A thriving arts community is present in state capital, Olympia Washington. Music, film and art play a special part in the city on the Puget Sound. There are various community theatre companies and the Olympia Symphony Orchestra is very active. The annual film festival here has been praised throughout the country. A vibrant music scene has prevailed since the 1980s with several local rock and punk bands emerging and live venues and record labels contributing to the scene. Olympia makes for a fun weekend road trip or travel getaway from Portland.
The annual Capitol LakeFair Festival takes place in July over five days. It's a great family event with games and rides on the shore of Capitol Lake, arts and crafts displays and a parade. The final day of festivities goes off with a bang in a big fireworks display. Many activities are enjoyed on Capitol Lake throughout the year, including kayaking, canoeing, sailboating and swimming. A pleasant walking trail goes round the edge of the lake.
The largest Farmer's Market in the state brings people together in Olympia Washington on the scenic waterfront. The best organic food is available and there is live music from jazz, country, bluegrass, folk rock and steel drum performers. Food vendors provide meals and snacks and arts and crafts stalls display the work of local artists and artisans. Food items sold include meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, clams and oysters, cheese and herbs. Fresh flowers are also on sale and desserts and jam and jellies for those with a sweet tooth.
Museums offer local history and culture with educational programs for the local community in Olympia Washington. Children love visiting the Hands On Children's Museum where they are encouraged to take part in interactive exhibits. They can create works of art and crafts; learn about life on the waterfront and construction and design projects. There is also an opportunity to let off steam in the soft play area.
The State Capital Museum contains displays on the history of the area with particular reference to the Salish Native Americans who settled there. There are tribal artifacts and a re-construction of a Salish dwelling. The grounds, containing lawns and a botanical garden also reflect the lives of the Salish settlers in the Olympia Washington area. The garden contains flowers, trees and shrubs that the tribe used as food and medicine.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on the Nisqually River Delta is 3,000 acres of habitat for the preservation of waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds and raptors. The refuge has a visitor center and visitors can enjoy looking at the wildlife from the river trail.
