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Live, work and play in Downtown Olympia

Maya Wood and Phelan Pagano of Little Big Farm at the Olympia Farmers Market. Photo credit: Kristi Berry

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Downtown Olympia -- there is no city quite as vibrant and unique in the state as Olympia, Washington State's capital. This eclectic city sits on the bank of the Puget Sound and Capitol Lake. Visitors and residents can enjoy the pristine waters while enjoying captivating views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain Range.

Getting There

Head south on I-5 and take exit 105 towards State Capitol/City Center. Take the 2nd exit at the traffic circle and follow the road, under a tunnel, and you will land at the footing of the Capitol State Building. Turn right to enter downtown.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels, such as DoubleTree by Hilton and The Governor Hotel and Ramada. There are more hotels here.

Where to Live

If living in Downtown Olympia is something you would like, contact Burger Professionals for local and up-to-date real estate properties.

Eating Out

Downtown Olympia serves up delicious eateries at every corner. Start your morning at Olympia Coffee Roasters for a one-of-a-kind, ethically sourced "pour over" coffee, using a procedure in which hot water is poured over grounds atop a glass carafe. Stay for the coffee tastings every Friday at 10 a.m. For a freshly baked pastry or bread, check out The Bread Peddler. For fresh-caught seafood you can pick yourself and homemade, ready-to-order clam chowder, head to Olympia Seafood Company. For a nice dining experience with a view, book a reservation at Anthony's Restaurant on the waterfront.

Top Tourist Attractions

The Capitol State Building serves as a breathtaking symbol of government in the city. Attend a free, guided public tour, offered seven days a week. Or visit the Old Capitol Building, a stunning building at Sylvester Park, which has been home for the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1906.

Hungry for food and art? Visit the Olympia Farmers Market, which runs year-long because most of the market is held under a pavilion. Peruse freshly grown Washington fruit, artisans, poets and musicians, and take a stroll on Port Plaza to see the boats.

If you have children, head to the Hands On Children's Museum, a favorite destination of every family. This play place is open seven days a week and encompasses two-stories of exhibits, including an outdoor nature area.

Downtown Olympia Nature

Strap on your hiking boots and take a stroll at the trailhead at Watershed Park. This 153-acre rain forest encompasses a half-mile long trail that encircles much of the park.

For views of the Capitol, head to Capitol Lake, not only a beautiful place to sit and feed ducks, but also a place to get a little exercise on the walking trails.

The city life doesn't stop there. Olympia has a bustling arts community. For a unique evening out, visit the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, South Puget Sound's beloved performing arts facility. Located in the heart of the city, this arts center is committed to providing a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities for the arts lover and enthusiast.

Young couples, professionals, families and visitors will all enjoy the vibrant city that is Downtown Olympia. The thriving artistic culture, food scene, and entertainment will have everyone vying to return to Downtown Olympia.  Looking for more information - see the live social media feed for Olympia HERE.

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