Questions about Spokane (South Hill: hotels, buying, new construction)

[Michiganmom]

Originally Posted by mes3fils

And, one last thing Michiganmom, what do YOU have to add about Spokane?? What has YOUR research revealed about the place? IMO, if you have nothing intelligent or productive to say, then say nothing.

Well, I have done my own research and I have not actually gone to Spokane (although my husband has) so I don't see what I would have to offer. The research I have done pertains to my own family's circumstances. I don't think I can or should give an opinion on something that I haven't even experienced. I come to read what people say who actually live there and get advice from them. Thanks for an entertaining read this afternoon though!

[SoupGuru]

If we could make a trip to scope out Spokane, it would more than likely be a whirlwind weekend trip, unfortunately. If you had a rental car and one full day in Spokane, what places would you visit to get a feel for the area?

[WendyK]

Originally Posted by SoupGuru

If we could make a trip to scope out Spokane, it would more than likely be a whirlwind weekend trip, unfortunately. If you had a rental car and one full day in Spokane, what places would you visit to get a feel for the area?

Since you'd probably be renting a car at the airport, you would probably want to drive towards town on I-90, get off at the Maple/Walnut exit and head south on Maple which will show you parts of the west South Hill. You can follow Maple south (it turns into Cedar and then into High Drive). High Drive is a gorgeous drive along the rim overlooking the Qualchan Creek area. Turn back north on Grand Blvd. which will take you to the Manito Park area. If you have time to stop, you should see the Japanese Gardens and/or Duncan Gardens at Manito. Head back into downtown and find a place to park near the Davenport Hotel or use their valet parking. Take a walk through the hotel lobby and see the beautiful restoration. While downtown, you should see the convention center, River Park Square Mall and then walk over to Riverfront Park. Make sure to cross over one of the bridges overlooking the river & falls. You should take a drive up Division since it's the main street leading north, so you can get a feel for traffic and what type of businesses and shopping are available. You might also want to head east on I-90 towards Idaho to see how the terrain in the valley varies from the south & north sides.
I'll write more later, but I'm heading out for a hair appt. :-)

[WendyK]

Okay - thought of a few more things you should do while visiting Spokane for 1 day. Definitely stop and get a latte at one of the local coffee houses (Starbucks is good, but you should try one of the independents). Also, depending on the time of year, you can go out towards the Greenbluff area and visit the orchards. You might also want to visit one of the local wineries for a tasting. Arbor Crest is set on beautiful grounds and sometimes has special events with music, etc.
Take a drive up Nine Mile Rd. (hwy 291) which follows the Spokane River. You can turn on Rutter Parkway and follow this as it winds along following the Little Spokane River and the Painted Rocks at Riverside State Park.
I don't really know if you could do all these things in one day, but these would be my choices of fun ways to explore the area and get a feel for the city and outlying areas, too.

[Tcam]

Wendy, you have done very well with the one day tour. I might also add that a visitor should spend an hour or so exploring Riverfront Park or exploring the historic parts of town.

And, I cannot restate often enough that you should really try out some of our local coffee shops. In downtown alone and 5 minutes from my office I have my pick of 4 independent coffee houses. When I went to San Antonio and Phoenix this last year I actually felt coffee deprived when I could only find a Starbucks and only 1 to boot.

Sadly, I haven't posted in a few weeks because I'm worn out by all the nonresidents who find it neccessary to bash Spokane. No, I am not a realtor, only a resident who enjoys Spokane.

Spokane is a good place to live; my family and I live in town by choice and not in a suburb -- we enjoy our urban choices, feel safe, kids attend good schools, we have not been victims of any crime in over 20yrs (and then only small thefts when kids left bikes in the front yard), we can go fishing, skiing, hiking, rock climbing, etc. -- all on a whim.

We are at the mid-income level and our home is 100+yrs old, 3,000sqft, 3 levels with a landscaped yard, pond, home gym, etc. - definately hard to find in most areas at only $800/month.

We can see the stars or blue sky when we don't have cloud cover and we have four seasons. Our grass is green, our trees are big, we know our neigbhors . . . we enjoy living here and have made the choice to stay.

That said, we are urban and we face urban issues, but natural disasters won't get us while we sleep and we aren't afraid our door will be kicked in while we sleep either.

Thank you for providing a great one day tour opportunity. . .

[washinton native]

and don't forget to take a drive up division after the sun goes down ... might want to stop off at the k-mart parking lot on the north end and take in the beauty. awww, north division after dark. it gets no better than that.

[WendyK]

Thanks, TCam - you reminded me that I should have included a stop for breakfast at Frank's Diner downtown (an old railroad car) and then a tour through Browne's Addition and the MAC (Museum of Arts & Culture). Also, while driving back up Grand Blvd. a 15 minute tour of St. John's Cathedral will be inspirational.
I think lunch would be enjoyable and delicious at Tomato Street (not far from the KMart parking lot WN) where the servers are friendly, fun, all wear unique hats and write their names upside down on your table.
I tried to think of the best place for dinner and am torn between Clinkerdagger's or Anthony's Seafood both set overlooking the river downtown. Clink's is one of my faves because I love the old Flour Mill building. After dinner would be a great time to take a walk through Riverfront Park and across the bridges overlooking the falls. Hope you enjoyed your day in Spokane.

[Tcam]

Originally Posted by mes3fils

Why would there be graffiti near the Ash/Maple bridge for years?? Does not the city think it needs to be covered over?

No it is there by design -- because it is an artist's graffiti wall.

[mes3fils]

Would you recommend that one contemplating visiting Spokane-or any city for that matter-that they may move to, should visit many different neighborhoods as well?

[washinton native]

Originally Posted by WendyK

... I think lunch would be enjoyable and delicious at Tomato Street (not far from the KMart parking lot WN) ...

i notice you didn't send anyone there for dessert. how proper of you.