Slow Food Greater Olympia | Good, Clean, Fair Food for Everyone
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.
Step into History, Celebrate in Style at The Kodiak Room
Seeking a venue that's as unique and memorable as your love story or special event? The Kodiak Room, a historic…
Start Your E‑Bike Excursion at the Charming Swantown Inn Bed and Breakfast in Olympia
Finding new ways for visitors and locals to actively explore the beautiful Olympia area is why the Swantown Inn offers…
Basilico Ristorante — We Bring Italy to You
Redefining authentic Italian cooking starts by creating an artisanal experience. Basilico Ristorante creates rich and diverse dishes that reflects the…
Ricardo’s Kitchen + Bar: A Memorable Dining Experience
Tucked away inconspicuously in a business district in Lacey, Ricardo’s Kitchen and Bar is a family-owned steakhouse serving customers a…
Browsers Bookshop and Ossa Skinworks: Transforming Community Through Connection
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re delving into the inspiring journey of two trailblazers and the ripple effects of…
Experience Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar’s Tide-To-Table Dining
Broadfields Farm’s Reclaimed Farmland Cultivates Community
Small, local farms are the heartbeat of their communities, extending far beyond their fields. They foster a vibrant tapestry, intertwining…
Olympia Bed Store — Building Better Bedding
Capital Mall
Remember when hanging out at the mall with your friends was super cool? You've grown up since then, and luckily…
Sail Around South Puget Sound with the Olympia Sailing Company
Capacity and Quality Makes Talking Cedar A Solid Partner for Craft Distillers
What if the traditional way of distilling single malt whiskey was flipped on its head – where flavor comes first…
Ikonic Wings in Lacey — Consistently Crispy, Unforgettably Unique
Once you’ve had an Ikonic Wing, it becomes clear pretty quickly that Kelly Wynn knew what she was doing when…
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…
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 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…
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…
Road Trip: Thurston County Lavender Farms
July and August is lavender season in Thurston County! Grab your camera and your wallet and take a tour just…