If you’re traveling to Solvang, you are definitely not going for the night life. The hilariously accurate city-wide bedtime of 8 o'clock makes Solvang perfect for quiet nights by the fireplace and peaceful walks, but with every pro comes a con. We were stranded with a nasty hankering for some Danish pastries at 7:45 pm. After a brisk jog (a.k.a. a painful sprint), we huffed and puffed our way into the last open bakery in town, just minutes before they locked their doors.

Staying open later than usual is certainly not the Solvang Bakery’s only asset. Upon entrance you’re treated with a bright atmosphere, wonderful smells, and a cute animatronic rabbit working tirelessly to make miniature sweets for all to enjoy. OK, it doesn’t actually make anything, but it was cute nonetheless! The staff was kind and insisted we weren’t rude for barging in minutes before closing time. The choices were abundant, and the pastries were delicious.

After we had been drooling over the bakery items indecisively for far too long—as is our style—we finally decided on a few petite cookies and a hot drink to shake off the cold. After our first bite, we both silently concluded that there is truly nothing like a homemade pastry. Elise's coconut macaroon was crisp around the edges but unbelievably moist and flaky on the inside, and my mammoth cream puff was soft, filling, and heart-warming.

I wish we lived in Solvang just so we could head down the street and grab one of these pastries every time life got the best of us.

End the day the right way

Hot coffee with french vanilla creamer

One coconut macaroon

Two French-style macaroons

One cream puff

Maybe just order one of everything...