The best places in Spokane to kiss your valentine

We asked people on Facebook for their favorite place to share a kiss in Spokane. Some suggestions were general, such as Riverfront Park, and others were so specific they included weather: by the Steam Plant smokestacks, in the rain.

Here are the top 15 in no specific order:

The footbridge in Riverfront Park – You know the one, it sways a bit as the spray from the thundering falls below mists walkers … and kissers. Gorgeous view in either direction. Quite public.

The Spokane River Falls – Some suggested a gondola ride is the perfect place and a somewhat secluded spot for a smooch, and many mentioned the newly established Huntington Park on the north side of City Hall as very romantic. You can’t go wrong with rushing water. If you choose Huntington Park, go at sunset. It truly is beautiful.

Arbor Crest Cliff House – It’s hard to beat the view of Spokane Valley from the Cliff House at Arbor Crest Cellars. Amid the quiet and secluded grounds, a bottle of wine to share on a summer’s eve is perfect.

Riverside State Park Bowl and Pitcher – The rugged pursuit for a kiss on the trails or atop a basalt rock in this nearby state park is best in the evening. There are plenty of less-traveled footpaths around the river rapids and a suspension bridge. It feels secluded – like you hiked 25 miles to get there – but it’s just a short jaunt from downtown.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge – The special place on the outskirts of Cheney is full of lakes, trees, wildflowers, songbirds, wildlife and graceful swans. Bring a picnic lunch and binoculars. The best times: dusk and dawn.

The grounds of the Campbell House – The beautiful historic mansion in Browne’s Addition features a great view of the Spokane River from the little gazebo on its lovely lawn. Bonus kissing location: Nearby Overlook Park in Browne’s Addition, where you can see Latah Creek and enjoy the sunset, is just a short stroll south.

The Looff Carrousel – Though it’s packed away right now while crews work on a new building to house it, the Carrousel is a favorite of both young and old. Ride your favorite horse and reach for the golden ring, or cozy up on one of the bench seats, while the music plays and the world spins past.

Mirabeau Park by the waterfall – Surrounded by beautiful parkland, Mirabeau Springs is one of Spokane Valley’s top romantic destinations. Take a walk around the park and stop by the springs for the perfect photo backdrop – and a kiss.

Cliff Drive – Even if you didn’t go to high school in Spokane, chances are you’ve heard of this favorite make-out spot. Located just south of the Corbin Art Center, high on the South Hill bluff, Cliff Drive offers the most beautiful evening view of the twinkling city lights.

Manito Park – So many places to smooch, so little time. Readers suggested the fountain in Duncan Gardens, the perfumed Rose Hill in summer or the peaceful Japanese Garden as the most romantic places. And don’t forget the Gaiser Conservatory, which offers a warm and humid escape with orchids and other tropical blooms.

The Historic Davenport Hotel – No place does romantic ambiance quite like the Davenport. Sink into a plush couch or steal a kiss by the fireplace in the lobby. Or head upstairs, stand in front of the Elizabethan Room B, and look up at the wood trim and challenge your sweetie to find the phrase, “Will you marry me?” written in the wood.

Cliff Park – A perhaps forgotten but incredibly romantic spot on the South Hill, especially on a starlit night. Climb to the top of the rock formation (it’s not as difficult as it sounds) and you are more than 2,200 feet above sea level, with minimal light from the city around you and a gorgeous view of the heavens.

Cannon Hill Park – Steal a kiss beneath the stone bridge. Secluded for sure, and in the middle of a beautiful older neighborhood with lots of tree-lined streets for hand-holding strolls. And if the Cannon Hill Pond is frozen then it’s a great place to go ice skating.

The smokestacks at the Steam Plant Grill – Tilt your head all the way back and on a clear night you can see the twinkling stars above the stacks. Take your sweetie into your arms surrounded by 100-year-old bricks while the wind swirls and whistles around you.

That one special place – Every couple has a special place. The place where you met, the place where you kiss goodbye every morning, the restaurant where you first shared a meal or the car that took you on that first date. Perhaps it’s a bench in your backyard, or a coffee house down the street. Remember that place today.