#20 Feb 2014 Danes, Dunes and Disappointment

Danes established the community of Solvang in 1911.

There are more Danish bakeries within a block in Solvang than there are in any block in Denmark. There are many ethnic shops and a Hans Christian Andersen museum and bookstore.

Santa Ynez Historical Museum and Carriage House has a fantastic display of modes of transportation from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

Original stagecoaches bring to life the old west that we saw on TV and in movies. Inside the coach, up to 9 people would each have 15 inches of bench. On a very busy route 12 people could ride on top, hanging on for dear life.

This Bronson Wagon was built in 1898 by William Brewster – not this Ralph William Brewster.

The museum currently has a special, private exhibit of Japanese kimonos with a video showing how they have been created for centuries. The detail is exquisite.

Another local recommendation was Oso Flaco Lake with a boardwalk made of a flexible material which creates a very comfortable mile long walk.

It goes over the lake with dozens of birds including pelicans.

The vegetation is well signed as the walk winds toward the ocean. The outlook point provides a high perspective of the ocean for miles and miles.

There are so many views of the ocean that we can’t stop at all of them but we are tempted.

For miles there are signs about Andersen’s Pea Soup in Buellton. When we asked locals about the soup it was not well recommended but we had to try it. We should have listened to the experts. Decades ago the soup may have been outstanding but today our palates expect much more than cooked peas. At least the avocado and tuna salad plate was very good.