West Olympia - Olympia, WA Area Guide

The city of Olympia was formally established in the 1850s when European settlers migrated into land populated by a number of Coastal Salish Native American tribes. These immigrants named the area Olympia after the picturesque Olympic Mountains that can be viewed throughout the city. Though primarily used as a maritime port, population growth has continued throughout Olympia's history. The establishment of Evergreen State College during the 1960s encouraged the artistic vibe that can be felt in the city today.

West Olympia houses the Evergreen Gallery on the college campus. Exhibits by professional artists and students alike change frequently and often reflect the college curriculum. The art scene rules all of Olympia, and locals love spending a rainy afternoon exploring the Artists Cooperative Gallery and Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia. Numerous annual events and festivals occur throughout the city, including Capital Lakefair in July and Oysterfest in October.

Sparse restaurants in West Olympia force residents east near downtown Olympia for more variety. Harrison Avenue Northwest houses a majority of the dining options within West Olympia, including favorites such as Panera Bread and Red Robin. Locals find there to be a great selection of locally owned and operated restaurants satisfying almost every ethnic craving one could have along this corridor. Near the intersection of Harrison Avenue Northwest and Kenyon Street Northwest lies Olympia's favorite pizza joint, Brewery City Pizza. Brewery City has been making classic pizza pies and pasta dishes since the 1980s. One of the most popular pizzas for meat lovers, the Brewmaster contains a hearty arrangement of Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, and red onions.

Family-owned Basil Leaf Restaurant along Davidson Street in West Olympia serves great-tasting Thai food made with love. Basil Leaf does authentic Thai dishes right. The cashew chicken and red curry remain menu favorites. The affordable lunch combos also come served with a side of pad thai and rice. Though the outside seems unassuming, the food at Basil Leaf impresses time after time.

Those looking to dine closer to the beautiful waters of the Puget Sound need only travel five miles east to Tugboat Annies on Westbay Drive. This low-key establishment cooks up simple dishes and bar food guaranteed to make diners feel full and satisfied. Though family-friendly, Tugboat Annies sells a variety of microbrews and advertises daily drink specials. Those feeling sluggish after a large meal may want to talk to the front desk about taking a kayak out on the Sound to help burn off some of those extra calories. Yes, this restaurant really does rent kayaks. West Olympia locals head south to Harrison Avenue Northwest for a variety of casual bars and pubs, including Pints & Quarts, Skep & Skein Tavern, and 2 Mile House Pub and Eatery. Alongside of the extensive beer selection and good bar menu, 2 Mile House hosts open mic and blues jam nights. Olympia residents can dance, sing and dress like a rockstar every night at Jake's on 4th. This nightclub features theme nights, DJs and live music and has become the place in Olympia to go for a fun night out with friends.

Though alternative modes of transportation prove available and popular to use throughout the city, a large majority of West Olympia residents either drive or carpool to work. Those heading into downtown Olympia take Evergreen Parkway Northwest to Interstate 5. Interstate 5 runs north to south in Washington, and major cities, such as Vancouver and Seattle, can be accessed directly from this corridor. Visitors driving into West Olympia park along residential streets. Those visiting Evergreen State College choose to park in a number of garages and lots throughout the campus.

Buses remain the most popular form of public transportation in West Olympia. Riders use Intercity Transit's reliable service to reach downtown Olympia. The closest bus stops to central West Olympia lie in and around Evergreen State College's campus, and buses here operate from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Taxis service West Olympia, but Uber does not operate here. Companies suggest calling ahead, as hailing a cab proves difficult outside of Olympia's city center. Those wanting to walk to amenities find the commute difficult,as this community remains fairly isolated from the rest of the city. However, commuter bike lanes line Simmons Road Northwest and most of Evergreen's campus into downtown.

Many beautiful parks, gardens and other green space can be found in and around West Olympia. Evergreen State College maintains a public teaching garden as well as numerous on-campus parks, such as Deer Garden, Basket Garden and Native Plant Demonstration Garden. The city-operated Grass Lake Nature Park covers 171 acres and features numerous trails from which over 100 species of birds and 200 plant species may be viewed. The city does not allow dogs at this facility.

One of Olympia's most popular parks lies in West Olympia. The 40-acre Yauger Park contains a playground, picnic shelters, athletic fields, a running track, and a community garden. Yauger draws in families and their pets looking to stay active all year long. All city parks remain free to use, but facilities such as picnic shelters may require additional reservation fees.

Parks host events and festivals during every month of the year. A very special event occurs annually every October when all of Thurston County celebrates the return of the spawning salmon to the Deschutes River. The Salmon and Cider Sunday festival is held the first Sunday in October at Tumwater Falls Park and features food, salmon viewing and a historical recreation of the pioneer era by area students.

The cost of living in West Olympia sits 1 percent less than the state average of Washington but 11 percent more than the national average. Costs that factor into this high cost of living include housing, healthcare, goods and services. Roughly half of the population of this community rents its residences, paying an average of $785 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Restaurants and bars in West Olympia charge 4 percent more to dine, and patrons pay between $5 and $6 for a pint of local beer. Transportation costs in West Olympia do not differ from the rest of the city. Intercity Transit bus service charges $1.25 for one-way fare and $2.50 for a day pass. Gas prices sit at 3 percent less than the national average.

West Olympia residents looking to shop head south to the Capital Mall area where a handful of shopping centers can be found, including Capital Village Shopping Center, Westside Shopping Center and Promenade at Westfield Capital. Box stores and other chains, such as JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, Target, and Party City, make up the majority of shopping options here. Capital Mall houses the largest concentration of upscale and name brands within the city. Smaller boutiques and specialty stores can best be found in downtown Olympia along Capitol Way and 4th Avenue West.

Locals find a good number of specialty food stores within a close drive of West Olympia. The Blue Heron Bakery bakes fresh bread, cookies and pastries daily. House-made granola and dessert bars can also be found under this roof. Vegetarians, vegans and those with gluten-free diets love that Blue Heron caters to any and all dietary needs. The coffee served here rivals any found in the fancy shops downtown.

Head east along Harrison Boulevard to Michael's Farm Fresh Meats and Seafood for a large selection of local meats butchered on-site. Large families and those looking for budget-friendly alternative purchase beef and pig by the half or quarter. Packages come trimmed, wrapped, and ready to freeze or cook.

Most West Olympia locals purchase groceries at the Safeway on Harrison Avenue Northwest or at the discount grocery chain Grocery Outlet. West Olympia Farmers Market, the closest farmers market to the community, sells produce, eggs, baked foods, fish and other meats every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. during the months of May through October. The downtown Olympia Farmers Market operates Tuesday through Sunday from April through October, with limited hours during the rest of the year.