To my fellow Californians:Any of you ever been to Solvang?

[Lindsey]

A friend and I went yesterday just for a day trip (from L.A.) and we were both shocked at the right-wing, flag waving, Jesus lovin', "We support or President and our troops" (signs in windows) vibe. We could not believe it. We'd heard such great things about this little town. Yea, it was really scenic but that's about it. The shops were mainly quilt and toy places (I'm not kidding). There was one cool new age shop but that's it. Even the bakeries (that are one of the things this town is noted for) were mediocre at best. Anyway, what a major disappointment. :-(

[hellhathnofury]

1. I never got why people like Solvang.

It's so hokey and boring.

I'm not shocked that the place is so rightwing.

[rucky]

2. I thought the bakeries were Solvang's only redeeming quality

yeah, and that candle shop.

Did you get a Sarah Bernhardt? (almond cookie w/ a big chocolate chip in the middle)

Did you make a stop at Neverland Ranch? heh.

[ugarte]

3. Yeah, it's a trip to another dimension

Disneyland quaint, sort of like Universal City walk for octogenarians.

[LWolf]

4. I've been there, but

not since the 70s. I hear it's changed a lot. As a kid, I don't remember political overtones. I remember it was supposed to be "charming." Lots of food, lots of gift shops, a charming little tourist spot.

A friend who had family who lived there tells me it has changed beyond recognition, but she was talking about development and a stronger focus on shopping; not politics.

[lolly]

14. Used to live nearby

Remember, it's right near Vandenberg Air Force Base.

I used to live in Lompoc-about a 1/2 hour drive from Solvang. Worked on VAFB back when they were dealing with protests over the deployment of MX missiles. Actually had to fix the name on dozens of documents from "MX Missile" to "Peacekeeper." And it was only 1983 . . .

Anyway, yes, a pretty right wing area.

Bakeries way over-rated. You can buy "Danish" cookies at any Costco now. Rest of the shops just over-priced crap--the same stuff you find at all tourist traps. Knick-knacks, tee-shirts that you'll never wear once you get home, super-expensive Christmas ornaments (is the "Jule" house still there?).

[ronnykmarshall]

5. There's a casino nearby.

Drive further up towards Santa Ynez and there's great casino for you gamblin' folks.

[Lindsey]

6. I actually think I'm going to have to go to Venice Beach

in a few minutes (it's about 10 minutes from my place) to get rid of that creepy Solvang vibe (I'm serious)! I need to buy a t-shirt with a peace sign :-)

[cosmicdot]

8. like having sherbert to clean the palate

[cosmicdot]

7. the website entices one ... thanks for the scoop

is it still a Danish-American community? or DINO?
is Denmark like this?



Visiting Solvang you enter the Danish Capital of America. Quaint Old World architectural styles blend with flower-lined streets to create a walkable village.

Storks peek down from thatch, copper and tile roofs; while delightful shops offer imported European wares: porcelain, collectibles, wrought iron and every form of handicraft. The aroma of chocolate, bakeries, coffee and beer garden fare flavor the quaint streets. Solvang offers you a Shopping Showcase of unusual, quality imports and collectibles from 200+ merchants. Comfortable Country Inns, B&B, family motels or full service hotel accommodations are all within walking distance of sights, shopping, restaurants and activities. Solvang was voted one of Sunset Magazine's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western United States! Velkommen! You are welcome in Solvang! Join us for a stay in our sunny fields and beautiful vineyard filled, oak studded Santa Ynez Valley -- one of Santa Barbara County's best destinations.

http://www.solvangusa.com/

[Lindsey]

9. Yea, that all American "family values" thing was happening all

over. My friend and I counted a total of four African Americans the whole time we were there and there we just a handful of Asians. I haven't seen so many white people in one place in my entire life. Geez..this is America now?!?!?!

[catzies]

10. I went back in November. My congressman has a district office there.

But that's not why I went.

I think maybe all the red-white-and-blue could be nothing more than a pragmatic commercial decision.

I know that cool new-age shop you're talking about!

[pfitz59]

11. Santa Barabra County question......

Wife and I are thinking of moving to Gaviota or Isla Vista. Would we be moving into the briar patch, are there any SB DUers?

[catzies]

12. Gaviota is teeny-tiny. Isla Vista is UCSB's village for students.

SB is a very friendly political climate being a college town and all. Cost of living is too high for me. I'd rather live down the road but be close for day visits, just like where I am now!

[havocmom]

13. Go a bit west and have a picnic at the State Park at La Purisima

That is a nice day trip (or it was when I lived in CA).

[retread]

15. Was hitchhiking through around 1968 or 69 and was frisked

and harassed by a local cop. At the time my only form of id was my DD214. When he saw that, he said if he had known he wouldn't have messed with me. He went from hostile to friendly in the blink of an eye. I'm grateful to this day he couldn't read minds!

[FARAFIELD]

16. TWO LITTLE WORDS

Solvang sucks. I went there 10 years ago after growing up hearing about it. ANd the food was horrible the accomadations were wretched and to top it off there was nothing to do. Now i like swedish meatballs as much as the next guy but..... Anyhow I wish it had a little quaintness as WALL DRUG in south dakota has.

[Ernesto]

17. Look up "tourist trap"

and you'll see a photograph of Solvang.