In dire need of a last minute weekend getaway, we opted for something near and decided on the charming little community of Solvang, CA.

As the hotels in town were either too pricey or booked out (we went at a peak period) we stayed in the town of Buellton. Located just 10 minutes from Solvang, CA it became our hub. Our hotel offered a pool (a must for our little one) and was adjacent to the famous Andersen’s Pea Soup restaurant. Once checked in, it was time to explore.

As we headed into Solvang, we had to stop at Ostrich Land, home to hundreds of ostriches and emu. You can look and take pictures for free, but if you are on a budget stay out of the gift shop, where you can buy anything that is ostrich-related… from feathers to filets.

Once in downtown Solvang, CA, we decided to get a quick overview of the town aboard the Honen Street Car. An original Danish street car drawn by huge Belgian horses, takes one on a relaxing 25-minute guided tour of the town.

Solvang… the name is Danish for “sunny field”… was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish educators. This California town proudly calls itself the “Danish Capital of America” and is truly delightful. The architecture is very “old world” varying from windmills to thatched roofs. The shops are filled with arrays of trinkets… from the useful to the memento. Do not miss the year-round Christmas store with its wonderful collection of ornaments.

The restaurants specialize in food from Denmark though other ethnic styles are available. Indulge in Danish style pancakes, which are larger though thinner and lighter than their American counterparts.

A stop in one of the many candy stores is a delight. But besides eating at smorgasbords and shopping what else is there to do? Plenty.

The Hans Christian Anderson Museum pays fitting homage to that most famous of Danes. This writer led an incredible life (though at times sad) and his gift of storytelling continues to fascinate young and old alike.

Stroll over to the Mission Santa Ines... Founded in 1804, destroyed, rebuilt, neglected and restored again. The mission houses a rich collection of paintings, statuary, vestments, manuscripts, and artifacts. The grounds are both beautiful and functional, as this is an operating church (one of the few in the mission chain that still holds service).

The city is also host to the Solvang Theaterfest. From June through October popular stage productions (Shakespeare to Modern) are situated in an outdoor 700-seat venue. A beautiful setting for some culture. Check their Internet site for more info, pricing and schedules.

Nojoqui Falls Park is another don’t miss. Situated about 10 minutes south of downtown, Solvang, CA, the easy-to-moderate 15-minute hike reaches a gorgeous waterfall at the end of a canyon. In summer, the canyon walls are lined with moss and ferns but not much water; in winter you are rewarded with a cascade. Beautiful, no matter what time of the year.

Solvang, CA, contains several nearby golf resorts, which tie in with local hotels for golf packages. In addition wineries abound, Santa Barbara County has come into its own as a major producer of California grape. Numerous wineries thrive in this region and are open to the public along with the obligatory tasting room. But that becomes yet another weekend getaway (or would that trip be a “lost weekend?”).

Solvang, CA, offered a chance to de-compress. It did not fail.