A Nature Ed-Venture
Here, educational opportunities await in the beautiful outdoor spaces that make up our destination.
This fall, get off the Zoom calls and experience all the Thurston Bountiful Byway has to offer!
Throughout the summer, and beyond, our team will concoct monthly daycation itineraries. Let us take away the indecision and pressure of making plans and give you an easy option to enjoy ALL our region has to offer.
Grab A Hot Beverage To Go
Olympic Crest Coffee Roasters is Lacey’s only full-service coffee company, offering customers a look at the most state-of-the-art roasting technology which uses infrared burners and heat exchangers for a cleaner roast. Grab a fresh pastry and a hot beverage for the road!
Watch The Birdie
Allow about 20 minutes from the roastery to get to the Woodard Bay Conservation Area just north of Lacey. Designated by the legislature in 1987, it’s one of the first conservation areas of its kind in the state. A former log transfer site once operated by Weyerhaeuser, this sanctuary provides wetland habitat for shorebirds and songbirds, harbor seals, river otters, bald eagles, a large maternity colony of bats, and one of the most significant heron rookeries in the state.
Hiking trails include a forested loop-trail, and another that is barrier-free, overlooking Woodard Bay.
Lunch And Farm Fun
With such a busy morning, the family will be ready for a handcrafted burger and fries at the Medicine Creek Café. Kids eat FREE here, and a takeout menu is available.
From the cafe, it’s a 5-minute drive to Schilter Family Farm with something for the whole family. New this year is an outdoor trike trek, zip swings and a "beer barn" for the adults. Of course, the farm staff invite you to view the many animals in the barn where baby goats welcome selfies with you.
The Rutledge Corn Maze, just 15 minutes south of Lacey, also offers a legendary corn maze experience among other activities for kids, including story time with Spookley The Square Pumpkin. For the supernatural experience of a lifetime, show up after dark for the haunted version of the maze. Book your ticket online, in advance, if you plan to visit.
Make sure to pick up a pumpkin at either Schilter Family Farm or the Rutledge Corn Maze to be ready for the season!
Dinner
If you are looking for a dinner spot, check out Brewery City Pizza. The first restaurant opened in 1982 as a ode to the region’s beer brewing history. There are three locations in Thurston County for your convenience and their menus feature traditional and cauliflower crust!
Don’t forget to share
Don’t miss out on any of these easy to plan adventures. Check back monthly for new trip ideas and daycations (or staycation if you’re a local) and don’t forget to share! Tag your social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).