Category: Puget Sound Adventures

One of my favorite parts of living in the Olympia area is the close proximity to the ocean, mountains, and big cities. Although Olympia has plenty to explore in its 20 square miles, there is even more to see beyond its borders. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fun small towns here in Northwestern Washington.

Ocean Shores and Westport:

Located an hour and a half west of Olympia, Ocean Shores and Westport are two little beach towns ready for a weekend break. Now that summer is upon us, the sandy beaches are a perfect way to cool down when the temperatures climb. For Star Wars fans, stop in Aberdeen at the Star Wars Shop and pick up some memorabilia before hitting the coast.

When you arrive at the beach, take some time to surf or make a small fire. Hot dogs taste incredible next to the ocean. If you are at Westport, grab some ice cream on the boardwalk and watch the fishermen bring in the days catch. At Ocean Shores, pop by the strip mall and grab a tee shirt commemorating your trip. You can also take a picture next to the giant shark at Sharky’s.

To cap off the day, grab dinner at Galway Bay in Ocean Shores (the chicken pasty is incredible) or pop into the Westport Winery for sandwiches and a few wine samples.

Port Townsend and Port Angeles:

Located around 2 hours northwest of Olympia sits Port Townsend and Port Angeles. These small towns are home to history and adventure. In Port Angeles, there is a delightful drive thru fudge shop called WeDo fudge. The staff is great and the fudge is delicious. The city also hosts a lavender festival in mid July so bring your cameras and enjoy the calming plant.

In between the two towns is Troll Haven, a wacky destination filled with carved, wooden trolls. They make an excellent photo spot and the kids will have a great time exploring the grounds. The property is great for weddings and other special events in this warm season.

As a final stop, check out Port Townsend. Their downtown has excellent antique shops and a beautiful waterfront. They also have a great art and history museum complete with an old jail in the basement. According to some, the downstairs is haunted, so visit at your own risk. Before you head out, be sure to drive through the historical district and look at the beautiful old homes.

Steilacoom:

Just a 20 minute drive north of Olympia sits the small town of Steilacoom. This spot sits on the banks of Puget Sound and has an excellent historical property at the center. Check out the old houses and feel transported to the early days of the region.

After you see the houses, walk and rest down at the waterfront. The large pathways are a great place to catch up with a friend and even sit for a picnic! If restaurants are more your thing, head into Steilacoom Pub and Grill. Situated on a hill, eat with a great view of the water and islands.

Regardless of where you go, Western Washington has a lot of great towns to visit. Take your time in each spot and try out the local cuisine. If you meet anyone during your travels, don’t forget to invite them to Olympia and check out both the downtown and Capital!

 

If you’re new to the area, visiting or have lived here for a while, you should know that the Puget Sound has some fantastic local spots! Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine or an excellent glass of wine, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 local Puget Sound restaurants you need to visit when you’re in the Olympia area.

The Bread Peddler

The Bread Peddler is a yummy local bakery with delicious treats and breads. Their breads and pastries are made daily to guarantee freshness and deliciousness. Not only can you go there for baked goods, they also serve homemade classic French style breakfasts and lunch dishes that are out of this world good using fresh, local produce. Offering home roasted espresso and hand shaped artisan breads, they have a passion for their craft and a commitment to quality. You can find them in the cute 222 Market in downtown Olympia.

Eagan’s Drive-In

This old-fashioned themed burger joint is the place to go when you’re looking for a delicious, juicy fresh made burger. Eagan’s Drive-In is a great place to take the family for a delicious meal.  They offer fresh food and homemade milkshakes that are the best in town.  Don’t forget their special homemade goop sauce!

Mercato

Mercato Ristorante is an upscale casual restaurant that focuses on simple, fresh Italian cuisine. Mercato has something for everyone. Your taste buds will dance with excitement when you try their pear gorgonzola salad, homemade butternut squash ravioli or any of their appetizers that are large enough to be a meal.  This space is fantastic for business meetings, date nights or a meal with the family.

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar

Do you like shellfish? Then you’ll LOVE Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar. Starting out as a family of local shellfish farmers, they have now expanded and opened this oyster bar with a menu to please all shellfish and seafood lovers. Their clam chowder is amazing and they offer steak cooked to perfection. Chelsea Farms is located in the 222 Market in the heart of downtown Olympia in a cute new modern space. At Chelsea Farms, you’ll find a superb dining experience for all ages.

La Gitana

La Gitana is the place to go for authentic Italian wood fired pizza. When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted with a romantic atmosphere – string lights, fresh roses, local art displayed on their brick accent walls and live jazz music every third Saturday. Using fresh and organic ingredients, their pizza is some of the best in town. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a delicious homemade dessert (affogato, anyone!?).

Oly Rockfish Grill

Oly Rockfish Grill serves up an amazing breakfast menu offering six different kinds of benedict. Not an early riser? Don’t worry, they serve breakfast until 2 p.m. Oly Rockfish is family-friendly.  The front of the restaurant provides seating for small or large groups and is also perfect for a date night with their lounge-like atmosphere in the back. Their drinks are definitely worth talking about.

Hart’s Mesa

Hart’s Mesa is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. You’ll find amazing portion sizes, a fantastic happy hour menu and budget-friendly prices. Their newer downtown location is a favorite spot for all ages. You’ll be hard pressed to find something on their menu that you don’t love.

Rumors Wine Bar

Located in the heart of downtown, Rumors Wine Bar is all about wine and the folks savoring it.  Their delicious and intriguing wines are carefully selected from vineyards all over the world. Specials are offered daily as well as wine tastings and classes year-round. Recently moving from their smaller space on 4th Ave. to a spacious location at the corner of 5th Ave. and Washington St., they have the ability to serve more patrons, be better than ever and still provide the same wonderful customer service and attention to detail that they always have.

Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen

At Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen, every dish is made with fresh local ingredients to satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican cuisine. With two locations, one in Olympia and one in Tenino, they have their menu down, including some of the best guacamole in town! You can sample their variety of delicious hot sauces before you decide what you want on your wet burrito. When you’re in the mood for an ice cold margarita, you can’t go wrong with Don Juan’s.

Mekong

Mekong offers authentic Thai food. They have superb prices, great portions and tasty food. This restaurant is in the heart of downtown making it easy to walk to from any downtown destination. With plenty of seating, this family-friendly restaurant won’t break the bank. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the chicken curry or pad Thai. Don’t eat meat? No problem. They offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Uncork and Unwind

You’ll find Uncork and Unwind in an old Tumwater home converted into a quaint wine bar and restaurant. They offer wine tastings throughout the month, a wine club and their own book club! With a wide variety of wine and beer, a small but delicious menu and expert staff, you’re bound to find something you love.

Meconi’s Subs and Sandwiches

Welcome to the “East Coast Style” Italian sub shop. Meconi’s Subs and Sandwiches is the place to go for a sub sandwich. Their daily, fresh baked fluffy bread, tasty meats and cheeses, oregano and in-house oil drizzle make their sandwiches some of the best you’ve ever tasted.  This budget-and-family-friendly restaurant will keep you coming back for more.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone here in the Olympia area.  Not only is it a fantastic area to visit, but an even better place to live. Keep an eye out for more posts like this with other hot spots in the Puget Sound!

Interested in moving to the area? Let me help! Contact me today to schedule a consultation.