20 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Solvang, California
While the charming Danish architecture may lead you to believe you’ve died and gone to Denmark, Solvang is actually located just a stone’s throw from sunny Santa Barbara in the heart of Southern California – only 149 miles from Los Angeles’s city center. But before you consider moving there, there are a few things you should know…
It’s always sunny in Solvang
No really. This is the forecast every week. Sunny day after sunny day after sunny day.
You better like breakfast food
The locals will warn you to stay away from anything called Danish food, unless it’s being served for breakfast. Get your sausage and eggs on at Paula’s Pancake house – home of the Danish pancake!
Because you can’t survive on Danish food alone…
Why not try house-made pasta with a fried egg on top at Cecco Ristorante?
Winos welcome
Did we mention Solvang is located in the heart of Santa Ynez’s highly-acclaimed wine region? Santa Ynez is best known for its Chardonnay and Rhone varietals.
The locals hate Sideways
Alexander Payne’s film Sideways was shot in Solvang, and don’t the locals know it! The film’s most lasting achievement was not its Academy Award for best screenplay, but a steady influx of pretentious film types to Solvang’s local wineries. Whatever you do, don’t dis their Merlot!
Don’t worry! There’s beer, too
Solvang’s very own Solvang Brewing Company has original ales, I.P.A.s, porters, and stouts on tap for the craft beer lover.
Beware of Spandex
Solvang is home to over 700 bike trails and more than 1000 pairs of spandex shorts. The Tour de California runs through the city, and two annual amateur cycling events – The Solvang Century and The Solvang Prelude – are held in March and November, respectively.
There’s something strange about the horses
No, they’re not babies. They’re just l’il guys, and they’re pretty darn cute. Check them out at QuickSilver Ranch.
There’s a giant shoe in the middle of downtown
It’s located in front of the Solvang Shoe Store and just about every tourist has a picture with it.
It’s the only place on the planet where clogs are still cool
There’s no shortage of clog shops in Solvang. Okay, okay, there’s probably only one or two, but that’s still more than your hometown!
Some days are more Danish than others
Every September, the city of Solvang celebrates Danish Days – a weekend-long celebration of all things Danish! Activities include food sampling, music, folk dancing, living history exhibits, and three parades!
They take Christmas very seriously
In the spirit of European Christmas markets, Solvang’s Christmas Celebration is a month long affair. Locals gather in the town square for light-sighting carriage tours, a 10-foot tall gingerbread house (made of approximately 250lbs of gingerbread and 150lbs of powdered sugar), and the annual tree lighting ceremony.
And then they burn Christmas down
A week after New Years Eve, Solvang’s Parks & Recreation Department hosts its annual Christmas Tree Burn.
The fashion knows no bounds
You can express yourself in any color of the lederhosen you like.
You can eat and drink to your heart’s content
Don’t miss the annual Taste of Solvang event! The Grand Tasting and Wine & Beer Walk open local eateries to lucky ticketholders.
Live theater still exists!
And it exists in Solvang! Solvang Festival Theater hosts a variety of productions every year for audiences from all over the Central Coast.
They’re super into Hans Christian Anderson
They have a museum for him, and a statue, and park, and a Little Mermaid fountain (a miniature replica of the famous one in Copenhagen).
Solvang is fit for royalty
Solvang has received several royal visits over its century long history, including stops by Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid in 1939 and Queen Margrethe of Denmark and her husband Prince Henrik in 1960.
You can sleep in a fairy tale cottage
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a fairy tale cottage, Solvang is the premier destination for making your wish come true. While the walls may not be made of candy, Solvang’s hotels offer Danish charm in every square foot. Your friends and family will love coming to visit!
Want to live in Solvang?
Ready for a life of sunshine and pancakes in Solvang, California? Check out Estately.com when searching for a home for sale in Solvang.
