![]() It’s a glorious sunny day, so after a little rest, it’s time to hit the Riverfront Park. The Riverfront and Spokane Falls Spokane Falls in Riverfront Park Anne Kazel-Wilcox | Travel Squire In fact, Spokane was once the home of silver-mining barons who, in the late 1800s began settling in the city, which was a burgeoning financial and cultural hub. When it opened in 1914, the hotel was the first-ever hotel to have air conditioning, among many other amenities. The Davenport is the finest hotel in Spokane and, while there are several other Davenport hotels in town (part of the Marriot Autograph Collection), none are as authentically beautiful as the Historic Davenport, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The lobby is easily as impressive as New York City’s historic Plaza Hotel. The store is a few blocks from my hotel, the Historic Davenport Hotel, so I then take a quick break amid the ornate architectural glamor of the property, which brings to mind grander eras. Returning downtown, I decide that a visit to Washington State would be incomplete without checking out a local cannabis store, and my head spins at The Lucky Leaf and its array of offerings in this “legal” state. Bygone Days-and Cannabis Ways Historic Davenport Hotel Courtesy of Hotel Davenport Upcoming over the winter, exhibits are slated to include Tiffany treasures, as well as contemporary American Indian art from regional tribes. There, I’m lucky to discover dozens of original Audubon bird sketches and prints on display, along with memorabilia related to the man behind the iconic Birds of America bible, James John Audubon. Invigorated with sugar, I zip up in my rental car for the 10 am opening of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. I duck into a breakfast eatery downtown, People’s Waffle, for what are arguably the best waffles on this planet (and I’m no waffle novice.) The blueberry, lemon meringue-infused version I try needs no syrup, its delicate yet hearty combination melting in my mouth. The beauty of this park seems a well-kept secret with few visitors disturbing its tranquility.Īfter exploring the grounds, I jump back into my rental car, as Sundays are an ideal day to tour via car from points A to Z in the city, given that parking meters are not enforced, and the usual business buzz is quiet. Further afield, among towering Pacific Northwest fir trees, I find tranquil Japanese gardens as well. ![]() Nearby is an exquisite rose garden as well as a dahlia trial garden where new varieties are evaluated for worthiness. Called Duncan Garden, the geometric layout showcases 70,000 annuals like “Zinderella Purple” Zinnias and “Jolt Pink” Dianthus. The park features 90 acres of flowering and forested parkland, including Spokane’s version of the Versailles gardens. I start out after sunrise, heading to Manito Park, a slice of paradise amid Spokane’s urbanscape. Jolts of Nature Manito Park Anne Kazel-Wilcox | Travel Squire This is fortunate since I only have 24 hours to discover the bounty of Spokane highlights. ![]() While Spokane is the second-largest city in the state-in eastern Washington near the Idaho border-it is very manageable to explore. Some whiz about on the Lime electric scooters available to rent (like Citi Bikes in other cities) all over the city. It’s a Sunday, and on this bright fall day, locals and visitors are out, strolling and biking. It reminds me of New York’s Central Park with its winding footpaths, fountains and gorgeous vistas. I’m in Riverfront Park, a beautiful Spokane green space. I’m standing on the “Blue Bridge” over the Spokane River, taking in the waterfalls cascading below and the soaring mountain peaks in the distance.
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