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My wife Alma and I were in Santa Maria ,CA a couple of weeks ago.  We took a little cruise south on Hwy 1 and ended up in a Danish community called Solvang.  Perhaps some of you have been there before but if you haven't, I highly recommend it.  I felt like I was walking the streets of old Denmark with all the different roof designs, spires, towers and windmills.

I learned that the original buildings in Solvang were built by Danish carpenters but after the earthquake of 1925, the buildings took on a Spanish style.  In 1928 the Bethanian Luthern Church was built by a carpenter who used postcards from Denmark for his designs.  After this Danish style buildings started popping up including Solvang School with it's Danish design.  Houses were also being built with thatched roofs and beautiful windmills  started spotting the community. 

These days, you see motels, hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations, bakeries, etc.  built in the old Danish style and Solvang has become the Danish Capital of America.   Hundreds o f tourists visit Slovang each week and every year they celebrate Danish Days.    The 71st anniversary of Danish Days was recently celebrated between September 21 to 23rd with a Torchlight Parade at night and a Danish Day Parade in the morning.  All kinds of entertainment is provided which include The Vikings....The Ravens of Odin, who bring their culture from the old days emphasising on the Norse Expansion from 700 to 1100 AD.  During this event, they have re-enactments and with their costumes which include weapons and armor from the early days, their re-enactments look like the real thing.  (not that I would know cause I'm not that old) but you can imagine yourself being there.  The costumes are also available during these events for you to dress like a Viking yourself.

Again, take a trip with the whole family, walk the Danish streets and enjoy the Danish food and bakeries.  We did!  Oh yeah, and take your camera!!  Please click on some of the photos I took and enjoy the beauty.