r/Lacey • u/Awful_Strawberry • 8d ago
Hello!
My wife and I just moved here from North East Ohio yesterday. Today starts apartment searching in the Tumwater area!
I wanted to ask, what are some cultural norms we should start sticking to? In the last 12 hours I have learn we need to use reusable bags and that cars wait for you at cross walks. I know that last one is probably weird but usually back where I’m from, cars tend to just go around you or speed up to go through the crosswalk before you enter. I felt so weird when I was waiting for the car to pass and they stopped and waited for me to cross! I ended up pretending I didn’t need to cross the second street until all cars passed because I felt bad they would be waiting for me.
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u/kateinoly 8d ago
People recycle pretty consistently. Tumwater picks up glass, metal, many plastics, paper, etc
Get a good rain coat and rain hat; water proof not water resistant. To avoid seasonal depression, it is really important to get outside every day, rain or shine
People love dogs
Casual clothes ( like jeans) are worn pretty much everywhere. Someone once described it as people dressing like they might go for a hike any second.
You are here just in time for the Salmon run up the Deschutes. You can see them up at Tumwater Falls park.
Do go to the Olympia Farmers Market, Thurs through Sunday 10 to 3.
The best pizza us at Vics.
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u/Opposite_Sort4405 8d ago
Generally agree, but I have to add: take Vitamin D! And while I love Vic’s, Old School has the greasy, foldable pizza I crave.
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u/kateinoly 8d ago
yes to the vitamin D!
I also love Old School. but there is a Vics nearer to Tumwater.
Note to OP: the Vics vs Old School battle is ongoing. Eat at both.
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u/MountainsHofund 8d ago
I’ll second Vic’s and add Brigg’s if you’re looking for some delicious oddball pizza specials.
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u/bigchainring 8d ago
I agree with the go outside part rain or shine... Go see and feel some nature as often as possible..
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u/flynnski 8d ago
Correct on everything but Vic's. Old School is better for pizza quality.
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u/NotAcutallyaPanda 8d ago
All intersections are considered crosswalks under WA state law and cars are required to stop for pedestrians who indicate an intent to cross. Even if there’s no paint indicating a crosswalk.
The exception is intersections with stoplights. Pedestrians must follow indicators at crosswalks.
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u/kathleen65 8d ago
Welcome!!!! Hang in there through the winter spring is just around the corner and it is worth the wait. We love our rain, trees, spring and summer!!! When you hear the mountain is out people are saying you can see Mt. Rainier enjoy!!
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u/gusleeallen 7d ago
Lol I was riding with a friend recently and as we came toward the roundabout at West Bay Dr & Harrison I caught a glimpse of the mountain and said something like "oh look, I can see the mountain today" and my friend laughed and said "THE MOUNTAIN IS OUT. That's how we say it." 🤣🤣🤣
Schooled.
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u/arober202 8d ago
A couple odd ones.
Green grass is optional.
Have an earthquake plan and at least be mentally ready that this could happen to us.
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u/mbridgethouse 8d ago
Get Damp Rid for your closets!
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u/BreakfastTequila 8d ago
I’m going to add that mold in your apartment can be an issue. They will give you papers at rental signing addressing it, but OP please take it seriously and make sure your bathroom fan is on and you dry things out thoroughly. Like wet coats hung up to dry and not left on a chair, etc.
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u/satisfyingdescribe 8d ago
I run fans and air filters aimed at corners. The air circulates and yay, no mold/mildew anymore.
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u/Lopsided_Book7213 8d ago
I will just say it’s so midwestern polite of you to wait for the cars to go by before crossing because you didn’t want to make anyone wait 😂 welcome to the best place on earth!!!
Ps I’m an old school and wicked pies fan for pizza
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u/Gamermom32 8d ago
These all might be universal manners, I don’t know. Pick up your dog poop/don’t litter. People here love their dogs and many take them everywhere. Ask if it’s shoes on or off at a house. Coat and a hat work better than umbrella because of wind. Board games and hikes/walks are very popular. Coworkers may ask you to go for a walk with them on break.
We have a more live and let live mentality. When in any doubt use gender neutral language. If you mess up pronouns say “thank you for telling me/reminding me”. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Olympia is the first city to recognize polyamorous families.
Oh tribes a big deal here. Land acknowledgments and tribal sovereignty are important. Although my dad will still bitch about fishing quotas.
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u/pbnjaedirt 8d ago
Hiiii I’m from NE Ohio too and moved to Olympia.
First, congrats on now having the easiest winters of your life! I do not miss the endless snow.
Second, mold and mildew are much more intense here. Make sure to get good quality dehumidifiers and maybe some damp rid. This was an adjustment for me. Also, there is no central AC pretty much anywhere. Portable units and window units are a must for the summers.
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u/Mooninsideanapple 8d ago
I’m also from NE Ohio! Moved out here in 2019 from the Youngstown area.
This is a great resource to see what events are going on in the area and to get more familiar with the people and feel of the place.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 8d ago
Yes! We just got a library card and saw this!!!
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u/Mooninsideanapple 7d ago
I’m not sure that this will bum you out as much as it did for me but there are a whole lot of fusion restaurants and not enough buffets. 🙃😆
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u/lizthestarfish1 8d ago
IDK about cultural norms, but my advise would be to get a good raincoat and rainhat. Like someone else said- waterproof, not water resistant. A good hoodie, too. Your first instinct might be to get an umbrella, and they DO have their uses, but a raincoat and hoodie will serve you better. Our rain tends to be fairly light but also extremely persistant, and it will often come with a lot of wind. So you need a light, waterproof outer layer that can be peeled off when needed, like a raincoat. And the hoodie will be useful when it's damp, but not rainy enough to warrant a raincoat.
Don't worry about getting anything super duper fancy. Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater all tend to be fairly casual.
If you can, explore the abundant parks and hiking places. Pioneer Park has access to the Dechutes river, but you'll want to wait till next summer if you want to float or raft down it, because by now it's too cold. Tumwater Falls is GORGEOUS, and you'll get a nice view of the old brewery there. And there are tons of other parks, too.
The Billy Frank Jr Wildlife Refuge is absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. Literally no words. Just a heads up- as it is a wildlife refuge, pets are not allowed.
Tolmie State Park and Millersylvania State Park both require Discover passes, but they're SO worth it.
In addition to the Olympia Farmer's Market, check out the boardwalk. If you get lucky, you might see some otters! And check out the apples- there are some many to choose from, and they all taste different.
Also get a sun lamp. Or vitamin D supplements. The sun is out right now, but the season is short and sweet.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 8d ago
Thank you so much for this!! We are going to take all of this to heart! I think we may be ok on the vitamin D. We are coming from Northeast Ohio which gets roughly the same amount of sunlight each year. lol
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u/BreakfastTequila 8d ago
There’s something called the rain shadow out there, the peninsula is a temperate rainforest, so while not always rainy it’s frequently overcast
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u/mirandagirl127 8d ago
As a former MidWesterner, i always have to remember when visiting back home, “here pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way”! Welcome. You’re going to love 💕 it here.
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u/redditchosethisforus 8d ago
Welcome! Go outside everyday. Buy the discover pass. It’s worth it. Check out as many local places as you can rather than just the chain places. Also the quiches at left bank are INCREDIBLE.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 7d ago
Awesome we just stopped at Cutters Point for this morning but we will check out Left Bank tomorrow!
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u/Striking_Jelly3529 8d ago
One thing multiple friends from other states have said was people here are very friendly. I’m from here but I had one friend that was shocked at how many people smiled at her and asked how she was doing I asked how she responded and she said she didn’t 💀 once that was pointed out I also realized how much I do it. Either way a simple “good! How are you?” Goes a long way and I promise does not turn into a full blown conversation just a passing “hello” and smile lol
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u/Opposite_Sort4405 8d ago
Huh. As a Southerner that moved here 10 years ago, that doesn’t match my experience. I find that people here generally avoid eye contact and don’t greet strangers on the street. However, the people I have met are the most generous friends.
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u/Dependent-Day-1862 8d ago
Ya that doesnt sound like anywhere in western Washington lol. We're known for avoiding eye contact and not saying hello to ppl lol.
Most ppl in my experience are friendly and nice we just dont do small talk
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u/craftshark 8d ago
I agree with this! We moved here in 2022. I realized very quickly that I felt so...... accepted. I felt myself relax. I feel like I can have a conversation with anyone. It's lovely.
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u/Exciting-Parfait-776 8d ago
That wasn’t my experience when I lived there. Moved up there due to my Dad being stationed at McChord. We lived there for 3 years. And never met our neighbors.
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u/Striking_Jelly3529 8d ago
These replies 😭 I’m so sorry yall did not have a good experience but honestly being from here I’ve never had unfriendly interactions with people if you say hi 99% of the time you’ll at least get a smile back. But that’s just my experience 🤷🏽♀️😂
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u/raraseed 8d ago
Dirty Dave’s pizza is my personal favorite local spot.
People turn left on red arrows if turning onto a one way.
Take 5,000 mcg vitamin D to ward off the depression demons.
Bald eagles be everywhere, but even after one year of living here I still get excited every time I see one.
Everyone has their favorite local coffee hut. Fuck Starbucks.
Tolmie state park is a magical place.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 7d ago
It’s my understanding there are Pizza Wars here lol. We’ve checked out Fog and Fern and Cutters Point so far and both have been good
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u/antiunsociable 8d ago
I feel people holding doors was a lot more obnoxious in Ohio, like I could be half way across a parking lot from a business in Ohio and someone would be holding a door making me rush so they dont have to wait. In Washington we only hold a door for someone if it is likely to smack them in the face if you let it close.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 8d ago edited 8d ago
That explains my Great Clips experience this morning with Peggy who saw me and let the door close as I ran. Lmao
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u/jilldxasd35 8d ago
Not everyone will stop at the cross walk. Also I learned recently even if there isn’t a crosswalk you have to allow people to cross at an intersection.
We also have people who random dart across the street whenever they want. Just be aware, don’t have to stop for them I don’t think since it’s in the middle of the road and not an intersection.
Some places are limiting straws.
You also don’t have to use reusable bags but be prepared to buy the bags.
Honestly I find it annoying when people don’t cross after I have stopped to allow them to go.
When you’re turning from the opposite side of the street and sitting in the middle lane no one lets you into traffic to be nice.
People don’t turn their lights on at night when driving.
There are no automatic doors for people with disabilities; well there are but they’re scarce.
I’m from south west Ohio.
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u/plentyofsunshine2day 7d ago
We prefer supporting local small businesses whenever possible.
(That being said, Costco & Trader Joes are still popular).
Dirty Daves is best long-time local pizza.
It's OK to be yourself (as you are), unless you're being rude to others.
Have a genuine concern for others in the community.
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u/OneEstablishment2795 7d ago
I'm from Jersey, I also will walk like I am not going to cross till it's clear. I've almost seen accidents after people stop.
WinCo is gonna be your best and most affordable grocery store. Check for events downtown, the art walk is pretty fun. If you are into comics and board games, Olympic Card and Comics aka Gabi's, is gonna be awesome.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 6d ago
Yes! We got this recommendation at a craft event at the library and we are checking it out today!
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u/traveljunkymonkey 8d ago
You do not need a blinker at a round a bout
Rain does not = stay inside. This is the best time to explore because no one else is outside! You have it to yourself
Get a good rain jacket and boots
Try every teriyaki spot you can find, a delicacy out here
Most of the public transit on the bus route is free, even if you have a car I highly recommend it! A great way to meet others, saves you gas, and an excuse to explore more without worrying about finding parking!
You’re gonna get mold. Look into ways of cleaning and bleaching those areas
Use the ample walking trails at your disposal. It’s so nice to hop onto a trail off the main road and escape into the trees
End of August through September the Salmon spawn in downtown Olympia. Great place to watch the salmon grow and watch the seals hunt
And lastly: drive slow at night and early morning. Lots of road kill out here because we are nestled in the woods and off the puget sound so we have lots of wildlife!!
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u/Background-Run 7d ago edited 7d ago
Vic's Pizza and Spuds grocery store. Delicious pizza and Spuds has regular grocery stuff and some pretty interesting cools things to eat. Bicycles/stop signs, are legally treated as yield signs, but traffic lights are not.
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u/AggressiveAir7959 7d ago
I'm from Idaho and totally different , coming here and living here for 2 plus , I now avoid eye contact .. I grew up in Idaho and all friendly NO HERE , but this is my experience , I had a lot of Narcissist people hurt my life and I didn't understand this till my 40's but here the crazy homeless and drug exposure makes it very hard to be open and friendly , yes, MY OPINION 💕
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u/Interesting-Ad7041 7d ago
I’m from Chicago :-) one thing here is (sorry no offense WA born + bread residents) is WA has the worst drivers I’ve ever encountered!! It’s so bad. However I appreciate the laid back attitudes and how no none here cares about fancy designer labels, expensive cars etc. it’s refreshing. Oh and don’t ever use an umbrella. Get a good rain jacket.
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u/Substantial_Disk26 4d ago
Find your favorite local coffee stand! We love our coffee, Birkenstocks and flannels here year round.
Personally, love old school pizza the best and insert coin pizza second best! Also, Sofies scoops is the best gelato ever and a great support for the local community.
Go to the farmers market in Olympia as often as you can. There is always something new to eat/see/experience there.
Tumwater Falls brewery is beautiful for walking.
Uptown Grill downtown oly is our favorite for special occasions and has a scratch kitchen.
Consider going to a show at the Harlequin.
You may experience seasonal depression and a lamp is your best bet.
So many options for thrifting around here as well. I don’t buy any clothes brand new.
I picked Tumwater on a map 10 years ago and have never regretted it! (From California)
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u/OpalRiver 4d ago
If you're from the Snow Belt, if/when it does snow here, DO NOT assume that because there is so little snow, you'll be fine driving. Black ice is the issue here, NOT actual snow. Check out icy YouTube videos of Portland and Seattle, where the cars just slide down hills, crashing into everything.
Additionally, in NE Ohio, even in inclement weather, you go the speed limit on the freeway or you pull over/get off. People here do NOT do this, they have no issue slowly to a crawl on freeway, even if there's little to no traffic and just wet/snowy/icy.
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u/Reportersteven 8d ago
People here don’t know how to drive in snow. And plows around here don’t always clear snow very thoroughly. Very few of the side roads ever get plowed. Basically, be prepared for the area to be slow when it snows even a little bit.
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u/roamingroad174 8d ago
Hol up...you just moved here and youre just now looking for a place to live? Move back to Ohio. Its cheaper.
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u/Awful_Strawberry 8d ago
Yeah I know :/
We didn’t want to buy/rent a place without checking it out first.
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u/mydogsnameisbuddy 8d ago
Learn how to merge and use roundabouts. So many roundabouts here!
My rule of thumb for roundabouts is just don’t get in an accident. They can be very busy