Spokane ideas anyone?
 

My spouse has a seminar in Spokane in late July, and we were trying to decide whether to take the family along (8 yr old and 13 yr old) to do some sightseeing. We have never been to the northwest. Is this a good destination in itself, or a good jump off point for other sightseeing? I appreciate any ideas you can give me.

Carol: <BR>Spokane is a great city to visit by itself, with great parks and lots of things to do. It's also a great jump off point. You can definitely take the kids. I'll give you specifics tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the web site of the chamber and the Spokane Visitors Bureau at <BR>www.spokane.org and <BR>www.spokane-areacvb.org <BR>

I spent 4 months there in the summer of 1996. I heartily agree with John. My wife and I enjoyed Spokane and the surrounding areas. Definitely take the kids and enjoy.

Dear Carol: <BR> <BR>Here's the update I promised you. <BR> <BR>The main attraction downtown is Riverfront Park (507 N. Howard St.), which consists of some 100 acres straddling the banks and several islands of the Spokane River, including a series of spectacular. You can’t tell that the site was once occupied by railroad yards, except for the Italianate tower of a railroad station left standing as the park was developed for the Expo '74 world's fair. The former U.S. Pavilion now houses an IMAX theater, and a skating rink (winters only). The 1909 carousel hand-carved by master builder Charles Looff is a local landmark at the southern edge of the park. Best of all it still works—the kids can ride it. <BR> <BR>Manito Park, perhaps the prettiest of Spokane’s many parks, has a formal English garden, a conservatory, rose and perennial gardens, a Japanese garden complete with ponds stocked with koi, and a duck pond, where the kids can feed the ducks. <BR> <BR>The Cheney Cowles Museum (2316 W. 1st Ave.; 509.456.3931 ) displays pioneer and mining relics, and has an excellent collection of native art objects. Open for viewing next door is the museum-run Campbell House, a mining-era residence. <BR> <BR>Spokane also has one of the nation’s most beautiful—and awe-inspiring—Gothic cathedrals. <BR> <BR>Near Spokane, you can hike the trails and explore the banks of the river at Riverside State Park (west of Spokane), boat on Lake Roosevelt, hike atop Mount Spokane (northeast of the city), or visit Grand Coulee Dam (further to the west). Or you can watch ducks, trumpeter swans, and other wildlife at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (southeast of Cheney). <BR> <BR>If anything, there may be too much to do here in the short amount of time you have. <BR> <BR>Best of all, the weather should be warm, even hot, when you visit—and there are lots of small lakes throughout the region warm enough for swimming. <BR> <BR>Have a great time! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Take a drive (30 minutes from Spokane Airport) to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Beautiful area - check out the Coeur d'Alene Resort on Lake Coeur d'Alene. There's a floating golf green at the resort. There's an amusement park in a small town not far from Coeur d'Alene and lots of shopping. I would recommend calling the resort and asking them to mail you a packet of info on the area or you can pick up some info if you drop in @ the resort in July. The Northwest is my favorite part of the U.S!!!!!!