Spokane is proud to once again host the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and has been working hard to ensure that your stay is one you won’t soon forget.

 

Whether you’re here for 1, 2, 3 days or more, the list of sites to see and things to do is long and inviting, making it hard to choose!

 

However, a great place to start is the Davenport Hotel & Tower—the Official Headquarter Hotel for the U.S. Skating Championships and the oldest and most distinguished hotel in Spokane.

 

Whether or not you’ll be calling it your headquarters as well, this historic “house of comfort" as it was branded shortly after it opened in 1914, is a must-see, as it is gilded with gold, sparkling with crystal and rich in unique detail throughout, truly a feast for the eyes and soul.

Once considered for demolition, The Davenport was restored to its original splendor by owners Walt and Karen Worthy in 2002 and holds true to the vision of Louis Davenport, of perfection in all aspects and unrivaled hospitality, starting with the beautiful, ornate lobby fireplace which burns year round as a symbol of this sentiment.

 

All guest rooms feature the famous "Davenport Bed" wrapped with custom-made down covers and fine linens, large marble walk-in showers, 27 inch flat-screen tvs, and hand-carved mahogany furniture.

 

Experience exquisite dining in The Davenport’s Safari Room, one of Spokane's finest restaurants, or enjoy appetizers and drinks in The Peacock Lounge, voted Spokane’s “Best place to have a drink!" As well, Spa Paradiso is at the ready to pamper and primp you for the ultimate relaxation get away.

 

Voted one of the top-10 all-American cities in 2004, Spokane’s most prized attributes is The Spokane Falls, one of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States, situated at the core of downtown Spokane.

 

Surrounded by the sprawling magnificence of Riverfront Park, which hosted the first environmentally-themed World’s Fair Expo in 1974, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Falls from one of three bridges or from the comfort of the Park’s gondola lift—the Spokane Falls Skyride.

 

While at the Park, you can also take in a movie at the five-story IMAX theater, take a spin on the 1909 historic Looff Carrousel, or strap on your own skates and take a whirl at The Ice Palace—one of the top-rated outdoor ice rinks in the country.

 

To experience Spokane’s premiere shopping, casual dining, and entertainment, visit River Park Square, located in the heart of downtown Spokane, and site of this year’s FanFest—“the community’s gathering place,” regarding all things related to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.  

 

With an eclectic mix of local, regional and national specialty shops, department stores, Macy’s and Nordstrom, three restaurants, a food court, 22-screen theater, art gallery, live music and Mobius—a children’s museum—River Park Square delivers on all levels of fulfilling your senses and your obligation to enjoy yourself!

 

If you’re in the mood for a little nightlife, downtown Spokane has many fine pubs, clubs and quaint gathering places to take in a little ambiance.

 

Experience stars twinkling overhead, while sitting in a cozy booth and sipping a signature Mojito at the Bistango Martini Lounge, just minutes in walking distance from River Park Square, or visit Downtown’s fabulous East End where Zola—a comfortably hip, salvage-chic bar and eatery—will light up your night (and your day if you’re so inclined).

 

If in need of more culture, Browne’s Addition is awaiting you—Spokane’s historic west end neighborhood, including nearly every residential style fashionable in the Pacific Northwest between 1880 and 1930.

 

Stop in at one of the local favorites, The Elk or Café Marron for some lunch, then take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, where the exhibition, America at a Crossroads: Plateau Celebrations: Cultural Transitions in the Indian Reservation Era will be showing.

Feeling lucky? Visit one of the sponsors of the 2010 skating championships, Northern Quest Casino, and choose from slot machines, roulette tables, Black Jack tables and even horse racing. Here you can also enjoy accommodations, dining, nightlife, and live performances.

 

For even more things to do and see during your stay in Spokane, see www.VisitSpokane.com