One Day Trip to Solvang
Details
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/7/1/d/event_22414589.jpeghttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/6/e/0/event_22414528.jpeghttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/9/c/0/event_19450688.jpegWhat is Solvang? It is a town that is modeled after a Danish town. Link:
http://www.solvangusa... (http://www.solvangusa.com/explore-solvang/)The train goes along the coast, so it should be beautiful scenery.We'll try to meet on the train or meet at Glendale Amtrak station.
You'll be able to get on the train in 3 places: Union Station, Glendale and Simi Valley. Train take 3:30 hours to get there and 3:30 hours to get back from Union Station. Trains leave at 9 AM and come back at 10 PM. So if you leave from Union Station it is $30 (27 with AAA card). $54 RT with AAA card.
If you leave from Glendale, it leaves at 9:18 AM. It is $30 (27 with AAA card). $54 RT with AAA card.
If you leave from Simi Valley, it is $25 one way ( $22.50 with AAA card). Hence, $45 RT with AAA card. It is 2 1/2 hours (1 way) from Simi Valley!
The leaving times are 9 AM from Union Station and 10 AM from Simi Valley. More info will be forthcoming.
We'll all try to meet on the train. First, we'll ride on the train then we'll switch to the bus to get there. We'll arrive in Solvang at 12:30 PM. We will have approx 4:30 hours to explore Solvang.We'll have to leave by 5:15 PM in Solvang. If you miss the bus, you'll have to stay over and come back on Sunday. :(
What is there to do in Solvang?
If you want to do the trolley in Solvang, that costs $9.
http://www.solvangtro... (http://www.solvangtrolley.com/)
Wine tasting rooms
http://www.solvangusa... (http://www.solvangusa.com/explore-solvang/what-to-do/wine-country/wineries-and-tasting-rooms/)
Seeing a mission
http://www.solvangusa... (http://www.solvangusa.com/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=413&menuID=273&hit=1)
Shopping and restaurants
http://www.solvangusa... (http://www.solvangusa.com/)
Windmill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Solvang_mill.jpg
Eating Danish food and/or pastries! :)
Buy your tickets at this link: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage . If you want to meet for the train, meet at Glendale Station at 9 AM. Come at 9 AM (if possble). The train leaves at 9:18 AM. For link to Glendale station, go here: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=GDL . It gives driving directions from there. It only costed me $54 RT with my AAA card. There are other discounts too.
Solvang Amtrak station: http://www.amtrakcalifornia.com/index.cfm/destinations/solvang/
The sooner you buy your tickets the better. There are a limited # of seats from the bus to Solvang (we'll get off the train in Santa Barbara and get on the Amtrak bus to Solvang).
As I said earlier, if Glendale isn't convenient for you, then we'll meet on the train. We'll try to meet at the last coach on the train (more details will follow. Will provide my cell for people who have bought their tickets).
I don't recommend carpooling for events UNLESS you know the person.
I've never been to Solvang, so this will be an exploratory trip for me too.
Meeting Spots:
If you don't meet us at Glendale Amtrak station (I'll have a sign saying Meetup from 9:00-9:05 AM out front), we'll be meeting on the last train--in the very back of the train (if possible). When we get off in Santa Barbara, we'll meet at the end of the bus--if possible. I'll provide my cell #.
If you miss meeting us at 9 AM, we'll meet by the tracks until the train arrives. I'll have a meetup sign.
Maps Links:
http://www.california-or-bust.com/oldsites/trip1/images/solvang.jpg
http://www.imperialclub.com/Events/California06/Solvang%20paperwork/scan0023.jpg