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!

*Originally published in Travel Noire by Maggie J. August 4, 2022

Visit Olympia, Washington in 24-hours. Ever find yourself with a delay at Sea Tac Airport and don’t feel like going to Seattle? Olympia is only an hour away from the airport. This adorable town is like a time capsule. Couples can be seen out walking their dogs after dinner, everyone coming out for the kids’ baseball games. There are also day trips and a popular farmers market.Olympian’s attitudes are woke. The pride this city has in its support for the Black and LGBTQIA+ community is seen on every, single block. Whether that’s residential or commercial. It isn’t just the signage, it’s the attitude that supports the pieces of paper seen everywhere in town.

When visiting, travelers to the Olympia area can hike with a curated symphonic playlist. Go to a wine tasting or wine bar. Check out the competition (and food) at a BBQ Rally. Spend time walking the boardwalk. Enjoy creative and sophisticated cuisine. Spend the night downtown and walk to the farmer’s market in the morning for live music and breakfast. Plus, there are tons of nature trails, hidden on back streets. Both easy and difficult in nature.24-hours in Olympia, Washington isn’t enough to take in all this illustrious, bustling and diverse waterfront town offers its guests. But, we’ll try!

Take A Walk Along the Boardwalk

Spend some time on a walk along the boardwalk. Percival Landing is a mile-long walk with restaurants, shops and a park all along the waterside. See sailboats, interesting houseboats and climb the tower for a view of Puget Sound. If you go early enough, you can visit the farmer’s market too.

Breakfast and Live Music at The Olympia Farmer’s Market

The second largest farmer’s market in the state, The Olympia Farmer’s Market is open four days a week in the summertime. While you can stock up on all the groceries you need here including eggs, produce, meat and dairy, it’s probably best to just get a bowl of locally grown cherries since you only have 24 hours in Olympia, Washington.

With several food truck style options for breakfast and lunch, market-goers can taste anything from Belgium waffles to Tiki Masala.

Coffee

This is Washington after all. And everyone here loves their coffee (not Starbucks). Most highly-rated coffee shops are drive up little establishments with knowledgeable and crafty baristas. There are some great roasters in town too though. Buzz by Olympia Coffee Roasting to check out their sweet roasting set up and to pick up on of their delicious Iced Vanilla Breves. Or, for a quick sip, try Madres Espresso.

Go to a BBQ Cook-off

Get in on some lip-smackingly good BBQ at the Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally. This annual family friendly event hosts pie eating contests, local talent and the best BBQ you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest.

The crowd favorites were the Black-owned businesses. Both Comfort Food Café & Snack Bar and the family run Jerk an Tingz had the longest lines and most bangin’ BBQ.

Take a Cruise

Take a 60-mile cruise around The Thurston Bountiful Byway to discover Washington Farms, wineries and more! Driving through the area’s deciduous forest is like something out of a storybook. Stop in at a farm and pick your own food. Purchase hand crafted, local gifts for friends and family. Go to goat yoga. The options are plentiful.

Visit Waterfalls

Four waterfalls flow within about 30 miles of Olympia, Washington. Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is at the end of the Deschutes River and falls 82 feet. Easy access for all abilities, the views around this park are splendid.

With 110-acres, Capitol State Forest has SO many hiking trails. Getting to the Mims Waterfall takes a couple of miles of easy hiking. The other two falls lie about 30 miles out of town; the Deschutes Falls and Little Mashel River Waterfalls.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Learn about wine from all over the world at Rumor’s Wine Bar. Get a taste of wines from around the globe. “Curated selections just for you… Old world, domestics and imports from the finest variety of wineries around.”

For a creative and sophisticated meal made by the owners, make a reservation at Chicory Restaurant. The vegetable tempura and the steamed clams are the way to go here.

End the night out at Buzz’s Bar & Grill. Open until 2 a.m. and serving food too, it’s the perfect place to party with the locals. Great views, fun vibes with pool tournaments and open mic nights.

Breakfast at Hash is a Must

With 24-hours in Olympia, Washington travelers can go to Hash at least twice. Yes, it’s that good. Seating options for both indoor and outdoor are nice. As is the hospitality.

Open up your Instagram stories and start with the Cinnamon Roll. Then, the Moco Loco or the burrito. Their hash options are fire too, obvs! Oh, and remember to sign up for one of their delicious mimosas.

Spend the weekend and find dining, lodging, events, festivals and entertainment ideas at www.experienceolympia.com. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).

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