Things to Do in Spokane
From gardens to gondola rides, Washington's second-largest city brings people together to enjoy eclectic attractions amid a forest of greenery
Dine in a historic railroad car, share an entertaining night at the symphony in a gorgeously restored art deco theater or attend a summer festival—all that and more is at your fingertips in Lilac City. You can explore the Northwest with ease, especially when you have so many things to do in Spokane!
Manito Blooms in Lilac City
Explore gardens, ponds, trails, stone bridges and the spacious picnic areas that make Manito Park the perfect gathering place. Stroll meandering pathways and enjoy blossoms, Asian architecture and a koi pond in the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden. Don't miss the colorful blooms among Duncan Garden, a 3-acre classical European Renaissance garden that's a sight to behold. There are more specialty green spaces such as rose and lilac gardens as well.
Riverfront Fun, Thrills and Beauty
At Riverfront Park, ride in a gondola with friends over the 60-foot high urban waterfall. Condé Nast Traveler dubbed SkyRide one of the most incredible gondola rides in the world. In winter, rent skates and hold hands as you glide on ice at one of the nation’s best outdoor rinks, the Ice Palace. Join the throngs at one of many summer festivals. Be mesmerized by the ornate circa-1909 working carousel. Watch jaws drop when the kids encounter the world's largest Radio Flyer wagon. Both a public art piece and playground slide, the 12-foot-high, 27-foot-long wagon is a beloved landmark, designed by local artist Ken Spiering.
Symphony Meets Art Deco at the Fox
Built in 1931, the art deco Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox brought artistic wonder on the big screen to the dreary days of the Great Depression in Spokane. Beautifully restored, it houses the Spokane Symphony. Go on a Friday night for moderately priced entertainment that begins with a live band and happy hour in the lounge and culminates in the hall for an hour of symphonic bliss. For those who prefer comedy to classical music, the Fox also hosts headlining comedic acts throughout the year.
Spokane's Eateries, a Great Railway and Mountainous Meals
Frank’s Diner (1516 W. Second Ave., Spokane) serves award-winning meals in a historically restored, turn-of-the-century, passenger rail car furnished with elegant, polished wood and red, cushiony seats. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, chefs prepare dishes befitting the Great Northern Railroad dining cars, such as Irish Benedict, and comfort foods like chicken fried steak. The Flying Goat (3318 W. Northwest Blvd., Spokane) was perhaps named after the nimble, mountain goats that leap from rock to rock on nearby Mt. Spokane. They serve lunch and dinner, attracting diners who appreciate made-from-scratch pizza, cured-in-house artisanal meats and good brews. Vegans and non-gluten diners are welcome.
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