Stroll the Streets of America's Denmark
The Inn at Petersen Village, Solvang
800-321-8985
$$ / $$
Windmills, weathered copper roofs, handsomely carved eaves and doorways, flower-lined streets, storks on the rooftops, and timber-framed stucco facades announce your arrival into the beautiful Scandinavian town of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley. The friendly folks and shopkeepers ‘velkommen’ you as you become acquainted with such terms as ‘aebleskiver,’ ‘medisterpolse,’ and ‘frikadeller.’ Check into the only Four Diamond property in Solvang, The Inn at Petersen Village, where warm oak banisters, canopied beds and in-room complimentary morning coffee and tea service await you. A full breakfast buffet of hard-boiled eggs, pastries and beverages is included.
When you’re not eating at one of the fine bakeries or delicious restaurants, just stroll the streets of shops, art galleries and museums. Spice up the afternoon with a visit to the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch, Llama Ranch or Ostrich Land, where you can get up close to the animals. Continue your exploration of the rolling countryside with a wine tour through Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour. While visiting four wineries, you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, sample fine wines of the region, and sit back while the jeep climbs the side of Figueroa Mountain to a spectacular view of the Santa Ynez Valley, back dropped by the Pacific Ocean. Just minutes from Solvang, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is home to 275 species of birds, including wintering bald eagles. Eagle Cruises motor about the lake while an experienced guide helps you to identify the birds of Lake Cachuma. Nojoqui Falls, just off Alisal Road, flows freely in winter months, and hiking, biking and golf are abundant in the area.
When the evening turns chilly, cozy up by the fire in the antique filled dining room of Cabernet Bistro, which is renowned for its extensive variety and high quality duck entrées. Recognized as one of North America’s Outstanding Chefs in 1993, Jacques Toulet will impress you with his culinary skills. Start your dinner with Salmon Carpaccio, and then choose from a variety of delectable menu items or the house specialty duck entrées.
Or, stay at the inn and relax to live piano music over a quiet dinner in Café Provence, the fine dining experience reserved solely for inn guests. The country French flavors prepared by award-winning Chef Erminio Dal-Fuoco will please your palette. Choose an appetizer of Danish Cured Salmon (Gravalax) with cucumber salad or a more traditional entrée’ of Veal Scaloppini.
Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
