Road Trip: Downtown Olympia
Experience a weekend in historic Olympia, WA, a city packed with vintage finds
By Danelle Jaeger October 21, 2014
This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Seattle magazine.
Where: Downtown Olympia. Why: To experience the thrill of the hunt at the city’s vintage and antique store circuit. What: Twenty-five eclectic shops, most of them located within walking distance of each other, offer everything from sassy vintage cocktail dresses to decorative knickknacks and historical collectors’ items. Begin at Courtyard Antiques (705 Fourth Ave. E; 360.352.3864), where owner Mary Corso presides over more than 70 vendors selling a vibrant mix of flannel wall pennants, birdcages, drawer knobs, early-19th-century typewriters, hard-to-find glass apothecary bottles, rustic shutter shades, loads of furniture and more dig-worthy scores. Grab a map of neighboring shops and ask Corso to point out best bets for home decor, furniture, clothing and other thrifty finds. Antiques Olympia (203 Fourth Ave. W; 360.786.9234) boasts a superb array of one-of-a-kind Native American gathering baskets, dating as far back as the late-1800s, while Psychic Sister (109 SE Fifth Ave.; 360.943.9595) promises an impeccably organized collection of vintage clothing and accessories, including jewel-toned glasses frames and Mad Men–style luggage. While you’re there: Try a not-too-sweet mocha from Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. (108 Cherry St. NE; 360.753.0066)— you’ll need it to stay alert for treasure hunting.
Follow Us
The Great B.C. Escape
Enjoy a culinary weekend getaway just a few hours from Seattle
A memorable meal is one of the best incentives to travel. These three tempt the short drive from Seattle to British Columbia. The reward: a world-renowned Royal Thai experience; a Michelin starred Japanese/Italian fusion; and an impeccable aburi sushi bite — each paired with a complementary hotel — make for a delectable culinary weekend getaway….
When in Rome, Think Alaska
Alaska Airlines plans new direct route to Rome, starting next May
Traveling from the Emerald City to the Eternal City will soon become much more convenient. Alaska Airlines will launch a direct flight from Sea-Tac International Airport to Rome in May 2026. It’s the first time ever that Seattle travelers can reach Rome via a nonstop flight. The route will operate four times a week. Fares…
Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Languedoc
For expert guidance to this magical corner of France, begin the journey at a wine shop in South Park
Last fall we attended a wine party in Quarante, a charming hamlet in the Languedoc region of southern France. The village was tiny. The house was anything but, with three stories, six bedrooms, a pool, and an old barn. A centuries-old olive tree observed the revelry from the interior courtyard, the wine flowed like water…
Rancho La Puerta: A Sanctuary For Holistic Health
Unwind at This Luxurious Wellness Retreat
Rancho La Puerta is known as the original wellness resort in North America. Founded in 1940 by husband-and-wife Edmond and Deborah Szekely, “The Ranch,” as it’s come to be known, was espousing the importance of holistic living decades before its time. The foundational principles of living a well-balanced life that started The Ranch — emphasizing…