48 Hours in Olympia, WA

We recently took a trip down to Olympia, Washington. Situated on the southeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, the state capital city encircles the southern tip of Puget Sound, called Budd Inlet, which (eventually) finds its way up north of Seattle and empties into the Pacific Ocean.

The scenery is gorgeous, weather was warmer than in Vancouver and the people were all so friendly. Like it’s neighbour Portland, there’s a real sense of community here, the feeling that everyone in the food and drink scene is elevating its standards together.

Initially, Curtis and I couldn’t believe we haven’t explored this area before. I’m already planning a return next year, with an added trip around the Olympic Peninsula.

We ate so well the entire trip, not one bad meal. Instead just amazing dishes, one after the other. With amazing views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Capitol Lake, all from downtown.

When we arrived, we met the American Cancer Society at Rutledge Farms. They were hosting a media event to show off their corn maze for the fall in support of the ACS. We took a helicopter ride over the city and the corn maze. Was such a fun way to start our trip!

The next morning we were lucky enough to get a tour by Shina, one of the owners of Chelsea Oyster Farms! Beautiful location in an inlet, saw first hand how they farm the oysters, geoducks and other shellfish. The Lentz’s have always practiced organic sustainable farming with an environmental obligation to the South Sound and Pacific Northwest as a whole.

Watch My Travel Vlog from Olympia

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Hotel RL which was located nicely between where we wanted to go each day.

There are 192 spacious guestrooms offer all the amenities you expect, including Red Lion’s signature plus Sealy pillowtop bedding, EcoFresh Environmentally Responsible Products (ERP), complimentary wi-fi, a 24-hour business center, a fitness center and a beautiful seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool as well as free parking.

Where to Eat

Iron Rabbit Restaurant and Bar

Dinner was enjoyed at this local spot, I ordered the polenta portobello tower and Curtis happily ate their Iron burger. It’s in an unassuming strip mall, but don’t let that fool you.

Chelsea Farm Oyster Bar

We sampled local geoduck crudo, oysters from the farm (so delicious!) and their famous chowder. After visiting their oyster farm, we have a greater appreciation for the craft and labour behind it. Also so cool to see geoducks in their natural habitat.

La Petite Maison

This was our favourite meal of the whole weekend. The chef spoilt us with a five course meal with wine pairings and apertifs. Word’s cannot describe how amazing each dish was! Also the kick-ass wine pairings.

Chef Justin Wells opened a restaurant when he was 19, then took on being a wine appraiser and now marries those two talents in his new French restaurant with his wife Zoe by his side. It’s located in a historical 1903 home, complete with stained glass windows. Still dreaming about the spot prawns in a roe butter sauce. Yum!

Our Table

We were told numerous times that we needed to eat breakfast at Our Table. Their menu is farm-table style, with fresh, organic produce and locally sourced proteins in this cute diner.

Olympia Farmers Market

Beautiful space for a farmers market. There were a ton of vendors from produce, seafood to local artisans and little food stalls outside. Curtis and I picked up a few baked goods to enjoy back at the hotel and I also purchased a face mist from a local vendor, Pure Luxe Apothecary.

Where to Drink

Dillinger’s Cocktails and Kitchen

The marble and mahogany-lined remains of a butcher shop and bank vault help make Dillingers more than just a mere Prohibition nod. This spot was recommended a few times to us to go to, but we didn’t make it there this time.

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.

Pick up a pastry and watch as your cup is slow-brewed under a state-of-the-art Poursteady machine. It’s also a bright, airy space you can work in or rest your feet from all the vintage shopping.

Local Breweries

What to Do

Tour the State Capitol

You can take a free guided tour and it’s definitely worth it. It is an American cathedral that has the largest collection of Tiffany-made light fixtures anywhere. Completed in 1928 after six years of construction, serves as both a working governmental center and a symbol of Washington’s free and democratic government. The capitol building is the centerpiece of the five historic buildings designed by New York architects Walter Wilder and Harry White.

Spend a day the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest every August

Taste offerings from 45 different Pacific Northwest breweries, there’s something for everyone. Curtis is already planning on returning next year. I went for all the ciders, like the pineapple one by Portland Cider Company. So refreshing! And it’s really inexpensive to attend, tickets start at $25 and that includes 5 tastings and additional tastings are $1 each! We couldn’t believe it.

Take a bike tour of breweries or coffee shops

Enjoy a stroll, run or bike ride around Capital Lake

Visit Mt. Rainier just a short drive from Olympia

Explore the vintage shops

We checked out a few shops carrying antiques, vintage clothing, odds and ends and I wish I brought that owl tapestry home with me.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or coffee at Tumwater Falls Park

In the late summer/early fall, you can even witness the salmon run here. It’s right beside the old Olympia Brewery, which is now closed after a century.

Have you been to Olympia? What are your favourite spots to see and do in this city?

This post was in collaboration with Experience Olympia. And a big thank you to Hotel RL for hosting us.