22 Unique Things to do in Spokane, Washington: Gateway to the American West ~ Laurel Christine

Washington’s second largest city quietly boasts access to some of the finest wine, coffee, architecture, and outdoor activites in North America.

More than half of the buildings in Spokane are on the Historic Register, and the city is full of galleries, street art, and live music venues. The region is home to over twenty wineries, and is within a close drive to 76 lakes, dozens of rivers, and 7 national parks.

Whether you’re looking for a Napa-esque weekend that won’t break the bank, an exploration of historic buildings and literature, or a brewery packed base camp for your next rafting and backpacking adventure, Spokane has something for everyone.

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The Historic Davenport Hotel

Green Bluff Farms

Boots Bakery & Lounge

Atticus Coffee & Gifts

GETTING AROUND:

The airport is only ten minutes from the city, and Spokane is one of only three U.S. cities with a skywalk. Indoor, climate controlled walkways connect a dozen blocks within the downtown area, so even if the weather is rough you can still walk throughout the city.

PACK LAYERS:

Depending on what time of year you’re planning on going to Spokane, the weather may be drastically different. Whether it’s Winter or Summer weather you can expect some temperature changes between day and night, and it may rain or snow.

STAY:

The Historic Davenport Hotel has a history of modernity. Enjoy elegant and exquisite 1914 design inside one of the world’s greenest, most energy efficient buildings.

SHOP:

Local artisans collaborated to create the Pop Up Shop, a beautiful collection of jewelry, art, homewares, body products, and more.

BUT FIRST, COFFEE:

Discover your next favorite novel, finish all your gift shopping, and satisfy your caffeine needs at Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

EXPERIENCE:

Golf: Indian Canyon, The Creek at Qualchan

Rafting: Wiley E. Waters’ Whitewater Rafting

Wineries: Latah Creek Winery, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Green Bluff Growers, a collection of farms you can visit for flower and fruit picking and farm to table dining experiences.

EAT:

Breakfast: Enjoy country brunch in a beautiful outdoor patio at Chaps Coffee Co

Lunch: For an elegant atmosphere to celebrate a special occasion, head to Luna.

Dinner: Inland Pacific Kitchen for the tasting menu.

Healthy: Boots Bakery & Lounge for vegan + gluten-free baked goods, small bites, espresso and cocktails.

Wellness Tree Health Center & Juice Bar

Happy Hour: Eclectic and lowkey dinner and drinks at The Gilded Unicorn

Rooftop Lounge: The Grand Terrace Bar

Late Night Eats: Peacock Lounge at the Davenport

SITES:

Spokane Falls: A two part waterfall which flows through downtown and generates hydroelectricity for the city.

Centennial Trial: A 37-mile path stretching from the Idaho state line to Nine Mile Falls, WA, built for walking, running, skating, or biking.

Manito Park: The urban park includes a dahlia garden and a Japanese garden, as well as ponds and a glass conservatory that houses tropical plants.

John A. Finch Arboretum: A 65 acre facility that has one of the largest collections of flora in the region, a collection of more than 2,000 trees, plants, and flowers, including a diverse range of lilacs.

Riverfront Park: One of the most spectacular American urban parks, it covers 100 acres of land and includes an island, Spokane Falls and River, the 1902 Clock Tower, the Expo ’74 Pavilion, the 1909 Looff Carrousel, and more.

National Parks: Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades in Washington, Glacier in Montana, Crater Lake in Oregon, and Grand Teton and Yellowstone in Wyoming.

Lakes: Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, Lake Coeur d’Alene

Do you have plans to visit Spokane? Let me know in the comments below!