Spokane, Washington: It Doesn’t Suck

The following is a guest post from my sister Sammi. 

I’d been itching to get out west again. The red politics and late summer of Tennessee was getting to me so when I found out the North American Association of Environmental Educators conference was to be held in Spokane, Washington, I submitted a proposal in record time.

I’d never been to Washington, but my love for western states extended right up to its borders. Over 200 miles to the east, Spokane is considered by some to be a nice escape from the bustle of Seattle. Rich in Native American history, it’s located just shy of Idaho in the northern Rockies Ecoregion.

Don’t expect to find jagged peaks here, though. Just north of the Palouse, Spokane boasts rolling hills and wide views. Mount Spokane, at just 5,883ft, is closer to the mountains of the east than its mountain range friends among the Cascades or the Canadian Rockies.

With the river running through downtown, Spokane is happily situated. Riverfront Park, with views of Spokane Falls, was revamped when the city hosted the 1974 World’s Fair Expo, the theme of which focused on the environment. As a historical mining town with a thriving railroad hub, Spokane wasn’t always a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Much like Greenville, South Carolina or Chattanooga, Tennessee, modern revitalization efforts have gone towards redesigning the amenities of the city around its natural resources. The park houses a carousel, an iconic clock tower, and a gondola that take riders above the falls.

Mount Spokane hosts skiers in the winter and a thriving mountain biking scene during the warmer months. With milder winter temperatures and plenty of snowfall, the area is a perfect location for cross country and alpine skiing alike. Located right on Interstate 90, Spokane is convenient for those traveling from Montana and Idaho west towards Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

What surprised me most about this funny little city in the Inland Northwest was the thriving beer and wine scene. Of course, if I’d thought hard about it, a wine scene in Washington shouldn’t be outlandish. Downtown Spokane is home to the Inland NW Ale Trail and the Cork District.

While I focused on the beer, friends of mine have enjoyed the varied offerings of the region’s wineries. The Inland NW Ale Trail comes equipped with roughly 46 craft breweries. A published passport book helps you keep track of where you’ve been.

A growler goes to those who imbibe at 12 or more locations. Since I didn’t have a car I focused on the good handful within walking distance of downtown. I enjoyed my time at Black Label, Iron Goat, and Whistle Punk to name a few. The bartenders were pleasant and made recommendations as to places to eat and explore.

The food scene in Spokane is really coming along. With several colleges in and near town, Spokane has a good mix of trendy yet affordable dining. My favorite find was the Main Street area home to such gems as Main Market Co-op and the Saranac Commons.

The latter is a cool mixed-use hall with a trendy boutique, Caffe Affogato, Black Label Brewing Company, Common Crumb Bakery, and The Biscuit Wizard. The hall acts as a nice reprieve from those cold morning temps.

West Main Street also hosts a number of cute eateries and a very neat spot called Chosen Vintage. Chatting with the bartender at Black Label Brewing in Saranac, it is easy to see that the city is changing. As new hip locales bring visitors and residents into the city, they are met with a persistent optimism.

No cold winds or looming drug problem will prevent the city from pushing forward. Street fairs and apple picking attract families and young people. The river is a hub connecting downtown to the more residential northern neighborhoods. And with only a several hour drive from Seattle, more and more retirees are finding a haven in the Inland Northwest.

If you find yourself somewhere near eastern Washington, give Spokane a stop. You’ll soon realize, as I did, that “Spokane Doesn’t Suck.”

Additional Reading

• Top Things to Do in Spokane, Washington, Tammilee Tips

Sammi Eubanks is a nature lover at heart and received her bachelors and masters degrees from Appalachian State University. She has worked as a backpacking instructor in North Carolina, in the environmental education field for the Georgia 4-H program, and Zoo Atlanta. She now works for the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Her area of expertise is in finding the best hikes throughout the southern states.