From Hadsten House In Solvang: We're Here At Last
Hello Everyone! I am sending you this blog direct from Hadsten House in the grand City of Solvang.
The flight down to San Francisco was actually not what I had been dreading. The five and a half hours went by very quickly and though I felt a bit cramped at times, the Air Canada folk made the trip very enjoyable. Daughter Taryn and her friend Victoria gabbed away while wife Darlene read and slept. For the most part , I tried to sleep the flight away. At San Fran Airport I managed to not get lost and found the greatest Burrito Grand which I ate with lust!
Our trip to Santa Barbara's Goleta Airport was uneventful though I could see that the girls were enjoying the breathtaking view of the hills.
We landed about 2 pm local time on July 28th and quickly rented the vehicle (a Chevy Malibu) which we immediately drove to downtown Santa Barbara where we did some shopping and then were off to Solvang.
The ride from Santa Barbara through the HWY 154 was quite normal for me but Victorian and Taryn were beside themselves seeing how high up we were above the sea level. I could see Vic saying "Oh My God" to herself. I must admit, the view was breathtaking and It never fails to impress me-----from the view of the city high above the 154 to the view of the Santa Innez Valley from the Look Out Point.
About 45 minutes later were registering at Hadsten House with my friend Bill Phelps who is the General Manager of the Resort. There has been a great deal of work done here since I was here last in May 2007. You can tell that Bill is very proud of this spot and treats the whole place as his own. Our rooms are exceptional and very modern. The girls were impressed with the LCD Screen Television and attached DVD. Darlene and I were impressed with the whole thing.
Being so close to the City is a definite advantage as we could take in the sites as well as shop to our hearts content without much difficulty. The folk at the hotel are exceptionally helpful and the restaurant food is A++. Bill is a prize! I have never seen anyone work so hard and enjoying his job so much.
Solvang-----A Little Piece of Denmark In California!
Back in 1911 some Danish Settlers decided to build in the Santa Ynez Valley . One of the first buildings was actually a restaurant called Bit O' Denmark. Many of the street names reflect this Danish heritage and of course much of the food can be traced back. Even the buildings are built according to Danish Architecture.
There are many sites to visit both historical and gastronomic and I hope to be filling you in on them as the days go by!
Solvang is located of course in the Santa Ynez Valley amidst other places such as Los Olivos, Ballard, Buellton and Santa Ynez itself. Each has its own charm to offer and specialties. One must of course take in the wineries in the area which was made quite famous in the movie Sideways.
Solvang seems quite central to the area and its many celebrations (such as Fiesta which will be starting shortly today July 30th until August 3rd).
Monty Roberts Rides
Monty Roberts' Flag is Up Farms is but a short distance from the hotel. When we drove in for a visit he was busy as usual trying to diagnose a problem horses condition as well as dealing with his multi horse operation. Guilia Gorth, his assistant was there to work with us. Taryn was very happy to learn that she was in his "Join Up" Magazine and Victoria seemed quite taken by the whole atmosphere of the place. It is indeed beautiful and very well run. Monty's nick name "Horse Whisperer" is indeed a apt name since he was talking about problems that horses have as though the horses themselves were verbally talking to him. Our visit wasn't a long one but we look forward to visiting again when he does a clinic on Monday!
There are many places and things to see: I will keep you posted as time goes by!
The flight down to San Francisco was actually not what I had been dreading. The five and a half hours went by very quickly and though I felt a bit cramped at times, the Air Canada folk made the trip very enjoyable. Daughter Taryn and her friend Victoria gabbed away while wife Darlene read and slept. For the most part , I tried to sleep the flight away. At San Fran Airport I managed to not get lost and found the greatest Burrito Grand which I ate with lust!
Our trip to Santa Barbara's Goleta Airport was uneventful though I could see that the girls were enjoying the breathtaking view of the hills.
We landed about 2 pm local time on July 28th and quickly rented the vehicle (a Chevy Malibu) which we immediately drove to downtown Santa Barbara where we did some shopping and then were off to Solvang.
The ride from Santa Barbara through the HWY 154 was quite normal for me but Victorian and Taryn were beside themselves seeing how high up we were above the sea level. I could see Vic saying "Oh My God" to herself. I must admit, the view was breathtaking and It never fails to impress me-----from the view of the city high above the 154 to the view of the Santa Innez Valley from the Look Out Point.
About 45 minutes later were registering at Hadsten House with my friend Bill Phelps who is the General Manager of the Resort. There has been a great deal of work done here since I was here last in May 2007. You can tell that Bill is very proud of this spot and treats the whole place as his own. Our rooms are exceptional and very modern. The girls were impressed with the LCD Screen Television and attached DVD. Darlene and I were impressed with the whole thing.
Being so close to the City is a definite advantage as we could take in the sites as well as shop to our hearts content without much difficulty. The folk at the hotel are exceptionally helpful and the restaurant food is A++. Bill is a prize! I have never seen anyone work so hard and enjoying his job so much.
Solvang-----A Little Piece of Denmark In California!
Back in 1911 some Danish Settlers decided to build in the Santa Ynez Valley . One of the first buildings was actually a restaurant called Bit O' Denmark. Many of the street names reflect this Danish heritage and of course much of the food can be traced back. Even the buildings are built according to Danish Architecture.
There are many sites to visit both historical and gastronomic and I hope to be filling you in on them as the days go by!
Solvang is located of course in the Santa Ynez Valley amidst other places such as Los Olivos, Ballard, Buellton and Santa Ynez itself. Each has its own charm to offer and specialties. One must of course take in the wineries in the area which was made quite famous in the movie Sideways.
Solvang seems quite central to the area and its many celebrations (such as Fiesta which will be starting shortly today July 30th until August 3rd).
Monty Roberts Rides
Monty Roberts' Flag is Up Farms is but a short distance from the hotel. When we drove in for a visit he was busy as usual trying to diagnose a problem horses condition as well as dealing with his multi horse operation. Guilia Gorth, his assistant was there to work with us. Taryn was very happy to learn that she was in his "Join Up" Magazine and Victoria seemed quite taken by the whole atmosphere of the place. It is indeed beautiful and very well run. Monty's nick name "Horse Whisperer" is indeed a apt name since he was talking about problems that horses have as though the horses themselves were verbally talking to him. Our visit wasn't a long one but we look forward to visiting again when he does a clinic on Monday!
There are many places and things to see: I will keep you posted as time goes by!
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 7:20 AM
<< Home