The Solvang City Council greenlit an additional $50,000 to support the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Complex. With the council’s Nov. 10 approval, the city’s contribution has increased to half a million dollars since June, which will be released when construction begins. The decision came after a friendly challenge from Buellton. The cities have engaged […]
Solvang
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Julefest traditions return to Solvang
The traditional Danish holiday celebration starts on Nov. 28 with more than a month of parades, music, lights, and more in Solvang. “Julefest’s fun festivities provide entertaining options for all ages, for our locals and our visitors, with new daytime events and extra evening magic,” Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy said in press materials. One […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CalNAM ramps up holiday cheer with annual vendor market
Solvang visitors have the chance to gain free admission to the California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) and meander through its annual holiday marketplace on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a free family craft from 10 a.m. to noon. “If you’re looking for unique gifts for your loved ones […]
Posted inEats
The Solvang wine bar serving rotating dishes and local pours
At Clean Slate Wine Bar, the menu changes nearly every day. Unlike other restaurants with laminated pages, the menu at Clean Slate is a big chalkboard that chef Melissa Scrymgeour erases and updates with new dishes. “That’s why we’re called Clean Slate,” her husband, Jason, said about their Solvang restaurant and wine bar. “She puts […]
Posted inNews
Solvang considers spending $8 million on a new City Hall building
The former home of Thrifty Ice Cream was briefly on a short list of spots Solvang officials are eyeing for potential City Hall expansion. “What if we just retrofit the Rite Aid?” Solvang City Councilmember Elizabeth Orona said after City Manager Randy Murphy informed the council that some departments—including Public Works, Community Development, and Parks […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Stroll through the Queen of Arts fair for goods made by small businesses
If you’re interested in shopping for holiday gifts, spending the day enjoying beer and wine, or checking out work by local artists, stop by the Queen of Arts market in Solvang. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is holding its annual artisan craft fair on Nov. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Nov. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Solvang Festival Theater lines up entertainment for fall
Shows at the Solvang Festival Theater continue this season with a diverse mix of live performances and community events. Eerie frights await those brave enough to enter the annual Solvang Parks and Recreation’s haunted house. Walk through on the evenings of Oct. 24 and 25. Kid-friendly tours run from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and then […]
Posted inNews
Solvang City Council upholds delay of ‘whimsical’ hotel development
During a routine inspection of a Solvang hotel in the building process, the city ordered its owner to halt construction after discovering inconsistencies between approved blueprints and the project as it now stands. “We did issue a stop work order for the on-site work which went beyond the scope of the permit,” Solvang Community Development […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Find vintage wonderland at Flying Miz Daisy’s market in Solvang
The Flying Miz Daisy vintage market returns to Solvang on Oct. 25 at Mission Santa Inés. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission and parking are free. Visitors can shop from more than 60 vendors for vintage goods, architectural salvages, garden décor, clothing, jewelry, and more. There’ll also be music and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
With a reputation for barbecue and whiskey, a Solvang eatery is set to debut a new restaurant
On its face, Whiskey ’N Rye Smokehouse is a classic barbecue joint. However, Don Conner opened the restaurant with the idea to serve a lot more than ribs and brisket. “Our primary focus is smoking and grilling more so than just meats,” Conner said. “We try to incorporate a little flare of barbecue into all […]
Posted inNews
Solvang drafts policy updates that regulate vacation rentals
Left untouched since 2015, the rules that govern vacation rentals in Solvang are overdue for a makeover, according to the City Council. In August, the council directed staff to research two separate policy amendments for elected officials to consider moving forward with. One option bans short-term rental use anywhere outside of Solvang’s downtown village district, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CalNAM’s Wild in California exhibit showcases biodiversity in mosaics and woodblock prints
Growing up in Santa Barbara, Patti Jacquemain spent a lot of her time drawing and riding horses. She lived on a lemon ranch and said she always deeply cared for the wildlife and wild places that she saw on horseback. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History also had a big impact on her childhood. […]
