There are two types of people: Those who are neutral on fall’s arrival, and those who can hardly wait for the season of cool weather, pumpkin spice or apple cider everything, and those telltale autumn colors. If you fall (pun intended) into the second category, there’s a weekend getaway you should take as soon as possible.
Nearly every part of our state is decked out in vibrant fall hues at the moment. But if you want a particularly perfect autumn experience, head to Olympia.
While there is certainly no bad time to visit our state's capital, fall happens to be exceptionally gorgeous here.
Jessica Wick
The leaves in Thurston County slowly turn from green to yellow, orange, red and gold.
If you're hungry upon your arrival, head straight to Anthony's Hearthfire Grill at 1675 Marine Drive NE.
Jessica Wick
You may not be able to take advantage of the outdoor seating this time of year, but the waterfront views from practically every seat are unreal.
While you're watching for seals swimming through Budd Inlet, you can enjoy all kinds of goodness from the lunch menu.
Jessica Wick
While most Anthony's locations are heavily seafood focused, this spot's specialty is hearthfire cooking. And although the sandwiches, pizza, and Waygu Burger are delicious, the Dungeness Crab Toast is a must if you love seafood (or artichokes).
Located at 302 93rd Ave. SE, Rutledge Corn Maze was just named one of the top 25 corn mazes across America by Country Living Magazine.
They're open Monday-Thursday from 10-6, but they stay open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. There's also a pumpkin patch onsite as well as plenty of perpetually hungry chickens.
The corn maze is an adventure and a bit of a challenge, although you'll be provided with a map.
On October 14, 50% of the ticket proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
During the day, the corn maze is family-friendly... but at night, it's haunted.
Jessica Wick
You can scream your way through the haunted maze on weekends from 8 p.m. until midnight, and from 8-10 on special nights.
Anytime you're in this area, a stop at Tumwater Falls Park is a must.
Jessica Wick
Not only is the waterfall itself beautiful, but in September and October, you'll see hundreds of salmon congregating at its base, eager to migrate and spawn.
While you'll find plenty of options for delicious dinners in Olympia, if you're craving pizza, treat yourself to a meal at Pizzeria Le Gitana.
They're located 518 Capitol Way S. downtown.
The pizza here is authentic Italian, right down to the wood-fired oven.
The organic Italian thin crust is delightful, and you can choose from a huge list of speciality pizzas or decide to create your own. Gluten free crust is also available (and quite tasty).
When it's time to rest your head, check out the local DoubleTree by Hilton on Capitol Way.
Not only is it affordable, but you'll receive discounts at many area restaurants simply by showing your room key. Also, it's tough to top the bar's daily happy hour specials and the fact that you're greeted with warm cookies upon check-in.
When you're on vacation, sometimes it feels like you have to choose between a hearty breakfast and sleeping in, since some places stop serving it by a certain time.
But that's never the case at The Magnet, part of Three Magnets Brewing. They're open from 8-2 daily, and the savory breakfast menu is served the entire time. And even if you do miss out, the adjacent brewery (which is family friendly) serves scrumptious food and brew.
If you're visiting with children, a trip to the Hands On Children's Museum is vital.
Not only is it the largest children's museum in the Pacific Northwest, it's full of ways for your little ones to learn, play, and discover.
The children's museum has two entire stories full of rooms of fun, ranging from science experience to home-building to an entire marketplace, complete with a toy cafe and juice bar.
There's even a section reserved for toddlers to enjoy.
Given its geographical location, it probably comes as no surprise that Olympia has one of the best Famers Markets in the state.
While the market is open year-round, they're only open on Saturdays in the winter. However, if you go before November, you can go from Thursday-Sunday from 10-3. In addition to the freshest produce around, you'll find homemade jams and jellies, salsa, impressive crafts, fresh flowers, and a few restaurants, all while enjoying the sounds of live music.
Speaking of markets, the relatively new 222 Market on Capitol Way N. is worth checking out before you leave town.
This is a fantastic place to dine, shop, and learn about Olympia's only distillery, Shoebox Spirits. It's also where you'll find Sofie's Scoops, a little piece of paradise where gelato is made fresh daily using local ingredients.
Olympia is a fantastic place to go for a fall getaway. And if you can go before Halloween, don’t pass up the chance to check out the nearby BOO-Coda , Washington’s Halloween town.
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