>>> BEST-SMELLING BUSINESS
The Tea Lady
There will ever be cynics who claim it's unmanly to frequent The Tea Lady, with its staggering profusion of teas from around the world, ginger royals (they're cookies), kettles, infusers and, yes, little girls' tea sets and aprons. Well, duh. I confess to a certain bull-in-a-china-shop wariness each time I walk past that sunny teapot and through the ebon-jambed door. Yet even for a lummox like myself, there is one inarguable reason to invade this effeminate citadel to all that is couth, and that's the swirl of international fragrances that pervade my gratified nostrils. Why, the product names alone are hypnotic: Oolong. Rooibos. Agave nectar. Yerba maté (rhymes with "satay"). Rose hips. Key lime hibiscus. Tulsi chai. And if you can't get behind a big snootful of South African caramel honeybush, then I don't think we can even be friends anymore. In fact, y'know what? Machismo be damned: The Tea Lady is badass. - Christian Carvajal
[2828 Capitol Blvd. SE, Olympia, 360.786.0350]
>>> BEST TOY STORE
Wind Up Here
The best toy store in town is definitely Wind Up Here - the staff is wonderful, not to mention willing to wrap any item in really colorful paper if you so desire. The folks at Wind Up Here even do story time and monthly game nights for the kids. Featuring a variety of high quality toys, Wind Up Here, more than the run-of-the-mill Toys "R" Us, is a place for the kids to play and try things out before you buy. They have instruments, bubbles, hand puppets and an amazing selection of games (and stuff for the littlest ones as well). Wind up Here is a great place to get a gift or take the kids, although you might have trouble getting them out the door without their new favorite toy in tow. - Brook McKenzie
[121 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.943.9045]
>>> BEST SPICE SHOP
Buck's Fifth Avenue
In this cozy location, Anne Buck will tempt you with vanilla beans, dried limes and a variety of blends destined to get you creating and mixing in the kitchen. This is the beauty of Buck's Fifth Avenue - by far the best spice shop in town. Buck boasts of being able to make any spice mix, as long as you have an idea of the recipe. Scanning the bountiful shelves, you're usually inspired by something - everywhere you look there are a few more jars of ingredients. Buck also has spice accessories and is an interesting person to talk to about Olympia, the downtown scene and cooking in general. - BM
[209 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.352.9301]
>>> BEST MALL KIOSK
Westfield Capital Mall Fake Cigarette Rotunda
The fake cigarette rotunda, with its bored looking employees "puffing " away and its "If you're under 18, keep walking" sign, takes the cake on this one. Where else can you find paraphernalia to pretend you're not really a smoker or that just makes you look like a total jackass? Leave it to Westfield Capital Mall to encourage all the bus-riding middle-schoolers and toddling babies to abandon the candy and get with the fake cigs. Located next to the play center, the hair-straightening kiosk and the make-your-own-license-plate kiosk, you can look like a douche for only $15.95 ... which is much cheaper than a TapouT shirt. - Nikki Talotta
[625 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia 360.754.8098]
>>> BEST PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE BESIDES THE FARMERS MARKET
Ralph's Thriftway Produce Happy Hour
During the farmers market off-season, the best place to grab your fruits and veggies is at the Ralph's Thriftway produce Happy Hour. Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. get your deals on, then go home and fresh squeeze your cheap orange for a screwdriver or stir an on-sale celery stick into a Bloody Mary and celebrate your own happy hour, anytime of day. - NT
[1908 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.357.8011]
>>> BEST FRUIT STAND
Jay's Farm Stand
The fruits and veggies are on colorful display all year long at Jay's Farm Stand. I'm constantly amazed at how little I pay for a full bag of fruit at this quintessential Oly outpost, which also happens to be one of my toddler's favorite places, especially since I let him randomly choose fruits and vegetables (he's more likely to want to eat them later). I can't claim that everything at Jay's is local - but a lot of it is. They carry local honey and Blue Heron Bakery products, including granola. When the time is right, you can also pick up your seasonal holiday Christmas trees at Jay's, or a hot dog at the new hot dog stand. My family has walked, biked and driven to Jay's all year. Oh, and it's a butcher shop; the staff is helpful and friendly and I love being able to get our meat at the same stop. - BM
[3533 Mud Bay Road W., Olympia, 360.489.0295]
>>> BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE ANYTHING YOU WILL EVER NEED
Fred Meyer In Lacey
Have you been to this place? It's massive. Now, I know what you're thinking. A lot of stores like Costco and Sam's Club and whatever else are massive. But this place is bigger. At least it feels bigger. Walking down the aisles you can find anything from gourmet yogurt to camping gear. Pecans to dining sets. You can do you're banking, repair your shoes, buy some Starbucks and have a key made all under the expansive same roof. A walk from one side of the store to the other is enough to fatigue even seasoned shoppers. And if by chance you lose a child or two in the hubbub of the Lacey Fred Myer, forget about them. They're gone. Lost in aisle after aisle of everything you'll ever need. - Brett Cihon
[700 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey, 360.438.6465]
>>> BEST SEAFOOD BUYING EXPERIENCE
Olympia Seafood Company
Olympia Seafood Company boasts the best seafood buying experience in town. They have glass cases filled with lovely fresh fish and local seafood. Proprietors Kira and Tony DeRito are personable and so knowledgeable about seafood - not to mention willing to dole out samples. They have a website, a blog and a weekly e-mail newsletter with coupons, including weekly specials to inspire you to sample their wares. I was recently inspired to purchase and cook a crab after reading about it in the newsletter. They sell the best crab cakes in town, yummy clam chowder and excellent salad shrimp with cocktail sauce. Try their canned fish; it is truly worth the price. And you can walk over from the Olympia Farmers Market. - BM
[411 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, 360.570.8816, olympiaseafood.com]
>>> BEST PLACE TO GET A SKEIN OF YARN
Canvas Works
Looking for a skein of yarn? Look no further than Canvas Works in downtown Olympia - a destination featuring hundreds of lovely and soft yarn balls that inspire you to click your needles through them and imagine the possibilities. Canvas Works has a weekly knit night, Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and space to sit and cast on a few purls or learn from local knitters or the store staff. There are projects on display for inspiration and classes if you want to learn a new skill. Classes include knitting, felting, crocheting and making specific items like mittens and socks. - BM
[525 Columbia St. SW, Olympia, 360.352.4481, canvasworks.net]
>>> BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTISAN BREAD
The Bread Peddler
Bon matin. Voulez-vous un baguette avec votre croissant? The answer to this question (would you like a baguette with your croissant?) is always yes. At least it should be when you're shopping at the Bread Peddler. Opened in 2006, The Bread Peddler is le spot numero un for gourmet breads and pastries in Olympia. Whether you're jonesing for an extra-crunchy Baguette au Levain or a scrumptious Apple Slipper, the Bread Peddler offers a multitude of choices to satisfy your urge for delicacy. French press coffee and a delicious weekend brunch menu round out this boulangerie's menu. Oh, wait, they have wine, too. C'est magnifique! **Other great bakeries/dessert shops in the area: San Francisco Street Bakery and Tasha Nichole. - BC
[222 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.1175]