Exploring Spokane

THINGS TO DO

Explore the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

This is where we'll be throwing our big party! We lived nearby during the pandemic and really enjoyed walking to the parking lot and looking over the city when the world felt small. All of our guests will have the opportunity to walk through the museum and view the exhibits free of charge before the party. You'll have a chance to reserve your free museum pass when you RSVP!

Walk through the Garland District

We have spent A LOT of time in the Garland District. If you like shopping vintage clothing, music, or collectibles, this is a great spot. The Garland Theater shows old movies, and there are lots of great little food spots and bars along the way too. We highly recommend you walk along this little strip while you're in town! Rose's personal favorite is Giant Nerd Books, which sells used books, local art, and has a spooky undertone to its collection.

Get Creative at Polka Dot Pottery

If you're bringing kiddos with you or want to fit something crafty into your time in Spokane, we highly recommend visiting Polka Dot Pottery! Here, you can pick one of many pre-fired ceramics and get creative while glazing it using their wide selection of glazes! All of your creations will be available a week after you finish them, so let us know if you decide to try this and we'll make sure everything gets sent to your address.

Explore Riverfront Park

If you've never been to Spokane before, or haven't been here for a while, we suggest you take a walk through Riverfront Park. As the name suggests, the Spokane River runs right through the middle of this area, and a series of waterfalls can be viewed from many of the pedestrian bridges that cross it! There are many things to see and do in the park - a pavilion covered with "spider web" (a uniquely lit structure left during the World's Fair in 1974), the clocktower remnant from our town's railroad history, the Looff carousel, gondolas that will take you to overlook the falls, and several outdoor art installations honoring the Spokane Tribe.

OUR FAVORITE HIKES

Palisades Park

If you're looking for an easy hike with some beautiful views, Palisades City Park is the best spot! A wide, gravel trail will take you along a beautiful basalt palisade, which overlooks the whole city. This is one of the many places Rose has worked and hiked many times to care for the forests, trails, and wildlife in her work with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. The link provided is a google pin, which will take you right to the trailhead!

Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve

Waikiki Springs is a beautiful place to spend a morning in October. The forests are changing color, the moose are out, the Little Spokane River is misty and beautiful. The area has a few looped trails to hike, so distance ranges, but plan on spending a couple of hours walking around the area! This is one of the natural areas Inland Northwest Land Conservancy owns and Rose has managed for several years. It's a special place to Spokane residents! Rose may even be coordinating some native species planting parties in October - if those come to fruition, we'll add the work party dates and save you some gloves so you can join us if you'd like! Getting your hands dirty is the best kind of fun!

Mica Peak Conservation Area

For those of you who may want a longer hike, or something that reminds them of western Washington, hit up Mica Peak! There are miles and miles of trails in this natural area, and you'll have a totally different ecosystem to explore, depending on which side of the mountain you go! Lots of wildlife to see, beautiful trees (cedars are along the northern slopes), and little babbling brooks flowing throughout. Watch out for moose in October!

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Up for a quick drive? Wanna see some birds?! Turnbull is a great spot! Some good walking trails, too, but we recommend taking a pair of binoculars along their driving loop. You'll see plenty from their single-lane drive. The wetlands are spectacular, the aspens will be glowing gold, and the elk and moose are really active this time of year!

PLACES TO EAT

Wisconsinburger

If you're looking for a great burger and a massive local beer selection while you're in town, this is the spot! We've had more than a few burgers here and if you decide to try it out you'll see why! The fried pickles are also fabulous!

O'Doherty's Irish Grille

If fall is hitting you hard and you want some good meat and potatoes, O'Doherty's has you covered! We've had many-a-beer sitting on the patio or in one of their cozy booths. Great beer selection, great food, and a good energy! Roderick highly recommends their reuban!

Sushi.Com

If you're craving some good soosh, as we often are, Sushi.com is the place to head. Wide variety, fresh fish, not too spendy, nice staff, good variety of sake. Plus, it's close to a lot of other cool things to do downtown! The Tuna Lover roll is our favorite!

Dry Fly Distilling

If you're looking for some good spirit, look no further! Dry Fly has you covered! The best Old Fashioned in town and good food to go with it (get the trout)! We can't recommend this place enough. Also centrally located to nourish you after a day of exploring downtown Spokane!

Zeeks Pizza

Best pizza in town - we'll die on this hill, folks. Good people, good food, good tap list - what more could we ask for? We're partial to the Texas Leaguer, but there's something on the menu for everybody. Great salads, too!