Top Swim Spots In the Olympia Region
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.
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.
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…
Featured Stories
Join the Rainier Bluegrass Festival in Celebrating 30 Years
Hop On E‑bikes To Explore Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater And Scenic Thurston County With Ease
Kayaking in Olympia: Woodard Bay Conservation Area
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
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
Tips From a Pro – Trails for Every Kind of Hiker
Top Pizza Places in Olympia, Lacey, and Beyond
Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program: Serving Communities, Promoting Success
Ask any of this year’s contestants, or any of the community members and businesses that have worked the past two…
Celebrating Washington’s Unique and Diverse Maritime Cultures — Maritime Washington National Heritage Area
Over the next year, the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is working with local residents and organizations like Experience…
Top 10 Things to Do in Yelm
Looking for something a bit different for the summer travel calendar? Spend some time in spectacular viewing range of Mount…
Where To Find Indian and Middle Eastern Cuisine in the Olympia Region
Rich, flavorful, spicy, and incredibly delectable are interchangeable descriptions of both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Though two very differing…
Local Maker Spotlight: Three Magnets Brewing Co Takes Non-Alcoholic Beer to Another Level
The crew at Three Magnets Brewing Co. in downtown Olympia clearly love making craft beer, and so it makes sense…
This Romantic Bed and Breakfast Pampers Guests While Building Community
Looking for a romantic getaway, some quality "me-time", or a trip back in time to historic Olympia? Look no further…
Local Maker Highlight: Talking Cedar Brewery & Distillery Taps Into Regional Grain Supply
Just outside the bustling downtown of the capital city of Olympia lie lush and fertile farmlands where growers and craftsmen…
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…
Where To Find European Cuisine in the Olympia Region
Bon appétit, buon appetito, guten appetit ... however you say it, we hope you've come hungry for some of our…
Sourcing Local Ingredients: Gochujang and Honey-Glazed Salmon
Boat In and Enjoy the Fall Bounty in the Heart of the South Sound
Summer in Olympia is a boater's dream, we can't deny, but the region lights up with warm gold and amber…
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…
4 Stops for Fall Farm Fun
Fall is here and farms all over Thurston County are ready for visitors to pick their perfect pumpkins, get lost…
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…