The Tumwater Craft District has quickly emerged as a new chapter in Thurston County’s rich brewing legacy. And from the outset, the Tumwater Craft District has showcased the artistry of beverages, handmade goods, local eats and live music through a lineup of establishments that are dedicated to their trade.
The Tumwater Craft District Is a Prime Attraction for Thurston County Visitors and Residents
For John Peters, lead developer of the Tumwater Craft District, it has been exciting to see how the Craft District has been embraced by the community. The Craft District has also helped to revitalize Tumwater’s strong brewing tradition and adapt it for the modern day. This includes the evolution of the local beverage landscape, with an increased demand for beverages that are made in smaller batches from regional breweries, vineyards and distilleries.
According to Kyle Kanda, real estate broker for Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty, the Tumwater Craft District is situated near several in-demand neighborhoods across Tumwater and Olympia including Tumwater Hill and the Carolyn Neighborhood. Residents who live near the Craft District may find the district’s restaurants and tasting rooms to be a go-to for meeting up with friends and loved ones. And surrounding the Craft District are additional amenities and attractions, ideal for spending time outdoors and staying active. This includes The Valley Athletic Club, the Tumwater Valley Golf Club and Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.
The Tumwater Craft District Is Home to Brews, Eats and Art From Pacific Northwest and Beyond
According to Peters, the Tumwater Craft District represents “craft” from multiple facets, where visitors can enjoy the highlights across craft-related fields. This includes visual art, craft brewing, specialty cuisines and exceptional craftsmanship throughout the manufacturing process.
Heritage Distilling Company has a distillery based at the Tumwater Craft District where some of the brand’s most beloved spirits are produced. The Craft District also houses the Heritage Distilling Tasting Room, which serves Heritage whiskey, bourbon, vodka and other spirits, including cocktails and customizable flights. The Tasting Room is family-friendly and also carries a menu of specialty mocktails and appetizers that evoke seasonal flavors.
The South Puget Sound Community College Craft Brewing & Distilling Program is also based at the Tumwater Craft District. Percival Creek is a label that is brewed with the help of Brewing & Distilling Program students. Visitors 21 and over can try Percival Creek’s bohemian pilsner, pale ale, cider and spirits through the Percival Creek Tasting Room.
For wine enthusiasts, Wines by the Valley is a go-to for charcuterie plates, as well as special flights and tastings, with selections from Washington-based winemakers, as well as international favorites. Mount Olympus Brewing is based out of Aberdeen, with a family and pet-friendly taproom at the Tumwater Craft District, with a range of brews, ciders and hard seltzer on tap.
Quality cuisine is central to the Tumwater Craft District, with sweet treats, local delicacies and handcrafted meals, including from Olympia Seafood Co., Sweetlee’s Ice Cream and Bastard Pies Food Truck. Nana’s Pattaya Thai Express offers entrees like Pad Thai, Thai fried rice and Sadoong beef, in addition to appetizers like egg rolls, fried tofu and gyoza pot stickers.
The family-owned Tumwater Taco Co. offers a selection of burritos, quesadillas and nachos, with a specialty in tacos, including steak, mushroom tinga and seafood options. Tumwater Taco Co.’s Tequila and Mezcal bar is home to a sweeping drink menu of margaritas, tequilas, mezcals and wines.
One of the newest additions to the Tumwater Craft District lineup will be the french bistro, Bar C’est L’eau, set to open later this spring. The restaurant will feature a curated beverage menu of ciders from Whitewood Cider Co., French-inspired cocktails, and a sweeping coffee bar. Food options will include casual French cuisine, including breakfast crepes and baguette sandwiches for lunch.
Many local artisans can also be found at the Tumwater Craft District, including the Carefree Quail which offers one-of-a-kind clay pottery pieces, including mugs and garden decor. The Carefree Quail also collaborates with fellow establishments within the Craft District to lead workshops and other special events, including Custom Clay Cup classes.
Test Patch Studio specializes in stationery, giftwrap, homewares and accessories with many vibrant in-house designs. Kluh Art Gallery is a base for local landscape painter Julie Kluh. The gallery displays Kluh’s artwork, including oil paintings of ocean waves and waterways. Kluh Art Gallery also leads paint and sip classes at the Craft District in partnership with other Tumwater Craft District establishments, like Wines by the Valley.
The Tumwater Craft District Is a Prime Spot to Host Parties and Special Events
Locals can plan their next birthday, anniversary or other celebration at the Tumwater Craft District. Peters says that smaller gatherings of under 50 guests may enjoy the event space available through the Percival Creek Tasting Room.
Heritage Distilling is also home to multiple event venues, where hosts can plan their event with additional support from Heritage staff. The Private Meeting Room at Heritage Distilling seats up to 30 guests. The Cask Club Library gives guests a glimpse of the distillery’s production zone and can accommodate up to 100 attendees. For large gatherings of up to 215 guests, event hosts can also rent out the Entire Building, which encompasses areas like the Cask Club Library.
Overlooking Tumwater Valley, the Tumwater Craft District is also developing an outdoor amphitheater space that is set to be a leading destination for live entertainment and seasonal festivals in the South Sound. According to Peters, around half of the amphitheater is formed into the Craft District grounds, and over the next few years there are plans to further build out the amphitheater, including installation of a permanent stage, light and sound system, with capacity for thousands of attendees.
Looking to move closer to where all the action is? Contact Olympic Sotheby’s Realty and find your dream home today.
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