Visit spokane washington
Content and Photos courtesy of Visit Spokane
What if you could take a vacation that lets you have it all? A visit to Spokane, Washington satiates every interest: outdoor adventure, culinary quests, artistic endeavors, and nightlife pursuits. First-time visitors will find themselves saying, “I had no idea,” when seeing all Spokane has to offer. Built around the banks of the roaring Spokane River and Falls, the city is ideal for a quick getaway, family vacation, or romantic weekend.
The social threads of Spokane create an easy juxtaposition of city lifestyle mingled with the mountains, trails, and waterways surrounding the city. Spokane is a knockout in every season. Being a four-season destination means seeing her in all her outfits. You can find sun and heat, snow and cold, rain and color.
No visit is complete without a stop in the 100-acre Riverfront Park–the former 1974 World’s Fair site– in the heart of downtown Spokane. Take a turn on the Looff Carrousel, feed the Garbage-Eating-Goat, slide down the giant Radio Flyer Red Wagon, lay under the twinkling lights of the US Pavilion, skate on the Numerica Skate Ribbon, or ride over Spokane Falls in the Numerica SkyRide.
With natural beauty comes excellent things to do outside. Top-notch skiing, snowboarding, Nordic track, and tubing are available at five area ski resorts. In summer, myriad lakes mean fishing and boating. You'll find hiking, running, meandering, whatever you prefer, in the state's two largest state parks: Mount Spokane State Park and Riverside State Park. The two cover a combined total of nearly 25,000 acres.
Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State Park. ©Nicolas James Photography
Downhill mountain biking at Mount Spokane State Park.
Located just nine miles northwest of downtown Spokane is Riverside State Park. There’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. The park has hiking and biking trails, horse trails complete with an obstacle course, and a 60-foot round pen, plus it is ORV-friendly. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention plenty of campsites. Every season is the perfect time to visit Mount Spokane State Park. You'll always get a different view with hiking, biking, and horse trails. The mountain is home to Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park if you love winter sports. Stop at the historic Vista House for a photo op.
If city parks are more your jam, take a leisurely walk in Manito Park. The 90-acre park has five distinct gardens – Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Rose Hill, Ferris Perrenial Garden, Duncan Garden, and Lilac Garden – to wander through. Wander past the Mirror Pond, as well, and stop for a snack in the summer months at the Park Bench Cafe.
You’ll need more than a few days to taste what Spokane is cooking. Innovative chefs collaborate to create dishes that inspire. Bakers make delectable pastries. Baristas elevate the coffee experience. Spokane lives up to the Pacific Northwest stereotype with its abundance of craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and, yes, even a meadery. Get a taste of Spokane with each sip you take.
The Spokane region is quickly becoming known for its flourishing and welcoming art scene. It’s all thanks to entities like Spokane Arts and Terrain. Stop at one of the many art galleries and museums, ponder the numerous murals, and enjoy the vast public art scattered around the city.
Spokane offers an opportunity to explore small-city America with your entire family. It's a place that hasn't fallen under the cold, shiny spell of high-rise glass and steel. It's a place with charm and personality, and affordability. It's a city with a story. Visit and write your chapter.
Visit Spokane expands regional prosperity and creates economic growth for Spokane by successfully marketing the region as a preferred destination for conventions and leisure travelers from around the world. For more information visit: www.visitspokane.com