6 Stops for Fall Farm Fun
Blog
Take away new ideas to help shape your upcoming trip to our little corner of the world by browsing our blogs.
It’s the perfect way to learn a little or a lot about those travel details that are most interesting to you.
Welcome to Olympia and Thurston County, where a world of captivating stories is waiting for you to write the next chapter! Our collection of tales unveils a rich tapestry of outdoor adventures, inviting you to hike through lush forests, kayak along serene waterways, and breathe in the beauty of our natural landscapes. Dive into the heart of the Thurston Bountiful Byway, where farm-fresh delights and the rural charm of local markets beckon. Feel the pulse of artistic expression as our vibrant community showcases its creativity through galleries, performances, and cultural events. Whether you seek the thrill of outdoor recreation or the soul-nourishing embrace of artistic endeavors, Thurston County promises an unforgettable journey filled with diverse experiences that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
Looking for seasonal inspiration? Browse through the collection below and discover "must-do" no matter what time of the year you're here.
Top Winter Activities
Winters in Olympia are for sleeping-in, spending time with friends and family, and celebrating the holidays at the festive events and markets that pop up throughout the season.
Springtime In the Olympia Area
Spring usually comes early in the Olympia region and it's highlighted by bursts of color as bulbs and flowers bloom, and cherry and magnolia trees put on a spectacular pink and fuchsia…
Summertime in the Olympia Region
Summer is a coveted season in the Olympia region which draws visitors and locals alike to the outdoors to enjoy sunny days, temperate weather, and tons of evergreen adventures.
Featured Stories
Sea Kayaking in Olympia Out of Tugboat Annies at West Bay Marina
The crackling call of a kingfisher. Nesting seals and their seal pups. Bald eagles and herons swooping overhead. You can…
Sail Around South Puget Sound with the Olympia Sailing Company
Top Pizza Places in Olympia, Lacey, and Beyond
Seeking delectable pizza with the freshest ingredients and toppings? Explore one of these highly rated pizza places for your next…
Summer Hiking in Olympia Through a Coastal Forest on the Evergreen Geoduck Trail
Hiking is all about experiencing the natural world around you, and what could be more natural than a tranquil stroll…
Olympia Waterfronts & Boardwalks
From the local waters of Puget Sound, to the many hidden inlets, rivers and lakes, the Olympia region is a…
Take a Family Bike Ride Along the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail
Bike riding ranks highly among free, outdoor, family-friendly activities. After the initial investment of the family bikes, there’s no cost…
Washington Capitol Campus Tours: Plan the Perfect Visit
A visit to the Washington State Capitol Campus isn’t complete without a guided tour of the Legislative Building. These free…
Fly High for Father’s Day in the Olympia Region
The skies above Olympia will be abuzz on Father's Day Weekend June 17 - 18, for the 23rd annual Olympic…
Best Outdoor Adventures Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Here, natural beauty abounds and you have permission to slow down and go at your own pace.
Capacity and Quality Makes Talking Cedar A Solid Partner for Craft Distillers
What if the traditional way of distilling single malt whiskey was flipped on its head – where flavor comes first…
Explore the Capitol Campus Gardens
The highlight of any visit to Olympia is a walk through the beautiful and lovingly preserved historic gardens of the…
Custom Dream Cakes in Downtown Olympia
Cranking out custom-made specialty cakes and pastries like clockwork might seem like a herculean task to those who don't know…
Taste the History, Legacy and Future of Craft Brewing
Olympia Beer is well known by locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. The history of brewing in Thurston…
Ikonic Wings in Lacey — Consistently Crispy, Unforgettably Unique
Once you’ve had an Ikonic Wing, it becomes clear pretty quickly that Kelly Wynn knew what she was doing when…
Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program: Serving Communities, Promoting Success
Ask any of this year’s contestants, or any of the community members and businesses that have worked the past two…
Celebrating Washington’s Unique and Diverse Maritime Cultures — Maritime Washington National Heritage Area
Over the next year, the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is working with local residents and organizations like Experience…
Top 10 Things to Do in Yelm
Looking for something a bit different for the summer travel calendar? Spend some time in spectacular viewing range of Mount…
Where To Find Indian and Middle Eastern Cuisine in the Olympia Region
Rich, flavorful, spicy, and incredibly delectable are interchangeable descriptions of both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Though two very differing…
Local Maker Spotlight: Three Magnets Brewing Co Takes Non-Alcoholic Beer to Another Level
The crew at Three Magnets Brewing Co. in downtown Olympia clearly love making craft beer, and so it makes sense…
This Romantic Bed and Breakfast Pampers Guests While Building Community
Looking for a romantic getaway, some quality "me-time", or a trip back in time to historic Olympia? Look no further…
Local Maker Highlight: Talking Cedar Brewery & Distillery Taps Into Regional Grain Supply
Just outside the bustling downtown of the capital city of Olympia lie lush and fertile farmlands where growers and craftsmen…
Where To Find European Cuisine in the Olympia Region
Bon appétit, buon appetito, guten appetit ... however you say it, we hope you've come hungry for some of our…
Sourcing Local Ingredients: Gochujang and Honey-Glazed Salmon
Boat In and Enjoy the Fall Bounty in the Heart of the South Sound
Summer in Olympia is a boater's dream, we can't deny, but the region lights up with warm gold and amber…