Use this travel planner to spend an afternoon in Olympia

A capital day in Olympia

For maps, brochures, and other information, stop first atthe State Capitol Information Center (Capitol Way and 14th Ave. offthe I-5 State Capitol exit; 360/586-3460). Daily tours of theCapitol Campus take place hourly from 10 to 3 and leave from thefront of the Capitol Building (360/586-8687 for reservations).

ATTRACTIONS

Farmers Market. A one-stop spot for fresh produce andlocally crafted gifts. 10-3 Thu-Sun, Apr-Oct; 10-3 Sat-Sun,Nov-Dec. 700 Capitol Way N.; (360) 352-9096.

Hands On Children’s Museum. Kids can build a boat, a house,or even a city, thanks to the museum’s interactive exhibits. 10-5Mon-Sat (until 9 Fri), 12-5 Sun; $6. 106 11th Ave. S.W.; (360)956-0818.

State Capital Museum. Learn about various chapters ofWashington state history by visiting a reconstructed Salish tribalwinter lodge and an exhibit on the establishment of the WashingtonTerritory. 10-4 Tue-Fri, 12-4 Sat; $2. 211 21st Ave. W.; (360)753-2580.

DINING

The Oyster House. Opened in 1922 as the Olympia OysterCompany, this is the state’s oldest seafood restaurant. Olympiaoysters are the signature item on an enormous menu. 320 Fourth Ave.W.; (360) 753-7000.

The Spar Café, Bar & Tobacco Merchant. Breakfastshere are big and scrumptious― try the crab cake Benedict orthe Hangtown Fry, an egg dish made with local seafood. Lunch anddinner are also served, and there’s live jazz every Saturday night.114 Fourth Ave. E.; (360) 357-6444.

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