Solvang... Finally

I apologize for not writing about the final part of the Solvang trip we took two weeks ago. Just to refresh your memory (and mine), a couple of weekends ago, we drove down Highway 1, visited Hearst Castle, and reached Solvang, my favorite Danish town in California.

When we arrived, we checked into the hotel and then did a little wandering before it got too dark. To help visitors with poor memories, the town hangs bright red banners on the lampposts as reminders.

Walking around, I was struck by the number of wine tasting rooms. The last time I visited, I don't remember there being so many. They were everywhere. I have three theories about this...

1. I just wasn't very attentive the last time I visited
2. In the past few years, Denmark has grown extremely fond of wine.
3. Local wineries and the town are attempting to capitalize on Sideways.

At any rate, here is a photo of one of the few establishments in Solvang that wasn't a wine tasting room.

One of the reasons I love Solvang is the architecture. The timber framing, the thatched roofs, and the windmills all help to solidify the town's identity and heritage. I especially like the windmills. There are at least three in town. We passed this one on the way to dinner.

We ate at Meadows Restaurant where I tried a Danish smorgasbord, which included meatballs, sausages, potatoes, carrots, and more.

The next day, I got up early, ventured out, and grabbed a morning cup of coffee from Bulldog Cafe. It was so cold outside, one of the fountains down the street was still frozen.

Around midmorning, we ate brunch at my favorite restaurant in Solvang, Paula's Pancake House. They make delicious Danish pancakes. If you eat there, go early because the place fills up fast.

Afterwards, we visited Mission Santa Ines, which is on the edge of town.

Before leaving, we made a quick stop by Nojoqui Falls County Park, just a few miles south, which has a small waterfall at the end of a quarter-mile trail. In January, there is barely a trickle of water, but it didn't matter to me. All I cared about was stretching my legs a little. Even a short walk in nature is good for the soul.

After that, it was time to go. We hopped on Highway 101 and headed home.