copyright Spokane Lilac Festival

The Spokane Lilac Festival (May 10–16) is an annual spring tradition in Spokane, WA dating back to 1938. It has grown from a one-day flower show to a week-long festival of family friendly events that bring visitors from all over the Inland Northwest.

The big finale event is the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation, the 72nd Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, which begins at 7:45 p.m. on May 15, 2010 with a canon blast and a flyover by a military airplane. This year’s parade will feature approximately 200 units, including military units, marching bands, floats, dignitaries, equestrian groups, the Lilac Festival Queen and Princesses, and much more.

The 2010 theme, selected by the Spokane Lilac Festival Association President, Arne Weinman, is “Freedom is Not Free.” “As a twenty-nine-year Veteran of the Air Force, it’s clear to me that the freedom we have in America isn’t free,” Weinman said. “And I’m proud to carry on the Spokane Lilac Festival tradition of honoring our military personnel.”

One week before the Torchlight Parade, Spokane will celebrate children with the Junior Lilac Parade on Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m. The theme is Lights, Camera, Action! The Jr. Lilac Parade is a treasured, long-standing family tradition in Spokane, WA. Performers include elementary and middle school bands and drill teams, youth organizations such as Scouts, dance groups, local mascot celebrities, and various youth clubs. If you need a place to stay for the parade, you can book your luxurious one- or two-bedroom suite now at Stratford Suites, which is conveniently located near the freeway just a few minutes from downtown Spokane. Adults and kids alike love our pillow-top mattresses, 50” hi-def. televisions, fully equipped kitchens and free washer/dryer.

Photo by Green Gables Photography and Design, the official Lilac Festival Photographer

Other fun events include a Royal Tea Party for little girls at the Davenport Hotel, Royalty Luncheon with a style show by Finders Keepers designer dress boutique, Heaven’s Cruisers Car Show, and Farewell Breakfast.

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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
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Catacombs Pub
110 S Monroe St
Spokane, WA 99201
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Clinkerdagger
621 W Mallon Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
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Italian Kitchen
113 N Bernard St
Spokane, WA 99201
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Steam Plant Grill
159 S Lincoln St
Spokane, WA 99201
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Mizuna
214 N Howard St
Spokane, WA 99201
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Maple Street Bistro
5520 N Maple St
Spokane, WA 99205
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Tomato Street
6220 North Division
Spokane, WA 99207
Map it!

this article written by Nita Sporseen

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