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 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Autumn in and around Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top fall experiences!
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
Where to Experience Fall Foliage in Thurston County, Washington
Top Trick-or-Treat Spots in and Around Olympia
Meet Washington’s Halloweentown
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
Family Fun at Rutledge Family Farm
An Insider’s Guide to The Olympia Region’s Burger Joints
Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
How to Pack: Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro
Top Fun-Filled Family Activities to Wow Your Kids
Top Pizza Places in Olympia, Lacey, and Beyond
Local Maker Spotlight: Mareko Maumasi — A Culinary Bladesmith
At first glance, the knives on Mareko Maumasi’s website initiate an immense artistic appreciation, and potentially, for those unfamiliar with…
Find a Summer ATV Adventure at Capitol Forest’s Middle Waddell Campground
Nestled alongside Waddell Creek in the Capitol Forest is an adventure lover’s paradise. Camp among the tall trees with miles…
Where to View the Chinook Salmon Run in Olympia & Tumwater
Every year in late August, the Chinook Salmon return from their adventures in the Pacific and head back to their…
Thrift Shopping for Vintage and Antique Items in Olympia and Beyond
Vintage stores, thrift shops, and antique stores are plentiful in Olympia and its surrounding communities.
Recreational Opportunities Abound at Lacey Parks
Parks and open spaces are vitally important to a healthy quality of life in a community. They ensure the health…
A Dog-Friendly Outing in Olympia with Benz the Shepherd
When it comes to travel and exploring new places, a lot of us enjoy the added bonus of bringing our…
Go For a Summer Motorbike or ATV Ride at Rock Candy in Thurston County’s Capitol Forest
On the southwestern side of Thurston County, the Capitol State Forest offers motorbike and ATV riders opportunities to give it…
Olympia In 24-Hours
Travel Noire sent writer Maggie J on a quest to experience Washington's Capitol City in 24-hours. Here's what she accomplished!
Local Maker Spotlight: Juju’s Iced Cream and Frozen Custard
When the nostalgic, family-run Grandpa’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Olympia closed its doors in 2019, locals…
Local Maker Spotlight: Delmonico’s Heritage Butcher Shop
Wait long enough, and everything old becomes new again. That’s paraphrasing a bit from author Stephen King, but he’s not…
Follow Your Luck to Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
What if I told you that in just 25 short minutes, you could drive south from Olympia and discover a…
Boat In, Stay for the Week in the Heart of the South Sound
Planning to do a bit of exploration on the waters of the South Puget Sound? Olympia is the perfect place…
Summer Horseback Trail Riding at Margaret McKinney Campground in the Capitol State Forest
There is nothing like horseback riding through the Capitol State Forest with lush ferns, moss-covered trees and foxgloves as tall…
The Oldest Restaurant In Washington’s Capital City Is A Culinary Masterpiece
There’s just something about a restaurant with a long history that has stood the test of time that makes us…
Four Fantastic Reasons to Bird in Thurston County
Thurston County is a fine place to visit for a whole lot of reasons, and if you’re a birder, we’ve…
Ask A Local: Get Out On the Greens
Dust off those clubs—it’s high time for a round of golf in the Pacific Northwest.
Eastside Big Tom — A Burger Destination
Hungry dinosaurs, milkshakes featuring deep-fried bacon and maple, and a mouthwatering smashed burger dripping with goop sauce - Eastside Big…
Road Trip: Thurston County Lavender Farms
July and August is lavender season in Thurston County! Grab your camera and your wallet and take a tour just…
How to Pack: Tips To Help You Pack Like A Pro
There’s a bit of a long-standing joke among Pacific Northwesterners that we’re always dressed for a potential hike and/or rain…
ATV Guide to Capitol Forest
One of the things that makes the Capitol Forest so unique is how it is managed in a way that…
Equestrian Guide to Capitol Forest
Capitol State Forest is just a hop, skip and jump (trot, canter and gallop) from Olympia and home to over…
Outdoor Dining in the Region
Picnic tables, patios & PNW beauty are all part of the package at our region's eateries. It's time to reconnect…
Lacey Producer’s District
Here, “handcrafted” is a way of life. People are intentional and passionate for their craft, whether that's handcrafted beverages or…
South Sound Wine Trail
Sip your way through a wine trail leading you through five boutique wineries at your own pace. Raise a glass…