Summertime Fun in Spokane
August 2010
Sometimes it takes awhile for summer to arrive in Spokane but when it does it’s stunning. With little rain, bright blue skies and none of the dreaded humidity that torments the eastern USA, Spokane is a perfect spot for a girl’s summer getaway in the Pacific Northwest.
Spokane residents and visitors go wild for the outdoors because it’s right there in the city. You can easily access a bike trail that is so long it literally takes you to another state, try out some cool ‘happy hour’ rafting along the Spokane River, or swing along on a gondola ride over the falls. If communing with nature is not your scene, you’ll be delighted to explore Spokane’s award winning wineries or schedule a spa day at the city’s newest resort.
Sleeping in Spokane
The famous Davenport Hotel is the spot for women travelers to stay in the city, with its lavish lobby, beautifully restored interiors and taking up an entire block of prime downtown space, this hotel is the belle dame of Spokane.
After a 30 million dollar renovation completed in 2002, the historic 1914 hotel now oozes with swank and grandeur. Davenport also has serious street cred within the travel community, since reopening it has been honored with awards such as the Conde Nast Top 100 List and Expedia’s Top Ten List.
History: Throughout the hotel you can find many carefully preserved historical artifacts, we loved the antique bank of key slots in the front lobby, the old fashion chute mailboxes on each floor and, best of all, the magnificent Hall of Doges ballroom which had been airlifted from its original location to where it now stands in the eastern addition of the hotel.
The bed: The “Davenport Beds” are divine, decadent and big, really big! The step stool under the bed isn’t there just for decoration. Imagine the fun pajama parties that can happen here girls!
Shopping: Be sure to check out the Signature Shop located next to the lobby of the hotel. This place is not your ordinary hotel gift shop, it’s jam packed with tons of things that you seriously want to take home. They even tempt you with a display of the “Davenport Bed” available for sale in the store.
Affordable Luxury: The Davenport Parlor Suites can accommodate six or more guests and the one bedroom rate is a reasonable $299 per night.
City Escapes
The trail winds 37 miles along the Spokane River, through the downtown Spokane area, and then out of town to the Idaho state line. There it becomes the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which continues another 24 miles to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This paved path is heaven for bikers, runners and walkers.
Bike rentals available from:
Spoke N Sport
212 North Division Street, Spokane, WA (509) 838-8842
We loved the idea, and had visions of whitewater rafting with martinis in hand but quickly realized that the happy hour referred to was the time of event and not the liquid beverages usually imbibed during said time. And after experiencing the class three rapids through 
the Devil’s Toe Nail, we decided that rafting over rapids gripping martini glasses instead of paddles probably wouldn’t be such a good idea! The tipples are much better enjoyed after running the rapids as a congratulatory “we made it’ drink.
Row Adventures offers this cool early evening adventure trip down the lower Spokane River.
Riverfront Park’s popular gondola ride has been thrilling riders in Spokane for more than thirty years. Grab the girlfriends and get ready for a fun fifteen minute skyride that drops you 200 feet over Huntington Park Natural Area and across Spokane Falls.
Arbor Crest Winery sits high on a cliff, and with probably one of the best views in Spokane, it’s worth coming here just to sit and enjoy the scenery, but the crew at Arbor Crest have adding even more incentives to visit this wonderful spot.
This winery has it all, outdoor concerts, old stone buildings nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens, tons of space to relax and mingle, and of course award-winning wines.
In the summer, Sunday is the day to visit when Arbor Crest hosts its popular weekly Summer Concert Series. What could be better than sipping some fine wine, hanging out with the girls, and listening to tunes in the great outdoors in Spokane?
Serenity. That is the word that comes to mind on a recent visit to NorthQuest Resort’s luxurious spa. Current Spa & Salon brings alive the healing remedies and traditions of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians with spa treatments that work in harmony with nature and its natural elements.
Be sure to try the Purification Ritual, a treatment inspired by Native American traditions. Using natural fiber cloth for exfoliation, juniper sage oil, and red clay mud, the treatment ($185, 90 minutes), will slough off the day’s travel and seal in moisture.
More about the Davenport Hotel on UpTake.
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HI! Just thought I’d give you more info on shopping in the Inland Northwest. There are lots of wonderful boutiques in the area and are highlighted daily on the blog http://noseyparker.net/INW. Girlfriends can also get info on Nosey Parker Shopping Tours by Framework. Go in style by hitting all the best shops in a limo, box lunch and wine if you want it! Stay in the know and have a fabulous time. Who knew shopping was so extensive in this area… the sleuth Nosey Parker keeps the ladies informed.