Here are some parts of our Solvang trip that didn’t make the
final cut but are still worthy…
Taking a little break to see the view from our second floor
window, I look down into the side street and see a little shop. Out of the way,
off the main tourist trail, it’s Valley Brewers.
I run downstairs, cross over, and check out this little shop
of homebrew, home wine, and home cheesemaking supplies. One of the owners is
inside. Chris shows us around, takes us downstairs where the real treasures
are, and asks if we’ve ever brewed.
“Three batches,” I tell him. I also tell him about my latest
attempt at a Belgian Dubbel which, although tasty, came out a bit flat.
Chris explains how to get the priming sugars just right, the
importance of splashing oxygen in during the pour into the fermentation tank,
and slowly letting the temperature rise a bit after bottling to get that
all-important carbonation.
He also tells me that he has a killer Belgian ale recipe
that he makes up for me for around $40. I should be able to get 48 bottles out
of it once it’s brewed.
Now, I’ve got my favorite souvenir and found a great new
place away from the overpriced wine tastings and mediocre pastries of downtown
Solvang. I get to go home happy.
When we first got to Solvang, we made our way to NojoquiFalls for a hike. On the way over to the falls, we passed an idyllic looking
farm. On our way home, I made our way back before hitting the freeway.
It’s Classic Organic farm, a green, grass-covered hillside
with frolicking goats and mouse-hunting cats.
In the old wooden barn, baskets of apples, lettuce, onions,
citrus and more await. A lazy cat sits atop the barrel where an honor-system
slot and a tray of change sit for customers to deposit their money and make
their own change.
We get some fruit and vegetables, eat some apples, and make
friends with the goats.
It’s a great place for a quick and impromptu picnic before
heading home.
Darryl
Copyright 2013 – All Rights Reserved
Darryl Musick
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