Spokane, WA

Placed in the Mountains across the boarder from Idaho is the city of Spokane Washington. If you're looking for scenic views you'll get that here. Hikers and bikers will find an endless number of trails and roads with challenging hills for bike riding. Spokane has a low crime rate and has a decent downtown with plenty of attractions. The attitudes of the people are poor they tend to think that they are better then everyone else and flaunt it.

Dining, and nightlife

Spokane has its ups and downs dining wise. There are not many independent eatery's But there are 3 excellent ones that you need to visit while in Spokane. The first is the steakhouse Wolf Lodge. Just off the interstate. They have the most luscious steaks you could hope for. It is set in an atmosphere of being at the hunters lodge up on the mountain yet in the city. There is another Wolfs lodge in Coeur d' Alene ID. Another can't miss is Casa De Oro a Mexican restaurant all homemade ingredients If you need a nice romantic night out this is a great place to go. A great downtown eatery is Luigi's a wonderful Italian restaurant great atmosphere and some of the best pasta in a delicious tomato sauce. The house wine a sweet red wine goes well with any of their entrees. It is located in the old downtown feel brick building with beautiful architecture inside. This is a dining experience that can't be missed. Spokane has a few decent sushi bars but not with a hibachi grill. There are all kinds of dining from Indian to a couple of good old greasy spoons in Spokane. There are a couple of places I would stay away from I had terrible meals there. The first one Longhorn Barbecue I ordered the ribs and it was almost like eating a plastic dog toy. The setting is like any Texas steak house. Nothing overly exciting. The other a Mexican restaurant in Veradale Ranch Viejo. The tortillas where dry the salsa was terrible tacked on with poor service. The bar scene isn't great in Spokane either, the downtown area is your best bet Division has the majority of them are near Gonzaga University it has several bars. Not much excitement while we where there. In Washington they have a smoking ban which sours the fun for smokers. In Spokane valley there are a couple of nice Pubs. People there aren't kind to strangers so starting conversation with strangers is nearly impossible.

Neighborhoods and places

As mentioned before Spokane was some wonderful scenery. Spokane has the Spokane falls in the downtown. This is a really neat area. Riverfront park is a great area which has plenty of good views of Spokane river and the falls. Also the riverfront mall has some great shopping. All the pricey bring a fat wallet if you plan to shop there. The southern side of the city offers a brilliant view of the valley. Perfect place for a bike ride. Many of the streets have biking lanes. Also great places for walking and jogging. Northern section of the city also has some great views and plenty of building going on. The most impressive view is that of Mt. Spokane. Mountains are all around in Spokane. Other cities are Post Falls ID You need to make a trip falls park where you can get some history about the logging a spectacular view of Post falls. Another can't miss is Coeur d' Alene ID. This is a resort town on a lake surrounded by mountains. Again great hiking and biking. To the North of Coeur d' Alene is Sandpoint. I fell in love with this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants dotted along the lake There is a hike and bike trail that follows the lake. This area is a fisherman's and hunter's paradise. As well as a bicyclist and hikers paradise. There is great nightlife along was spectacular dining. Dress up with the small town feeling. Life is slow there. In the winter time you can catch some great ski resorts. North of Spokane is Mt. Spokane state park. Again this is a hiker and cyclist paradise. There are some beautiful views. South of Spokane you will find farming villages and Pullman home of Washington State University. I nice quiet town. The nightlife in Pullman is much better then that of Spokane.

Arts and Culture.

The biggest part of Spokane is the left over grunge scene that traveled east to Spokane. Spokane has a well recognized orchestra. I however didn't get the opportunity to see them while I was there. If you like antiques Spokane is loaded with dealers. This is the biggest areas. I've ever seen. Culture center on the Hiker types and University students.

People

As I have mentioned before rudeness is a way of life for the people of Spokane. If you are going there to meet people don't bother Spokane is a great place for outdoor activity but Aside from a few good friends I made while there I found most people looked down on me because I was not from there.

If You want to visit this area let me suggest you stay on the other side of the boarder in Idaho. Of coarse Wolf Lodge Casa de Oro and Luigi's are can't miss opportunities as well as a trip The river front park. Spend a day in Spokane that is it.

Spokane ranks higher only because the beautiful scenery around it and the pan handle of Idaho

pictures of Spokane

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