Spokane, washington

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

Spokane, Washington, is a city immersed in natural beauty and offers travel-worthy attractions. In the heart of this charming community, you will find River Park Square.

Boasting 420,000 square feet comprised of 55 businesses, River Park Square features everything from Nordstrom, movies, and home fashion to casual and full-service dining and entertainment.

Conveniently located just steps away from top hotels, Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park, there is always something to do in and around River Park Square, “whether it’s the Skate Ribbon, Looff Carrousel, Sky Ride, Mobius Discovery Center or Light Show at the Pavilion,” says Rita Koefod, senior director of Marketing, Communications and Branding for River Park Square. “River Park Square is also a pre-show hot spot within walking distance of the Fox Theater, comedy clubs, Spokane Arena and First Interstate Center for the Arts—home of Best of Broadway.” Another popular destination is River Park Square’s own AMC Theatres with IMAX, featuring recliners and reserved seating options.

Attracting visitors from the entire region (and Canada!), River Park Square is the premier shopping destination between the Seattle area and Minneapolis. “Shoppers can find sought-after brands like Nordstrom, Apple, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Nike Factory Store and Lush,” shares Rita.

And then there’s the local shopping to be had. From Here, The PNW Dream and The Small Biz Shoppe each offer its own distinct personality while offering a creative blend of products sourced from area artists and makers. Rita also suggests checking out an Inland Northwest favorite, Anderson & Co., a unique shopping destination for fine menswear with bespoke quality and extraordinary service.

When visiting with the kids, be sure to snap a pic with “Ruby,” America’s largest red stiletto on display year-round. Checking in at 9-feet 11-inches tall and weighing more than 500 pounds, it’s sure to impress. “For more family fun, check out Polka Dot Pottery, Whiz Kids Toy Store and Ben & Jerry’s,” suggests Rita.

When it comes to dining, River Park Square has a unique array of options for patrons. Rita recommends locally owned Whim Wine Bar, a charming destination dishing up thin-crust pizzas, charcuterie boards and carefully selected wines, ciders and beer from around the world. She adds that visitors will also love their newest full-service restaurants— MacDaddy’s (mac and cheese nachos anyone?) and Shiki Sushi.

The River Park Square staple Twigs is known for its martinis, wide menu and terrace dining, which opens to the center’s atrium. P.F. Chang’s is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike. For those boba tea lovers, there’s the sister-owned Tea’s Company, which launched as a farmers market pop-up stand and just last year made its new home at River Park Square.

“Whether it's for a date, family excursion, night out or a large group event, Flatstick Pub is a fun, unique experience for local craft beer, pizza, old-school fun and memorable moments, including mini golf and duffleboard,” shares Rita. Bonus: Flatstick is family friendly until 9pm.

Rita counters the narrative about malls and brick-and-mortars closing their doors by reminding the community about the importance, and elevated experience, of in-person shopping. “It’s impossible to replicate the sense of discovery that comes from shopping in-store. It’s a true benefit getting the size right on the first try. Who doesn’t love avoiding shipping delays and taking goodies home immediately? More and more, we also find customers are well-informed about the true cost and environmental impact of returning online orders. Beyond that, a day at River Park Square is about community and spending time with friends and family.”

Throughout the year, River Park Square hosts a variety of events, partnering with many local nonprofits and community organizations. Nearly every weekend, you’re sure to find something happening downtown and at River Park Square.

With the wide array of dining, fashion, events and entertainment, visitors will discover something new each time they plan a visit to River Park Square.

River Park Square is open 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm Sunday, with AMC Theatres and restaurants open later.

Warm-Weather

Dining

INCREDIBLE FLAVORS ACCOMPANIED BY GREAT VIEWS

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

From what began as a mobile pizza oven to now two successful brick-and-mortar restaurants, Laura and Seth Carey couldn’t be prouder of Versalia Pizza and are truly grateful for those who continue to show their unwavering support of their vision.

On the menu, of course, are their flavorful thin-crust pizzas (with vegetarian and gluten-free options available). Guests can also choose from a selection of creative salads, appetizers and desserts, beer and wine, as well as a variety of seasonal cocktails (which are available at their Kendall Yards location).

Laura and Seth credit Chris Ambrose, or “lead pizza creator” as he prefers to be called, for the creativity. “Chris thinks about the tastes and flavors he’s had in the past in other dishes and asks if he can recreate that into a pizza,” affirms Laura.

Chris incorporates seasonal ingredients whenever possible and is always keeping a running list of ideas and flavors that he thinks may work well to incorporate into one of their specialty pizzas. “Sometimes great ideas get sidelined by costs, difficulty in quickly recreating, or prep time. He really tries to make the specials ‘special’ with a unique approach or ingredient,” says Laura. “His fine-dining experience has really helped with ideas and thought processes.”

To get an idea of the creativity in the kitchen, their most popular pizza has been the Peach Pie with Olive Oil: Versalia’s three-cheese blend, peaches, bacon, gorgonzola crumbles and a sage-honey drizzle. “It’s only available for two weeks in the summer, but people come in asking for it year-round,” Laura says proudly. Another popular one, which is featured around football playoff time, is their Jalapeño Popper Pie: with a garlic cream cheese base, their three-cheese blend, Beechers cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, honey and crispy panko.

During the warmer months, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to pair your meal with a seat outdoors. Their Kendall Yards location features an expansive patio, seating approximately 40 guests, with views showcasing the Spokane River Valley along with the city skyline and Monroe and Maple Street bridges. “It really is one of the best views in the city!” Laura smiles.

The Liberty Lake location, situated in the River District next to Orchard Park, can seat around 30 patrons on their outdoor patio—which almost doubles their seating capacity during the warmer seasons, Laura notes. Just a short walk from the Centennial Trail, guests can enjoy a meal while taking in views of the surrounding hills.

When it comes to what the Careys are most proud of when it comes to their restaurants, it is the challenges they have navigated through throughout their 14 years in business. “No one expected us to make it with our mobile woodfired oven past the first summer,” Laura reflects. “We made it through heat exhaustion, thunderstorms, wind, wildfire smoke, COVID—and now have two thriving restaurants to go with our mobile ovens.”

Laura, Seth and their Versalia team invite you to dine with them and enjoy the fruits of their labor.