Month: February 2023

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The Best Dog-Friendly Trails in Thurston and Pierce County

Dogs make great hiking partners – here are some of the best dog-friendly trails in Thurston and Pierce County

Are you looking for a way to make your next hike even more fun? Why not bring your four-legged best friend along for the adventure? There are tons of great trails in the Thurston and Pierce County area that are perfect for canine companions. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Blog Body:  Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Trail – This two-mile loop trail is located at the Martin Way entrance to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It’s an easy, flat trail with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and birds. Plus, dogs must be leashed at all times so you don’t have to worry about them running off into the woods!

Chimacum Creek Trail – This moderate 3-mile loop takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Start at the Chimacum Creek Park parking lot and follow the trail as it winds through lush forests and along sparkling creeks. Dogs must remain on a leash as there is livestock in some parts of this trail.

Mount Rainier National Park – Believe it or not, this iconic national park allows dogs on some of its trails! Leashed dogs are allowed on certain roads, meadows, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas throughout Mount Rainier National Park. Be sure to check out their website before planning your trip as only certain areas are open to canines.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more challenging trek, there’s something for everyone—including our furry friends—in Thurston and Pierce County! Remember to always keep Fido safely leashed during your hike and pay attention to posted signs regarding pet restrictions in various parks and trails. So lace up those hiking boots and hit one of these great dog-friendly trails today!   

Here’s hoping for clear skies and lots of tail-wagging fun ahead!

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10 Olympia Valentine’s Day Adventures

It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about what you’re going to do for your special someone on Valentine’s Day. If you’re stuck for ideas, never fear! We’ve put together a list of 10 fun things to do in Olympia this Valentine’s Day. So whether you’re looking for something active, romantic, or just plain fun, we’ve got you covered.

  1. Take a hike! What could be more romantic than exploring the great outdoors with your special someone? Puget Sound is full of beautiful hiking trails, and Olympia is lucky to have some great options right in its backyard. Check out Priest Point Park, Percival Landing, or one of the many other trails in the area for a Valentine’s Day hike you’ll both love.
  2. Visit a winery. Washington state is well-known for its wine, and there are plenty of great wineries to choose from right here in Olympia. Spend an afternoon touring a winery and tasting some of the best wines the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Cheers!
  3. Get crafty at a painting class. Unleash your inner artist with a painting class at one of Olympia’s many local art studios. Whether you consider yourself a master painter or have never picked up a brush before, you’re sure to have a blast (and maybe even end up with a masterpiece).
  4. Go stargazing. There’s nothing quite like looking up at the night sky and admiring the stars with the one you love. For an extra-romantic experience, head to Tumwater Falls Park where you can view the falls lit up at night while you stargaze. Perfection!
  5. Attend a comedy show. Laughing is said to be good for relationships, so why not double up on the love this Valentine’s Day with a trip to a comedy show? Check out what’s playing at The Capitol Theater or one of Olympia’s other great venues and get ready to laugh until your sides hurt.
  6. Make it a movie night. Sometimes the simplest things are the best things, and that definitely applies to movie nights! Curl up on the couch with some popcorn and your favorite person and enjoy a classic film or something new that you’ve been dying to see. Happy viewing!
  7. Treat yourselves to dessert. Who doesn’t love dessert? And what could be more romantic than sharing a decadent treat with your Valentine? Indulge your sweet tooth at one of Olympia’s many amazing bakeries or cafes. Yum!
  8. Get moving at an indoor rock climbing gym. For couples who like to keep things active, an afternoon of indoor rock climbing is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to overcome any fears of heights together!
  9. Browse through a local bookstore. What could be more romantic than spending an afternoon browsing through your favorite bookstore with your partner? If you need some help finding the perfect book, just ask one of the knowledgeable staff members – they’ll be happy to help!
  10. Plan a picnic lunch. Pack up some sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and whatever else sounds good, then head out to one of Olympia’s many lovely parks for a picnic lunch. This is definitely an activity that can be tailored to suit any couple’s taste – so go ahead and get creative!

Whatever your taste, there’s sure to be an activity on this list that will make your Valentine’s Day extra special this year! So get planning and enjoy all that Olympia has to offer this month of love.

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15 Romantic Date Night Ideas to Spice Up Your Love Life in the Puget Sound

If you’re looking for romantic date night ideas around the Puget Sound area, look no further! Whether you’re a Thurston County resident or a Pierce County native, there are plenty of activities to choose from. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor excursions, we’ve got 15 fun and romantic date night ideas that will help spice up your love life. Let’s get started!

Visit the Tacoma Glass Museum – Located in downtown Tacoma, the Tacoma Glass Museum is home to some of the most unique glass art in the Pacific Northwest. Take a tour together and explore hundreds of beautiful pieces of glasswork from artists around the world. And don’t forget to take a selfie with one of their famous Dale Chihuly sculptures in front of the museum!

Take an evening boat ride – Climb aboard one of Washington State Ferries’ vessels for an evening boat ride across Puget Sound. Enjoy a romantic sunset while taking in views of Seattle’s skyline, Mount Rainier, and other stunning sites along the way. You can even bring snacks or drinks on board for the perfect evening out on the water.

Go stargazing – Get away from city lights and head out to one of Thurston County’s dark sky preserves for some quality stargazing time. Pack some blankets, hot cocoa, and snacks for a romantic night under the stars – it’s sure to make your date extra special!

Have dinner at Rhein Haus – This German-inspired restaurant located near Tacoma Dome Station is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. With its Bavarian beer hall vibe and communal seating style, it’s sure to be a memorable experience!

Take part in an escape room challenge – Put your problem-solving skills to the test by taking part in an escape room challenge together! It’s an exciting way to bond as you work together towards completing puzzles and finding clues to help you “escape”. Escape rooms are popping up all over Thurston County – so go ahead and give it a try!


Visit one of Olympia’s breweries – Olympia has become quite well-known for its craft beer scene – so why not take advantage? Visit one (or more!) of Olympia’s local breweries for some samples (and maybe even take home a growler). Be sure to check their websites first as many have limited hours or require online reservations due to Covid-19 restrictions.


Go on a hike – There are plenty of hiking trails around Thurston county that offer breathtaking views and incredible landscapes perfect for couples who love nature walks or are just looking for something different than your typical dinner-and-a-movie kind of date night!

Explore Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – If you’re looking for something outdoorsy but less intense than hiking, try exploring Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge together instead! This wildlife refuge is home to several species of animals such as bald eagles, seals, otters, and more – all waiting to be discovered by you two lovebirds!

Attend an outdoor concert – With our lovely spring weather here comes lots of opportunities for outdoor concerts around Thurston county – so grab your tickets early before they sell out! Live music makes everything better – plus dancing with your significant other under twinkling stars is always an added bonus when it comes to romance…

Visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium– What better way to show off your animal knowledge than by visiting Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium? Learn about fascinating creatures from all over the world while also spending quality time with each other? It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something fun yet an educational activity that both you AND your partner can enjoy!

Go wine tasting at The Northwood Winery– Located in Olympia near Tumwater Falls Park, The Northwood Winery offers wine tastings throughout the year — making it the perfect destination if both you & your partner are fans of vino

Take salsa lesson– Looking to add a little bit of spice into the relationship? Try taking salsa lessons together at El Centro de la Raza! Not only will these classes teach two how to dance beautiful Latin dances like salsa cha cha, bachata , also great way to spend quality time with each other

Check out local farmer’s market– Visiting local farmer’s markets like Olympia Farmers Market and Franklin Farmers Market great way to support the community while enjoying fresh produce

Play mini golf course– Grab a putter and head over to one Thurston county mini golf courses like Sprinker Recreation Center Fun Forest Arcade Mini Golf and enjoy game friendly competition

Head beach and watch the sunset – To end your day on a high note, visit the beach and witness the sun slowly sinking beneath the horizon. As you marvel at this majestic sight, take pleasure in listening to the sound of waves crashing onto the shoreline.

As you plan your romantic date night in the Puget Sound region, look no further than these 15 activities! From outdoor expeditions to cozy bedtime stories shared indoors—there is something special for everyone. Don’t forget that having fun and creating memories is of utmost importance. Here’s to happy dating!

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Dog-Friendly Activities in Thurston County – The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re a Thurston county resident or just visiting, Thurston county is a great place to bring your furry friend for some fun activities. From the parks and trails, to the dog-friendly restaurants, there are plenty of places that welcome your pup with open arms. Let’s take a look at some of the best activities for you and your pup in Thurston county!

Hiking Trails

Thurston County is home to several beautiful hiking trails that you can explore with Fido. One of the most popular destinations is Budd Inlet Trail, located along the shores of Budd Inlet in Olympia. This moderate trail offers incredible views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. If you’re looking for something a bit more strenuous, try out Capitol Forest near Shelton. This trail offers several routes ranging from easy to difficult, with plenty of wildlife sightings along the way.

Dog Parks

Are you looking for an off-leash area where your pup can run free? Thurston County has several dog parks that allow your pup to roam leash-free and make friends with other pups. Some of our favorites include Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) near Olympia and Chehalis Riverfront Park in Centralia. Both parks offer plenty of space for playtime and exploration.

Restaurants & Breweries

Looking for a delicious meal or beverage after a long day out? Look no further than one of Thurston county’s many dog-friendly restaurants and breweries. From seafood spots like Oyster House at Point Defiance to craft breweries like Top Rung Brewing Co., you can find plenty of delicious options for you and Fido alike! Just be sure to keep an eye on your pup while dining outdoors – no one likes an unruly pup!

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or delicious food, Thurston County is sure to have an activity that will both entertain you and give Fido some much-needed exercise! With its wide variety of dog-friendly trails, parks, restaurants, and breweries, there’s something here everyone can enjoy – two-legged friends included! So, grab those leashes and get out there – there are plenty of adventures waiting just outside your door!

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