Where do I begin? You guys already know I went to Solvang on my birthday.
We did so much on this trip in such a short time and spent so much money. Santa Ynez and Solvang might be wine century, but they’d have amazing desserts.
Day One: Arriving at Solvang
This day got away from us, and we arrived at dinner just in time for our reservation. We went to First and Oak, a Michelin-star restaurant that’s been on my bucket list forever. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny! We indulged in a five-course meal-tasting menu with the most perfect wine pairings for each course. The ambiance was incredible, and the food was out of this world. Plus, I got to check off another bucket list item: trying raw oysters for the first time! The only downside was changing in the car on the way there, which was quite the show for the cars next to us. That’s just part of the adventure, right?
Day Two: Exploring
I am an itinerary girlie. I love to plan out my days ahead of time, but I’m not one of those people who schedules every minute of the day, including bathroom breaks. For the day, I had a general idea of what I wanted to do—I wanted to have an enjoyable day exploring new places.
Our first stop was Ostrichland, USA, where we saw and interacted with ostriches and emus. It was a unique and fun experience, and I couldn’t help but take a few pictures of the majestic birds.
After spending some time with the ostriches, we headed to the Santa Ynez Mission, an old and well-preserved Spanish mission. The mission was surrounded by beautiful gardens and had a serene atmosphere. I was fascinated by the place’s history and architecture and took many pictures.
I tried to write down a list of every place we visited. We found inspiration in a magazine with a list of places to visit and tried to check off as many as possible. However, it had over 30, and I want to say we only got to about 13 or 14 places.
We checked out some local museums to soak up as much local culture as possible. The Elverhøj Museum was fascinating, showcasing the town’s history and heritage. They even had this exhibit called ‘Poetry in Paper’ exhibit. Poetry in Paper is a traveling exhibit sponsored by the National Foundation of Danish America and ScanDesign and is on display in Solvang through April 7.
As the day progressed, we were drawn to Bit O’ Denmark, a cute restaurant everyone recommends. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. We tried herring for the first time. We also checked out the Book Loft, a bookstore with a vast collection of books and a charming ambiance. It also has the Hans Christian Anderson Museum on the top of it. I spent $200 on books and a tote bag because I love reading.
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for mouth-watering desserts, you are in luck. I have some great recommendations for you.
Firstly, The Old Danish Fudge Kitchen is a must-visit. They offer an assortment of fudges and scrumptious pretzels that you can either purchase to go or make at home with their special dough. The dough kit makes six delicious pretzels for sharing with your loved ones.
Secondly, Solving Bakery is an excellent place to visit if you love cake. The slices are incredibly generous, and you can expect to indulge in some of the most delectable cakes in town.
Lastly, Danish Mill Bakery is another must-visit. Here, I highly recommend trying out their chocolate and rum truffles, Romkugler. They’re simply divine! Additionally, if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know they have their own winery, Danish Mill Winery. The winery produces wine made from grapes grown locally, and it’s a must-try for all wine lovers.
Although we had planned to visit more places, we had to cut our tour short because we were running out of time. Nonetheless, the day was fun, filled with adventure and new experiences. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of what the town offers.
Day Three: Heading Home
I had a plan for the day—get up early, have breakfast, take a walk, and leave by 11 am. I wanted to be home by 1 pm to relax, do laundry, and prepare for work the next day. But things went differently than planned.
While walking, we stumbled upon the Solvang Trolley, and I suggested we take it. It was a cute trolley that pointed out things we missed while walking around. The best part is that you get discounts around town if you keep your ticket. So, we decided to take the trolley first.
After the trolley ride, we went to a local Art Farmer’s Market, which was a lot of fun. I bought a picture of the Book Loft and some handmade goat soap that works wonders on acne and eczema. I also purchased a sculpted candle made of beeswax, which the artist had gotten from a local beekeeper. I love supporting small businesses and local artists.
By this time, it was 1 pm, so we hit the road. However, Hector remembered that I had said Solvang was in Santa Barbara County. He wondered how far Santa Barbara actually was, so we drove there to find out. It was a 30-minute drive, and it was on the way home. We stopped at the Sterns Wharf and found the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.
Solvang was such a beautiful place that I recently visited, and I’m already wishing to go back soon. Honestly, I really needed this trip for myself. It’s important to take a break from the daily grind and let go of our worries. I had the most fantastic time out there, and it reminded me that sometimes, the most valuable moments are the ones where we allow ourselves to escape reality. Even though my life can be stressful and unglamorous, taking a moment to recharge can make all the difference.
