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
Special Events: Experience the Bounty
The Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm is celebrating their 13th year with an Anniversary event! EVLF provides organic lavender (fresh, dried…
Chehalis Western Trail: 22 Mile, Intermediate Level
Explore the Chehalis-Western Trail. Bike past farmland, tranquil creeks, prairies and picturesque lakes—great for a weekend bikeventure.
Take a Day Trip For Dog-Friendly Hikes in Capitol Forest
There are few things better than taking a hike. The crisp, clean air, stunning vistas, the solitude and the plentitude…
Take a Trip to the Capitol Forest for Trail Running
Capitol Forest, comprising 110,000 acres, is a recreation haven in the Black Hills of Grays Harbor and Thurston County. Its…
Welcome Canadian Visitors
Start planning to visit friends and family in the U.S.! With the recent announcement that the U.S. land border will…
Take a Trip To The Capitol Forest For Hiking Trails You Won’t Forget
Imagine 150 miles of trails dedicated to recreation, all within a short drive of Grays Harbor, Thurston, Lewis, Clark and…
Sunken Garden: Renovated and Reopened
After two years of renovation, the Sunken Garden at the state Capitol Campus in Olympia has reopened to the public…
Hike, Paddle And Eat Your Way Around Olympia, WA
Nestled in the southern terminus of the Puget Sound, Olympia is the perfect base camp for visiting the western reaches…
Insider’s Guide to Thurston County Photo Opps
Looking for new places to explore that include memorable photo opportunities? The Greater Olympia area is full of possibilities.
5 Local Gems for Your Spring Staycation
Make the most of spring break and warmer days by rediscovering the gems in your hometown. A “staycation” means less…
A Nature Ed-Venture
Here, educational opportunities await in the beautiful outdoor spaces that make up our destination.
Selfies with Salmon & Top Spots to View
It's about this time of year that our intrepid fish friends make their annual voyage upstream.
4 Pacific Northwest Day-Trip Ideas Worth Staying For
If you’re like us, you have a deep desire to explore the iconic outdoor scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Search…
Reconnect with Outdoor Art & Creative Culture
Small communities are the backbone of our region with so many stories to share. Bring your sense of adventure and…
Road Trip: Thurston County’s Small Communities
Now is the time to hop in your car and savor a bit of rejuvenating slow-down time in the smaller…
5 Spoooooky Facts About Boo-coda
Just 20 miles south of Olympia lies the small town of Bucoda, Washington – population: 562. During the month of…
4 Kid-Friendly Breweries Around Olympia
In recent years, the explosion of craft beer has brought more urban and family-friendly breweries to cities and main streets…
Culture at the Capital: An Insider’s Guide to Olympia’s Murals
The streets of downtown Olympia offer water views aplenty, locally owned shops, vibrant characters and 70 colorful, creative murals. Did…
A Pooch’s Paradise: The Best Places to Bring Your Dog in the Olympia Region
Traveling with your dog can be a blast! But finding a place to travel with your canine companion can sometimes…
The Most Instagrammed Spots in Olympia & Beyond
The people have spoken and 2018 was the year of Instagram! From snapping selfies at the state capitol, capturing wildlife…
A Tiny Town Big on History & Natural Beauty
In its historic heyday, Tenino was home to a booming sandstone quarry that put the town on the map.
Five South Sound Road Trips
King 5 Evening has announced the Olympia area’s Giant Metal Cows as one of Western Washington’s top Roadside Attractions.
Six Steps to Coffee Cupping Success
As featured on the recently launched South Sound Coffee Trail, the Olympia region’s roasters source and prepare a darn good…
Iconic Selfie Spots: Six Selfie Secrets From A New York Times Travel Photographer
We all know Washington state’s capital region for its iconic 287-foot dome, but courtesy of the team here at Experience…