'''Spokane''' [http://www.visitspokane.com/] is a city in eastern Washington. It is the second largest city in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest region, the largest city in the Inland Northwest, and the largest city in eastern Washington. The city's nickname is "The Lilac City".
Understand
Spokane is the economic hub of a surrounding agricultural area that serves roughly 1.5 million people. Its immediate metropolitan area is home to roughly 500,000 citizens and the city proper is home to 200,000. It is a rather conservative area, with a rather liberal city proper, and has a fairly small racial minority population (around 10%).
Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County.[http://www.spokanecounty.org/]
Get in
By plane
'''Spokane International Airport''' [http://www.spokaneairports.net] is a few miles to the west of Downtown. It operates flights regularly to the hub cities of Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sacramento. Non-hub cities include Boise, Reno, Oakland, San Diego, and Tucson. Although Spokane has an international airport, there are no direct international flights at this time (though there were in the past to Canada). Flights to/from Canada normally go through Seattle (most common), Minneapolis, or Chicago. If everything is full, you might have to go further south. Currently, there's no way to get to Edmonton or even Calgary without flying to a quite out-of-the-way hub city.
By train
Spokane is located on '''Amtrak's''' [http://amtrak.com] Empire Builder route, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago. Spokane is located at the point where westbound trains are split in half, one half going to Seattle through the Cascades and the other half to Portland-Vancouver along the Columbia River Gorge, and where eastbound trains from those cities are joined together to continue eastward. The Empire Builder connects with Amtrak's Coast Starlight in Seattle and Portland and with many other trains in Chicago. The Amtrak intermodal station, which is shared with Greyhound buses, is a new facility located downtown, close to major hotels and attractions.
By bus
Same goes for '''Greyhound'''. You can get to Spokane on Greyhound from just about anywhere in the U.S. Its station is the intermodal one previously mentioned.
Get around
By Bus
The '''STA''' (Spokane Transit Authority) is an excellent way to get around to the North, South, and West sides as well as to the Valley and Liberty Lake in the east. Public Transit is a great way to get to meet the people of a city. Bus route maps can be found in a few stores and and gas stations. Most drivers are very friendly and helpful so ask any questions you may have.
Beginning December 4, 2006 STA will be moving to a new farebox and adding 2 hour and all day passes. With the new fare boxes you must ask the driver for a pass '''before''' you put your fare in the fare box.[http://www.spokanetransit.com]
By Car
Car rentals are available in many locations, mainly near the Spokane International Airport.
'''Interstate 90''' is an excellent way to cross town East-West, but beware the construction all throughout the freeway areas.
Check with '''Washington State Department of Transportation''' (WSDOT) for current driving conditions. [http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/spokane]
By Bike
Spokane is located in a valley, bicycling around can be difficult due to the hills. This can be complicated by weather, which can be cold and snowy in winter and hot and dry in the summer.
'''The Centennial Trail''' runs along the Spokane River from downtown Coeur d'Alene on through the Spokane Valley and downtown Spokane ending in Riverside State Park. It is good for bicycling, roller blading, or walking.
See
'''Downtown Spokane''' is the hub of the region dubed "The Inland Northwest." It is the center for all of your shopping centers, medical centers, main attractions and hotels. [http://www.downtownspokane.net]
'''Riverfront Park''' was the host of the 1974 World's Fair. All the pavilions still exist, and the park itself is beautifully maintained. Maps of downtown Spokane (which include a park map) can be found in most hotels and stores and gas stations nearby. [http://www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com]
'''Manito Park '''located between 18th Ave and 25nd Ave, West of Grand Blvd. East of Bernard Street. Its steep hills make it a popular wintertime sledding spot. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese and ducks. Visit the park's Rose Garden in the Summer, or the free Japanese Gardens on the Bernard Street side of the park. [http://inlandtour.debut.net/south-hill/manito.html]
'''Monroe Street Bridge''' newly opened after 2 years of reconstruction. This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States of America. Take a beautiful walk across the falls of the Spokane River. On the outskirts of Downtown (Locals know it well, just ask one).
'''Riverside State Park''' Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. [http://www.riversidestatepark.org]
'''The Knitting Factory''' is one of the Northwest's premier concert houses. It is a 1,500-capacity concert venue, and features top performers from around the world as well as dance club nights hosted weekly. It is easily found in the heart of Downtown Spokane, on the corner of Sprague and Monroe. [http://sp.knittingfactory.com/]
'''Spokane County Courthouse''' Located at W 1116 Broadway. Worth a visit. This interesting courthouse was completed in 1895 in 16th century French Renaissance style. [http://www.spokanecounty.org/asp/vis_historycourthouse.asp]
Cat Tales Zoological Park. 7020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA. 1 509 238-4126. ttp://www.cattales.org/. dults $8, Seniors & Students $6, Children (12 & Under) $5.
Finch Arboretum. est 3404 Woodlawn Blvd.. outhwest of town just off Sunset Blvd.. ree.
'''Broadview Dairy Museum/Caterina Winery''' The Broadview Dairy building has been a landmark in Spokane since the 1920's, originally built as a commercial dairy, the facility is now more open to the public, and now includes a milk production museum, the still operating dairy, and the Caterina Winery. [http://www.vintners.net/wawine/caterina/]
Davenport Arts District - at 2nd and Madison
Ft. George Wright National Historical District
Gonzaga University
Mobius Childrens Museum
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
One of a Kind in the World Museum
Spokane Falls
Tour Guides
[http://www.rowadventurecenter.com '''ROW Adventure Center''']- Rated as one of the "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" by National Geographic this company offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bike tours, hiking tours and fly fishing in and around Spokane, WA. You can book most trips online and they are very affordable. They have a Adventuer Center right downtown in Spokane, WA. You can also call: Toll Free: (800) 451-6034.
Do
'''Golf'''- There are 33 golf courses within a short drive of the city center. The city of Spokane runs 4 Public golf courses including the award winning Indian Canyon, Spokane County runs 6 other public courses. The Coeur d'Alene resort golf course features a green floating in the lake.
'''Spokane Rafting'''- The Spokane River offers great whitewater rafting. Some parts of the year, rafters can experience up to class IV rapids. The [http://www.rowadventurecenter.com ROW Adventure Center]runs rafting trips on the Upper Spokane (gentle float trips) and the Lower Spokane which starts just under the Spokane Falls Downtown Spokane and ends near 5 mile at the end of Riverside State Park. It's a beautiful trip with great rapids.
'''Kayak Spokane'''- Spokane has a great kayaking club and it's a good way to experience the outdoors and the city. There are [http://www.rowadventurecenter.com/Coeur-d-Alene-Kayak-Spokane-Kayaking.html guided kayak tours] available too.
'''Spokane Bike Tours'''- During the summer months, Spokane is a beautiful city to explore on a bike. A trip through Riverside State Park is a must. Centennial Trail bike rides and tours are another way to go through the city, learn about the history of the area and enjoy the outdoors. The ROW Adventure Center offers an inexpensive option called the [http://www.rowadventurecenter.com/Activities/Pedal-Paddle-Series.html Pedal and Paddle] series that combines rafting or kayaking with bike tours.
Events
'''Bloomsday'''[http://www.bloomsdayrun.org] This 12 kilometer run/walk is perfect for anyone of any age. Bloomsday is the worlds largest timed road race with over 50,000 participants each year. The race is always the first Sunday in May.
'''Lilac Festival'''[http://www.spokanelilacfestival.org/] The country's largest Armed Forces Day celebration including the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Held annually on the third Saturday in May.
'''Hoopfest'''[http://www.spokanehoopfest.net] The worlds largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament, with courts spread out all over downtown. Hoopfest takes place over the last weekend in June.
'''OutSpokane Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival''' [http://www.outspokane.com] Eastern Washington's largest Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered festival. Held annually every June.
'''Spokane Gay/Lesbian Film Festival''' [http://www.spokanefilmfest.org] Held annually on the first weekend of November, the festival presents a weekend of independent film.
Listen
Buy
'''Huckleberry's Natural Market''' 926 South Monroe Street (509) 624-1349 7am-10pm The [http://www.huckleberrysnaturalmarket.com/pages/bistro.htm 9th Street Bistro] inside this grocery store is a bustling cafe that serves $4.00 breakfast specials. Vegetarian friendly deli. Enjoy a toasted bagel with lox from the meat counter, or some freshly rolled sushi. Huckleberry's is the only natural grocery store of its kind in Eastern Washington. Large wine and bulk foods selection.
'''River Park Square'''[http://www.riverparksquare.com/] Recently renovated shopping center located in the center of downtown, just across from Riverfront Park. River Park Square is home to a 20 screen movie theater. Upscale stores such as Nordstroms, Williams Sonoma, Macy's and Restoration Hardware. A diverse collection of specialty stores selling items ranging from walking sticks to chocolates. Satisfy your hunger at the fast food court or at one of its many sit down restaurants. River Park Square is also a great place for kids with a childrens museum, bookstore and toy store. Skywalks connect River Park Square with the rest of downtown.
Eat
Budget
'''Dick's Hamburgers''', 10 East 3rd Avenue, 509-747-2481. A Spokane institution, serving up the quickest and most efficient cholesterol-delivery systems in the state.
'''Didier's Yogurt & More''', 10410 N Division St, 509-466-8434. Quality fast food from a family owned business. Great burgers and frozen yogurt. Located on the north side near Whitworth College.
Mid-range
'''Bennidito's Pizza''' [http://www.benniditos.com/] 1426 S. Lincoln, 509-455-7411. A local jewel, recently expanded. The pizza and calzones are fantastic. Always some good beers on tap, or you can get a bucket full. Recommended: garlic cheese bread, beer buddies, chicken wings, pesto ranch dressing, hot italian sausage, saxon pizza, New Yorker calzone.
'''Longhorn Barbecue''', 2315 N Argonne, 509-924-9600.
'''Chicken-N-Mo''', 414 1/2 W Sprague Ave, 509-838-5071. "Soul Food", Catfish, Ribs, etc. Located in Downtown.
'''The Elk Public House''',1931 W Pacific Ave; 509-363-1973. Eclectic to Standard food, large selection of microbrews on tap. Outdoor seating in the historic Brownes Addition.
Carl's Jr. 07 W 3rd Ave.
Other
'''The Rockwood Bakery''' [http://www.rockwoodbakery.com/] 315 East 18th Avenue. Located less than a block from Manito Park, The Rockwood Bakery is great for a mid-day coffee or pastry after a day in the park.
'''Coffee Social''' [http://www.coffeesocial.net/] 3113 W. Indiana, 509-327-7127. Coffee Social is a locally owned organic coffee house located on Indiana, 1.5 blocks west of Division. They serve Doma coffee and yummy food made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Tuesday nights are game night, and Thursday nights might have music. Hours are 7 AM to 10 PM every day, and they offer a 10% discount on the drink of your choice if you arrive by foot, bike or bus. The free wi-fi and laid back atmosphere make this a great place to spend some time. Mondays: open mic/jam night, Tuesdays: game night, Thursdays: acoustic music night.
'''Saunders Cheese Market''' [http://www.saunderscheesemarket.com/] 210 S. Washington, 509-455-9400. Located in the east central part of downtown, this shop offers many cheeses from the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, and abroad. Cheese plates are also offered, and there is wine by the glass, or you can bring in wine from the conveniently neighboring Vino! Wine Shop.
Drink
Being a Western city in the U.S., it has its fair share of bars and taverns. Washington state law says Bars can sell alcoholic beverages of their choice, while Taverns are restricted to Beer and wines and such. Along Sprague in Downtown, there are a fair number of Bars and Taverns.
'''Jack & Dan's Bar & Grill''': [http://www.jackanddans.com/] 1226 N. Hamilton Street, 509-487-6546. Classic sports bar owned by the father of former NBA & Gonzaga University star John Stockton. Sitting on the edge of Gonzaga University, it naturally caters to the students and is packed to watch basketball games. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10 PM.
'''Far West Billiards''': [http://www.farwestbilliards.com/] 1001 W. 1st Ave, 509-455-3429. Located in the historic Montvale Hotel at First and Monroe in downtown Spokane, Far West Billiards is the choice for an evening of great food, premium drinks, and casual pool. They pour only premium liquors, use only fresh fruit (no mixes), and always have several interesting beers on tap.
'''The Viking Tavern''': [http://www.thevikingtavern.com/] 1221 N. Stevens, 509-326-2942. A pub requires a healthy flow of suds. The Viking Tavern, long a Spokane beer mecca, has 26 beers on tap and 125-plus in bottles, and always free popcorn. To encourage variety, the Viking has an annual Tour de Beers contest in which participants try to make their way through as many brews as possible between May and September. Winners get Tour de Beers shirts and hats. Friday nights they usually have interesting music.
'''Northern Lights Brewing Co.''': 1003 E. Trent, 509-242-2739. For fresh local beer, head to Northern Lights Brewing Co., on the banks of the Spokane River. This is a true brewpub, offering sampler trays (and pints, of course) of its fine locally made ales, including its famous Crystal Bitter and Chocolate Dunkel. Northern Lights also has an ambitious food menu.
'''O'Doherty's Irish Grille''': [http://www.odohertyspub.com/] W. 525 Spokane Falls Blvd., 509-747-0322. This is a place to gather, chat, tip a pint and enjoy a little Irish flavor. Guinness and Harp on tap. Live Irish music on Tuesday nights. After you've been there a while you'll probably want to become a member of the O'Doherty's family by standing on the bar, singing a song for the entire bar, and stapling a dollar on the wall. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10 PM.
Twigs Bistro. 01 E Farwell Spokane WA 99218. 0-11. Twigs is first a martini bar and second a restaurant. However, their breakfast, which is only sold on the weekend, is superb. Their Creme Brule French Toast is wonderful. Dinner is a typical menu, burgers, pizza, etc. Their drink selection is very good.
Sleep
Budget
'''Microtel Spokane/Airway Heights''', 1215 South Garfield Road, ''+1 509'' 242-1200, [http://microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=1284]. Microtel is pleased to be the first economy/budget hotel brand to offer guests free local and free long distance calls in the continental United States, and free wireless high-speed Internet access in every room of our hotels, as well as advance online check-in and check-out with unlimited access to online folio information. These new amenities compliment our other standard amenities including remote TV with ESPN, CNN and one movie channel and complimentary continental breakfast.
'''Motel 6 Spokane East''', 1919 N Hutchinson Road, ''+1 509'' 926-5399, Fax: ''+1 509'' 928-5974, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1410].
'''Motel 6 Spokane West-Airport''', 1508 S Rustle Street, ''+1 509'' 459-6120, Fax: ''+1 509'' 747-1857, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=0137].
Mid-Range
'''Best Western Peppertree Airport Inn''', 3711 S Geiger Boulevard, ''+1 509'' 624-4655, Toll-free: ''+1 800'' 799-3933, Fax: ''+1 509'' 838-6416, [http://www.peppertreespokane.com].Spokane Hotel - The Best Western Peppertree Airport Inn is a three-star hotel in the Spokane, Washington area that offers spacious, comfortable rooms near some of Washington_fs most popular golf courses, universities and visitor attractions.
'''Best Western Pheasant Hill''', 12415 E Mission Avenue, ''+1 509'' 926-7432, Fax: ''+1 509'' 892-1914, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=48131].
'''Courtyard Spokane''', 401 North Riverpoint Boulevard, ''+1 509'' 456-7600, Fax: ''+1 509'' 456-0969, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/GEGCH].
'''Fairfield Inn Spokane Downtown''', 311 N Riverpoint Boulevard, ''+1 509'' 747-9131, Fax: ''+1 509'' 747-0501, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/GEGFI].
'''Holiday Inn''', 1616 S. Windsor Drive, ''+1 509'' 838-1170, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/skash].
'''Holiday Inn Express''', 9220 E. Mission, ''+1 509'' 927-7100, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/skavl].
'''Holiday Inn Express''', N. 801 Division Street, ''+1 509'' 328-8505, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/skaex].
'''Residence Inn Spokane East Valley''', 15915 E. Indiana Avenue, ''+1 509'' 892-9300, Toll-free: ''+1 509'' 892-9300, Fax: ''+1 509'' 892-9400, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/GEGRI].
'''Stratford Suites''', 11808 W. Center Ln, Airway Heights, WA, ''+1 509'' 321-1600, Toll-free: ''+1 888'' 705-8877, Fax: ''+1 509'' 321-1599, [http://www.stratfordsuites.com]. Just 10 minutes from Downtown. Extended stay hotel.
'''The Ridpath Hotel''', 515 W. Sprague Avenue, [http://redlion.rdln.com/HotelLocator/HotelOverview.aspx?metaID=70]. Located in downtown The 12 story Ridpath is much like any major midrange hotel.
Splurge
'''The Davenport Hotel''', 10 South Post St., [http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/]. Spokane's only four diamond hotel. Rated in the top ten best hotels in America by Expedia. Located in the heart of Downtown and the Davenport District (Art District).
'''Hotel Lusso''', 1 North Post St., ''+1 509'' 747-9750, [http://www.slh.com/lusso/]. Small Mediterranean style hotel located in the heart of downtown.
'''Montvale Hotel''', 1005 West First Ave, ''+1 509'' 747-1919, [http://www.montvalehotel.com]. Small European style boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown by the Fox Theater.
Contact
Spokane is one of a few cities nationwide that has '''Wi-Fi''' access just about everywhere Downtown. The entire Downtown area is a '''Wi-Fi hotspot''' or an area where wireless Internet is provided free of charge (2 hours per day) if your computer is equipped for Wi-Fi.
Stay safe
All-in-all people in Spokane are very kind and hospitable. It is a very safe city at most times of the day and there are no really bad neighborhoods to be advised of. That being said, Hillyard, the East Sprague red light district, and the west side area north of downtown are not great places to be alone at night. Also, use caution when walking through Riverfront Park or on the Centennial Trail at night.
Get out
Being in the foothills of the Rockies, Spokane has excellent '''skiing''' in the wintertime. An hour's drive north of city takes you to its most cherished ski resort; '''Mt. Spokane Ski Resort'''. [http://www.mtspokane.com/]. 15 miles from the intersection of US Highway 2 and Highway 206 to the northwest of Spokane
Also, 40 minutes east of downtown is the tourist town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's known for its quaint downtown and lakefront location.
Fairchild AFB[http://public.fairchild.amc.af.mil/], just west of Spokane International Airport on US Highway 2
Mt. Spokane State Park[http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Mount+Spokane], a camping park in the Selkirk Mountains. At the top of the 5,883' summit there are great views, as far as Canada. Camping in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter. 25 miles northeast of Spokane.