Solvang is a little bit of Denmark in Santa Barbara County, California, complete with a windmill, traditional Danish bakeries a plenty, a Hans Christian Andersen Museum and even a replica of the Little Mermaid.
Gorge yourself on over-sized Danish pastries for breakfast. For lunch, sample robust Danish fare such as frikadeller (meat balls), medisterpolse (sausages) and rodkaal (red cabbage) in one of the many wooden-fronted restaurants.
Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish educators escaping the harsh winters of the Midwest. The town lies at the heart of wine country, and featured in the Oscar-winning film Sideways.
The best time to visit? September, when the hordes of tourists have left, and the Danish Days Festival, is in full swing.
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