One Day in Spokane

I'm always surprised by the city of Spokane. It doesn't look like a big place, but its metro area population of over 600,000 ensures that there are plenty of new things to discover. My family lives in a small town about 30 miles outside of Spokane, so when we venture into "the big city" it's usually for a day of fun and exploration. And we always seem to find something new when we're there.

The Davenport Hotel

The Davenport is the premier hotel in Spokane, built in 1914 and completely restored in 2002. On the National Register of Historic Places, it's a grand building, inside and out, worth visiting even if you're not going to spend the night. Room prices are quite reasonable for a AAA 4-Diamond hotel, starting at around $189.

Steam Plant Grill

My kids always love this place. The building was once a steam plant, so the atmosphere is definitely unique, with catwalks and steam pipes overhead. The food is good, if not great, but the atmosphere makes the dining experience one worth having.

Its 131 acres sit on the Spokane River about a half-mile from downtown.

Riverfront Park

This is one of those large urban parks that has so much going on it that one visit isn't enough to see and do everything. You'll definitely want to ride the gondola over the Spokane Falls for a breathtaking view. There's also the historic 1909 Looff Carrousel, where you can make a grab for the golden ring. You'll also find miles of ... More >

Cat Tales Zoological Park

Cat Tales is a zoo that specializes in the rescue and care of big cats. Lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats, lynx, and even a few housecats are given a safe place to live. Cat Tales is also a training center for future zookeepers, where students learn every aspect of animal care and the zoo business. Its fascinating to see these wild animals in an up-close environment, especially during feeding time when visitors can follow keepers on their rounds, and even participate. Admission is just $6.

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga is famous for its basketball team, but I prefer to visit its beautiful campus for the scenery and architecture. Its 131 acres sit on the Spokane River about a half-mile from downtown. A greenbelt, along with several footbridges, connect the University with the rest of the city, including Riverfront Park.

Make sure to try the Gorgonzola Fries!

Downriver Grill

For fine dining, this is one of our favorite restaurants in Spokane. Excellent atmoshere and service, and the best steak in town. Make sure to try the Gorgonzola Fries! Great prices, too, with entrees in the $10 to $25 range. More

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