Guide to Spokane 2017

As the largest city in Eastern Washington, Spokane is a hub for higher education. Schools from across the state have operations here, and the city is steadily becoming a center of medical and technological research.

Spokane’s dining scene is growing, diversifying and becoming more chef-driven – so much so that metropolitan media outlets are beginning to take note.

Spokane newcomers could be forgiven for thinking that Riverfront Park in downtown is all the city has to offer in green spaces. But Spokane has a rich history of preserving park space, and that legacy can be seen no matter what you’re looking to do outside.

From malls anchored with national department stores to locally owned boutiques filled with new and gently used or vintage furniture, clothing, accessories, books and other gifts – both kitschy and refined – Spokane offers plenty of options for shoppers.

If city living isn’t for you, worry not – look just west of Spokane along the so-called West Plains and you’ll find a small nest of communities, each more different than the one before.

It might be 1,200 miles from Spokane to Hollywood, but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood from finding Spokane.

The Spokane euphemism for “going to the lake” in the summer traces back to one of the most important early destinations for outdoor recreation – Liberty Lake.

Some days former Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite can hear howling coyotes from her home on Shelley Lake.

One of its defining landmarks is Audubon Park, which was established in 1905 and named after John James Audubon, a famous ornithologist. Each year, Spokane residents head over to Audubon and Shadle parks with lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for the “Concerts Under the Pines” series.