Solvang. California’s Real Life Fairytale Town. (The Danish Capital of America)

Take a magical journey with me through the most special place in Central California; Solvang.
This hidden gem about 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara resides in the beautiful Santa Ynez hills, and it is known as the Danish capital of America. If you visit today, you will see many other crossover elements from various European countries (specifically Dutch ones) but to it's core has true Danish roots.
Enjoy the journey through the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, and my favorite wineries in town: Melville and Fess Parker. I highlighted the places and food not to be missed in the area (aebleskivers and the famous Mortensen's Bakery.)
Enjoy this tale of a place that is storybook themed and Christmas year round, through the eyes of a child.
* please note that in the voiceover in the beginning, when it says “Dutch* village that was a mistake. We are well aware it is a DANISH village, as clarified in the title as well🫶
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[@ElleMcLemore]

Hi Everyone! Leave a comment if you LOVE Solvang. Also, I am here for any questions you may have about specefic recs or just anything you want to know in general. This is really a labor of love. Solvang is my Favorite place :)

[@griscontrerasdc]

I didn’t know that place existed I’m for sure visiting there when I go to California

[@wanderlost4207]

@@griscontrerasdc me too😊

[@ElleMcLemore]

@@griscontrerasdc YOU HAVE TO!!!! i am so happy you know about it now. you and your mom would adore it!! only about 2.5 hours north of la!!!

[@griscontrerasdc]

Ooo is not far! Perfect! Pls Lmk which are the best places to visit from there ❤️ I would love to know!! Thank you for sharing this amazing place with us

[@Levinsontennis]

@@griscontrerasdc no thank YOU for being a great friend

[@dumbores]

Josh deserves an Oscar for this performance

[@Levinsontennis]

Hahaha thank you so much for saying that dummy!!! I think I’m up for a Razzie for this one. If you don’t know what that is Google it. 😂

[@wanderlost4207]

😂

[@elleetn]

It looks so pretty!!! Someone give Elle a TV Show like right now 💕💕

[@wanderlost4207]

I agree!!! A Disney princess travel tv show!!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Couldn’t agree more

[@ElleMcLemore]

THANK YOU! That is the biggest honor, and at least I know I would have one viewer! :)

[@ElleMcLemore]

@@wanderlost4207 You are the BEST

[@ElleMcLemore]

@@Levinsontennis ;)

[@PaulQuattrocchi-Italy]

I love the creativity. You guys tell a captivating story, while also delivering interesting information on a specific topic. You guys are slowly becoming one of my favorite channels on the web.

[@chejolev]

This is magical! I’m so glad the witch didn’t cancel Christmas for the children! 😮

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you, Chelsea! Your comment and support means the world

[@Levinsontennis]

That rat tailed witch sure was wicked

[@wanderlost4207]

😂

[@ElleMcLemore]

hahahahaha 2022 canceling christmas for the children!!! thank you for watching!!!!!

[@katysikkema]

Yay!! Christmas is on!! You definitely showed us the magic ✨ what a nice place!

[@Levinsontennis]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ElleMcLemore]

Christmas is on!!! ❤️🥺🤣 merry Christmas Katy!!!!!!

[@katysikkema]

Merry Christmas you two!! ❤️❤️👑

[@griscontrerasdc]

IM OBSESSED 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@Levinsontennis]

You really are the BEST! ❤❤❤

[@k9castle]

Being both Danish and a Golden Retriever Mom, I *LOVED* this!!! God Jul!!

[@Levinsontennis]

That’s AMAZING! Thank you so much for watching. We are so happy you loved it!

[@ElleMcLemore]

No WAY!!!! Awwww you’re like family!!!!!! God Jul!!! ❤️😍🇩🇰🇩🇰🦮

[@Levinsontennis]

I LOVE goldens

[@Levinsontennis]

🦮🦮🦮🦮

[@terrianderson8524]

It’s already on my list of places to go. Your video just made me want to stay for a night or two. Awesome work! ❤️👏🏻😊

[@Levinsontennis]

Hi Terri, thank you for watching! We really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video. You should absolutely stay! We recommend the royal Copenhagen because it’s so easy and in town. Plus, it’s super affordable! If you want an upscale option, let me know, and I will be happy to help you out.

[@wanderlost4207]

I want to go to Terri

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you so much Terri!! 🥺❤️ I hope you do stay, and please ask me if you may have any questions in the process!!! No matter where you choose it will be an experience you won’t forget!

[@emaalexis]

Jealous! This is so beautiful!!

[@wanderlost4207]

I want 2 go!

[@ElleMcLemore]

thank you i am manifesting you are able to go one day!!!!

[@amiistardust]

woah! first! that seems so pretty and i love all the flags!

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you love! 🇺🇸🇩🇰

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you for being a viewer maple!! we will make sure to always get lots of flags in the videos❤😂❤😂

[@griscontrerasdc]

Disney please hire her I’m begging you 🙌🙌🙌 I feel like I’m in a Disney movie fr! What a magical experience JOSH THE ACCENT ITS INCREDIBLE PLSSSSSSSSS IM AMAZED BY THIS WHAT IN THE WORLD MY HEAD IS SPINNING WOWWOWOW IM IN AWE WHAT THE HECK AND again ELLE YOUR NARRATOR SKILLS ARE JUST UNMATCHED SLAY ❤

[@Levinsontennis]

Oh my God! Gris, your comment is appreciated more than you know. Thank you so much for just being so nice. I’m sad to say my accent is awful and the rat tails which character will die here forever hahah and Elle is definitely the star lol her narration is incredible.

[@griscontrerasdc]

@@Levinsontennis your accent is incredible 👏👏👏

[@wanderlost4207]

🙇🏼‍♀️🙇🏼‍♀️🙇🏼‍♀️

[@ElleMcLemore]

hahahahahahah gris IM dying over this comment!!!!! i feel as though i should screen shot this and send to the disney office!!!! lol and also, print and frame for josh because he is quite happy about it lolol

[@griscontrerasdc]

@@ElleMcLemore HAHAHAH I’m dead

[@bethanyroselin7512]

i am now wanting to go here during my spring break. am i watching this video instead of writing an essay that is due tomorrow... yes yes i am. is this video putting a smile on my face and helping me not stress out yup. so thank you elle and josh for making me giggle and smile and annoy my roommates at almost midnight. oh and i can't forget the goodest boy ever marshie love ya bud!

[@ElleMcLemore]

this made me giggle and smile!!! marshie wants you to know he loves you and would attack you with hugs and kisses but doesnt want to disturb your roomie and you should also go to solvang it is so close and magical!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you for your support Bethany! It means SO much to us. We are so happy you enjoyed watching ❤

[@MagicMichaelAngelic]

Absolutely love this!

[@crazytatoe9341]

The Solvang restaurant looks great! Keep up the good work.

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you crazy

[@fashionablechangeling1988]

This is so cool, I didn't know they had places like this in America. It does feel very European

[@Levinsontennis]

I know crazy right!!? It’s right in California. Literally an amazing place to be. Oddly enough it’s right where Michael Jackson’s old never land ranch was 😂

[@wanderlost4207]

Eww

[@ElleMcLemore]

yes you should try to visit if you can! i was shocked too to see this in california the first time in 2013 i absolutely fell in LOVE with it

[@Levinsontennis]

@@wanderlost4207 😂😂😂

[@nadiawakefield9374]

Such a lovely film. Well done to both of you. What a beautiful place. You've inspired me to go

[@Levinsontennis]

Hi Nadia! Thank you SO much for watching. It means the world. We are SO happy we can inspire you because that’s our whole goal when we make these videos. Welcome to the community! Where should we go next? ❤

[@wanderlost4207]

I want to go also Nadia

[@ElleMcLemore]

thank you nadia!! that means so very much to me, and if you do decide to go please reach back out if you have any questions i would be thrilled to help!!!

[@schuylerlevinson4407]

I’ve got to try one of those danish pancakes! Also, the rat-tailed witch needs to be a Disney channel movie

[@Levinsontennis]

Lol the danish pancakes were good, but not my top recommendation that’s for sure haha we’re working on adapting a full screen play on the rat tail, which. Coming to theaters… NEVER!! HHa

[@ElleMcLemore]

hahahahahha i agree!!!!! although he may need to be recast, this guy is a bit scary!!!!! LOL

[@Levinsontennis]

@@ElleMcLemore hey!!!!!! 😂

[@rchung5]

You made one of the best Solvang vids I've seen onYT. Thanks!

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you so much!!!! That’s so sweet! Do you like solvang? Xoxox

[@Levinsontennis]

Thanks SO much!! We really appreciate you!

[@Anxiousrat323]

this is so precious!!!!

[@liminaljay3311]

Gorgeous!! I can see you out a lot of time into this and it turned out beautifully. I went with family some years ago and learned that Solvang is on Chumash land. The Santa Ynez band of Chumash Indians owns the gorgeous Corque Hotel in downtown Solvang. We are going to stay there next time we go!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Liminal, thank you so much for taking the time to watch and write a comment! It means so much to both of us. The Chumash really do have a huge part in the land here. And Hotel Corque is completely gorgeous! We actually haven’t gotten a chance to stay there, yet! Every time we go, we talk about staying there, but I think they may not be dog friendly, which for us as a problem with our golden retriever! Our friends that stay there say it’s the best

[@wanderlost4207]

🎉🎉🎉

[@liminaljay3311]

@@Levinsontennis sorry it’s not dog friendly, I can definitely see that being a problem with your beautiful golden retriever. Great to hear your friends love it though!!

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you so much for this love, liminal!!!! That’s amazing about the hotel corque!!! People rave about it and we will have to check it out! I need to learn more about the Chumash Indians and make another, I know it’s a massive part of the culture and history! 😍

[@sandyschneekloth3168]

This is darling, and does a nice job of showcasing your acting talents and the beauty of Solvang... and all that is Danish...

[@ElleMcLemore]

Aww thank you sandy!!! That is such a sweet comment and means the world to me that you came and watched and commented!! I really appreciate it so much 😍😍🥺 happy holidays to you!!! I hope you are able to take a rest & be with loved ones ❤️

[@Levinsontennis]

Sandy! You are awesome!! Thank you!! We SO appreciate your kindness ❤❤❤❤

[@Myron_T]

This is so adorable! Thank you for showing a part of California that not a lot of people know about, this place is now on my bucket list! Josh's acting is top-tier, did you gave him acting lessons? XD Anyway, it's so nice of you two to show us a wonderful town that meant a lot to this couple, where you guys tied the knot. And it is very fitting becuase this place does feel like a page out of a fairy tale book. Thank you, for presenting us a goofy yet lovely tale. You are the prettiest princess Elle, and Josh, the handsome-est human in the "Kingdom" of America

[@Levinsontennis]

Myron, thank you for such a wonderful and supportive response. He say I appreciate you taking the time to both watch and write such a thoughtful comment means the world. You should definitely go someday! It really is as great as it looks. And thank you for all your comments on the rat tailed which haha my acting skills. Sadly, have got me fired from this project. But I’ll still be behind the camera on the next one. Thank you for being a supportive fan and friend. You are awesome!

[@Levinsontennis]

Oh, and you’re right, Marshie is definitely the fairest of them all. 🤪😂

[@ElleMcLemore]

Myron. This is such a kind and thoughtful comment. I so appreciate all your attention to the details!! Especially joshs acting hahaha I do take credit for directing but not his costume choices 🦝 Do you have any holiday plans??? 😍❤️❤️

[@Myron_T]

@@ElleMcLemore @Joshua Levinson So glad to hear from you guys! It always warm my heart getting to talk to you two.

[@Levinsontennis]

@@Myron_T ❤❤❤❤

[@milanramesh788]

This is the best travel video on KZbin.

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you!!! We really appreciate you watching

[@Levinsontennis]

You are the best

[@ElleMcLemore]

I so appreciate your support!!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Elle, this is the best episode, yet! And by the way, that rat tailed witch, he is gorgeous!!! ❤

[@wanderlost4207]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ElleMcLemore]

I AGREE!!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

@@ElleMcLemore ❤❤❤❤

[@Levinsontennis]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Levinsontennis]

@@ElleMcLemore ❤❤❤❤

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Solvang is awesome! Sanger winery is great, and the mirabelle inn is amazing

[@milanramesh788]

I love the acting, they should win an Oscar

[@Levinsontennis]

Who Elle or the Rat tailed witch?

[@Levinsontennis]

🐀🧙🦝

[@Levinsontennis]

And THANK YOu

[@chezaviation]

I can't wait to have one of those eclairs

[@Levinsontennis]

One day, I will bring you a whole box of them

[@wanderlost4207]

I want bare claw

[@ElleMcLemore]

YOU WOULD LOVE THEM ALL!

[@TravelGuru-fr5ik]

Wow!! just discovering the rat tailed witch!! This video is amazing! Carmel video brought me here!

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you so much for watching

[@ElleMcLemore]

Hahahah he is really a character isn’t he

[@anamarier4791]

Lol this is so cute!!! I love beauty and the beast so the beginning was so so cute! Lol

[@ElleMcLemore]

Aww thank you so much for your comment Ana! That is so kind of you and I am so excited to hear you liked our silliness and beauty and the beast!!!! 😍 ⭐️🤍 you are magical! 🤗

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you SO much!!! We genuinely appreciate you watching

[@Levinsontennis]

👸🦁

[@wanderlost4207]

THIS IS SO MAGICAL ELLE

[@Levinsontennis]

I agree Wander!!!! Have you been to Solvang?

[@wanderlost4207]

No I had not even heard of it! But now I really need to go!!!!! 😮😍 I want that pancake thing so badly

[@Levinsontennis]

@@wanderlost4207 the pancake was good, but you have to try the almond bear claw! You need to go with your dogs. It’s the perfect dog friendly place.

[@wanderlost4207]

@@Levinsontennis is the almond paste good? I like only sweet kind

[@Levinsontennis]

@@wanderlost4207 yes SO sweet! Like the best almond paste I have ever had

[@AliceDIY2]

I loved this

[@LeahDinoris]

Beautiful - will visit for sure on my next USA trip

[@Levinsontennis]

That is wonderful Leah! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our video, and comment. It means the world.

[@ElleMcLemore]

You guys have to go. I think Leah would like it a lot ❤️❤️❤️🇩🇰

[@chezaviation]

Wow this is amazing Elle

[@Levinsontennis]

Zip it, or the rat tailed, which is going to break into your home

[@wanderlost4207]

🎉

[@ElleMcLemore]

hahahahhahahh thank you friend!!!! i am so pleased you enjoyed it, and my main actor i hired as the rat tail witch do you think i should make a sequel with him?

[@coltonchecchi3476]

The rat-tailed witch is amazing josh!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Idk about that Colton, ha but thank you!

[@ElleMcLemore]

🤣🤣🤣

[@monayde5465]

10:45 pm. That was a very good video. Thank you so much!

[@Levinsontennis]

Hey, thank you so much for watching! Honestly it means the world to us!!

[@ElleMcLemore]

thank you so much for your kindness and time in watching the video! i hope you get to visit soon!

[@EileenAnneMoore]

I have never been to Solvang but it looks like such good fun

[@olemogensen5561]

Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark. Solvang looks really cool! I would love to visit it one day :)

[@ElleMcLemore]

Wow! Thank you so much, ole! They would be lucky to have you!!!! Would love to visit your amazing country one day 😍

[@Levinsontennis]

That’s Amazing!! We are so happy you loved the video! We absolutely hope you get to make a trip someday

[@wanderlost4207]

I learned the story of the tale of Hans Christian Andersen and his version of the little mermaid which was so dark you are right. But my favorite part was always that she died and turned into sea foam so that she would always be there in spirit ❤️

[@Levinsontennis]

Seriously? That is so cool? Where did you hear that? It was my first time hearing it at the Hans Christian Andersen museum and I was shocked.

[@wanderlost4207]

@@Levinsontennis I am a big fan of Disney and the little mermaid. I went as her for Halloween one year and did a deep dive. Pun intended 😂

[@Levinsontennis]

@@wanderlost4207 haha that’s hilarious! You would surely love solvang then and really all danish culture is so big on the little mermaid 🧜🏽‍♀️

[@Levinsontennis]

❤❤❤❤

[@Levinsontennis]

🧚‍♀️🧚🧚‍♂️

[@katlehto]

Love it!

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thanks Kat!! ❤️😍

[@rizzo7353]

Beautiful!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you so much for watching Rizzo! We really appreciate having you as a viewer ❤

[@wanderlost4207]

SO beautiful

[@ElleMcLemore]

thank you so much for watching!

[@chezaviation]

my favorite

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you so much for watching Chez! Your comment actually does mean so much to us

[@wanderlost4207]

❤

[@wanderlost4207]

Mine also

[@ElleMcLemore]

i am honored!

[@iAmFranQ]

Legendary !!

[@ElleMcLemore]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you SO much for watching. We really appreciate you saying this!

[@MagicMichaelAngelic]

Yaaaaaas

[@RadDadGetsAround]

WOW. I have been everywhere but not here. I am not really intrigued. Its on my bucket list for sure.

[@Levinsontennis]

You HAVE to go. One of my favorite places in CA if not my absolute favorite

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you so much YOU HAVE TO GO TO SOLVANG!!! Immediately! Cancel all other plans

[@coltonchecchi3476]

this place looks really cool! I didn’t know it existed.

[@Levinsontennis]

You and your family should go sometime and have some great wine!

[@ElleMcLemore]

You should check it out with your fam!!!!

[@vickiburke2741]

Looks magical ❤

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you for watching Vikki!! It means so much. We seriously appreciate it. Where should we go to next?

[@wanderlost4207]

I agree Vicki

[@ElleMcLemore]

thank you vicki!!!!!

[@theodorehsu5023]

(Comes out in his "Agent Smith" black suit and sunglasses, and sees a child. He takes out two lollipops and offers them to the child.) "Red or Blue?" (This was borrowed from a GE commercial, where Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith, talked about how General Electric made a difference in hospitals. "Now a waiting room...is just a room." He then saw a little girl come from her examination, offering her the lollipops.)

[@Levinsontennis]

That is hilarious! I actually laughed out loud by your comment. Thank you for being a viewer and friend. 😂😂😂😂

[@wanderlost4207]

😂

[@ElleMcLemore]

HHAHAHAHAHAHAH okay this is gold LOLOL

[@MillennialFalcon1989]

You two are literally the CUTEST

[@milanramesh788]

I will visit this place, it looks amazing

[@Levinsontennis]

You really MUST Milan! It’s great

[@Levinsontennis]

And not too far from La

[@ElleMcLemore]

It’s only 2.5 hours away from LA!

[@griscontrerasdc]

also marshie is living his best life

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you, Gris Marshie really is living his best life haha I’m sure he would love to get pets from you Some day ❤

[@griscontrerasdc]

@@Levinsontennis It would be my honor 🥰

[@wanderlost4207]

He is cute

[@ElleMcLemore]

hahahahah thank you for noticing my noble steed!!!!!!!! he is grateful to be recognized hahahaha!!

[@griscontrerasdc]

@@ElleMcLemore of course!

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

I went there, Heather Mac! And I saw a lot of plays in the Solvang Festival Theatre

[@Levinsontennis]

Oh my god that’s amazing! What did you see you there?

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

@@Levinsontennis Shrek the Musical. If Heathers played there… that would be amazing

[@Levinsontennis]

@@musicaltheatrefan2k226 heathers there would be magnificent! Maybe Elle will just have to bring it to Solvang ❤

[@wanderlost4207]

Bring Heather mac to Solvang theatre.. or a theatr near me 😮

[@ElleMcLemore]

you DID!?!??! THAT IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FriendlyFoodieLove]

Would love to go try all the wineries in the area

[@milanramesh788]

Little mermaid is my favorite book, the dog is also so cute

[@Levinsontennis]

Your favorite book?!?!?

[@Levinsontennis]

🧜🧜‍♂️🧜🏽‍♀️

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you about marshie!!!

[@Levinsontennis]

🐕🦮🐕‍🦺😊

[@ElleMcLemore]

Marshmallow says thank you!

[@JamesQBeck]

This place looks like a fairytale in real life

[@RadDadGetsAround]

This is very clever

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you SO much for saying that!! We really appreciate you

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Gotta try that almond bear claw!

[@RobertRandall-ge3gh]

How creative and funny

[@AnnetteBrown1987]

What a magical experience. I want to go to Fess Parker as long as I do t meet the rat tailed witch there 🙃

[@Jiggly-HufflePuff]

Is this an expensive place to visit?

[@Gigi-xr3qs]

Hi, I'm homeless - I am seriously considering Solvang as my final crash-pad. Looks pretty nice with that triangular park, and a lot of tourists. I feel like it is a top contender right now to really bum up with my dog. Let me know everyone- should I choose Solvang?

[@EstablishedMagic]

😍🥰🤩

[@Levinsontennis]

❤❤❤

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

😊❤🎉

[@wanderlost4207]

Hahahahahahaha the witch is too good

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you, wanderlost!!!

[@ElleMcLemore]

He is Magical :)

[@Levinsontennis]

@@ElleMcLemore not as amazing as you

[@wanderlost4207]

@@Levinsontennis I agree how did you even think of this

[@ElleMcLemore]

@@wanderlost4207 hahahah i give credit to the rat tailed witch himself on this one. quite creative. he is a ham hahaha

[@romeoecho6843]

❤ 🇩🇰

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you for your comment Romeo! You are awesome 😎 ❤

[@Levinsontennis]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Levinsontennis]

❤❤❤❤

[@Levinsontennis]

Best Solvang video on the internet

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

Oh, Dutch & Danish.

[@KristenGreene-eh6dm]

Better watch out for the rat tailed witch 😂

[@lillejohndk9135]

Not Dutch but Danish, and the danish people is called danes. But still a nice video :)

[@ElleMcLemore]

Yes that one line was a mistake 🥰😘 love the Danes! Thank you!!

[@Levinsontennis]

Thank you so much and we’re so sorry for that mistake

[@pfd50]

It’s not Dutch, and why Amsterdam? Someone making a movie about Solvang should study geography of Denmark vs The Netherlands. People get this confused all the time.

[@ElleMcLemore]

Yep! That one line was a mistake. 🤷‍♀️We were in Amsterdam a week before- we are a KZbin travel channel- that’s what we were refrencing. You can see the link if you’d like to watch. As you can see we call it a Danish village the whole video 💗

[@Levinsontennis]

We had just visited Amsterdam and it was our previous episode. That was not a mistake, although the Dutch in the voiceover was a mistake. We change the title though to make it clear.

[@GretchenBaldwin-eb2ty]

Hi. I’m from Solvang. Just so you know, we aren’t Dutch. Nothing In Solvang is Dutch. We are Danish. Not the same. At all.

[@ElleMcLemore]

yes we are well aware that was one line that was a mistake. If you can’t tell, the entire title says it’s danish and the rest of the video talks about it being danish. That was literally one line that was a mistake-also in the description.

[@MagicMichaelAngelic]

Clarified