Solvang

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Yes it's kitschy, and on a well-trodden tourist route, but the "Danish capital of America" is worth a look.. Facts
Back in 1911, a handful of homesick Danish immigrants founded Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley as a tribute to their native land. What's left is a town that's more Danish than Copenhagen, with everything from windmills and horse-drawn carriages to native architecture and food.

The Appeal
Sure it's popular with the senior-citizen set, but Solvang has enough to entertain even the most jaded hipster. Marvel at the Little Mermaid sculpture in the center of town, a half-scale replica of the one in Copenhagen's harbor. Shop for all things Danish, from imported foods and handicrafts to Scandinavian jewelry and hard-to-find kitchen utensils. Refuel at one of the town's many smorgasbord-type restaurants or grab a delectable pastry at a bakery--it's called a "danish" for a reason.

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hayduk

Joined 10 years ago

Solvang. I love Solvang, there is something for everyone. I love how you can find a variety of stores in every nook and cranny of the city.