Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California, is the small town of Solvang.  Its scenic setting amidst gently rolling hills and pastures, and its proximity to some of the best vineyards in the state (it was the location for much of the film Sideways) are only a part of its attraction.

What makes the town special and unique is its downtown core.  The architecture, stores, and monuments are a little taste of Denmark in North America.

The town was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers who had emigrated from the Midwest in search of more temperate winters.  They settled on land formerly held by the Spanish and built their settlement mindful of their heritage.  Many of the buildings in the town of around five thousand people conform to Danish standards and style of architecture.

The tourist can wander the streets of Solvang and see a replica of the statue of The Little Mermaid that sits famously in Copenhagen harbor.  There’s a one-third scale model of the Rundetarn Observatory also located in Denmark’s capital.  As for shopping opportunities, there are a wine-tasting room, an antique center, a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and several galleries.  I especially recommend Mortensen’s Bakery, which features an extensive selection of Danish pastries and rolls—very tasty!

Not far from Solvang is Ronald Reagan’s home, Rancho Cielo, over a dozen wineries, and the spectacularly scenic Lake Cachuma Recreational Area.  The historic and beautiful city of Santa Barbara is an easy and gorgeous drive nearby.