Just a couple hours outside of LA is a small, unique, Danish village better known as Solvang. This town is a postcard — windmills, European architecture, and plenty of wine. If you’re in need of a relaxing but fun-filled getaway, start planning your visit today.
This was my first time daycationing here, so there’s plenty more to cover, especially for a food and wine lover. In the meantime, here’s a few must-hit spots, like Ostrich Land and Solvang Restaurant: home of Arne’s famous Aebleskiver.
It’ll be a breeze making your own adventure around this Danish village. Take a stroll amongst charming boutiques, bakeries, wine tasting and even olive oil tasting rooms, but if it’s your first time, here are some suggestions.
Solvang Bakery: You’ll find some of the tastiest danishes in this small, colorful bakery nestled below a windmill (photo opp). They offer tons of decadent sweets, breads and apparently the best butter cookies I’ll be coming back for to confirm.
Solvang Restaurant: home of Arne’s famous Aebleskiver: If you see a line forming outside a window, you’re in the right place. You can dine in or grab some bites to-go. By the way, an aebleskiver is a Danish sausage, but I’m here for the sweets. You can find the fluffiest Danish donuts covered in raspberry jelly, vanilla ice-cream and powdered sugar. YUM! One serving comes with three donuts, so it’s the perfect amount to share.
Copenhagen Sausage Garden: A block down from Solvang Restaurant you’ll find this sausage and beer garden as a great surprise. Pop in for pretzels, a variety of sausages (even vegan ones), and a very exciting beer list. I was recommended to try the first Lager on the draft list, Weihenstephan Original, although the Weihenstephan Hefe Weiss looked pretty damn tasty. Expect community size tables and an outdoor setting at this quick in and out spot.
Sevtap Winery Tasting Room: My two favorite words: Wine Tasting. Located inside another windmill, this family owned tasting room has been around for almost a decade. The ambiance was so fun and welcoming. Not only was the owner, Art Sevtap, beyond knowledgeable about his unique blends, he had a wicked sense of humor. The prices are also reasonable — $15 for five white wine tastings and $20 for red wine. I can definitely see myself coming back.
Ostrich Land: I mean, how often do you feed ostriches, if ever? Recommended by the owner of Sevtap Winery Tasting Room, this was a major highlight of the trip. This farm is just a five minute drive outside of Main St. You’ll be surrounded by a dozen of frolicking long necked birds for only a $5 entry and $1 food fee. It’s an amazing and entertaining experience. If you hang out long enough you might see some male ostriches try to seduce the females.
I made this list with hopes that you too will experience some or all of these recommended spots on your next trip to Solvang. If you have any additional stops and recommendations, share them with us. Until then, cheers!
Check out the behind the scenes of all my adventures and meals on both my Instagram highlights : @shabbysmalls & @shotbysmalls.