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California Dreaming Presents
Features
- Destinations - Solvang

Elverhøj Museum
The Elverhøj is housed in a replica of a Danish farmhouse and
is devoted to Solvang’s cultural heritage. Tours are given daily by docents
in Danish folk costume ready to provide information and answer questions.
Hans Christian Andersen Museum
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum features a large collection of this
beloved author’s books as well as displays of his sketches, paper cuts,
silhouettes, and life. His whimsical delicate paper cutouts, created for
friends and their children still delight visitors today.
Old Mission Santa Inés
Founded in 1804, Santa Inés was nineteenth in the twenty-one
chain of missions built in California. The 1812 earthquake destroyed most
of the church and severely damaged other buildings. Today, much of the
mission has been restored and boasts a fine collection of historic vestments
and Chumash paintings. Mission Santa Inés’s location provides views
still very similar to those of 100 years ago and has been called the "Hidden
Gem of the Missions."
PCPA Theaterfest in Solvang’s Festival Theater
The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) presents a world-class
production summer season in Solvang’s open air theater Wednesday through
Sunday. Tickets are available by calling (800) 549-7272 or (805) 686-1789,
group sales: (800) 727-2123.
Hans Christian Andersen Park
Just a few blocks from downtown is this sheltered park with picnic
areas, hiking trails, public tennis courts, children’s play area, bar-b-que
facilities and horseshoe pits.
Los Padres National Forest
The 1.7 Million acre Los Padres National Forest forms the background
for Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Many interesting spots and scenic
vistas can be reached by car or for more intrepid explorers, many trails
are accessible by foot, bicycle, or horseback. Camping is allowed.
Santa Barbara County Wineries
Santa Ynez Valley is "The Other Wine Country." This area
is fast becoming renowned for the variety of grapes grown here. For information
about wineries, tours, and events contact the Santa Barbara County Vintners’
Association (800) 218-0881.
Chumash Indian Casino
The Chumash offer Highstakes Indian bingo, card room, cafe dining,
valet parking and Las Vegas style shows three miles east of Solvang. For
more information, call (800) 728-9997.
Santa Ynez Valley Museum and Carriage House
Visit the past in the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. Displays
include cattle brands, guns, Mission era artifacts, furnishings, and local
memorabilia. Next door is the Parks-Janeway Carriage House with a fine
collection of 35 carriages, wagons, carts, stagecoaches, and buggies. Contact
the museum at (805) 688-7889.
Nojoqui Falls and Park
Just ten minutes from Solvang, nestled among Live Oak and Sycamore,
lies Nojoqui Park with large playing fields and picnic areas leading the
way to the trail up to Nojoqui Falls. In Summer the Falls offer a cool
respite of moss, ferns and sheltering shade. In Winter, water cascades
from the cliffs into a rocky pool. Well worth the short hike anytime of
year.
Lake Cachuma
Just 15 minutes from downtown Solvang, Lake Cachuma is a nature lover’s
paradise. 275 species of birds, including migrating Bald Eagles, flock
to this pristine reservoir. Cruises allow a closer look at resident wildlife
including birds, deer, and occasionally, glimpses of coyote, bobcat and
mountain lion. Fishing, boating and camping are offered all year.
Cattle, Horses, Llamas, and Ostriches
Santa Ynez is still cattle country and has long been famous for its
horse farms. Winners of horse racing’s major events have been trained or
bred here. Arabian horse fanciers world-wide are familiar with the Arabians
bred in the Santa Ynez Valley. Miniature horses, Icelandic horses and Andalusions
are also bred here. More recently, llamas and ostriches have joined other
livestock ranging the ranch land surrounding Solvang. Many ranches offer
tours and information. Contact the Visitor’s Bureau for more information
about how to visit some of these ranches.
Windhaven Glider Rides, Santa Ynez Airport, Santa Ynez (805) 688-2517.
Enjoy the thrilling experience of flight. Your personal sailplane pilot
will take you silently soaring with eagles over the beautiful Santa Ynez
Valley ascending above the peaks of the breathtaking Coastal Range for
an indescribable adventure. They're located at the Santa Ynez Airport five
miles east of Solvang with scenic flights or personal instruction daily
from 10:00 until 5:00. Gift Certificates are available and make unforgettable
gifts for all occasions. For more information call (805) 688-2517 or email
them at ggordon@silcom.com.
Golf Solvang
River Course at the Alisal ,150 Alisal Road, Solvang, California 93643
(805)688-6042 FAX (805) 688-8229
Situated along the Santa Ynez River just south
of Solvang, carries on a tradition of great golf and fine service. Customary
Alisal Ranch hospitality is maintained by a courteous, helpful staff
of golf professionals, starters and marshals, golf shop and restaurant
personnel. The moderate central California climate and meticulous maintenance
provide excellent year-round playing conditions.
Since opening in 1992, River Course has become popular among golfers seeking destinations for two or three-day golf getaways. Attractive golf packages are available through many hotels in the surrounding communities. The River Course welcomes Group Tournaments and Corporate Outings and can provide everything necessary for a successful group outing including tee prizes, putting contests, carts and professional scoreboard, and scoring services. To arrange tournaments or golf clinics contact golf Professional Pam Moore or Assistant Golf Professional Dave Hartley at (805) 688-6042.
River Course has been sensitively designed to provide enjoyment for golfers of all levels. Carrying a slope rating of 126, this 18 hole course is 6,830 yards long, making it challenging but not punishing. The strategic placement of a variety of hazards rewards length and accuracy without severely penalizing casual and recreational golfers.
Services and facilities at River Course include: A well-stocked pro shop with professional sales advice and club fitting, quality men’s and women’s golf apparel and equipment, a 300-yard driving range, putting, pitching, and sand practice greens, group and private golf instruction by golf professionals, golf schools and clinics, electric and pull carts, and rental clubs. For tee times and information contact the River Course at The Alisal, 150 Alisal Road, Solvang, California 93463 (805) 688-6042 FAX (805) 688-8229
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