Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Blog

Summertime Blues

Teresa Ide, CTA — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:29:17 -0700

It's hard to believe it's September already. Yep, those lazy days on the lake are coming to an end. My camping gear has made its way to the top of that dusty garage shelf and hosing off the last bits of sand from my tires is still on my never-ending to-do list. There's that annoying melancholy feeling in the air - don't you think? And in the words of country singer Alan Jackson, that feeling has got to be ‘Summertime Blues.'

But unlike the song suggests, I've found a cure to this bummer of a phenomenon. Curious what it is? It's simple - reminisce about all the fun you had this summer! Here's my checked-off list of great things that I got to do.

Went kayaking on the Little Spokane River. Paddling down this waterway is always super peaceful, especially in the early morning hours. Both times I went this year, I saw cool birds like Osprey and Great Blue Heron. People even say they see moose sometimes! (By the way, it's a blast to paddle there all the way through October!)
Spent some time at the lake. Since Spokane has 76 of them regionally, each year I try to get to a lake I've never been to before. Boating on Lake Roosevelt and fishing at Medical Lake are some staples of mine, but discovering Williams Lake this year sure was a lot of fun. (Next time I'll be sure to stop into Klink's On the Lake for a delicious fish dinner!)
Sipped and savored some Spokane wines. If you're anything like me, you enjoy a good glass of wine. Taking the time to check out a couple of Spokane's local wineries like Barrister, Caterina and Overbluff Cellars is always a treat. And good news! Most of the 17 local wineries are open year round.
Enjoyed the great outdoors at Mount Spokane. Sure, the mountain is a great place for skiing and snowshoeing, but if you ask me, it's the perfect place for nature lovers too! A friend and I packed a picnic and hiked some of its beautiful mountain trails. We even searched out a couple geocaches along the way!
Cheered for my team at the baseball stadium. There's nothing more American than sitting in the stands at a local baseball game with a hotdog in one hand and glove in the other - especially if it's the 4th of July! Cheering on the Spokane Indians as they made their way to league playoffs was definitely a summer highlight.

See, I already feel way better. Now I'm getting anxious for pumpkin picking this fall at Green Bluff and fresh powder at the mountains! But before I get ahead of myself, what adventures did you have this summer in Spokane?

The Brain Freeze Tour

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:53:22 -0700

I remember hearing the sound of the ice cream truck driving through my neighborhood as a kid. I remember racing inside to dig up a dollar bill or two, just in time to catch the truck as it drove by my house. I remember how excited I was over the simple pleasure of an ice cream sandwich.

I also remember how annoying that music was! Every time the ice cream truck comes by my house now, I curse at the song that is now firmly stuck in my head.

So how can you avoid it? You can't. But to kill the pain of hearing it again, head out to your favorite local ice cream joints! All sorts of flavors await you with no corny songs involved (well, except at one - more on that in a moment).

First, stop by Ben & Jerry's in River Park Square. The Kings of clever flavors boast mind boggling concoctions like Triple Caramel Chunk, Cherry Garcia, Double Mudslide, Cinnamon Buns and a whole lot more. My top choice tends to be Peanut Butter Cup, but Cake Batter sounds pretty enticing, too.

Next stop on your Brain Freeze Tour needs to be The Scoop, at 1001 W. 25th. This hidden gem is known for its locally-made ice cream from Brain Freeze Creamery. Cakey Cream tasted great when I had it, so you should try it too! You can also down a milkshake while sitting outside on the patio at this great South Hill location.

Spokaneites from yesteryear may remember Doyle's Ice Cream Parlor on Boone Avenue. New owners have put this place back on the map, so dig in to some Chocolate Thunder! This old fashioned joint is a must stop that will take you back to 1939 - the parlor's first year of business.

Then head north to Cold Stone Creamery to have some ice cream and possibly hear a song or two. That's right - if you tip, they'll sing loud and proud. It's quite the setting! Imagine sitting down to eat your cookies and cream, and suddenly a song breaks out! Hopefully it won't be an annoying one like the ice cream truck.

Technically not ice cream, but frozen yogurt deserves an honorable mention. FroYo Earth just opened in downtown Spokane and it's quite the hit among locals. This self-serve frozen yogurt store lets customers choose from ten different flavors. You can serve a little or serve a lot, and it's only 39 cents an ounce. This is a must-stop on the Brain Freeze Tour if you ask me!

So, now your tongue is probably frozen, thus slurring your speech, but wasn't that the most fun ice cream headache you've ever had? I'm sure I've missed some ice cream joints, so speak up and let us in on your favorites.

A Day with the Kids

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:05:21 -0700

I've recently seen the signs in stores across the area. You know, the signs every kid wants to throw a box of crayons at: BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! So, in honor of children everywhere, here's an itinerary for you - the parent - to follow when you come to Spokane for that last getaway before the school teachers take over. Make note, however, that these times are only suggestions. Need more time? Great! More time to experience Spokane.

7:30 a.m. - Wake up and eat breakfast in your hotel. Pack some sunscreen. It's going to get hot.

8:00 a.m. - Head out to Discovery Playground. Explore the Fossil Maze, Secret Garden, Palouse Prairie and more. This park serves as a place of fun and learning. It's not your typical playground, it's better!

9:00 a.m. - Drive toward downtown and park at Gonzaga University. Hop on the Centennial Trail alongside the Spokane River. Walk all the way to Riverfront Park and ride the historic Looff Carrousel. Have a contest to see who can grab the most rings as the carrousel turns. Winner gets ice cream!

10:00 a.m. - Rush over to River Park Square and walk inside Mobius Kids, a scientific paradise! Your kids will be mesmerized. There's The Globe Theatre, Geotopia for the Earth science gurus, Cooper's Corner and its miniature city, and so much more. Good luck telling your kids it's time to leave!

11:00 a.m. - Walk back to Riverfront Park and enjoy an IMAX movie. This month, see Wild Ocean so your kids can learn about the animals living under water. Animalopolis is a clever Dr. Seuss-like show with dancing bears (seriously), hippos, sea lions and other creatures.

11:30 a.m. - Ride the bus back to your car at Gonzaga, and drive a few minutes to Laser Quest. Pick a clever name, strap on your laser and let loose! I suggest hiding high above the rest of the area. That way, you can spot your kids easier and rack up the points! Hey, who said parenting wasn't about competition?

12:15 p.m. - Go next door to Wild Walls and pretend you're rock climbing the highest peaks with your kids! Never climbed? Not a problem! If you can climb a ladder, you can climb a wall. At least, that's what Wild Walls says.

1:00 p.m. - Your kids are probably hungry. Wander downtown to Rocky Rococo's, a great place for the kind of food kids crave: pizza! Get a slice for each of you and a cup of bread sticks. Your kids will love it.

2:00 p.m. - Just because it's summer doesn't mean there's no ice, so cool off at Eagles Ice Arena. Rent a pair of skates, step out onto a fresh sheet of ice and glide! Carve into the ice and pretend you're the next NHL star, or race around the rink like Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno.

3:30 p.m. - How does some miniature golf sound? Wonderland has that and more family fun. Play inside or outside and keep score. That way you'll keep the competition going!

5:00 p.m. - Head to Northtown Mall and eat dinner at the Mustard Seed. Afterwards, take your kids to the night cap: a relaxing movie at Regal Cinemas. Toy Story 3 is still in theaters, as well as Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kiddy Galore 3D. Both are great choices to end the day.

7:30 p.m. - Still daylight left, but your kids are fast asleep in the car on your drive back to your hotel.

Congrats! You've successfully conquered the ultimate Spokane experience for kids. They'll have tons to tell their friends back home on the first day of school.

As for you, start the countdown!

Our FAM-tastic Week!

Teresa Ide, CTA — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:09:43 -0700

Last week was our annual FAM Tour. What is FAM, you ask? It's a week where we invite travel writers from all over the country to join us in exploring everything Spokane has to offer in hopes they help us promote Spokane as a destination to fellow travelers. (Hard to believe they pay us to do this!)

T. Time: We started on Sunday evening by checking out one of Arbor Crest's summer concerts. Sammy Eubanks, a local rock star, really shook the house with lots of tunes from classic rock ‘n roll to modern country. The grounds were packed with people eating, sipping and dancing. Everyone had a great time!

K. Diddy: Wine and music sounds great, but what do you think about soaring above the rolling hills of the Palouse? I know, it sounds great. That's what we did the following night. Denny Reed at Backcountry Aerosports took our writers up in his two-seat Aerotrike. They were a little nervous about flying in such a unique aircraft with a complete stranger, but once they took off, their worries dropped out of the sky. T. Time and I were spectators only, but just watching them fly around was enough to convince me to come back another time for a ride. What say you, T. Time?

T. Time: I completely agree - it was incredible! Remember how one of the writers kept saying that it was like a motorcycle ride in the sky? And the amazing views from Prosser Butte in Cheney, WA were spectacular, especially with the sunset as a backdrop. Going out there again is definitely on my to-do list, too!

K. Diddy: The Aerotrikes were a great way to start the week. The next day we took two writers down the Little Spokane River with Spokane Parks and Recreation on kayaks. It was so peaceful! I absolutely recommend this for any family trip. Check out T. Time on one writer's blog.

T. Time: Ha! You can definitely tell I was enjoying myself in that photo. But seriously, the water on the Little Spokane is so peaceful that you can see right through it. Watching the fish below swim around is really fun, and we even saw a couple of Great Blue Herons fly right in front of us! The river's current is just strong enough that you don't have to paddle the whole time, but calm enough that you don't have to worry about falling off your kayak. (Although it would have felt awesome on that hot morning!)

K. Diddy: Speaking of fish, we also took four writers fly fishing. G.L. Britton of Double Spey Outfitters was our entertaining and knowledgeable guide, and he taught us all there was to know about fly fishing. The most important advice I got, though, was to never stand behind someone casting their fly. I had to use my Matrix moves to dodge one hook. But alas, the sun, the water and the wildlife made for a great morning on the Spokane River (even if we didn't catch anything).

T. Time: You sure caught a good lookin' sunburn, though!

K. Dudley: Touché. But luckily my seats for the Spokane Indians game that night were in the shade. I took one writer to Avista stadium on a perfect night for baseball. With a good crowd on hand, the Indians squeezed out a win in 15 innings! The writer is a big baseball (and Yankees) fan, so he had a blast and was super impressed with Avista Stadium.

T. Time: Baseball games are always fun, but taking a writer on a downtown winery walk is more up my alley. We went to Caterina Winery first and tasted wines from two different wineries, both that have the same wine maker, Don Townshend. Then it was on to Barrister Winery where we rode down an old freight elevator for a tour and tasting in their underground barrel room. Winemaker Greg Lipsker led the way, and even let the writer label, cork and seal his own bottle of wine to take home with him. Pretty cool. And who knew French, America, and Hungarian oak could each impart such distinct flavors on the wine?

K. Diddy: A trip to the Rockin' B Ranch capped the FAM week. We were treated to the best BBQ dinner I have ever had (sorry dad!). The actors staged a shootout outside before we ate, and continued the hoe down inside with a music show a la the Songs of the Pioneers. T. Time, how'd it feel in your cowgirl boots?

T. Time: Them boots were mighty fine, K. Diddy! It was especially cool that one of the musicians is the 4^th best fiddle player in the nation, and she plays right in Spokane's back yard! Yep, Rockin' B Ranch was a great ending to a week of fun in Spokane. And I can't wait for next year to do it all again.

Want to see more? Click through our Spokane FAM photo album!

Hit the Links!

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:06:27 -0700

So, my last blog on disc golf - or Frisbee golf, or whatever - perhaps didn't garner the attention I was hoping it would. No matter - this one's about real golf!

It's a great feeling when you're hauling around the golf bag instead of a disc. It's a more mature game when you play with clubs on freshly cut greens.

I guess it's a good thing I live in Spokane, because I have 33 golf courses in the region with prices as low as Phil Mickelson's scores. With par 3's and full 18's, I'm like a dog in a steak cabinet.

So say I want to start off slow and ease my way into golf shape. I'll probably start out at Esmeralda or Downriver (shot a humbling 113 there last weekend!) Both are pretty flat and you probably won't lose your ball. Whether it's nine holes or 18, both give you a great introduction to the game of golf here in Spokane.

Once I feel comfortable with my technique and haven't lost too many golf balls, I'll likely head to Hangman Valley or The Creek at Qualchan. Both are in close proximity and the views are amazing! Latah Creek is the main obstacle at Qualchan, and I'd better be strong enough to get it up and over the creek in two on the 18th hole. If I avoid the sand and trees at Hangman, I'll be fine.

Since I'm now a seasoned vet, I'll want to show off my skills on the links. Where else but Indian Canyon? It's one of Spokane's oldest and hardest courses and has lots of trees, lots of sand and lots of cursing golfers (at least in my foursome). But that doesn't mean you won't enjoy golfing on a course designed by the same man who redesigned the famous Pebble Beach! Just bring plenty of extra balls. Trust me.

I've spent most of my time golfing near downtown, so now I should head east to find some more fantastic links. Liberty Lake Golf Course was just remodeled, and the 12th and 14th holes share a green! How cool! But bring plenty of golf balls, unless you feel like swimming in any one of the four lakes searching for your ball.

Right next door is MeadowWood Golf Course, so I'll have a decision to make standing on the corner of Molter Road and Valleyway Avenue.

So now I'm ready to tee off with the best of them thanks to my time on Spokane's golf courses. Of course, I didn't even mention the lush Wandermere, the tree-filled Sundance or even Circling Raven out at the Coeur d'Alene Casino. All are great places to swing your clubs.

So you tell me: What is your favorite golf course in Spokane and why?*

*The only wrong answer is no answer at all!

See Spokane for Free

Teresa Ide, CTA — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:55:36 -0700

I love to travel and experience new cities in my free time. To me, a new place is an adventure waiting to happen! But sometimes money gets tight which makes it difficult to explore new places. As a native of Spokane, I can honestly say that this city is different. There are handfuls of things you can do for free in our community. Yes, I said free! For summer, here are my top picks for activities when the sun is out and the weather is hot:

Walk through Manito Park. With a Japanese garden complete with a koi-filled pond, a conservatory and greenhouse, a gorgeous rose garden and a playground for the kids, this park has something for everyone! Enjoy your time here or find your way to any of Spokane's 86 other city parks.
Visit the Spokane Farmer's Market. If you make it to Spokane on a Wednesday or Saturday, the farmer's market is a great stop. An abundance of fresh produce, flowers and hand-made crafts will delight your senses. And you'll find that lots of friendly locals shop there, too!
Take a dip in one of our 76 lakes. When it's hot, Spokane locals B-line for the water! With so many lakes around, there's somewhere to go in every direction. My personal favorites are Liberty Lake, Newman Lake and Loon Lake. You can see a cool map of them on the floor of the River Park Square mall.
Enjoy the view of the city at sunset from Cliff Drive. City lights are a beautiful sight, especially with Spokane's unique downtown landscape. Head up to this lower South Hill spot for a romantic view of the city (and maybe you can score some points with that special someone!)
Get artsy at local galleries. Visit a couple of fun galleries and check out the works of local artists. I suggest heading to Tinman Artworks, Gallery of THUM, Brick Wall Gallery and Lillian Conn. What better way to experience Spokane than to see it through local art?
Spend time on the Centennial Trail. This paved 37-mile long pathway contours the Spokane River and offers incredible views of the area. Being outside is a big part of life in Spokane, so take some time for a walk, jog or bike ride along the trail.
Grab your friends and float the river. Our most popular rivers to raft and kayak are the Spokane and the Little Spokane. Both offer peaceful rides with some areas creating a more exciting float for the adventure-seekers out there! Bring your own inflatable tubes, ask a local for the best spot to put in, and you'll be on your way down the river in no time.
Explore some Spokane local shops. It seems like new boutiques and shops are always opening up in Spokane. Poke around stores like Lolo, Bella Boutique, Revival Lighting, 1900 Furnishings and Décor, Finders Keepers and Cues along with lots more! These places not only have great stuff, but they are all within walking distance and make for a great tour of downtown Spokane.

Not sure what else to do in Spokane? Our online Visitors Guide is full of great ideas!

The Other Golf Game

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:25:53 -0700

The Grateful Dead, The Boondock Saints and Disc Golf. Not three things you'd normally see bunched in the same sentence. But trust me, they have one thing in common that keeps them alive: a strong cult-like following (I like two out of the three. I'm not one of those Dead Heads).

Some people call it disc golf, some people call it Frisbee golf. Some people call it "dolfing," some people call it "frolfing." Whatever funny name it's called, it's incredibly fun!

I went dolfing - that's the term I use - last week at High Bridge Park and I have to tell you: the wind blows. Seriously, just when you think you've thrown the disc straight, a gust of wind snatches it up and sends it to the bushes to be swallowed. But minus the wind gusts, dolf was great!

Really, what better way to spend a nice afternoon or evening than at the dolf course? As you know, Spokane has 33 great golf courses, but did you know our two public dolf courses are just as fun? High Bridge is great for beginners since, well, there's no river to lose your disc in. Beware of the trees though. They tend to get in the way.

The dolf course at Downriver - next to Downriver Golf Course - is a nice place to play once you feel comfortable and confident throwing the disc. The Spokane River rushes right alongside the course, so stay dry and stay alive with your throws. Thankfully, I haven't experienced a wet dolf game (crossing fingers!)

Spokane's two private courses - Stimpi Ridge and Four Mounds - also offer a nice getaway. Both even have a pro shop! Four Mounds is tough and has 55 holes, so you can get real good, real fast.

The Spokane Disc Golf Association (SDGA) is all dolf all the time. Dolf/Frolf tournaments are listed on their website so make plans to join us in Spokane and dolf your heart out! These dolfers and frolfers are serious.

Head across the border into Idaho and test your dolf and frolf skills at Corbin Park in Post Falls. Coeur d'Alene has Cherry Hill Park, and Athol has Farragut State Park. All are prime places to let your disc soar.

Every time I play, I love it more and more. And whatever name I give it, it's still the same game. So pack your disc and experience this addicting game with the funny name! The Spokane air awaits you.

You'll love it, and no knickers or argyle socks required.

Firework Frenzy!

Teresa Ide, CTA — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:47:31 -0700

When I think of Independence Day, I think of fireworks. As a child, my family would pile in the car and drive to Lake Roosevelt to watch the sky light up. I remember lying on a blanket in the grass with my dad, watching the brilliant array of colors dance above us while the banging explosions numbed our ears. It's one of my favorite childhood memories to this day. And Spokane is the perfect place to take your kids to start your own tradition. There are several ways your whole family can celebrate America's Independence Day together.

Riverfront Park always puts on an amazing show. The reflection of fireworks against the Spokane River makes the night a magical experience for everyone. To get a front row view, buy tickets for the Roof Deck at the Spokane Convention center, or simply hang out in the park! Make sure you get there early to snag your spot on the lawn. While you're waiting for the show to start, enjoy the Ferris wheel or get carried away on the Sky Ride above the falls.

Or you can head over to the baseball stadium! Every year, Avista Stadium puts on a fireworks show after the Spokane Indian's game on the 4th of July. It's free to watch if you bought tickets to the game, and the show is so big that it can be seen from outside the stadium too. Nothing is more American than baseball, hot dogs and fireworks!

Liberty Lake loves Independence Day as much as Spokane does! The fun starts with live music and dancing at Pavillion Park and ends with an exciting display of fireworks over the lake. Or maybe head further down the road and get your fill at Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho. Enjoy their 65 rides, shows and attractions before settling down at dawn to listen to some patriotic music and watch their fireworks display.

To get back on the subject of Lake Roosevelt, I recommend taking a drive to Grand Coulee Dam. Hang out at the lake all day then go to the Grand Coulee Dam park for arts and craft booths, an all-American food fair and live entertainment. When it gets dark, be sure to find a good seat in view of the dam. An amazing laser light show starts at 10pm with fireworks to follow! Admission is free and the event runs on Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 4th. This is one show you can't miss!

Secrets of Spokane

Teresa Ide, CTA — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:07:52 -0700

It seems to me that every city has its own interesting history and surprising trivia. Boston has Babe Ruth. Chicago has deep-dish pizzas. San Francisco has Alcatraz. So I can't help but ask the question: "What about Spokane?" Sure, we are known for our clock tower, the funky Expo '74 sculpture in the middle of Riverfront Park and our Bloomsday and Hoopfest traditions, but what else? Being curious, I naturally poked around and found some lesser known trivia that might excite you about the Lilac City. Take a look and explore these places for yourself on your next visit to Spokane.

The 1974 World's Fair was the only fair of the bicentennial era held in the United States. Spokane was chosen to hold the event, making us the smallest city in the world to ever be its host. Because the city was an old rail yard, tons of work was done to make it a pristine green space for the fair. As if that wasn't enough, Spokane chose the theme "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment" being the first World's Fair ever to have been environmentally-focused! See the Expo ‘74 Plaque in Riverfront Park to learn more.
The Spokane Jazz Orchestra is the oldest continually performing jazz assembly in the United States. It started in 1962 when local musicians and students formed a band. Over the years, featured performers included stars like Dizzy Gillespie, Della Reese, Diana Krall and Mel Torme. Today, the Spokane Jazz Orchestra plays in the Bing Crosby Theater. Check their website for upcoming shows and events!
In Spokane's very own Greenwood Memorial Terrace, you can find an old cannon from the Spanish American War. It is one of only three that were returned to the U.S. from the Philippines after the war in 1898. Take a walk around the cemetery to find it!
Behind Frank's Diner in downtown Spokane is a retaining wall that runs next to the BNSF rail line. It is made from the stones of old buildings that once stood in Spokane years ago. The names of these buildings and lines of facades can still be seen even to this day!
If you search hard enough, there is an ice cave on Spring Lane near the Spokane Country Club. This cave will always have icicles hanging on its walls, even in the middle of summer. Go check it out!
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho holds two world records. It has the world's longest floating boardwalk and the world's only floating golf green. You can drive to Coeur d'Alene in just 30 minutes from Spokane!
Several Spokane streets were paved with red brick that were formed with a particular type of clay to ensure the road could withstand the heat and the cold. Weighing up to eleven pounds each, paving these streets was no easy task! You can still see some of those original brick streets in Browne's Addition and in downtown Spokane.
More than twenty movies have been filmed in the Inland Northwest. These movies include "Vision Quest," "Benny & Joon" with Johnny Depp (filmed at the Milk Bottle on Garland Ave.), the film "Toys" with Robin Williams, "Dante's Peak," Chuck Norris' "The Cutter" and Samuel L. Jackson's "Home of the Brave."
Up until 2006, Jack and Dan's Bar & Grill near Gonzaga University was owned by Jack Stockton who was the father of former NBA All-Star John Stockton, a former Gonzaga player. Sports Illustrated Magazine voted this local hangout one of the top 25 sports bars in the country.
Spokane residents gave more in donations to the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina and the September 11^th attack than either Seattle, WA or Portland, OR.

5 Rides in 5 Days

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:46:33 -0700

Pack your mountain bike, bring your endurance. You're about to experience five days of non-stop adventure and sweat. Tons of trails surround the Spokane region, giving you ample opportunity to test your stamina. Plan your trip to cover these five rides in five days:

1) Riverside State Park
Really, you can't go wrong here. With so many trails in Washington's second-largest state park, you could theoretically ride a different route each day of the year. Tear through some single-track, gain speed on the double-track and enjoy the views of Deep Creek, the Spokane River and the beautiful basalt Bowl & Pitcher. Ride from the 7 Mile Campground to the swinging bridge and learn about the history of each.

2) Mt. Spokane State Park
After mastering the second-largest state park in Washington, you're ready to move to the largest: Mt. Spokane. Where skiers spent the winter shredding the white stuff, you now have a turn at tearing up the dirt while enjoying the woods and spectacular views of the region. The single-track will have you testing your technical skills in no time. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views of Spokane and North Idaho while replenishing your biking body.

3) Beacon Hill
Find your competitive side and pretend you're in the middle of Leadville. Beacon Hill and its 6.5-mile loop will give you the thrill of sharp turns, quick descents, steep climbs and everything in between. Keep your head up on this trail and try to enjoy your surroundings. Stop by Boulder Beach along the Spokane River for a quick post-ride dip. You'll be glad you did after you complete this technical track.

4) High Drive
Take a trip to Spokane's South Hill and check out the awesome views of Hangman Creek while taking on the challenging High Drive trails. By now, you should be an advanced rider, so you'll have no trouble mastering the steep descents and big climbs - especially at the end! Bring your soft tail to conquer the High Drive loop!

5) Canfield Mountain
Travel across the Washington-Idaho border for your last ride. Canfield Mountain is your final destination. Bring your distance legs, because you could be riding for a long time. With 32 combined miles of trail, you could bike all day! Single-track, flat roads, steep roads and more divvy up plenty of challenges. The views of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho make it worth the pain.

After these five rides, you'll want to come back to Spokane for more. Check out other Epic Rides and crank out plans for your next trip!

Music and Merlot

Teresa Ide, CTA — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:15 -0700

If you asked me to name some of my favorite things, I would quickly tell you that I love outdoor concerts and delicious wine - especially when you put them together! This explains why I adore Arbor Crest Wine Cellars' Summer Concert Series. The concerts get started the first weekend in June and go all the way through September. And let me tell you, they really pack the house! Five bucks gets you through the gate and the music starts at 5:30pm every Sunday. Cool local bands play great music until the sun goes down. Throughout the summer, you'll hear all kinds of music from country and rock n' roll to jazz and blues - be sure to look for Sammy Eubanks and the 18-piece swing band ‘Men of Rhythm' on the concert schedule.

If you've never been to an Arbor Crest concert before, get there early (around 3pm) and set up a blanket or chairs to snag a good spot. While you're waiting for the music to start, go into the tasting room and get some great Washington wine! You can buy wine by the glass or bottle to drink outside with your friends, and the delicious Concert Café is open every Sunday for dinner if you don't feel like packing a picnic.

The concerts are a great chance to spend some quality time with friends and family (no one under 21, please). You'll definitely find me there this summer sharing some cheese and a bottle of wine with a couple of my closest friends. And nothing beats the gorgeous view of Spokane Valley with the warm summer sunset. It's the perfect end to a great weekend in Spokane!

Check out their website and concert schedule!

Pizza on Perry Street

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:28:53 -0700

My first job as a kid was delivering pizzas. Doing that, I learned two very important things: how to clean a pizza pan, and how to fend off an attacker. Carrying upwards of $300 at night made me prime meat for anyone looking for a good mugging. Good thing Spokane's NOT so much a mugging kind of town.

But I also learned how to make a pizza using the same ingredients over and over again. I was around pizza so much, I vowed to never eat it again.

That didn't exactly last long, but I did cut back a little. I may be regressing though, now that I've discovered South Perry Pizza.

Located in the Perry District, South Perry Pizza's setting is full of history. I tried to figure out what used to be here, and the two big garage doors led me to believe it was once some sort of auto shop. Turns out it was that as well as a laundromat, giving the pizzeria the kind of history I crave.

The inside is one big garage with ample seating, televisions tuned to the best sports action and pizza served hot and straight from the oven. Two garage doors open up to patio seating giving you the chance to enjoy those Spokane summer nights in a vintage neighborhood.

And I can't forget the food! The pizza is perfect, if you ask me. 12-inch pizzas can feed one or two people, and the slices are the perfect size to double up on your plate. My party of four ordered three pizzas and went home with empty hands and full stomachs. It felt great! You could even dare to do dessert if you're not too stuffed from their righteous pie, but I'd recommend you quaff a frosty brew or snag a bottle of wine from their excellent list.

Readers of The Inlander voted South Perry Pizza "Best New Restaurant" this year. Don't wait to be convinced to check out this great place. I promise, you'll like it as much as I did!

Chocolate Hopping

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:03:27 -0700

You've probably heard of bar hopping, but how about chocolate hopping? When you come to Spokane, you can do both - on separate evenings, of course. Bar hopping is another blog - let's focus on chocolate for now.

First Stop: Chocolate Apothecary - When you stop by this joint, try not to be overwhelmed by the amount of chocolate available. You can eat chocolate, sip chocolate and taste some gelato. If your skills are lacking, sign up for a chocolate tasting class. Soon you'll be the chocolate expert and envy of all your friends.

Second Stop: Boehms - Chocolates and flowers greet you once you walk inside this colorful store in River Park Square. Buy some boxed chocolates for yourself or someone special. If you walk out with a bag of European style truffles and French Cordial Cherries, you've succeeded. Plus, their flower arrangements are so Avant-garde!

Third Stop: Bruttles - Walk into the beautiful Davenport Hotel and make your way to the south entrance. There, you'll find your next stop. Just like the hotel it's housed in, Bruttles has an interesting history, so be sure you ask about it while grabbing a Mini Sampler or Peanut Butter Brittle. With chocolates and candies stacked high on their shelves, you'll have a hard time leaving.

Fourth Stop: Spokandy - After leaving Bruttles, stop by Spokandy a few blocks away. Hmmmm...what to grab first? I'd say snag a fudge gift box, Seafoam, one of many novelty items and one Spokane Candy Bar. Of course, if you don't like my suggestions, you can always custom-make your treat!

Final Stop: Pixie Dust Chocolates - After four stops, I suggest you take a breather and order in some chocolate. That's where Pixie Dust Chocolates comes in. Order a 12 Piece Tin, a 3 Inch Favor Box or - my favorite - a Carousel Chocolate Bar. There's also a Monroe Street Bridge Chocolate Bar. Both are perfect reminders of your visit to Spokane!

After sipping, eating and buying chocolates, be sure to tell your friends and family they should have the same experience. They'll share your newfound love for Spokane and its chocolates! I'm sure your dentist will understand.

Doing Our Part

Kevin Dudley,CTA — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:03:42 -0700

Everybody who visits Spokane falls in love with the Centennial Trail. It's the 37-mile paved trail from Nine Mile Falls to the state line. It even continues another 24 miles on the Idaho side of the border through Coeur d'Alene. It weaves its way through Riverside State Park, the city of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake to the state line. With 37 miles of multi-use trail, litter can be a problem. That's why the team at the Spokane Regional CVB took time on Saturday, April 17 to help clean up miles 10-11, our adopted mile that runs right through the heart of Mirabeau Park. Hey, it's the least we could do - we love and use the trail too!

We woke up to rain that morning, but a little rain never hurt anybody. It didn't keep us from putting on our gloves, grabbing a shovel, a rake or a Hefty bag. We're tough and dedicated here in Spokane!

Our mile was right next to the Spokane River where trash had washed ashore. We had to hike down the hill and pick up any trash along the way. We were about to get real dirty! Even when my coworkers tried to scare me with the threat of snakes in the area - untrue! - I knew I had a job to do.

Once we got down by the river, we found a lot that surprised us! Plastic bags, bottles, cans, even a car tire! I knew anything could be down there.

And really, with a large group like the one we had, the time goes by fast and the work is fun. That's good, because we need to keep our trail clean, especially when it runs beside the river. That trail gets a lot of use each day by walkers, runners, bikers, skaters and more, so keeping it spotless is key in preserving what we cherish as, "Near Nature, Near Perfect."

The Spokane Beat

Teresa Ide, CTA — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:37:23 -0700

With today's technology, everyone seems to be listening to music. People are hooked up to cell phones, iPods and mp3 players while walking their dog or riding the bus while others have headphones plugged in at work (just like K. Diddy!) It's safe to say that music is everywhere. This rings true in Spokane - but here we're lucky enough to unplug from gadgets and enjoy music live!

The Knitting Factory is one of Spokane's best music venues where both up and coming artists and big stars perform. The layout of the place is perfect for concerts and tickets are easy to get. Want to bring your kids along too? No problem! They have an all-ages area so your whole family can enjoy it together.

More into intimate settings? Zola is perfect for your musical tastes! Live music is featured Tuesday to Saturday nights with smooth jazz and cool blues music on Sunday and Monday evenings. Be sure to walk around to check out their array of funky furniture gathered from demolition sites around Spokane. Take a seat in an old tilt-a-whirl bucket from the 1940s! Then, head to the Empyrean. It's a chic coffee joint that consistently has a variety of events. From live music to poetry readings, we know why it was voted the Best All-Ages Club in the Pacific Northwest Inlander. I also love Soulful Soups & Spirits. This soup eatery serves a dose of live music Wednesday through Saturday evenings, and bakes the best beer bread I've had! Make your way to Isabella's Restaurant and Gin Joint on Fridays and Saturdays to hear live bands play while you sip some gin (maybe from Dry Fly Distillery!)

Only a short walk from Isabella's is Gibliano Brothers Dueling Piano Bar & Music House. Show up Thursday through Saturday evening and watch some impressive musicians duel back and forth on the pianos! O'Doherty's Irish Grille is another favorite of the locals. Every Tuesday night, live Celtic music makes you feel like you're in Ireland! Another fun venue is Bluz at the Bend. They can quench your live music craving five nights a week and if you like Maine lobster, then you've hit the jackpot! Been itching to wear your ten gallon hat? Well, I'd say throw it on and head out to Big Al's! This bar has all the excitement of a western hoedown with live bands playing every weekend.

I don't know about you, but I like to be outside when the weather is nice! Arbor Crest Wine Cellars holds outdoor concerts every Sunday evening starting in June. Bring your own picnic, grab a seat on the lawn and enjoy the music (and of course some great wine!) as the sun goes down. Bands play tunes that range from jazz to rock and roll!

The Spokane Arena is by far the biggest music venue in Spokane. Since there is seating for over 10,000 fans, it attracts big-name artists like Nickelback and Carrie Underwood (who will be playing here in the next few months). Their website lists all the concerts coming as they are scheduled so you can decide which artists you want to see!

So for all the headphone junkies out there, free your ears from music-playing gizmos and head out to Spokane venues to listen to some live tunes! There's always music playing somewhere and now is the time to get out and enjoy it!