Outdoor event space, downtown cidery and Yelm gallery open
True Self Yoga in west Olympia has pivoted in the pandemic to open a 1,400-square-foot outdoor event center at their site off Black Lake Boulevard at 2727 Westmoor Court SW.
Taking advantage of state and federal grants to fund the project, the new True Self Event Center is an outdoor venue for daily yoga classes and private events, the business announced.
The business offers up to three daily yoga classes and weekly community dance events, and has booked live music and private events throughout the summer at the space. Examples of private events include weddings, reunions, birthday parties and memorial services. Outdoor heating is available.
In collaboration with the on-site Rainbow Cloud Cafe, private events have access to local food and catering options and a commercial kitchen.
Other business happenings
For years, Red Lion operated a hotel in west Olympia on Evergreen Park Drive Southwest, including when it was known as Hotel RL. But now the hotel has a new name and appears to have a new owner. It’s called Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake and is operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Locust Cider has opened a new Olympia taproom at 222 Market in downtown Olympia. The taproom is open noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
InGenius! Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique has opened in Yelm in the former JZ Rose space at 207 First St. S., across from Yelm City Park. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
The gallery includes art done in oil, watercolor, pencil and colored pencil, glass, leather, fiber, and wood, along with a selection of local honey products, soaps, and other hand-crafted gift items. Custom framing services also are offered in the 1,800-square-foot space.
Heritage Distilling, which now has a location in Tumwater’s Craft District on Capitol Boulevard, has released Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey. The beverage is bottled at 75 proof and is naturally flavored with a cane sugar base.
In the works
More businesses could be coming to the area, according to city of Tumwater and Thurston County information.
In Tumwater, representatives of the Craft District were set to meet with city building officials about a 5,000-square-foot building to house a bank and coffee shop.
And in eastern Thurston County, a new gas station with a drive-through espresso stand could be coming to 7323 Pacific Ave., which is at the corner of Union Mills Road in Lacey’s urban growth area.
The owners of Yelm Shiplap Shop & Coffee House say they are going to open a Shiplap Quilt Shop & Coffee House in downtown Tenino, according to the Thurston Economic Development Council.
The quilt shop will open toward the end of October. Similar to the Yelm location, Tenino Shiplap will offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, along with Twister donuts and fritters.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
This story was originally published July 23, 2021 at 5:45 AM.
