This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo areas are rolling out the “pink carpet” to entice ladies to come in. Each district has a headquarters, where the first 100 shoppers will receive a “swag bag” of goodies, and you can pick up your Girl’s Day Out map. Check out the facebook page for an inside look at what some of the business owners are doing to make this year’s event the best ever.

Many shops will be offering treats and beverages, and every business will have something special to offer. You can start your holiday shopping or shop for yourself—you can find antiques, jewelry, clothing, makeup, skin care, art, new and used furniture, books, and much more. Some of the city’s best coffee houses and restaurants will also be offering great specials for the day. Door prizes and drawings for gift certificates will be part of the fun. You can see all the participating businesses and scope out all the deals before you go in this week’s Exchange, available at free newsstands all over the city.

District headquarters, where you will want to stop first to get your map and swag bag:

• Monroe: Cruz ‘n Back in Time, 3107 N. Monroe
• South Perry: Skin Care by Yisel, 1016 S. Perry
• Hillyard: Corner Cottage, 5210 N. Market
• Garland: Glamarita, 901 W. Garland
• SoDo: Ronan’s Door, 301 W. 2^nd Ave.
• North Division/Ruby St.: Retired Treasures, 2824 N. Ruby
• East Sprague/International: Northwest Seed and Pet, 2422 E. Sprague

Posted on the Girl’s Day Out facebook wall by Cruz ‘n Back in Time Collectibles

Although it is an event for women, men are welcome to come enjoy the fun as well.  Shopping local is good for the economy, good for the community, and good for the environment, just in case you needed an excuse to spend a day shopping!

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Valleyfest 2011 is based at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley off I-90 exit 289. There is plenty to do for all ages, including hot air balloon viewing, a run for diabetes, a family trail ride, music and other live entertainment, and a car show. Click here for a map of the park. Here are a few of the main attractions.

The Spokane Astronomical Society will let you look through telescopes at solar flares and sunspots (don’t worry, they have special safe filters) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus they will host a night sky gazing session Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m. You can also check out the planetarium in the Great Room at CenterPlace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Taste of the Valley, 6–8 p.m. Saturday night at CenterPlace, is an evening of wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres from Red Rock Catering and live music and entertainment. Afterward, you can stroll outside to watch the hot air balloon “Night Glow” show. Click here to buy tickets ($40 each).

Although registration is now closed for the Valleyfest 5K/10K Run for Diabetes, which starts Saturday morning at 9 a.m., everyone is welcome to take part in the Family Trail Ride on Sunday, with four routes to choose from. Click here for a video and click here to register. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Saturday and Sunday, a variety of performers will provide free entertainment, including local bands, hula dancing, skits, comedy, and more. Click here for a full schedule of all the fun!

Grab your kids or borrow someone else’s for Fishing at the Falls. Kids 14 and under can learn how to fish in the stocked pond at the park starting Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Balloons Over Valleyfest is an excellent reason to get out of bed early this weekend. Right after sunrise Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, 80-foot hot air balloons will launch and fly over the Spokane Valley. You can also see the balloons lit up at night on the back grass of CenterPlace just after sunset Saturday night.

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MarchFourth Marching Band

This year’s headliners are Marcy Playground, Charlie Musselwhite, Too Slim, Leon Russell, Carbon Leaf, and MarchFourth Marching Band. Pig Out in the Park will also showcase many local favorites, including Mon Cheri, Blue Ribbon Tea Company, and Hot Club of Spokane. Click here for a full schedule of bands.

Pig Out in the Park is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the music starts at noon each day. You won’t run out of new kinds of food to try even if you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the park, with everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to authentic Greek, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes. As Spokane’s largest cultural event, this is a golden opportunity to broaden your taste horizons for a decent price—the price cap for all items is $8.95. Picky kids (of all ages) will be happy to see plenty of tame options like Zip’s hamburgers, pizza, and of course funnel cakes.

Riverfront Park is always a fun place, and all the usual attractions will be running during Pig Out—IMAX Theatre, Looff Carrousel, Spokane Falls SkyRide, and Pavilion amusement rides. The day pass is the best deal at just $16.25 for unlimited amusement park rides and mini-golf plus one regular IMAX feature.

Getting there: As Pig Out is contained in the park, street closures are not an issue; however, this very popular event means close parking will be limited. If you drive, try to carpool and arrive as early as possible. In the afternoon, expect a healthy walk if parking on the street. Parking meters are free on Sunday and Labor Day. Buses will be running all weekend, including the Arena park-and-ride shuttle, but check schedules to make sure you don’t miss the last bus home! Bicycles are a great option for this event, with places in the park and surrounding businesses to lock up. Most concert seating is on the grass. Feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets, but keep in mind that wandering through the food booths can be a little tight for carrying bulky items, so think slim folding chairs and/or backpacks. See you there!

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Parking and driving around downtown can be a little challenging when Spokane is hosting 200,000 basketball players and fans, so you may want to consider taking the bus. On both days of Hoopfest, STA (Spokane’ bus system) is offering day passes for just $1.50, and there are two free park-and-ride lots. Check the website for more information on Hoopfest schedules—please note that the Plaza downtown will not be open to buses (to make room for Hoopfest!), so bus stops will be in alternate nearby locations.

In addition to loads of free live music and other entertainment at Hoopfest in downtown Spokane, including Hoopfest Saturday Night (DJ nightclub party) at the Lincoln Center (1316 N. Lincoln Street), here are some suggestions for making the most of your visit.

Catch a Live Show

Spokane has a thriving live music scene, with venues large and small, offering country, blues, rock, pop, and more. To pick out some good local live music, check out the Inlander’s live music calendar. There are also a couple of national acts in town on Hoopfest weekend. The infamous rock band KISS is performing at the Spokane Arena Friday night. Click here for tickets. The Judds play at Northern Quest Resort and Casino on Saturday night (see below).

Shopping with Local Flair

Riverpark Sqare in downtown Spokane is a great mall (and has a great movie theater with cushy couch-style seats), but think outside of the mall if you want a more uniquely Spokane shopping experience. If you are staying downtown or are downtown for the day during Hoopfest, walk east on Main Street to find a variety of locally owned businesses.

You’ll go by Auntie’s Bookstore, a large, wonderful, independent gem with a local gourmet café, Santé, in the same building. Closer to Division Street is Finders Keepers, a designer dress boutique, and Kizuri, a fair trade clothing and gift store, and more. Along the way, you’ll be tempted by local purveyors of food and drink.

Stroll up toward 2^nd Avenue for more independent, local shops: the Spokane Public Market (24 W. 2^nd Ave.), Sun People Dry Goods (32 W. 2^nd Ave.), Saunders Cheese Market (210 S. Washington Street, handcrafted artisanal cheeses), and Lolo Boutique (319 W. 2^nd Ave.) are some of the highlights. There are also numerous wineries to visit in the downtown area—go to the Spokane Winery Association website for details.

Just north of downtown at 621W. Mallon, visit the Flour Mill for great local shops and restaurants inside a historic flour mill: our favorites include the Kitchen Engine, the Chocolate Apothecary, Tobacco World (fine cigar shop), Wonders of the World, and the Queen of Sheba restaurant (click here for our review of this fabulous Ethiopian restaurant).

Leonardo da Vinci at the MAC

Be sure to check out the wonderful, interactive da Vinci exhibit at the MAC Museum of Arts and Culture, which just opened this month. A big bonus is seeing the huge old houses of historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, just west of downtown Spokane, where the MAC is located. For more information, check out our blog post on it.

Garland District

The Garland District is a quick drive or bus ride from downtown Spokane, and it is a great place to hang out and escape the crowds downtown during Hoopfest for awhile. Right away you’ll see the historic Garland Theatre at Maple and Garland, Spokane’s only independent “encore” theater, which runs second-run movies for just $3.50 all the time, so you can catch a flick in a beautiful old theatre for very little money. Stroll up and down Garland for great little locally owned shops and cafes, including the 1950s-style Ferguson’s Café and the Milk Bottle, a former ice cream parlor turned café that features a two-story milk bottle for a store-front. Other quirky local gems include the Blue Door Theatre, a family friendly improv. comedy group that performs every Friday and Saturday night, and Drop Your Drawers, a unique clothing consignment shop with everything from old sweaters to outrageous costume platform shoes. For nightlife, you can enjoy an old-fashioned drink at Bon Bon, the hippest bar on Garland, located inside the Garland Theatre building with an old-fashioned soda fountain/candy store feel and fixtures made from old movie reels.

Northern Quest Resort and Casino

This large resort near the airport has a lot more than just 46,000 square feet of gaming space. It also boasts the Inland Northwest’s only cigar room, several restaurants with casual to fine dining (if you’re vegetarian, try Fatburger’s veggie burger), a night club with entertainment seven nights a week, a sports bar with a 30’ x 10’ HD screen, and a full-service spa. The Judds are playing at Northern Quest’s new outdoor concert venue on June 25 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for ticket information.

Japanese Gardens at Manito Park. Copyright City of Spokane Parks and Recreation.

Find out Why We Say Spokane Is “Near Nature, Near Perfect”

Walk or bike through Riverside State Park to get into the woods without leaving the city and admire the beautiful Spokane River. You can also enjoy great views of natural areas of the Spokane River on the Centennial Trail, a paved walkway/bike path. Or simply take in the beauty of one of our gorgeous city parks—Manito Park, Finch Arboretum, and the Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens are all uniquely Spokane and uniquely beautiful.

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1. Ice skating outdoors at the Ice Palace: Remember John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity? Ice skating on a beautiful winter night is very romantic. Take your date on a stroll through lovely Riverfront Park to one of the nation’s best outdoor ice rinks, the Ice Palace, on Saturday or Sunday before Valentine’s Day (the rink is closed on Mondays). The rink is open until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Warm up afterward with a hot beverage at the Davenport Hotel and tour the grand, historic landmark once referred to as Spokane’s living room.
   

   Saturday Night Salsa at Simply Dance

2. Dance lessons: Dress up (or not) and learn sizzling salsa moves at Simply Dance Studio on Saturday, February 12. The drop-in lesson runs from 8:15–9:15 p.m., followed by dancing until 1:00 a.m. to try out your new moves. The lesson and dance are only $5. If you like it, you can come back for more as Saturday Night Salsa happens every week.
3. Wine, chocolate, art, and acoustic guitar: the perfect combination for an evening all about love. Jonathan Nicholson, a Spokane native who plays “soothing and introspective guitar,” will give a romantic performance on Saturday, February 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Avenue West Gallery (122 S. Monroe Ste. #103). Wine and chocolate will be served at this dress-up event, and you need an invitation from the gallery to reserve your place. Just call them at 509-838-4999 between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday to claim you spot.
4. Romantic symphony music with roses and chocolate: The Spokane Symphony is putting on a special Valentine’s performance of “Romantic Chopin and Schumann” with guest pianist Orion Weiss, whom the Cincinnati Enquirer has called “a talent . . . so natural, genuine and exciting you can hardly believe your ears.” Add a long-stemmed rose and a small box of Bloem chocolates to your ticket for an extra $10. Two performances are available: Saturday, February 12 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. The home of the Spokane Symphony, the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, couldn’t be more romantic, as it is a gorgeously restored art-deco theater that opened in 1931. Buy your tickets online, at the Fox  box office, or by calling 509-624-1200.
5. Wine tasting and candy: You can’t go wrong with good wine and delectable Valentine’s sweets! The Spokane Winery Association presents ValenWine weekend on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Download your map of the eighteen member Spokane wineries and grab your sweetheart or a fellow wine or chocolate lover and sample award winning, local wines and sweets.
6. Dinner and dancing at Corbin Senior Center: If you are looking for a more mature crowd to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, come enjoy an Italian buffet dinner followed by dancing at the Corbin Senior Center (827 W. Cleveland) on Sunday, February 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 per person or $30 per couple in advance or $20 per person at the door. Call 509-327-1584 for more information.
7. Go skiing while supporting a good cause: Hitting the slopes together is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and if you ski at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park on the weekend before the holiday, you will also be sending some love to the Inland Northwest Blood Center. On February 12 and 13, $5 from every lift ticket sold will go to the INBC’s Summer Donor Awareness Program. To add to the fun, Groove Patrol, Spokane’s wonderful funk/rock/jazz band, will play in the lounge on Saturday.
   

   Brick House Massage and Coffee Bar

8. Couples’ massage with truffles and candlelight: If you really want to spoil your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, book a “Dipped in Chocolate Special” at the Brick House Massage and Coffee Bar. Two side-by-side treatments are available at a discounted price ($144.99–$244.99). Both packages include side-by-side full body massages, lattes, and truffles! Call 509-891-1999 to book your treatment ahead of time.
9. Dinner theatre in a Victorian setting: The Lion’s Share, a creative center located in a large Victorian house at 1627 N. Atlantic, is offering a candlelight dinner plus live performances of loves songs and a play called Frame Up, a romantic comedy, for only $35. The event runs February 11–13 at 6 p.m. Call 509-327-1113 for reservations.
10. Just get away for the night! One of the sweetest ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to simply get out of the house, leave the kids with a sitter, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of housework, family, etc. Stratford Suites, Spokane’s best lodging value, makes it easy and affordable with the Valentine Rendezvous Package. Package includes a luxury suite with full kitchen, a dozen roses, chocolate truffles, a bottle of wine or Martinelli’s, and a $25 gift certificate to the nearby Rusty Moose restaurant. This deal is perfect for finishing off your evening or for staying in and cuddling while watching a 50-inch hi-def. television. Complete package is $149 per night. Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com.

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Downtown Spokane, copyright WorldNow and KHQ

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see.

Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area

Riverfront Park Outdoor Ice Skating

On winter afternoons and evenings, adults and children alike of all ability levels walk through Spokane’s beloved Riverfront Park to enjoy one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the nation. You will see kids skating around with friends, skating students practicing spins and other figure skating moves in the center of the ice, couples holding hands, and very often a few pairs of smiling young people on first dates (this is a great first date). The Riverfront Park Ice Palace is open every day except Monday through February 27. The rink is covered, housed under the big pavilion area. Skate rental is available. See the website for times and prices.

If you are on the North side of town, you can ice skate at Eagles Ice Arena, an indoor rink just off Francis at 6321 N. Addison, open year-round.

Copyright Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

Ski the Inland Northwest!

Take advantage of the Spokane area’s snowy winters and get outside for some good exercise. Six ski resorts are only a short drive away from Spokane: Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park (50 minutes), Silver Mountain Resort (one hour), 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (one hour and 15 minutes), Lookout Pass Ski Area (one hour and 30 minutes), Schweitzer Mountain Resort (two hours), and Red Mountain Resort (two hours and 30 minutes). Check out their websites for mountain stats; here are a few distinguishing features of each resort:

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

• Very conveniently located, just 28 miles from downtown Spokane, plus cheap ($15 round trip) bus service from Spokane on weekends and holidays
• Forty nights of skiing, more night skiing than any other local resort
• The Mt. Spokane State Park, which the resort is located in, also offers gorgeous cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, so non-skiers can have fun, too
• The most you will ever pay for a daily lift ticket is $45 (weekend adult)
• Children’s Choice Tubing Hill offers inexpensive day and night tube sledding with a rope tow for sledders of all ages

Silver Mountain Resort

• Families can stay at the Morning Star Lodge and play at Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark
• Scenic gondola ride up the mountain; no driving up hairpin turns on a mountain road
• Snow tube park and world-class beginner’s area with a moving carpet lift
• Cat skiing and snowboarding available
• Adult lift ticket is $50

49 Degrees North Ski Resort

• Great deal for beginners: EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 packages that include three lessons, three ski or snowboard rentals, and three lift tickets for just $109
• Terrain Park for all levels of skiers and riders with rails, boxes, hits, and more
• Free “mountain hosts” program features guided tours by experts to show newcomers around the mountain
• Known for legendary tree skiing
• Weekend adult lift ticket is $51

Lookout Pass Ski Area

• Free ski lessons for kids on Saturdays (pre-registration required)
• Average snowfall of 400” of light Northern Rockies snow
• Usually has the longest season in the region
• Two terrain parks, including the newly redesigned Exit 0 Park and the classic B-52, featuring a 1,111 foot long quarter pipe
• Adult weekend lift tickets are a very affordable $35

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

• Scenic: from the top, you can gaze at three mountain ranges, Canada, and three states
• Cat skiing and snowboarding available through terrain varying from open 20–30% slopes to steeper, old-growth forested terrain and glacier-carved open bowls
• Snowmobile tours available
• Idaho’s largest ski area, with 2900 acres and some of the best tree skiing in North America
• Adult lift ticket is $65

Red Mountain Resort

• Located in British Columbia’s famed “powder triangle,” with some of the best champagne powder in the world
• Voted “Best Powder, Best Steeps, Best Trees” by Ski Canada Magazine and ranked “one of North America’s top ten expert resorts” by Forbes Traveler
• Easy backcountry access to five back country peaks, plus cat and heli skiing and snowboarding available
• Adult lift tickets are $64; consecutive days are less

Mt. Spokane State Park. Copyright 2010 Washington State Parks

Free or Nearly Free Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Opportunities

With this winter predicted to deliver above-normal snowfall to the Inland Northwest, you can count on great conditions for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the Spokane area. Below are some of the locals’ favorite spots. If you don’t already own snowshoes or Nordic skis, you can rent them from REI. Some locations require Sno-Park permits or a park entrance fee, so check before you go.

Mt. Spokane State Park is a cross country skier’s paradise, with 300 inches of snow per year on average and 25 kilometers of groomed trails. There are also plenty of trails that are excellent for challenging, deep powder snowshoeing.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is beloved by snowshoers and cross country skiers of all abilities. It is mostly flat and open, a landscape of channeled scablands, wetlands, and small lakes. There are plenty of trails to follow, or you can just make your own way.

Columbia Plateau Trail: Easily accessible from Cheney, WA, Columbia Plateau Trail State Park is a 130-mile-long rail-bed trail that traces the 1908 original path of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railroad. The level, mostly flat trail is currently open from Cheney to Lincoln County. It is not as scenic as the parks mentioned above, but it is easy and perfect for families. Strong snowshoers might be bored by this one as there are no good hills or opportunities for exploring off trail.

Centennial Trail: The Spokane Centennial Trail is connected to the North Idaho Centennial Trail for 60 miles of paved cross country skiing and snowshoeing possibilities. There are access points all along the trail; just pick the kind of scenery you want to enjoy! One great place to snowshoe if you are in town and want a quick getaway to nature is the section of trail behind Spokane Falls Community College. You can park at the Military Cemetery trailhead located just off Government Way to access this portion of trail in Riverside State Park.

Eagle Watching at Lake Coeur d’Alene

In December and January, you can seize a rare opportunity to watch bald eagles just off shore in lovely Wolf Lodge Bay, in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This is due to the kokanee salmon of the lake spawning and dying starting in November, providing a plentiful source of food for the eagles. Thousands of people brave the bitter cold for this regional tradition of viewing the majestic raptors feeding and just generally looking impressive while sitting on a branch or pole. It doesn’t cost a thing; just bring warm clothes, a thermos of hot cocoa, and your binoculars. Click here for a brief article with tips on viewing. To get there, take US-90 east from Coeur d’Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then south on Highway 97 for three miles.

During Coeur d’Alene Eagle Watch Week, from December 26 through January 1, 2011, the Bureau of Land Management will be on hand at the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch and Mineral Ridge Trailhead, located in Wolf Lodge Bay, to teach about and assist you in observing the bald eagles. Educational displays and telescopes will be set up for the public to enjoy.

If you prefer to watch the eagles from the water, you can go to the Coeur d’Alene Resort to board a cruise ship. The ships go to isolated quiet bays where you can observe our national symbol in its natural habitat. Reservations are required, and tickets are $19.75 for adults, $17.75 for senior citizens, $11.75 for children ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under. Go to the Coeur d’Alene Resort website or call 800-688-5253 or 208-765-2300 ext. 21 for more information and to register. If you are hungry when you come back, try one of the resort’s excellent restaurants.

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Here’s how it works: Go to the Roast House, open that day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to pick up your Black Friday Local Shopping Challenge punch card. Then, visit the participating businesses: Atticus, Boo Radley, Vino! A Wine Shop, Satellite Diner, Kizuri, Auntie’s Bookstore, Cassanos, and Sun People Dry Goods. Your punch card will get you a discount or special offer at each stop. Auntie’s Bookstore, Kizuri, Atticus, Boo Radley, Vino! A Wine Shop, and Sun People Dry Goods are all offering discounts to Black Friday card holders. Satellite Diner is offering free Roast House coffee, and Cassano’s is offering $2.00 canolli. If you make the entire shopping circuit, you will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize basket of goodies donated by the participating businesses.

The artisan event at Roast House features woodworkers, a glass artist, jewelers, a paper card artist, knitters, quilters, and more. Some of the great gifts for sale include glass platters, ornaments, holiday wreaths, gloves, scarves, hats, cutting boards, bird houses, and canned jams and relishes. Live music will be provided all day, and Roast House, will feature the release of their new Nutcracker Suite, a holiday blend of coffees featured in a sustainable, reusable glass jar.

For more information, all 509-995-6500 or email info@roasthouse.net.

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The 6^th annual Girls’ Day Out features art galleries, antiques, health and beauty products and services, vintage clothing, coffee shops and cafes, and more. The driving goal behind this annual shopping event is to introduce Spokane women to their local neighborhood business centers. You know that cute little place you have driven past half a dozen times and always think you’d love to stop in but somehow never do? This is the perfect time! Be sure to stop at Anatopia Thrift Boutique in the Garland district as they will be serving chocolate, and hit Curl Up N’ Dye in the Hillyard district to get your nails painted pink for free. Fabulous Finds in the Monroe district will be serving a candy buffet. These are just a few of the highlights; every business will have something special for you!

Guys are welcome to come along, and in fact there are official “Guy’s Hang Outs” in each district, where men can watch football, have a drink, or play some games.

Make sure to pick up your free copy of the Exchange newspaper before the event for your official Girls’ Day Out shopping guide. On newsstands on November 11, it will include neighborhood maps, participating businesses, sponsors, sales/specials and any other information you need to navigate your way through the day. For photos and a video of last year’s Girls’ Day Out, click here.

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Gorgonzola bruschetta at Left Bank

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against their will by a wine lover), and the menu is limited to a few choice items that are well complemented by wine. What you can expect is excellent wine served by knowledgeable, friendly servers in a beautiful, comfortable setting.

The goal of Left Bank is “to broaden the appeal of wine in a completely non-threatening way,” and this goal is achieved nightly with a well-appointed yet relaxed atmosphere and the staff’s open, down-to-earth attitude. Walk into the long, narrow space located on the ground floor of the historic American Legion building at 108 N. Washington, and you will instantly forget the hustle and bustle of downtown and enter a scene of dark wood furniture, a fireplace, local art on the historic brick walls, and non-intrusive music. Jen Melcher, our server on a recent evening, was able to explain the origin and qualities of my wonderful Argentine malbec (only $5 a glass during happy hour, which starts at 3:00 p.m. Monday—Friday) in a way that a novice could understand. While Left Bank does carry many Northwest wines, the overriding mission is to seek the best wines, so their wine list includes selections from all over the world.

If you try something you really love at Left Bank, you can bring a bottle home. The reason for this, Jen explained, is that the bar carries some wines that are not easily available in Spokane. Many area wineries are too small to meet the financial criteria for distribution to stores, so Left Bank deals with them directly to purchase wine, and they choose to support the wineries by allowing off-sales.

The food pairings, though limited, are extremely tasty. I highly recommend the cheese plates, which come with a selection of some of the best cheese I have ever tasted (order the Humboldt Fog!) served with crackers and fruit, and the gorgonzola honey bruschetta, which my dining partner is convinced she could live off of quite happily for some time. Other dining choices are small pizzas and Italian style sandwiches.

Fridays and Saturdays the bar livens things up with live music; every Saturday is jazz. Hours are Monday—Friday, 11:00 a.m. to late, and Saturdays 4:00 p.m. to late. Check them out during First Friday! A reception will be held for Jon Bagby’s work on October 1.

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In true Oktoberfest style, servers at Spokane Oktoberfest will be dressed in traditional costumes, including lederhosen and dirndls. Join the fun by wearing a Bavarian costume of your own for a chance to win a prize! Not into dressing up? There are eating contests too. Or you can just sip tasty beers, crunch pretzels, and soak up the atmosphere, which will be enhanced by authentic live Bavarian music. Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets or at Northern Lights Brewery, CI Shenanigans, or the Elk. Prices are $20 for a one-day pass or $50 for a three-day pass. Tickets price includes a commemorative tasting cup and six 5 oz. sample tastes for each day. If you are going Friday night, you can purchase discount tickets at the restaurants listed above. At the door, any remaining tickets will be $25.

The list of participating breweries is impressive, including locals Northern Lights, CI Shenanigans, and the relatively new Golden Hills, as well as visitors from the west side like Elysian, Pike, and Georgetown. If you love microbrews, you do not want to miss this event! Hours are Friday 4–8 p.m., Saturday 12–8 p.m., and Sunday 12–6 p.m. I hope to see you there; I’ll be dusting off my German beer wench Halloween costume for sure.

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