The Year End 2024

As 2024 winds down, we decided to follow a similar approach to our Thanksgiving trip: prioritizing peaceful rest over hectic schedules. So, we planned only a 4-night trip, which included two nights in Paso Robles and two in Solvang.

Paso Robles has always been one of our favorite stopovers on trips to the LA area. Conveniently located halfway between the Bay Area and LA, it’s the perfect place to rest, refuel, and grab a good meal.

This time, however, Paso Robles was our destination. It took just two and a half hours to get there from my home—about the same as a trip to Napa. Although Napa is closer, its notorious traffic often offsets the distance advantage. Paso Robles, like Napa, is renowned for its wineries, and I couldn’t help but think it might serve as a great alternative to Napa.

We stayed at the Allegretto Resort, a sprawling wine resort with many amenities. Behind the main building, there was a beautiful vineyard that made for an ideal spot for a short hike. The resort itself had a somewhat luxurious vibe, adorned with numerous artworks. However, it didn't seem to have an aligned concept: blending influences from East and West, spanning various countries and eras.

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the experience of sipping wine by the fire in the evening—a quintessential activity for a wine resort and one that truly captured the essence of relaxation.

However, the highlight of our Paso Robles trip wasn’t the resort—it was visiting Hearst Castle and Sensorio. Hearst Castle is a historic estate built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst in (from) 1919. He is famously known as the real-life inspiration for Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane, and the castle served as the model for Xanadu in the film.

The castle is accessible only through a guided tour, which begins at the visitor center. The bus ride to the estate took over 10 minutes, winding through a sprawling ranch still inhabited by goats. Despite the rainy and foggy weather, the bus steadily climbed the hills, and upon arrival, we found ourselves quite literally above the clouds. The castle stood against a backdrop of clear blue skies, creating a breathtaking view.

And there was a huge pool: the Neptune Pool. It was the most striking feature of the estate. Its grandeur felt like stepping into a scene from an ancient Greek or Roman film, adding to the surreal experience of being at Hearst Castle.

And then, there was the castle. A real castle. I was completely overwhelmed by its sheer opulence and the immense wealth it represented. During its heyday in the early 1900s, Hearst Castle hosted an array of notable guests, including Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. Guests were free to enjoy the castle’s many luxuries, and Mr. Hearst would often use their activities as fodder for stories in his newspapers. One of the perks of a guided tour is learning fascinating historical tidbits, like the origin of “yellow journalism,” which came from the “The Yellow Kid” comic strip in Hearst’s papers.

In the past, I would have simply marveled at such a luxurious property, but these days, I can’t help but think about the practical aspects—how much effort and money it must take to maintain such a vast estate. It turns out the family eventually donated the castle to the State of California, and it is now part of the State Park system. We had planned to watch a movie about the castle after the tour, but a power outage forced the closure of all visitor center facilities. It was a reminder that, despite its grandeur, the castle is now a State Park, subject to the same challenges as any other.

But if I had to choose the true highlight of Paso Robles, it wouldn’t be the castle—it would be Sensorio. A few years ago, when I planned a trip to LA, I came across a captivating image of a glowing field of lights, but I dismissed it since we’d never had a chance to stay overnight in Paso Robles. This time, however, we made it happen. With an opening time of 4:30 PM and sunset at 5 PM, we arrived just in time to watch the lights come to life.

All the lights were solar-powered, and as the sky darkened, they gradually illuminated, sprawling across the field like a living, glowing canvas. It was mesmerizing to see the transformation.

A special exhibition called "Dimensions" was a standout feature. A narrow path led us into a spacious basin, revealing a breathtaking display of geometric structures with dynamic lighting. Shadows danced across the space, adding depth and intrigue. We quickly realized the structures were interactive—we could touch and spin them, creating moments of serendipity and personal connection. Layered with immersive soundscapes, the experience felt magical, almost otherworldly.

Sensorio had many other remarkable installations, but one that stood out was "Light Towers." These towering columns of lights were visually captivating, but the real magic unfolded when we stepped into the area. Surrounding us, the sound seemed to flow through the space, immersing us in a harmonious blend of light and music. The seamless integration created an experience unlike anything I’d ever felt before.

As night deepened, the iconic "Field of Light" fully revealed its splendor. The breathtaking display of thousands of glowing orbs was truly stunning, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike scene. Sensorio far exceeded my expectations, and its tagline, “Where Sound Meets Light,” was perfectly justified.

Next, we headed to Solvang. Having visited the “Danish Capital of America” this summer, we thought it would be wonderful to experience it during Christmas time. While we usually prefer calm and peaceful destinations, the festive holiday season felt like the perfect time to embrace the energy of a bustling crowd. Our instincts were spot on—Solvang truly transformed into a massive Christmas-themed wonderland with a lively and enchanting atmosphere.

The food was just as delightful. We had always been curious about the long lines we’d seen outside Paula’s Pancake House. This time, we decided to give it a try, arriving at 8 AM for breakfast. Even then, there was already a long line of people waiting (even in the rain!), making us realize we should have come even earlier. Once inside, I finally understood the hype. Danish pancakes, which resemble crepes, were absolutely worth the wait. The experience lived up to every bit of its reputation.

On Christmas Eve, we decided to have dinner at our hotel, The Hadsten Solvang, to avoid the usual hustle and bustle of crowded restaurants. What we expected to be a simple, quiet meal turned into an unexpected delight. The quality of the holiday dinner was outstanding—especially the oven-roasted steak, which was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had.

And so, our 2024 year-end family trip concluded—a relatively short journey of 608 miles, but filled with meaningful moments and cherished memories. This year was packed with events, challenges, and joys, and it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. As another year approaches, we’ll embrace each day, ready to create new stories and experiences together. Here’s to living in the moment and looking forward to what the next chapter holds.