Back to School advertisements are around every corner, the leaves are beginning to fall and the hot, summer sun is fading. These signs can only mean one thing, summer is almost over! During Labor Day weekend, there are still plenty of events and activities to check off your summer bucket list before fall begins.
Get Out On The Water
There are so many options to spend time on Olympia beaches and Puget Sound. My favorite way is kayaking. Stop by Tugboat Annie’s or Boston Harbor Marina to explore Budd Inlet from a seal’s perspective. Another popular option is the latest craze of paddleboarding. West Bay Paddleboards allows for access to Puget Sound or for a fee, they will deliver your board rental to a local lake of your choice.
Take a Hike
If riding the waves isn’t your cup of tea, hiking through our beautiful landscape is another summer must. There are many local hiking spots to explore here in Thurston County. Try our very popular 5 Hikes Over and 5 Hikes Under 5 Miles by ThurstonTalk writer, Stephanie McNelis. If you have a tank of gas, head out to the amazing options along Hood Canal or Mount Rainier.
Visit a Farm Stand or Farmers Market
Along with the shining summer sun comes incredibly fresh produce to grill for guests. The best place to pick up seasonal fruits and veggies is at a local Farmer’s Market. Thurston County is lucky enough to boast multiple locations. Try the Olympia Farmers Market in downtown Olympia, open Thursday through Sunday. A little further south residents can take in the Tenino Farmers Market on Saturday. Finally, if you head east be sure to discover the delights of the Yelm Farmers Market on Sunday. All three markets are open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop Into the Hands On Children’s Museum
Speaking of family fun, be sure to take the kids down to the Hands On Children’s Museum. Along with their Summer Splash events, HOCM is currently housing a limited Children’s China exhibit that will be leaving town September 4, 2016. This traveling display takes kids on a journey to the far east through art, animals, and writing. It is an experience to remember! To keep the budget friendly, visit on September 2 during Free Friday Night beginning at 5:00 p.m. Be sure to top off a fun day with the kids by hitting up one of the many delicious ice cream shops in the area.
Visit Olympia Harbor Days
The final festival that really is the cherry on our summertime sundae has to be Olympia Harbor Days. This annual Labor Day weekend event focuses on the maritime heritage of our community. Local food vendors, artists, musicians and craftsmen take over Percival Landing as tugboats show off their skills in the water. New this year is a stand up paddleboard competition, Timberland Regional Library readings and books for kids, and Zumba dancing in the Port Plaza. A specially brewed Harbor Days Summer Ale will be available from Fish Brewing Company to give one last toast to summer. Be sure to watch the annual tugboat races on the final day of the event.
Head out to every corner of Thurston County during these final days and soak up the final rays of sunshine before we fall back.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.
