Solvang’s architecture and culture reflect its immigrant roots
Not too many people in the United States can say they live in the “Danish Capital of America,” but those who live in Solvang, California, certainly can. The Danish-themed Central Coast town is tucked away in the oak- and sycamore-dotted rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, about 3 miles east of U.S. Highway 10 along State Route 246, locally known as Mission Drive, and in the backyard of Santa Barbara County’s famed wine country.
Though the Old World-style architecture of Solvang’s commercial core may look like a movie set, Solvang is indeed an honest-to-goodness real community with just over 6,000 permanent residents who live, work, play, grocery shop, and go to school here. Retirees comprise roughly a third of residents.
Danish-style village center draws tourists year-round
Solvang does indeed have authentic Danish roots. It was settled near the turn of the 20th century by Danish immigrants who wanted to preserve their culture, so they built the town to suit this purpose. There are plenty of half-timbered European-style structures with steep, gabled roofs, and yes, even a few traditional-looking windmills. Small clothing and souvenir shops, numerous cafes, and specialty bakeries selling fudge, pastries and Danish aebleskivers (similar to doughnut holes) comprise the bulk of the village center along Mission and Copenhagen drives and a collection of side streets.
Because Solvang is a bonafide tourist attraction as well as a residential community, those who live here will have to embrace the year-round weekend crowds and summertime busloads of visitors that can create gridlock on Mission Drive, the main road into town.
Properties in the neighborhood tracts, many of which are single story with tile roofs and stucco exteriors, were primarily built throughout the 1960s and ‘90s. Traditional ranch-style homes, condominiums and townhomes cover the most common architectural types, but there are new builds and a growing collection of spectacular custom homes. The median home price in Solvang is about $1.6 million.
Solvang Elementary serves students from kindergarten to Grade 8
The Solvang School District serves the community and includes Solvang Elementary School on Atterdag Road, home to the aptly named Viking Warriors. The school covers kindergarten through eighth-grade instruction.
Nature lovers enjoy hiking, fishing and weekend barbecues
Several parks are sprinkled throughout the town, including Hans Christian Andersen Park, named after the prolific Danish author, Solvang Park. About 6 miles south of town via Alisal Road is Nojoqui Falls Park, an 85-acre county green space that features a waterfall, hiking trails and group picnicking areas that are perfect for gatherings large or small.
And with the Los Padres National Forest as the community’s backyard, including Cachuma Lake, residents can go hiking, rent a boat, fish and camp close to home. Cold Spring Tavern, a former stagecoach stop off San Marcos Pass Road (State Route 154), is practically a tradition around here, especially on Saturdays and Sundays when barbecued tri-tip sandwiches are served outside to a lively crowd.
Grocery stores and a farmers market offer fresh local options
Residents shop for groceries at Valley Fresh on Alamo Pintado Road, El Rancho Market on Mission Drive, and Albertsons in nearby Buellton, about 3 miles west. There’s also a Wednesday afternoon farmers market in Solvang on First Street between Mission and Copenhagen drives, where residents can pick up the freshest produce from local vendors.
When it comes to things to do, there’s a full slate of options here. Living in wine country means residents are never far from a tasting room or a vineyard to tour. On Mission Drive, visitors can check out Old Mission Santa Ines, dating to 1804, one of the Golden State's 21 historic Spanish missions. Leaving Solvang toward Santa Ynez, Casino-style gaming can be had at the popular Chumash Casino Resort, a AAA four-diamond-rated hotel.
Many residents commute to Santa Barbara for work
With its enviable location just 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, life is good in Solvang. Local Realtor Lisa Allen with Village Properties says it’s not uncommon for residents to make the 30- to 40-minute commute into Santa Barbara for jobs. They chose the Solvang area to put down roots, she says, because "the valley is beautiful, it has a 'small-town feel,' and there’s less traffic. Allen adds that properties, by comparison to Santa Barbara, are also more affordable.
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Joseph Palacios
