Olympia, Washington

Olympia, WA, is both a college town and a state capitol. The dome of the capitol building rises over the southern end of Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier, in the Cascade Mountains, rises in the distance. The whole city is green with evergreens--we are the Evergreen State--and the other plants made lush by the annual rains. Yes, it rains all the time in Washington, but because of that, the air always seems fresh, and plants are always growing. In spring, there are cherry and apple blossoms, and in fall, the maples turn glorious colours.

Tucked deep into the woods, you can find The Evergreen State College, a center of learning unmatched anywhere. Its unique educational style attracts some of the brightest minds in the country.

Olympia is filled with theatres and used bookstores. Unlike many other cities, it still has a thriving downtown, filled with unique restaurants and shops. The bus system, free for students at either TESC or the local community college, is friendlier than many, and bus drivers get to know their passengers. They'll even wait more often than not, if they see you running to catch the bus. And of course, the bigger cities of Tacoma and Seattle are linked to Olympia via public transit.

Olympia never ceases to feel intimate. At Artswalk or Procession of the Species, two annual occurences, locals will always see people they know. Olympia is a city of the arts. How many other cities its size have two major theatres, a rare film society, and dozens of small, hole-in-the-wall theatres just waiting for your attendance? Public art is on display on many street corners downtown.

Despite its city size, Olympia has a small-town feel. On balmy summer evenings, there are concerts in the park, habituated by students and state employees alike. There is no peace like Olympia peace.

E. N

Submitted: Monday 23rd February 2004, 4:42 PM

Privacy - Submit - Prizes - Conditions - Contact Us - HOME