Solvang, California|
Solvang, California |
An authentic Danish settlement,
founded in 1911 by Danish educators, where the heritage, faces, and
customs of the Old World live on.
Things to do in Solvang:
Places to stay in Solvang
Specialty Shops &
|
|
|
Solvang, California |
© 2007
GoThere.com
Solvang is a city in Santa Barbara County,
California, United States. The city of Solvang is one of the communities that
make up the Santa Ynez Valley. The population was 5,332 at the 2000 census.
Solvang means "Sunny Field" in Danish. It was founded in 1911 on 9,000 acres (36
km²) of formerly Spanish land by a group of Danish educators. The settlers of
this city left for the west to escape midwestern winters. The city is home to
several bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in
California. The architecture of many, even most, of the buildings follows
traditional Danish styles. There is a copy of the famous Little Mermaid statue
from Copenhagen, as well as one featuring the bust of famed Danish fable writer
Hans Christian Andersen.
Mission Santa Ines, one of the California missions, is both a National Historic
Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. It is located near the center of
the town, at the junction of California State Highway 246 and Alisal Road.
Mission Santa Inés (sometimes spelled Santa Ynes) was founded on September 17,
1804 by Father Estévan Tapís, who had succeeded Father Fermín Lasuén as
President of the California mission chain. The Mission site was chosen as a
midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción,
and was designed to relieve overcrowding at those two missions and to serve the
Indians living east of the Coast Range. On February 21, 1824 a soldier beat a
young Chumash Indian and sparked a revolt. Some of the Indians went to get the
Indians from Missions Santa Barbara and La Purísima to help in the fight. When
the fighting was over, the Indians themselves put out the fire that had started
at the Mission. Many of the Indians left to join other tribes in the mountains;
only a few Indians remained at the Mission.
The Danish town of Solvang was built up around the Mission proper in the early
1900s. It was through the efforts of Father Alexander Buckler in 1904 that
reconstruction of the Mission was undertaken, though major restoration was not
possible until 1947 when the Hearst Foundation donated money to pay the for
project. The restoration continues to this day, and the Capuchin Franciscan
Fathers take excellent care of the Mission. Today the Mission is an active
parish; there is also a museum, gift shop and information center.
Saturday, March 17
Taste of Solvang Weekend
15th annual food and wine festival throughout downtown Solvang includes Friday
night famed Dessert Reception Showcase at the Solvang Vets Hall from
7:00-9:00pm. Saturday brings the Walking Smorgaasbord tasting of traditional
dishes at 50+ stops from 11:00-4:00pm. Saturday night will feature the popular
Wine Tasting Room Tour from 6:00-9:00pm. Live entertainment throughout the
Village all weekend. $65 weekend passport includes all activities. Individual
tickets for Friday night Dessert party at $20; Saturday Walking Smorgaasbord at
$35; and Saturday night wine tasting at $35. Call Solvang Visitors Bureau at
1-800-468-6765 for information and tickets. Hotel packages and special also
available.
Wednesday, March 28
Solvang Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and foods. Every Wednesday, rain or shine. Hours
2:30-6:00pm. Downtown Solvang, on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway
246) and Copenhagen Drive. More info: 805-962-5354
Saturday, April 7
Solvang Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Hans Christian Andersen Park, annual Easter Egg Hunt is open to children 12 and
under. Event starts PROMPTLY at 10:00am. Call Solvang Recreation, 805-688- 7529
for more information.
Thursday, May 10
Solvang Chamber of Commerce Mixer
Business networking. Free admission & refreshments. 5:00-7:00pm. Hosted by:
Bodyworks Associates, Solvang. Call 805-688-0701.
