2024 Holiday Shopping and Activity Guide
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
Top Places to See Christmas Lights in Olympia and Beyond
Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at These Family-Friendly Farms
Six Indie Bookstore Gems
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
An Insider’s Guide to The Olympia Region’s Burger Joints
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
Downtown Olympia
In Olympia's downtown, you will find a rich diversity of community who come together as a confluence of personalities, perspectives…
Washington State Capitol Campus
Located in Olympia, Capitol Campus is the hub of Washington state government and civic engagement. This is where the Legislature…
Where to Find Hand-Crafted Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
In the evergreen landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, a fascinating shift is brewing—one that celebrates the art of savoring without…
Where to Find Pickleball Courts in Olympia & Beyond
Ready to have some fun and get active in Thurston County? Grab your paddle and head to one of the…
Top Places to See Christmas Lights in Olympia and Beyond
Celebrate the holidays in Thurston County with twinkling displays and annual tree lightings.
Six Indie Bookstore Gems
Discover a world of literary wonders and support local businesses at these indie bookstore gems!
Free Things to Do Around Olympia
Explore a variety of free activities around Thurston County.
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
There's no better way to spend a weekend in the Olympia region than lazy mornings with family, friends, a great…
2024 Holiday Shopping and Activity Guide
If you're looking for festive activities, holiday happenings, or great shopping ideas, you've come to the right place. Scroll through…
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at These Family-Friendly Farms
Over the river and through the woods ... but Grandma's house will have to wait. We've got a Christmas Tree…
Explore Thurston County on Intercity Transit
Intercity Transit is your go-to for getting around Olympia — home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning natural…
The Best Yoga and Pilates Studios in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater & Beyond
Unroll your mat, energize your body, and calm your mind in scenic Thurston County.
Family Fun at Rutledge Family Farm
Since opening its doors in 2000, Rutledge Family Farm has become a cherished destination for families and visitors, offering a…
InGenius Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique
Don’t miss a visit to the hottest new arts destination in Thurston County, a wonderful point of interest for those…
Top 9 Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey & Beyond
On sunny days with clear skies, it is hard to imagine a more beautiful destination than the Olympia region. Surrounded…
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in the Olympia Region
Cooking an entire Thanksgiving dinner is overrated - especially when you have access to so many amazing restaurants ready and…
Treasures of the Sound: Salish Seafoods’ Sustainable Shellfish
The Squaxin Island people have deep traditions in the harvesting of food from the Salish Sea, an inland sea encompassing…
Top Six Rainy Day Adventures
Once you’ve had your fill of tea and TV on these chilly, overcast days, toss the blanket aside and get…
Winter Hiking Adventures in Olympia’s Frye Cove County Park and Watershed Park
Ready to embark on a winter adventure among the evergreens of Olympia? If you bundle up right and make sure…
Six Great Korean Restaurants In Olympia and Lacey
Our guide to experiencing amazing Korean food here in Thurston County.
Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
If you’re looking for independently owned retail stores that offer a curated selection of unique, high-quality products, you’ve come to…
Unique Shopping Experiences Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Beginning at the heart of the state’s capital in Olympia, the Thurston Bountiful Byway winds through the picturesque landscape of…
26 Fun Facts About Thurston County
As the capital city of Washington, there is a lot about Olympia and the surrounding Thurston County that many people…
Celebrate at Indian Summer