Washington Road Trippers Find Fun on the Way in Thurston County

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By Kate Scriven

VCB logo“This is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun.” – Clark W. Griswold, “Vacation”

Road trips: The great American pastime of packing the family car and hitting the open road, where the journey is just as noteworthy as the final destination.  And, as Clark W. Griswold points out to his family in the classic film “Vacation,” a road trip is a “quest for fun.”

tug boat rainier scenicWhile you may not be striking out for Wally World on your next family road trip, you’ll likely be looking for fun places to stop, sight-see and savor along the way.  Thurston County residents already know their little corner of the south Puget Sound is full of hidden treasures, from outdoor adventures and opportunities for learning to award-winning theater and the state’s largest farmers’ market.

Those passing through, or stopping for a layover, will find the heart of Olympia is situated right along Interstate 5 allowing easy access to the city’s recreation and services.  Nestled at the southern-most end of the Puget Sound, Thurston County gives travelers either one last glimpse of the second largest estuary in the United States, or their first look at our area’s beloved waterway.

Whether you plan to stay for an afternoon or for an overnight adventure, there’s plenty to entertain all members of the family.  And if you already live in Thurston County, share this list with your Washington road-tripping friends.  Chances are the list below will draw them in for a tour of your town.

Arts and Culture

washington center
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Outdoor Adventures

Fun for the Kids

The Outdoor Discovery Center at the Hands On Children's Museum extends the play outdoors.
The Outdoor Discovery Center at the Hands On Children’s Museum extends the play outdoors.
  • If you have kiddos under the age of 12, a stop at the award-winning Hands On Children’s Museum is a must. The perfect stop to work out the wiggles, this multi-level facility inspires exploration throughout its indoor exhibits and outdoor discovery center. Pack the swimsuits, too, and splash in the adjacent East Bay Public Plaza to cool down before getting back on the road.
  • Strolling the streets of downtown Olympia delights the littles as much as the bigs. Plan a stop into the unique, new toy store Captain Little or delight your tweens in the irreverently awesome Archibald Sisters. Something new for the car will make the next (few) miles a bit more fun.
  • Parks and playgrounds dot the Thurston County landscape. Whether you are downtown or navigating a neighborhood to a friend’s house, you’ll find a park for play nearby. Find lists of playgrounds for Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater at these links.

Food and Flavor

  • A trip to Olympia isn’t complete without visiting the largest farmers’ market in the state. The Olympia Farmers’ Market is situated within walking distance from downtown along the waterfront boardwalk. With permanent food vendors, local artisans, fresh produce, local seafood and meat, and live entertainment, and a 40 year history, this market won’t disappoint. Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    farmers market vendors
    The Olympia Farmers’ Market is in it’s 40th year near the Olympia waterfront and offers produce, meat, dairy, artisan wares and restaurant booths.

    Travelers to the area may associate “Olympia” with the beer by the same name, brewed here from 1896 to 1983. However, the area boasts a fresh new crop of craft breweries serving up pints of suds worth sipping. Take a brew tour while in town and sample them all.

  • The rich tidelands at the far end of the Puget Sound serve up some of the world’s best seafood. Slurp the famous Olympia oyster, crack delicious Dungeness crab, or savor succulent local salmon. Whatever you choose for dinner, it will be fresh.
  • Farm to table is more of a lifestyle than a tagline in the northwest, and Olympia is no exception. Restaurants throughout the area source local ingredients and cook seasonally. Foodies won’t be let down and those with dietary restrictions will be welcomed. Vacation-friendly shorts and flip-flops are acceptable attire in most local eateries.

Traversing the I-5 corridor can be tiring. Take a break from the grind and detour mid-way on your journey. Whether you are headed south to Portland or north to British Columbia — or maybe aiming farther afield (to Wally World?) — Thurston County makes a convenient pit stop that may become a road trip highlight on your “quest for fun.”

 

 

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