Olympic Peninsula & Washington Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 245

(2600 East Bay Dr NE) Many Olympians cite this as their favorite park for the nature trails
that lead to Bud Inlet on Puget Sound, the many shore birds, the rose garden and the
playground with views of downtown and the Capitol Building.
Tumwater Falls Park WATERFALL
(110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater; 8am-8pm) Paralleling I-5 near the turnoff to US
101, 15 acres of park trails follow the Deschutes River from the abandoned 1906
Olympic Brewery brick building up to the same brewery's midcentury location, the 82ft
falls, fish ladders and a small salmon hatchery.
Olympia Farmers Market MARKET
(700 Capitol Way N; 10am-3pm Thu-Sun Apr-Oct, Sat & Sun Nov-Dec) Second only to
Seattle's Pike Place in size and character, Olympia's local market is a great place to shop
for organic herbs, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and the famous specialty oysters.
Sleeping
Swantown Inn B&B$$$
( 360-753-9123; www.swantowninn.com ; 1431 11th Ave; r $129-179; ) In the tradition of
Washington state B&Bs, the Swantown Inn features great personal service and meticu-
lous attention to detail in an 1887 Queen Anne-style mansion that's listed on the state
historical register. Within sight of the imposing capitol dome, there are four elegantly
furnished rooms, plus wi-fi and a formidable breakfast that features the local specialty,
ginger pancakes.
Phoenix Inn Suites HOTEL$$$
( 360-570-0555; www.phoenixinn.com ; 415 Capitol Way N; r $139-179; ) The modern
Phoenix is good value and dazzles guests with its sparkling modern interior and indoor
pool and hot tub. What this small chain hotel lacks in character and charm it makes up
for in cleanliness, service and all-round comfort. The location, adjacent to Percival Land-
ing, also puts you within baseball-pitching distance of sights and restaurants.
Eating
Few places in the Pacific Northwest have as many good vegetarian or veg-friendly res-
taurants as Olympia. The city is also renowned for its delicate Olympic oysters, myriad
ethnic eateries and cheap brunches.