SOLVANG, CALIF. - The Danish village on California's Central Coast between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach is easy to find from the I-101, thanks to the windmills. There's one on a hotel as you near the freeway exit leading to Solvang, and when you arrive in the city, you'll find more windmills on buildings ranging from shops to hotels. Once you get "waved" in to see this charming city with Danish-style buildings, museums and restaurants, you can begin "The Taste".

The Taste of Solvang is an annual event taking place on March 18-20, 2011. The taste of Solvang includes a Walking Smorgaasbord featuring 40 taste stops in Solvang's village. There's also a wine tasting with local vintners and wine rooms. You can purchase your taste event a la carte, or you can buy the weekend pass that includes savings and perks. SolvangUSA.com Cost: $75/weekend pass, pre-purchase HIGHLY recommended. Weekend Passport includes logo wine glass & souvenir canvas tote bag. Call 1-800-468-6765, ex. 103.

There's no better way to SEE SOLVANG than to taste its "Danish". Danish bakeries and Smorgaasbord restaurants serve favorites such as Aebleskivers, Danish meatballs, Raggmunk Swedish potato pancakes, and Danish Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage.

For those who prefer an American-style hamburger or other comfort foods, the cuisine spans the globe in a variety of restaurants all within walking distance of Solvang's hotels.