Socal’s Solvang ranks as the best small town in the West in a new survey

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Cue Danish pastries with windmills. A small Sosal town with a major picture book feel, Solvan hooked the title “Best In the West” in a new USA today’s ranking focusing on small towns in the area.

Set in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Nez Valley (about two hours drive from LA, giving or taking 101 traffic), Solvan tops the rankings considering its quaint charm, Scandinavian-style flares and small town magic. The newspaper’s 10 Best List, compiled with input from panels of experts and reader votes, highlighting towns with fewer than 25,000 residents who crammed a huge punch when it comes to food, culture and atmosphere.

The main claim to fame for daytrip destinations is the large amount of Danish heritage. The old world bakeries offering half-storey buildings, actual windmills in the town square, highlights include the kitschy yet charming red buffet restaurant and the Elverhodzi Historical Museum, a homage to the town’s Scandinavian heritage.

Solvan also has a post base in front of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. The home of the famous author is in Denmark, but Solvan is the whole museum dedicated to the hearts behind the Little Mermaid, Sunberina and the ugly duck. Located in a charming bookstore, this cozy spot pays homage to Danish literary legends and his fairy tale heritage.

According to Newsweek, if the town’s name rings the bell, it’s because last year, Solvang won National Love as the second-best Christmas town in the United States (and number one in California). Apparently, this little enclave knows how to slowly provide euro-style charm throughout the holiday season.

It wasn’t just my California beloved who created the list. A jewel in Sonoma County, Healdsburg is perfect for a sip-friendly walk thanks to its farm-to-table food scene, award-winning wineries and easy-to-wallery downtown. (Healdsburg won props last year as the top Christmas town in the US, and alongside Solvang became a festive double threat.)