I came to Solvang to spend a long weekend with the sister of the owners of Apple Lane farm, so I became well-acquainted with this family-owned farm! Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and more...grown with lots and lots of love and devotion. Oh, and let's not forget the giant pumpkins...fertilized by hand and babied throughout their entire lives. Going for a record this year! I was a tad premature on my visit...apple season starts in mid-August, which was still two weeks away. They sell the goods out of the "International Sales Center" on the side of the road. I can't wait to be back to have one of these beautiful apples grace my taste buds. Fan them on Facebook for updates and recipes...
This little place is just five minutes from downtown Solvang, very easy to find. We were greeted by the cutest couple, they were very friendly and welcoming. They have several varieties that ripen at different times of the year. We were able to pick Galas, but they have them for sale at the stand if you would rather. We walked through the orchard to the trees ready for picking and went to town. The price was $!.65 a pound for pesticide free apples. It is a picture taking kind of visit.The best thing was being able to see the owners hobby, growing giant pumpkins to compete in Half Moon Bay. They were huge and absolutely beautiful. She was so excited to share her growing tips. Her personality and travel tips made the visit so nice.
We visited the town for a short time on our return trip. The Danish pastries live up to their name. I only wish I would have bought more. This is a cute town and probably a gift shoppers paradise. I will say it is a bit touristy. However we were one of them.
When you travel there are often trade offs. Here's one I regret. Solvang is a really cool place and demands at least a day's visit. We were there for a few shorts hours. Solvang is rich with Danish heritage- so much to see so little time. Wine tastings abound but we did not have time for even one.What we did enjoy were lovely shops, Aebleskivers, windmills and old world architecture.Worth a second look!
说它是加州最美的小镇也不为过,很多人的西岸游记里都有特意提到它,当然如果从旧金山往洛杉矶的一号公路要经过这里是需要绕路的,但很值的一去。
Passei por essa estrada dia 20/03 - estavam todas arvores repletas de flores, e o chão um tapeta de flores, eram cerca de 10 km, de pomar dos dois lados, da estrada voce não ve fim, uma das mais belas paisagens que vi em minha vida
The Streest and Stores were all decorated to the hilt!
The setting of this town made me feel like I'm in Denmark, even though I've never been to Denmark ;-). I like the little shops and restaurants as well as wine stores. The shopping was okay, but I did pick up a bottle of wine from Toccata, and it was excellent. I stopped by a couple of bakeries and ate at a restaurant. The butter cookies were excellent, the baked goods (i.e. desserts) were pretty and somewhat tasty. The food at the Solvang Restaurant was excellent. See my review on Solvang Restaurant. I do love the architecture, and this "small" little town is definitely must see.
If you are looking for the Solvang's charming town center with shops,bakeries,etc. then be aware the address listed here is not correct (i.e. Apple Lane: 1200 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA 93463). Many of the pictures show the actual town area (near Wildling Museum, Mission Santa Ines, etc.) that spreads out along either side of Mission Dr. We thought there was a second town area, so we drove to the address listed above. It turns out, Apple Lane (a private dirt road) is actually an apple orchard! LOL You will drive out of town and be bitterly disappointed if you plug in the address above. So be warned!FYI, I believe "hannigan" has the correct review for this attraction.
My wife and I stopped in Solvang for a few hours and happened to see a pamphlet for Apple Lane at one of the tourist centers. It’s only a few minutes drive outside of the town so we thought we’d give it a try since I’ve never picked my own apples.We pulled up and talked with one of the owners, a very friendly gentleman who lives in a house in the middle of the farm. Fuji apples were in season (my favorite!) and he gave us some tips as to where to find the best Fuji trees on the farm.Not only were the apples pesticide-free and delicious, but we also got to see some enormous pumpkins growing amongst the apple trees. Apple Lane is definitely a place to visit if you are in Solvang between August and November and enjoy apples.