To truly appreciate your visit to Solvang, you should know something about its history. The town was founded in 1911 as a Danish settlement, but most of the early buildings were done in “Mission Style,” to match the Old Mission Santa Inés. A few of these buildings still remain, or at least remnants of them, such as the Mission Style arches on the Rasmussen building at the corner of Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive. In the early 1950s a group of local Danes decided to construct their business buildings and homes with genuine, old-world Danish techniques and styles. One of the first of these was the Paaske Building on Alisal Road facing the intersection with Copenhagen Drive.
  Another was the Solvang Gaard Motel, now renamed the Solvang Gardens Inn, located just south of the main Village area on Alisal Road.

Brit Hale demonstrates the ancient craft of card weaving during Elverh

GUIDED TOURS OF SOLVANG:

Assuming you have come by car from Highway 101, you will drive east along Highway 246 until it becomes Mission Drive at the edge of the Solvang Village area. But before that, about half way between Buellton and Solvang, in the middle of a double row of beautiful Deodar Cedars, you will see the entrance to Bella Cavalli Farms and Vineyard.

Bella Cavalli Farms and Vineyard
www.bellacavalli.com
  Jeff and Joanne Lockwood, the owners of Bella Cavalli Farms and Vineyard have initiated a generous “Adopt a Vine” program to benefit the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County that provides food to those in need throughout the county.
  With each donation the donor will receive a name plaque on the vine, wine from the vineyard, adoption papers, an invitation to a “Private Annual Harvest Party” and some will receive a riding lesson on one of the farm’s horses. However, the donor’s real reward is that each adoption fee provides the Santa Barbara County Food Bank with the buying power of almost $200 for each vine adopted. The directors of the Santa Barbara Food Bank have personally endorsed the program–they have asked that we remind people that nearly 45% of those served by the Food Bank are children.
   This is a great way to help people in need, as well as being fun and interesting! Please call to schedule a private tour to pick your vine, 805-688-7108 or visit their websitee listed above.
  
Hadsten House Inn & Spa
www.hadstenhouse.com
  One of the first motels on the right (south) side of Mission Drive is the Hadsten House Inn & Spa. It is the only Valley motel that has a heated, indoor pool. You can be pampered in their day-spa, or stay in one of their spa suites at some special introductory rates. Their guest rooms feature luxury, custom mattresses and classic French furnishings. You can also savor their local wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres. The romantic dining room features original wine-country gourmet selections for your enjoyment, especially when paired with a delicious Santa Barbara County wine from their constantly changing wine list. For reservations, call 800-457-5373 and be sure to ask about their “One Night Dinner Special.”
  Hadsten House, the only hotel in the Valley with both a full-service day spa and a restaurant, has been rated the “Number One Hotel in Solvang” by TripAdvisor.com and Expedia.com has designated them in the top 1% of all hotels on their worldwide guest comments log. Congratulations Hadsten House! We are all proud when one of our Valley businesses excels in customer satisfaction ratings. Now continue driving east on Mission Drive.
  

WALKING TOUR
                                                                                                                                         
Best Western King Frederik Inn
www.bwkingfrederik.com
  Continue driving along Mission Drive and just before Solvang Park you’ll see the King Frederik Inn. Family-owned and operated, it offers 45 rooms in the heart of the Danish Village. Guests can park their cars here and follow this “Walking Tour of Solvang,” especially after enjoying a breakfast of fresh Danish pastry, juice and coffee in the cozy lobby by the fireplace or in the patio area by the pool and spa.       
  The King Frederik offers golf, theater (in season) and wine tour packages. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, the Alisal River Golf Course is only a short distance away. For wine tours, you can follow the “Wine tasting Walking Tour” of Solvang’s tasting rooms in this magazine, or hire one of the many tour guides to outlying vineyard tasting rooms. For more information or to make reservations, call (800) 549-9955 or visit them online.
  Now take a stroll through Solvang Park, which is next to the King Frederik. If you’re lucky, one of the Solvang bands will be playing in the band shell or Danish Dancers will be performing. At some times you’ll see Renaissance players reenacting the Royal Court of Denmark’s King Christian. Other times, an actor depicting Hans Christian Andersen will tell stories in the park, but he is more likely to be seen at the nearby Book Loft bookstore and Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

The Olive House
www.olivehouse.com
  While you’re relaxing in the park, look across Mission Drive—to the left of the hardware store you will see The Olive House, which sells some of the finest olives, condiments and gourmet foods available.
   The Olive House is also pleased to announce that it is the new home of Honeywood Wines, the largest selection of sweet wines in Solvang. Olive House will also continue to feature small boutique wines, which they pair with olives for a truly unique tasting experience.
  For more information, see our Wine Tasting Rooms of Solvang article.

The Book Loft
www.bookloftsolvang.com
Continue east along Mission Drive to one of our favorite spots in Solvang, The Book Loft. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find just the right book for yourself, or for the child, teen or adult on your shopping list. Lovers of old books should check out the impressive collection of quality used books upstairs.
  The Book Loft also regularly sponsors special events, such as poetry readings and book signings. They will have a book signing this spring for local author Allegra Huston’s book, “Love Child: Memoir of Family Lost and Found.” Huston is the adopted daughter of actress Cici Huston. Wine country photographer Kirk Irwin will also do a signing for his new “Vineyard Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes & Wine Pairings.” For dates of these events and more information, or to order a book, call the Book Loft at (805) 688-6010 or visit their website above.

The Book Loft
www.bookloftsolvang.com
  Continue east along Mission Drive to one of our favorite spots in Solvang, The Book Loft. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find just the right book for yourself, or for the child, teen or adult on your shopping list. Lovers of old books should check out the impressive collection of quality used books upstairs.
  The Book Loft also regularly sponsors special events, such as poetry readings and book signings. There are always several of these during the summer, and of course the Book Loft will do something special to celebrate Danish Days but as of press time, there are no further details. For more information, or to order a book, call the Book Loft at (805) 688-6010 or visit their website above.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum
www.bookloftsolvang.com
  The Hans Christian Andersen Museum occupies several rooms in the upstairs part of the Book Loft, and you’ll want to see the museum’s extensive collection of memorabilia pertaining to Andersen’s life, as well as hundreds of his books, letters, manuscripts and photos. A visit to this museum is mandatory for anyone with little children, or anyone who has fond childhood memories of reading Andersen’s stories. Group tours of the museum are available by appointment, and visitors are always welcome between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit the website above or call (805) 688-6010.
 
Designs in Gold
www.designs-in-gold.com
  As you exit the Book Loft, turn right and walk east to the corner of Mission and Alisal. Here is a large building known as Frederik’s Court, after the legendary Danish King Frederik. The building is built in the style of medieval castles, with a large courtyard that you enter through an archway off Alisal Drive. Just to your right you will see one of the newest and most special stores in Solvang, Designs in Gold. They are a family owned and operated jewelry store to fulfill all your jewelry needs, including custom design and repair. Although they are new to Solvang, they have been an established and reputable business for over 35 years.
  Designs in Gold has an impressive jewelry collection, ranging from estate to precious contemporary jewelry. Because of their large collection, their prices range from a simple $20 charm to an impressive diamond platinum ring. Their estate collection includes several designer pieces, including Tiffany & Co., Judith Ripka and Penny Preville. In their sterling silver collection, they have designs from Frederic Duclos, Mysterium Collection and Angelique de Paris.
  Designs in Gold also houses award-winning jewelry artist James Cleland. He is nationally and internationally recognized. His art is published in two books, Art Jewelry Today 2 and The 2008 Collection Buzz Art. Cleland has won one international and two national awards this year, including the “American Design Council Competition” in New York. Cleland has also been a featured artist at the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.
  Stop by and see their amazing collection and chat with artist James Cleland, who works on some of his newest creations in his workshop at the store. He is happy to explain what he is doing to both curious visitors and savvy jewelry buffs.

Cabernet Bistro
www.cabernetbistro.com
  There are numerous small shops inside Frederik’s Court, and one of our favorite restaurants in the whole world, Cabernet Bistro, recently relocated here. Owners Jacques and Diane Toulet hope to see all of their old friends again at this new location, as well as many new ones.
   Cabernet Bistro offers fine European cuisine at surprisingly reasonable prices. In addition, Jacques and Diane Toulet are both fun, friendly people who enjoy running a restaurant and welcome customers as if they were coming into their own home. There is no stiff formality here, in spite of the linen tablecloths and mouthwatering food—Jacques himself often comes out of the kitchen to chat and joke with customers, making them feel completely at ease and relaxed. On pleasant California evenings, you can now also “dine under the stars” in Cabernet Bistro’s enclosed patio, featuring a retractable roof.

Solvang Antique Center
www.solvangantiques.com
  Now walk west on Park Way to the Solvang Antique Center, which is widely recognized as one of the country’s finest multiple-dealer galleries. Owned by Ron and Julie Palladino, who have specialized in the sale and restoration of antique clocks for over thirty years, it features 65 exceptional antique dealers from around the world in a spacious, 7,000-square-foot museum-like environment. Prominently featured are quality 18th and 19th century furniture, decorative accessories, estate jewelry and fine art, as well as one of the finest collections of clocks and music boxes in the world.
  Exiting the Solvang Antique Center, turn left and walk to the corner of First Street and Copenhagen Drive. Cross over Copenhagen Drive and turn right to walk a block and a half west to the spectacular Pavlov Art Gallery.
  
Pavlov Gallery
www.pavlovgallery.com
  The Pavlov Gallery has a beautiful and vivid selection of fine art, ranging from impressionistic to contemporary. Gallery founder and artist Chris Pavlov has chosen artists whose works involve unique techniques and unexpected ideas, including his own work. Pavlov opened his first gallery, Am Gewölbe in Salzburg, Austria, where he was exposed to a wide range of ideas from the artists who flocked to the area. With a neuropsychiatrist and a pediatrician for parents, Pavlov has been heavily influenced by the precision of science and the unlimited possibilities of human psychology. These influences pour into his creations and play a large role in his choice of other artwork for the gallery. Pavlov Gallery is proud to introduce renowned European artwork to this area, as well as representing a number of local artists.

PCPA Solvang Theaterfest
www.pcpa.org
  Retrace your steps back along Copenhagen Drive, Noting the Solvang Theaterfest Building a block North on Second Street (see our feature story entitled “Theater Under the Stars” in this issue.) This might be the ideal time for you to drop by the Theaterfest Box Office and purchase tickets for their current production. We attend most of their performances every summer and highly recommend them. Their current productions include the musicals “Les Miserables” and “The Music Man.” (For a complete list and dates, visit their website.)

Ingeborg’s Chocolates, Inc.
www.ingeborgs.com
  Continuing East on Copenhagen Drive, cross back over at First Street and walk half a block to what we consider the best chocolate shop in the whole world! We’ve never tasted any other chocolate that even comes close. You absolutely cannot leave Solvang without at least tasting some of the chocolate made by Bent and Lisa Petersen–it is definitely world-class chocolate. In fact, they send their chocolates all over the world. You can order some sent to friends or family while you are in Solvang (and take some home for yourself at the same time), or you can order from the above website at any time.
  Bent and Lisa Petersen are happy to explain why their chocolate is considered world-class. “We make our candy the old-fashioned way,” they tell us, “from only the best ingredients–no preservatives, additives or artificial flavors.”  We can testify to that, because we have been allowed to go into the back of the shop and watch Bent in action, making chocolate.
  Ingeborg’s is also special in that it has a real soda fountain, complete with its 1950’s counter and stools. And it’s fully operational! You can sit on a stool and order an old-fashioned ice cream soda, a thick, rich milk shake or an ice cream sundae with Ingeborg’s own chocolate topping and whipped cream with a cherry on top. There is also a wide selection of other choices for a hot summer day. Or, if you prefer you can just sit and enjoy a cup of Ingeborg’s fresh-brewed coffee.

Wilson & Bradford Wine Bar 
www.wilsonbradfordwinebar.com
  Across First Street you will see one of our featured wine tasting rooms, Wilson & Bradford Wine Bar. Just make a note of where they are right now, then later you can read more about them and follow our special Wine Tasting Tour of Solvang, which even has its own map.

Royal Oaks Winery
www.RoyalOaksWinery.com
  Also across First Street, but to the west on Copenhagen Drive, you will see Royal Oaks Winery Tasting Room. You will also find them in our Wine Tasting Tour of Solvang article.
 
Viking Garden Restaurant
  Now continue East to the end of Copenhagen and cross over Alisal. In the Jensen’s Copenhagen Square you will find this charming restaurant, which features both indoor and patio dining, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. It has been in operation since 1970. You will find this a relaxing place to enjoy a meal, and the menu is truly international. While it offers a complete range of Danish specialties, the menu also features both American and Mexican meals. It is definitely family-oriented and welcomes children.
  They are especially proud of the wide range of locally made sausage they offer, including Danish, German, Sicilian and even Swiss bratwurst. They also claim to have “the best potato pancakes in town.” Their charmingly European beer bar offers the widest selection of beer on tap in Solvang, including Firestone-Walker. They also offer over 80 foreign and domestic bottled beers. If you prefer, you can have a glass, liter or half-liter of white or red house wines, which are top quality chardonnay, chablis, cabernet, merlot or blush.

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DRIVING TOUR

  Now is the time to return to your car and start your driving tour of the interesting places on the edge of the Solvang Village area.
 
Vintage Motorcycle Museum
www.motosolvang.com
  Going south on Alisal Road about half a mile from Mission Drive you will see the Solvang Village Square on the left, just after the Royal Scandinavian Inn. 
You can park diagonally in front and then walk a few steps to the Vintage Motorcycle Museum. Here you can see displays of classic and vintage motorcycles, such as a 1906 FN and a 1979 Honda CBX, to name just two.
  The featured motorcycle this spring is the Britten V1000, one of only a few of these high-powered racing motorcycles ever made. The one on display is also unique in that it was still in its original crate when purchased and had never been raced. It is therefore in absolutely pristine condition.
  Also on display is one of the four Vincent Grey Flashes entered in the 1950 Isle of Man TT race. It’s definitely worth making a stop to catch a glimpse of these rare motorcycles.

Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
www.elverhoj.org
  First, proceed half a block further south to Elverhoy Way, turn right and walk two blocks west along Elverhoy Way to the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art in the restored home of Viggo and Martha Brandt-Erichsen. This artistic Danish couple built their home in the authentic Danish style, with tremendous attention to every detail, including original wood carving on the front door, stone sculpture on the fireplace and hand painted tiles in the kitchen.
  “Elverhøj” means “Elves on the Hill” and refers to a Danish fairy tale that the couple used as a theme for their home, which was a center for art instruction and many gatherings of artists while the Brandt-Erichsens lived there. Viggo unfortunately died young, but Martha lived in the house for many years and arranged for it to be given after her death to the City of Solvang to build a museum of Solvang history, culture and art.
  The Elverhøj always has a number of special events each summer. Debuting July 11 in the Museum Gallery is “Organic Abstractions,” featuring exciting new works by artist Pamela Zwehl-Burke. “Organic Abstractions” will remain on display through September 6, and there will be a reception on JULY 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is complimentary. “Out of Africa: Recent Photography by Susan Jørgensen,” opens in the gallery on September 12, with an “Opening Reception” from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Complimentary admission. The exhibition will be on display through November 1.
  During Danish Days, on September 19th and 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Elverhøj will present its “Living History Festival.” There will be demonstrations of Scandinavian crafts, spinning, weaving, stone and woodcarving, bobbin lace making, and more.
  On the weekends, Elverhøj Docents also often demonstrate authentic Danish crafts. There are also free, docent-led tours of the Elverhøj’s historical, cultural and art exhibits.
  For more information about events or classes at the Elverhøj call 686-1211 or visit their website listed above.

Alisal River Course
www.rivercourse.com
  Now return to Alisal Road and drive south half a mile to reach the entrance to the Alisal River Course on the left, one of the most beautiful golf courses in California that is open to the general public. Their well stocked pro-shop can supply you withanything you forgot to bring.
  You can choose to walk the beautiful course or rent a golf cart equipped with a GPS system. PGA professionals are also available for individual or group lessons.

Old Mission Santa Inés
www.missionsantaines.org
  Return to Solvang and turn right on Mission Drive (Highway 246) to reach our next suggested stop, especially if you have children or an interest in California history. Old Mission Santa Inés is a gem of the California missions and was founded in 1804. This was the 19th in the chain of California missions founded by the Catholic Church in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
  The interior of the church, where mass is still celebrated every day at 8 a.m., has many of the Mission’s original paintings and decorations on its walls. The Mission Museum houses artwork, vestments and documents that were used throughout its history.
  The Old Mission Gift Shop has a fine selection of books and pamphlets containing historical information about the California Missions, as well as souvenirs, religious books and other devotional items. They also have “Fourth Grade Mission Project Packets” available to teachers and parents. Enjoy a tour of the mission and its grounds.
  The big event of the summer at Old Mission Santa Inés is their annual Fiesta, which will be held this year on Sunday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  There will be live music, dancing, food and gift booths, games of all kinds–something fun for everyone in the family. The proceeds go to benefit the Old Mission Santa Inés Restoration fund.

 Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
www.cottagehealthsystem.org
  From the Old Mission driveway, turn right onto Mission Drive and go east to Alamo Pintado Road. Turn left, proceed north a few blocks to Viborg Road and turn right. Make another right turn at the end of the street and you will be in the parking lot of the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
  We sincerely hope you do not have to visit the SYV Cottage Hospital’s fine facility during your stay in our Valley.  But if you do, we can assure you that you will receive the very best of care from their cheerful, well-trained staff and the very latest in medical technology. Several times this past year, we have utilized their emergency room and/or lab facilities for various family members—we are grateful for their excellent staff and professionalism throughout each of our visits. We are fortunate to have this state-of-the-art facility in the Santa Ynez Valley.
  
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