Scandinavia on the Central Coast
Story by Aja Goare
Photos by DJ Michelic
Between eating pastries while wandering streets lined with Danish architecture and hand-feeding ostriches, a trip to Solvang is – to say the least – a deviation from “normal.” Just 90 minutes from San Luis Obispo, this small Santa Barbara County community boasts a Scandinavian-style retreat not far from home.
Where to Stay
Whether a modern, historic or immersive experience is preferred, there are accommodations to fit every desire. There are about 30 lodging locations in the area, starting at $110 per night.
Steps away from frikadeller (pan-fried pork meatballs), wienerbrød (what we call Danishes) and a pint of Tuborg, The Winston is a boutique hotel that offers “invisible service.” That means there’s no concierge, no front desk and no fuss – self check-in allows guests to enter a code for quick and easy access to their room. No two guest rooms are the same; each one is uniquely decorated and outfitted with stylish furniture designed that celebrates distinct character. In one room, for example, a glass case containing Burberry high heels greets visitors, letting them know they’re in for a stylish, beguiling stay. Spacious rooms with high ceilings make it feel more like a penthouse. An honor bar in the hotel’s common room allows guests to tally their own purchases of beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Just up the road, a classic inn allows visitors to step into a scene from an iconic early 2000s movie. The Sideways Inn – which bears the same name as the indie film “Sideways” – is located in Buellton, just a short drive from Solvang. Quaint rooms are decorated with historic photography sourced from the Santa Ynez Historical Society, patios overlook a private pool and fresh, locally-made donuts await guests each morning. In the spring, this location offers convenient access to the Buellton Brew Fest, hosted at River View Park just one mile away. The festival features more than 55 breweries, wineries and spirits purveyors, along with live music and yard games.
What to Eat
Another star of “Sideways,” the iconic Hitching Post II is a near halfway point between Buellton and Solvang. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary, the beloved steakhouse is known for its variety of Santa Maria style barbecued meats. “My favorite is the ribs,” says Angel Carmona, the restaurant’s general manager. “They go over an open fire to bring out full flavor. We’re purists. We don’t put sauce on the meats, that comes on the side. We want you to taste the full flavor the meat.”
On their spring menu was an almond joy tart, crème brulêe with vanilla bean, strawberry shortcake, apricot cheesecake, an old-fashioned chocolate cake with McConnell’s ice cream, New York style cheesecake with raspberry sauce, and a key lime pie.
“The cake is lightly barbecued on the grill at the time of order,” explains Jennifer Campbell, a server. “The desserts are all made by a local lady named Tracie. She rotates them based on seasonality.”
And even though Paul Giamatti’s character swears off Merlot, it can still be found on the extensive wine list, which features its own Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post label of wines produced since 1979.
For those looking to keep dinner close to home, guests at The Sideways Inn needn’t look further than The Sideways Lounge. There on the same property, Chef Karoline Schwartz serves sausages and hand-cut Belgian fries from a charming airstream while bartenders concoct delicious cocktails with unusual ingredients like rhubarb and peach bitters, passionfruit and lychee puree.
“We make our mustard and aioli from scratch – tomato, parmesan, garlic – it’s delicious,” says Karoline. “Our hand-cut fries are made with beef tallow. And my favorite, the sausage sampler, has three types of sausage: andouille, smoke polish and sweet Italian.”
Her crispy broccoli appetizer involves a light batter of tempura with honey and a side of jalapeño mint yogurt.
For those not in the mood for European fare, some of Karolina’s favorite local places are Ramen Katori in Solvang, Highway Tacos and Dos Carlitos in Santa Ynez, and Kanok Thai in Solvang. Na Na Thai is also a local favorite in Buellton.
What to Do
Window shopping, alone, is worth a visit to Solvang. Walk along Copenhagen Drive to sample traditional aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls), exploring boutique shops and taste some local beer and wine. If you don’t leave with a new pair of clogs, you didn’t do it right.
Now in its 89th year, Danish Days in September is an annual cultural experience that brings hundreds of visitors to the area for fun over three days. Similarly, Julefest in the winter is a holiday extravaganza complete with holiday lights, treats and yule-tide fun.
The Solvang Festival Theater features plays, live music, and a concert series set in a gorgeous outdoor arena.
Ostrich Land is an up-close-and-personal feeding with ostriches that eat pellets from your bowl at warp speed. These colossal birds are a thrill to see and the friendly staff are full of interesting facts about the ostrich.
