A Northerly Journey on the Wild Side of the Peninsula

Another Olympia standard, New Moon Co-op Cafe will likely have a short wait, but it's worth it. This diner serves a diverse range of breakfast options and has that old school, Pacific Northwest charm. Evergreen State College students have been eating here for decades.

After you've got a full belly, take a little walk down at Percival landing, where the water is glassy on sunny days and, when it's clear, you can see all the way to the Olympic Mountains.

Before you head out of Olympia, grab a cup of coffee from Olympia Coffee Roasting Company, which boasts small batch organic and fair-trade beans and some of the smoothest, most delicious lattes you'll ever taste.

Explore the short trails near Frye Cove, or simply gaze out at the sound and dig in the sand. This little park is rarely busy, and sometimes you may even get the place all to yourselves. Once you reach the end of Giddings Rd, there is a parking lot (this is where the route will take you). From there, you can walk down to the beach on the trail.

After a short drive (and before a longer one), stop for lunch in Shelton, Washington, at Olympic Bakery and Deli. Their sandwiches are often hailed as the best Shelton has to offer.

Explore the (easy and relatively flat) hiking at Dickerson Creek Waterfall. You'll only have to brave two switchbacks in order to see the waterfall, which will be paltry or whitewater depending on the time of year. Either way, this is a beautiful and easy hike, and a wonderful way to stretch the legs. Note that this destination point is also the parking lot at the trailhead.

Before you catch the ferry back to Seattle, make sure to fill up on tacos. Juanito's is known for their flavorful salsas. Make sure to ask for mild if you prefer, because they err on the side of spicy! If you've ever had street tacos in Mexico, these will get you waxing nostalgic.

After dinner, take a stroll along the scenic waterfront stretching along Port Washington Junction. This well-maintained promenade offers scenic views of the marina, boats, and the surrounding countryside. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and visit the various shopping and leisure facilities.