The reason for the trip was a long time family tradition of one of my best friends. This year I was lucky enough to be a part of their custom. The girls of the Fechner family travel annually to this quaint little windmill town to see a theater performance by the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA). This year the talented group of artists celebrated its 26th season of entertaining locals and travelers alike at the Solvang Festival Theater with a rendition of West Side Story. As a performer myself of 20 years it was an added bonus to see such talented young people represent one of the most classic literary pieces in history.

With all of this history, between my dear friend’s family and the foundation of Solvang as the Danish Capital of America, I was surprised to find my own roots firmly grounded in the culture of this town. While browsing the knick-knack filled shops, I found two hand painted tiles that referenced to the love for grandparents, which the Danish children call “oma” and “opa.” I was able to smile proudly knowing that I share the same terms as a second generation Dutch-Indonesian, as we used the same exact names for our respected elders.

Solvang means “sunny meadows” in Danish, and on day two of my weekend adventure it was as if the translation was painted everywhere we went. If you know me at all, then you know I am a little bit of a wino and have always wanted to go wine tasting. Well I finally got the chance in the hills of San Ynez Valley. the experience surpassed all expectations and fulfilled my dreams of an absolute perfect day.

Picking fresh fruit from the valley

The countryside was stunning, the wine was pouring, and it was an all around gorgeous day. We started with Firestone, went out on the open range with Fess Parker and found the perfect hidden jewel of wineries by getting slightly lost. While searching for Zaca Mesa Vineyard, we stumbled upon the Demetria Estate. The only way to describe its elegance and charm is to compare it to a fairy tale setting. The vines in the distance sparkled as every shade of green and yellow were beaming against the bright blue of the clear sky.

The ladies and i continued our day picking our own raspberries. It very well could have been the minor buzz of the three winery destinations, but it was an incredibly peaceful and romantic feeling to be among the fruitful crops of the valley. I do not have an extreme sweet tooth for candy, but I do love the natural succulence of fine fresh fruit. It truly was a unique experience that every visitor to the San Ynez Valley should take part in.

The trip was amazing. It was the perfect getaway weekend to Central California that refreshed my perspective of living life and taking every day as a blessing. I thank my dear friend Heather for including me on her family tradition and for the memories I made during my stay in Solvang.