Make sure to stop in Solvang. The town was founded in 1911 by a group of Danes, who traveled west to establish a Danish colony far from the Midwestern winter. Today you will see traditional Danish architecture, with a number of bakeries, restaurants, galleries and shops offering Scandinavian items. It is a little touristy, but fun.
Stop in for some Danish butter cookies and a coffee at the Danish Mill Bakery. 1682 Copenhagen Dr.
Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe is another instituion downtown at 460 Alisal Rd. At 1547 Mission Dr., is the Solvang Brewing Company. They make a number of lagers, ales, IPAs, stouts and Pilsners.
Santa Inés Mission: Right near downtown is the historic mission that was the 19th of the 21 missions established by the Franciscans. It was founded by Fr. Estevan Tapas in 1804. There is a small museum, but the highlight is the beautiful church. It is well-worth a stop to explore the site.
