Top Rainy Day Activities
Once you’ve had your fill of tea and TV on these chilly, overcast days, toss the blanket aside and experience…
Meet Our Makers
Discover the people who give Thurston County its distinctive character and creative spirit.
Local Makers, Artisans, and Craftspeople in Olympia and Beyond
Thurston County is shaped by the people who create, grow, and craft with intention, and these stories celebrate the makers behind the work. From farmers and ranchers stewarding the land to chefs and restaurateurs turning local ingredients into memorable meals, creativity here is deeply rooted in place.
You’ll meet artisans and craftspeople—stone carvers, brewers, artists, and builders—whose skills have been honed through patience, tradition, and innovation. Each story offers a closer look at the passion, process, and purpose that go into what they make. Together, these stories reveal a vibrant community where craftsmanship thrives, and connections are forged through shared values and local pride.
Olympia Harbor Days
Olympia Harbor Days (OHD) is an annual free non-profit festival celebrating the maritime heritage of the Puget Sound in Olympia…
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…
Top 10 Things to Do in Yelm
Looking for something a bit different to add to your travel calendar? Spend some time in the spectacular viewing range…
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…
InGenius Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique
Don’t miss a visit to the hottest PNW arts destination in rural Thurston County, a wonderful point of interest for…
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…
George Bush: Tumwater’s Trailblazing Pioneer
When visitors explore Tumwater today, they are stepping into a community shaped by remarkable pioneers. Among the most influential was…
Your Guide to Family-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Adventures in Yelm, WA
Welcome to Yelm, Washington, where majestic Mount Rainier serves as a breathtaking backdrop to a vibrant community and a wealth…
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…
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…
Colvin Ranch: Bringing Back the Prairie
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…
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…
Celebrate Swede Day in Rochester
Olympia Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the only vendor-owned and operated farmers markets in The State of Washington. Visit…
A Pooch’s Paradise: The Best Places to Bring Your Dog in the Olympia Region
Traveling with your dog can be a blast! But finding a place to travel with your canine companion can sometimes…
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.
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…
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…
Sofie’s Scoops — Olympia’s Small Batch Gelateria
At Sofie's Scoops Gelateria in Olympia, every scoop tells a story of handcrafted deliciousness. Their commitment to small-batch production ensures…
Where Learning Grows: Explore Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm
Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm is more than just a farm - it's a hub for community-building and…
Lost Peacock Creamery: A Symphony of Sustainability and Flavor
In a world where so much of our food system takes from the land without giving back, Lost Peacock Creamery…