went to town on her knot in Solvang, California.And for this price, why the hell not in Solvang, California? She said that tiny lady elbowed her just right!Back to the business of shopping in Solvang, California at The Mystic Merchant.The place for all your crystal needs in Solvang, California.If we had more time, a tarot reading corner in Solvang, California!Not sure what this is – a chair? – but I love it in Solvang, California.Next door, a consignment shop in Solvang, California.It’s giving Hollywood pricing but great designer finds in Solvang, California.Some nesting dolls and apparently some wooden cockoo clocks too in Solvang, California.For all the tiki lovers, there’s a bar for that too in Solvang, California.For all those treasure hunters like me, a large antique mall in Solvang, California.They had it organized by era in Solvang, California.I wanted everything in Solvang, California! The Western display here.It’s giving old money in Solvang, California.To our next stop and so many photo opps along the way in Solvang, California.A completely hidden doorway to our next stop in Solvang, California.
It’s never too early for Spooky Season at Final Girl Wines! Scary good wines for wine and horror lovers alike, Final Girl Wines is a goth lovers dream space – a horror themed wine bar – where delicious wines, fun times, games, books and nostalgia come back to life for an immersive time in a dark, cool space. With an impressive array of blood red wines, non-alcoholic options, pairings and more, you can’t go wrong with sitting by the lost souls fireplace and reading some macabre, playing a Michael Myers video game or even shopping for some swag or merch – like a bloody knife or snake earrings. It’s a whole dark soul with equally dark humor vibe and perhaps one of our favorite places in Solvang, California. Learn more at finalgirlwines.com.
Perhaps one of my favorite places, Final Girl Wines!A little claw never hurt anyone at Final Girl Wines.Tons of trendy merch at Final Girl Wines!Cool clothes at Final Girl Wines for sale.Belly up to the skull bar for your wine tasting at Final Girl Wines.The dark interior soothes my soul at Final Girl Wines.Be careful with these boards kids!Hellraiser box encased to keep you out of trouble at Final Girl Wines.Video games to play at Final Girl Wines.Wine list inside here with NA options too at Final Girl Wines.A peek inside the eyeball book at Final Girl Wines.Our host with the most jokes, Peter Lancucki, who is co-owner with wife and winemaker Anna Lancucki at Final Girl Wines.The lineup at Final Girl Wines.More of the fresh flavors at Final Girl Wines.My favorite wine at Final Girl Wines, I found the reds to be best.This is just glorious and the sound effects he added were top tier at Final Girl Wines.You get a bloody beating before you leave at Final Girl Wines. Just kidding!Love, love, love this creepy wine holding hand on the wall at Final Girl Wines. It was my last tasting before we bounced! Stay tuned for more goth fun from this brand as it expands.Dinner at The Gathering Table in Solvang, California was next at sunset.The patio is perfect when the sun sets in Solvang, California.Walking towards the door to the kitchen in Solvang, California.
First moments at the bar in Solvang, California.We were seated right under the window next to our friends we made at Final Girl Wines in Solvang, California.The rest of the restaurant in Solvang, California.
A decadent dinner at The Gathering Table in Solvang, California! Former chef and owner of the beloved Ballard Inn, Chef Budi Kazali returned to the kitchen late summer of 2024, taking up a spot behind the stoves of The Gathering Table (2.0), located in the longtime Succulent Café space on Solvang’s Mission Drive. With the same vibes as his first rendition of The Gathering Table, his former restaurant at the Ballard Inn, a AAA Four Diamond-designated Santa Barbara County wine country inn, the Solvang restaurant features menu items of mixed cuisines meant for convivial sharing, most with an Asian and French-fusion influence. Chef Budi went around the dining room, chatting with everyone and his relaxed California vibe flows through his energy. I fell in love with an outstanding Santa Barbara white wine as well as the hamachi and steak tar tar, it’s a place to sample tapas and enjoy a girl dinner with your bestie or your loved one for sure! Learn more at gatheringtablesolvang.com. Our table neighbors that we met at Final Girl Wines were right next to us and staying at Los Prietos Campground which they raved about. A great budget friendly option but your girl needs a bed, bath and air conditioning!
I loved this white blend Estelle Bianco so much from Sanger in Santa Barbara County.In love with the hamachi and mushrooms in Solvang, California.The steak tar tar was also a hit in Solvang, California,Cauliflower baked to perfection in Solvang, California.Decadent duck was divine in Solvang, California.Noodles but make them the real deal in Solvang, California.An array of veggie to keep healthy in Solvang, California.Bestie got the mushroom sliders which were tasty in Solvang, California.A Japanese Old Fashioned to end the night in Solvang, California.Chef Budi went around the dining areas to speak to each table in Solvang, California.A sweet potato delight in Solvang, California.Panna Cotta for me which I devoured in Solvang, California. I fell fast asleep that night and early too, that dinner and cocktail put me into a food coma until the morning!
Breakfast the next morning was at in Solvang, California.They had pumpkin spice cold brew and I am a basic bitch in the fall at Drover’s Doughnuts. It was amazing!We got this box to go for the kiddos at Drover’s Doughnuts but might have stolen some pieces as well. Everyone loved them!It’s a good space to rest at Drover’s Doughnuts.It was this moment I realized my Nikon charge was dying and we rushed back to the room to checkout from Drover’s Doughnuts.Soon I was meeting up with my new friend Vanessa from Secret Solvang.
Take a Food, Wine & Culture Tour with Secret Solvang! Our fabulous tour guide Vanessa Beck told us tales of the city’s past, present and future while tasting our way through some of the delicious menu items around town. This is a food-first tour with several generous tastings and a few delicious wine pairings along the way. For most people, this is enough for a full lunch. You’ll receive a custard pastry, coffee, a spicy tuna sushi handroll with fish roe, a mushroom/cheese/pickle sandwich on a seeded bread, and gelato (flavor of your choosing) for $115 per person. Learn about more options available at secretsolvang.com. We were absolutely stuffed by the end and had some snacks for the road trip home. Thanks again Vanessa, I think I made a new friend that day!
An apple danish and some tea to start in Solvang, California.I didn’t think we’d make this spot but glad we did at Ramen Kotori in Solvang, California.And meeting the married chef owners and sharing their passion was contagious in Solvang, California!I was all wine tasted out but determined to at least taste in Solvang, California! So onward we went to Lucas & Lewellen.The interior at Lucas & Lewellen in Solvang, California.My favorite part of it, the cheese pairing at Lucas & Lewellen. Coconut gouda, get the funk out of here and in my belly!Secret Solvang has their own three pour wine tasting at Lucas & Lewellen.We popped back over to Peasants Deli for a mushroom sandwich and this time found the bread hard to bite but loved the shrooms.Over to Twenty Mile Winery for some sweet wines and olive oil tastes in Solvang, California.Then time to try some gelato at Solvang, California.A mango gelato from Alessio for the ride home and the win in Solvang, California! Bestie was reading a book nearby during this tour, she was all extroverted out.
Even if I wasn’t working with Solvang, I would totally recommend this magical little town. Summer is swarming with tourists so September into October might be a tad calmer. Also keep in mind their signature events in the fall here, mainly due to harvest season and all of the wine country happenings and most of those would be on weekends so take a peek at the events listed below. I also think Christmas in this charming town would also be adorable!
If you hate road trips, SBA (Santa Barbara Airport) is the airport that services Solvang. It’s an easy flight from most places out West, but then a drive over the mountain range to Solvang — it’s about 50 or so minutes from SBA to Solvang. The Santa Ynez Airport does not offer commercial flights — only private jets. Closed days for most restaurant businesses are Monday to Wednesday, but it varies as some spots are open 7 days a week. So plan accordingly and enjoy Danish Disneyland!
