The Landsby, Solvang, California

Solvang isn't necessarily somewhere that I would suggest you go out of your way to visit.

The city was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish settlers, looking to escape the harsh midwestern winters (a very valid reason to move). These days it's full of bakeries, Danish windmills, timbered houses, a Danish rural church, and of course the statues of Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid.

The whole thing feels like a noisy chaotic theme park, and very un-Danish. But, I kind of loved it. In the way you love Las Vegas, super noodles, and candy crush. You shouldn't, but you do. 

Amidst all the tourists, noise, lights, and danish themed music drifting onto the streets sits The Landsby. A boutique hotel, minimally designed, with a Scandinavian touch. The rooms are simple, modern, and very hygge.

But the real winner was the food, and here we had one of our favourite meals whilst travelling in CA. Seasonal, fresh, and served with some great locally produced wines.  

Would we go back to Solvang, I'm not sure - once might be enough.

But I would make a visit to The Landsby high on my list if passing through, even just for a quick lunch, or a coffee on their outdoor terrace in the sunshine, for a little bit of hygge in California.