With a wide variety of things to do, places to see, and a relatively temperate climate, Olympia is a great place to live, but also to visit. Even locals may forget how many wonderful experiences are available in Thurston County. In this article, I lay out five steps for ensuring your stay in Olympia is the best it can be.
Find Lodging
When I am exploring a new place, the first thing I like to do is make sure I have a great home base to return to every night; a place that makes me feel relaxed, comfortable, and that is easily accessible to everything I want to do. First on my list would be the DoubleTree by Hilton, located conveniently in downtown Olympia. I usually prefer a little pampering when I stay in a hotel. With beautifully appointed rooms and a refreshing saltwater indoor pool, you are sure to feel well taken care of. The view doesn’t hurt either, with Percival Landing and Puget Sound right out your window.
If you prefer more intimate lodging, book your stay at the Swantown Inn & Spa located just a few blocks from the center of town. This B&B retreat is full of character inside a 1887 Victorian mansion. Besides serving as your headquarters while staying in Olympia, the Swantown Inn & Spa can also host special events, including spa parties.
Locate Coffee and Food
Once you’ve found your perfect home away from home, it’s probably time to catch a bite to eat. With so many interesting options in Olympia, you will probably need to stay a few days or plan a return trip to take in all the restaurants that grab your attention. While Olympia does have all the popular chains, I find myself more apt to try out some of the local favorites.
While checking out the downtown scene, I would suggest stopping into Budd Bay Cafe. Located directly on the boardwalk, with a view of the marina, this restaurant never disappoints. Serving three meals off an expansive menu, it’s an easy fit. Also, be sure to check out their great happy hour, offered daily from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
While walking through downtown Olympia, stop in to one of the many local coffee houses, each with a different vibe. Olympia is a town that loves our caffeine, and you will find options almost everywhere you look. Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters on Capitol Way offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. With its comfortable couches and chairs, you just may want to stay a while.
If you find yourself in Lacey, good coffee shop options are Forrey’s Forza or Schoolhouse Coffee. Both locally-owned places will make sure you get exactly the right cup of Joe. While in Lacey, you may also consider a stop at Salish Sea Organic Liqueurs. The family-owned craft distillery offer nearly 20 different organic liqueurs.
Shop for Treasures
Whether you need to shop or just want to browse, plan on stopping into one of my favorite stores since childhood, Archibald Sisters on Capitol Way. With its bright pink storefront, it’s hard to miss. Inside, staffers concoct more than 150 varieties of original fragrances and body lotions. Additionally, you will find odd items and gifts you never knew you needed. It’s an experience just to venture inside.
Take a Drive
A visit to Tenino educates you on the diversity of Thurston County. From Lacey, travel on the Thurston Bountiful Byway to get to Tenino. Explore small farms, historical sites and agriculture lands. Here you will find Our Lady of the Lake restaurant located on the shores of Offut Lake. Enjoy a taste of local history, too. Originally opened in the 1930s as a dining option for campers at the local resort, Our Lady of the Lake changed hands many times over the years before closing its doors in 1989. The current owners made many needed upgrades to the property and reopened in the summer of 2013. With live music on the weekends, tasty fish and chips, and a beautiful view, a visit to Tenino is worth the short, scenic drive. While in Tenino, head over to Sandstone Distillery. This craft distillery is family owned, creating their own whiskey, vodka, and gin from Washington-grown grains.
Be a Tourist
Now that you are fed and caffeinated and have lodging checked off your list, it’s time to explore the Olympia area. Check out visitolympia.com for plenty of tourist options. For family travelers, be sure to plan to spend some time at the Hands On Children’s Museum. With 28,000 square feet of space, more than 150 interactive exhibits, and an outdoor area, kids of all ages are sure to be entertained and educated for many hours.
For more of an adult-geared experience, step into a great breweries like the Fish Brewing Company. A local’s favorite since 1993, you will find a wide variety of beer and signature ciders on tap. Other noteworthy breweries include Top Rung Brewing in Lacey, and Three Magnets Brewing Company in Olympia.
If the weather is cooperating, Olympia has plenty of outdoor options. Two easily accessible waterfront parks are Priest Point and Burfoot, where you can take a short hike down to the beach through towering timbers. You will also want to visit Tumwater Falls Park, where you can watch the Deschutes River descend to Puget Sound in a series of spectacular waterfalls. With a salmon ladder and information signs, it’s a great learning experience as well.
Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the greater Thurston County area is a great place to explore whether you grew up here or are just passing through. At visitolympia.com you can find even more suggestions, and plan your own itinerary for your visit.
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