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Top 10 picks for what to do in Thurston County

Explore Seattle and Tacoma's little sister to the south

Kayaking and paddle boarding at Boston Harbor. Photo credit: Olympia Tourism

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Thurston County is home to the Capitol and one of the best farmers markets in the region. The county includes Olympia and all the perks of city life, from arts and live entertainment to microbreweries, as well as fantastically rural places to explore - parks, bays, forests and rivers. While Seattle and Tacoma to the north often get more of the buzz, Thurston County is the little sister to the south that's equally as filled with things to do.

"I love exploring my own backyard!" said Kyla Cavanagh, marketing and sales director at Visit Olympia. "There's always so much to do and see. Boston Harbor is my personal escape. Only a few minutes out of town you can kayak, paddle board or just hang out on the water. You will find me at their Friday evening Beer-B-Q's, featuring NW craft beers, barbeque from South Puget Sound's Culinary school and live music. Rhythm and Rye is also one of my favorite hot spots. Almost any night of the week you can catch a Seattle or Portland-caliber band playing."

But what are the very best things to do? Read on for a list of Visit Olympia's picks for what not to miss in Thurston County.

Live music at Rhythm + Rye. Photo credit: Olympia Tourism

Take in some live music and a frosty pint of something local at Rhythm and Rye

Rhythm & Rye is a bar and live music venue that aims to serve up great local entertainment, food and beverages. Throughout the week, you'll find various acts on tap as well as special happenings such as Game Night or Open Mic Night. Of course, also don't miss the beverage menu, which serves up local microbrews.

Rhythm & Rye Location: 311 Capitol Way N., www.facebook.com/rhythmandrye

Kayak Boston Harbor

Situated at the very southern end of the Puget Sound, Boston Harbor is a small body of water off the Budd Inlet, a neighborhood and the name of a marina. Most importantly - it's a great place to rent a kayak and explore what makes the Northwest so amazing (namely: scenery). You can rent kayak, stand-up paddle boards, canoes or rowboats at Boston Harbor Marina. Even beginners can take these watercraft out to explore safely.

Boston Harbor: 312 73rd Ave. NE, www.bostonharbormarina.com/

Beer Stein Holding contest at Tumwater Artesian Brewfest. Photo credit: Olympia Tourism

Sample the original Olympia Beer on Tap

You can find 40+ other Washington selections at the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest, as well.

"Thurston County also features many festivals and events," said Cavanagh. "I look forward to the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest every year! I love trying new Northwest beers and who doesn't love life-size beer pong! This year I am definitely competing in the stein holding contest."  

Tumwater Artesian Brewfest takes place on August 22.

Website: www.tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com/

Travel the Bountiful Byway

Go by bike or car to taste wine, farm fresh fare and local spirits.

Designated in 2014, the Bountiful Byway is designed around agricultural tourism in Thurston County. The byway stretches from the Nisqually Valley, through Yelm, Rainier and other smaller towns, through the Capital Forest, and finally ending on Mud Bay Road. Along the way, you can explore creameries and wineries, gardens and historical places, and buy produce directly from farms along the route.

A map of the byway: www.visitolympia.com/attractions/thurston-bountiful-byway2

Visit the Farmers Market

Create a picnic to enjoy under the shadow of the Capitol on Percival Landing.

The Olympia Farmers Market is hands down one of the best in the region. From April to October, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and filled to the gills with local produce, meats, cheese and other food items, arts and crafts, but also live music and food vendors.

Farmers Market: 700 Capitol Way N., www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/

Have Breakfast at the Bread Peddler

Olympia isn't short on great breakfast spots, but one not to miss is the Bread Peddler, an artisan bakeshop that serves breakfast and lunch. The menu is filled with pastries, breads and classic breakfast fare. Cavanaugh recommends the Poached Eggs Breakfast.

Bread Peddler: 222 Capitol Way N. #103, www.breadpeddler.com

Get Some Coffee

Enjoy delicious coffee and distinct brewing methods like cold brew or pour over techniques from any number of local roasters, including Batdorf & Bronson and Olympia Coffee Roasters. You can't go wrong with any of Thurston County's local roasters, really. They're known for small-batch roasting and high attention to detail in crafting their brews.

Lacey Libation District

"Check out the tasting rooms in what the locals are calling the ‘Lacey Libation District,' where within a two-mile radius you'll find tasting rooms of Salish Sea Organic Liqueurs, Top Rung Brewing, Madsen Family Cellars, Stottle Winery, and Northwest Mountain Winery," said Cavanagh.

Play Tourist

Stay in a historic home turned B&B like the The Inn at Mallard Cove or The Swantown Inn

Just because you live nearby doesn't mean a little staycation won't do you good. The Swantown Inn is an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian mansion. Whether you use it as a base to explore the area or a place to enjoy some peace and quiet, the three-course gourmet breakfast each morning won't hurt.

Swantown Inn: 1431 11th Ave. SE, www.swantowninn.com/

Eat a Steak Dinner at Ricardo's in Lacey

"Living in Thurston County has transformed my taste buds," said Cavanagh. "With over four hundred restaurants in the area, I make a point to try new restaurants regularly. Hands down, the best place for a steak is Ricardo's Steakhouse. Tip - Ricardo's has a great happy hour! The Filet Tacos are to die for!"

Ricardo's: 5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, www.chefricardo.com/index2.html 

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