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A sweet Danish time out in Santa Barbara
November 24, 2010, Wednesday
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AMONG my collection of vacation photos, there is not a single photo that truly captures the picturesque scenery of nature itself - the blue skies, the mountains, the flora and fauna. That is, until my family took a trip to Solvang last summer, located in Santa Barbara County in California.
What makes Solvang so unique, compared to the busy cities of Los Angeles and New York, is the refreshing feeling once you step into one of the many wineries, ranches or lavender plantations; and the tranquil feeling you get as you walk down the streets where Danish culture welcomes you.
Having been founded as a village for the Danes traveling to establish a Danish colony in 1911, the streets of Solvang were erected with authentic Danish-styled buildings. Our family drove to Solvang in two hours, with time to experience a different culture and to enjoy the tranquility of the mountainous setting of Solvang.
The car we rented climbed the mountainous road, while our eyes savored the mountain view with the beauty of green pastures, forests and the sapphire ocean, before arriving at the village. We checked into our cozy rooms at the Hadsten House Inn & Spa, complete with an electrical fireplace and newly renovated with a luxurious and homey ambiance.
For the next two days at Solvang, we toured a couple of excellent wineries with spectacular views of the vineyard such as the Royal Oaks Winery and the LinCourt Vineyard. From the histories of the winery to the fermentation process, I learned a lot through this experience. For the parents, the free wine-tasting sure seems to be a delight!
Located at the Santa Ynez Valley, flora and fauna are must-sees with the many lavender plantations, ranches, apple farms and strawberry farms, among other agricultural tourism hotspots. Stepping into the lavender plantations at the Clairmont Farm Lavender Co and at Andre Organic Lavender Farm was the most refreshing experience ever; it was as if one was bathing among the scent of the lavenders. It was an eye-opening for me to see the process of extracting the lavender pigments for the scent through a complicated chemical process. We were also introduced to the therapeutic effects of lavender to promote relaxation and treat insomnia. Scientific information aside, the lavender plantation was breathtaking, a real treat for your eyes. Last, the ranches were fun, especially for families. We took a short tour around the stables at the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch and saw various species of horses and ponies, including one that was about to give birth. There is also Ostrich Land.
Nature lovers like my family were definitely not disappointed by the wondrous gift of Mother Nature at Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, with diverse agriculture and nature parks. Of course, the shopping and dining at Solvang would definitely be on your itinerary, with scrumptious Danish cuisine and traditional souvenirs and costumes. Museums explain more about Danish culture, though we didn't have time to visit.
The summer retreat to Solvang in Santa Barbara County is definitely on my "Top Five Places to Visit Again" list and I highly recommend it for a family vacation.
Did I mention the incredible horse-carriage rides? That's awesome!
Article by Liao Weicheng,Grade 11 student of SSIS
What makes Solvang so unique, compared to the busy cities of Los Angeles and New York, is the refreshing feeling once you step into one of the many wineries, ranches or lavender plantations; and the tranquil feeling you get as you walk down the streets where Danish culture welcomes you.
Having been founded as a village for the Danes traveling to establish a Danish colony in 1911, the streets of Solvang were erected with authentic Danish-styled buildings. Our family drove to Solvang in two hours, with time to experience a different culture and to enjoy the tranquility of the mountainous setting of Solvang.
The car we rented climbed the mountainous road, while our eyes savored the mountain view with the beauty of green pastures, forests and the sapphire ocean, before arriving at the village. We checked into our cozy rooms at the Hadsten House Inn & Spa, complete with an electrical fireplace and newly renovated with a luxurious and homey ambiance.
For the next two days at Solvang, we toured a couple of excellent wineries with spectacular views of the vineyard such as the Royal Oaks Winery and the LinCourt Vineyard. From the histories of the winery to the fermentation process, I learned a lot through this experience. For the parents, the free wine-tasting sure seems to be a delight!
Located at the Santa Ynez Valley, flora and fauna are must-sees with the many lavender plantations, ranches, apple farms and strawberry farms, among other agricultural tourism hotspots. Stepping into the lavender plantations at the Clairmont Farm Lavender Co and at Andre Organic Lavender Farm was the most refreshing experience ever; it was as if one was bathing among the scent of the lavenders. It was an eye-opening for me to see the process of extracting the lavender pigments for the scent through a complicated chemical process. We were also introduced to the therapeutic effects of lavender to promote relaxation and treat insomnia. Scientific information aside, the lavender plantation was breathtaking, a real treat for your eyes. Last, the ranches were fun, especially for families. We took a short tour around the stables at the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch and saw various species of horses and ponies, including one that was about to give birth. There is also Ostrich Land.
Nature lovers like my family were definitely not disappointed by the wondrous gift of Mother Nature at Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, with diverse agriculture and nature parks. Of course, the shopping and dining at Solvang would definitely be on your itinerary, with scrumptious Danish cuisine and traditional souvenirs and costumes. Museums explain more about Danish culture, though we didn't have time to visit.
The summer retreat to Solvang in Santa Barbara County is definitely on my "Top Five Places to Visit Again" list and I highly recommend it for a family vacation.
Did I mention the incredible horse-carriage rides? That's awesome!
Article by Liao Weicheng,Grade 11 student of SSIS
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