With Valentine's day this coming Monday, the idea of doing something special for your SO is probably on your mind. But doing something special doesn’t have to be about going far or doing something extravagant. And let's admit it, a dinner out is probably not “special”. Everyone is going to do a dinner out, and you’ll end up at a crowded restaurant with hundreds of other couples. And if you didn’t already make your reservation, the restaurant options you have left are pretty basic (unless you’re willing to take a super early or extra late reservation). Oh and let’s not forget about the traffic in LA - ouch!
How about doing something a little more unique?
One of my favorite local destinations to travel to is the Santa Ynez Valley. Just north of Santa Barbara in a little highway triangle (101, 154 and 246) you’ll find a few little towns that are all charming in their own way. Solvang, the little Danish town, Los Olivos, hosts the wine tasting rooms for local vineyards, Santa Ynez, name sake of the valley packs some of the best new restaurants, and Buellton and Ballard both residential towns where wine is plentiful.
I typically stay in Solvang because there are a number of convenient hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and options for everyone. I started coming here about 20 years ago when I was still broke and just out of college. I’ve seen the area evolve a lot in that time while the charm remains the same. Firstly, the hotels have gotten much better. A few of the older hotels got new management, a new face lift and a new name. Secondly, Solvang and the nearby towns have a number of new restaurants offering more updated fare and options which didn’t exist previously. Finally, the area now has more Uber and Lyft drivers - which makes wine tasting and getting around from town to town much safer and much more enjoyable than previous years.
And of course the wine tasting is fantastic and one doesn’t have to go as far as Napa for this experience. I’ve been going to the same vineyards for the last 20 years and that’s by choice. I personally love Rideau Vineyard because I LOVE their reds, especially their tempranillo and sangiovese. I also love their backyard with picnic tables and the giant tree creating shade as you sit overlooking the beautiful farm style house, the orchard and the green hills. For a more lively atmosphere, and slightly more approachable wines, I also joined Epiphany which is on the main of tasting rooms in Los Olivos across the street from Sarloos and Sons. What I love here is their modern courtyard with giant palm trees and cabana style seating. The wines are sourced from multiple vineyards around the area and you can usually find amazing reds here as well.
There are over 100 vineyards in Santa Ynez and I’ve probably only been to about 30 of them. And I think my decision to join these particular wineries was 100% based on how I felt at the time (even if someone argues that it’s not the “best” winery). And I stand behind my decisions. But you should go and decide for yourself.
The trick to doing the weekend right, in my book and for those of use who only have the weekend off, is to book an overnight Saturday stay at one of the local hotels. We stayed at the Hotel Corque last time and I was pleasantly pleased with modern and clean rooms and the beautiful chandelier in the reception hall that has 2 story high ceilings. The other hotel in the area that I’ve enjoyed is the Vinland Hotel (formerly the Hilton Express). This is one of the hotels that got a facelift and it is fantastic! There are a few bonus features to this hotel including 3 queen bed suites great for Galentines getaway or families looking for a little separation. They also have a Tesla destination charge in their garage - big bonus!. Oh and for my fellow Tesla drivers - there is a Tesla Supercharger just a few miles down the road of the 101 and the 246.
I prefer to leave Los Angeles at about 8 or 9 in the morning on Saturday, which takes us up to Solvang within a few hours and we arrive in the Solvang area by 11am. This gives me plenty of time to order a sandwich or salad at the local Panino (note there is one in Solvang and one in Los Olivos… the one in Solvang has more options). Their sandwiches are, I believe, the best wine tasting pairing as they have plenty of options. But if you want to grab a Danish or eggs before you start your day Solvang Restaurant will have what you need to get you going in the morning. And if you’re more of a charcuterie person, not all wineries have options for you. And it is best to make your own. But if you forget to pack your basket before leaving your house, don’t despair, there is a fairly large market in town and other little shops where you can pick up treats along the way.
Finally, it’s time for dinner. There are a few staples in the area that are famous and you should try if you’ve never been like The Hitching Post 2 (Hitching Post II). But what has impressed me the most is the quality and creativity of some of the new restaurants opening up in the area. Sadly with Covid, the future of some of these restaurants is up in the air, but if you, please support local restaurants. And remember to check and reserve ahead of time.
In the morning, if you’re staying around for breakfast in Solvang, there are a number of little diners to check out. The staple is going to Paula's Pancake House but you’ll see a long line there all morning. I cannot argue, it is tasty! But if waiting in line is not your thing check out some of the other breakfast spots in town. Oh and I feel like I have to mention that these diners, for the most part, do not carry non-dairy creamer options for coffee. So if you’re like me and like something in your coffee, but don’t want milk… you may want to think about that in advance.
Et viola! Your 24 hours in Santa Ynez is complete with food, wine, a good night sleep and even some breakfast!
If you’re planning to go there for more than a few days, or you’re bringing a large party, or you just want someone to take care of all of the booking and planning for you - drop us a line and we will get you set up with your own custom itinerary.
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