October, 2009

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stratford suites

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

strat

As we provide you with information regarding all things great in Spokane, we cannot do so without shining a light on our wonderful establishment that is sponsoring this very blog… Stratford Suites. 

By listening and responding to their guests, two business partners, who have been working together for over 20 years, identified a unique need for fully serviced apartments.  They are proud to own Stratford Suites, a boutique extended stay lodging campus with “over the top” amenities.

However, great amenities are not enough to warrant a guest’s loyalty and continued patronage. “Over the top service” is also needed. You will quickly recognize what that means at Stratford Suites and why we only hire nice people, top to bottom!

If you are looking for a place to stay, Stratford Suites is bound to be just what you are looking for.  Work-friendly, family-friendly and even dog-friendly, Stratford Suites has thought of everything so you can come and enjoy a relaxing stay… whether you are here for business, pleasure or BOTH.

All suites have kitchens, two bedrooms and wireless high-speed internet.  There are also computers and printers in the lobby.  For those needing more efficient and continuous contact with home and office, our office suites offer a desk, computer, copier, printer and fax.  In addition, we also have a very efficient board room stocked with a 50″ HD Plasma Monitor, computer, wireless high-speed connectivity and a Polycom phone system for crystal clear voice conferencing.

Click on the Facebook link on the sidebar to become a fan of Stratford Suites.  That way, you will see regular updates on specials at Stratford, as well as relevant Spokane events!

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Posted in Spokane, Travel | No Responses »

fruit of the vine

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Come and see the finer side of Spokane including the wineries that the area boasts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Caterina Winery, near Riverfront Park, is a family legacy that has spanned many generations. The boutique winery features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and their wine selection is impressive. Lone Canary Winery crafts elegant Washington wines and showcases them in their tasting room downtown. Be sure to make reservations if you plan to visit with a large group. 

Latah Creek Winery and Gift Shop is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon out. You can eat an al fresco lunch in their courtyard, tour winemaking facilities and taste some of Washington’s best wine. The only problem is, with such a charming setting and high quality wine, one visit may not be enough. 

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is another winery well worth visiting; the grounds and the buildings are magnificent and the Columbia Valley wines are particularly enticing. However, if you don’t have the time to make it all the way to the winery, you can at least try the varietals at their tasting room in the River Park Square Atrium.

Find these Wineries:

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
4705 N. Fruit Hill Road
Spokane WA 99217
Map it!

Caterina Winery
905 N Washington Street
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Lone Canary Winery
109 S. Scott St., B2
Spokane, WA 99202
Map it!

Latah Creek
13030 E. Indiana Ave.
Spokane, WA 99216
Map it!

River Park Square
808 West Maine Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

this article written by Nita Sporseen

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Posted in Dining, Spokane | No Responses »

home idea show

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

705113_working_late

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a perfect time of year to think about remodeling your home. Attend the Home Idea Show for ideas and connections, October 9 –11, Spokane Fair & Expo Center. The Home Idea Show has everything you need as far as renovations, remodels and redecorating go!  This comprehensive event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. Meet with contractors, landscapers, architects and interior designers. You’ll have a chance to see samples of products such as the newest in flooring and walkways to transform your home and add to its appeal. View displays of kitchens, baths, windows, furnishings, spas, pools, fireplaces, sunrooms, and much more. Come with ideas and an imagination for what’s possible and The Home Ideas Show will provide the inspiration! Show hours are Friday, Noon – 8pm, Saturday, 10am – 8pm and Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Admission is just $7 for adults, children 12 and under are totally free. For more information visit HomeIdeaShow.com or call 939.8017.

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Posted in Home & Garden, Spokane | No Responses »

recreation for all 4 seasons

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

bikerAndSunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you plan to visit during winter, remember to bring your skis and ice skates. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is just over an hour drive from Stratford Suites and features a terrain park and tubing hill, so the whole family can have fun playing in the snow. If you prefer ice skating rather than hitting the slopes, spend a day at Riverfront Park’s outdoor Ice Palace or Eagles Ice Arena.

If your visit will be during a warmer season, your recreational options range from water-sports and cycling to hiking and backpacking. The Centennial Trail provides 37 miles of wide pathway for cycling, jogging, hiking or walking. It stretches along the Spokane River from Nine Mile Falls to North Idaho. Maps of the trail can be purchased at the Riverside State Park office.

The Little Spokane River Natural Area is another great place for hiking, as well as canoeing and kayaking. Blue Herons nest in this area, and you may even see some ancient pictographs.

If slides and attractions are a must, try out Splash Down Waterpark in Spokane Valley. The waterpark features fast, tall, and twisty slides for older kids and adults as well as three pools and four “kiddie slides” for little ones.

Finally, when you need a day a little closer to Stratford Suites, don’t miss out on Manito Park. It has something to offer all year round. In spring, the lilacs are blooming and the trees around the pond are blossoming; in summer, Rose Hill and Duncan Garden are sights to behold; in autumn, the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden displays a vibrant array of colors; and even in winter, the Gaiser Conservatory provides a chance for visitors to escape the cold and enjoy the beauty of nature’s fine flowers and cacti.
 

Find these Recreation hot spots:

Eagles Ice Arena
6321 N Addison St
Spokane, WA 99208
Map it!

Little Spokane River Natural Area
Information and Map
Map it!

Manito Park
1702 S Grand Blvd
Spokane, WA 99203
Map it!

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park
29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr
Mead, WA 99021
Map it!

Riverfront Park (Ice Palace)
507 N Howard St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Riverside State Park
9711 W. Charles
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Map it!

Splash Down Waterpark
11123 E Mission Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Map it!

this article written by Nita Sporseen

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Posted in Recreation, Sports | No Responses »

dining out

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Steam_Plant1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photo: Steam Plant Grill

Whether you are requesting a table for 2 or for 12, Spokane has so many delicious restaurants to try.

In the downtown area alone, you can enjoy the delicious food and drinks available at formal restaurants, funky bistros, laid-back pubs and chic bars.

If your preferred destination is a classy dinner-spot, try Clinkerdagger for steak and seafood served in an enchanting atmosphere. During the summer months, ask to be seated on the deck overlooking the Spokane River; the view is exquisite. For a cultured, European meal, spend an evening at Europa or the Italian Kitchen. The intimate atmosphere at Europa is overshadowed only by the desserts that their in-house pastry chef, Christie Sutton, produces to follow their exquisite meals. But don’t overlook the Italian Kitchen, which was voted the “Region’s Best Italian Restaurant” by Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Living for each of the past three years.

If a something less traditional is more your style, there are plenty of options. The Steam Plant Grill is located building that is part of Spokane’s industrial history. When you walk into the restaurant, you experience a piece of Spokane’s history. In addition to its distinctive atmosphere, the Steam Plant Grill offers delicious menu items and an extensive list of hand-crafted beers from the Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company.  Cyrus O’Leary’s is another fabulous place to dine.  They offer one of the most diversified menus in Spokane with over 100 items, a Children’s menu, and over 300 specialty drinks.

For a healthy alternative, Mizuna features seasonal menus that include vegetarian and vegan meal options. Mizuna also boasts a wine bar that is a popular weekend spot for both visitors and Spokane’s locals.

If you’d like to finish out the evening with a drink, and a pub with an old-world feel entices you, try Catacombs Pub for beer, wine and live music. If you’d prefer a trendy cocktail, unwind at Bistango Lounge. Whether you lean toward the classic gin and vermouth, a drink that is fruity and sweet, or even a martini served on fire, Bistango has something for you.

If you choose to adventure out and see the rest of Spokane, be sure to grab an espresso and a treat at Maple Street Bistro. If you have the time, go inside and drink your coffee from a mug. On the way back to Stratford Suites, try Café Neo or Tomato Street for lunch or dinner. Café Neo’s modern, welcoming ambiance and delicious soups won’t disappoint. For a family-friendly, unique Italian experience, Tomato Street consistently delivers.
 

Find these restaurants: 

Bistango
108 N Post St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Café Neo
10208 North Division
Spokane, WA 99218
Map it!

Catacombs Pub
110 S Monroe St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Clinkerdagger
621 W Mallon Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

516 W Main Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
 
Europa
125 S Wall St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Italian Kitchen
113 N Bernard St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Steam Plant Grill
159 S Lincoln St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Mizuna
214 N Howard St
Spokane, WA 99201
Map it!

Maple Street Bistro
5520 N Maple St
Spokane, WA 99205
Map it!

Tomato Street
6220 North Division
Spokane, WA 99207
Map it!

this article written by Nita Sporseen

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Posted in Dining, News, Spokane | 1 Response »