Thurston County in Bloom: Your Guide to Spring Wildflowers
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.
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.
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.
Featured Stories
5 Local Gems for Your Spring Staycation
Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond
Kid-Friendly Breweries Around the Olympia Region
Where to Find Donuts in Olympia & Beyond
Events, Entertainment, and Excitement at the Thurston County Fairgrounds
Top Fishing Spots in Olympia & Beyond
Spa & Wellness Escapes in Olympia & Thurston County
Six Indie Bookstore Gems
A Taste of Thailand in Olympia and Thurston County: Where to Find the Best Dishes
Where to Find Pickleball Courts in Olympia & Beyond
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
Get your heart pumping with a quick run, explore a forest that feels a world away from the city or…
Where to Find Thurston County’s Top Breakfast Sandwiches
Looking for a hearty, hand-held meal to get your day of exploring started right? Look to these local recommendations for…
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…
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…
Top Swim Spots In the Olympia Region
Our locals have a saying, 'It's the water.' After an afternoon in one of the region's iconic swimming spots, you'll…
Where to See a Concert in Olympia & Beyond
Uncover live venues in the Olympia region with our list of local theater and restaurant venues.
Compete In and Experience the Washington State Senior Games
Whether you've come to participate in the games or to cheer on family and friends, the Washington State Senior Games…
RuralTRANSIT — Free Transit For All
A visit to the region is not complete without an exploration of the scenic local economies of south Thurston County…
Top 5 Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Olympia and Beyond
Commemorate our fallen heroes for this Memorial Day weekend and embark on a military-centered itinerary in the Olympia region.
Kid-Friendly Breweries Around the Olympia Region
In recent years, the explosion of craft beer has brought more urban and family-friendly breweries to cities and main streets…
Where to Find Great Latin Cuisine in Olympia and Beyond
Olympia and the greater Thurston County area offer a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of its…
Mother’s Day Brunches & Events in Thurston County
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Olympia, WA, and beyond with good food, fresh air, and meaningful time together.
You Belong Here
Olympia is a welcoming and passionate community – full of independent thinkers, hard workers, local craftsmen, and artists inspired by…
Colvin Ranch: Bringing Back the Prairie
Best Outdoor Adventures Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Here, natural beauty abounds and you have permission to slow down and go at your own pace.
5 Local Gems for Your Spring Staycation
Get spontaneous and explore the places you’ve been meaning to visit but never get around to. Make the most of…
Guide to Non-Alcoholic Beer at Three Magnets Brewing Co.
The crew at Three Magnets Brewing Co. in downtown Olympia clearly love making craft beer, and so it makes sense…
Savor Flavor at the NEW Tenino Agriculture Innovation Park!
Get ready to experience the future of food and farming at the Tenino Agriculture Innovation Park, a 13-acre hub where…
Events, Entertainment, and Excitement at the Thurston County Fairgrounds
With its rich history, the Thurston County Fairgrounds offers unique meeting spaces for a variety of community events. Whether you're…
Regenerative Roots: Meet Sundowner Farm
Showcasing their fresh produce at the Olympia Farmers Market, Sundowner Farm is a testament to sustainable agriculture. Embracing organic and…
Explore Thurston County on Intercity Transit
Intercity Transit is your go-to for public transportation in Olympia — home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning…
Easter Activities Around Thurston County
Celebrate Easter in the Olympia region with a wide assortment of activities and events.
Six Great Korean Restaurants In Olympia and Lacey
Our guide to experiencing amazing Korean food here in Thurston County.