Travel Spokane

Get out on the Water with Scenic Spokane River Rafting

Written by Stephanie on May 21st, 2013

Spokane, WA is uniquely situated in an area with beautiful, rugged natural areas that offer great rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The Spokane River flows through the heart of the city, with scenic views, great rapids for adventurous rafters, and gentle areas for relaxing floats. You might see deer, beavers, great blue herons, and even moose. There are several local guided tour operators who can help you have an amazing time on the water.

Rafting with ROW Adventures.

ROW Adventures is great for anyone wanting to get out on a raft. Experienced guides take small groups on whitewater trips or meandering floats throughout the spring and summer. Rates range from $54 to $69 per person. Reserve your spot on the website or call 1-800-451-6034 for more information.

Pangea River Rafting offers fun floats two times a day. Their website describes rafting through Riverside State Park as “rafting whitewater through a Picasso museum. The surging river, sculpted volcanic rocks, and unmatched beauty make rafting whitewater in Spokane an unmatched rafting vacation.” Guides liven things up even more with boat games and squirt guns. Rates are $55 to $59. Pangea also offers wine floats, in which you get to sit in a raft sipping wine and eating appetizers while your guide rows your down the river through gorgeous scenery. Wine floats are $95 per person. Click here for reservations for all trips.

FLOW Spokane River trips give rafters water guns for extra fun. Copyright FLOW Adventures

FLOW Adventures provides rafts, inflatable kayaks, and tubes for their guided Spokane River trips, depending on the group’s preference. An optional lunch or dinner is available. FLOW also conducts instructional classes to help you get more out of your adventures. Floats are offered throughout the summer; click here for the calendar. Three Wednesdays in June, FLOW will offer discounted floats that will be followed by dinner and drinks at the Flying Goat. Regular rafting and kayaking rates are $64 and $69. Tubing packages are $20. Call 509-242-8699 to book.

Wiley E. Waters is a Post Falls, ID based rafting company that offers whitewater rafting on the upper and lower Spokane River as well as gentle scenic trips perfect for families with young kids. Rates range from $44 to $59, and trips are available throughout the summer. Wine and dine floats, featuring Spokane area wineries, are also available. Call 208-457-1092 for details and reservations.

Spokane Parks and Recreation offers several affordable guided water trips for all ability levels on area waterways throughout the summer. You can kayak, canoe, raft, or even paddle board. A few of the fun options are evening paddles, a kayaking trip with a cave tour, and a morning coffee and pastries paddle. Classes are also available. Click here for a schedule and to register.

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Spokane Lilac Festival Celebrates 75 Years

Written by Stephanie on April 25th, 2013

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more.

On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane area kids by cheering them on during the Junior Lilac parade, which starts at 10 a.m. on Washington Street in downtown Spokane. School bands and drill teams as well as youth clubs will perform and march. Local mascot celebrities, city and county officials, and local businesses also take part. After the parade, head over to River Park Square to view the Lilac shoe box floats. You can also do some shopping (check out the brand new Sephora store!) and pick up some lunch at the food court or one of the restaurants inside the mall.

If a day of golf is more your style, then sign up for the Armed Forces Appreciation Golf Tournament on May 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s 5-star course. This will be scramble format with teams of 4. Cost is $90 per person, and registration ends May 3.

Thursday, May 16, you can hear Police Chief Frank Straub speak at the All City Civic Military Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Davenport Grand Pennington Ballroom. Tickets are $35 or $425 for a table sponsorship. Register by clicking here. On the evening of May 16, the Pages of Harmony barbershop chorus will perform the Diamond Anniversary Men’s Chorus Spring Show at the Bing Crosby Theater. If you miss this show, you can also catch them on Saturday, May 18, at 3:00 p.m. in Riverfront Park.

The Festival culminates on Saturday, May 18, with the Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show and Cruise at 10:00 a.m. at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Howard and the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, which begins at 7:45 p.m. To register your car in the car show, click here. The beautiful torchlight parade features lighted, colorful floats, dancing teams, high school bands, and more. Arrive early to stake out a spot to watch, or you can reserve bleacher seats here for $15.

1976 Lilac Festival parade.

In honor of the 75^th anniversary of the festival, the Spokesman Review and the Spokane Lilac Festival Association have put together an heirloom quality coffee table book with nearly 300 photos capturing the essence of the festival from its beginnings in 1938 through the diamond anniversary this year. If you order it at this link, the Spokane Lilac Festival will receive $6 from the sale of each book.

Posted in Events, Family, Shows, Spokane | No Responses »

Celebrate Reading with Get Lit! April 8-14: Joyce Carol Oates, Jonathan Evision among Headliners

Written by Stephanie on March 27th, 2013

Spokane’s biggest annual literary event, the Get Lit! Festival, has been bringing nationally recognized authors to Spokane and spotlighting local and regional authors since 1998. The week-long festival packs in poetry slams, readings, panel discussions, and workshops for readers of diverse interests and all ages. All events except headliner acts are free. Click here for a full schedule. Here are a few don’t-miss selections:

Ode

Ode is an original play based on one of the greatest true love stories in the history of literature, the romance between English poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by tragic events. The play was written by celebrated poet and EWU professor Jonathan Johnson.
April 9, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre in the Fine Arts complex of the EWU Cheney Campus. Located on Washington Street between Sutton Park and the football field. Free.

An Evening with Joyce Carol Oates

Author of over 100 book-length publications, from novels to plays, Joyce Carol Oates has won countless awards and accolades. Her most beloved works include the bestsellers Blonde and We Were the Mulvaneys, and the National Book Award-winner them. Joining her will be Jaimy Gordon, author of Bogeywoman and the National Book Award-winning novel Lord of Misrule. David Shields will read from his latest nonfiction work, How Literature Saved My Life. Book signing to follow.
April 12, 7:00 p.m., Bing Crosby Theatre, 901 W. Sprague. Tickets are $15. Click here to purchase.

Kim Barnes and Jonathan Evison reading

Jonathan Evison is the author of All About Lulu and the New York Times bestseller West of Here. His latest novel is The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving. Pulitzer Prize-finalist Kim Barnes will read from her most recent novel, In the Kingdom of Men. Q&A and signing to follow.
April 11, 7:00 p.m., Bing Crosby Theatre, 901 W. Sprague. Tickets are $15. Click here to purchase.

Poetry Salon

This is always one of the highlights of the Get Lit! Festival for anyone who enjoys poetry. The “salon” originated in 18th century France as an informal gathering where people discussed literature, art, and philosophy. Six poets will read and hold an informal discussion about art and craft, moderated by EWU professor and poet Jonathan Johnson. The participating poets are Gerard Beirne, Cecelia Hagen, John Hodgen, Stephanie Lenox, Maxine Scates, and Carolyne Wright.
April 12, 9:00 p.m., Rocket Bakery, 1325 W. 1^st Ave. Free.

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Sign Up Online by April 21 for Bloomsday 2013! Free Clinics to Prepare for the Race Begin This Weekend

Written by Stephanie on March 13th, 2013

Are you ready for the 37^th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic route that begins in downtown Spokane. Click here to view the course. From elite world class athletes competing for the top prizes to parents slowly pushing strollers and stopping for ice cream at Doyle’s on the way, people come from all over for this exciting event. It is more than a race; it is seven miles of live bands along the course (plus the SpoCon sci-fi masquerade!) with 48,000 or so participants making it to the finish line. Many people create fun, unofficial teams or wear costumes, so there is plenty to look at to distract yourself from the physical exertion. New this year, online registrants can sign up to have their results broadcast to Facebook, Twitter, and mobile phones as soon as they cross the finish line. Also new this year, the Fit for Bloomsday program will distribute trading cards, including Spaghetti Betty (carbo-loader extraordinaire) and Doomsday Hill-Billy (always inclined to run), at the Bloomsday tradeshow (May 3 and 4 at the Spokane Convention Center).

Young racers with SpoCon sci-fi masqueraders.

Register here through April 21. Cost is $17 plus $1.69 online processing fee. Late registration is available through April 28 and costs $35 plus a $3.49 online processing fee. You can also register in person at Sports Authority stores until April 16 or by mail (must be postmarked by April 16). Mail forms are available at Washington Trust banks, Safeway stores, Franz/Snyder’s Bakery Outlets, Holy Family and Sacred Heart hospitals, and most running stores. Free clinics hosted by Providence and Group Health to prepare for Bloomsday start this weekend. You can sign up here.

Posted in Events, Family, Live music, Spokane, Sports | No Responses »

Get Ready for Spring at Custer’s Home and Yard, Arts and Crafts Shows

Written by Stephanie on February 22nd, 2013

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35^th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest products and services. The show will be held February 28–March 3 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Parking is free, and adult admission is $7 for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under are free. Hours are noon–9:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Thursday only, adult admission is buy one get one free.

Once you have figured out what you want to do to your house and yard this spring, come back to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center for Custer’s 36^th annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show to pick up a hand-crafted bird house, metal sculpture, fountain, or wall hanging. You can find myriad arts and crafts items from over 300 professional artists from around the U.S., including gourmet food items, hand-painted furniture, pottery, unique jewelry and clothing pieces, nature photography, and more. With over 78,000 square feet of exhibit space, this is the largest show of its kind in the Inland Northwest. This show runs March 8–10. Hours are Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults for the entire weekend; children 12 and under are free. Parking is free.

If you are traveling to town for either of these shows, check out Stratford Suites’ beautiful rooms and great rates. All rooms offer fully equipped kitchens and 50” HDTVs. The convenient location is just minutes from the airport and downtown Spokane.

Posted in Art, Events, Family, Home & Garden, Shows, Spokane, Travel | No Responses »
Tags: arts and crafts, home and yard show, home improvement, Spokane arts and crafts show, Spokane home and yard show

Spokane Shock Looks Strong for 2013 with Veteran Players and More Discipline

Written by Stephanie on February 14th, 2013

The main football season ended with the Superbowl on February 3, but football fans need not despair. Spokane Shock arena football begins soon! Sunday, March 10, get warmed up with the pre-season Orange and White scrimmage game. The first home game is April 12 against the Arizona Rattlers. Click here for a season schedule.

Head Coach Andy Olson feels confident that this year’s team can make it to the championship: “We have 17 returners . . . Everybody just knows more, where as last year everyone was so young. We can really get rolling fast,” Olson said. To improve discipline, this year’s practices will be much more competitive, structured, and efficient. New this year, a conditioning test will be required at the start of the season. If the players don’t pass, they don’t practice, and if they don’t practice, they don’t play. Olson described it as a warning for the players and a way to set a high standard that he hopes to carry throughout the whole season.

Returning players that fans will recognize include receiver Adron Tennell, who set franchise records in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and points last season; Terrance Sanders, who was named first-team AFL kick return and second-team defensive back; former Eastern Washington University quarterback Erik Meyer; and AFL vet Chris Pino.

If you aren’t familiar with arena football, it is played on an indoor field. The Spokane Shock is a member of the Arena Football League. Home games are played at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

Individual game tickets can be purchased beginning in March online at TicketsWest.com, by calling 1-800-325-SEAT, or in person at the Spokane Arena box office or any TicketsWest outlet. Season tickets, available now, are a great value and start at just $90.

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Spokane’s Top Valentine’s Day Dates

Written by Stephanie on February 5th, 2013

There are myriad ways to celebrate with your sweetheart beyond dinner and a box of chocolates. Here is your inspiration guide—five fabulous ideas for a fun, memorable date.

Couples’ Massage

Enjoy a relaxing, side-by-side massage treatment that will leave you both feeling good. Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s La Rive Spa in Airway Heights has two couples options, one that includes a candlelight, in-room massage in your suite if you stay there, and one that provides massages for two in a private room. Call 509-481-6108 to book an appointment.

Brick House Massage and Coffee Bar in Spokane Valley is currently running “The Perfect Pair for Two” special, a side-by-side full body massage and classic or sports pedicure with candles, rose petals, lattes, truffles, and a take-home gift. Call 509-891-1999 to schedule.

Urbanna Spa in the Gonzaga University area of Spokane offers a candlelight couples massage. Book yours and receive a Valentine’s Day bonus of a free leg polish or hot stones on the back. Call 509-747-7-76 or book online.

Valenwine Weekend at Spokane Wineries

Wine, cookies, and chocolate? Yes, please! Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10, Spokane Winery Association wineries will be open from noon to 6:00 p.m. for wine tasting paired with sweets. You can also enter to win another great date—Spokane Symphony tickets—at all locations. Many wineries will offer discount specials for this event, so you can buy some great wine for celebrating again on February 14. Click here for a map of wineries. Tasting fees apply and are usually applicable to a wine purchase.

Date Pass at Riverfront Park

Get the new Date Pass from Riverfront Park and play in the park with someone special. For only $30 per couple, you will enjoy ice skating, mini-golf, and a beautiful Sky Ride over the Spokane River. The pass is good on Saturdays and Sundays through March 3. Walking through the snowy park and taking in river views are free and fun activities to complete your date.

Night Skiing at Mt. Spokane

Here is a healthy, exhilarating date idea. Mt .Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is just 28 miles from downtown Spokane. Night skiing is open Wednesday through Saturday nights, 3:30–9:30 p.m., for only $20. Buy your tickets online ahead of time to save even more!

Take a Dance Class

Pick up a new, romantic hobby to do with your partner! Simply Dance Studio in downtown Spokane makes it easy to try out new dances, and they offer social dances for couples to practice their new steps. Saturday night salsa is an especially good choice for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Learn steps during a lesson at 8:15, then dance the night away until 1:00 a.m. Or if swing is more your style, come to a lesson at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, followed by open dancing until 11:00 p.m. Check the calendar for schedules.

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Live Music, Photography, Sculpture, Painting, and More Art at the Visual Arts Tour Friday, February 1

Written by Stephanie on January 29th, 2013

Photo in the LeDuc Benefit Show at the Liberty Building.

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year for art in Spokane. Galleries, wineries, stores, bars, and restaurants showcase excellent artists from around the region. Many venues offer light refreshments, and admission to everything is free! Add dinner at one of the many delicious local restaurants downtown, and you have the makings of a great date night, family outing, or evening out with friends. There are over 30 locations for the event. Most are open from 5–9 p.m. Click here for a schedule. You can download a walking map of downtown here. Here are a few of the larger exhibits featuring multiple artists you won’t want to miss.

Chase Gallery in City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Explorations 13 is comprised of a wide variety of media from some of the best college-age artists in the region, drawn from five area colleges. Light refreshments will be served, and the band Canned Music will play.

Historic Liberty Building, 203 N. Washington St. (Auntie’s Bookstore building)

The LeDuc Benefit Show will benefit the family of Gabby LeDuc, a 6-year-old artist-in-the-making who is undergoing treatments for leukemia. Works on display and for sale include sculpture by Richard Warrington, paintings by Kirsten Stobie, Kathleen Secrest, Bill Werle, Benjamin Grant, Owl Jones, and Christina Deubel, photography by Schindler Photography, and more. Check out more than 12 artists displaying on four floors with live music 5:30–8:00.

Kress Gallery (3rd level, Riverpark Square), 808 W. Main Ave.

A Child’s Eye from West to East features the work of Japanese students age 6–12 of the Nishinomiya UNESCO Association through a Sister City relationship with Spokane’s school district. Ensembles from the Spokane Public Schools presented by First Night Spokane Rising Stars, 5:30–7:30.

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