Spokane may not be at the top of travelers’ bucket lists, but it has a charming, “small big city” vibe that might surprise you. As the second largest city in the state of Washington next to Seattle, Spokane embodies the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and it’s also home to a variety of exciting events, such as Hoopfest, the nation’s largest basketball festival. While in Spokane for a business conference, I developed a soft spot in my heart for this pretty, unassuming city, so I decided to extend my stay in Spokane so that I could really explore all that this Washington gem has to offer.
Because I had to make spur-of-the-moment changes to my travel plans, I needed to book a last-minute hotel in Spokane. Thanks to HotelTonight, I booked a great hotel in Spokane in less than a few minutes. As often as I travel, it’s always comforting to know that HotelTonight can make last-minute travel adjustments easy and stress-free.
I booked a hotel in Riverfront Park, one of Spokane’s most beautiful areas. This public park is located downtown, and it has great walkways and bike paths for those who want to get outside and get active. A scenic trail system winds along the Spokane River, and I started my day in Spokane with a nice long run along the picturesque waterfront. Riverfront Park also boasts attractions like cable cars and amusement park rides, so it’s easy to see why locals love making the most of sunny Spokane days at Riverfront Park.
When I travel, I love staying in walkable areas so that I can easily explore my temporary neighborhood on foot, which is why I was glad I had a hotel in downtown Spokane. Since Spokane isn’t a massive metropolis, its downtown is quaint and charming, but it still offers plenty of great restaurants and shops. Just by walking around the area, I could tell that Spokane is experiencing a rebirth, as there’s an exciting energy in the hipper areas of downtown. I ended up stopping at a cute downtown bistro for lunch, and then I wandered over to the historic Davenport Hotel for a cup of tea in this elegant, beautifully restored building.
Just a short walk away from downtown is Kendall Yards, an up-and-coming urban neighborhood that is quickly becoming a paradise for Spokane’s hipsters. This neighborhood is perched above the Spokane River Gorge, so it features breathtaking views. It may be a small neighborhood, but it has already attracted great restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Plus, it’s pedestrian friendly, so it’s one of the coolest urban neighborhoods in this sprawling city.
South Hill is one of Spokane’s more idyllic areas, particularly because it’s home to Manito Park, a gorgeous 90-acre park that has been a favorite destination for locals since the early 1900s. This beautifully maintained oasis features a conservatory of exotic plants and several gardens, so the air throughout Manitoba is perfumed with fresh flowers. This park is a dreamy place to relax, unwind, and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. I found a bench in a quiet corner of the park and read the newspaper. It’s rare that I get to enjoy moments of peace like this, and I can definitely say it was one of my favorite parts of my stay in Spokane.
The next day, I decided to head out of the city of Spokane to a spot that locals love to frequent in the summer months – Lake Coeur d’Alene. Located just across the Idaho border is Lake Coeur d’Alene, a spectacular body of water that is regularly considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. It took me a little over half an hour to make it to Coeur d’Alene by car, but it was well worth the drive to see this beautiful lake and idyllic community. Since it was a warm, sunny summer day, I put on my swimsuit and went for a refreshing dip in the lake, and I spent the rest of the day wandering through the charming lake town and ogling the massive lakeside mansions.
Spokane, Washington is full of unexpected surprises, and I was definitely taken aback by the area’s endless natural beauty. While I wasn’t initially planning on spending extra time in Spokane, I was glad that I was able to extend my stay and explore more of this charming Pacific Northwest town. HotelTonight made my impromptu travel plans possible, and I can confidently say that booking last-minute accommodations has never been easier. While I know that I probably didn’t see all of the local hotspots in Spokane during my two-day trip, I certainly feel that I got a great taste of the city. If I ever return (and I plan to), I’ll be sure to book my hotel through HotelTonight.
