Located at the southern end of Puget Sound in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Olympia, named for the Olympic Mountains, is the state capital and the county seat of Thurston County. Majestic Mount Rainier and the rugged Cascade Mountains are nearby to the east, and Washington’s Pacific Ocean coast is just an hour’s drive to the west, providing countless outdoor activities and a brilliant daily-life backdrop.

The rich heritage, history, and culture of Olympia are reflected in the downtown galleries, unusual shops, and specialty restaurants tucked among the historic buildings. Within walking distance are many visitor attractions, such as the Capitol Campus, the Washington State Historical Museum, the Farmers Market, and Percival Landing. Overlooking Capitol Lake, Olympia’s stately legislative building, completed in 1928, stands 28 stories high and was the last great domed capitol built in the United States. Stunning buildings, landscaped seasonal gardens, greenhouses, fountains, and monuments surround the Capitol.

The city enjoys a strong and stable economy and some of the state’s best schools. Olympia is home to a fabulous fine arts center, restaurants, and plenty of shopping and attractions. All of this is combined in a small-town atmosphere that’s progressive, open, and welcoming.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.