Bored with Spokane? Try harder
It is common belief that there isn’t enough to do in the Spokane area, especially if you are trying to impress a date. Forget that. My thought is that people just aren’t trying hard enough to find something to do.
I have found something to do every couple of weeks in Spokane and Moscow with my girlfriend, and we are on limited budgets. Concerts are happening all the time in all genres. One of my favorite spots for an inexpensive and comfortable atmosphere is the Spike Coffee House at 122 S. Monroe in Spokane.
They usually feature acoustic guitar artists. Upcoming is a Spokane local, Bob Gallagher, owner of 4,000 Holes, the record store. He will perform tonight at 8 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $3. Following on Saturday at 7 p.m. will be the Bell Twins with guest Janie Cribbs. The music sounds like it will be an eclectic mix of storytelling and acoustic guitars. Check out the Spike’s Web site ( www.spikecoffeehouse.com) for more information. Aside from the music scene, the Spike is a wonderful place to sit and chill with a freshly made juice and maybe get to know your date a bit better.
Since the weather has been fairly good, and not scorching hot yet, you could take your date to a park for a picnic. Manito Park, on Grand Boulevard between 17th and 25th avenues, is large enough that you can find a quiet spot. The 90-acre park includes a rose garden and a Japanese garden. There are plenty of shady tree areas also.
An activity I’ve always enjoyed in the cities I’ve lived in is driving or walking around neighborhoods looking at the houses. Spokane has some historical houses that are still in good shape. Around Manito Park’s perimeter are some vintage homes, as well as around the rest of the South Hill. You can’t get too lost either if you don’t know the neighborhoods. But if you do, all the better for you and your date to have a more interesting time.
In Browne’s Addition, you can take a guided tour of the old Campbell House, a part of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture at 2316 W. First Ave. The MAC includes the price of the tour in the regular museum fee. Currently there is the “Ceramic Continum: Fifty Years of the Archie Bray Influence” in the main building along with several other exhibits such as devotional folk art from Mexico and portraits of the Plains Indians. There are reduced prices for students and seniors, and every first Friday is free. For more information, check out www.northwestmuseum.org.
These are just a few things to do around Spokane besides movies and bars. So use your imagination! Similar activities aren’t too hard to find. Good luck on some great summer dates.