Capitalize on
the bounty of the
Olympia region
Located an hour south of Seattle on
Washington’s Budd Inlet, Olympia is one
of America’s most scenic state capitals.
According to Jeff Bowe, director of sales for
the Olympia Lacey Tumwater VCB, the city is
more than just a governmental hub, though.
“We like to describe the Olympia region
as more than just Washington State’s
capital; it’s also a place for ‘handcrafted
escapes’ featuring local beers, wines and
spirits,” he says. “We take much pride in
helping our NTA partners to understand
what we have and what differentiates us
Three Magnets Brewing Co.
Olympia Farmers Market
from other destinations.”
Bowe says one of the things his organiza-
tion is promoting is the Thurston Bountiful
Byway. This 60-mile route takes travelers
to small towns where they can visit farms,
hit local markets that offer seasonal pro-
duce and attend agriculture-themed events.
Along the way, they also can try some of the
area’s craft beer, wine and spirits.
“You see the words ‘scenic byway’ every-
where, but how often can you pull off the
highway and sip fresh apple cider made
from Washington State apples, feed a goat,
experience the sweet fragrance of lavender
while sipping lemonade or sit down to
dinner on a working organic farm while
soaking in the sunset? We do it every day
in the Olympia region,” says Bowe.
The culinary highlights don’t end with
the Bountiful Byway, though. “We are also
rolling out a coffee trail, featuring local
coffee roasters,” says Bowe. “Visitors can
learn the story behind the carefully chosen
coffee beans—and the families that lov-
ingly care for them—as well as sampling
different roasts.”
Natural attractions also are a draw
to the Olympia area, which has miles
of beautiful shoreline, rocky beaches,
and diverse flora and fauna. “People can
experience [nature] at their own pace,
whether that means strolling through the
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuge, feeling rejuvenated by the mist of
Tumwater Falls or exploring mysterious
Mima Mounds,” adds Bowe.
For more information, contact Bowe at
[email protected] or go to
experienceolympia.com.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
NTAonline.com
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