ALONG COMES MARY

What do I do when I realize preschool is off for a week? Hit the road, of course. I’d been wanting to get back to Solvang for a while. Throw in a week of gorgeous weather, and Mabel and I were able to head up the 101 for a one-night getaway to California’s Danish Capital of America. Having lived in Solvang for several years, I always have my favorites when I visit. I enjoy introducing Mabel to spots I’ve known for quite a while. Although I probably got some toddler eye rolls at my “back in my day” quips or pointing out what used to be where. I think she just had ice cream on her mind. 

Playing in “Sunny Fields” in Solvang

After a pit stop for pancakes in Santa Barbara, we arrived in Solvang early in the afternoon. It was a good stretch in the car so I thought beginning at a playground was a good start. Sunny Fields Park on Alamo Pintado has become our favorite when we’re in town. Its unique wooden design mimics a fairytale castle with obstacle courses, bridges, ladders, ropes, and slides. There are also wooden signs with face cutouts making it great for locals and visitors alike. Insider fact: Solvang is Danish for Sunny Fields!

Afterward, we headed to New Frontier’s for a quick lunch. This could be the “Erewhon of Solvang.”  It was one of the first stores that catered to my dietary needs when I was young. I even remember grabbing a brochure on what gluten is when I was wondering about wheat allergy symptoms. New Frontier’s is a classic health and natural foods market. With a hot bar and deli, Mabel made a beeline for the pizza and I to the juice bar and bakery. In my opinion, they offer the best variety of gluten-free and vegan options in Solvang. 

Cruising Downtown

Next up, we hit the Downtown Village. I’ll admit that I miss the old-time stores with more authenticity like Rasmussen’s that have retired. Although the architecture and atmosphere continue to be quaint and tranquil. There was a vast amount of color along Copenhagen Drive, the town’s “main drag,” thanks to the abundance of flowers all around. 

There are loads of sweet shops, ice cream parlors, and bakeries along the street. Despite going into Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in search of my beloved bubble gum ice cream, we left with a different treat. I’ve always had a weakness for their Tiger Butter candy apple and since they didn’t have my ice cream flavor, Mabel got to try her first of the latter. It hit the spot for me but I had a proud mommy moment as she seemed more intrigued by fresh fruit from the farmer’s market happening outside. 

Each Wednesday, Solvang hosts a street market at Copenhagen and First Street. There are fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, and more. Although small, it’s a great opportunity to support local. We loved our basket of strawberries from Rodriguez Family Farms in Oxnard. So much so, that we ate them all as we strolled the town. 

Check into Solvang Inn and Cottages

Just as we entered the Solvang City Limits, we got to Solvang Inn and Cottages. It’s a modest motel along Mission Drive and is ideal for a safe place to rest your head in between sightseeing. Our room was no frills and with a four-year-old, it worked out well. Our car was directly outside our door and if you know me, that’s a huge plus. 

Mabel made herself right at home with the TV (of course we found Bluey) and cozy bed. Check-in was a breeze and the staff were very hospitable. We received Olsen’s Danish Bakery cookies from across the street that Mabel devoured. Each stay includes a daily Danish continental breakfast also at Olsen’s. 

Since the motel is at the beginning of the downtown village, I used the car minimally. I especially enjoyed waking up early and bundling Mabel up for a stroller walk to Good Seed Coffee Roasters and to window shop. Once again, everything was so close that we were at Good Seed in less than 10 minutes. Between the gluten-free pastries, breakfast bowls, and incredible coffee, I never miss stopping here when in Solvang. 

Dinner at Peasants FEAST

I have heard about the humble yet delicious plates at Peasants FEAST since their questionable opening in the middle of the 2020 pandemic. At last, I got to experience what all of the buzz has been about. I remember this restaurant as the Greenhouse Cafe many moons ago. In place of American diner fare is a menu that gets back to the whole basics. Peasants FEAST is very much a farm-to-table experience yet laid back and subtle. 

Mabel is not always a calm dinner date yet I had no issue at all dining with her at Peasants FEAST. The variety of guests made us feel welcome. We were all there for the same thing: An excellent meal. 

I was nervous as I glanced at the “mature” offerings for the kid’s meal. Fried chicken, grilled cheese. Mabel can be very selective but chose the cheeseburger and ate almost all of it. I went with mushroom tacos that burst with flavor. I’ll have more to say in another story about our experience at Peasants FEAST. In the meantime, the restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. 

Meeting Lulu

A big reason for this visit was to meet Lulu Hyggelig. Lulu is the latest recycled troll installation from recycling artist, Thomas Dambo. Dambo is an internationally renowned Danish artist and recycling activist celebrated for his imaginative and colossal sculptures made from recycled materials. He specializes in creating enchanting wooden trolls and has over 140 throughout the USA. He breathes new life into discarded resources, showcasing the boundless potential hidden within our world’s trash cans.

Each troll Dambo creates has a fun and unique story to accompany them. For Lulu, she came to Solvang in search of what most do when in town; she was looking for pastries. She got stuck in the tower where she now resides, and visitors are asked to consider bringing Lulu a treat. How sweet is that? 

Lulu’s “tower” is a part of the California Nature Art Museum. I recall when her space was the beloved Solvang Visitor’s Center. For just a five-dollar donation (and kids under 18 free), guests can get up close and personal with Lulu. In addition to Lulu, the museum is impressive. Upstairs is a children’s room with arts, crafts, and sensory tools. The museum (and Lulu) is open Thursday through Monday. You can also catch a glimpse of her through the tower window.

Visit Solvang this Spring

Mabel was quick to notice the LEGO around town since the brand hails from Denmark. The weekend of April 5th will find Solvang hosting the first-ever Brick and Builds. The weekend-long event will provide attendees with a total brick-building immersion experience. See pro builders compete throughout the town, meet and greet Master Lego Builders, and connect with other brick enthusiasts. How cool is that? 

Learn more and plan a visit to Solvang HERE. Mabel and I cannot wait to return and show Daddy the sights. xo