“We decided not to go to Europe this year but come to Santa Barbara instead” Oucch! Just the type of comment that the cynical Brit loves to ‘munch on’ when grumbling about their sheltered maybe
somewhat less travelled American cousins……………. But having spent a delightful evening meandering the streets of Santa Barbara, striking architecture everywhere you look, people spilling onto the sidewalks, music filling the air, life still vibrant even after 11pm, I think perhaps that comment can be forgiven, for Santa Barbara truly has an authentic European ambience.
Even the history is respectfully old.
The stunning Santa Barbara Mission, often aptly called
the ‘Queen of the Missions’ was founded on the feast of St Barbara, December 4th 1786. It was the tenth of the 21 Californian Missions established by the Spanish Franciscans. Padre Juniper Serra, who established 9 of the missions, envisaged its building but sadly died before work commenced. His successor Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, raised the cross here and placed Padre Antonio Paterna, a companion of Serra, in charge. The original purpose of the Mission was to bring Christianity to the local Chumash Indians, the original inhabitants of the coastline from Malibu to San Luis Obispo. The Chumash were hunters and gatherers oriented to the sea. They built plank boats (tomols) which were capable of traveling to the neighbouring Channel Islands. Chumash manufactures were regarded highly by early explorers and their skilled handiwork greatly contributed to the Mission’s success. Over the years the Mission has been used for a number of purposes. Schools, a seminary for the priesthood and as a base for Friars work in various apostolates in the western states. The Mission church today is used by the Parish of St. 
Barbara.
The first time I was charmed by Santa Barbara nearly 30 years ago I remember my very first impression was that it felt like being in Europe. A charming, beautiful, small town, stretching along a main street, reminiscent of places I had visited in Europe. I fell in love with it then and it’s appeal has never faded.
So hey, why not experience ‘Europe in California’ without the cost of the plane ticket and even better no jet lag, the bane of my life!!
A short drive away there one can be forgiven for thinking you are in Denmark, the somewhat Disney style ‘charms’ of Solvang await you! Despite it’s somewhat gauche appearance, Solvang is genuine
ly Danish and was actually settled by a group of Danes in 1911 wishing to escape the harsh midwestern winters. Its architecture is traditional Danish in style and there is both a copy of the Copenhagen’s famous little Mermaid Statue and a bust of the Hans Christian Anderson, the author of so many beloved children’s stories
The journey to get to Solvang, through the Santa Ynez Valley, rivals many I have done on the other side of the ‘Pond’. As you climb the twisting curves up into the hills the breathtaking, sweeping views across the ocean a
nd over lush vineyards provide a true cornice Rivera experience.
And what could be more delightful after a 30 minute ‘Grace Kelley, scarf blowing in the wind experience’ than then beguiling small town of Los Olivos. Straight out of a picture book, albeit it an American picture book, what you thought you weren’t in the States?! Quite entrancing with its numerous vintners offering you generous samples from their local vines, gorgeous little gift stores selling a multitude of tasteful temptations, scrumptious restaurants enticing places to stay…ohh for more time to meander!
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