Does the incoming rain have you down? A staycation could be just what you need to fight off seasonal depression. Or maybe you just need a romantic weekend away or a girls-only night out! Whatever the reason, whatever the season, it’s always a great time to visit The Marie Bed & Breakfast. They really shine during the holidays, with two must-see events in Olympia to get you into the spirit and chase away the chilly weather blues. And, it will give you a chance to check out their new staircase of history!
Find Olympia History at The Marie Bed & Breakfast
Built in 1892 by J.R. McIntyre, The Marie Bed & Breakfast is known historically as The McIntyre House. It is a shining, well-preserved example of the gorgeous Queen Anne-style architecture so popular back then. It’s no surprise that guests of the lovely bed and breakfast in Olympia often ask about its history.
“Guests and community members would often ask us for more information about the home and its residents,” shares Emily Dunn, general manager of The Marie Bed & Breakfast. “And while we loved to talk about the McIntyre and Seeley Families, we found ourselves pulling small, photocopied pictures out of boxes to show people. It just didn’t feel like we were able to give the history of the home the respect it deserved.”
So, when it came time to remodel the staircase, they decided the original gallery wall just wasn’t representing the beautiful old home well enough – it was time for a wonderful change.
Now, the staircase is a mini museum of photos, showcasing not just the history of The Marie Bed & Breakfast, but Olympia and Thurston County as well. The staircase’s collection centers around Reverend Clarence B. Seely and his first wife, Nellie McIntyre, who were residents of the house and two of Olympia’s earliest residents as well.
“Clarence and Nellie now have a place of honor, framed in the stairwell they would have used innumerable times in their lives,” shares Emily.
Seely graduated from Olympia Collegiate Institute, was a reverend, and was very involved in the local Methodist church. Emily says they spend years traveling the state and preaching. Seely also ran a printing press out of The Marie Bed & Breakfast. Some of the collection in the gallery includes an 1892 graduation photo from the Olympia Collegiate institute with Seely himself in the photo, and prints from his printing press, including original music compositions and annual family reports from the 1940s.
Other gems include a poster Promoting Eugene V. Debs speech at the Olympia Theater; the first governor of Washington’s daughter holding a geoduck; the 1908 Olympia High School Girls Basketball team; and a watercolor of the proposed downtown design for the state capitol building. “While the new Gallery wall helps situate us in history, it also helps the viewer dream,” shares Emily. “The collection helps us imagine what life was like in Olympia, as well as what previous residents hoped it might become. We invite you all to dive into the history of Olympia through our gallery wall at any of our upcoming events.”
Olympia Holiday Artisan Market
Two such local events are coming up soon and are not only a perfect time to see the staircase, but also a great time to celebrate the season, get some holiday shopping done and just enjoy a night in from the cold.
The Artisan Market at The Marie Bed & Breakfast will happen on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s the perfect time to get hostess gifts for Thanksgiving, decorations for your table or even get an early jump on gifts for loved ones! There will be everything from handmade candles and soaps to gluten-free breads and crocheted clothing and bags. Find upcycled home goods to deck your halls. And if you are looking for something the younger gens will love, a new vendor this year is catering to that crowd with creative art kits and 3D prints.
“Get ready to experience all types of arts and crafts from some of our favorite local artists!” shares Emily. Enjoy complementary hot drinks and fresh-baked treats while you shop.
Yule Tide Holiday Concert at The Marie Bed & Breakfast
Return to The Marie Bed & Breakfast on Friday, December 12, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for their Yule Tide holiday concert. “The Yule Tide is one of our favorite annual events!” shares Emily. Local band Almost Blue will play jazz-blues fusions that are sure to put you in a festive mood. “They sing holiday classics that really bring the spirit of the season to life,” she adds.
At the Yule Tide, there will be hot coffee and tea, plus The Marie Bed & Breakfast’s famous holiday candy and other treats. Enter to win one of three raffle baskets, one of which includes a night stay at the bed and breakfast.
It might be cold outside, but The Marie Bed & Breakfast is full of the warmth of times past, holidays present and the dreams of the future, making it a must-see in Olympia! To book your stay or learn more, visit The Marie Bed & Breakfast website.
The Marie Bed & Breakfast
123 Cushing Street NW, Olympia
360.915.8039
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