Just south of the Puget Sound between Rainier and Olympic National Park’s lies Washington’s capitol city. Olympia, like many smaller Washington towns, sort of remains subservient to the natural aura surrounding, and this is probably a good idea.

Washington and Franklin Streets are lined with historic buildings from times gone past, while the dock-like downtown skims the waterfront with boardwalks and shops. Springs bubble up from below, providing fresh water for some urban establishments. Olympia’s farmers market is one of the biggest in the region, providing locals and visitors with all the fresh intakes of Puget Sound.

A charming, soft-spoken town with a strong sense of community, Olympia feels somewhat like an old standby.