Solvang

Spend some time in Solvang, a Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley that looks and smells like Christmas all year, with twinkling lights at night and freshly baked goods served every morning. Solvang, a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, is a truly one-of-a-kind village brimming with activities, seasonal festivals, wine-tasting rooms, and delectable dining. Bring the whole family or plan a romantic getaway for two.

Begin your day with a stroll down Mission Drive, the town's main thoroughfare. Explore the streets, walkways, and catacomb-like shopping nooks. To commemorate your Solvang adventure, you'll find a variety of interesting Danish-themed souvenirs. Shop your way through town for unique gifts such as wooden shoes, cuckoo clocks, and clothing. Stop by a few of the local bakeries and confectionaries along the way for tasty traditional Danish treats like aebleskiver (pronounced able-skeevers). You can find those fluffy, donut hole-like treats in a variety of bakeries and restaurants, but the most popular bites are available at Solvang Restaurant's walk-up window, which also serves Arne's famous aebleskivers.

Between the shops, the streets are lined with mom-and-pop restaurants and local cafes, as well as a number of tasting rooms serving Rhone, Burgundy, and Bordeaux-style wines. Finish the evening with live theater at the Solvang Festival Theater, where you will be entertained under the stars. If you're in town in September, don't miss one of the town's signature events, Solvang Danish Days, which begins with a parade of Danish costumes and horse-drawn wagons. Explore the Old-World artisans' market, watch Viking-age re-enactments, toast your neighbor in the beer and wine garden, watch (or compete in) the aebleskiver-eating contest, and listen to old-fashioned storytelling by a local "Hans Christian Anderson." This is a truly one-of-a-kind and unforgettable event for visitors of all ages.