Next Stop
Issue: March/April 2010
Destination: Spokane
Love the nightlife in the Inland Northwest
When friends read my Facebook post about seeing a concert at the Knitting Factory after dinner at a Latin American bistro, some asked whether I was in New York City or Los Angeles. "Somewhere better," I replied. "I’m in Spokane."
It may be a stretch to compare the capital of the Inland Northwest to the nation’s two most populous cities, but Spokane’s urban renewal is bringing tastes of big-city culture to an area that also provides easy access to many great outdoor recreational pursuits.
The resurgence stems primarily from the restoration of such landmarks as the Davenport Hotel and the Fox Theater, now called the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. When not hosting the Spokane Symphony, the Fox presents an eclectic assortment of musical and theatrical artists. Just a block away, the Knitting Factory, formerly the Big Easy before the owners of Knitting Factory nightclubs in Brooklyn and Hollywood (the latter recently closed) bought it out, brings touring musicians and comedians to town. During my visit, Australia’s Xavier Rudd and American Idol’s David Cook played the Knitting Factory, while the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir performed at the Fox.
Several wineries have set up shop in the downtown area, and just a stone’s throw away, Dry Fly Distilling welcomes visitors to taste and watch Palouse-grown wheat turned into vodka and gin. Meanwhile, innovative, locally owned restaurants are also popping up throughout downtown. At one such place, Agave Latin Bistro (mentioned in my Facebook post), the menu included a selection of ceviche and tacos filled with blackened ahi tuna, jicama and lime crème fraîche. Just reading about it was enough to make my friends in bigger cities jealous.
EAT:
Santé Restaurant & Charcuterie, www.santespokane.com.
Agave Latin Bistro, www.agavebistro.com.
Wild Sage American Bistro, www.wildsagebistro.com.
SLEEP:
The Montvale Hotel: Mod furnishings liven up old-school architecture at this 36-room gem.
Hotel Lusso: The Davenport’s owners acquired the cozy inn and added an ale house during the ensuing renovation.
SIP:
The region is home to 15 wineries (www.spokanewineries.net) and a craft distillery (www.dryflydistilling.com).
FORAGE:
About 15 minutes north of Spokane, Green Bluff is home to u-pick orchards, wineries and other visitor-friendly agricultural ventures. www.greenbluffgrowers.com.
PLAY:
Contact AAA Travel (800-430-9001) or the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visit spokane.com) for information on fly-fishing guides, whitewater tours, mountain bike trails and more.
