Show 96, November 8, 2014: Laura Kath, travel journalist, Santa Ynez Valley

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingAs we discovered earlier in the week there is a lot more to Solvang (“California’s Little Denmark”) than the quaint and charming recreation of a period Danish village with multiple windmills. There is a great background story there too, going back to 1947, about how that historic “look” all came about. Actually three Danish-American families founded Solvang in 1911.

In addition to art, history and culture there is premium wine and a variety of standout baked goods. Intertwined in the rich history of the area are the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the Spanish Missionaries, and the Danes.

A wonderful extra in Solvang is hassle-free street & lot parking. No annoying parking meters or fee valet parking anywhere. It’s all free.

Food and travel writer Laura Kath, a long-time resident of the area, joins us with the intriguing overview of the area and it’s many varied attractions for all age groups and tastes. Laura is the editor-in-chief of the annual Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. Laura is also the author of San Ysidro Ranch: A Century of Legendary Hospitality.