Gainey Winery in Solvang, California
A scenic drive, a little wine, a quaint inn, interesting dining options — now you know my ingredients for a successful baby boomer road trip. For a quick California get-away, start in Los Angeles, drive along the coast through Malibu to Santa Barbara, then turn right towards the Santa Ynez Valley and the Danish-inspired town of Solvang.
Wine Valley Inn and Cottages makes a convenient headquarters for a Solvang visit. Situated on Copenhagen Drive, tucked away from the traffic of Mission Drive, the boutique hotel provides quiet and convenience wrapped in a floral setting. Walk along the garden path, where a stream meanders next to ivy-covered cottages, ending at a koi pond. A complimentary continental breakfast in the antique-filled dining room provides a nourishing start to the day. Or walk a few short blocks to Paula’s Pancakes for a heartier breakfast.
Take a drive, or ride a bike, through the rolling countryside to visit the the Santa Ynez Valley’s specialty farms where boomers can wander in a lavender field, pet miniature donkeys or purchase olive oil. Adventure lovers can choose from scenic horse rides or jeep excursions. And of course you don’t want to miss a visit to area wineries for a bit of tasting.
The grounds at Wine Valley Inn
On our March journey to Solvang, Alan and I spirited his 80-something mother away from her retirement home for a birthday road trip. She enjoyed the reminder of her Scandinavian heritage over lunch at Bit O Denmark after browsing the shops for Royal Copenhagen dinnerware. We spent another afternoon in Los Olivos, visiting the galleries before returning to Solvang for wine tasting at Taste of the Valleys followed by dinner at Café Angelica.
Have you traveled to Solvang? Share your travel tips by posting a comment. Alan and I plan to return for our own baby boomer version of a Solvang road trip, combining adventure, wine tasting and romance.
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I have been up and down california coast, but never visited solvang, people have told me to visit, but never went. After reading your article seeing the pictures, We are sure to go now. Great article.
I have been up and down california coast, but never visited solvang, people have told me to visit, but never went. After reading your article seeing the pictures, We are sure to go now. Great article.
This rings me right back to . . . well so many years ago. I have a couple of memories from Pea Soup Anderson’s right near Solvang:
1. Many years ago, my family moved from the L.A area to northern Calif. My Dad had already flown up,so my Mom, my four brothers and sisters, 1 cat, and I drove up, We stopped and had diiner at Pea Soup Anderson’s. Dinner that evening still gives me a warm feeling.
2. Years later, my fiance, my mother, and I were on our way to Mexico. Alan and I were to be married there, so the three of us went down to finalize arrangements. Guesss where we stopped for dinner? Pea Soup Anderson’s . . . right near Solvang.
So we love that area and are glad to hear you did, too.
This rings me right back to . . . well so many years ago. I have a couple of memories from Pea Soup Anderson’s right near Solvang:
1. Many years ago, my family moved from the L.A area to northern Calif. My Dad had already flown up,so my Mom, my four brothers and sisters, 1 cat, and I drove up, We stopped and had diiner at Pea Soup Anderson’s. Dinner that evening still gives me a warm feeling.
2. Years later, my fiance, my mother, and I were on our way to Mexico. Alan and I were to be married there, so the three of us went down to finalize arrangements. Guesss where we stopped for dinner? Pea Soup Anderson’s . . . right near Solvang.
So we love that area and are glad to hear you did, too.
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