Road Trip: Thurston County's Small Communities
Now is the time to hop in your car and savor a bit of rejuvenating slow-down time in the smaller communities of Thurston County.
Check out the back roads of Thurston's most beloved communities.
Road trips call for snacks of all kinds. Check out Country Corner Market or Bailey’s IGA for snacks and supplies.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/AdobeStock1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=237dd58b20f5f26611ee0114c1227134 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/AdobeStock1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=bc32f4c209f78b9b9d6f6466a36611fc 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/AdobeStock1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=9329415b0861cdb9438d034529adf229 708w)
Load Up In Rochester
Road trips call for snacks of all kinds. Check out Country Corner Market or Bailey’s IGA for snacks and supplies.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/festival.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=abd9f8d9d0bcf7b655698a7bf160dfa3 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/festival.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=12b5d85d87bf379dd7313fdd57ee296f 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/festival.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=56cf90f5ee8c0b51f193870d59ab7e8a 720w)
Head Eastward to Tenino
Take a leisurely drive eastward on US-12, which turns into Old Hwy 99 SW. Soak up the countryside views or take a detour north from Rochester (on Littlerock Rd. SW) to visit the Mima Mounds to experience their unique geology. See what rural Thurston County has to offer on your way to downtown Tenino.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/2018_Nick_Verbelchuck1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=51593c8850cea5f761285e6e9611b820 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/2018_Nick_Verbelchuck1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=45cbbce76d6a157908488ede392ab2a7 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/2018_Nick_Verbelchuck1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=08c6206e62df25cfb1594e4c68597fb8 711w)
Afternoon in Tiny Town Tenino
There are so many reasons to love Tiny Town Tenino from its terrific bike trails to its quirky downtown scene. Enjoy an excursion to the unconventional and unforgettable Monarch Sculpture Park or bring along friends and family members of all ages for a biking adventure along the Yelm-Tenino Trail. If you plan your trip for a Saturday, you can always stop by the Tenino Farmer’s Market for fresh produce or an afternoon snack.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/bridgebikes.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=8295ec9701bf6465f15618aa1efd21a9 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/bridgebikes.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=570984df878463376c055ac4896ae3c8 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/bridgebikes.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=4e30c7e3e73795d6d7f0a2e195aa3c98 711w)
Late Lunch, Early Dinner or Both
Road tripping is hard work, and you shouldn’t skip out on any good eats. If you’re still in Tenino when the cravings hit, try out Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen (open Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 8 p.m.) Their Carne Asada will keep you full all afternoon! Already on the road to Yelm? Grab a slice of authentic Italian pizza at Pizzeria La Gitana (open daily, hours vary) or a burger bowl and craft cocktail from Uptown Lounge (open Wednesday through Sunday, hours vary). Your stomach will thank you!
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/dinnertoast.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=4e25971a5830ef9b0e4f75c2fee3c16a 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/dinnertoast.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=a1d0af6153800da19b5edf0265e7add1 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/dinnertoast.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6a5284b2db3bc0a4fb508c62a37fce05 712w)
East and North through Rainier and Yelm
Enjoy the small-town vibes and backcountry sights as you journey out of Tenino (East along 507) through Rainier and into Yelm. If you need a pick-me-up, be sure to stop in at Glenda's Espresso in Rainier (pro-tip: they've got biscuits and gravy on the weekends!). As you enter Yelm, consider stopping to stretch your legs at idyllic Cochrane Memorial Park. Once in town, head north (along 510), passing through the Nisqually Indian Community and returning to I-5 in Lacey.
Lacey Producer's District
For one last hurrah before heading home, consider a mini tasting tour through the Lacey Producer’s District. Popular stops include Top Rung Brewing Co, Stottle Winery, and Axis Meads. If you have the kids in tow or are looking to spend more time outdoors, a visit to the beaches of Tolmie State Park is another fantastic way to round out your daycation.
Don’t forget to share
Spend the weekend and find dining, lodging, events, festivals and entertainment ideas at www.experienceolympia.com. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).