Olympian file photo
The Deschutes River below Tumwater Falls flows into Capitol Lake's south basin.

Olympian file photo
The bright colors of autumn line a trail at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Explore without travel

Discover what's available right in your own back yard

ALEC CLAYTON, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

"Everything I love, except, perhaps, the National Gallery, can be found in the geographical area known as South Puget Sound," said Connie Simpson of Shelton. "Family, friends, water, mountains, trees, meadows, wildlife and lots of babbling brooks, including the one in my back yard."

From fine dining to arts and entertainment to marvelous scenery, there is much to discover in this area we call home. Here is a sample:

Percival Landing

The broad, well-lighted boardwalk at Percival Landing begins behind Bayview Market on Fourth Avenue. It winds through the Olympia Yacht Club, past hundreds of moored boats of all shapes and sizes, and ends at the Port of Olympia near the Olympia Farmers Market. There are inspiring views of Budd Inlet and of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance. There are ample benches, public restroom facilities and shops along the boardwalk.

You can watch seals cavort in the water; on rare occasions, you might even spot a whale or dolphin.

Informative pictures and history lessons are posted along the walk. There, for instance, you can learn that the first bridges connecting the east and west sides of Olympia were built in 1857.

At that time, what is now known as west Olympia was called "Marshville," a community named after Edmund Marsh, an early settler and landowner.

At the north end of the boardwalk you can climb the wooden observation tower for a marvelous 360-degree view of downtown Olympia, the Capitol dome, Budd Inlet and the distant mountains. A schematic map on the tower points out and names the major mountain peaks. The adjacent waterfront park has a growing collection of outdoor art and historical interpretive sites.

Back at your starting point, you can stop in at the deli at Bayview Market for a latte or mocha and a complete selection of deli foods, and you can eat upstairs where you can enjoy the view from windows or outside on the deck.

Dining

"I love dining on the waterfront in Olympia," said Olympia resident Stephanie Johnson. "... I feel almost like a tourist in my own city."

Waterfront dining in the area is easily accessible at such restaurants as Budd Bay Cafe, 525 Columbia St. N.W., the Oyster House, 320 Fourth Ave. W., Anthony's HomePort, 704 Columbia St. N.W., and Genoas on the Bay, 1525 Washington St. N.E.

For down-home ambiance, it's hard to beat the Spar Cafe and Bar, 114 Fourth Ave. E.

The old logging photographs, high ceilings and dark wood make the Spar an ideal place to gather with friends.

Another downtown eatery that has become an Olympia institution is Ben Moore's Cafe, 112 Fourth Ave. W.

"I enjoy Ben Moore's because of the attitude," Simpson said. "Anyone is welcome there, but don't expect them to thank you for enjoying their excellent food. The theme seems to be: We do it well, on our terms."

Tumwater Falls Park

Tumwater Falls Park is a must-do when you have out-of-town visitors.

The picnic and playground areas are great for the kids, and the walk along the Deschutes River is awe-inspiring.

Mark Clemens of Olympia describes it: "Always a nice treat for yourself and guests is a walk along the Deschutes River as it tumbles down from the Falls Terrace restaurant to Capitol Lake. Make it early, and maybe you'll catch some mist floating through the ravine or, if you're lucky, frost on the foliage along the way."

Leave your car in the park, stroll down past the falls just below the brewery, then descend one of the paths on either side of the river to where it takes the final plunge into Capitol Lake.

The park entrance is next to Falls Terrace restaurant at 106 S. Deschutes Way in Tumwater.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, located eight miles northeast of Olympia at Exit 114 on Interstate 5, was established as a wildlife sanctuary and is home to a truly amazing variety of birds, predominantly waterfowl. This is the prime location for bird watching in the Puget Sound area, and the stroll along the five-mile loop trail is enjoyable for people of all ages.

This trail is particularly memorable for Olympia artist Sherry Buckner. "My first date with (husband) George was to walk around the loop at Nisqually," Buckner said. "When we started walking I didn't want to walk all the way around, because I knew that by the time we walked all the way I would know how I felt about him. By the end of the two-plus hour walk, I knew I liked him and he liked me. It was the perfect beginning."

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. There is a $3 per family entry fee. For information, call 360-753-9467.

Area museums

South Sound's proud heritage is displayed with pride at the Washington State Capitol Museum in the historic Lord mansion at 211 West 21st St. With two floors of exhibits, the museum offers interpretations of Indian and Washington state history. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Entry fees range from $1 for children to $4 for a family. For information go online to www.wshs.org/ swcm or call 360-753-2580.

An often-overlooked treasure is Tumwater's Henderson House Museum at 602 Deschutes Way. The renovated home built in 1905 in the Queen Anne style is one of the few remnants of what was the downtown of early Tumwater. It was built for William Naumann, a brew master for the Olympia Brewery.

A tour of this small museum offers an intimate look into the way people lived in the early 20th century. There are also art exhibitions, discussion groups and musical events. The museum is open Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 12-18. For information, go online to www.tumwater.wa.us/hendersonhouse.htm or call 360-754-4161 or 360-754-4163.

An even older home that has been turned into a museum is the Bigelow House at 918 Glass Ave. N.E. in Olympia. The home was built during the 1850s by pioneer lawyer Daniel R. Bigelow and his wife, Ann Elizabeth; it is one of the oldest homes still standing in the Northwest.

The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. from April through October, Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. November through March, and by appointment. Appointments for special tours should be made 10 days in advance. Tours cost $3 for adults and $1 for children. For information, call 360-753-1215.

Art in Olympia

Visual artists abound in South Sound, and works by the thousands are on view twice a year during Arts Walk. During the rest of the year, however, art venues are more limited. Childhood's End Gallery at 222 4th Ave. E. offers some of the best of local and Northwest contemporary artists in constantly rotating shows.

There are also a number of other establishments that present continually changing art exhibits. Among these are Batdorf and Bronson Roasters at 513 Capitol Way S., and Olympia World News at 116 4th Ave. E.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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