Olympia WA

Capitol building

Although we hadn't really planned on seeing Olympia WA, or even driving through it for that matter, over the six days while the Splinter was being repaired, we naturally explored it. Olympia reminded us Santa Cruz before the 1989 earthquake, or a more urban Arcadia with a split personality.

Seat of Government

 
It's a small city with less than 50k population.  It's also the capitol for the state of Washington and needless to say has it's share of governmental buildings/workers, legislators, lawyers, and lobbyists.

Port City

Much to our surprise we learned Olympia was the last port on Puget Sound. It's amazing how far south navigable waters go down the state.  In fact, Washington must have more coastline than at least most any other state in the nation, other than Alaska.

Port of Olympia

Large cranes for loading & unloading

Cultural Center

Olympia has a lively music and arts scene. Kurt Cobain lived there for some time and wrote several of his more famous songs there. It's full of interesting people, bookstores (9 independents in town) and music stores featuring either instruments or old LP records.

Books specializing in Activism & Peace

Peter heading across street to check out record store

Restaurants and Bars

It's not hard to find good places to eat or have a drink. Highly recommended is McMenamins Spar Café which are dotted throughout the Pac NW. The developer/owners remodel older buildings with lots of character and turn them into great hotels/restaurants/bars offering delicious food and lively entertainment.

McMenamins Cafe/Bar

McMenamins Wall Mural

Seafood is also a specialty of the area. The BEST are the local shellfish, especially oysters, clams and mussels.

Vintage Ambiance

The old buildings are a real treat and reminded us of how many wonderful old buildings were lost in Santa Cruz from quake damage.

Original Courthouse (?)

Theater

Newspaper

Murals are commonly found in paint, ceramics, or mixed media.

People Watching

The mix of people in town offers a wide range from buttoned down business and government workers to heavily tattooed transients and artists of all sorts.

Cricket and Baby Girl

City park for hanging out

Why not Olympia?

With prices *much* cheaper by California standards, what's there not to like about Olympia? In a word - the WEATHER, that is, if you like the sun. We met many people who had moved there from sunny climates and asked them how they had adjusted to the lack of sun. Most replied they actually liked the mostly overcast conditions or it was better than where they came from.

Olympia's a real gem, but you gotta not love the sun too much.