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Capital city of Washington, United States
Photo: Brylie Oxley, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Olympia is the capital of Washington State, and the seat of Thurston County in the South Sound region. The small city of 56,000 (2020) has a diverse economic base, and is a breeding ground for alternative culture in the Pacific Northwest, having spawned or influenced many of the region's better-known personalities.
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Olympia's oldest surviving home, built in 1850s when Washington was a territory. Oregon Trail Pioneers Daniel and Ann Elizabeth Bigelow were early advocates of women's voting rights, public education and the rule of law. Home to the same family until 2005, it contains original furnishings, photos and documents dating back to the 1860s.
Public baccalaureate liberal arts college, known for alumni such as Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill), Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney, Portlandia) and Matt Groening (The Simpsons). Beautiful forested campus with miles of secluded hiking trails and beach access.
One of the largest freestanding masonry domes in the world. Hourly walk-in building tours. Separate botanical tours of the landscaping of West Capitol Campus, designed by the Olmstead Brothers firm, are offered M-F by appointment only.
Historical aircraft with a focus on World War II to Vietnam period.
Great rail trail for bicycling. The Trail is paved and close to 20 miles (32 km) long. Goes along lakes, farms, orchards, suburban developments and a river.
The Hands On Children's Museum stimulates curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children.
South Puget Sound's largest performing arts facility provides a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.
The South Sound Wine Trail extends from Lacey through Olympia to Shelton and includes 7 wineries. Includes stops at Medicine Creek Winery, Madsen Family Cellars, Northwest Mountain Winery, Stottle Winery, Olympia Wine Tasting Bar (McCrea Cellars & Vina Salida), and Walter Dacon. During your tour you will often have the chance to speak with the winemakers and owners to receive unique insight into their wines.
If you like chicken, try the "Breasts and Jos".
A Big Tom with the works. Milkshakes and crinkle fries are also excellent. Bring cash and a hearty appetite.
On Olympia waterfront. Upper scale fine dining.
The Spar
The oldest restaurant/bar in town, dating back to the 1930s. Great atmosphere, food and libations.
One of the most popular restaurants in Olympia with excellent and often unusual flavors of pizza. All of them are delicious.
Very similar to Vic's. Movie posters line the walls of this restaurant.
3 locations in Olympia. Another very popular pizzeria.
The Mark is the only certified organic restaurant in Washington. Local ingredients are used when possible. Banquet facilities available. Reservations recommended.
Beer and burgers.
McCoy's
The best dive bar in Olympia. Loud music, graffiti, cheap strong drinks and a sweet outdoor patio. "Like hanging out with the roadies after an awesome show"
Arty dive restaurant, lounge and performance venue with a vegan heavy menu, particularly well fried garlic fries. Large diverse international and domestic bottle beer fridge and local/domestics on tap. All-age performance venue till 10PM, well-known for its punk shows.
A 1887 Queen Anne/Eastlake Victorian Mansion listed on both the city and state historical registers. Located in a quiet neighborhood.
One of the largest farmers markets in the state. The market's schedule is seasonal.
A self-proclaimed "radical, independent bookstore" which deals almost exclusively in used-books, Last Word was started in 2002 by Evergreen College alumni. Crammed with every book you could want (other than current bestsellers, and romance novels) amid ambling, complex shelves which migrate every few months, it is difficult to imagine anywhere less reminiscent of Barnes & Noble. Chat with the cashier, attempt to pet the deaf (?) cat, and wander its weirdness. They also buy books for cash or trade.
cannabis dispensary featuring an attached cafe that serves coffee & food, and hosting live music and events.
By car
Olympia is along Interstate 5 (I-5), approximately 65 mi south of Seattle (65 min) and 100 mi (2 hr) north of Portland.
By bus
See their website for a list of additional local routes in and around Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater.
By train
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Olympia · Regional · OLM
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