Ch 4. The North American Political Economy

          Solvang's economy is almost exclusively focused on the tertiary sector. After all, the architecture of the city was designed in a way that was suitable to become a tourist attraction! More than half of the city's economic activity is primarily based on retail, and accommodations and food services come next (City-Data). According to Solvang's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were all part of the service industry, such as The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, Solvang Lutheran Home, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, and Root 246 (City of Solvang).

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          Solvang is one of the major tourism sites in California. It hosts a variety of events all throughout the year. The "Danish Days" event, held during the third weekend of September, consists of various activities such as the aebleskiver eating competitions, music, dancing, marching bands, singers, and more. 

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          Aebleskiver is a traditional Danish pancake that is served in most restaurants in Solvang. It has a distinctive shape that does not conform to the widely known "pancake"; it is a round-shaped ball of pancake that is served with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. It is almost a tradition for tourists to visit one of the many restaurants in Solvang to try aebleskivers. 

          Solvang is famous for its many wineries. The only night life is, in fact, is wine tasting! Since the early 19th century when the missionaries first planted grapes until now, the number of vineyards have increased to more than 80! When i visited Solvang last December, all the stores were closed except these wineries. Sadly, I couldn't enjoy any wine tasting since I was only 20 years old. Although I did not get the chance to see it, Solvang also has a  700-seat open-air Festival Theater that was built in 1974. It is the center of the performance of live arts in Solvang, supported by the local business community (Solvang USA).