Solvang in the Wintertime
Just because the weather has cooled down, doesn't mean there's any less to do here in Solvang!
- Elverhoj Mesuem
The Elverhoj museum features exhibits on Danish culture and the history of Solvang as well as a variety of art in a Scandinavian inspired building.
- Wheel Fun Rentals
Choose from a number of sizes and rent a bike for the day to make your travel through Solvang a little more leisurely, and a lot more fun!
- Nojoqui Falls
For those who enjoy the outdoors, bring a medium weight jacket and enjoy the brisk air and the crisp winter scenery on this short hike. Doubles as a great spot to picnic! Enjoy that great year round weather California is known for.
- Parks-Janeway Carriage House
Just a short jaunt away in Santa Ynez you'll find the lovely carriage museum. Featuring nearly every type of horse drawn carriage you can imagine, this is a great place to learn about the types of travel that were so pivotal in western expansion.
Food
There's no shortage of delicious ways to indulge your cravings in The Santa Ynez Valley! Here are some of our favorites.
Breakfast
Easily one of the most popular breakfast spots in the whole valley, head to Paula's pancake house for a hearty meal in a wonderful setting. Don't be surprised by the crowd; it's popularity is well deserved!
For a lighter, and also less crowded breakfast, Fresco Café is absolutely perfect. Try the crepes, and if you love it as much as we do, head back and see their delicious lunch menu as well!
Enjoy a delicious brunch from 10-2 on Sunday at this fine dining establishment. The food is always top-notch, and how could you go wrong with mimosas on a Sunday!?
Dinner
A local favorite, Mad & Vin is attached to the Landsby hotel in Downtown Solvang and has some of the best food in the area. Stop by on a Tuesday night and take advantage of the Local Night specials!
If you find yourself in Santa Ynez, stop by SY kitchen and try their gourmet Italian food, and enjoy the trendy and modern atmosphere while you dine.
For a more traditional approach to Italian cuisine, Trattoria Grappolo is one of the best restaurants in the area. With an excellent wine selection and delectable food, this one's sure to satisfy!
- Dos Carlitos
Mexican food at it's best can be found in Santa Ynez! Tasty Margaritas and an extensive list of tequilas make Dos Carlitos the place to go for any south of the border cravings.
- Red Barn
One of the finest Steak Houses in the valley, Red Barn offers a hearty meal featuring some of the best cuts of meat, and many of the best wines from the local area.
No list of restaurants in the SY valley is complete without mention of the hitching post! Along with most of the rest of the towns in the area, this restaurant was made popular by the movie Sideways. If you loved the movie, you'll love the hitching post!
Bakeries
- Mortenson's Danish Bakery
Quaint, old-timey gift shop & cafe serving coffee & a range of traditional European pastries.
- Olsen's Danish Village Bakery
Almond ring cake and Danish Butter Cookies are the show-stealers at this classic bakery
Featuring multiple flavors of fudge, this dessert shop is sure to sate any sweet-tooth's cravings.
Libations
No trip to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley is complete without trying the wines that the area is so famous for. Cocktails also help round out relaxing evenings and delicious meals, and the area has no shortage of great spots to get either, or both!
Cocktails
Featuring live country or classic rock every Friday and Saturday night, the Maverick is always guaranteed to be an absolute blast, and a great place to get some cocktails or beers. Be prepared to dance!
A very nice hotel bar with a robust selection, the Landsby provides a more upscale experience for all late-night drink seekers. Well appointed environment with well mixed drinks.
Another hotel bar, Root 246 has great cocktail selections in a considerably more intimate setting. For a quiet way to finish off your evening in relaxation, head here.
This tiki inspired bar is tucked into the back of Sort This Out Cellars, and features tiki themed drinks made using wine! True cocktails are not to be expected, due to the lack of a liquor license, but these interesting mixed wine drinks mean you can definitely expect a good time!
Wine Bars/tasting rooms
- The Good Life craft beer and wine cellar
Helping cultivate the small town local feel so many people love about solvang, The Good Life specializes in artisan and boutique wines sourced exclusively from local wine makers. Hard to find, small batch wines are a staple here. With such a relaxing atmosphere, you might find it hard to leave.
This aptly named dog friendly wine bar provides an exquisite experience when you choose to pair one of their tasting flights with specially selected cheeses or enjoy a glass paired with a more robust charcuterie. Bring your charm, because tasting at Wandering Dog can be quite the social experience!
- Sort This Out Cellars
Drawing inspiration from the Rat Pack and the Sands Hotel of the late 50's and early 60's, Sort This Out has a distinct rockabilly aesthetic that makes for a great time with great friends. You're guaranteed to have fun and get lost in the environment.
- Sevtap Tasting Room
Named Winery of the Year in 2015 by the California Travel association, this tasting room features wines made by it's namesake, Art Sevtap. A Turkish native with an intriguing story, Mr. Sevtap makes delicious wines in his one-man operation. A great spot for some fantastic Bordeaux style wines.
Perfect for sunny days in the Santa Ynez Valley, Carrhart winery in Los Olivos has both indoor and outdoor seating, and features some stellar wines made right here in the valley. A must-do if you find yourself in Los Olivos. |
