Strolling Around in Spokane, WA
Spokane, A Hidden Gem of the Northwest!
We traded rural landscapes for cityscapes, journeying from Rice, WA, to Spokane, WA, the second-largest city in eastern Washington bordering Idaho. Our conveniently located Airbnb allowed us to explore downtown Spokane’s highlights on foot, taking in the scenery multiple times.
Winding alongside the Spokane River, the Centennial Trail offered panoramic views of the city skyline, the river, and the surrounding mountains. Another taste of nature amidst the urban landscape was the Spokane River waterfalls, once a source of hydropower. Today, the Washington Waterpower Plant, a National Historic Landmark, houses a museum commemorating Spokane’s energy industry.
While strolling the Spokane River Walk, we were again greeted by stunning views of the river, the falls, and the cityscape. Since the 1970s, Riverfront Park has been an urban oasis, with attractions like the Spokane Falls and the Spokane Pavilion.
Spokane's Riverside Avenue Historic District!
Stepping back in time within Spokane’s Riverside Avenue Historic District, we admired the city’s rich architectural heritage. The Review Building (1904), a Beaux-Arts gem, once housed the Spokane Daily Review newspaper. The Masonic Temple (1910) showcased Classical Revival grandeur with its Corinthian columns and expansive dome. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (1908) stood tall as a Gothic Revival masterpiece decorated with towering spires and stained-glass windows. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (1902) offered a magnificent example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
Another green haven we discovered was Manito Park. Established in 1892, this 90-acre recreational oasis has blossomed into a haven with a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, a Lilac Garden, and a tranquil Mirror Pond. After a long, warm day, we found a bench, sat down, and enjoyed the park’s shade.
Although we didn’t know what to expect, Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, pleasantly surprised us! With its vibrant downtown, this hidden gem of the Northwest offered a delightful blend of historic charm, green spaces, and natural beauty. Precisely the combination we like to experience in a city.
Date
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Distance
4.69 miles
Moving Time
1:36:23 hours
WEATHER
71 °F, light breeze, sunny