I am staying in a log cabin near Olympia Washington over the holidays. What the frick should I do.

Submitted by tmosh t3_zu3oiq in Washington

Long story short. I'd had this trip planned for months. We just needed to get away from the City. The cabin is fantastic, and we arrived yesterday. But the weather has turned to absolute crap. The roads seem fine now (a bit slushy). I know many states have snow storms, and Seattle is a mess, but doesn't seem so extreme in this area. The forecast puts the temp up to 40-50 tomorrow and the days ahead. Does anyone have ideas of short-day trips for things to do around Xmas? We are about 10 mins from Olympia.

We plan on staying in the cabin until the new year but are wondering if there is a "must-see" thing in this area that we might be able to check out before we return to Seattle. This is all weather-dependent, and we will check the temp/road conditions before we even think about it. We have a large SUV with winter tires installed.

Happy Holidays!

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lousycyclist t1_j1gwkl0 wrote

Weather should be fine for travel from tomorrow. Are you looking for Nature or Culture?

You could head to downtown Olympia and check out the shops or maybe take a walk at Tumwater Falls Park?

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Obvious_copout t1_j1gwu9p wrote

Check out Matchless Brewing in Tumwater. Great beer.

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wolverinetta t1_j1h1vx5 wrote

If you like wolves or even just like animals, Wolf Haven in Tenino. Oh, and they have a couple of Mima Mounds there, but there is a larger Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve a little ways west where you can see more of those humpy little geologic wonders, and it's a nice stroll around.
If you like birds, Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. It's an easy and pleasant place to walk. That is kind of on the way home, so maybe a good last stop.

There are lots of nice restaurants and coffee places in downtown Olympia. You could go find San Francisco Street Bakery or the new Left Bank Bakery for goodies to bring back to your cabin.

Downtown Oly has an artesian well in a parking lot by Jefferson and 5th, although sometimes there are odd people hanging around. Worth a quick drive-by or stop, just for the Oly-ness of it all. It's a constantly running tap, so you can fill up your water bottles (at your own risk, as it's not city water, it's straight from the ground).

What else? Lattin's Cider Mill maybe? That'll take a little drive through the hinterlands of Thurston County. Although you can find the cider in the stores around there, like Bayview Thriftway.

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RemlikDahc t1_j1h2uv3 wrote

Not much this time of year. I'd have brought board games and movies along with a ton of firewood and drinks! Spend time with each other and enjoy being away from the City. Sorry, but that's the best suggestion I can give.

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Doyouseenowwait_what t1_j1h3pfs wrote

Ah you can find plenty to do in the area. You have many options for eateries and drinks. Downtown Oly you have Wildman, Octopus, Well 80, Locust cider, the boardwalk, plenty of small shops and restaurants. Tumwater you have the falls and Vic's, Heritage tasting room, Matchless, Triceratops and Tart cidery. Wolf Haven is out a bit further. Mima mounds and falls are a bit from there. Lacey has Top rung, a couple wineries, and plenty of Small restaurants. Boston harbor marina has rentals for kayaking. To the West you have Little Creek Casino I would recommend their seafood bar if you can get in. To the South you have Lucky Eagle Casino. To east is Redwind Casino and Yelm with it's small eateries. Deschutes park is also out there. You can see the pics of it in my profile. Would take a walk out the nisqually refuge if weather is decent just to stretch your legs.

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InYourCatsFace t1_j1i0iqw wrote

Rush In Dumplings, you won’t regret eating it. They’re delicious.

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1dad1kid t1_j1ig0ve wrote

The preserve in Nisqually is nice. Westport and Ocean Shores can be cool to visit. Millersylvania Park is also nice. Mima Mounds can be interesting for some people. Lake Quinault is quite gorgeous. Squaxin Park.

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SeatlleTribune t1_j1jkhvb wrote

stay in and drink til you go home. Olympia sucks lol. Don't go near their historic waterfront unless you want to step on needles and human poop

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bot420 t1_j1jseyi wrote

This question should have been answered before you took the trip.

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xtracheddargoldfishh t1_j1q9yha wrote

Go for a walk! Squaxin Park, Woodard Bay, Burfoot Park or Tolmie State Park. There is so much nature to see.

grab some coffee while you’re here. I would try Dancing Goat, Olympia Coffee Roasters, Burial Grounds and there is a new one called Rythms Coffee that also has live music!

Definitely hit up downtown while you’re here. It’s very walkable and that’s where you find cool shops, coffee, restaurants, bookstores, antique shops and more.

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