Open Solvang Photo Gallery
On our journey from Santa Barbara to Hearst Castle, we decided to explore Solvang. Solvang (Sunny Field) was settled by a Danish community in 1911; which, if it was possible to establish a community in almost un-chartered territory, to me is a reminder of how new this country is.

But first, we stopped off at a parking area with a vista across the sea. This vista also contained a beach full of elephant seals. So called due to their trunk like nose and something really worth stopping for. We were joined by diamond ring toting bikers, an Airstream caravan and a gentle plethora of other visitors. On the beach sleepily lay about 100 of these huge blubbery animals that wobble as an effective method of moving.

A variety of information panels gave, well information. As I listened to Michelle with her spiel about what lazy animals they were, I read out loud the thousands of miles they swim to get here. I suggested they deserve a break! One sign suggested that if they look at you, then you are too close. I had one proper snarling at me and there was about 3meters of sheer cliff face between us. The air was filled with deep, loud barking as we drove along the road lined with curved green hills that could have been summertime Bavaria or Austria.

Solvang was just off the highway, which made it easy for a quick stop. This is what www.solvangusa.com said about Solvang.

Named by Sunset magazine as one of the "10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western United States," Solvang's rich heritage dates back to 1911 when adventurous Danish-Americans traversed the plains from Iowa to establish a settlement in the golden state of California. They purchased 9,000 sun-drenched acres of the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata and situated their new community adjacent to the historic Old Mission Santa Inés. To preserve and promote Danish culture, the founders constructed a Danish folk school and church (the building now houses Bit O'Denmark Restaurant, 473 Alisal Road); then built Atterdag College, which opened in 1914 and educated through 1970 (now the site of Solvang Lutheran Home, 636 Atterdag Road). Solvang boasts authentic architecture, thatched roofs, old-world craftsmanship and traditional windmills. Over 1 million visitors come each year to experience the northern European culture, cuisine and unique boutique shopping. The pedestrian-friendly village hosts three museums, 15 inns and hotels, a full-service guest ranch, 30+ restaurants and bakeries, 150 retailers and the Solvang Theaterfest, an alfresco 700-seat theatre. The feature film "Sideways" was filmed in Solvang and highlighted the regions' celebrated world-class wines.

I copied that because we didn’t stay for too long. I could imagine staying here for a whole day, but we had tickets booked at Hearst Castle, about 100miles drive away. We stopped for an early lunch in a Danish style diner. Take a look in the photo gallery! If I was writing about the most unique diners, this would be quite high! The décor was a mixture of classic 1950’s diner style with traditional Danish adornments and patterns.

I had a huge and tasty sandwich filled with eggplant, caramelized onions, mozzarella, red pepper and pesto. It went down very fast! We had to have an “abelskivver” which again went down very fast in our very full bellies! They came in a portion of three and are golf ball sized spherical pancakes, I would say doughnuts, and traditionally with apple inside. Sprinkled with sugar, they are served with fruit jams like lingonberry.

Due to our appointment, we didn’t get a chance to stop at Pismo Beach, famous for it’s beauty. The drive to Hearst castle in the area of San Simeon and Cambria was full of oohs and ahhs as if we were children watching fireworks. The landscape varied from sculptured Iceland to smooth Bavaria and the sights were never dull. I could imagine being a sales rep and choosing this drive over others for it’s immense pleasure. The drive was really exciting and more disappointing it was a drive, not a visit.