Things to Do
Sideways Movie (Points of Interest)
Fun Fact: One of Chris’s favorite films, this comical film captures the charm and notable locations of the Santa Ynez Valley. • Sanford Winery: Miles teaches Jack the basics of wine tasting and identifies a "soupçon of asparagus." • Blackjack Ranch: Miles tastes the "Maximus" Syrah and yells, "That’s a big one!" • Kalyra Winery: Duo first meets Stephanie, the flirtatious wine pourer. • Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe: Have dinner by the famous wine wall. In the alleyway just outside, Miles has his legendary "No Merlot" meltdown. • Firestone Vineyard: Barrel room where the four characters sneak away from a boring wine lecture for a romantic stroll. • Fess Parker Winery: Known in the film as "Frass Canyon," site where Miles receives bad news and infamously drinks from the spit bucket. • The Hitching Post II: The heart of the film. Where Maya waitresses and Miles drinks his favorite Highliner Pinot Noir. • OstrichLand: Jack gets chased by the birds while running across the field.
39th Annual Solvang Datsun Roadster Classic
• Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM • Location: Downtown Solvang (First St & Copenhagen Dr) • Details: One of California's most anticipated classic car gatherings, featuring nearly 100 beautifully restored Datsun Roadsters
I AM KING: The Michael Jackson Experience
• Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, at 7:00 PM • Venue: Solvang Theaterfest (420 2nd St) • Details: A live, high-impact tribute starring Michael Firestone, featuring iconic dance moves and hits like "Thriller" and "Billie Jean".
Sanford Winery All-Terrain Vineyard (ATV) Experience
One of their most popular activities is the All-Terrain Vineyard (ATV) Experience, which takes guests through the historic Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada vineyards. • Cost: $150 per person ($105 for Wine Club Members) • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes. • Availability: Offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. For Monday through Thursday sessions, contact the winery directly. • Capacity: Limited to groups of up to 4 guests. • Restrictions: Guests must be 21+ years old; no pets are allowed on this specific tour.
Hitching Post 2
Fun Fact: These are Chris's favorite wines! They make it a point to enjoy dinner here at least twice every trip—the food is simply that good. The steak and the ribs are absolute must-tries. For lunch, guests can head next door to the tasting room and meet the wonderful Sheryl. The lunch specials and wine tastings are not to be missed, especially when enjoyed outside with stunning valley views. And be sure to take home some Magic Seasoning—it’s their favorite spice blend to cook with. Owner Frank and winemaker Gray are always warm and personable. Frank can often be found roaming through the restaurant, while Gray frequently stops by the tasting room to share stories. They have consistently made Eileen and Chris’s visits truly memorable.
Blackjack Ranch
Fun Fact: These are Eileen's favorite wines! Be sure to say hello to Alison—she’ll be celebrating alongside Eileen and Chris at the wedding as well. She was the one pouring their wine at Blackjack on their very first trip to Solvang together, making her part of their story from the very beginning. What started with that first glass of wine has grown into years of memories, and she has been there to witness so many of them. Each time they visit, she remembers them, welcomes them with the biggest smile, and makes them feel like old friends. Walking in and being greeted so warmly is always special—it truly feels like coming home.
Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards Tasting Room
Fun Fact: On Eileen and Chris’s very first trip to Solvang, Alma Rosa became their unexpected first stop. They had just arrived in town, and most of the tasting rooms had already closed for the day. Tucked away like a hidden gem, it felt as though they had discovered something meant just for them. They settled in by the fire pit, glasses in hand, savoring their first sips of wine together. From that moment on, Alma Rosa became their little tradition—a place they return to each time they visit Solvang, carrying with them the memories of that very first magical day.
Sanford Winery
Fun Fact: Their wines are grown and made right on property! Sanford may be a little off the beaten path, but it’s one of those places that makes the journey completely worthwhile. From vine to bottle, everything happens right on the property, making each tasting feel especially meaningful. When visiting, be sure to spend time with Neil—he’s genuine, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about wine, always enhancing Eileen and Chris’s experience.
Grapeline Wine Tours
Fun Fact: Chris proposed to Eileen while on a Grapeline tour! On their very first trip to Solvang, they booked a Grapeline wine tour, visiting multiple wineries and spending the day being chauffeured by Kris—who will also be one of their wedding shuttle drivers. As it happened, they were the only guests scheduled for that pickup location, turning the experience into a private tour. Also, Eileen and Chris’s wedding transportation will be through Grapeline! They spent hours soaking in the scenery, sharing plenty of laughs, and getting to know each other on a deeper level—making it a day they will always remember.
High Roller Tiki Lounge
Fun Fact: Chris is a big Tiki fan—he even has an entire Tiki display set up in their home. This tiki lounge is always a fun stop for Eileen and Chris. With its one-of-a-kind atmosphere and unique treasures to take home, it’s full of personality and charm. Guests can choose from dozens of creative cocktails, and in the evenings, the lounge comes alive with music—making it the perfect spot for a memorable night out.
Cali Love Wine -Solvang
Fun Fact: If sweet or sparkling wines—or cute photo opportunities—are your thing, this is the place for you! This unique spot is one of the few in Solvang that stays open late. Eileen and Chris have visited and often seen guests celebrating special occasions. It’s a lively, fun-filled venue, complete with karaoke for anyone ready to sing the night away.
Solvang Brewing Company
Fun Fact: Their beers are crafted and brewed locally and are usually available only in the Solvang area (or at their Lompoc location). It’s a great spot for a beer, late-night bites, and sometimes even live music. On Eileen and Chris’s first trip to Solvang, there was a DJ—and that’s where they debuted their impressive (or at least enthusiastic) dance moves for the very first time!
Paula's Pancake House
Fun Fact: Their signature Danish pancake is a delicate, thin, and lightly sweet Danish-style crepe. Chris never misses the chance to enjoy his favorite Danish pancake! The staff is always warm and welcoming, and the service is impressively quick—making it one of Eileen and Chris’s favorite spots to start the day together.
Olsen's Danish Village Bakery
Fun Fact: Olsen’s recipes come straight from Denmark, passed down by a fourth-generation master baker. They serve some of the best Danish pastries—soft, flaky layers of perfection that aren’t overly sweet. It’s basically impossible to leave with just one. A true Solvang treasure for Eileen and Chris!
Whiskey 'N Rye Smokehouse
Fun Fact: Eileen and Chris can’t wait for guests to enjoy the amazing food they’ve selected from this location for their big day! The spot offers a happy hour with incredible dishes at unbeatable prices. Their BBQ is pure perfection—everything they’ve tried has been absolutely delicious. Even when they visited to sample food for the wedding, they were treated like royalty: their meal was comped, and the chef even came out to greet them.
Olive Hill Farm
Fun Fact: Eileen and Chris will be featuring some of their olive oil and vinegar flavors for guests to sample during the cocktail hour! Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, with a climate perfect for olive cultivation, they hand-pick every olive and cold-press it shortly after harvest. The result is rich, flavorful oils that truly capture the essence of the region.
Nojoqui Falls Park
Fun Fact: “Nojoqui” (pronounced na-HO-wee) is a Chumash word generally believed to mean “meadow,” though local lore also calls it the “honeymoon place.” The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians—the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the country—has a reservation just minutes from Solvang, serving as a hub for cultural revitalization and the Samala language. • Distance: About 0.8 to 1 mile round-trip • Difficulty: Easy and family-friendly, taking roughly 10–20 minutes to reach the falls • Elevation Gain: Minimal, around 100–216 feet • Terrain: A shaded dirt path winding through a canyon of giant oaks and sycamores, with stone steps and three charming wooden bridges crossing a small creek
Ostrichland USA
Fun Fact: Visitors can stop by the gift shop to pick up pure Emu Oil—great for skin or sore muscles—or a fresh ostrich egg, which is equivalent to 24 chicken eggs and makes a giant breakfast! This is a fun and unique experience where guests can get up close to ostriches, learn about these fascinating birds, and even feed them themselves. It’s a hands-on adventure that’s both exciting and memorable—perfect for anyone who loves wildlife and wants a story to tell.
Mission Santa Inés
Fun Fact: This Mission is located at the edge of the small town Solvang • Founded on September 17, 1804 • 19th of the 21 California missions • Founded by Estévan Tápis • Named after Saint Agnes (Santa Inés in Spanish) • Docent‑led guided tours (about 1 hour) are available with advance reservation — typically Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Docent tours must be scheduled ahead of time • Self‑guided tours are available daily (typically 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with slight variations on Sundays) Eileen and Chris love exploring the missions for their rich history and ancient artifacts. It’s fascinating to see how people lived long ago—and they’ve even taken a ghost tour here at night!
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Fun Fact: On one visit, Chris snapped a photo inside a confessional that came out looking almost heavenly • Founded on December 8, 1787 • 11th of the 21 California missions • Founded by Father Fermín Lasuén • Named La Purísima Concepción (The Immaculate Conception in Spanish) • Free guided tours of the historic buildings and grounds are offered weekly — typically at 11:00 AM on Saturdays and 1:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours usually last about 90 minutes and cover roughly a 1‑mile walking loop over rustic terrain • Self‑guided tours are also available. Maps for self‑guided exploration can be purchased for about $1 at the Visitor Center or gift shop. La Purisima Mission is a fantastic place to explore. Visitors often enjoy wandering the grounds, seeing the historical architecture and animals like horses and cattle, and learning about California’s early history.
Vaquero Bar inside Coast Range Restaurant
Fun Fact: Earth, Wind & Fire or TOTO are always Eileen and Chris’s go-to tracks! Tucked inside the Coast Range restaurant, this bar has a slightly upscale vibe. After 9 pm, all the music comes from a vinyl record player—you can browse their massive collection and ask the bartender to play your selections. It’s a fun, cozy spot with a touch of old-school charm!
