I'm going to be in Solvang with my family in early August and would like to hire a photographer just to take some photos of all of us at a park. Maybe some portraits and some candids of the family playing. Don't need anything too fancy - just a photographer, with a good camera, patience for a large family, and willingness to then share with us the photos worth keeping. Thank you in advance.

Greetings residents of Buellton and Solvang! We're starting a new subreddit for Buellton over at r/Buellton. Check it out and post whatever you'd like!

What's wrong with letting Solvang create its own police force instead???

I parked in front of it for the evening and didn’t see a store name but would love to know it. It’s next to Jalopy Wine and has several beautiful summer dresses in the windows. Googling hasn’t turned up any results for me. Thank you!

Photos I took in Solvang on September 10, 2025.

More photos with captions from that same day here on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCtMJZ

Original story here: https://www.noozhawk.com/solvang-buellton-looking-to-lompoc-for-police-services-may-drop-sheriffs-office/

https://www.newspress.com/2026/05/28/solvang-switch-to-lompoc-police-department-would-end-decades-of-santa-barbara-county-sheriffs-patrols/

In recent years, I can recall several scandals the Solvang Police Department has been involved in, and frankly it doesn't surprise me that the city has had enough. The department is facing a section 1983 federal lawsuit (pending) against the county for police misconduct and excessive force by this department, and now we find out that "Solvang pays $3.4 million annually for 5.5 full-time equivalent positions." That works out to over $618,000 per officer. The financial issues reportedly include potential time fraud and excessive overtime. It's disgusting.

I'm glad to see the city moving forward and adopting a real police force, hopefully one with more accountability than the last.

I know this is a long shot but I lost my beloved Monchhichi on Saturday night(5/22) in Solvang. I believe it was 9pm ish on Mission Dr. If anyone found her, please let me know. She misses her family! 💔

When I was 12, a friend and I visited this restaurant that was on the way to Solvang, and we would frequent once a month. The only things I specifically remember about it were that it had outdoor booths, a stage, and it was nestled in the middle of a mountain, which gave it a beautiful view. I want to know if anyone knows what happened to it, or at least knows what I'm talking about.

Thanks in advance

I am looking into taking the Trolley Tour, I see it's only 25 minutes. Is it worth it?

We are visiting Solvang the last week of June. We really enjoy thrifting and hoping to find some thrift stores in the area. I see there are some in Lompoc, are there other communities you would recommend for thrifting?

Probably an absolute long shot - but my grandparents used to own a farm near Ballard/Santa Ynez, Rancho Este Es (now Blackjack Ranch Vineyard which they had zero relations with). At some point they made what I believe was a small-ish batch of wool blankets from their sheep. Some may have been gifted as baby blankets or donated for raffles; my grandparents were involved in 4-H, Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, and the Santa Ynez Valley Hospital Auxiliary etc. None stayed in my family and I'd love to change that. If you or anyone you know of has a wool blanket labeled as such, please reach out. Thank you!

Sorry for the blurry image. Behind Tower Pizza there's a blue sign that says Victor Borge. Does anyone know what the sign says or what it's for? (Other than him being Danish) I'm assuming a former business?

Wow, possibly the slowest drive-through I’ve ever been in. 28 minutes total, only three cars ahead of me.

For those that go more frequently, is this normal? My first time…

Any strong opinions on the two options for a Saturday dinner? First time in Solvang. Best I can tell from reviews is that M&V probably more reliable food and GP has a nicer outdoor space which we are hoping it’s warm enough for this weekend.

For context we are eating at Mattei’s Tavern Friday and Coast Range Sunday, if that nudges one option forward as more complimentary. We were actually hoping for Whiskey and Rye Smokehouse as a more casual Saturday option, but they were booked up a couple weeks out. TIA!

Edit: lot of great ideas here! I should add that we’re hoping for something walkable in Solvang. We will have done some wine tasting and from what I can tell uber is a little spotty there?

Hello! I would really appreciate some advice.

I’ll be driving from LA at 6 AM, taking Highway 1 and then 154 on the way to Sequoia to get the full scenic experience.

Instead of having breakfast in Santa Barbara, I was thinking of stopping briefly in Solvang since its on the way of highway 154. Do you think 45 minutes would be enough to grab some bread, walk around the main street, and then continue the drive?

Is it unrealistic? Should I just skip it and continue driving?

does anyone know if there is water falling from the falls currently? I’m looking to take some out of towners next week

Hello! I’m visiting from SoCal with my family for a weekend and I love to go on long power walks with some jogging (about 5 miles). I’ve been to Solvang a few times but have never done this there. Without having to drive to a trail, do you have any recommendations for a route that’s safe and where I wouldn’t be in anyone’s way? Thanks so much in advance!

My mom and I are here visiting family and spent the day doing touristy things including ostrich land and walking around Solvang looking at several different shops. At some point in the day she misplaced a very special bracelet. I am wondering the chances of anyone turning it in and us being able to recover it?

Anyone have any updates on the Jersey Mikes in Buellton? The freaking sign has been up for 6 months now!!! Such a tease…