Solvang Visitor's Guide 2009 - (Page 7) Solvang was named by Orbitz Worldwide Travel as one of the “Top 5 US Domestic Destinations with International Flair.” As the 20th century progressed and Solvang’s population grew, more buildings began to reflect the Danish farm-style architecture—the crossbeamed bindingsvaerk, timbers framing either brick or stucco, handsomely carved eaves and doorways, and roofing of blue-green copper or thatch made of wood shingles cut jagged at the edges. Bethania Evangelical Lutheran Church, dedicated in 1928, was built in the architectural style of Denmark’s Bishop Grundtvig churches and features a wooden ship hanging from the nave. The public is welcome inside for tours and worship (603 Atterdag Rd., 688-4637). The Danish Days annual festival emerged in 1936 (the first one conducted entirely in the native language) and it continues to commemorate Solvang’s heritage during the third weekend of every September. Festivals and celebrations are traditional parts of Solvang’s charm—from the Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival every March to the Old Mission Santa Ines Fiesta each August and Julefest during December. Be drawn into Scandinavian culture strolling the flower-lined streets or stepping into authentic bakeries, more than 150 unique shops and art galleries, restaurants and over a dozen wine tasting rooms. Windmills of all sizes catch the first and last light throughout the village. Danish tradition holds that the presence of a stork on a rooftop wards off lightning and brings good luck. Good fortune continues to smile on Solvang and all its visitors today. S O LVA N G A N D T H E S A N T A Y N E Z VA L L E Y V I S I T O R S G U I D E 2 0 0 9 7 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: MARK DOLYAK (2), WILLIAM ETLING (2)
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