If you are looking for the cutest, most charming town to visit, then Solvang is it! It is seriously SO charming. This little Danish town tucked away in wine country (Santa Ynez Valley) offers all of the small town feels with its adorable mom and pop shops, boutique wine tasting rooms, and delicious sidewalk cafes. Just a few months ago, I spent a day in Solvang eating, drinking, and having the best time!
Babers and I got to visit this cute little town last October to celebrate my birthday with just us two. I really wanted just a quick little getaway with him that wasn’t going to be a big hassle, or involve lots of travel. But, it did need to involve some wine tasting, because you know me! Let’s face it, it isn’t a Jules Getaway unless wine is involved #sorrynotsorry lol
I actually had been wanting to visit Solvang for a long time. Especially since it’s only a little over an hour away from where I live. And, because it’s so close, I can’t tell you how many times we’ve passed it on our way up North. Each time we said we’d come back and actually check it out. I decided this would be that time. So, instead of wishing on that proverbial star some more, I made my plans to actually spend a day in Solvang: that cute little town I had heard so much about!
How We Spent Our Day In Solvang
Where We Stayed
Of course, my timing couldn’t be any worse…I pretty much waited until two weeks prior to our trip to book a hotel and this was going to be for the Saturday before Halloween (such a busy weekend everywhere!). So, needless to say, Solvang hotels were mostly booked. BUT, I was able to snag a room at the Vacations Inn Solvang for our overnight stay. It is an older hotel that has so much of that old world Danish charm. Not fancy by any means but, the rooms were clean, our bed was comfy, the staff was friendly, and the location couldn’t have been any better (we were steps away from all of the shops and wine tasting).
Other excellent hotel options include Hotel Corque, Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, and The Landsby. All are beautiful hotels with great locations. Fair warning though, they are a little pricier.
Where We Ate
Solvang seriously has the cutest sidewalk cafes and yummiest bakeries. We heard great things about the Succulent Cafe so that was our first stop when we arrived in town. We had their Eggs Benedict for breakfast and it was out of this world! They serve lunch and dinner too, which I also hear is just as phenomenal as their breakfast. You’ll want to make sure you plan at least one of your meals here when you visit.
Although we skipped on lunch, we did stop in at Mad & Vin for a fromage and charcuterie plate to hold us over until dinner. It definitely hit the spot! This restaurant is located in The Landsby Hotel and has a great Wine Country inspired dining menu. We spent our time at their bar which was relaxing, and Babers got to watch some sports on their TVs (he was happy lol).
For dinner, we ate at Root 246 which is known for their delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Don’t skip the bread basket, their focaccia is YUM! I tried their Day Boat Scallops and they were incredible!
The morning we were leaving we had to stop at Paula’s Pancake House for some authentic Danish pancakes and let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint! We ate at the counter to take in all of that Danish diner charm, but they also have a great patio where you can take in all of the views while you eat.
Next time we visit, we plan on going a little outside of town to the Hitching Post that’s known for some of the best, must try BBQ in the area!
Where We Sipped
First tasting room of the day was at Sevtap Winery where we enjoyed some great red blends! You’ll recognize this one by the cute windmill outside.
Next up was Twenty Mile Winery where we did an olive and wine tasting. The pairings were delicious and insightful!
Dana V. Wines was definitely my favorite tasting room. It is small with a coastal/beach decor. We enjoyed some great rosés and I snagged some very instagrammable photos with their oversized wicker chairs.
Royal Oaks Winery was a tasting room we pretty much stumbled upon (almost literally lol). It was also one that we didn’t expect to enjoy as much as we did. Our girl, Jennifer, was friendly, funny, and really knowledgeable about wine from the area. She actually helped Babers find a blend he could enjoy (he’s not big on wine these days, but as a good hubby, he indulges me hee hee).
She also gave us the inside scoop on another great tasting room, Dascomb Cellars. This one got me on the wines! I actually signed up for their wine club after trying their Pinot Noir, which was one of the best I’ve ever tasted! We enjoyed a chocolate pairing here, too, and that was a first for me. I was shocked how much wine and chocolate compliment one another…although, now that I think about it, what’s not to love about chocolate and wine? Right?!
We also got to check out the coolest hidden beer garden located in Valley Brewers. Disguised like a library knook, you have to find the right door that’ll lead you into “The Backroom“. Or, you could be boring and just ask the guys at Valley Brewers where to find it, but where’s the fun in that? Speaking of no fun, I didn’t try the beer (I don’t mix wine and beer), but Babers did and really enjoyed trying out a few of their local brews.
More Fun
After dinner, we did a little light walking and found live music at a little whole in the wall, Sort This Out Cellars. We did some very fun people watching as a wild group of Aussies were whooping it up! They were cracking me up the entire night, and eventually, got me out of my seat to join them on the dance floor! It was a great time!
Our day in Solvang was jammed packed with yummy food, great wine, and pure fun! I love the charm, the low-key small town feel, and of course, the yummy yummy wine. We can’t wait to go back!
For a complete Santa Ynez Valley Destination Guide (2020), and to see Pink Roses & Blue Skies’ debut (ok, maybe debut is a strong word. I’m on the backside of the guide lol), click here!
For video footage of our trip, check out my Instagram “Travel” highlight album.
And for more wine tasting adventures, check out my post Where to Wine Taste In Temecula and Instagrammable Wineries In Napa.