Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Hot Ideas Og Offers A Few Tips To Help Enjoy Summer

Summer’s here and that means one thing: Everyone is looking for something to do.

There’s always movies, dollar movies and rental movies. Silverwood and water parks. And don’t forget Kids Week (the boat cruises are back this year!).

But if you’re looking for something a little different, here are a few suggestions from Our Generation contributors Beth Kowal, Jeff Sackmann and Heidi Thomsen.

The festival at Sandpoint features great live music at a great outdoor location in Sandpoint, Idaho. The festival runs July 30 through Aug. 9 and provides a variety of music styles from first up retro-rock Doobie Brothers to the festival closer, the Spokane Symphony. It is authentic festival seating, so arrive early. Remember to bring a lawn chair and hope it doesn’t rain. Tickets prices depend on the act. Call 1-888-265-4554.

Go on a road trip. This is a great way to not only spend some time with your buds but a good way to get in touch with yourself. Pick a spot within an hour’s drive, or go all the way to the coast. Check the paper before you leave for any good concerts in Seattle or the Gorge. Bring a tent and sleep in a field or put sleeping bags in the back of a car. Carry fishing rods, bug spray and silly string. And most important, don’t schedule anything. Just fly by the seat of your pants for a day.

Here’s a different, yet thoughtful idea: go live with your grandparents for a week. We tend to forget what our grandparents have experienced. They can tell you more about history than any textbook. You’ll have so many memories from your visit. So call up your grandparents; they would love to hear from you. If not for a week, then spend at least an afternoon with them.

It may not be the Mariners and there isn’t any interleague play, but the Spokane Indians are professional baseball much closer to home. The season runs through early September and the recently renovated Seafirst Stadium is a great place to spend an evening.

For those who enjoy being active, many fun runs are held throughout Spokane County. From three flat miles to 34 miles up Mount Spokane, everybody is satisfied. Some activities include: Climb a Mountain, July 12; Cherry Pickers Trot, July 17; Bare Buns (clothing optional) Fun Run, July 27; Lake to Forest Triathlon, July 27 and Spokane Troika Triathlon, Aug. 3. If you don’t run, ask about being a volunteer. For more information pick up a race mag at places such as Sta-Fit, Sport Town and REI. The Bloomsday Road Runners Club organizes many events, their number is 468-2722.

For adventure seekers, try parasailing on Lake Coeur d’Alene. An hour of breath-taking fun for you and up to six friends is only a half hour away. It costs $42 per person for a 10-12 minute ride in the air. You must weigh at least 70 pounds and no more than 250. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during hot, busy weekends. For more information call (208) 765-5367.