questions for Spokane locals (Cheney: hotels, houses, neighborhoods)

[LostVegasWoman]

I am a middle aged woman coming alone to Spokane in April to see if I like the area. I am in Las Vegas and need to move before I lose my mind. Want a calmer, more friendly area. I have read many posts on here but have some specific questions.
Are there any areas that a single woman should avoid at all times or at night?
Are there any nice outdoor cafes to sit and drink coffee, etc and people watch? Where is a good place to get a feel for the type of people that live in Spokane?
Is the tap water fit for drinking? The water here is approved for drinking, of course, but tastes awful and I don't trust it. Or do I have to buy bottled water while visiting?
Are there critters like squirrels or chipmunks? I actually like seeing wildlife around.
The best places to go to chat with locals.
Well.... you can see the kinds of things I want to know. Thank you.

[WendyK]

Hi Vegas Woman - There are tons of coffee houses here in Spokane where you can hang out and read or people watch or whatever...
I'd recommend you go downtown to River Park Square to see what kind of people are out and about. There are good restaurants and shopping, plus you're within walking distance to Riverfront Park where you can sit and watch the squirrels, ducks & geese.
You will also like exploring the gardens at Manito Park where there are Japanese Gardens, Duncan Gardens, a lilac garden, rose gardens and much more. Very pretty especially in later spring.
As far as where not to go by yourself - I'd just say don't go walking around near the interstate or some of the seedier neighborhoods closest to the freeway. You probably wouldn't have any reason to go there anyway.
The Spokane city water is okay - I know I've tasted worse, but personally I prefer bottled or RO water.
Do you know anyone here? You might also want to plan your visit and see what type of local festivals or events are going on at the time. There are usually concerts, street fairs, and other events going on during the better weather months. You also might want to attend a local church service, if that's something that appeals to you, to see what type of people attend and how you feel around them.
Hope this helps!

[LostVegasWoman]

Thank you WendyK. No, I don't know anyone there but I do like an adventure and I will see if the people are friendly being alone. Thanks again for the info and if any more ideas let me know.

[Gio850]

Hello Lost Vegas Woman
I too am planning a visit followed by a move to Spokane. Although I've only visited there once before and that was only for a weekend some time ago, I've recently surfed the web for pages of interest. Hope it's alright to mention them here.
easy level hikes at http://spokane.net/adventure/Hiking.aspx
a singles club at http://www.geocities.com/spokaneboomers/
city run golf courses, fees etc., at http://www.spokanegolf.org/fees/
skiing,hiking and much more at http://www.spokanemountaineers.org/
(click on calendar of events on the left panel, then guests, then upcoming events down near at the bottom)
many local things to do at http://pulse.visitspokane.com/index.php
Anything there of interest to you?

[Gio850]

oops, forgot to include the main webpage that i meant to send you....it's got pics of several coffee houses and comments from the man who put it all together.
http://aintnogod.blogspot.com/

[StealthRabbit]

See if you can find a 'guest home' to stay in, as that is a good way to get to know an area. Hotel's are a really 'cold' way to travel. There are several guest home directories, and they usually give a profile of hosts and accommodations. You can find someone with your like interests, and they will provide a significant 'head-start' to getting to know an area. We've used a couple different homes in Spokane. It is usually only $25/night ... . This method of travel has really 'made' our trips memorable and special. Worst case for us has been a saggy bed, so we slept on the floor that night, but I've had worse night's sleeps...It was in a very fun old farmhouse on the Maine coast, so that was a bonus. (and it snowed that night ) We really enjoy them on international trips, as you get a better 'culture' experience. (note, these are not commercial 'bed and breakfast' ... just plain ole homes) We've never gone hungry, and everyone has offered us at least 1 meal / day. Some of the Pennsylvania Dutch farm homes have kept me fed very well, even after helping with chores. We prefer to use a couple 'church' related directories, as the hosts donate fees to missions or the needy. There are many others, I'm sure you can find some that suit your style and values.

Or you can be 'young again' and do some 'hosteling'. It is much richer in relationships than hotels, but you need to put up with some hard beds...and sometimes, co-ed showers... My kids called them 'Foster homes for college kids' while we were in Europe.

[LostVegasWoman]

Thank you for more info. Going to look at the new sites now. I hosteled in Europe 30 years ago. I could do that. Thanks again and I will be checking back for any more ideas that you might have. Much appreciated.
Is it usually nice weather in April. It looks like it has been cold in Spokane for many months. Here in Vegas it is a record heat today. Not-Great! I would prefer more moderate weather.

[Pcghost]

Moderate? Spokane is famous in the Northwest as the only city with clearly defined seasons. It has moderated a lot in the 30 years I have been here, but it is still pretty set in that. Winter temps are normally in the 20's and 30's with about a week a year below zero (last year it was 35 below at my house near Cheney), and the summers range from 80-100 degrees with about a week spent above 100 degrees. Spring and fall here are amazing, everything is so green for March and April. The brown shows itself in July-Spring, and I mean virtually everything (short of the pines) turns brown.

I can see Spokane being a good fit for you if you are looking for a slower moving city to live in than Las Vegas.

[pjjujo37]

Didn't notice anyone mention that there are active SR. Citizen Groups who offer lunch for a small price and also various learning opportunities associated with them. The City of Spokane Valley has a newer building with lawn area to use --- a good way to get acquainted with other SRs. I think one of the valley churches offers a lunch also.
pj

[nunusguy]

Are the Falls nice in Spokane ? Do you get much color in the leaves in the area ?