With a population of roughly 6,000 and spanning more than 2 miles, Solvang makes its mark for its bevy of remarkable attractions, Old-World ambiance, interesting dining spots, green open spaces, and exciting local events. As part of the Santa Ynez Valley’s Wine Country, it offers vineyards and wine-tasting rooms that showcase a wide array of top-of-the-line homegrown spirits that placed Solvang on the map.

Be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries thanks to the family-owned Danish bakeries found here. The families running these bakeries are descendants of the original Danish-American settlers whose profession in their home country was baking. One such establishment is Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery on Mission Drive where the traditional Danish Kransekage cakes are made like almond horns with marzipan.

The Fourth of July in Solvang is truly a day of celebration. The parade begins in one of the oldest existing structures in the city – Old Mission Santa Ines. Founded in 1804 by Spanish Franciscan Fathers, the mission thrives to this day and actively takes part in Fourth of July festivities.

The Fourth of July parade itself has the trappings of an all-American celebration complete with people on horseback, dancing students, vintage cars and tractors, and even local farm animals. By evening, the sky above Solvang lights up with a dazzling fireworks display.

Solvang’s residents get spades of intimate yet memorable experiences in this wonderful slice of timelessness. These include movies shown regularly at the park in the center of town,picnics and skating in the Hans Christian Andersen Park, wine-tasting and foodie weeks when local restaurants give discounts, and handmade chocolates at Ingeborg’s.