We left Hacienda Heights at 530 am, thinking that'd we'd avoid all traffic, even on a weekday....at least that's how things used to be when we lived here. I had an account in Hollywood and made a deal to come in early; leaving at about 515 so I could leave early, heck, even hit up the Zankou location in Hollywood and make it home in time! Times sure have changed....there's was a good deal of traffic at 530am on the 60 West, then on the 101. Once we got past Hollywood things got a bit better, then really cleared out until we hit Santa Barbara. Of course, it was prime time traffic by then. We'd decided on heading up this way, stopping along the drive, at places like Solvang. Right outside Solvang was our first stop.....we love markets, so dropping by El Rancho was a must.....
We loved El Rancho; good variety, the Missus got to add to Her apple collection. Prices that were reasonable, you could leave without feeling mugged. You could get local product, or if not, just to do your everyday shopping. We Also got some some organic treats for Da' Boyz....the Missus was tempted to grind Her own flour from wheat at the kiosk......
Loved the sign to the right....which was actually in the restroom!
The prepared foods section looked nice as well.
There's an attached coffee shop right outside the doors of the market where we got our "java fix". I don't drink much coffee these days so this really got me going.....
We enjoyed this as a nice little stop along the way. I thinknthey'd be great if you wanted to pick up prepared foods for a little picnic as well.
El Rancho Market
2886 Mission Dr
Solvang, CA 93463
After getting nice and "caffiened up" we headed into Solvang. We'd been to Solvang a couple of times and had never really enjoyed ourselves....too crowded, too kitschy, it just gave off that tourist trap vibe..... This time though, on a weekday morning in winter; the place seemed so charming.
It was just the perfect time for us, the half timbered structures, the quiet streets....the temperatures in the low thirties....even the locals we met were telling us how cold it was!
We enjoyed walking the streets and into the various businesses.....the folks were welcoming and relaxed.
I needed something to take back to the office, so I figured this would be the spot, right? We went to a couple of bakeries, but this one won out......
Birkholm's Bakery.....
Mainly because we were warmly welcomed....and they kept trying to give us samples! At the other places, we were basically ignored.....
The folks at work seemed to enjoy the stuff......
Birkholm's Bakery
460 Alisal Rd
Solvang, CA 93463
If we're ever back here, this is the way I'd want to do it....early morning on a weekday.
Soon enough, we'd hit our allotted time.......we needed to hit the road.
looks like a nice road trip!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 06:23 AM
It was Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 06:48 AM
IGAs are fascinating markets, we always try to stop to see what's the 'unique' section of a store. The bakery looks wonderful! It's so nice to be able to avoid crowds and shop more like a local.
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 04:21 PM
I am from Santa Barbara.....was just there last Friday. Very familiar with the traffic challenge getting there. My in-laws live in Santa Ynez and El Rancho is where I shop for groceries when I visit. Awesome small town service and a great variety of quality products. Check out Los Olivos if you are ever back in area. A good home base while wine tasting in the valley.
Posted by: Jon | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 05:17 PM
Hi Cathy - We really enjoyed El Rancho, they truly embody the IGA spirit. It was nice walking around Solvang sans the crowds.....
Hi Jon - Thanks for taking the time out to comment! We're thinking about Los Olivos, though for Olive Oil tastings....do you think that would be worthwhile?
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 07:49 PM
Solvang must be nice when the tourists aren't there, eh. There's so many bakeries there, it's hard to choose just a few to visit. I wanted to go to all of them during our last vacation, haha.
On another note, I went to my first IGA store the other day (Foodland in CV, aka the Old Seafood City). I didn't know about the roll of stamps you get (one stamp for each dollar spent). Did they give you those IGA stamps at El Rancho?
Posted by: caninecologne | Monday, 23 December 2013 at 11:53 PM
I miss Solvang and the beautiful weather.
Posted by: nhbilly | Tuesday, 24 December 2013 at 08:39 PM
Hi CC - No they didn't,when we shop at Foodland, I usually give my stamps to the person in back of me in line since we hardly shop there. Solvang seemed so lovely and charming on this day.....
Hi Billy - I hope you get to visit soon!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 25 December 2013 at 09:02 AM
I love that Market--love to get stuff for lunch on the road at their deli counter. Pies are best commercial pies I've had. Almond Croissants?--oh my! They have opened another California Fresh Mkt in the old Scolari's Mkt in Pismo Coast Plaza at 4th St & 101 in Pismo Beach. Wish they had more organic produce though. McConnell's ice cream and fresh made sushi too. I've used the wheat mill--they have hard Montana wheat for bread, and also soft wheat for whole wheat pastry flour! doesn't get any fresher.
Posted by: sue | Wednesday, 25 December 2013 at 06:37 PM
Happy Holidays Sue! Yes, we really loved the place.... The bakery did look wonderful.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 25 December 2013 at 06:40 PM
So cute!
Posted by: Lynnea | Tuesday, 31 December 2013 at 07:05 PM
Hi Lynnea - It was! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 02 January 2014 at 06:04 AM