Solvang named “best getaway”

 

Solvang was honored as “2007 Best Small Town Getaway” on Jan. 1 by CaliforniaWeekend.com, a website created by popular travel journalist Cary Ordway to help travelers find getaway experiences that match their vacation preferences.

Listed in his “2007 Cary Awards,” Solvang as a destination ranks with Lake Arrowhead Resort, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Calico Ghost Town, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Redwoods Adventures, Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, Sonoma County, and Coast Guard House Historic Inn.

Categories included Best Learning Experience, Most Improved Resort, Best California Rest Stop, Best Resort Activities, Best Lodging Deal, Best Small Town Getaway, Best Family Experience, Most Scenic Drive, and Most Unusual Bed and Breakfast.

 

Highlighting the area’s food, the description states, “Another getaway that is a ways out of the Big City is Solvang, which this year wins our Best Small Town Getaway award. If bakeries and beer gardens are high on your list of vacation amenities, you couldn’t do better than a visit to Solvang, the Danish-inspired theme community just a half-hour drive from Santa Barbara.”

Cary adds, “Of course there is much more, but food is a great place to start. Few can resist the lure of Danish, German and other cuisines offered in a variety of restaurants all housed in buildings remodeled to make this look like a quaint little European village. It also doesn’t hurt that Solvang is located in one of California’s most scenic areas – wine country that was shown off spectacularly in the widely acclaimed movie ‘Sideways.’”

 

Nearby, receiving Best Resort Activities, was Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, recently awarded AAA’s five-star designation. Named in the column because of its dedication to “total relaxation,” the resort offers guests a chance to learn how to taste wine like a pro, learn the game of golf and enjoy aromatherapy with essential oils.

The honor for Solvang was mentioned in the columnist’s California Weekend Getaways and listed as part of the “best and most unique California travel discoveries of the past year.” It can be viewed at www.californiaweekend.com.