Annual Manual 2019/20 by The Inlander

THE INLANDER’S

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE INLAND NORTHWEST

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2019-2020

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020

supplement to the inlander

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FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, Spokane embarked on an applied hair product. audacious endeavor, becoming the smallest city ever to scourmore the Inland No host the World’s Fair. Each Over theyear courseas of we six months, than 5 million people visited the city. It was a huge moment you’ll read about in The Annual Manual Manual, w for Spokane. Expo continued to be transformative, as the close. the Chefs restaurant-hop, and new site transitionedand from hosting World’s Fair, to eventually being dedicated as Riverfront Park. At the dedication cupcakes took us by storm!) ceremony, President Jimmy Carter applauded the city’s vision But as I shows walked First and investment. “Riverfront Park verydown clearly what canAvenue i be accomplished in urban redevelopment,” President Carter new, and hip-as-hell coffee shop Luxe, it praised. “You’ve transformed an area that was declining, that was far short of has its great potential, into one of the nation’s occurred — one that’s perhaps on par most innovative and refreshing urban settings.” wehosting turned outWorld’s The Inlander’s fi While it maytion. not beWhen on par with another Fair, Spokane is Avenue again havingwas a moment. For the firstThere time a wasteland. was no M since the park was dedicated back in the ’70s, the city likejewel. Rain and or big-city boutiq has reinvested inbars its crown More thanStir $70 million in improvements are nearly complete —and bringing renewed life toslated for was shuttered at one point signature landmarks like the just-reopened Pavilion. Its new andfeatured this ishere where television lighted net structure and onlocal this issue’s front stations cover seems to symbolize a surging Spokane. and prostitution. And once again, the city as a whole is alive with potenyearsisn’t ago, youlimited heard someo tial. Renewed energy Seven and investment justifbeing to what’s now being called Riverfront Spokane. Growing comtrict, you would have likely assumed the panies like Amazon, Rover and Mullen Technologies (page Seattle, not a bustling riverfront de 20) are moving about to the city. National retailers like Nordstrom and Apple have renewed their commitment to Spokane (page soon to host a medical school that’s with 175). In the past year, Zillow reported that Spokane homes were selling faster Seattle (page and economists ingthan distance of a36)new public market. An are projecting dramatic population growth in the Inland discerning vintage clothing stores are bar Northwest — with some areas in our region, like Post Falls, projected to triple in sizeofbya2040 16). rise (which I person eters city(page on the This past year Spokane has made the list, from being they Cities are),in take comfort called one of thethink “Best Foodie America,” to one ofin knowing “10 Unexpectedly Awesome Cities.” Local chefs are new cropCoffee (Artemis, Sequel, Carousel, Fri being acknowledged by the James Beard Foundation and Fray) haveshows sprouted inwith andsome around the c showing up on Food Network (page 114) regularity. Local brands like Millianna and Anfisa are appearSpokane has done a lot of growing u ing up on the pages of Vogue and the red carpet (page 154). pages and see for yourself. As you readthese this year’s edition of the Inlander’s Annual Manual, we’d like to make the case that Spokane — really the Inland Northwest — is having a moment. Wouldn’t you agree?

TAMARA McGREGOR, editor

ABOUT ANNUAL MANUAL

ON THE COVER AND ABOVE The recently renovated Pavilion in Riverfront Spokane now features programmable light blades and a 3,000-person amphitheater. JAMES RICHMAN PHOTOS

6 | THE INLANDER ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020

Annual Manual is published every September by the folks who bring you the Inlander every week. We like to call it the Insider’s Guide to the Inland Northwest. This annual guide is locally focused, so don’t expect to see stories about national chains in these pages. You should also know that all the people, places and things we write about don’t pay to be listed in the Annual Manual. That wouldn’t be cool (or ethical, for that matter). We write about them because we think they’re awesome.

here you grow

canopycu.com 509.328.2900

Main Branch 601 W Mallon, 99201

North Branch 1212 W Francis, 99205

Spokane Valley Branch 13105 E Sprague, 99216

CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT

From employment to housing, Annual Report provides a snapshot of the state of the city PAGE 15

EDUCATION

The status of our educational institutions, from Kindergarten through grad school PAGE 41

ARTS

From new venues to reliable old favorites, here’s a preview of the 2019-20 arts season PAGE 61

FOOD & DRINK

Learn about all the places that make the Inland Northwest taste so good PAGE 83

NIGHTLIFE

Spokane and North Idaho come to life after dark; here’s where to laugh, sing and play PAGE 129

SHOPPING

Let us introduce you to local labels on the rise and the shops that carry them PAGE 145

RECREATION

Check out the seemingly endless ways to be active in the Inland Northwest PAGE 179

GREEN ZONE

Cannabis is growing the way craft beers once did; here’s a hyperlocal check-in PAGE 225

8 | THE INLANDER ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020

THE UNIVERSITY

FOR WASHINGTON From educating medical students over the past four decades to working with the region’s entrepreneurs, the UW’s commitment to Eastern Washington runs deep. Together with partners like Gonzaga University, we’re serving local students, communities and the state we all call home. LEARN MORE

uw.edu/spokane

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ANNUAL MANUAL

Holy Family Medical Building 235 E. Rowan, #102, Spokane, WA 99207-1251

509-489-2101 • 509-777-1333 (Research) www.nswomenshealth.com Providing obstetrical and gynecological care for women of all ages.

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Ta ma ra Mc Gregor Derek Ha rris on Young Kwa k

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J a cob H. Fries Quinn Wels c h Wils on Cris c ione E ric Doxey J a c ks on E lliott Alic ia Ha uff E .J. Ia nnelli J os h Kelety Scott A. Lea dingha m Ca rs on Mc Gregor Da n N a ilen Morga n Sc heerer Chey Scott Ca rrie Scozza ro R iley Utley Ca leb Wa ls h Da niel Wa lters N atha n Weinbender S a ma ntha Wohlfeil

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ca rolyn Pa dgha m-Wa lker E mily Wa lden ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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We have a clinical research department offering trials in women’s health. We specialize in family oriented pregnancy care and delivery, primarily at Holy Family Hospital whose recently remodeled Labor and Delivery Unit provides an at home birth experience. We have a GYN care center within our office in suite 206 where we offer certain outpatient procedures with minor sedation. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Walk in Lab Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Providing Our Patients with the Quality Care They Need, Want and Deserve

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I N L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N S

PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER

Ted S. Mc Gregor J r. J. J eremy Mc Gregor

To submit story ideas, email AnnualManual@inlander.com. To request additional copies for recruiting or relocation packets, contact JustinH@inlander.com. For advertising information, contact Advertising@inlander.com. A L L CO NTE NTS O F THI S M AGA ZI NE A R E CO PYR I GHTE D @ I NLA ND P UBLI C AT I O N S , I N C . 2 01 9

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right here. With you. The Inland Northwest is our home, too. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we continually pursue and invest in new ideas to help it thrive. We want us all to enjoy a brighter future.

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myavista.com

ANNUAL REPORT “In fact, in November and December of 2018, Zillow reported that Spokane homes were selling faster than Seattle.” PAGE 36

Section layout and design: Derek Harrison

Riverfront Park’s makeover is already visible, with more to come.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

Visit Spokane CEO Meg Winchester explains why Spokane is prepared to get more national attention.

More people, more problems. The Inland Northwest is poised for growth, but with more people come new challenges.

Amazon. Rover. Stay Alfred. Katerra. Spokane is attracting a handful of new employers, all positioned for growth.

PAGE 21

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PAGE 20 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

MO PEOPLE,

PROBLEMS As Inland Northwest grows — so could our challenges BY DANIEL WALTERS

here’s a difference between growing and growing out of control. For now, the Spokane region is growing. Local realtor Marianne Bornhoft says that buyers, priced out by Seattle and Portland’s real estate markets, are streaming across the Cascades to buy in Spokane. And that has had consequences for an increasingly heated housing market “It concerns me a little bit,” Bornhoft says. “My clients who live here are teachers and nurses… they can’t buy because they’re getting beat out from people from outside of the area.” Yes, according to the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, one of several agencies that predicts community growth, the official working assumption is that the Spokane region will still continue to grow at the steady 1-2 percent rate a year. But those are all based on historical trends. SRTC Senior Planner Michael Ulrich says there are events those calculations haven’t yet taken into account, like

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the big Amazon fulfillment center being built in the West Plains. If you really want to see growth, says Avista economist Grant Forsyth, look to the east. Look to the stretch of land between Liberty Lake and Coeur d’Alene. Look to Rathdrum Prairie and Post Falls. Hilary Anderson, community planning director in Coeur d’Alene, says that Coeur d’Alene is anticipated to grow at up to 3 percent in the next few decades while Post Falls is anticipated to grow by as much as 7 percent a year. By 2040, Post Falls could have 100,000 people — three times what it has today. Growth brings a lot of good things to a community, of course. It can mean more tax revenue, more diversity, more jobs and more possibilities. But it can also strain on our roads, our utility systems and our housing market. If people keep moving to the Inland Northwest without there being enough housing, rents are going to keep increasing.

THE BORDER INSIDE THE BORDER

One reason there’s so much growth happening just across the Idaho border compared to the growth in Spokane County? In Washington state, there’s a law called the Growth Management Act that draws “urban growth area” borders inside counties. Outside of that UGA, developers can’t build dense housing complexes and they generally aren’t allowed to get the same sort of utility access. The intention is to prevent sprawl. Build too far out and you strain your roads, your pipes and end up with terribly long commutes. But most of the easier tracts of land to develop in Spokane County within the UGA boundaries have already been taken. (Communities in Idaho still

ANNUAL REPORT

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation traffic volumes are steadily increasing on the I-90 corridor, up 10 percent from 2012-2015 alone. have land-use restrictions, of course, but those are generally created at the county level, not through a process tightly mandated by state law.) “We’re running out of land,” says County Commissioner Al French. “There’s not enough land to do any substantive development. We’re going to be built out this summer. That’s it.” French has first-hand experience. He’s a developer and architect himself and was involved in developing Eagle Ridge, a development in the Latah Valley. “There’s no other development inside the city limits that can handle a development like Eagle Ridge,” he says. The hope was that the UGA would drive density within cities, but the city of Spokane, French says, remains the least dense major city in Washington. During the Spokane mayoral primary, multiple candidates pointed to the constraints of the Growth Management Act as a serious problem driving up

housing costs. But Kitty Klitzke, of the land-use activism group Futurewise says that the UGA isn’t the problem. “The problem we have in Spokane [isn’t] about lack of available land,” Klitzke says. “It’s about people holding onto land and thinking they’re going to speculate on it, waiting around to see what happens.” The proposal to fixing that, however, could be even more ambitious than expanding the UGA boundaries. Klitzke suggests that might mean overhauling the property tax structure to make it less attractive to hold on to undeveloped land, and more attractive to develop it.

ZONING OUT On the one hand, government rules like the UGA try to outlaw sprawl. But there is also a thicket of governmental rules banning the opposite. They

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

effectively make the sort of dense, walkable neighborhoods that urban planners dream about illegal in much of the city. “Our vacancy rate is very low and we also don’t have enough diversity in our housing mix,” Spokane Mayor David Condon said in his state of the city address this year. “Retiring boomers and young Millennials alike are looking for things like condos and townhouses, in addition to apartments and single-family homes.” But condos and townhouses are hard to build in most of Spokane. Zoning regulations set how tall a building can be and how many apartment units they can contain. They mandate driveways, parking spaces, and a certain amount of space between houses. Suburbia isn’t just a preference. In much of the Inland Northwest, it’s the law. But that’s beginning to change.

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

Post Falls’ population is expected to triple by 2040.

MO PEOPLE, MORE

PROBLEMS

CONTINUED...

“Some of the larger communities in the Northwest are starting to talk about eliminating single-family zoning,” Klitzke says. In June, the Oregon Legislature passed a law allowing duplexes in single-family zones in every city with more than 10,000 people in it. The city of Spokane’s changes have been more modest: Loosening parking lot, lot size and building height restrictions in some neighborhoods. But some people, like City Council president and mayoral candidate Ben Stuckart, are calling for the city to go further, by changing the zoning to allow for density near arterials like Monroe Street.

cal Lake, a small city on the West Plains. But he says there’s a reason. “In the Medical Lake, there’s a water quantity issue,” Forsyth says. Medical Lake and Airway Heights rely on a different aquifer than Spokane, and that aquifer has slowly been draining. On top of that, add the contamination from firefighting foam used at Fairchild Air Force Base. Last year, the city of Spokane struck a deal allowing Medical Lake to purchase water at a premium from the city of Spokane in an emergency, but the constraints remain.

Avista’s Forsyth says he’s been surprised that one area in Spokane County hasn’t been growing: Medi-

Already, navigating Interstate 90 is a bit of a nightmare during rush hour. Now imagine what it would

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ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS

“Now imagine what it would be like if Post Falls was twice the size it is now.”

be like if Post Falls was twice the size it is now. Fortunately, says the SRTC’s Ulrich, there are already some plans underway that may relieve some of the tension in the next few decades. The North Spokane Corridor will potentially divert a ton of semi-truck traffic away from the bottleneck in downtown Spokane. Similarly, the revamped Bigelow Gulch road project could also allow traffic heading to the northern area of Spokane passing through to skip the uglier clogs in Spokane County. Similar projects are underway in the Coeur d’Alene area, like the Huetter Bypass, which would divert some U.S. 95 traffic around Coeur d’Alene. Anderson says the community has been trying to push the Idaho Transportation Department to allow the city to have more control of their signal timing, with the hopes that Couer d’Alene would be able to do a better job at eliminating traffic jams.

Building Northwest Infrastructure Since 1958

Howard St. Bridge - Looff Carrousel and Grand Hotel – Spokane, WA

Mercedes Benz of Bellevue

Prime commercial real estate is still available on Spokane Street in downtown Post Falls. Meanwhile, Forsyth says, it’s crucial to keep improving public transportation. There’s an artform to it. Expand public transit too soon and it’s a waste of money. But waiting too long has a huge cost as well. “You look at Seattle when you wait too long to build out that public transportation infrastructure, you get to the point where it’s horrendously expensive to do it,” he says. Yet there’s a huge challenge with doing long-term projections and planning for the future of transportation, Ulrich says. The future of transportation is changing wildly. Think of how Uber and Lyft have changed the way we get around in the past decade. Now think of how Lime electric bikes and scooters are beginning to change the way we get around in just the past two years. “Autonomous vehicles are potentially on top of us,” says Ulrich. By the time, say, the north-south corridor is completed, imagine how radically transportation needs could change. That’s the trouble with predicting the future while standing in the present. n

NRS – Moscow, ID

509.536.3300 922 N. Carnahan | Spokane Valley, WA 99212 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

BUSINESSES THAT BOOM Spokane is attracting a handful of new employers, all poised for growth BY DANIEL WALTERS

MULLEN TECHNOLOGIES WHAT THEY DO: Think of sports cars. Think of electric cars. Now combine the two. STATUS: The West Plains Public Development Authority, the same group that helped make the Amazon fulfillment center happen, managed to convince electric sports car manufacturer Mullen Technologies to produce the Qiantu K50 in the U.S. market, using state-of-the-art battery cell technology. Mullen plans to build a 1.3 million square feet

factory to not only put together cars but provide research and development as well. PROJECTED EMPLOYEES: 55, initially, eventually up to 863 in the next seven years.

AMAZON WHAT THEY DO: Remember stores? Remember when you had to schlep out and get in your cars and drive to a big building and manually carry your purchases home? Like a caveman? Amazon changed

all that, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. STATUS: In 2018, Spokane County leaders managed to win a major coup for the West Plains region: an Amazon fulfillment center. After it’s constructed, the $181 million center will be the biggest building in Spokane County by far, two and a half times the size of NorthTown Mall. The rapid construction pace means that the fulfillment center may be ready to open as soon as October. PROJECTED EMPLOYEES: 1,500

The Qiantu K50

ROVER WHAT THEY DO: Uber for dog walking. Or maybe OK Cupid for dogs owners and dog walkers? Anyway, this app connects dog owners with dog walkers and dog sitters. STATUS: Spokane may have not gotten the second headquarters of Amazon. But it did get the second headquarters of this rapidly growing company. After a $15 million renovation of the Wonder Building, Rover moved its Spokane employees into fancier digs. And a lot more may follow. PROJECTED EMPLOYEES: The new building has room for up to 300 employees.

light, tall and environmentally sensitive wood buildings are possible. And Katerra is a leader in the field. STATUS: A new 250,000 square-feet factory opened in 2019 in Spokane Valley, intending to turn wood-scraps into skyscraper-worthy panels and beams. On its website, Katerra brags about how the facility “occupies 29 acres of a prime 52-acre site in Spokane Valley, with easy access to rail lines and interstate highways.” According to the Spokane Journal of Business, the construction company is also involved in building other buildings, such as its 408-units of multi-family housing in Liberty Lake. PROJECTED EMPLOYEES: 150

KATERRA

STAY ALFRED

WHAT THEY DO: Who knew you could be innovative with wood? Cross-laminated timber takes layers of wood and glues them together in such a way that

WHAT THEY DO: The name may sound like a plea from a lonely Bruce Wayne, but the company actually occupies an untapped market between a high-end

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hotel and Airbnb. Instead of a hotel suite, Stay Alfred allows you to spend your vacation in a downtown apartment with a washer, dryer and full kitchen, and cheaper than your typical vacation rentals. STATUS: According to the Spokane Journal of Business, the local company is growing like crazy, leaping from around $25 million in 2016 to over $66 million in 2018. They’re operating in 32 cities, with 1,500 apartment-units-turned-vacation-rentals — and the Journal says that number is set to double within a year. Last year, they joined fellow Spokane success story Etailz at the old Itron headquarters in Spokane Valley. PROJECTED EMPLOYEES: The workforce is nearly doubling in size, adding nearly 400 employees by the end of 2019, including around 30 employees in their corporate call center. — DANIEL WALTERS

INSIDER INSIGHT

MEG WINCHESTER

Meg Winchester just came on as the new CEO of VISIT SPOKANE — the city’s chief tourism promotion entity. But she was jazzed about the Inland Northwest before she even took the job and is bullish about the future of Spokane. She gave us her two cents on why she thinks Spokane is up-and-coming.

SPOKANE’S GOT A LOT OF THINGS GOING FOR IT When it comes to local attractions for tourists and visitors, Spokane is a bread basket, Winchester says. From the abundance of breweries, wineries, creative new restaurants opening up, to Riverfront Park and Spokane’s natural environment and easy access to hiking and snow sports in the winter, there’s a ton for people to see and do — even if they don’t know about it yet. “People are really looking for experiential travel. They love to get out into neighborhoods and go somewhere different. That plays very much into what we have,” Winchester says. “There’s just some amazing restaurants here.” Additionally, people should view the whole region — from Airway Heights to Coeur d’Alene — as a cohesive unit with many combined tourist attractions. “It’s fabulous that we don’t just have one area,” she says. We’ve got the Valley and Liberty Lake with their great parks and Airway Heights with the casinos. That just gives us so much more of a robust offering of the region.”

BOOSTING TOURISM IS MAINLY A MATTER OF STORYTELLING Winchester says that for people who aren’t familiar with Spokane or haven’t been here, they either have little to no perception of the city — or a negative one based on misconceptions or a visit to the area several decades ago. As such, part of what she wants to do as the new CEO of Visit Spokane is craft a “authentic story about all that Spokane has to offer.”

GENERATING MORE ENTHUSIASM In addition to promoting regional events and attractions, her organization is also working to bring travel writers to Spokane for a conference in the hopes of generating more national attention and enthusiasm for the Lilac City. “We’ll be working with all of our partners across the region to really show everything we have,” Winchester says. — JOSH KELETY ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

HEART AND SOUL

Riverfront Spokane is sacred ground to all who call Spokane home; if you hadn’t noticed, it’s been getting quite the makeover BY TED S. McGREGOR JR.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

ANNUAL REPORT

The Howard Street Promenade connects downtown and the Spokane Arena, crossing three bridges.

ou could say it all started when the tribes of the plateau country began gathering around the Spokane River Falls to trade, fish and socialize. Or when James Glover was so taken with the roar of the river that he staked out a pioneer outpost. Or when that falling water was tamed and electrified the young city. Or when the world came to visit Expo ’74. Or in 1978 when the World’s Fair site transformed into Riverfront Park — our Central Park, an urban greenspace for all to enjoy. This place has been bringing people together for millennia. But the latest version, in all it’s fresh glory — Riverfront Spokane — traces back to 2013, when newly elected Mayor David Condon kicked off a public process that, with the City Council’s backing, won the support of nearly two-thirds of the citizens. When complete, more than $70 million in improvements will have been invested in Riverfront Spokane. “Even with all that history and culture, we’ve been able to build on relationships with the citizens and different groups like the Spokane Tribe,” says Garrett Jones, acting director of Spokane Parks, who has been a leader of the redevelopment since the start. “We have balanced the importance of the past while looking at the next 40 years — creating a canvas where we can create new events, along with new places to play and explore.” Since the opening of the Numerica Skate Ribbon in 2017, the Spokane Parks Department has cut the ribbon on one project after another in its phased approach. Now, as citizens are enjoying the new park,

and as the final few designs are under construction, let’s take a tour:

THE PROMENADE Spokane has a river running through it, separating north from south. One consensus among planners was that Riverfront Park needed to connect the two sides better. That’s why the biggest change to the landscape is the Howard Street Promenade. Where the path through the park was perhaps a little daunting, now it’s inviting, with new power and lighting. A geometric, pick-up-sticks design with multiple secondary and tertiary pathways, using different paving materials, seating and view corridors, makes for an engaging stroll. “The word ‘promenade’ has more meaning than just a connection,” says Guy Michaelson, principal at the Berger Partnership, the landscape architects and urban designers behind the promenade. “This is about adding that social layer — that this is a place filled with people.” Starting from the north, you enter the park across from the Arena — a spot marked by the refurbished Expo Butterfly. You cross the first of three bridges to the newly renamed Snxw mene (sin-HOO men-huh, Salish for “Salmon People,” formerly Canada Island). Then, the historic Blue Bridge connects you to Havermale Island, the center of the park, where the Promenade improvements are most prevalent. Next you cross the brand new Orange Bridge, built wider to accommodate crowds and even host events; check out the “get-down”

BERGER PARTNERSHIP/KELLY BECK PHOTO

feature, where you can approach the river and take in some of the park’s best views. Then you arrive at the south entrance, marked by the Rotary Fountain, and on into downtown Spokane. “This is really three different dog legs through the park,” says Michaelson. “It’s not about taking a direct line; the journey matters.”

THE SOUTH GATEWAY From the Radio Flyer Wagon to the Bloomsday Runners, the south end of Riverfront Spokane is its most active space, facing directly on downtown. The South Gateway is the park’s front door. Before the park renovation, the space was showing its age, with the same old waffle house from Expo ’74 housing the Looff Carrousel, the Rotary Fountain failing from the inside and the bridge connecting to Havermale Island in need of a complete replacement. So it’s no surprise that lots of bond dollars were spent on the South Gateway, and its projects were first in line. Now the fountain has been completely rebuilt, there’s the brand new, wider Orange Bridge leading north, along with the Numerica Skate Ribbon, among the first of its kind in the West Coast. And the Looff Carrousel has been fully restored, with all the animals freshly painted; their new home is highlighted by a new riverside boardwalk and is climate-controlled to extend the life of the priceless antique that has been entrusted to Spokane Parks. Bette Largent is the keeper of the Looff Carrousel, which started life in 1909 at the old Nat ANNUAL MANUAL 2018-2019 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

The new, decluttered Pavilion has an elevated pathway and LED lighting to give it a “wow factor.” JAMES RICHMAN PHOTO

“HEART AND SOUL,” CONTINUED... Park then moved to Riverfront Park in 1978. Largent says the challenge is that not only are these hand-carved creatures fragile, but kids are invited to play on them every day. “I’ll sit and watch the kids,” Largent says. “They have to pet [the horses], they have to wrap their feet around their necks. Their little shoes hang at the right angle so that the buckles scratch the paint. That’s love wear, and it’s the cost of doing business.”

marked by paths, terraces and lawns. The “wow” comes in the form of an ADA-compliant walk visitors can take to get high above the Pavilion floor and the Spokane River, with amazing views. And in what is the first system of its kind, they installed programmable illumination blades on the net, with millions of colors, to make it a one-of-a-kind beacon. “It’s fantasy architecture, done 40-plus years ago,” Comes says, “and yet it still feels cutting edge.”

THE PAVILION

THE NORTH BANK

Seattle had it so easy. After their World’s Fair in 1962, the uses for the Space Needle were obvious. Not only would it become a civic icon, but it remained a destination for diners and visitors wanting a look out over the Emerald City. In Spokane, our signature piece of leftover architecture — the United States Pavilion — was more of a riddle. Built as a temporary structure to house World’s Fair attractions, including the first IMAX movie, its location became a problem; with no automobile access, its commercial uses struggled. Starting in 2013, planners focused on a multiuse space that would work for events and also be great to visit anytime. They also wanted to instill a “wow factor.” “The scale of the whole thing is immense,” says Keith Comes, a principal at NAC Architecture, which along with Garco Construction took on the challenge. “It felt like a project you might get assigned [at architecture school] that would never be real, but here it is real. It’s been really exciting.” The most recent bond project to reopen, the entire site has been upgraded with power to support anything from a food festival to a major concert. Inside the ring, everything has been opened up and decluttered, with a natural amphitheater

The North Bank has long been home to nothing more than a couple of dirt parking lots and an old city building used by parks maintenance, but that’s about to change. “That parcel has always felt like an outlier,” says Dell Hatch, a landscape architect and principal in charge of the North Bank project for Bernardo|Wills Architects (BWA), “so it’s really cool to integrate that north side as another element of the park.” Although just underway and slated to finish in the summer of 2020, its future is hinted at by the sunny new “Riverfront” sign and the renovated Lilac Butterfly that flies again at Mallon and Howard across from the Spokane Arena. Soon the space will be home to a wheels park for skateboards, inline skates and scooters, new Hoopfest courts, parking served by improved access off Washington Street, and a new operations building to serve the park’s back-of-house needs. The North Bank will also connect with the soon-to-bebuilt Sportsplex, located on the basalt bluff above. But the centerpiece will be a 1-acre-plus destination playground themed around the Ice Age Floods that carved out the Spokane River Gorge some 15,000 years ago.

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WHAT’S IN A NAME? You may have noticed that Spokane Parks and Recreation has taken to calling it “Riverfront Spokane” — it’s right there on the park’s new logo. That subtle name change is by design — and by vote of the Park Board. The reason being that there are many “Riverfront Parks” across America, but there’s only one Riverfront Spokane. Don’t worry, there’s no right or wrong way to say it, and “Riverfront Park” still works just fine.

Protecting our air, water and land in Spokane County is more important than ever, and it

BEGINS AT HOME. Save water with a

BURN CLEANLY

LOW FLOW TOILET

by using dry seasoned wood for fires

Review local

ASBESTOS

requirements before remodeling

Wash only FULL LOADS of dishes & clothes

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

Only include an item if it’s listed by your collector

COMBINE ERRANDS into fewer trips

LEAVE THE CAR

at home; walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool instead

COMPOST

and reduce your trash by 25% Try a home pile, clean green bin, worm bin, or bokashi bucket

Use electric or manual operated yard and

Reduce evaporation and

CONTROL WEEDS

GARDEN TOOLS

by using mulch around trees and plants

REPLACE LAWN with

drought tolerant plants and mulch

We are fortunate to live in an area with clean drinking water esponsibly from a sole source aquifer, healthy air quality and responsibly ed resources managed waste. It’s up to us to preserve these shared from which we all benefit.

TTalkTrashSpokane.com Tal k rashSpokane.com kT

SpokaneCleanAir.org

SlowtheFlowSpokane.org

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT “HEART AND SOUL,” CONTINUED... “We’re working with Nigel Davies [a geologist from EWU], and we’ve held a workshop with the Ice Age Floods Institute,” says Bill LaRue, a landscape architect with BWA and project manager for the North Bank. “We’re working in like five or six different types of basalt, fossils of local flora and fauna — even a petrified forest.” “Kids are going to be able to discover as they play, in the sand areas and as water moves through the playground,” Hatch says. “They’re going to be learning without even knowing they’re learning.”

WEST HAVERMALE Have you ever wondered why they call it Havermale Island? Named for an early Spokane settler, it’s an island because of the Theme Stream, a feature created for Expo ’74 that drains water from the slackwater south channel of the Spokane River back to the main channel, creating an island. Cascading down the side of the hill, under four bridges, the Theme Stream is one of the signature attractions of West Havermale and will get a full renovation in the coming year. With Avista’s Gathering Place and Huntington Park opening in 2014, and the Mobius Science Center in 2016, the western edge of Riverfront Park is more active than ever. “West Havermale really starts blending the park

Improvements on the North Bank will make it useful again — and connect to downtown via the Promenade. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO with the rest of the city — the Monroe Street Bridge, the Centennial Trail, Kendall Yards, West Central,” says Garrett Jones of Spokane Parks. “It’ll become the western gateway we’ve never really had.” Another highlight of West Havermale is the Sister Cities Garden, just northwest of the Orange Bridge. The garden is home to art pieces from Spokane’s sister cities — all of which are located on rivers. You’ll also find Avista’s historic power station in West Havermale, along with the Bill Fearn Conservation Area (the former site of the YMCA). Also opening next summer will be a fully inclusive playground brought to Riverfront by a grant from

Providence Health Care. Finally, the bond project’s signature art piece, Stepwell, by architect and artist Meejin Yoon, will sit on a rise above the conservation area. Stepwell will be made of massive glue-laminated wooden beams, or glulam; it’s another piece of art visitors will be invited to interact with inside Riverfront Spokane. n Ted S. McGregor Jr. is the publisher of the Inlander and was the volunteer chairman of the citizens advisory committee that developed the plan funded by voters in 2014. He is a current member of the Spokane Park Board.

every purchase creates the opportunity for a better life.

DONATE | SHOP | VOLUNTEER

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Open 9-5, Monday-Saturday 1805 E. Trent Ave., Spokane WA habitat-spokane.org | (509) 535-9517

ANNUAL REPORT

FIVE APPS EVERY SPOKANITE NEEDS Make your life easier by downloading these today

LIME

HOOPFEST

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s your portal to the coveted bike and scooter life USE IT FOR: Bar hopping, running to a nearby meeting and terrorizing pedestrians Whether or not you think the return of Lime’s electric scooters to our city is a plague on our city — kids who barrell down sidewalks at top speed, we’re eyeing you — Lime’s app for finding and quickly accessing bikes and scooters across the city is a handy and easy-to-use essential tool for Spokane-living. With the app and its friendly neon-green interface, you can quickly discern where the nearest Lime vehicles are, access them at a rate of $1 to unlock and 25 cents for every minute of use, and get going. While the system does, unfortunately, require that you add money to your “wallet” in set increments of $5, $10 and $20 — meaning that you can’t add exact change — you’ll want to at least have it downloaded for when you impulsively want to hop on an electric scooter and zoom into the sunset.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It makes Hoopfest manageable for the uninitiated USE IT FOR: Keeping track of your favorite teams throughout the contest Hoopfest can seem like chaos. Featuring over 6,000 three-on-three outdoor basketball teams, tens of thousands of fans, and 450 separate courts spanning a whopping 45 city blocks, it sounds, on its face, like a logistical and navigational nightmare. But don’t worry: the Hoopfest app has got you covered. Use this interface to keep track of the competing teams, their wins and losses, and where and when they’re playing. It also features detailed information on the teams, messaging and social media sharing capabilities to communicate with other people at the event, as well as a notification system for upcoming games that the user has flagged. Don’t go to Hoopfest without downloading it.

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT “FIVE APPS EVERY SPOKANITE NEEDS,” CONTINUED...

SPOKANE COUNTY ON THE GO WHY WE LOVE IT: It makes local government services accessible USE IT FOR: Reserving sites at county campgrounds, viewing agendas for public meetings and renewing pet licenses Everyone hates government bureaucracy — especially when you have to take time out of your day to physically go to a stuffy office. (Being greeted by a government employee with the same level of enthusiasm for public service that Leslie Knope demonstrates in Parks and Recreation might make it better, but not by much.) But, thanks to the relatively new Spokane County on the Go app, you can conduct a fair amount of county business on your smartphone. This handy interface lets you access meeting agendas, reserve sites at county campgrounds, pay taxes and sewer bills online, and look up court dates in one centralized format. But there’s still some weird quirks that only a government-app would have: Android users should search for “Spokane County” in Google Play to find it, while iPhone users have to type in “CivicMobile” to find it on the App Store.

MOOVIT WHY WE LOVE IT: Anything that makes riding public transit better is great in our book USE IT FOR: Planning your trips and commutes While Moovit, a public-transit-planner app, isn’t specific to Spokane, the interface does use real-time data from Spokane Transit Authority (STA) to give you timely and accurate information on bus routes and arrival times when scoping out your next commute or trip on transit. It’s simple yet extremely effective. Featuring directional routing, bus line maps, and more, this app is an essential for any venture into Spokane’s growing public transit system. It’ll keep you from hopping on the wrong bus or waiting unnecessarily long for your ride. (USA Today recently highlighted it as one of five apps to download “before your next trip,” and it’s gotten gobs of other positive press in the past years.) Hopefully, it will entice you and others to ride public transit more often if you don’t already.

BOOKMYNE WHY WE LOVE IT: Libraries are a great public resource, and we love things that have to do with libraries USE IT FOR: Browsing the Spokane Public Library catalogue When it comes to real-life books, one might think that libraries are falling out of fashion. If you’ve got cash, Amazon has made it so incredibly easy to get your preferred titles delivered right to your doorstep. But libraries still exist and serve important functions (especially for those without monetary means) and BookMyne is a great app that makes the institutions easier to utilize — including the Spokane Public Library system! This app lets you select a library and browse their titles as well as search for specific titles, track what you’ve checked out, and any holds or fees that you might have on your account. Awesomely, you can also scan the barcodes of books you have at home or see elsewhere and find out if any local libraries stock them. So download it and go use your local library for a change. — JOSH KELETY

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INSIDER INSIGHT

DENNIS VERMILLION

In October, Dennis Vermillion, the current president of AVISTA CORP., will take the helm of the utility as CEO, as current CEO Scott Morris steps down after more than a decade in that role. Vermillion started at Avista in 1985. Born and raised in the Spokane area, he says he’s excited to continue investing in a bright future for his hometown.

Craft your custom home with ease

B LUE H E R O N E S TAT E S North Spokane, Washington

GREEN ENERGY REIGNS SUPREME “Our world is changing, and public policy is changing around how we generate and use electricity. … Being carbon neutral by 2027, that’s exciting, and then 100 percent carbon free by 2045, those are exciting times for us. “Another area that I think holds tremendous promise that I’m personally excited to be engaged in is electrifying our transportation fleet. Regionally in the Pacific Northwest, if you look at the total carbon emissions from all sources, transportation’s about 50 percent, so there’s a lot of bang for your buck.”

BUILDING SOLUTIONS Avista is currently developing the Catalyst building, near the new University District Gateway Bridge, with a goal of opening in early 2020. “We’re going to be experimenting how to optimize building operations and building controls not only within that building itself, but also within a cluster of buildings with onsite generation and battery storage, solar and thermal storage. “If we can do that and then optimize that against grid operations, then you can avoid building new utility infrastructure. For example, a substation you might have to build and serve the traditional way, if you can push that investment off 10 or 20 years by going with these ‘non-wire’ solutions, that’s a win.”

STRONG AND INDEPENDENT A proposed merger with Canadian utility Hydro One failed this year. Is a more hostile takeover from another utility an inevitability? “No, not at all. You know, Hydro One, there was certainly some benefits to that, that we saw, and it was a very unique opportunity. I prefer to look forward. It’s water under the bridge. We’re focused on remaining a strong, independent company going forward.” — SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

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B LU E H E R O N E S TAT E S.N E T ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT

SPOKANE BY THE NUMBERS

craft breweries on the Inland Northwest Ale Trail

349 coffee shops

wineries in the Spokane region, 18 have tasting rooms in the downtown core

ski resorts within two hours of Spokane

city parks adding up to 3,800 acres

golf courses in the Spokane region

171

lakes within a two-hour drive of Spokane

sunny days per year

$46,562

90,000

Spokane County’s average wage in 2017, which ranked 13th among all Washington counties.

students are enrolled at area colleges and universities within an 80-mile radius of Spokane

The state’s average wage is $62,077

Nearly

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Spokane estimated population

217,108 Spokane County estimated population

506,125

72.9%

of Spokane County voted in the 2018 general election. There were 318,159 registered voters.

SOURCES: LONGWOODS INT’L, TOURISM ECONOMICS, BESTPLACES.NET, GREATER SPOKANE INCORPORATED, WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT, 2017 UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU, SPOKANE COUNTY

SEPT 27-29 & OCT 4-6

DOWNLOAD THE APP

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT HEALTH

SPOKANE COUNTY YOUTH SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, BY THE NUMBERS A new report from the Women Helping Women Fund, “Changing Our Forecast: State of Women and Children in Spokane County,” shows that the rate of suicides and suicide attempts among youth in Spokane County ages 10 to 17 has sharply increased in the last few years. By comparing the rate by population with census data, the report found that the numbers of youth suicides/ attempts nearly quadrupled from 2014 to 2017, rising from 86 to 318. However, the numbers being analyzed are small enough that the rate is not considered to be statistically stable, and data being analyzed for 2018 appears to show that the

number may have started to go back down, explains Ashley Beck, a senior research scientist with the Spokane Regional Health District. 24-Hour Regional Crisis Line: 1-877-266-1818 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 It’s important when discussing suicide to discuss the risk factors and prevention, she says. Several of the main risk factors include: alcohol and drug use, aggression, emotional issues, isolation, a history of mental disorders, depression, physical illness, suicidal ideation or attempts in

the past, a history of family violence, barriers to accessing mental health treatment and access to weapons. “For me the rates are one thing, but these risk factors are hugely alarming,” Beck says. “They’re showing a substantial need for support to our youth who are dealing with other specific situations such as family trauma, a history of violence, and other things we know to be issues in our community.” Here are five steps to help someone at risk that are included in the Women Helping Women Fund report: ask; keep them safe; be there; help them connect; and follow up. — SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

2005

2006

28 2007

2008

2009

2010

67 44

2011

2012

268

124

SOURCE: WOMEN HELPING WOMEN FUND REPORT: CHANGING OUR FORECAST: STATE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SPOKANE COUNTY

318

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

VACCINATION RATES

76%

of Washington infants 19 months to 35 months had received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, according to 2018 state Department of Health data. MMR rates by county for the same age range: 73.2% - Spokane County 81% - Lincoln County 83.6% - Adams County 82.4% - Whitman County 67.1% - Pend Oreille County 64.1% - Stevens County 76.3% - Ferry County

YOUTH ALCOHOL USE Alcohol use among Washington state youth remains at an all-time low, according to anonymous self-reporting by eighth, 10th and 12th graders for the state’s Healthy Youth Survey, last conducted in fall 2018. In the past decade, past 30-day “alcohol use dropped:  8th grade – down from 16% to 8%  10th grade – down from 32% to 19%  12th grade – down from 41% to 28% And binge drinking dropped:  8th grade – down from 9% to 5%  10th grade – down from 18% to 10%  12th grade – down from 26% to 15%

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NUMERICACU.COM

Federally insured by NCUA. ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT TRANSPORTATION

THREE FACTS ABOUT THE CENTRAL CITY LINE

IT’S NOT A TROLLEY

Or a streetcar for that matter. Instead, it’s a high-frequency electric bus route with charging stations at both ends. For Spokane Transit Authority officials and other local leaders, the hope is that by having a visible, branded electric bus with a permanent route, the Central City line will have the economic impact of a much pricier streetcar or trolley line. One estimate put the impact at $175 million. Official construction will start next year, and it’s expected to be completed in 2021.

IT’S ESTIMATED TO RESULT IN 1,000,000 RIDES ANNUALLY

The six-mile route will start at Browne’s Addition, go through downtown Spokane, stop at Washington State University’s Riverpoint campus, swing by Gonzaga University and end up at SCC.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AWARDED IT $53.4 MILLION

Some people were nervous last year when the Trump budget officials started to roll out budgets with massive proposed budget cuts to the Capital Improvement Grants Program, which funds the Small Starts grant program the Central City Line relies upon. But STA leaders weren’t particularly worried. Presidential budget proposals are rarely acted upon by Congress. Instead, not only was the Capital Improvement Grants Program funded, but STA won the Small Starts grant funding in April. Combine that with $15 million from the state, and construction is officially fully funded. — DANIEL WALTERS

Alaska Airlines moves the most passengers in and out of Spokane’s airport.

DIRECT FLIGHTS Spokane International Airport may not be O’Hare — at least not yet. But in the last couple of years, the Spokane airport has gradually ratcheted up the number of direct flights to airports throughout the country. More direct flights means quicker and cheaper travel for local Spokane residents — and they’re crucial for attracting local businesses as well.

NONSTOP SERVICE FROM SPOKANE Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle Current carriers: Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United Airlines

LIME BIKES AND SCOOTERS, BY THE NUMBERS

cost to unlock

25¢

$50,000 TO $80,000

per minute to ride

Estimated amount of money the city of Spokane stands to make annually from the Lime contract

400

Top speed of a Lime scooter

Number of Lime scooters when the program relaunched in May, along with 100 Lime bikes

1,500

total number of vehicles Lime hopes to roll out in Spokane eventually

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15 MILES PER HOUR 7 miles per hour Top speed of a Lime scooter in Riverfront Park, thanks to geofenced speed regulation.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

3,998,272 total passengers handled by the airport in 2018

12.6 PERCENT

increase in the number of total passengers from 2017

$725 MILLION annual economic impact the airport has on Spokane

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT HOUSING

The Bella Tess Apartments constructed in 2017.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

APARTMENT CONSTRUCTION IS SLOWING DOWN With rents rising and housing inventory low, you’d think that you’d see a massive spike in apartment construction. But right now, says Joel White, executive officer of the Spokane Home Builders Association, that’s not what’s happening. Instead, multifamily permitting has actually declined in the past year. The number of permits for apartment or duplex units spiked from about 1,100 in 2015 to nearly 1,900 in 2016. It fell to about 1,700 in 2017. And in 2018? It

fell all the way down to 700. Why, as rents are climbing, would people want to build fewer apartments? White says multifamily developers are cautious. They want to wait to see what happens with the market. Remember, these big projects take years and years to build. The last thing you want as a developer is to finish up just as the market completely collapses. Not only that, but it’s becoming more expensive to build.

“The cost of housing is based on three big elements,” White says. “Land, labor, lumber.” Lumber costs have remained flat. But there’s not a lot of legally available land to build on in the Spokane region, and the demand from other construction projects means there’s not much available labor. It takes longer to build, and it’s pricier. That, in turn, just drives up costs further. — DANIEL WALTERS

THE HOUSING MARKET IS INSANE RIGHT NOW

RENTS ON THE RISE Here’s the good news. Spokane’s vacancy rate is slowly rising. In the Spring of 2018, only about 1.3 percent of apartment units in Spokane County were estimated to be vacant by a University of Washington study — effectively no vacancy at all. But as new apartment complexes have come available in the county, the vacancy rate in spring 2019 has risen to 2 percent. In only a year, the cost of the average one-bedroom apartment in Spokane went up nearly $138, from last Spring $749 to $887 this spring. And that has a direct impact on homelessness. According to a 2016 Washington State Department of Commerce presentation, a $100 rent increase throughout the state would result in 2,900 additional people being homeless. In fact, one reason the vacancy rate might be falling, County Commissioner Al French says, might be because of the rent increases. “I would not be surprised if you’re seeing more people that are buddying up, so they could afford the price of the apartments,” French says. — DANIEL WALTERS

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“I honestly think I’m getting punked. I’m getting calls from Canada now,” says local realtor Marianne Guenther Bornhoft. “I’ve never seen more cash buyers.” Bornhoft is referring to real estate investment trust buyers — major investment groups who want to make large purchases of income-producing real estate — that have discovered Spokane. These groups aim to bundle up property near college towns,

and Spokane is considered a college town. In fact, in November and December of 2018, Zillow reported that Spokane homes were selling faster than Seattle. In fact, the major reason homes aren’t selling faster? There aren’t enough of them. “We’re the hottest place in the nation right now,” Bornhoft says. “It’s unbelievable.” — DANIEL WALTERS

Here are a few stats from 2019 that show how crazy the market is:

$271,430 Average Spokane sale price through May 2019

$245,574

Average 2018 Spokane sale price over the same period, nearly an 11 percent increase

1.8

Months of available supply, compared to 4.1 months nationally

Your Home, Your Happiness

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Together, We’re Transforming Health Care Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Providence Health Care Foundation is funding technology, programs and research that saves lives and enriches our community. For more than 130 years, our region has relied on Providence not only for world-class medical care, but to answer the call for help from our less fortunate neighbors. Learn how you can help: providence.org/GivingEWa or 509-474-4917 Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center | Providence Holy Family Hospital Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital | St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute Providence Mount Carmel Hospital | Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ANNUAL REPORT EMPLOYMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT ACROSS WASHINGTON

7.8%

13%

OKANOGAN

FERRY

8.2% STEVENS

8.3% PEND OREILLE

6.1% DOUGLAS

The shared workspace at Innovation Collective.

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SPOKANE

LINCOLN

COWORKING ON THE RISE One might initially think that consumer demand for coworking — this is essentially rented office space for freelancers or professionals who work remotely — is limited to major metropolitan hubs with a high concentration of tech workers, such as San Francisco or Seattle. But here in the Inland Northwest, interest in coworking spaces is booming, and more and more are popping up each year. “Tier two, tier three cities are continuing to become very interesting for people who are looking to work in new ways,” says Nick Smoot, founder of Innovation Collective, a coworking space in Coeur d’Alene. “There’s a high demand for community and connection. I think people moving in are looking for new ways to connect with locals and coworking is a great opportunity.” In Spokane, there’s already a few coworking spaces established in the downtown core — and more are in the pipeline, per industry rumors. Coeur d’Alene, for its part, also has a good crop, with Riverstone Coworking, Lake District Coworking and R Mutual Space, alongside Innovation Collective. Luke Baumgarten, founder of Fellow Coworking in Spokane, says that their membership has increased exponentially since they first opened their doors in 2014. “We’re up 20 percent year over year,” he says. “We’re getting ready to expand. We’re adding private offices.” He says that regional growth is the main driver of the increased demand, and transplants make up the bulk of new members: “People moving to Spokane is the source of new membership for us.” — JOSH KELETY

5.6%

5.5%

7.1% GRANT

4.3%

ADAMS

WHITMAN

6.5%

GARFIELD

5.3%

FRANKLIN

5.4% BENTON

5% WALLA WALLA

5.6%

COLUMBIA

4.8% ASOTIN

SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT AS OF MARCH 2019

WHERE THE JOBS ARE It’s no secret that Spokane is doing well economically. Companies are relocating here and the population is growing. What is less well known is the type of industries generating jobs and economic activity in the region. Here’s a few of the areas that are experiencing growth.

LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY 24,400 employees, up from 23,300 in 2018 9.7 percent of total employment

GOVERNMENT 43,300 employees, up from 43,000 in 2018 17 percent of total employment

TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, AND UTILITIES

HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

47,900 employees, up from 46,800 in 2018 19 percent of total employment

44,700 employees, up from 43,900 in 2018 18 percent of total employment

GOODS PRODUCING (E.G. CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING)

RETAIL

32,600 employees, up from 31,500 in 2018 13 percent of total employment

29,100 employees, up from 28,700 in 2018 11 percent of total employment SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

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ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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EDUCATION

“We are completely re-organizing how we teach math at the high school level.”

PAGE 58

The new University District Gateway Bridge

Section layout and design: Ali Blackwood

DEREK HARRISON PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

Spokane School’s Shelley Redinger talks about why early intervention is critical to achieving the district’s 90 percent graduation rate target.

So, how much will it cost you to send your child to private school? We’ve got a roundup of the region’s 35 private K-12 schools.

A guide to the new elementary, middle schools and high schools popping up in the Inland Northwest.

PAGE 57

PAGE 46

PAGE 42 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

EDUCATION

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A guide to the new schools popping up in the Inland Northwest BY WILSON CRISCIONE

n 2018, voters sent an overwhelming message to school districts across the region: Go ahead and build more schools. Schools are overcrowded throughout the region, including in Coeur d’Alene, Mead, Central Valley and in Spokane. And because of that, districts asked for approval to build more school facilities to keep up with the demand. But now it’s time to actually build the things, and that takes some time. Here’s a guide to the schools you should expect to see pop up in the coming years.

SPOKANE No local school district is undergoing a transformation quite like Spokane Public Schools. In November 2018, voters approved a $495.3 million bond that will pay for several facilities.

Up first, LEWIS AND CLARK HIGH SCHOOL will finally get a cafeteria. If you didn’t know already, students at LC used to simply eat in the hallway or off campus at the strip of fast food joints downtown. It’s become clear that isn’t working. The cafeteria is expected to be finished by May 2020. For the next project, both SHAW AND GLOVER MIDDLE SCHOOLS will be replaced. Construction will begin in 2020, with the expected completion in August 2021. That project will create additional space for ON TRACK ACADEMY. It was the choice of Spokane citizens not to build a new stadium downtown. Instead, the school district will replace JOE ALBI STADIUM with a smaller multiuse stadium on the existing site in northwest Spokane. That should be finished by October 2021. By downsizing, it will create space for a new middle school — currently just called “NORTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL” — at the former Albi site, with a completion date of 2022.

Construction of Lewis and Clark’s new cafeteria is slated to be completed by the end of the 2020 school year. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

EDUCATION

Central Valley’s new Ridgeline High School has been designed to accommodate 1,600 students.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

“BUILDING BOOM,” CONTINUED... That new middle school is one of three new middle schools that will be built as part of the bond. Spokane is moving the sixth grade up to middle school to solve overcrowding at the elementary school level, and building a few new middle schools — instead of several new elementary schools — is more cost effective. The new NORTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL has the same expected completion date as the northwest school: 2022. With those new middle schools built, then all sixth graders feeding into them can transition into middle school at the same time, relieving overcrowding at more than half of the district’s elementary schools. Then, the district will build a new SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL and replace the old SACAJAWEA MIDDLE SCHOOL by August 2023. All south side sixth graders will also move to middle school at the same time that way, relieving overcrowding at the remaining elementary schools in Spokane.

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CENTRAL VALLEY The current capacity for high schoolers in Central Valley is roughly 3,200 students. The actual number of Central Valley students enrolled in high school? More than 4,300. Yes, a new high school is sorely needed. And luckily for the students in Spokane Valley, one is already under construction. Central Valley broke ground on the new RIDGELINE HIGH SCHOOL in August 2019, and the idea is for it to be open by September 2021. Ridgeline, home of the Falcons, will have space for 1,600 students. It will cost $102 million through bond money and a state match, and it will be located just north of the Saltese Conservation Area in Liberty Lake. So why is it called Ridgeline High School? According to the principal, Jesse Hardt, that’s because it fits the characteristics of the area.

“It is a powerful name that represents the beauty of the views of the hills surrounding the school site to the north, south, and east,” Hardt says. Hardt was previously the principal of Horizon Middle School for 11 years. In a message to the community, he says he’s excited to be part of the new high school. “It’s extremely rare to have the opportunity to do something special and create a school from the ground up,” he says. “This project will involve our entire community and will reflect our passion for education and pride in what Central Valley stands for.” Central Valley had been planning for this day for years. In fact, the district purchased the property where the new school will be way back in the 1980s. The bond approved by voters in 2018 to add the new school didn’t raise the tax rate, which was a priority for the school district. And that bond didn’t just pay for Ridgeline

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Renderings of the future Ridgeline High School (above) and Lewis and Clark cafeteria. High School. It paid for a new middle school as well. The newly dubbed SELKIRK MIDDLE SCHOOL (home of the Wolves) began in April of 2018 and is opening this fall. Selkirk is also located Liberty Lake, just off of I-90. It will have space for 600 students.

MEAD SCHOOL DISTRICT Keeping up with growth in north Spokane, Mead School District plans to open two new schools by the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. CREEKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is a $21 million project that will be located at 3525 E. Hastings Ave. And HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL, to be located at 3515 W. Hawthorne Rd., will cost $38 million.

NORTH IDAHO Post Falls is growing like crazy, and you know what that means. In March 2019, voters approved a $19 million bond, which will fund a NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. The district has grown by 180 students last school year, leading to overcrowding. Plans are still in the works for the $12.5 million school. Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene Public Schools passed a bond in 2017 that pays for a variety of upgrades to its schools. It also included money to pay for a NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. The district hopes to finish it by August 2020, in time for the 2020-21 school year. n

GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition units may lose value.

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

EDUCATION While many of these private schools have preschools and other programs, this grid focuses on K-12. The information below was provided by the schools.

Schools P r iv at e

Gonzaga Prep YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

of the Inland Northwest RO

AVG. CLASS SIZE

ANNUAL TUITION

FINANCIAL AID

PHONE NUMBER

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

AD GR

SCHOOL

Eastern Washington All Saints Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

340

$6,450-$6,550

Yes

534-1098

Assumption Parish Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

200

$5,000

Yes

328-1115

Cataldo Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

310

16-18

$6,520

Yes

624-8759

Christian Heritage School

Christian

K-12

$3,100-$4,750

Yes

236-2224

First Presbyterian Christian School

Christian

K-6

$5,450

Yes

747-9192

Gonzaga Preparatory School

Jesuit

9-12

870

$13,500

Yes

483-8511

Northwest Christian Schools, Inc.

Christian

K-12

400

12-15

$8,000-$9,000

Yes

238-4005

The Oaks Classical Christian Academy

Classical Christian

K-12

323

$10,920

Yes

536-5955

Palisades Christian Academy

Christian

K-10

185

$5,150- $8,150

Yes

325-1985

Pioneer School

Gifted Education

K-5

$8,500 opportunities

922-7818

Salish School of Spokane

Salish language immersion

K-12

$2,750-$8,250

325-2018

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Work-trade

Yes

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EDUCATION While many of these private schools have preschools and other programs, this grid focuses on K-12. The information below was provided by the schools.

Schools P r iv at e

of the Inland Northwest

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

NT ME LL RO EN ES AD GR

SCHOOL

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

ANNUAL TUITION

FINANCIAL AID

PHONE NUMBER

Eastern Washington Southside Christian School

Christian

K-8

100

$5,850

Yes

838-8139

Spokane Christian Academy

Christian

K-8

$5,200

Yes

924-4888

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

318

$6,272

Yes

489-7825

St. Charles Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

147

$4,995

Yes

327-9575

St. George’s School

Int’l Baccalaureate World School K-12 349 12-15

$17,420-$28,710 Yes

466-1636

St. John Vianney Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

113

$6,178

Yes

926-7987

St. Mary’s Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

250

$5,955

Yes

924-4300

St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran School Christian

K-8

$2,500

Yes

327-5601

St. Michael’s Academy

Catholic

K-12

127

$4,800

467-0986

St. Thomas More Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

219

$5,860

Yes

466-3811

Trinity Catholic School and Educare

Catholic

K-8

190

$2,550-$5,100

Yes

327-9369

Valley Christian School

Christian

K-12

289

16-25

$4,450-$8,220

Yes

924-9131

Windsong School

Waldorf-inspired

K-6

124

$708-$6,444

Yes

326-6638

Christian Center School

Christian

K-12

185

$2,250-$4,102

Yes

208-772-7542

Classical Christian Academy

Classical Christian

K-12

185

$3,811-$5,950

Yes

208-777-4400

Coeur d’Alene Christian School

Christian

K-8

$2,950

Yes

208-772-7118

Holy Family Catholic School

Catholic

K-8

197

$5,400-$6,400

Yes

208-765-4327

Lake City Junior Academy

Christian

K-10

140

$5,135

Yes

208-667-0877

LAM Christian Academy

Christian

K-5

110

$5,335

208-765-8238

North Idaho Christian School

Christian

1-12

200

$4,114-$4,917

Yes

208-772-7546

Sandpoint Christian School

Christian

K-8

105

$1,650-$4,900

Yes

208-265-8624

Sandpoint Waldorf School

Waldorf Curriculum

K-8

155

$3,780-$7,995

Yes

208-265-2683

Silver Valley Christian Academy

Christian

K-12

$3,000-$4,000

Yes

208-783-3791

North Idaho

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EDUCATION

JEFF DREW ILLUSTRATIONS

SCHOLASTIC FANTASTIC

ROUNDUP RAMIFICATIONS

A WSU study finds exposure to a prevalent herbicide can cause problems for generations BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL / SECTION ILLUSTRATIONS BY JEFF DREW

sk which traits someone inherited from their grandmother and they might point to their distinctive nose or squeaky knees. But a first-of-its kind study from Washington State University shows that what your grandparents and great-grandparents were exposed to could affect your susceptibility to health issues from kidney disease to obesity, and even your ability to reproduce. For the multiyear study, researchers including

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Michael Skinner, a WSU professor of biological sciences, exposed pregnant rats to just half the rate of the commonly used herbicide Roundup that is considered OK for exposure. What they found could change the way governments set health limits for chemicals. Chemically known as glyphosate, Roundup is the most commonly used herbicide in the world, accounting for almost 72 percent of pesticide use, as noted in the study, published in the journal Nature

in April. Because of the way crops absorb it, pretty much everyone gets exposed, Skinner says. “When we talk about glyphosate exposure, it’s not so much from being sprayed around the farms and stuff. It’s actually from the food we eat,” he says. “Anything made out of corn and soy, basically, has glyphosate in it.” The herbicide is largely considered safe because, as this study — and many others — showed, there were no health issues with either the initial mother rat who was directly exposed over a week, or with her baby, Skinner says. “The problem is if you breed the animals out another generation or two, disease dramatically increases.” In fact, about 90 percent of the next two generations developed health problems by the time they were 1 year old, including kidney disease, obesity, or problems with their ovaries, testicles or prostate. The most dramatic finding, Skinner says, was that about one-third of the future generations had miscarriages and/or died during pregnancy. “It’s something we’ve never focused on before,” Skinner says. “If we focus on just direct exposure, everything is just sort of hunky-dory fine. But we now know that we could be influencing our future generations.” Skinner says this is just the latest of several studies he’s worked on looking into generational toxicology — essentially examining how the sperm and egg can get changed with exposure to various chemicals, resulting in the passing of negative traits onto subsequent generations. His work has shown that it’s not always the DNA itself getting changed, but rather that certain compounds can hook up to DNA and essentially turn certain traits on or off, making people more susceptible to certain health problems. “If we knew this genetic makeup in your 20s or 30s, it turns out there’s a whole range of therapeutic drugs that could prevent problems.” For example, there are some drugs that can delay the onset of breast cancer, he says, and diet and lifestyle changes could be made in advance of other issues. “I think this will push us into the era of preventive medicine,” Skinner says. But with more research into the impacts of Roundup and other widely used chemicals and compounds, ideally scientists and doctors can help people avoid some of the worst impacts and better understand how their exposure could impact their progeny, Skinner says. “It’s not just a decision of our own right now to say, ‘I don’t mind being exposed to this,’” Skinner says. “If those have effects generations down the line, we have a responsibility to our future generations.” n

EDUCATION

SCHOLASTIC FANTASTIC

TWO IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER

Socializing while lonely can actually make us feel worse BY DANIEL WALTERS

arah Arpin knows what it means to be lonely. I don’t mean that she’s experienced loneliness, though, like all of us, she has. I mean she’s actually studying the essence of loneliness, how it can subconsciously seep into our interactions. In graduate school at Portland State, Arpin dug into the question of whether loneliness during the day impacted alcohol consumption. When people felt more lonely, they tended to drink alone more often — particularly for women. After she became an assistant professor of psychology at Gonzaga University, Arpin and a Portland State colleague published a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin asking a related question: What happens when we do have

social interactions when we’re feeling lonely? The resulting paper came to a fascinating conclusion: Loneliness, without us even realizing it, can sabotage our conversations, not only making us enjoy the social interactions less, but making us less enjoyable to be around. Arpin’s team gathered a group of nearly 200 depression-free female Portland State University students and tasked them to participate in a lab. Next, they needed to trigger feelings of loneliness in the laboratory setting. They took some of the subjects and asked them to reflect on heavy questions like, “Think of a time when you felt you lacked companionship. Perhaps you felt like you had no friends.” The rest of the subjects, meanwhile, got

sunnier prompts like, “Think of a time when you felt you had someone you could share anything with. Perhaps this was a person who was or who could be your best friend.” Then both recounted their reflections for a video camera. And the ploy worked. The subjects who answered the sad questions said they felt lonelier than those who didn’t. That was all just laying the foundation for the main event: A 10-minute conversation where the study subjects were asked to share recent positive experiences from their lives. Then, both the lonely and non-lonely women were debriefed on how much they liked the conversations. The result? When two non-lonely people ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

EDUCATION

“TWO IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER,” CONT…

were paired together, they enjoyed their discussions just fine. But when you paired a lonely person with a non-lonely person, something curious happened. “Not only did the lonely individual feel less positive, but their partners, who were strangers, also enjoyed the interaction less,” Arpin says. Both the lonely and non-lonely women felt they their conversation partner was less responsive. Both left with a more negative mood. When Arpin’s team analyzed the interactions between the

NOT ONLY DID THE LONELY INDIVIDUAL FEEL LESS POSITIVE, BUT THEIR PARTNERS, WHO WERE STRANGERS, ALSO ENJOYED THE INTERACTION LESS. two, the researchers discovered a key difference between the groups that did and didn’t include a lonely person: The lonely groups didn’t go as deep. They didn’t reveal as much to each other. “Maybe that’s why the interactions didn’t go as well,” Arpin says. “People weren’t sharing as intimate or deep as topics.”

Self-disclosure is the powerful currency of intimate relationships. Revealing things about yourself can make other people feel closer to you. Friendship is about discovery and revelation. When you’re less willing to be vulnerable, you can come off as cold. She worries that these sort of negative interactions can make it harder for lonely people to escape loneliness — or could even deepen the loneliness over time. “We perceive that nobody likes me. But when we interact with others we interact in a way that makes nobody like us,” Arpin says. Maybe dragging your lonely friend out to social events could backfire. “It does suggest that maybe solitude is a reasonable response to loneliness,” Arpin says. Escaping loneliness, she suggests, is more about changing your own thoughts. Don’t dwell on your negative feelings or leap to “they probably hate me” conclusions if somebody isn’t talkative. Instead, give other people — and yourself — the benefit of the doubt. She tries to apply the lessons of the research to her own life. “I think that I’m always very aware of when I might be feeling lonely, and when somebody else might be feeling lonely,” Arpin says. “It does influence how I perceive my behavior. This research has made me even more compassionate. When other people are acting negatively, you don’t know what’s going on that another person’s life — or mine — that may be influencing our behavior.” n

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EDUCATION SCHOLASTIC FANTASTIC

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNGUS EWU professor Jessica Allen studies the diverse world of lichens. Two species she discovered are named after famous women BY CHEY SCOTT

ichen is everywhere. It grows on sidewalks, rocks, trees, roofs and in frigid tundras, arid deserts and even contaminated environments. You just have to look for it, says lichenologist and Eastern Washington University biology professor Jessica Allen. “They’re really obvious out across the landscape if you’re paying attention, and then you look closer and realize you didn’t even see them before you started looking,” Allen says. “There are over 20,000 species and we’re still describing them. We’re not even close to learning [all species that] exist on the planet, let alone where they live.” Looking for lichen in the field is one of Allen’s favorite research activities. In the past few years she’s co-discovered three lichen species, two of which are named after some wellknown — and perhaps unexpected — luminaries: Oprah Winfrey and Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton’s namesake lichen is the Japewiella dollypartoniana, which grows on the bark of trees in the Appalachian Mountains near where the musician grew up. On the trip

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EDUCATION leading to its discovery, Allen and fellow lichenologist James Lendemer had been listening to Parton’s music on repeat. The rarer Oprah’s Sunshine lichen (Hypotrachyna oprah) was named because it was also discovered near the media maven’s hometown. The species notably glows bright yellow under ultraviolet light. Both lichens were intentionally named after women because historically so very few species are, Allen says. “We decided to name a few after not just any women, but those who’ve made a huge impact in the past century.” Allen has been studying lichens since she was an undergraduate biology major at Eastern almost a decade ago. She now holds a doctorate of philosophy in biology and continues to research lichen diversity, conservation and genomics. Though it may seem like a very small and insignificant species in the grand circle of life, lichen is a critical habitat and food source for many organisms. It’s also an indicator of ecological health and can tell us things about air quality, climate change and even genetics. “Animals are very reliant on lichens,” Allen says. “Birds use them to make nests because they repel water and are antibiotic. Large mammals use them as a winter forage; elk and deer and moose eat them in winter when there is less vegetation. Caribou [in the tundra] are completely dependent on them for a part of their diet.” The algae living in some lichens convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into an essential nutrient for plants. In arid climates, lichen growing on the soil crust helps prevent erosion. Scientists are also able to use lichen to monitor air quality and pollution, Allen notes. “If you go to a place and there are none — they’ve all died — that probably tells you something about the air quality, that it’s not great,” she says. In her position with EWU, Allen is working on several lichen identification projects, including on the Palouse, at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and North Cascades National Park. In Turnbull alone, more than 300 unique species have been logged. Simultaneously, Allen is also studying the genetic diversity of lichens. As evidenced, lichens play a pretty important role in the world’s ecosystems and human life. Which is why a big portion of Allen’s research on lichens involves conservation efforts, such as reintroducing them to areas they’ve been eradicated, and figuring out how to protect those that are threatened elsewhere. Of around 1,200 federally listed endangered species in the U.S., only two are lichens, she says. “We know that natural systems don’t function without all the pieces of the puzzle, and lichens are an important part of that. Generally they are underappreciated in conservation or not considered at all, but that’s something that, in my personal research and a lot of others, lichenologists are working on — to bring the importance of them to light and get them added to the same level of conservation attention as other large species.” n

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SCHOLASTIC FANTASTIC

TITANIC DISCOVERIES

U of I scientists are learning more about what makes Titan so Earth-like, and why it could contain life BY WILSON CRISCIONE

here’s another world out there where it rains in the summer. It’s a world where, like Earth, liquid shapes the landscape, and you can find puddles and ponds and lakes and seas. This is Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Besides Earth, it’s the only other planetary object scientists know of in the solar system with a cycle that forms clouds, rain and surface liquid, says Jason Barnes, an associate professor at the University of Idaho who’s been studying Titan for years. “Titan,” Barnes says, “is the coolest place in the solar system.” Now, thanks to research from a team led by Barnes and Rajani Dhingra, one of his students this past year, scientists are understanding more about this world. In January, they pub-

lished a paper showing evidence of changing seasons and rain on Titan’s North Pole, which scientists had previously predicted but were unable to find evidence of. And in June, NASA announced it will let Barnes and a team of scientists to launch a spacecraft to Titan in 2025. Because it’s not just the weather and climate that’s so fascinating about Titan. It’s the possibility of life.

ike any scientist studying Titan, Dhingra was drawn to the Earth-like hydrologic process. But there was something scientists still didn’t understand about Titan. They knew there were clouds and rain on southern parts of Titan. And they predicted the same on the North Pole — but there wasn’t any evidence of rain on

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“TITANIC DISCOVERIES,” CONT… the North Pole yet. “People were calling it the curious case of missing clouds on the North Pole,” says Dhingra, who completed her doctorate from the University of Idaho in the spring of 2019. So Dhingra studied an image from the spacecraft Cassini taken in 2016. She noticed a brightly reflected region, which didn’t show up in other pictures before. When the team led by her and Barnes analyzed it, they determined the brightness was due to the fact that it had recently rained. It’s the “wet sidewalk effect,” Barnes says, because it’s kind of like pavement just after it rains. When it’s wet, you get a reflection from the surface. That’s essentially what happened on Titan, and it was a way for the team to prove it rained on the North Pole, something that was challenging to prove due to Titan’s thick atmosphere. It’s beneath that thick atmosphere that Barnes hopes to one day uncover secrets about potential life on Titan. The haze particles of Titan’s atmosphere are made up of organic compounds. It’s possible that water mixing with the organics can form life — much like life was formed on Earth long ago. It’s not impossible that it’s forming life currently, Barnes says.

EDUCATION

“We want to send a spacecraft to measure the progression,” Barnes says. “When you mix organics and water in an abiotic environment, how close do you get to forming life molecules? Were there molecules that might have been precursors to life on Earth?” That’s why Barnes is excited to send a spacecraft, called Dragonfly, to Titan. NASA funded the project for up to $850 million and it will involve dozens of scientists

WERE THERE MOLECULES THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN PRECURSORS TO LIFE ON EARTH? from around the world led by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. It would arrive to Titan in 2034. “That rainfall-based erosion is the most powerful force that governs landscapes on Earth,” Barnes says. “And it’s one we can’t explore anywhere else but Titan.”n

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EDUCATION INSIDER INSIGHT

SHELLEY REDINGER

IMPROVING GRADUATION RATES

Shelley Redinger has been superintendent of SPOKANE PUBLIC SCHOOLS since 2012. Spokane is the community where Redinger grew up, before she went on to Washington State University and then earned her Ph.D in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. Overseeing the second largest district in the state, she’s played a critical role advocating for schools as the state legislature spent the better part of this decade trying to fulfill its mandate to fully fund education. Here are some of her thoughts on the state of the school district today.

CONSTRUCTING NEW MIDDLE SCHOOLS Spokane Public Schools passed a bond, with the biggest outcome being the eventual construction of three new middle schools as well as the renovation of existing middle schools. She says students and parents should expect more natural light “so it doesn’t feel like all these long corridors. “We’re very pleased with how all the planning has been going with the middle schools,” she says. “There’s a real desire to have more updated learning centers where students feel engaged and excited about the spaces.”

Spokane Public Schools long has had a goal of reaching a 90 percent graduation. How are they working toward that? “I would say we’re just really trying to make sure we’re focusing on the whole child and intervening earlier and earlier,” she says. “It’s making sure their mental health needs are met, and we’re trying to focus on early learning as well.”

CHANGES FOR THE 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR The school district is going to incorporate a curriculum to help with social and emotional learning at the secondary level. That curriculum is called CharacterStrong. “Staff is wanting to have a clear, articulated program talking about social emotional supports and learning,” Redinger says. “It’s curriculum that everyone will be able to access.” — WILSON CRISCIONE

SPOKANE’S INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL

SAINT GEORGE’S EXCELLENT ACADEMICS > Rigorous K-12 academic classes & IB curriculum > Highest average SAT scores in Spokane area

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS > No-cut, state champion athletic teams > Award-winning music, drama and visual arts

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Bus Service Throughout Spokane County

> Passionate, committed teachers connect with students > Safe and stunningly beautiful 120-acre campus

Inspiring the CONFIDENCE to Serve and Lead CALL 509-464-8744 OR VISIT SGS.ORG

WINNER OF 2017-18 SCHOLASTIC CUP > Top 2B school in the State for Academics, Athletics, and Activities! ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

EDUCATION

MEETING THE NEED ALI BLACKWOOD ILLUSTRATION

Washington’s new higher education bill should make college more affordable BY WILSON CRISCIONE

hen Gavin Pielow chose to go to Washington State University, he knew his parents couldn’t afford to pay his tuition. Instead, he thought he’d qualify for state financial aid. But Pielow, who recently graduated from WSU, never saw that financial aid from the state. He was one of thousands of students who qualified for the Washington State Need Grant each year but was put on a waitlist as the program’s funds ran dry. Now, Pielow is staring at around $27,000 in student loans. “It was frustrating to see that program consistently underfunded,” Pielow says. That amount of student loan debt is about normal these days for a WSU grad. Other students have had it worse. Pielow says he’s heard countless stories about students not being able to afford basic necessities because they have to pay tuition, who have dropped out of college alto-

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gether because it wasn’t affordable, or who take out so much in loans that it cripples their future. Those stories, however, are about to become far less common in Washington state. Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill that will eliminate the wait list for financial aid. More than that, it guarantees that students coming from families making up to the state’s median income — $92,000 for a family of four — will receive some state financial aid. And for families of four making $50,000 or less? Their tuition will be completely covered. The bill’s name, the Workforce Education Investment Act, may be yawn-inducing, but it’s expected to vastly improve college affordability for low and middle-income families. It gives them incentive to enroll in two or four-year colleges and apprenticeships while reducing their student debt. Michael Meotti, the executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, a state agency focusing on student success, calls it a

EDUCATION INSIDER INSIGHT “quantum leap” in financial aid investment. “I don’t think you will see any other state with a need-based approach to financial aid that reaches into the middle class like this will,” Meotti says. This isn’t the first time the state’s investment in college institutions has made waves this decade. State Republicans, who controlled the state Senate for years until 2017, focused on reducing the costs of college not through financial aid, but by lowering tuition. It was nationally significant: As most of the country saw the price of college climb, Washington’s students saw it level out or go down. But Gov. Inslee has been calling for the state Legislature to expand financial aid as well. And now that Democrats control both the House and the Senate, there was some optimism that it could get done this year. The only problem was finding a way to pay for it, says Rep. Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island), chair of the House Higher Education Committee. The final bill settles on a hike in the state’s business and occupation tax for about one-fifth of businesses who pay the B&O tax, with the highest surcharge on companies like Microsoft and Amazon. But those tech giants weren’t opposed to the tax; in fact, they cheered the new legislation, with Amazon calling it a “positive step forward” for the state. It’s expected to generate around $1 billion in revenue over four years. That allows the state to create the Washington College Grant starting in 2020, which will replace the State Need Grant. It will eliminate the wait list for the grants by one-third next year and all the way by the following year. “We want every family in this state to realize that they now have a shot at a college or apprenticeship that they might have thought was out of reach,” Hansen says. A person who has started college but never finished can go back to college more easily under this plan, for instance. And the state grant would be on top of any federal financial aid available — it wouldn’t cancel it out. Washington, too, will continue to offer financial aid to those attending private colleges and universities in the state. Bruce DeFrates, director of financial aid and scholarships at Eastern Washington University, says this is the biggest leap he’s seen in state aid in his 20 years there. And it may be particularly beneficial for EWU, where more than 75 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. “It pretty much puts Washington at the top of states that are supporting higher ed,” DeFrates says. “We’ve got one of the best state-need programs once this goes into effect.” n

KEVIN BROCKBANK

Kevin Brockbank joined Spokane Community College in 2015 as vice provost. He grew up in Montana and had been working as a dean at Salt Lake Community College before he moved to Spokane. Brockbank seized the role as acting president at SCC when the job opened up, and he permanently took the role in 2018. Here are some of his thoughts on the community college system after a couple years on the job.

WASHINGTON’S STRONG COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM National experts frequently praise the community college system in Washington. And Brockbank feels fortunate to be a part of that. “I came from Montana, and being in a Washington system was always viewed as a real favorable opportunity for me,” Brockbank says. Why is it highly regarded? Mainly, it’s because of the historical support from the state legislature — which continued this past legislative session. “This last session was an example of our elected officials investing in community colleges and the workforce element that helps grow regional economies,” Brockbank says.

WHAT MAY SURPRISE OUTSIDERS ABOUT SCC You may know Spokane Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the state. But still, Brockbank things people may not understand how far it reaches. “I don’t think people understand how many programs we have — apprenticeships, IT programs, serving inmates at Airway Heights facilities,” he says. “It took a long time to grasp all of what SCC does and how impactful we are to the economy and region. That continues to be one of the things that surprises me.”

BUDGET CHALLENGES When the economy is strong, enrollment is typically down in community colleges, leading to budget issues. Brockbank, however, still says there is value to getting more training at SCC. Adults returning with a GED but haven’t transitioned into college-level coursework would do well to return to SCC, for instance. “We have a wealth of opportunities for students,” he says. “There are different ways for students to get onto campus who have not been successful in higher education in the past.” — WILSON CRISCIONE ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

Discover the history, cultures and art of the Inland Northwest and the world.

2019-2020 As Grandmother Taught: Women, Tradition and Plateau Art Through January 12, 2020 Memory and Meaning: Textiles from the Permanent Collection August 2019-January 2020 Norman Rockwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s America October 2019-January 2020 Mt. St Helens: Critical Memory December 2019-August 2020 Pompeii: The Immortal City February 2020-May 2020 American Impressionism: Treasures from the Daywood Collection May 2020-August 2020

2316 W. First Ave Spokane, WA 60 | T H E I N L A N D E R A N N U A L M A N U A L 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

northwestmuseum.org

ARTS

Five things you can do at the Spokane Public Library besides checking out books.

Section layout and design: Derek Harrison

PAGE 72

Find the best blank walls for amazing local art, like the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery.

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

Meet Spokane Symphony’s new music director, James Lowe.

Art for all — your guide to 10 of the best galleries in the Inland Northwest.

The performing arts calendar in the Inland Northwest is as varied and vibrant as ever.

PAGE 65

PAGE 76

PAGE 62 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

IT’S

SHOWTIME No matter the genre or the season, there’s something to suit everyone’s fancy. Here’s a selection of several must-see shows between now and autumn 2020 BY E.J. IANNELLI

MADAME BUTTERFLY

Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 romantic tragedy about a young Japanese maiden who’s seduced and mistreated by Pinkerton, an American naval officer, is one of the most heartbreaking and enduring works in the entire operatic canon. Dean Williamson conducts and Elizabeth Caballero stars in this Inland Northwest Opera production. Tickets start at $23, and more info can be found at inlandnwopera.com. WHEN & WHERE: Sept. 20-22, 2019; Martin Woldson Theatre at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane; 624-1200

MASTERWORKS 1: AMERICAN RHYTHMS

James Lowe officially kicks off his tenure as music director of the Spokane Symphony at its first performance of the season, which also happens to mark the launch of the new Masterworks concert series. This one is themed “American Rhythms” and features works by three of our country’s most eminent 20th-century composers: George Gershwin, Aaron Copland and John Adams. “How does music sound like it comes from somewhere?” asks Lowe. “How does Elgar sound like English music? What makes American music sound American? This is a really interesting thing for me, and it’s something we really explore in this concert.” Although the event will conclude in monumental fashion with Symphony No. 3 by Copland (“the guy that invented the sound of American symphonic music”), it’s hard to say that any single work functions as the centerpiece. Award-winning pianist William Wolfram is appearing specially to perform on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and “I Got Rhythm,” two very different compositions that were ahead of their time and still sound fresh nearly a century later. And Adams’ more contemporary (1986) Short Ride in a Fast Machine is “an absolute firecracker of a piece,” Lowe says, one that’s intended to double as a kind of personal statement for his heady, “full to the floor” start as music director. Individual ticket prices are TBD; spokanesymphony.org has updates. WHEN & WHERE: Sept. 14-15, 2019; Martin Woldson Theatre at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane; 624-1200

JEN OWENS PHOTO

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ARTS

DISNEY ON ICE: MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY

For young children and more than a few adults, there’s no bigger treat than Disney entertainment. Now imagine a cavalcade of Disney characters from movies like Coco, Frozen, Aladdin, Moana, Peter Pan, Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid augmented by graceful ice skating, gravity-defying acrobatic stunts and stories of adventure. That sensational celebration is Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party, which gives families and imagineers the experience of exploring magical worlds with their favorite mascots. Better still, children under two get in free. Tickets range from $20 to $77; spokanearena.com has showtimes and more. WHEN & WHERE: Oct. 18-20, 2019; Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane; 279-7000

THE THREEPENNY OPERA

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

WHEN & WHERE: Oct. 18-Nov. 3, 2019; Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third Ave., Spokane; 838-9727

WHEN & WHERE: Nov. 11, 2019; The Bing Crosby Theatre, 901 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane; 227-7638

Originally scheduled as the closer to Stage Left’s 2018-19 season, Bertolt Brecht’s timeless critique of cutthroat capitalism has since been moved to the second spot in the theater’s 2019-20 schedule — which, of course, has only increased the anticipation for this production directed by Spokane’s doyen of musical theater, Troy Nickerson. Kurt Weill’s jazz-inflected score includes favorites like “Pirate Jenny” and “The Ballad of Mack the Knife.” For current ticket prices and further details, visit spokanestageleft.org.

In support of his latest and most personal literary collection, Calypso, raconteur and charming misanthrope David Sedaris will share the amusing stories, anecdotes and observations that have helped to make him one of America’s greatest humorists. Yet there’s always a rare and raw truth to Sedaris’s comedy, such as when he riffs on the shock of facing our own mortality, and that only serves to enrich the laughter with a beautiful bittersweet quality. Along with his monologues and live reading, there will be an audience Q&A and book signing. Head to bingcrosbytheater. com for additional info and tickets ($46 and up).

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS IT’S

SHOWTIME Continued...

TYRONE WELLS

The collective experience of arena rock can be a major adrenaline rush, but sometimes the most memorable concerts are the most intimate ones. As part of his nationwide Lift Me Up Tour, singer-songwriter Tyrone Wells is returning to his hometown of Spokane to perform a set of poignant, heart-on-sleeve songs spanning his entire discography — yep, all 10 albums — plus a forthcoming LP of acoustic-style covers. Minneapolis-based musician Dan Rodriguez opens this 21+ show at one of the area’s newest and much-hyped music venues, the Lucky You Lounge. For up to 20 even luckier fans, this Wells concert also offers an exclusive VIP pass featuring a meet-and-greet session plus a special private acoustic set. For tickets ($22 to $25) and VIP info, visit luckyyoulounge.com. WHEN & WHERE: Nov. 15, 2019; Lucky You Lounge, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd., Spokane

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

MATTHEW MURPHY PHOTO

During the post-Christmas doldrums, when the holiday season is over but the snow is still thick on the ground, what better tropical staycation is there than Escape to Margaritaville? Set in a tumbledown hotel on a tiny Caribbean island, this musical brings together a colorful assortment of characters who find that events in their lives have remarkably serendipitous parallels to classic Jimmy Buffet hits. Prices are still TBD for individual tickets; inbpac.com will have details when they’re available. WHEN & WHERE: Jan. 21-26, 2020; First Interstate Center for the Arts, 228 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane; 800-325-SEAT

EXILE

While many folks will instinctively be drawn to Funny Girl, the renowned show-stopping musical that will be running upstairs on the Spokane Civic Theatre’s main stage a few days after this play’s run ends, Exile stands out for being its polar opposite. This smaller-scale studio production is an original play by the Civic’s resident playwright, Bryan Harnetiaux (York, Holding On, Letting Go), giving audiences the chance to experience a homegrown full-length work that’s never been seen before. In Exile, retired vet Augie visits his hometown for the first time in 40 years to attend a high-school reunion. That ultimately brings him back to his childhood home — a place he’d hoped to escape forever — and face to face with the sister who’s been living there since the death of their parents. Their private reunion, however, is burdened with the weight of the past. Jerry Sciarrio is slated to direct. Tickets are $25. WHEN & WHERE: April 17-May 10, 2020; Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St., Spokane; 325-2507

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THE FULL MONTY

Based on the 1997 British breakout film but transplanted to Buffalo, New York, The Full Monty is about finding hope, joy and reassurance when all seems lost. It’s also about a ragtag group of outof-work steelworkers who dance in their birthday suits (hence the title) in a last-ditch fundraising effort. Check out cdasummertheatre.com for the latest news on ticket prices and showtimes. WHEN & WHERE: July 31-Aug. 8, 2020; Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave., CdA; 208-660-2958 n

INSIDER INSIGHT

JAMES LOWE

After Eckart Preu took the final bow of his 15-year tenure as the SPOKANE SYMPHONY’S musical director, an international search for a replacement ensued. That yielded several worthy candidates, but James Lowe was eventually selected as the eighth music director in the symphony’s long history. The British-born, Scotland-based conductor’s tenure begins on Sept. 14, when the Spokane Symphony kicks off its 74th season. Lowe hopes to demystify the art of classical music for Inland Northwest audiences, while also staying true to the work of history’s great composers. Here are some insights he shared with us.

Experience the wonder, delight, and inspiration of live performance. Reserve your seats for our inaugural season at the Inland Northwest’s newest state-ofthe-art performing arts center.

CONNECTING WITH AN AUDIENCE SHOULD BE AN ORCHESTRA’S TOP PRIORITY

Taylor 2 Dance Company

“An orchestra is nothing without an audience,” Lowe says. “The function of music is not just as an entertainment, not just playing music at people.” And Spokane is the ideal city for that kind of connection, he says. “In a place like New York City, how can you possibly engage meaningfully with people on a long-term basis? It’s almost impossible. Here, what I love … is that there is an almost direct connection from the orchestra to the community, and vice versa.”

Post Comedy Theatre

CLASSICAL MUSIC ISN’T ROCKET SCIENCE There’s a common misconception that you can only enjoy classical music if you have an extensive knowledge of any given composer or piece. Not so, says Lowe. “If you’ve got a pair of ears and beating heart, you’ve got all the equipment you need to enjoy classical music,” he says. “It’s just music, and it’s some of the greatest music ever written. And there’s something magical about having an audience, a communal experience.”

Sept 13, 2019

Dallas String Quartet Electric

Feb 14, 2020

Carlene Carter

Hiplet Ballerinas

Sept 26, 2019

Feb 18, 2020

Oct 10, 2019

Lúnasa

Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till

Arcis Saxophone Quartet

Oct 17, 2019

Mar 18, 2020

California Guitar Trio + Montreal Guitar Trio

Wonderheads: Grim and Fischer

Nov 14, 2019

April 2, 2020

Turtle Island Quartet: Winter’s Eve

Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock-N-Roll

Dec 14, 2019

May 15, 2020

Mar 5, 2020

The Night Before Christmas Carol

Dec 19, 2019

Tickets and Information: gonzaga.edu/mwpac 509.313.2787 | 211 E DeSmet Ave

IT’S OK TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT MUSIC Many classical aficionados can approach the music with a straightfaced, buttoned-down demeanor, but Lowe says he appreciates unbridled excitement. Most countries aren’t prone to standing ovations, he says, but American audiences aren’t shy about leaping from their seats following a particularly standout performance. “Enthusiasm is not unsophisticated,” he says. “That’s why I love being in the states: There is an unapologetic enthusiasm for things that people like that is wonderful.” — NATHAN WEINBENDER ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

ON-CAMPUS ART

The Crimson Cube

WSU PHOTO

There are more reasons than ever to explore the arts at area universities BY DAN NAILEN

he Inland Northwest is home to several universities and colleges, each of them dedicated to showcasing the arts in myriad ways, whether through live performances of student dance, theater and music groups, or by hosting stunning visual arts displays from across the globe. Here are a few of the highlights of the 2019-20 school year that everyone — student or not — should make a point of experiencing:

HIT THE MYRTLE Gonzaga University opened its stunning new Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center in the spring of

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2019 with the perfect introduction, a production called A New Season that blended work by student dancers, musicians, singers and actors. The $30 million, 52,000-square-foot structure is a monument to the collaborative spirit exemplified in that show, and the university plans on using the Myrtle for all manner of student productions, as well as touring events. Among the events scheduled for the 2019-20 season are the Gonzaga Wind Ensemble Concert (April 22), two nights of the musical Considering Matthew Shepard (March 28-29), Gonzaga’s always-stirring Candlelight Christmas Concerts (Dec. 7-8) and the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra Concert

(Nov. 25). Visit gonzaga.edu/myrtle-woldson-performing-arts-center to see all they have to offer.

CULTURAL COEXISTENCE Makoto Fujimura was born in Boston and spent most of his childhood in his parents’ native Japan before returning to the states as a teenager. His art education follows his upbringing, blending fine art and abstract expressionism learned in America with traditional Japanese painting techniques learned at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Gonzaga’s Jundt Art Museum is showcasing a series of his large-scale paintings taken from his Silence &

OCTOBER is

The new Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Beauty Series in a show called Makoto Fujimura: Silence-Mysterion. Running from Sept. 7-Jan. 4. Visit gonzaga.edu/student-life/arts-culture/jundt-art-museum to see the year’s complete schedule.

GLEAM THE CUBE The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is quite a mouthful of a name for the stunning museum that opened on Washington State University’s Pullman campus in the spring of 2018. So we’re thankful for the Crimson Cube nickname that is both easier to say, and an apt description for the building exterior that makes it easy to spot for visitors or students. In its first year the museum showcased everything from sound installations to video art, pop art to a celebration of the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The 2019-20 season offers ever-more-impressive shows, and Polly Apfelbaum: Atomic Pinwheels and Other Mysteries from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, running through March 14, 2020, might be the perfect start of the new season. This colorful show of more than 60 complex works on paper is the first exhibition dedicated solely to Apfelbaum’s printmaking, and navigating the three galleries dedicated to her work should be a treat. There’s plenty more happening at the Crimson Cube, though; visit museum. wsu.edu to see their entire schedule.

for programs

& events, visit:

spokanearts.org/artsmonth/ kick off Arts Month with us at the ARTS AWARDS on September 28th

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

Enjoy the Coeur d’Alene art scene and be inspired year-round! • MUSIC WALK • MARDI GRAS • ARTWALK • ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR • RIVERSTONE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES • KIDS DRAW ARCHITECTURE • ART FROM THE HEART For more information, visit artsandculturecda.org

artsandculturecda.org |

cda.artsalliance

SPOKANE GALLERY FRAMING • BOUTIQUE • WORKSHOP

“ON-CAMPUS ART,” CONTINUED...

CHENEY SIGHTS

CUSTOM FRAMING

ARTISAN BOUTIQUE

SPOKANEGALLERY.COM

409 S DISHMAN MICA • SPOKANE VALLEY WA 99206

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The EWU Downtown Student Gallery unfortunately closed its doors in the summer of 2019, but thankfully there’s still the EWU Gallery of Art located in the campus’s fine and performing arts complex. The space has an intriguing 2019-20 season, starting with the work of sculptor Rob McKirdie (Oct. 2-25), whose work often employs found objects, and painter and installation artist Resa Blatman (March 11-April 24, including an artist lecture April 11). Visit sites.ewu.edu/artdepartment for their full schedule.

SOUND DECISIONS IN MOSCOW Running through Sept. 22 is the University of Idaho Prichard Art Gallery’s most ambitious show ever, a site-specific sound installation by renowned Swiss artist Zimoun (yes, he’s an artist with one name, so you know he’s a big deal). He uses everyday industrial items to create his pieces, a “reference to the chaos of the modern day,” and his Prichard show uses no less than 618 motors, more than 800 meters of rope, 172 boxes, 341 sticks and more. It really needs to be seen — and heard — to be believed. Visit uidaho.edu/caa/galleries-centers-and-labs/prichard to see the gallery’s full schedule.

Annual Holiday Sale in November Events Chili Feed in February

Teaching Spokane Since 1998

The Zimoun installation at U of I runs through Sept. 22.

PRICHARD ART GALLERY PHOTO

JAZZ UP Jazz fans from throughout the region will descend on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (Feb. 28-29, 2020), which somehow manages to cram more than 400 student performances, nearly 100 workshops and clinics and dozens of visiting guest artists into two days of world-class jazz. In 2020, vocal powerhouse quartet Vertical Voices will be one of the headliners.

SpokanePottersGuild.org

SCHOOL PRIDE Whitworth University’s Bryan Oliver Gallery has a schedule full of its own alumni for 2019-20, a strong indication of the kind of talent that comes through the small campus in North Spokane. Among the featured artists are multidisciplinary artist Matthew Whitney (Nov. 12-Jan. 24), whose work includes “drawing, painting, photography, collages, video interventions, walking performances, technological experiments, and contemplative silence,” according to his website. Learn more about Whitworth’s season at whitworth.edu/academics/art/bryan-oliver-gallery. Whitworth’s Theatre Department is taking on Shakespeare, and taking their show to the Bing Crosby Theater stage, with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Oct. 11-13. n

Join the Fun! 509.532.8225 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

DON’T MISS

NORMAN ROCKWELL’S AMERICA

Even if you don’t know the images were his, you know Norman Rockwell’s work like the Saturday Evening Post covers depicting American life from the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and even early ’60s. Cops and firemen, soldiers, schoolgirls, families eating Thanksgiving dinner, friends playing cards — it was all fair game for Rockwell, who spent nearly 60 years with the Post. In Girl At Mirror, a young girl assesses her potential against the movie star magazine in her lap. Runaway shows a beefy police officer seated next to a young boy at a soda counter, a knowing look on the man’s face as he eyes the boy’s knapsack. Rockwell’s Triple Self-Portrait shows the bespectacled artist painting his image from a mirror and has been

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spoofed by artists and others ever since. About his work, Rockwell provided this insight: “I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.” And when Rockwell saw that America was fraught with injustice — violence over segregation, intolerance to religious diversity — he painted that too, nudging the populace towards a new understanding of America. That makes this traveling exhibition organized by the National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, Rhode Island, all the more timely, offering an opportunity to see the collective vision of a man whose images have become part of our collective sense of American culture. n

Norman Rockwell, BRIDGE GAME: THE BID. Saturday Evening Post cover May 15, 1948. 2019 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION

opens

OCT

5 2019

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture 2316 W. First northwestmuseum.org

INSIDER INSIGHT

JUSTIN KOBLUK

As the new president of WESTCOAST ENTERTAINMENT, Justin Kobluk will have a major influence on the touring Broadway productions stopping Spokane. In many ways, he was born for the role. Kobluk’s dad, Mike, was the entertainment and visual arts director for Expo ’74 before taking charge of Spokane’s entertainment venues for nearly three decades. Justin followed in his dad’s footsteps after growing up playing music and attending concerts at the old “Boone Street Barn.” After decades working on concert tours and venue management, the younger Kobluk came home to work as entertainment director at Northern Quest Resort & Casino before taking over the WCE spot in early 2019.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE Spokane is not the biggest market in the world, and that means some touring shows are going to take their sweet time making their way to the Inland Northwest. Not that Kobluk’s team isn’t always working to bring the biggest, best shows to town. “Hamilton is a perfect example,” Kobluk says. “People were screaming for Hamilton for years. Well, Hamilton plays in a half-dozen markets in a year. They sit in one space for a month, maybe two months in some larger cities.” Persistence pays off, though — Hamilton will be part of the WCE Broadway 2020-21 season.

LOCATION HELPS While Spokane might not be the biggest market in the country, the city is in a great location that helps draw the big shows to town, whether they’re traveling to or from Seattle. “Spokane is a great route,” Kobluk says. “It’s easy to get to and get out of Spokane.”

A BROAD TASTE OF BROADWAY While visitors to New York City can take in everything from musical farce to intense drama in the theaters around Times Square, Spokane can only bring about a half-dozen shows to town each season. And because of that, Kobluk and his team try to bring shows that appeal to different types of audiences. “We have something for everybody,” Kobluk says of the 201920 season. “We’ve got kind of the old stuff. We’ve got the revival [of a show] you might have seen before, but you haven’t seen this version. We’ve got the first-run [shows]. … So it’s hard to choose a favorite.” — DAN NAILEN

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

Beyond Books Five things you can do at the Spokane Public Library besides checking out Hardy Boys books STORY BY DANIEL WALTERS ILLUSTRATIONS BY CALEB WALSH

INTO 1 DIG GENE ALOGY

You may associate ancestry.com with grandmas looking up their grandma’s grandmas, and indeed, if you are a grandma, genealogy work makes for a great use of the library. But you don’t just have to stick with looking up your family. Two years ago, I found a beautiful love poem handwritten inside an antique edition of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays and Representative Men. It was from a man named “Elof Theodore Olson,” dedicated to “My Pet — Dawn in the ‘Blue,’” and dated March 18, 1939. And that’s all I had to go on. But with a few hours with ancestry.com at the library, we discovered not only who Elof Theodore Olson likely was, but that he was a shipping company clerk, a bookkeeper at an auto-supply company. And, when he was 18, he had a job at a public library — a little like the one I was sitting in right there. And then, with a little extra social-media magic, I found the granddaughter of his half-sister and called her up. She’s doing well, thanks for asking. That’s the magic of the library.

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THEATER • ARTS • TRAINING

classes and camps

Developing character and creativity in kids of all ages through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together.

Disney’s Frozen JR. FALL 2019

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast WINTER 2020

WATCH WORKS OF CINEMATIC GENIUS

Yeah, yeah, everybody knows you can check out DVDs at the library. But who has a DVD player anymore? Better to get the true movie experience, and you can take your kids to the library itself, and watch a movie played on a projector. Previous movies have included Aquaman, Rocky III, and The Sandlot. Better yet, stream movies, music and even check out e-books from the comfort of your own home by using your library account. Download Hoopla and start looking for them. Sometimes the best way to go to the library is to not go to the library.

Matilda the Musical SPRING 2020

for more details, visit

www.cytspokane.org

OUT “THINGS” FROM 3 CHECK THE LIBRARY OF THINGS

Say it’s an emergency and you really, really, really, need a ukulele and fast. But you don’t want to fork over a $500 for a brand new ukulele you’re only going to use once. Check it out from the library. I’m serious. The library lets you check out a lot of weird stuff, beyond books, CDs and DVDs. A sewing machine. Snowshoes. A GPS. Toca Bongos. A laser tag set. A microscope. ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS “BEYOND BOOKS,” CONTINUED...

A 4 BECOME ROCK STAR

You ever want to learn how to play guitar, but lack the arm strength to tear off one of those little tabs from the telephone-pole fliers you see advertising private guitar lessons? Use the library. They offer free guitar, bass, and drum lessons, and even allow you to check out an instrument. Live your dream of being the dude who brings his guitar to the party!

A 5 GROW GARDEN

As the old proverb says, a zucchini crop of a 100 tons begins with a single seed. The library turned its old card catalog into drawers for free seeds. Every library card gets you six free packets of edible seeds and six free packets of decorative seeds. (Though any plant is edible if you believe in yourself.) Technically, you’re supposed to bring back seeds from plants marked “heirloom” at the end of the season, but the library is pretty chill about it if you don’t. They’re flowers, man. They’re part of nature. n

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C A M E R O N M AC K I N T O S H PRESENTS

B O U B L I L & S C H Ö N B E R G ’S

WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE! Inspired by the Academy-Award winning 1951 film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS features music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas.

OCTOBER 23-27

NOVEMBER 20-24

DECEMBER 7

JANUARY 14-15

JANUARY 16

SPEAKER SE RIES

WHEN WOMEN RULED THE WORLD

VA LLI & TH E ST OR Y OF FR AN KIEON S TH E FO UR SE AS

JANUARY 21-26

FEBRUARY 13

FROM SUMMIT TO SEA

RONAN DONOVAN

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PHOTOGRAPHER & FILMMAKER

MAY 21

ANDY MANN

APRIL 16

RONAN DONOVAN

PHOTOGRAPHER

KEITH LADZINSKI

SOCIAL BY NATURE

JANUARY 14 -15

FEBRUARY 26

SPEAKER SE RIES

NEAL HERBERT

EGYPTOLOGIST

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AUGUST 11-16

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

ALSO TRY ARTISANS AT THE DAHMEN BARN, Uniontown, Washington CHASE GALLERY, Spokane JUNDT ART MUSEUM, Gonzaga University MARMOT ART SPACE, Spokane POTTERY PLACE PLUS, Spokane PRICHARD ART GALLERY, University of Idaho, Moscow

rarely shows the same artist, type of art or media in a row. The space is contemporary, funky and industrial and the work is consistently unique.

NEW MOON ART GALLERY East Spokane This east central member-run gallery features a variety of media: textiles, watercolor paintings, wearable art, jewelry, woodworking and more. Look for themed exhibitions in addition to artworks permanently on display.

Kolva-Sullivan Gallery

ART FOR ALL

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

The Inland Northwest offers enough visual arts venues to satisfy art lovers of all kinds BY CHEY SCOTT The Inland Northwest has something for everyone interested in experiencing art, from boutique galleries that also sell things like wearable art and home décor, to places showcasing emerging artists, to venues where the work is most likely to be cutting edge contemporary. In addition, monthly artwalk events and artist studio tours offer even more opportunities to experience art, engage with artists, and interact with others who share your passion for all things art.

THE ART SPIRIT GALLERY Coeur d’Alene The Art Spirit Gallery is a vibrant for-profit gallery representing the works of more than 120 regular artists, most of them hailing from within a 100-mile radius of the gallery. Each month they feature at least three to four artists’ work, sometimes more for popular shows like their end-of-year “small works” exhibition.

ARTWORKS GALLERY Sandpoint No visit to Sandpoint is complete without a trip through ArtWorks Gallery, which has offered a wide

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range of artworks from their numerous member artists for nearly 25 years.

COEUR D’ALENE GALLERIES Coeur d’Alene Coeur d’Alene Galleries offers the works of more than 170 traditional and contemporary Western artists, including historical artists like photographer Edward Curtis and sculptor Frederic Remington. The next closest place to view this rich genre of work? Montana.

EMERGE Coeur d’Alene Emerge is multifaceted: educational, a voice for emerging visual and performing artists, and a community-minded focus. Must-see events include monthly exhibitions, its annual pop-up show, and a printmaking event whereby artists use a steamroller to create a print.

KOLVA-SULLIVAN GALLERY Downtown Spokane Every month is an adventure at Kolva-Sullivan, which

NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE Browne’s Addition It’s not a single gallery, but rather several spaces in which to experience visual art, Native American culture, regional history and exhibitions designed to educate and inspire. The MAC, as its known, has been vital to the region since 1916.

RICHMOND ART COLLECTIVE Downtown Spokane One of a handful of contemporary artspaces in the region, Richmond Art Collective is an ever-changing assortment of multidisciplinary artists whose quarterly curated exhibitions and other events are meant to be thought-provoking, and span a wide range of media including video and performance.

SARANAC ART PROJECTS Downtown Spokane Located inside the bustling Saranac building, this member cooperative gallery typically features monthly two-member exhibitions, plus select group shows and collaborations with guest curators and artists. Since 2007, they’ve consistently offered contemporary art, artists and media outside the mainstream.

SPOKANE ART SCHOOL North Spokane Spokane Art School has existed in various forms for more than 50 years, the last decade or so in the Garland District, where they offer classes and a thoughtful monthly display ranging from work by regional high school students to their current artist-in-residence. n

Dates SAVE THE Fall

44TH A N NUA L

October 4-6, 2019

Spring

45TH A N NUA L

April 24-26, 2020

Custerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Christmas

43RD A N NUA L

November 22-24, 2019

Spring

43RD A N NUA L

March 6-8, 2020 42ND A N NUA L

Feb 27-Mar 1, 2020 All events at:

CusterShows.com 509.924.0588

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

Who’ll be named artiest of them all?

DON’T MISS

THE SPOKANE ARTS AWARDS

Every year, the Spokane Arts Awards help put faces and names to some of the organizations that help make the city a more colorful place. The local nonprofit Spokane Arts is behind the annual celebration and doles out awards in four main categories — leadership, collaboration, imagination and inclusion — as well as notices in more specialized concentrations. Winners of 2018’s batch of awards included the annual literary event Get Lit!, City Council

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President Ben Stuckart and the downtown branch of the public library. 2019’s ceremony will be held at Lucky You Lounge, the new rock venue and restaurant in Browne’s Addition, where you can take in live music (artists to be announced) and interactive art exhibits. It’s a celebration of the scene, but it’s also a good excuse to mingle with and become better acquainted with some of Spokane’s best visual artists, poets and grants writers. n

ROGUE HEART MEDIA PHOTO

SEPT

28 2019

Lucky You Lounge 1801 W. Sunset spokanearts.org

ENCAUSTIC AND MIXED MEDIA ART www.christybranson.com

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

ARTS

TERRAIN

This is Terrain’s 12th namesake event, celebrating artists in the Spokane area. Terrain showcases Spokane’s creativity with a variety of media, from poetry, to ceramics to interactive art. In 2018, 263 artists were on display for the 9,500 visitors who showed up for the one night only event. HECTOR AIZON PHOTO

WHERE & WHEN: Oct. 4, 2019; Terrain, 304 W. Pacific Ave.

5 DATES TO SAVE

EMERGE INK! PRINT RALLY

It’s a parking lot party! Emerge will be hosting its third annual INK! Print Rally at its downtown Coeur d’Alene gallery. In the center of the parking lot, large-scale prints will be made all evening. This interactive event is for all community members of all ages, as there will be printmaking booths, local artisans and live music. And no need to fear, there will be beer — if you’re 21 and up.

PIVOT

In the Washington Cracker Building, a selected group of speakers will share their stories of coming full circle. Pivot is the lovechild of different community members banding together to create a live storytelling experience four times a year in Spokane.

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SEPT

2019

OCT

10 2019

ARTS MONTH

Spokane’s arts scene is so vibrant, the city dedicates an entire month to celebrate the creativity in this community. It all starts with a citywide fall arts tour complete with show openings and artists receptions on Oct. 5-7. Then it continues with workshops, panels and even a monthlong cocktail party.

GET LIT!

If you’re into reading, you’ll be into this. Get Lit! is hosted by Eastern Washington University, and is the region’s only annual weeklong literary festival. Celebrating not only the well-known authors, the festival also highlights the creative community here in Spokane. Join in on readings, writing workshops, poetry slams and even literary happy hours. Cheers to that.

BEGINS

OCT

2019

BEGINS

APRIL

16 2020

SPO K A NE M ARTIN W O LD S O N TH E ATE R S P O KANE M ART IN W O LDS O N T HE AT E R

S YM P H O N Y AT T H E F O X SYM PH O N Y AT TH E FO X

The TheSSO OU UN ND D ofof SSPPO OK KA N E Sound Spokane TheThe Sound of of Spokane 2019/2020 Season 2019/2020 Season Subscriptions & Single Subscriptions & Single Tickets Sale Now Tickets on on Sale Now Masterworks, Pops, Movies With Masterworks, Pops, Movies With Live Soundtrack, Symphonic Rock Live Soundtrack, Symphonic Rock Shows, & More! Shows, & More!

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"JOIN US FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL, COLD PINT, OR A CREATIVE COCKTAIL. CHEERS!"

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FOOD & DRINK Six new Inland Northwest dining spots to try right now.

Section layout and design: Tom Stover

PEOPLE

PAGE 84

Cookies designed by Amber Fentonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Electric Sugar Cookie

PLACES

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THINGS

Meet the local chefs and bakers who got their 15 minutes of fame on Food Network this year.

Where to sniff, swirl and sip wine in the Inland Northwest.

The hard seltzer craze hits the Inland Northwest.

PAGE 97

PAGE 94

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ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

FOOD & DRINK

A sampling of D’Bali Asian Bistro’s delectables YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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Six new Inland Northwest dining spots to try right now BY CHEY SCOTT AND SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL RÜT BAR AND KITCHEN Arguably one of the region’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the past year was the debut of Rüt (pronounced “root”) on Spokane’s lower South Hill. Offering a solely plant-based menu, Rüt is the culinary effort of chef-owners Justin Oliveri and Josh Lorenzen, both practicing vegans. It opened in spring 2019 in the space formerly home to Picabu Bistro, next to Rosauers. Oliveri also co-owns Cascadia Public House in the Five Mile area, which serves a good selection of vegan dishes, though none are replicated at Rüt. “We were going for a gastropub feel with the menu while still using solely plants and making it more approachable,” Oliveri says. “It’s not a place where you just go get salads. We still offer super tasty dishes that are appealing to not just plant-based [diners].” Rüt’s concise menu consists of less than 20 items, but offers a range of textures and flavors, including several dishes that convincingly mimic animal-based ingredient counterparts. The comfort food-inspired truffle mac has coconut “bacon bits,” Broccolini, bread crumbs and chili flakes. Two plant-based burgers feature two of the leading commercially available plant-based patties, the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger. The latter is the star of Rüt’s rich and savory jalapeno mushroom burger, topped with a spicy-sweet jalapeno relish, crispy onions, tempeh bacon, sauteed mushrooms and “cream cheese.” (CS)

6-Time Epicurean Delight Award Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Brunch Late Night Dining • Patio Dining Eclectic Menu • Open Daily Happy Hour 3-6pm and 9pm-Close Daily Half-off Bottled Wine Every Wed & Sun

Weekend Brunch Every Saturday and Sunday • Benedicts galore • Mimosa options • Harvey Wallbangers • Bloody Mary Bar 9am-2pm

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D’BALI ASIAN BISTRO Diners at D’Bali Asian Bistro in Airway Heights are warmly welcomed in a manner befitting friends and family of co-owner and chef Jeannie Choi, affectionately known as “Mama Jeannie.” The menu is a mix of Southeast Asian and Pacific Rim flavors and traditional dishes, all with Choi’s personal touch. Though she’s a native of South Korea, a previous career in corporate hospitality took Choi across Southeast Asia where she was introduced to a range of regional cuisines. These myriad influences — traditional

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Noteewwo&rthy N Eats The Lobster Roll at High Tide Lobster Bar ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

“NEW & NOTEWORTHY EATS,” CONTINUED... and contemporary Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Balinese, Thai, Korean and Indian cuisine — are recognizable throughout D’Bali’s menu in ingredients, flavors and preparation. There’s fried rice, stir fry, spring rolls, satay, soups, ssam-style lettuce wraps and more. Choi’s famous chicken wings recipe is also featured as an appetizer after friends and family begged her to put it on the menu; wings are tossed in a caramelized sauce and topped with garlic chips, cilantro and lime. Located just off of Sunset Highway’s main drag through Airway Heights, D’Bali has quickly become popular with West Plains locals and foodies across the region seeking authentic flavors and homestyle preparation. Just a few months after opening in late 2018, D’Bali was named the region’s best ethnic dining spot at the Spokane Culinary Arts Guild’s 2018 awards gala. (CS) HIGH TIDE LOBSTER BAR It didn’t take locals long to discover and fall in love with chef Chad White’s new downtown Spokane lobster bar, debuting in March 2019. News of the new spot quickly spread across Instagram, where people saw photos of toasted, buttered rolls stuffed with chunks of lobster claw and knuckle meat in a tarragon mayonnaise sauce. “The minute that door was open people were like, ‘Oh my god! Lobster rolls!’” White says. “I own restaurants in two different countries, in two differ-

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ent states, and I’ve never experienced a, let’s call it a ‘lob mob,’ you know what I mean?” White’s menu for High Tide is intentionally short and sweet. There’s the traditional lobster roll, served with 3.5 ounces of lobster meat, a surf-and-turf roll with beef short rib and lobster, a short rib roll and a mushroom roll. High Tide also serves clam chowder and wedge salads, with chips, drinks and ice cream also available. White knows that some see the price tag (a lobster roll is $16) and think it’s steep, but he’s really tried to keep it affordable. “Lobster’s not cheap. It’s one of the most expensive creatures in the ocean. So when people come here and they say ‘it’s expensive,’ well yeah, it is expensive, it’s a luxury item,” he says. The skywalk-level lobster bar has already proven so successful, White is next planning to open a second location in the newly restored Wonder Building on the north bank of the Spokane River. (SW) FRESH SOUL An authentic taste of the deep South has arrived to the Inland Northwest. Fresh Soul, opened in July 2018 in East Central Spokane, is serving up traditional Southern comfort food staples that are often hard to come by in this part of the country: fried chicken, ribs, catfish, fried green tomatoes, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, collard greens and more. Operating as a nonprofit through the commu-

nity-focused Spokane Eastside Reunion Association (SERA), Fresh Soul also runs a job-training program for youth ages 14 to 18 to gain skills and experience. Both the restaurant and training program are overseen by SERA founder and director Michael Brown. Most of Fresh Soul’s menu, meanwhile, comes from the traditions and kitchen of his wife, Lorrie Brown. “It’s all passed down, all things we ate and things we enjoy — the spice, the intermingling of everything... all those good flavors that come together in one pot,” Lorrie says, referring to her already locally famous seafood gumbo. There’s also jambalaya, which rotates weekly with the seafood gumbo due to each dishes’ time-intensive preparation. If it’s not cooked in a pot at Fresh Soul, it’s probably fried or barbecued. Ribs are offered in varying quantities, from a single to a full rack. Meal combos let guests sample a variety of sides and proteins, including Southern-fried chicken legs, thighs, wings and breasts. There’s also pulled pork, catfish and fried green tomato sandwiches, and all the classic sides to pair with: baked beans, collard greens, red beans and rice, potato salad, cornbread and corn on the cob. Don’t forget dessert; Lorrie makes a to-die-for peach cobbler, and pecan brownie supreme. (CS) HERITAGE BAR & KITCHEN Heritage Bar & Kitchen is steadfastly loyal to two overarching themes: family and the city it calls home.

REASONS WHY Locally-owned businesses are good for our economy They create more local jobs

Heritage Bar & Kitchen’s Hash Brown Burger ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

The downtown Spokane’s restaurant’s logo prominently features the nearby Monroe Street Bridge. That landmark’s iconic arched motif is also featured in a custom, decorative frame around the bar, which serves only beer brewed in Spokane County and Washington-made wines, and has a large focus on spirits from Spokane’s Dry Fly Distilling. On the restaurant’s concise pub food menu, tributes to the region and family of owners Gabe Wood and Alex King continue. The “Fancy Nancy” is a childhood favorite that was often prepared by King’s mother, consisting of two handheld meat pies; essentially soft pockets of pastry dough stuffed with a mix of seasoned ground beef,

onions, tomatoes and cheese, and served with a side of salad, curly or sweet potato fries. To that end, Heritage also put its own spin on a few classics, including the hash brown burger, a smashed beef patty served between two ultra crispy (yet not too greasy) hash brown “buns.” For dessert, there’s deep fried peanut butter and jelly, a concessions-inspired creation dusted with powdered sugar and served perfectly crispy on the outside, encasing a delightfully gooey filling. Continuing Heritage’s nod to all things Spokane, the bar’s signature cocktail list features mixed drinks named after longtime local television news anchors. (CS) n

They add character to our community They use fresh, quality ingredients Local tastes delicious

SUPPORTERS OF THE 2019 DRINK LOCAL CAMPAIGN

MORE NEW-ISH PLACES TO DINE, OPENED IN 2018-19: The Crown & Thistle, 107 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene North Hill on Garland, 706 W. Garland Ave., North Spokane Ladder Coffee & Toast, 1516 W. Riverside Ave., downtown Spokane Austin’s Live Fire Barbecue, 421 W. Main Ave., downtown Spokane TT’s Old Iron Brewery & Barbecue, 4110 S. Bowdish Rd., Spokane Valley Mango Tree Indian Kitchen + Taphouse, 401 W. Main Ave., downtown Spokane

Dry Fly, No-Li, Townshend and the Inlander are working together to spread the word that drinking local has a very positive and lasting effect on our community.

ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

FOOD & DRINK

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FOOD & DRINK

(Left to right) Spokane Culinary Arts Guild tastemaker Ashley Buckner, tastemaker Kacey Rosauer, co-owner Rob Peterson, co-owner Erin Peterson and tastemaker Colby Rosauer. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

How to get the latest scoop on the region’s thriving culinary scene BY CHEY SCOTT

eeping up with the constant happenings, from openings to closings, chef dinners and happy hour specials in the Inland Northwest’s flourishing food and drink community can be tough, simply because there’s so much going on! The good news is that it’s easy to stay in the know, as long as you know where to look. Here’s our insider’s guide on how.

BE SOCIAL

As the Inlander’s food editor, one of my go-to methods to keep up on the latest news and events is following as many local restaurants, bars, food trucks, chefs, artisan producers and other local food-related resources as I can on Facebook, Instagram and, for places that have an account, Twitter. Social media is where you’ll regularly find the latest updates on events like special, one-off chef dinners, trivia nights, menu specials and events, as well as announcements on anticipated openings and seasonal menu changes. On Facebook, also consider joining the SPOKANE FOODIES group, a place for regional (not just Spokane-based) food lovers and industry supporters to share tips, news and ask for dining recommendations from experienced local eaters and even local chefs themselves.

LOG ON

A few local blogs can be helpful resources for the latest news on forthcoming openings, restaurant reviews and experienced locals’ recommendations for the best places to eat. We like the SPOKANE CULINARY ARTS GUILD’S blog (spokaneculinaryartsguild.com), run by a group of local foodies whose mission is promoting local dining and fostering an appreciation for the service industry. Its member tastemakers regularly post personalized lists of their favorite restaurants in the area. Another regularly updated food blog in the area is SPOKANE EATS (spokaneeats.net). Look to GATHER & SAVOR’S blog and social media accounts for coupons, gorgeous photos, and

food events. The local business-focused INLAND NORTHWEST BUSINESS WATCH (inlandnwbusiness.com) often is the first to share about new restaurants planning to open. Another resource to get limited — but still interesting and very insider-y — info on what’s forthcoming in terms of new food and drink establishments is the WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR AND CANNABIS BOARD’S new licenses search feature, which posts updates on who’s applying to serve beer, wine and liquor. Some of the listings are renewals and changes in license, but there’s also always plenty of newcomers just getting started who pop up in the database, at lcb.wa.gov. Finally, locals who want to be the first to know about new, exclusive dining opportunities through the newish SECRET BURGER off-menu series should check out secretburger.com. Not all events feature burgers, but rather offer local chefs a chance to experiment with creative menu items that aren’t otherwise available. The affordable series averages around $20 per event and new “secret” events are added frequently.

E-READS

Several area restaurants and restaurant groups send out regular newsletters about their upcoming events, seasonal menu changes and other happenings. Chef Adam Hegsted’s EAT GOOD GROUP’S newsletter, roughly biweekly, is always packed with info on his regional restaurants’ latest specials, events and other news. For healthy and fresh locally tested recipes to cook at home, we also recommend signing up for FEASTING AT HOME’S newsletter, which regularly rounds up the latest seasonal recipes from Spokane-based chef, caterer and occasional Inlander contributor Sylvia Fountaine. While you’re at it, also make sure to head to Inlander.com/newsletters and sign up for ENTREE, our weekly food news recap. And make sure to check in often at Inlander.com/food. Cheers! n ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

FOOD & DRINK

Some of Flour and Frosting’s creations YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

FUN WITH FROSTING

Meet four talented bakers who turn sugar cookies into colorful works of custom art BY CHEY SCOTT

op on Instagram and search for the tag “#cookier.” Prepare to be blown away by the artistic skill achieved using a few simple ingredients, mainly sugar. The cookier community, as its been dubbed by its members — practiced bakers and pastry decorators who use royal icing (water, meringue powder and confectioner’s sugar) to turn sugar cookie cutouts into everything from movie characters to unicorns — has taken off globally, and here in the Inland Northwest. The following four women are right up there with the best, delighting customers of all ages with their colorful, creative and intricately detailed frosted designs.

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FLOUR & FROSTING, @FLOURANDFROSTINGSPOKANE A year and a half ago, Amber Stout found herself mesmerized by Instagram videos from fellow cookiers sharing their decorating process. She tried out what she’d gleaned for her own Christmas cookies that year, and “immediately fell in love with it.” The former preschool teacher got business and cottage kitchen licenses for Flour and Frosting just a month later, in January 2018. “It’s been cookies ever since,” Stout says, smiling. That includes for her appearance, filmed just six months after launching the cookie business, for the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge show. In the episode, she competed alongside Spokane chef (and show winner) Ricky Webster. After a scroll through Stout’s Instagram feed, it may seem like decorating sugar cookies with detailed designs of Disney characters, local university and business logos and other pop culture symbols is something she’s been doing for much longer than 18 months. “I’m not a baker, and I don’t consider myself an artist — I can’t draw worth anything,” Stout confesses. “But piping bags are way easier to work with.” While her calendar is often fully booked for custom orders, at $36 per dozen and that require a two-week minimum notice, Stout recently started selling predecorated cookies on select dates at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. Local

FOOD & DRINK

Three Birdies Bakery

aspiring cookiers can also learn the tricks of the trade directly from Stout at occasional local classes; follow Flour and Frosting on Instagram for notice of the next session. Besides a classic soft-baked sugar cookie, Flour and Frosting offers flavors like shortbread, lemon, chocolate and cinnamon. Stout adds a hint of flavor to her royal icing, too, either vanilla or almond extract. “I like to use one consistency of icing for most of my designs, because on those you can’t see an outline,” Stout explains. “A lot of cookiers, they use two — they outline and flood, and you can see the lines.” In cookier-speak, flooding is the process to ice large areas of a cookie using a piping bag, after first outlining the shape to be filled. The royal icing inside these borders then spreads out, or floods, and dries in a smooth, consistent layer. Like her cookier counterparts, Stout loves bringing joy to customers through her colorful and cute designs. Unlike so many passing trends in food, she believes cookie art is here to stay. “Cookies are easily transported, they package

The Classy Cookie

well and are accessible,” she notes. “You can personalize them and customize them to whatever you want really easily. I feel like everyone also feels like they can decorate a cookie. That’s how I got started, and I knew I could do it or at least try it.” Favorite cookiers on Instagram: @thesweetdesignshoppe, @borderlandsbakery, @charlieandthecookiefactory Cookie cutters owned: 1,000+ THREE BIRDIES BAKERY, @THREEBIRDIESBAKERY After she gets home from her full-time job at Community Colleges of Spokane, Jamie Roberts has dinner with her family, sees her kids to bed and begins baking and decorating, often until the wee hours of the morning. Someday soon, though, Roberts hopes to see her Three Birdies Bakery, named after her three girls, become a full-time venture. “The whole thing started by accident, really,” she explains. “I traditionally make cookies with my kids for Halloween and Christmas, and a few years ago I posted [Christmas cookies] on Facebook and a friend said ‘I would totally buy these from you.’”

A few months later for Valentine’s Day, Roberts sold more than 400 cookies just via word of mouth. Soon after that, in early 2018, she launched the bakery, and hasn’t slowed down since. All of the sugar cookies — in carefully tested flavors like funfetti, lemon, strawberry lemonade and classic sugar cookie — are frosted by hand without the use of stencils or other tools favored by the cookier community for making complex designs. “I take a ton of pride in that. It shows how much love and time I put into each cookie, because I don’t take shortcuts to get to the finished products,” Roberts says, adding that she’s never formally studied art, but credits her artistic talent to her mom. Besides a steady hand and a piping bag, Roberts also uses paint brushes and food dyes to “paint” scenes onto a canvas of white royal icing. “I use a lot of techniques based on the design, and I’m always thinking ‘Can I make this into a cookie?’” Three Birdies Bakery’s customers can place orders through the bakery’s social media pages. Starting in 2019, Roberts also began selling predecANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

FOOD & DRINK “FUN WITH FROSTING,” CONTINUED... orated cookies for $4 each at the Kendall Yards Night Market. For custom orders, cookies are $40 per dozen, and, because she works full time, orders must be placed at least two weeks in advance. Since launching Three Birdies Bakery, Roberts has decorated large batches of custom cookies for many local businesses and events, including the Coeur d’Alene Food & Wine Festival and Gleason Fest. “It’s more rewarding than I can put into words,” she reflects. “Doing something creative and delicious and that’s putting joy into our world is all I want to do. To get to a point where I can do that full time is the ultimate dream.” Favorite cookiers on Instagram: @burntcookiesbymurrah, @thehaleycakes, @swordssugars Cookie cutters owned: around 500

Electric Sugar Cookie

ice cream

& burgers

THE CLASSY COOKIE, @THE.CLASSY.COOKIE A gifted family lifestyle magazine subscription unexpectedly propelled Marianne Thompson into the colorful world of elaborately decorated cookies. “There was this issue and the cookies and icing just looked so perfect, and I just wanted to know how that happened,” recalls Thompson, a Spokane Valley-based cookie artist and mom of five. Now, several years later, Thompson’s flawlessly smooth frosting and amazing attention to detail would not be out of place in the same publication that inspired her to turn her then newfound pastry-decorating talent into a business, the Classy Cookie. On Instagram, artful displays of her cookies include colorful, themed sets to celebrate children’s birthdays, holidays, graduations, the seasons, weddings and more. By icing the cookies in separate steps, letting each color or

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Taste the quality! At Roger’s we’re committed to serving you Quality! OUR BURGERS • 100% vegetarian fed beef, raised sustainably and naturally with no growth hormones or antibiotics ever. We season and sear it to a rich brown and serve with fresh cut lettuce, tomato and onions on a butter grilled bun with house made burger sauce.

OUR SHAKES & MALTS • made with premium hand scooped ice cream & whole milk blended to order. HEALTHIER OPTIONS • Garden burger, turkey burger and a lettuce wrap can be substituted on any burger.

403 N Spokane St. Post Falls, ID • 208-773-6532 8833 Hess St. Hayden, ID • 208-777-6205

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1224 E. Sherman Ave. CdA, ID • 208-930-4900 155 W. Neider Ave. CdA, ID • 208-664-0696

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FOOD & DRINK layer of frosting set or dry before starting the next, Thompson’s cookies have a pillowy, three-dimensional effect, amplified by shadows and light. While this technique is common amongst many cookie artists she admires, Thompson strives to be unique. “I am a fan of so many others’ cookie art, but almost none of them look exactly alike,” she notes. “We all have our own penmanship, so I can’t really describe what makes mine different, but I know when I see it in my own work, and that’s when I’m satisfied by it.” Washington State has a cottage kitchen law that allows certain homemade food goods to be sold commercially after a rigorous health inspection of the maker’s home. Customers can order from the Classy Cookie by contacting Thompson on Instagram or via her email listed there. Custom orders are $40 per dozen, and usually start at a minimum of two dozen cookies. During holidays like Christmas, Thompson often sells premade cookie sets for a little less. Besides the creative satisfaction she finds in her art, Thompson loves the personal connections she makes with each customer. “This might sound oversimplified about sugar, but cookies make people really happy, and effort makes people happy,” she says. “I consider everyone who’s ordered from me a friend now. There is a

connection in sharing your art.” Favorite cookiers on Instagram: @hol_fox, @sweetsugarbelle, @downtowndoughto Cookie cutters owned: 500+ ELECTRIC SUGAR COOKIE, @ELECTRICSUGARCOOKIE Using a backdrop of white royal icing to showcase her signature neon “watercolors” made from food dye, Amber Fenton’s vivid palette translates to electric green cacti streaked with edible gold glitter. Half-moon shapes with scalloped inner edges become slices of hot pink watermelon with toothy bite marks. Chartreuse mermaid tails shimmer with golden scales, and five-pointed stars sport a patriotic ombré of red, white and blue. The Coeur d’Alene-based cookier behind Electric Sugar Cookie has been making and selling her colorful, custom creations since December 2017, but started dabbling in cookie decorating as a hobby several years before. Now, Fenton bakes and decorates custom cookie orders several times a week from her home kitchen — Idaho also has a cottage food law allowing for certain food products to be made and sold from a person’s home — both for local and faraway customers (nonlocal orders can be made through her business’s Etsy shop).

“The draw is definitely the artistic side of it,” Fenton says, adding that cookies have been a favorite treat to bake since childhood. “It’s just eye candy. People are like ‘Oh my gosh, I can do that from home,’ and so there’s that accessibility, too,” she continues. Most customers buy one or two dozen cookies at a time, which Fenton sells for $3 each, regardless of order size. In addition to food dyes, the cookie artist sometimes uses a die cutter to make little shapes out of gumpaste paper that she can color and place on cookies as accents. Icing pens also allow her to create more intricate hand-drawn designs that would be difficult to achieve with a paintbrush. Stencils and a mini light projector are other tools in Fenton’s cookier box, both of which she turns to when applying repeat patterns, custom logos or hand lettering. “A lot of my ideas come from my paper crafting background and trends, and then adding my spin to it,” she explains. “My goal is for someone to see what I make and say ‘Oh, that’s Amber’s.’ I feel like that is important. I don’t want to be a cookie cutter image. I want there to be a difference.” Favorite cookiers on Instagram: @thepaintedbox, @sugardayne Cookie cutters owned: 350 n

EXPANDING THE LINE NEW CANNED COCKTAILS Found at local spirit retailers and at our Tasting Room.

NEW BEER FINISHED WHISKEYS

LOCALLY OWNED | LOCALLY MADE | LOCAL INGREDIENTS

[drink responsibly]

Limited release program using NW breweries.

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FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE FOR WINE

and blends. 3890 N. Schreiber Way, CdA. Sun-Thu noon-5 pm; Fri-Sat 12-7 pm (if you have a group of 6 or more, please call at least 24 hours ahead). COLTER’S CREEK If you’re looking for somewhere to taste in Moscow, stop by this recently opened, light-filled tasting room. These award-winning wines are made from Lewis-Clark Valley grapes into everything from Viognier to a Bordeaux blend. (Also now in Juliaetta, Idaho). 215 S. Main St., Moscow; 308 Main St., Juliaetta, Idaho. Moscow: Tue-Thu noon-7 pm; Fri-Sat noon-8 pm; Juliaetta: Thu 4-5 pm, Fri-Sun noon-5 pm. COUGAR CREST ESTATE WINERY This Walla Walla winery has a tasting outpost in downtown Spokane. Come sample a wide array of varietals including albarino, malbec and a port-style wine, along with the usual Washington wine suspects. 8 N. Post St., Suite 6, Spokane. Sun-Thu noon-6 pm; Fri-Sat noon-8 pm.

Inside Maryhill Winery’s Kendall Yards’ tasting room.

Where to sniff, swirl and sip in the Inland Northwest BY INLANDER STAFF

ashington’s wine scene is growing every year, and you might be surprised to know that it’s the second largest wine producer in the U.S. with 970+ wineries and 350+ grape growers. Local tasting rooms put many of them right at our fingertips. If you’re new to tasting rooms, don’t worry. The staff is always excited to geek out with you about what you’re drinking. No question is too basic — this should be fun. Remember that you don’t have to drink the entire pour — there’s a dump bucket for that, and maybe even slip a snack into your bag (plain oyster crackers are great for this as they won’t mess with your palate). Speaking of palate: try to avoid strong flavors and scents just before tasting. Toothpaste, chapstick, perfume or a garlicky plate of pasta can all make it hard to appreciate the nuances of whatever you’re sipping. You’ll also want to keep in mind that wine is driven by the seasons. Sometimes hours will change to accommodate longer or shorter production days. It never hurts to check in, especially when visiting a tasting room located at the winery. ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS Located on the grounds of a beautifully restored estate, Arbor Crest is the perfect backdrop for wine tasting (and a picnic). Choose from a variety of tasting options (the wine list is too extensive to try them all). 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane. Open daily all year, check for specific hours.

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BARILI CELLARS This winery sources grapes from several wine regions in Washington, showing off the character of the state. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot — the gang’s all here. Hours for this tasting room are limited, so get in when you can. 608 W. Second Ave., Spokane. First Fridays 4-9 pm; Second Saturdays noon-5 pm and by appointment. BARRISTER WINERY You can taste Barrister’s wine (including a cabernet Franc and a petit verdot) at the historic winery building, surrounded by barrels, or at the window-walled tasting room right by Auntie’s. Winery: 1213 W. Railroad Ave., Spokane; downtown tasting room: 203 N. Washington St. Winery tasting: daily noon-5 pm; downtown tasting room: Tue-Sat noon-9 pm; Sun-Mon noon-6 pm. BRIDGE PRESS CELLARS Come taste small batch reds, made from Walla Walla and Oregon grapes. Depending on the day, you might get some live music along with your tasting; they have a robust summer music series. 39 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane. Thu 2:30-9 pm; Fri noon-11 pm; Sat 2:30-10 pm. CASTAWAY CELLARS Now you can stop in for a wine tasting right inside the Coeur d’Alene Resort Plaza Shops. Scott and Shelly Crawford of Post Falls have imported their wines to Sherman Avenue, with comfy leather bar stools, a flyfishing theme and a wide variety of wines, made from Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills vineyards. 210 Sherman Ave., CdA. Mon-Thu 11 am-6 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-9 pm. COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS While you can do a classic tasting, this winery also offers paint nights and live music to mix things up. This small production winery is serious about their craft, offering a range of interesting reds and whites, both single varietal,

CRAFTSMAN CELLARS This tasting room is in the heart of Kendall Yards, perfect for a Night Market break. You’ll sample their range of Columbia Valley wines made in a traditional way (by hand instead of using electric pumps) and aged in French Oak barrels. 1194 W. Summit Pkwy., Spokane. Tue and Thu 4-8 pm; Wed 4-9 pm; Fri-Sat 2-9 pm; Sun 1-5 pm. HELIX WINES With eight different single varietals and four blends, you won’t be bored visiting this Walla Walla-based winery tasting room in downtown Spokane. Made with fruit from the Columbia Valley, try some classic varietals like Merlot and Syrah, as well as some new favorites like Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. 824 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane. Sat-Thu 1-8 pm; Sun-Wed 1-6 pm. LATAH CREEK One of the area’s wine staples (they are among Washington’s wine pioneers, dating back to the early ’80s), you can visit Latah Creek daily. You might know them for their Riesling and Muscat Canelli-based Huckleberry d’Latah, but don’t forget that they have a full range of reds and dry whites, including a few with reserve status. 13030 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Daily 9 am-5 pm. LIBERTY LAKE WINE CELLARS In the heart of Liberty Lake, come taste bold red wines from Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, made right on site. Once located right on the lake, this tasting room offers more space, which they’ve used to branch out a little (you’ll find some whites and more red wine variety now), as well as to host events (check out their book club). 23110 E. Knox Ave., Liberty Lake. Wed-Fri 1-4 pm; Sat-Sun noon-5 pm. MARYHILL WINERY Although the winery is located in Goldendale, Washington, in the southern tip of the Columbia Valley, Maryhill’s Spokane tasting room with a view is in Kendall Yards. Sit on the spacious patio while you sip one of the large catalog of approachable wines, hailing from eight of Wash-

ington’s 14 wine growing regions. 1303 W. Summit Pkwy., Suite 100, Spokane. Mon-Tue noon-8 pm, Wed noon-9 pm; Thu noon-8 pm; Fri-Sat noon-9 pm; Sun noon-7 pm. OVERBLUFF CELLARS Find Overbluff in the Washington Cracker Building, home to a variety of events. Come taste limited production wines made in Spokane with grapes from the Walla Walla Valley. They are known for full-bodied whites, big reds and interesting blends. 304 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane. Fri-Sat noon-6 pm or by appointment. PEND D’OREILLE WINERY With more than two decades in Sandpoint, this winery continues to pour fresh flavors. Their lineup includes whites, rosé, blends, ports and reds, all inside their cozy turn-of-the-century building. 301 Cedar St.. 11 am-8 pm daily REGAL ROAD WINERY Though only open by appointment, you won’t want to miss this unique set up. Regal Road grows all of their grapes in their estate vineyard, Red Hawk Ranch, located on the Moran Prairie. You’ll find very small production pinot noir and pinot gris, made and bottled on site. One of a few examples of Spokane-grown wine. 8224 S. Regal Rd., Spokane. Tastings by appointment only. RENEGADE BY MONTE SCARLATTO Another Red Mountain mainstay to come to Spokane is Monte Scarlatto Estate Winery, and they’ve got a little attitude about their wines, even naming their downtown branch “Renegade.” A percentage of their Dawn’s Bikini sales go to breast cancer research, and their Miscelare red blend is another favorite. 822 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane. Wed 2-8 pm, Thu 2-9 pm, Fri 2-10 pm, Sat noon-10 pm, Sun noon-6 pm. ROBERT KARL CELLARS You can find Robert Karl wines in an industrial space made eclectic with rotating local art. Though you probably know their popular claret red blend, there are lots of other things to try at this boutique winery, including a refreshing sauvignon blanc, malbec and cabernet sauvignon. 115 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane. Thu-Fri 2-5 pm; Sat noon-4 pm or by appointment.

TEMPUS CELLARS Winemaker Joe Forest decided to become a winemaker after a Bob Dylan show in Sicily, so… that’s pretty cool. He relies on some classic vineyards to create his flavors, from Oregon to Yakima to the Columbia Valley. The tasting room is right next to Cougar Crest. 8 N. Post St., Suite 8, Spokane, Thursdays through Mondays, noon-7 pm.

TERRA BLANCA WINERY Located in the Chronicle Building, near the Fox, the Bing and the Knit, Keith and ReNae Pilgrim have staked an outpost of their Red Mountain winery in downtown Spokane. They’ve been at it since 1992, and their Signature Series wines show what that Red Mountain soil is all about. 926 W. Sprague Ave., Mon-Thu noon-6 pm, Fri noon-8 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. TOWNSHEND CELLARS Taste your T3, merlot and malbec surrounded by the natural beauty of Greenbluff. This winery is known for Old World styles with a Washington twist. 8022 E. Greenbluff Rd., Colbert. Fri-Sun noon-5 pm. V DU V WINES Using Columbia Valley grapes, the Morrow and Phillips families teamed up to create this boutique that specializes in reds, like Syrah, cab and pinot. The tasting room is in a former tire shop near the new University bridge. 12 S. Scott St., Spokane. Fridays 3-6 pm, Saturdays 1-5 pm. VA PIANO Inside the Historic Davenport Hotel, now you can taste this Walla Walla wine without leaving Spokane. You’ll find a wide-variety of Washington state favorites, both red and white (don’t forget the rosé!). 10 S. Post St., Spokane. Thu-Sat 1-7 pm; Sun 12 am-5 pm. WINESCAPE WINERY Perched on a hillside with expansive views of Glenrose Prairie, it’s hard to believe the bucolic setting is just a five-minute drive from Lincoln Heights. Founded by Patricia and Philip Butterfield, both WSU medical school professors, the winery resides in a 4,000-square-foot tasting room designed by renowned Seattle-based architect and Spokane native Tom Kundig. 6011 E. 32nd, Spokane. Open Fridays 3-7 pm, Sat-Sun 1-6 pm. n

pick a beer, any beer. With 52 rotating beer, cider and wine taps, a menu full of shareables and bar-top gaming, there’s something for everyone.

northernquest.com | 877.871.6772 | spokane, wa ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

INSIDER INSIGHT

MORE THAN

STEAKS AND CHOPS

TONY BROWN

ony Brown grew up in Spokane’s restaurant industry — Twigs, Luna, Mizuna — before opening Stella’s, followed by RUINS, a popular and eclectic eatery with a completely new menu every week, from Morroccan to Mexican and vegetarian to Brown’s take on fast food. Poised to open two new places — Eyvind and Hunt — Brown offers his thoughts on the industry.

RESTAURANTS ARE A BUSINESS “It’s a gamble to open a restaurant,” says Brown, so decisions need to balance sustainability, nutrition, flavor, price point, etc. Consumers can help by being aware of that, he says. That means, for example, being thoughtful about substitutions that revamp dishes entirely, which can throw off food costs, supplies and kitchen workflow. Another consideration: “Local is not always better,” says Brown. If he can get as good a product as what’s grown locally at a price that’s sustainable, he’ll do so. “Don’t ask, ‘What’s good?’” Instead, says Brown, if you find a restaurant you like or maybe you’ve never even been there… trust your chef. And if it’s bad, let them know it so they can fix it.

SPOKANE’S RESTAURANT FUTURE

For reservations call (509) 744-2372 Open Daily at 11:30AM Happy Hour in the lounge from 4:00PM to 6:00PM

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Media coverage, including social media, is important for restaurants, yet there’s room for change, says Brown, who sees a need for a bona fide restaurant critic. “I just think it would be good for shaping the culinary map.” Knowing that a lot of places don’t get coverage, says Brown, it’s also important for restaurants to be savvy about promoting themselves. Staffing continues to be a challenge, says Brown, who sees talented chefs hone their skills and go elsewhere. It’s not just chefs, he says. “[The restaurant industry’s] still seen as a last resort, not a profession,” he says. “It should be treated as a profession.” He hopes an increase in restaurants will help expand the workforce and sees one area that’s still relatively untapped: the cuisine of Spokane’s immigrant population. “I see it as pioneer country.” — CARRIE SCOZZARO

BREWHOUSE TOGETHER, WE INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES ODDYSEY YOUTH MOVEMENT ST.MARGARETS • IGNITE • HOOPFEST

SPOKANE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE US MILITARY

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FOOD & DRINK

Park Lodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steamed Manila Clams YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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FANCY FEAST

When it’s time to celebrate or splurge, add these restaurants to your list BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

hether you’re marking your anniversary, trying to impress your foodie friends visiting from Portland or just wanting to simply enjoy a darn good meal, picking the right restaurant is important. We think we can help. Here’s our list of restaurants for your consideration, from Spokane to the Palouse and throughout North Idaho.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS Father’s Day, date night, visiting family — all good reasons to go to MASSELOW’S STEAKHOUSE (inside Northern Quest Resort and Casino, Airway Heights) for top-notch steaks, chops, fresh seafood and more, including top-shelf spirits and a wine list that numbers well over 300 bottles.

HAPPY HOUR: 3-5PM FRI & SAT  4-6PM SUN -THU DOWNTOWN SPOKANE  110 S MONROE ST (509) 309-3698  WWW.GILDEDUNICORN.COM 

#EATNW

BROWNE’S ADDITION They’re frequently a “Best Italian” winner in the Inlander’s annual Best Of readers poll, but if you’re thinking chianti and checkered tablecloths at ITALIA TRATTORIA (144 S. Cannon St.), think again. This is James Beard semi-finalist chef Anna Vogel’s take on brunch — frittatas, croque madame, Challah bread French toast — lunch and dinner, like goat cheese stuffed ravioli. Vogel and partner Bethe Bowman have created a welcoming space where food, friends and family are celebrated in equal measure.

DOWNTOWN What says celebration better than a steakhouse? CHURCHILL’S STEAKHOUSE (165 S. Post St.) is a classic dining destination with an expansive wine list and exceptional service every time. You might have been there as a child and now you bring your children there. It’s CLINKERDAGGER (621 Mallon Ave.), an iconic Spokane restaurant with more than 40 years serving lunch and dinner with a view on the nearby falls. Located in a former Craftsman home near Gonzaga, CLOVER (913 E. Sharp Ave.) offers an understated dining experience with from-scratch foods that highlight the best of the season, from shareable small plates to entrees like beef Wellington and halibut with port reduction. Valued for their vegan-forward menu since 1996, MIZUNA (214 N. Howard St.) is a lovely place to slip in for lunch or dinner, or even appetizers and a glass of wine at their cozy glass bar.

ONLY OUR VEGGIES ARE PLANT-BASED. Come take your pick from an impressive menu of 100% USDA Prime steaks and an excellent, fresh seafood selection. Then pair it all with one of 325 expertly curated regional and international wines. Meat-based menu and reservations at masselows.com

Housed in the same building as the historic Montvale Hotel, SCRATCH (1007 W. First Ave.) has a hip urban feel and a long history of serving a focused menu of upscale comfort foods, including next door in their Rain Lounge. Everything about the Davenport suite of hotels says celebrate, but TABLE 13 inside the Davenport Grand (333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.) also says style,

NORTHERNQUEST.COM 877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

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FOOD & DRINK 1898 Public House’s Ahi Poke Tuna YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

“FANCY FEAST,” CONTINUED... elegance, class. It’s modern and sleek and the place to go after a show, for cocktails at the whiskey bar, or for dinner when you are ready to splurge for an excellent meal in a setting that is truly grand. Movie stars and heads of state have stayed in the Historic Davenport, where the PALM COURT GRILL (10 S. Post St.) has been serving since the early 1900s. Experience Spokane’s Golden Age for an oh-so-special breakfast, lunch or dinner, including their famous crab Louis salad. The motto at WILD SAGE (916 W. Second Ave.) is comfortable fine dining, which includes knowing this innovative restaurant has been a leader in offering gourmet gluten-free food for years, as well as highlighting the abundance of regional foods with dishes like Idaho Snake River trout.

KENDALL YARDS

to a new geographic location — Japan, Morocco, Mexico — with a new menu every week, plus craft cocktails that consistently snag top marks.

NORTH SPOKANE Whether it’s breakfast with house-made granola, a grilled chicken cobb salad, or rich ossobucco for dinner, DOWNRIVER GRILL (3315 W. Northwest Blvd.) feels like a neighborhood restaurant that just happens to serve beautiful fresh, local, seasonal food. From the butcher bar, from the sea, from the garden — 1898 PUBLIC HOUSE at the Kalispel Country Club (2010 W. Waikiki Rd.) caters to many tastes for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the historic clubhouse with stunning views year-round.

SOUTH SPOKANE

The interior at PARK LODGE (411 N. Nettleton St.) is pared down, yet the food is lavish, a reflection of chef Philip Stanton’s many influences. Classic French preparation and Northwestern seasonal freshness come together in dishes like the Muscovy duck breast with sweet corn, cippolini onions and local huckleberries.

LUNA (5620 S. Perry St.) is one of the prettiest, most Instagrammable restaurants in the region, but it’s not just pretty. They are quite serious about their commitment to locally sourced food for lunch, dinner and even brunch, which is an absolute delight served on their quaint patio.

Chef/owner Adam Hegsted has a history of innovation and excellence in the regional restaurant scene, including WANDERING TABLE (1242 W. Summit Pkwy.), which was modeled after his pop-up dining experiences that wowed audiences for years. Expect fine dining with a fun, fresh flair and lots of shareable plates, plus a thoughtfully appointed wine, beer and craft cocktail list, perfect for intimate get-togethers or large, festive gatherings.

Just before you hit the Long Bridge as it curves across Lake Pend Oreille into Sandpoint is a majestic older lodge now home to FORTY-ONE SOUTH (41 Lakeshore Dr., Sagle). They serve upscale American cuisine in arguably one of the most stunning locations on the lake, whether it’s outdoor dining in warm weather or a spot by the fireplace when it’s cool.

Expect the unexpected at RUINS (825 N. Monroe St.), where chef/owner Tony Brown takes diners

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NORTH IDAHO

The elevator whisks you to the seventh floor where you are treated like royalty from the moment

you step foot into BEVERLY’S at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Hotel (115 S. Second St.). Commanding views of the lake below, world-class food and an unparalleled wine list that their in-house sommelier would be happy to discuss are just a few reasons people have been making Beverly’s their special occasion destination for decades. The name only hints at what you can expect at CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA & SPIRITS inside the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel (37914 S. Nukwalqw Rd., Worley), which has been a favorite for excellent steak, tribal-caught salmon and more, like chops, ribs and lobster. It’s no wonder that FLEUR DE SEL (4365 Inverness Dr., Post Falls) chef/owner Laurent Zirotti caught the attention of the prestigious James Beard Foundation. The restaurant he runs with wife Patricia in the former clubhouse of the Highlands Golf Course offers impeccably prepared food reflecting Zirotti’s French and Italian upbringing, served with equal parts joie de vivre and elegance.

THE PALOUSE The Palouse region is bursting with goodness, much of which is reflected in the seasonal New American menu at LODGEPOLE (106 N. Main St., Moscow). Ask about their five-course tasting menu, treat yourself to a delicious lunch on their patio, or try one of their extravagant, from-scratch desserts. BLACK CYPRESS (215 E. Main Ct., Pullman) combines and Old World vibe with a modern spin on Mediterranean cuisine like pork saganaki and pastitsio, a Greek penne pasta with béchamel sauce. Perfect place to go after rooting for the Cougs, or when your plans include a trip through the magnificence that is the Palouse. n

OPEN DAILY 3PM - CLOSE

Steam Plant Kitchen + Brewery From the Steam Plant’s Iconic stacks set against the Spokane skyline, to the artfully exposed inner-workings of this former industrial steam plant, history is the backdrop for our Kitchen + Brewery.

159 S Lincoln Street, Spokane • RSVP Recommended 509-777-3900 • Events: 509-242-3705

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FOOD & DRINK

FLYING HIGH

Dry Fly, the region’s largest and oldest distillery, is expanding production for international export and moving to downtown Spokane BY CHEY SCOTT

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pokane-based Dry Fly Distilling is gearing up to boost production of its Washington whiskey, gin, vodka, bourbon and barrel-aged spirits by more than 730 percent. The distillery’s partnership with Seven Seas Export, announced in late 2018 and now under a new LLC called Dry Fly Korea, will expand spirits production to serve new Pacific Rim markets, starting with South Korea. To meet this new demand, Dry Fly plans to increase production from its current 30,000 gallon annual maximum to 250,000 gallons each year and is opening a new distillery site in downtown Spokane. While original plans had Dry Fly moving into a new mixed-use development at the former site of the city of Spokane’s Fleet Services facility just north of downtown, a failed structural engineering test of the building meant that location was out. In June 2019, Dry Fly announced that it instead plans to move into the Spokesman-Review’s printing press building at Monroe Street and Riverside Avenue in the heart of downtown. The daily newspaper is moving its printing operations to Spokane Valley, meaning the Cowles Co.-owned property is available to new tenants, Dry Fly included. “The location is amazing, and Dry Fly will have a Riverside address, which

Eat Better.

1335 West Summit Pkwy • EatCentralFood.com • (509) 315-8036

The Dry Fly Tasting Room CHRIS LOZIER PHOTO

is kind of cool for us,” says Don Poffenroth, Dry Fly president and CEO. “We’re excited about this project, it’s a really cool thing for Spokane.” Poffenroth says the distillery will be located in the building’s north end, nearest the intersection of Monroe and Riverside, occupying a total of 32,000 square feet on two floors. He says the new facility’s projected opening is late spring or early summer 2020. Dry Fly’s current distillery and tasting room on Trent Avenue along the Spokane River will remain in operation until the new site is up and running, he adds. The new downtown spot will also have a tasting room, and a full-service restaurant. “We’ll have a bottle shop where you can purchase product and we’ll have a separate pub, so when we separate that out we aren’t restricted in what we can do from a cocktail or beer/wine perspective,” Poffenroth says. Dry Fly’s expansion into the South Korea market will begin with exports of its vodka, gin, wheat whiskey and bourbon. A long-term plan is to export Dry Fly’s products around the Pacific Rim. Dry Fly was founded in 2007, becoming Washington state’s first small distillery since Prohibition. Its distillery and tasting room (until sometime in mid-2020) is located near Gonzaga, at 1003 E. Trent Ave. n

Lunch is served. Mon-Fri starting at 11am

Walk-ins welcome! 509.466.2121 • 2010 West Waikiki Road • Spokane, WA

See our full menu at 1898publichouse.com

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FOOD & DRINK

EASY BEING (GLUTEN) FREE A guide to the best gluten-free options in the Inland Northwest BY MANDY BRAVIROFF

The Ahi Tower at Wiley’s Downtown Bistro YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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eliac disease, a genetically inherited condition, currently affects about 1 percent of Americans, or 3 million people. Thankfully, the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene is home to many restaurants whose owners and staff truly understand the needs of those living with celiac disease, including the crucially important need to avoid cross-contamination on cooking surfaces and utensils. The continued support of the following restaurants makes it possible for diners with the disease or gluten intolerance to safely enjoy eating out.

TWIGS BISTRO Whether it’s on the sunny patio in North Spokane or with an urban view in River Park Square, Twigs has one of the largest gluten-free menus in the area. From delicious flatbreads to colorful salads and even a gourmet crab mac and cheese, gluten-free diners can find lots to satisfy at Twigs. Wandermere, 401 E. Farwell Rd.; River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.; Spokane Valley Mall, 14728 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley; South Hill, 4320 S. Regal St. Favorite: Moroccan beef appetizer

SPOKANE

VERACI PIZZA Veraci has perfected its gluten-free take on traditional, handmade Italian pizza crust. The crispy crunch of the woodfired crust nestled below a wide variety of savory, salty and sweet topping combos makes Veraci a favorite amongst local gluten-free diners. 1333 W. Summit Pkwy. Favorite: Prosciutto arugula pizza, $21

COCHINITO TAQUERIA Tucked in the center of downtown and adorned with a colorful south-of-theborder vibe, Cochinito offers some of the best tacos in Northwest. Chef Travis Dickinson’s handmade corn tortillas, savory twists on traditional recipes and vibrant fresca margaritas make Cochinito a solid choice for gluten-free diners. For dedicated GF fried tortilla chips, call the kitchen ahead of your visit to order as they take longer to fry up. 10 N. Post St. Favorite: 20-hour carne asada taco.

WILEY’S DOWNTOWN BISTRO Wiley’s popped up in Spokane’s food scene in 2017 with a new name (it was formerly Herbal Essence Cafe), newly renovated interior and an array of flavorful dishes. With an intimate

Classic French Pastry • Casual Dining • Espresso • Beer • Wine

Award winning pastry, breakfast & lunch served daily. 415 W. Main Ave. • (509) 624-2253 • Madeleines-Spokane.com HOURS Mon-Fri from 7:45am - 4pm • Sat from 8:30am - 4pm • Sunday Brunch 8:30am-2pm

Tuesday-Friday 11:30-Close Saturday-Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm Supper 4pm-Close

A NATTY DINER AND LIQUOR BAR FEATURING A CURATED MENU OF NORTHWEST-INSPIRED CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC AMERICAN FARE, CRAFTED COCKTAILS, AND SPOKANE’S BEST WHISKEYS

415 WEST MAIN AVENUE  SPOKANE, WA  DURKINSLIQUORBAR.COM  509.863.9501 MON-WED 11:30AM -11PM THUR-SAT 11:30AM -1AM ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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FOOD & DRINK A carne asada taco, el pastor taco and octopus taco at Cochinito Taqueria YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

“EASY BEING (GLUTEN) FREE,” CONTINUED... environment supporting local artists and a menu that is mostly gluten-free, choices are easy here. 115 N. Washington St. Favorite: Duck confit, $26

NORTH IDAHO BEVERLY’S AT THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT With captivating panoramic lake views and exceptional service, Beverly’s should always be a stop when visiting the area. Most of what its menu offers can be made gluten free, including warm rolls before dinner by request. Sunset is a great time to visit. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second Ave. Favorite: 6-ounce certified Angus beef filet mignon SECOND AVENUE PIZZA, SANDPOINT As you step inside Second Avenue Pizza, you’re greeted with small-town smiles and immediate assurance for a safe, gluten-free pizza. The owner and employees here understand celiac disease and are incredibly supportive to the local GF crowd. The crust is made locally and is remarkably fluffy, which isn’t common with gluten-free dough. Grab a gluten-free beer on tap and check out the history that adorns the walls in this historic joint while waiting for dinner. 215 S. Second Ave., Sandpoint Favorite: The Carolyn Special n

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MORE TO TRY SPOKANE Boots Bakery & Lounge, Pumpkin waffles The Shop, Rotating flavors of gluten-free cakes Wild Sage, Honey-dijon chicken Cole’s Bakery & Cafe (dedicated GF facility), Lemon ricotta pancakes Ginger Asian Bistro, Alaska roll (minus crab, eel sauce) The Wandering Table, Crispy Washington steelhead Method Juice Cafe, Blue majik bowl (minus oats) Kobe Hibachi Sushi & Bar, GF steak and shrimp hibachi (prepared on separate grill) High Tide Lobster Bar, GF lobster roll The Melting Pot, GF Wisconsin cheddar fondue Lucky You Lounge, Rice and grain bowl Rüt Bar & Kitchen, Truffle mac Saranac Public House, GF flatbreads

NORTH IDAHO Dockside (Coeur d’Alene), Idaho trout Thai Bamboo (Coeur d’Alene), Fresh rolls Cosmic Cowboy Grill (Coeur d’Alene), Salmon plate The Wellness Bar (Coeur d’Alene), smoothies Ivano’s Restaurant (Sandpoint), GF melanzane parmigiana Spuds Waterfront Grill (Sandpoint), Chicken verde oven-roasted spud

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The Texas trifecta: ribs, pulled pork and brisket at the Outlaw BBQ. STUART DANFORD PHOTO

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BARBECUE IS BACK

sharing the craft foods we love to eat a local brews we love to drink

on our beautiful patio

The Inland Northwest is home to some finger-lickin’ good barbecue joints BY JOSH KELETY

he Inland Northwest is known for a lot of things: Its natural beauty, thriving craft brewery scene, and relatively affordable cost-of-living. But one doesn’t think “barbecue” when listing off their favorite attributes of the region. The thing is, you probably should. New and exceptional barbecue joints are popping up around the region, making the Spokane-to-Coeur d’Alene-corridor something of an undiscovered mecca for regional meat lovers. “Barbecue is a hot trend right now,” says 38-year-old Erin Everhart, a partner at Longhorn BBQ. “The area has some really good hidden gems out there. Every facility has their own spice, their own flavor that they bring to the barbecue hodge-podge of deliciousness.” To memorialize this fantastic local food trend, we cobbled together some of the new arrivals to the local barbecue scene — and some of the veteran heavyweights — to help get you to your next delicious pulled pork sandwich or rack of ribs that much quicker.

(208) 457-3610 • 120 E 4th Ave, Post Falls, ID 83854

OUTLAW BBQ Nestled on Wellesley Avenue across the street from the Veterans Affairs complex, catering-market-style Outlaw BBQ is one of heftier staple barbecue establishments in Spokane that can do it all: sandwiches, ribs, brisket, heaping meat platters and full catering services. And its founder, Ray Wilson, isn’t even from one of the classic states known for their barbecue, like Texas: He’s Nine Mile Falls native. So boost your personal Inland Northwest-foodie pride and go there and stuff your face. Even better, convince your friend to get them to cater their wedding. 4427 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane, outlawbbqspokane.com HIRO’S BBQ Spokane isn’t the only place with a thriving local barbecue scene. Hop over to Francis 1018 Wand Coeur d’Alene you’ll find a number of up-and-coming joints that are eager WA 99205 Spokane, to satisfy your meaty cravings. One of those is Hiro’s BBQ, which opened back (509) 326-‐6794 in April and Everhart describes as “popular on North Idaho foodies” — an active Facebook group for opinionated food lovers. They’ve got a relatively small menu, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner but it still packs a punch. Go for the sandwiches, stay for the sides. W Blvd., FrancisSuite A, Coeur d’Alene, Facebook 7am-‐12am 1500 Northwest -‐ Thu. Sun.1018 Spokane, WA 99205 -‐ 2am -‐ Sat. 7am Fri. (509) 326-‐6794

AUSTIN’S LIVE FIRE BARBECUE theswingingdoors.com In 2018,Breakfast, chef Mike Jones opened Austin’s Live Fire Barbecue right in the middle Lunch & Dinner of downtown Spokane to bring the joy of Texas-style dry-rubbed and house$$ -‐ Thu. smokedSun. meats to7am-‐12am our city center. To do this, Jones and his team are up at 4 am -‐ Sat. 7am -‐ 2am smokingFri. meats in a custom-built three-pit smoker. The goal, as he articulated to the Inlander shortly after he opened, is to make the meat so good you don’t theswingingdoors.com even need sauce: “You bite into a rib from a Texas-style place and you just eat the rib. You don’t $$really need the sauce, that is kind of my goal,” he said. Grab some take-out and feast at nearby Riverfront Park. 421 W. Main Ave., Suite 104, Spokane, Facebook 42 SAVOR GONZAGA

1018 W Francis, Spokane, WA // (509) 326-6794 // theswingingdoors.com DINING GUIDE 43 2013-‐2014 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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TT’s Old Iron Brewery’s St. Louis Pork Ribs

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“BARBECUE IS BACK,” CONTINUED... TT’S OLD IRON BREWERY Are you a fan of Kansas-style barbecue with its irresistible spice-rubbed meat with thick, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce? TT’s Old Iron Brewery in Spokane Valley, which opened in June 2019, has got you. They’ve got a solidly diverse — yet not overwhelming — menu created by local Chef Chad White that features, importantly, smaller portioned “handheld” dishes to keep your appetite at bay while you sip on a craft beer. The concept is simple enough: great beer and great barbecue. And the establishment’s industrial industrial interior decor is an added plus. 4110 S. Bowdish Rd., Spokane Valley, ttsoldironbrewery.com

LONGHORN BARBECUE Longhorn Barbecue, which has restaurants in both Airway Heights and Spokane Valley, likes to consider itself Spokane’s “Spokane’s barbecue tradition” since they’ve been operating in the area for 65 years, says partner and longtime employee Everhart. They do catering, takeout, and in-house dining. You’ll also see their team members pop up at events like Hoopfest for mobile food sales. Their speciality is ribs done “Southern pit style,” a technique that has its origins in Texas. “We’re infamous for our ribs,” Everhart says. “They are fabulous.” They do a wet rub for their ribs, along with a dry rub for pork rounds and a wet rub for their brisket. They’re a Spokane staple. Go get it. 7611 W. Sunset Hwy., Spokane & 2315 N. Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley, thelonghornbbq.com n

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BBQ WORLD In addition to the plethora of excellent barbecue restaurants dotting the Inland Northwest, there’s also a pretty robust array of various community events that meat lovers can attend. Looking to learn science behind barbecue and get in the game? Grab a ticket for BARBECUE AND GRILL ACADEMY: THE CULINARY ART AND SCIENCE, a three-part class hosted at Washington State University in October that will dive into meat cuts, spicing and cooking techniques. (While the three sessions are part of a series, potential participants can also sign up for just one or several.) Over in Idaho, Coeur d’Alene hosts the annual FROM THE ASHES event where regional pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts gather to cook, eat and generally celebrate “smoked and fired foods.” In addition to food and beverage, attendees will also be able to attend sessions where chefs provide insight on creative ways to use smoked meat at home. Next year’s event is slated for June 26 and 27. Father north in Bonners Ferry there’s the budding WILD GAME AND RIB COOKOFF, a free-to-attend event and barbecue competition in front of judges. The cookoff is typically held in mid-July. (JK)

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Rainier Cherry and Huckleberry Day Fade Hard Seltzers from No-Li Brewhouse. DEREK HARRISON PHOTO

SPARKLING SIPS

No-Li is the first local brewery to hop on the hard seltzer craze BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

hile hard seltzers first hit the market several years ago, it’s truly hard to deny that within the last year, spiked seltzers have begun (white) clawing their way up the popularity ladder, with more flavors and varieties popping up in stores all the time. Now there’s a local, Spokane-brewed option, with No-Li Brewhouse proudly taking the mantle as the first hard seltzer maker in the region. After seeing the rising popularity of the bubbly

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beverages, which are lower in calories and carbs, the folks at No-Li decided to give it a go, explains Bill Powers, No-Li’s marketing director. “[Last winter] we started investigating how hard it would be and did some test batches, and those went really well,” Powers says. “We were like, ‘Yeah, we’re onto something here.’ People know some of the more popular brands like White Claw and Truly, and we thought why not have a local company make it for the people of Washington

state, Spokane and the Northwest?” So far they’ve got two flavors, Day Fade Huckleberry and Day Fade Rainier Cherry. The 12-ounce cans come in at 2 carbs, 100 calories and 5 percent alcohol, and in Powers’ experience at beer festivals, they’re appealing to people across the board. The hard seltzers can be found at independent local grocery chains such as Rosauers, Yoke’s, and Super One and, of course, at No-Li’s pub, at 1003 E. Trent Ave. n

LUCK ISN’T THE ONLY THING ON THE MENU. Not far from our casino floor, you’ll find a jackpot of great restaurants to satisfy any appetite. With so many options like fine dining, upscale pub fare, international food, small plates, and even on-the-go burgers, burritos and ice cream, there’s no way you’re going home hungry. See it all at northernquest.com. NORTHERNQUEST.COM | 877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

FOOD & DRINK

Family members Grace McNiel, Hyun Son and Richard Son of Coeur d’Alene on Family Food Showdown.

FIRE AND FIERI

FOOD NETWORK PHOTO

Talented Inland Northwest chefs and bakers got their 15 minutes of fame on Food Network this year BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

ou, Annual Manual reader, already know the Inland Northwest culinary scene is great. But now the rest of the country is catching on, as many chefs and bakers behind restaurants in places like Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls continue to get tapped to compete on Food Network shows. Over the last year or so, multiple area chefs tried their hand at running around the game show supermarket on Guy’s Grocery Games, and local family talent was highlighted when siblings Grace McNiel and Hyun Son of Momo Sushi.Wok.Grill in Coeur d’Alene competed with their brother Richard Son on Family Food Showdown. Others still took on the network’s baking challenges and one even tried

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to Beat Bobby Flay. From tasting the sweetness of victory to feeling the agonizing sting of defeat, the chefs did their best to shine for the cameras and show what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. SUPERMARKET SWEEP One of the first things you should know about getting on different Food Network shows is that you don’t call them, they call you. Actually if you’re Tony Brown, owner and chef of Ruins, they might have to call you several times to even get you to call them back. “They called the restaurant and left a couple

messages,” Brown says. “I’m really bad about returning phone calls, but I finally called back and immediately had a phone interview for an hour.” That’s how the restaurant on Monroe was first featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2018. Then by spring 2019, the producers of another Guy Fieri show called to ask if he’d come on a special Mother’s Day episode of Guy’s Grocery Games with his mom, Marti Brown. They knew she’d helped him open Stella’s Cafe and sandwich shop in 2012 (and to cheers from many, the restaurant announced its return this year in a new spot in the Saranac Commons). “I think there’s been something like 30 people

FOOD & DRINK

Local chefs Laurent Zirotti (left) and Tony Brown both got their Food Network close-ups recently. total who’ve been on both Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games,” Brown says, “so apparently I’m in with Guy Fieri now.” Brown and his mom flew to California to film the episode and get their chance at $20,000 in prize money. On the way, they brainstormed what their challenges might be and strategized. “The first challenge was a childhood favorite like what my mom would make for us when we were kids, but updated,” Brown says. He had to make her a shopping list so she could run around the store and gather ingredients without knowing what he was going to make. Successfully, she gathered what he needed to make “taco stacks,” a layered casserole with tortillas, ground beef and enchilada sauce. “[The judges] loved that one,” Brown says. “They said it reminded them of their childhoods, too. Everyone has taco night when they’re kids.” The two made it to the second and final round, where Brown was tasked with making one of his mom’s favorite dishes. “I actually kind of coached my mother a little bit [beforehand] because I didn’t want her to say, ‘My favorite dish is prime rib,’ which would take six hours to cook,” Brown says. Instead, they went with a favorite fried pork schnitzel with stewed peppers and basil. “That’s something we make at Ruins all the time,” he says.

In the end, they won, getting to the final challenge, where they had to run and gather ingredients to answer five trivia questions, each worth $4,000. “They might say something about a soft Italian cheese in lasagna, so [you grab] ricotta,” Brown says. “We found all five, so we won $20,000.” Brown says overall it was a great experience and he’d definitely go on again if asked. AW SHUCKS For Fleur de Sel chef owner Laurent Zirotti, two attempts to bring home glory from Food Network shows were not as glorious. Zirotti previously competed on an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games but didn’t make it to the final round, and then in fall 2018, he was one of two French chefs competing to Beat Bobby Flay. The first challenge had Zirotti and his competitor do their best take on oysters. The Post Falls chef opted to broil his oysters with a butter sauce made with fresh morels and shallots. The judges liked the flavor, but said there was just a little too much sauce on each of the oysters. “The other chef had, I think, a better oyster dish than I did,” says Zirotti, who didn’t make it to the second round where he would’ve competed against Flay. “It was embarrassing.” With both shows under his belt, Zirotti says he thinks he’s going to hang up his competing hat. “I’m someone that’s not camera shy or shy

YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

period, but then you have competition and I don’t think I’m built for that,” he says. “I’m more built for the thought of the entertainment than the competition. I put too much pressure on myself, think too much and therefore don’t perform well in the moment.” But he’s not taking the loss as a blow to his professional career, which has landed him a James Beard nomination and plenty of accolades. “I’m proud of what I do,” he says. “So I’m not waiting for those kind of things to give me a kick in the butt.” He still enjoyed his time traveling to New York for filming, although meeting Bobby Flay was more of a quick gruff handshake than when he met Guy Fieri, who spent maybe half an hour chatting with the chefs and putting them at ease. “It was a good experience,” Zirotti says. “I’m 55 years old. For this kind of experience to still happen in my life, I think it’s a great opportunity. I think I would’ve been stupid to say no, no matter what the outcome.” SWEET, SWEET VICTORY For Ricky Webster, it was accomplishing another lifelong goal that got him his shot at baking for a national audience. Two years ago, Webster was working at the Hotel RL and successfully pitched making a lifesize gingerbread house in the lobby to raise ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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Spokane’s Ricky Webster (left) won $10,000 on Christmas Cookie Challenge.

FOOD NETWORK PHOTO

“FIRE AND FIERI,” CONTINUED... money for Blessings Under the Bridge. “I love gingerbread houses. I used to build them with my cousins, my aunt would organize a thing every year,” Webster says. “I think as a child you’re kind of always looking at that and going, ‘What is it like to live inside that?’ and stories like Hansel and Gretel or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory kind of hint at what that world would be like.” After gaining national press for his massive undertaking, Webster was asked in summer 2018 to film for two baking shows: the Christmas Cookie Challenge and the Holiday Gingerbread Showdown.

In the Christmas Cookie Challenge, he was up against fellow Spokane baker Amber Stout (featured in our cookie story in this section of Annual Manual). In the end, it was Webster who wowed the judges and won the $10,000 prize. Webster says he’s thankful he got the chance to film both shows, which meant taking time off from his current job as the business resource consultant for Sysco Foods in Spokane. “I’m basically a consultant chef. Think like Gordon Ramsay but a nice version of that helping our customers with business models and recipes and

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staff training,” Webster says. “I was lucky enough to be able to take that time.” It actually wasn’t the first time Webster had gotten to compete on a baking show either: He’d gone on Cupcake Wars several years before. But that time, Webster says he watched the episode and could tell he wasn’t quite acting like himself. “I could tell I was a little stiff and maybe more of a puppet,” he says of that first experience. “So this time I thought, ‘I’m just going to show up and be myself. I’m comfortable with who I am and just want to be me and have fun.’” n

kane Wash. 141 S Cannon St • Spo haveone.com (509) 624-5412 • wedont

FOOD & DRINK

LOCAL GOODS

It’s not just about knowing where your food comes from, but who it comes from.

REVIVAL TEA COMPANY FRESH CHAI With Revival, you’ll always know what’s in your cup. Made with black tea, cinnamon, ginger root, raw wildflower honey, cloves, all spice, cardamom, fennel and black peppercorns, each cup is equally sweet as it is spicy. Each canister of chai tea holds approximately 30 cups and can be purchased at My Fresh Basket for $20. revivalteacompany.com

WILDBEARY ALL NATURAL RHUBARB & VANILLA SPREAD This spread tastes like summer. Tart and sweet, this spread goes great on a piece of toast, or on an ice cream sundae. Made by hand in Hayden, Idaho, this spread is a lower sugar alternative to jams and jellies. Wildbeary’s parent company, Shaver Farms is owned by two sisters Lori Mayfield and Charlene Shaver and run on one philosophy: high quality products using all natural ingredients served with great customer service. Available for $6 at My Fresh Basket. shaverfarms.com

PRAIRIE PANTRY NEEDACOOKIE From Five Mile Prairie, in northwest Spokane, NeedACookies are gluten-free delights baked with sustainable ingredients and sourced from socially and environmentally conscious suppliers. You can buy these cookies individually in stores around town, inlcuding at Huckleberry’s, Natural Grocers and Main Market. prairiepantryllc.com

IRISH SPIKE’S UNIQUE HOT SAUCES This collection has a flavor for everyone. With Drunken Green, Pink Flame-ingo, Whiskey and Coffee and Carribean Vacation Sauce, they’re truly unique. Based out of Moscow, Idaho, these hot sauces are a chef’s dream turned into a reality. Just make sure you can handle the heat. $12-13 a bottle, including shipping. myhottestlife.com

SIDE HUSTLE SYRUPS He was on a quest to make a signature ginger beer for the Dry Fly Distilling tasting room. In trying to make a mean Moscow mule, Dillon Hueser found what worked best was using natural ginger syrup mixed with sparkling seltzer waters. Then Side Hustle was born. These syrups, which now come in a variety of flavors like the classic Ginger Beer, LemonLavender and Elderflower, can be used for cocktails, as well as in coffee or for baking. Their Ginger Beer Syrup is $15 for 8 ounces. sidehustlesyrups.com

MIFLAVOUR Selling beautifully decorated lavender macarons and rich chocolate macarons, this French bakery on East Sprague does not disappoint. Perfectly airy and sweet flavor, these decadent French macarons have an equally adorable love story. A classically trained executive pastry chef meets a bright-eyed entrepreneur and on their second date, he tastes one of her macarons. And the rest is history. $2.89 each. miflavour.com

SUNNY PINE FARM Sunny Pine isn’t just a good way to describe Washington as a summer scent, but it’s also a small family owned dairy farm in Twisp, Washington. Producing high quality goat milk products, this chevre sends your tastebuds across the world to France. You can find this lavender honey chevre, and their other flavors at Huckleberry’s Market, Main Market Co-op and My Fresh Basket. $10. sunnypinefarm.com — ARCELIA MARTIN

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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HIDDEN NO MORE

Spokane’s Hidden Mother Brewing is growing fast thanks to the success of its experimental craft beers BY DEREK HARRISON

ichael DeTar is devoted to craft beer. One year after opening the Hidden Mother Brewery, DeTar is moving his business from Liberty Lake to Spokane, where he’ll boost production and open his first taproom. At the same time, he’s merging his business with Post Falls’ Selkirk Abbey to form Devotion Brewing. DeTar’s journey through the industry began as an obsessive hobbyist, brewing 60 gallons of beer every week. He was working as a bread baker at the time, and became fascinated with yeast cultivation. Living in a cul-de-sac in East Oakland, he set up kegerators at friends’ houses to keep up with his recreational production of beer. He called himself Mad Max Brewing, named for his first son Maximillion, whose initials are MAD. “At that point, I just had to make a move and open up a brewery because 60 gallons a week was kind of obsessive,” he recalls. In 2015, he landed his first commercial brewing job as head brewer for Para-

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dise Creek Brewery in Pullman. But he lived in Spokane, meaning he had to figure out how to simultaneously work in both cities. He bought a 1984 Ford camper van and stayed in it three nights a week. He still sleeps in the same E-250 at beer events and festivals. The Hidden Mother Brewery was also simultaneously in the works. DeTar sold his house in early 2014 and started planning in a way that he now says was somewhat compulsive. Rather than going the typical route of purchasing equipment, he began building his own five-barrel brewhouse with a friend who’s a sanitary stainless welder. Even the business name and branding stems from countless late nights. The Hidden Mother is a reference to a term Saint Louis and Saint Theresa once used for the Blessed Virgin Mary. While he admits he’s no expert, DeTar used out-ofthe-box methods to develop his marketing. “I probably overthought a lot of this,” he laughs. “I’d take 800 [beer] labels,

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Hidden Mother owner Michael DeTar.

DEREK HARRISON PHOTO

stick them on the wall and then stare at them trying to figure out what exactly stuck out on each one.” The production-only brewery eventually opened in March 2018 when DeTar made his first sale. His first brew day happened to coincide with the Gaelic feast day celebrating Saint Brigid, so he used an Irish yeast. “It just worked out because she’s the patron saint of brewing and it just happened to be the first day we were operational,” he recalls.

n one whirlwind year, Hidden Mother made a name for itself not just in the local beer scene, but nationally. The brewery took gold and silver in the experimental category at the Washington Beer Awards after only two months of operation. Eight of the nine submissions from DeTar made it to the medal round, resulting with his Pine Tree Peppercorn Saison and Morel Mushroom Red at the top. “That put us on the map,” he says. DeTar predicted everything was going to quickly take off from there and recruited help. He hired Remington Oatman last July to assist with brewing. The Hidden Mother’s schedule quickly became packed with collaborations between highly reputable breweries throughout the West. Oatman and DeTar flew to the Bay Area, where they worked with craft beer giants Drake’s Brewing Company and Heretic Brewing Company. Shortly after, they made a trip to Denver to collaborate with two more breweries. In April 2019, Jamie Floyd, the founder of Oregon’s Ninkasi Brewing, travelled to the Inland Northwest

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“HIDDEN NO MORE,” CONTINUED... to brew on DeTar’s custom-built system. The gold-winning Pine Tree Peppercorn Saison — and other Hidden Mother beers made with the same technique — helped land the brewery features in various industry publications and a sponsorship with Stihl chainsaws. The recipe adapted from colonial times was developed by DeTar during his homebrewing days. He starts with a small pine tree, hollowing it out with a chainsaw. After the boiling stages of the soon-to-be beer, he uses the tree as a chute from one of the brewing tanks. Gravity forces the wort down the log into another hose connected to a pump that pushes it back into the upper tank. He continues to recycle the hot liquid through this system for about 45 minutes. “We’re having a lot of fun.”

he Hidden Mother continues to grow at a rapid rate. In the midst of moving the brewery from its former 12-by-48-foot space attached to DeTar’s parents’ garage in Liberty Lake to a 3,700-square-foot building at Washington and Sharp (1311 N. Washington St.), near the Spokane Arena, DeTar announced a merger with Selkirk Abbey owner Jeff Whitman. The two brewery owners are teaming up to form Devotion Brewing. Each brand will continue to operate under their original names, but the parent company will be jointly owned by DeTar, Whitman and their other business partners.

Selkirk Abbey owner Jeff Whitman (left) and Michael DeTar.

DEREK HARRISON PHOTO

“This isn’t like a sell out. This is a partnership,” DeTar explains. “It’s like we have two badass boats that we both can drive now.” Whitman says Selkirk Abbey is remaining focused on Belgian-style beers it’s made a name for itself with, but the 24-barrel brewhouse attached to Selkirk’s Post Falls taproom will also act as the production brewery for Devotion. The new location in Spokane will serve as a smaller “pilot” brewery. Hidden Mother brewer Oatman and Selkirk brewer Jordan Luikens are working with DeTar. “I have a taproom that’s in a difficult location that doesn’t have food, and isn’t producing what it could,” Selkirk Abbey’s Whitman explains. “But, I’ve got a massive production facility with tons of capacity that’s unused. “[DeTar] is going to have a taproom that is huge — it’s virtually four times the size of my taproom in a great location that he’s going to be able to pack,” Whitman continues. “But, he doesn’t have the capacity to get all the beers. There’s the taproom. Here’s the production facility. It just makes sense.” Meanwhile, DeTar is looking forward to spending more time brewing and less time worrying about the business end of things. His next wild dream is diving into the world of spontaneously fermented, oak-aged sour ales. “If I can just disappear into a barrel room the rest of my life,” he says. “I don’t think I’d want to leave.” n

local & responsibly sourced ingredients prepared with fine-dining techniques - all served in a casual atmosphere along with craft cocktails, thoughtfully-selected cervezas, and spirits.

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INSIDER INSIGHT

MATT HANSON

att Hanson’s major contributions to local craft beer began in 2015 when he wanted an official week celebrating the region’s beer scene. Hanson, with the help of his brother Clete, brought the Brewers Association’s American Craft Beer Week to Spokane. Hanson now runs his own commercial brewery, Whistle Punk Brewing, but is still the sole organizer of SPOKANE CRAFT BEER WEEK every May.

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BUILDING A BRAND IN SPOKANE The idea came to Hanson after multiple trips to Seattle’s annual event. He recalls local places doing a couple of small events during American Craft Beer Week, but no cohesive brand. “[Craft Beer Week] gives breweries a platform to host a whole week of events and do something where they can, one time of year, blow it out and give people a reason to travel to their taproom.”

LOCAL BEER IS IMPORTANT “There’s the importance of just local business in general, in terms of keeping money in the city and supporting your neighbors and supporting the people of Spokane. Also, the more you support local beer, the better it’s going to get. The whole goal is to bring all of Spokane up together. So that we’re looked at as a city sort of like Bend or Portland where there aren’t bad breweries.”

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509.443.4215 • 909 W 1st Ave. Ste. A THE FUTURE OF SPOKANE BEER IS BRIGHT Does Hanson believe our region has the potential to be a beer destination like Bend or Portland? “I do, yeah. We already have the numbers. We have a lot of great minds in our industry. I think there’s some really cool breweries in the process of opening up. “Spokane is a place that’s growing, just culinary wise, beer wise, population wise, everything. I think that bringing overall quality up is important, and there’s a lot of measures happening right now to make that happen.” — DEREK HARRISON

Find what you need in spices and seasonings at our Spokane store or online at: SpokaneSpice.com Locally Owned and Operated for 70+ years! 130 N. Stone St., Spokane, WA one block west of Altamont, two blocks north of Sprague

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DON’T MISS

Wine and chocolate and lots of other yummy stuff at the Food & Wine Festival.

COEUR D’ALENE RESORT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Food and wine fans won’t have to wait until April to enjoy the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual Food and Wine Festival, which is scheduled for Feb. 7-9, 2020. For the third year running, this popular weekend event brings together the best of the best regional wineries in one place for a range of events designed to appeal to wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike and hosted in an award-winning hotel known for its exemplary amenities, facilities and service since 1986. Beginning on Friday with an opening reception, events include wine classes and both winepaired dinners and lunches prepared by expert chefs served at one of three locations: Beverly’s

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Restaurant inside the Resort, the Cedar’s Floating Restaurant, and the Hagadone Event Center, where guests will thrill to the stunning view of the lake at night. Although food and wine are certainly the focal points, this popular festival includes activities designed to delight all your senses. Visual art, live music and other activities are all part of the package. Also look for craft cocktail tastings and opportunities to learn from regional winemakers. The weekend concludes with a grand tasting on Sunday over several hours featuring one of the region’s top chefs, gourmet food and live chef demos. n

JIM KEENER PHOTO

FEB

7-9 2020

The Coeur d’Alene Resort 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene 208-765-4000

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Rüt’s Fried “Not-Chicken” Sandwich

HECTOR AZION PHOTO

VEGAN VITALS

Finding vegan food at restaurants across the Spokane area is easier than it seems BY INLANDER STAFF

f you’re vegan in Spokane, you’re well aware of the drool-inducing pumpkin waffles with chai “butter” at Boots Bakery & Lounge. You’ve already devoured a pizza or hearty brunch at Allie’s Vegan Pizzeria & Cafe. Vegan Spokanites also know that Main Market Co-op and Huckleberry’s both carry non-dairy yogurts. Mizuna, Wild Sage and

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Queen of Sheba are all well-loved spots for meatless celebration dinners and fancy dates. But what if fancy isn’t in your budget? What if you’re a vegan lunching with someone who’d rather eat chicken than chickpeas? Conversely, what if you’re a beef lover who’s in love with a hardcore vegan? Fear not, because here we’re rounding up

several Spokane restaurants that offer delicious compromises and not-so-obvious vegan options. LUCKY YOU LOUNGE How do you create a menu that’s diverse enough for a bar, a restaurant and a music venue, all while catering to different dietary restrictions? For Lucky

You Lounge chef Josh Grimes, starting with a foundation of vegetables and vegan ingredients is a great start. Lucky You’s counter-service menu, available from lunch time through late night, makes clear which dishes are gluten-free or vegan. Not to be confused, the “veg” notation on the menu here means a dish is truly vegan, like Grime’s popular green curry with potatoes, zucchini, spinach, kumquat relish and tofu (those who eat meat can order it with chicken). Savory shiitake dumplings served in a black vinegar broth, also stand out on the appetizer section. 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. RÜT BAR & KITCHEN Newcomer to the local dining scene as of spring 2019, Rüt on the lower South Hill is a safe place for all vegans, as the restaurant’s entire menu is plant based. Owners Josh Lorenzen and Justin Oliveri, both practicing vegans, opened Rüt to fill a need for more vegan-friendly restaurants in the area. Rüt’s menu consists of less than 20 items, but offers a range of textures and flavors, including several dishes that convincingly mimic animal-based ingredient counterparts for those dining with omnivores. The comfort food-inspired truffle mac has coconut “bacon bits,” broccolini, bread crumbs and chili flakes. Another standout is the fried “not-chicken” sandwich, consisting of a plant-based chicken substitute made from vital wheat gluten, or seitan. It’s breaded and topped with coleslaw, Buffalo sauce and vegan ranch-mayo. 901 W. 14th Ave. GARAGELAND Garageland serves plenty of vegan fare, but meat’s on the menu, too, and most appetizers can be made vegan by simple omissions or substitutions. Ask for a vegan version of any burger and the kitchen will send you a falafel patty instead of beef. Garageland also does cruciferous vegetables justice. Their Buffalo cauli — hunks of cauliflower treated like Buffalo wings — boasts a golden tempura coating that gives way to tangy, creamy white sauce inside. Its crispy, tender texture and spiciness make dipping sauce truly optional. Garageland’s pad thai fries, meanwhile, are a zippy, peanut-topped innovation. The house fries, handcut daily and served with curry ketchup, are great, too. 230 W. Riverside Ave. EPHATA CAFE With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a large dispenser of cucumber-lemon ice water in the corner, Ephata feels a little like a health spa. The eclectic food menu includes Korean dishes, pastries, meaty croissant breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast. Vegetarians will find plenty here, and vegans can sub tofu in many dishes. For a late lunch, try the mung bean pancake, a crispy vegetable pancake that’s more of a savory omelette than a sweet flapjack. The chewy pancake comes with salty-sour sauce flecked with sea vegetables. Thin strips of carrots, napa cabbage and protein-rich sprouted mung beans made the dish filling, but not too heavy. 1908 W. Northwest Blvd.

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Cascadia Public House’s all vegan Bean and Beet Burger

A Korean noodle salad from Ephata Cafe YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

|JENNIFER DEBARROS PHOTO

“VEGAN VITALS,” CONTINUED... CASCADIA PUBLIC HOUSE Cascadia’s vegan chef and co-owner Justin Oliveri (co-owner of the aforementioned Rüt) is the culinary force behind the many dairy-free and meatless choices on the menu at this casual neighborhood establishment with flat screens tuned to ball games. From cheeseless curry mac to three types of meatless patties, Cascadia’s menu features many plant-based possibilities for both meat and cheese.

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The pub serves both the Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers, two heavily hyped vegan patties designed to turn meat eaters on to plant-based eating habits. A heaping plate of Cascadia’s cashew queso nachos is more than enough for two people. And while vegan cheese is hard to get right, Cascadia’s nutty, scratchmade cashew cheese is impressive. 1908 W. Northwest Blvd. n

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509-474-0584 logantavernspokane.com

4241 S Cheney Spokane Rd, Suite D, Spokane, WA | (509) 413-1629

FOOD & DRINK

CRAVE! NORTHWEST

It’s a weekend dedicated to satisfying you and your fellow food lovers’ cravings. Crave! brings in regional culinary talents for a three-day food festival with tastings and food and drink pairings. Rain or shine, curb your cravings and eat whatever suits your fancy. WHERE & WHEN: July 16-18, 2020; CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Spokane Valley

5 DATES TO SAVE

MARTY HIESTER PHOTO

INLAND NW CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

You want beer? You got it. Celebrate the region’s finest at Avista Stadium with over 150 different beers, from 40 different craft breweries. There will be live music and food, but you can also bring in your own snacks. The event is open exclusively to 21 year olds on Friday, while Saturday is a family-friendly day, where minors must be accompanied by a ticketed guardian.

EPICUREAN DELIGHT

Thirty restaurants and 30 different drinks, all in the name of supporting a good cause. Benefiting Vitalant, formerly known as Inland Northwest Blood Center, this gala seats over 1,000 guests to the formal cocktail party. With plenty of dancing and plenty of desserts, this 21 and up only event is sure to be sweet.

SEPT

20-21 2019

NOV

2019

WHISKEY BARREL WEEKEND

If you ever wanted to drink whiskey and golf, this event is for you. The weekend also offers opportunities to attend a Grand Whiskey Dinner at the Coeur d’Alene Resort with different tastings and southern-inspired food, and an after party with an outdoor cigar lounge. This weekend is the closest you’ll get to Kentucky in Idaho.

MAC AND CHEESE FESTIVAL

It’s comfort food. Mac and cheese reminds you of coming home after a long cold afternoon as a kid. And at the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Plaza Shops, there will be plenty of it. Local chefs will compete to create the magic of a good bowl of mac and cheese. If you want to feel a little bit more grown up, you can purchase beer tastings alongside your noodle tasters.

OCT

4-5 2019

JAN

18 2020

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NIGHTLIFE

If you’re looking for good live music, you don’t have to look very far, and we’re breaking down your options, venue by venue PAGE 138

Section layout and design: Derrick King

Jango perfroms at The Cracker Building during Volume 2019. ERIC DOXEY PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

Big Dipper co-owner Dawson Hoerner talks about why touring bands particularly love to play Spokane.

Area casinos invest millions of dollars to up the entertainment ante in the region.

New York-style piano bars are the key to a good time in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

PAGE 139

PAGE 136

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ure play a mean pinball? Have a drawer full of quarters you’re looking to spend? Then make your way down to BERSERK, where you can knock back a beer and get your flipper fingers in proper working condition. The downtown Spokane watering hole has about six to eight pinball machines in operation at any given time, and they’re regularly changing out titles for variety’s sake. Berserk co-owner James Hunt is the bar’s resident pinball wizard, and when they opened last summer, he and his business partners knew that pinball would be one of the bar’s major draws. After all, those machines take up a lot of space, and Berserk has plenty of space to spare. The appeal of pinball is certainly rooted in nostalgia, Hunt says, but it’s also in the physical design of the machines, and that becoming an expert requires more fine-tuned technique than your standard arcade game. “I became a teenager when videogame arcades started popping up everywhere,” Hunt says, “but before that, I was playing pinball at burger joints with my dad. … It’s the same thing as video games — you work on developing these shots and techniques — but I think you can be a little more nuanced with pinball.” But it’s not enough to just have pinball machines on hand for the amusement of bar patrons: Berserk takes its love of the game further by hosting a regular pinball league, in which participants try to grind out the highest scores per season. It’s $35 to join at the start of each season — that also gets you a commemorative T-shirt — and the season lasts about two months with a couple weeks of downtime until the next. Hunt says the highest number of participants he’s had sign up during a season has been 65, and the regular scores have been exponentially increasing with each new season. “There are a lot of competitive people in the league,” he says, “but they’re the fun kind of competitive.” Keep an eye on Berserk’s Facebook page for updates on registration and tournament dates. — NATHAN WEINBENDER

Other places to play pinball: Jedi Alliance, 2024 E. Boone Gamers Arcade Bar, 321 W. Sprague The Park Inn, 103 W. Ninth The Moezy Inn, 2723 N. Monroe Garageland, 230 W. Riverside El Patio, 6902 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls Pinball machines at Berserk Bar

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

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Bennett Gladden sings karaoke at nYne Bar in Spokane. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

t’s been said that the only definitive way to get a musical earworm unstuck from your head is to actually sing it. But sometimes it’s not enough to merely belt it out while you’re in the shower, or to put it on the car stereo and crank the volume up all the way. No, sometimes you need an audience. Here’s a rundown of some of the best karaoke spots in the area, where you can live out all your American Idol fantasies.

Monterey Cafe

9 N. Washington St. Every night, 9 pm This is the go-to downtown spot for karaoke, and it’s particularly a destination in the summer when the bar’s garage doors open up onto the street. You can pick up a mic every night, if you have the urge to get a party started on a weekday.

nYne Bar

232 W. Sprague Ave. Wednesdays, 9 pm People take their karaoke seriously at nYne. Every Wednesday night, you can expect to hear faithful renditions of beloved Disney songs and show tunes in between the Top 40 pop hits.

The Rock Bar and Grill 13921 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley Wednesdays, 7 pm; Saturdays, 9 pm This Spokane Valley bar hosts biweekly karaoke

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nights, as well as a “mystery song” giveaway: If you perform a designated tune based on a prescribed set of clues, you can win cash prizes.

Boombox Pizza

221 N. Division St. Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 pm The downtown bar and pizza place is ’90s-themed, though its karaoke songbook is more extensive than that. Stay on brand by paying tribute to the pictures of luminaries like Kurt Cobain and the Notorious B.I.G. on the walls.

Corby’s Bar 2828 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm This Post Falls spot promises an extensive karaoke catalog and short rotation times, so ideally you’re not waiting for hours in between songs.

219 Lounge

219 N. First St., Sandpoint Tuesdays, 9 pm The 219 in downtown Sandpoint offers a diverse lineup of live music most nights of the week, and they break that up with weekly karaoke on Tuesdays.

The Roxie

5201 N. Market St. Wednesdays, 9 pm You can do a whole lot at this spacious Hillyard neighborhood watering hole — play arcade games and beer pong, take in live music and dance to DJs. Wednesday nights are when the karaoke fans take over, and take advantage of the bar’s weekly whiskey specials. ALSO TRY: The Star Bar, Hogfish Bar CDA (Coeur d’Alene), the Iron Horse Restaurant (Coeur d’Alene) — NATHAN WEINBENDER

NIGHTLIFE INSIDER INSIGHT

CHRIS EKAS

CHRIS EKAS has been a bartender and manager of various restaurants in downtown for the last 15 years. Most recently he was a manager of the Davenport restaurants before moving up to be the dining manager at Luna on the South Hill this summer. We caught up with him at Volstead Act, where he still sometimes fills a shift or two, and asked him to share three things he’s loving about the bar scene.

FRESH AND HOMEMADE “I’m seeing a lot of drinks involving ingredients that are as fresh and local as possible. Many bars are sourcing local herbs, following trends in places like Portland and Seattle. “Obviously that’s a seasonal thing, so the summer has more fruits and herbs, and in winter I’ve seen more people making their own bitters. I make my own bitters personally to incorporate into cocktail menus. I did a cocoa tobacco bitters for a scotch drink that had espresso beans floating on an orange peel.”

Phil Lindsey, left, and Josh Scheel during the improv show “Crime Show” at the Blue Door Theatre. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Where To

laugh

here are ample opportunities to find some professionally generated chuckles in the Inland Northwest, and they come in venues both expected and… not so expected. You can probably figure out the SPOKANE COMEDY CLUB is a good bet, thanks to its regular touring comedians intermingled with local open mic nights and specialty shows like the weed-centric monthly Dope Show. The BLUE DOOR THEATRE’S weekly improv shows are another place you know laughs are lurking. What about the unexpected venues? How about the BEST WESTERN PLUS COEUR D’ALENE INN, where they’ve been doing shows since 2013. Follow the Spokomedy Facebook group and you’ll discover shows popping up at THE RIDLER PIANO BAR and the HI-NEIGHBOR TAVERN. And if you pop into NEATO BURRITO or the RED DRAGON on the right night you might find yourself at comedy night. Besides the touring acts that come through the clubs, comedy fiends need to watch the calendars of the BING CROSBY THEATER and the FOX THEATRE, both of which regularly bring in some of the bigger names in standup. Tig Notaro hits the Bing Sept. 7, while Demetri Martin takes the stage at the Fox Sept. 26. — DAN NAILEN

REVAMPING THE LOST CLASSICS Fittingly for someone who’s worked for six years at Volstead Act, named for the act that started Prohibition, Ekas says he’s a fan of classic cocktails. Recently, he’s seen more people around town ordering the “Last Word” and the “Paper Plane.” “The Last Word was created at the Detroit Athletic Club in the ’20s and was kind of forgotten about in cocktail books for a long time. I give most of the credit to Murray Stenson in Seattle. He started putting the Last Word on many cocktail menus and it really caught fire and it’s kind of a Northwest classic now. It’s a fantastic drink, it’s equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo and fresh lime juice. Similarly, the Paper Plane is equal parts bourbon, fresh lemon juice, Amaro Nonino and Aperol.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT TECHNIQUE “The most exciting thing in my opinion that’s happening in Spokane is more on the technique side of things. You’re starting to see people do ice cubes made from scratch; They’re doing that at Hogwash. And a lot of the making of the bitters and infused alcohols. You’re just starting to see bartenders get really creative, and bars are looking for bartenders like that and supporting them. I think that farm-to-table, from scratch kind of trend that has started in the culinary scene and spread to Spokane is really starting to happen in the bar scene, too.” — SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

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Tickling the Ivories

The Inland Northwest’s piano bars offer singing, dancing and humor, with songs from today and decades past BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

ometimes the key to a good time looks more like 88 keys to a good time. Better yet, double that, sit back and watch the music magic happen as two talented piano players duel it out to make you laugh and tap your toes to everything from old school jazz up to current chart toppers. “We play everything from New Orleans jazz and Cole Porter up to Meghan Trainor, Maroon 5, AC/DC, Billy Joel, Elton John, Springsteen, the Eagles, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran,” says Dan Schnatter, a longtime piano player originally from Long Island, who owns the NEW YORK CITY PIANO BAR in Coeur d’Alene with his wife, Nika. “Lately I’ve been playing that new song ‘Old Town Road.’ Whatever people are requesting, we play.”

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Schnatter, who for many years has performed under the name Carson Rhodes, says he loves the energy and playing to the crowd’s requests. The NYC Piano Bar, open for just more than a year now, is the latest addition to the piano bar scene in Spokane/Coeur d’Alene. They offer a full restaurant, with everything from pasta and seafood to sandwiches and calzones, and it’s designed to look just like a piano bar straight out of the Big Apple. Plus, it’s family friendly, with all ages welcome until 9 pm, when it turns into a 21 and older joint. “It’s a sing along, dance along, drink along, have-a-party along venue,” he says. “It’s interactive, very interactive with the audience.”

NIGHTLIFE

MUSIC, DJS, COMEDY & LATE NIGHT FOOD. PHOTO BY BRANDON VASQUEZ

JUST WEST OF DOWNTOWN IN BROWNE’S ADDITION.

(509)474-0511 // 11AM-2AM DAILY // 21+

1801 W SUNSET BLVD. // LUCKYYOULOUNGE.COM

Dewey Dorough, Carson Rhodes and Jimi Finn (left to right) perform at The NYC Piano Bar in Coeur d’Alene. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

MAY

2020

Over in Spokane, the current iteration of the RIDLER PIANO BAR has been pleasing crowds for five years, but the venue itself has offered piano fun for the better part of a decade. There, you’ll find owner Steve Ridler, also a lifelong piano player, jamming out most nights of the week, with dueling shows and a full band on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Both venues offer free shows on Thursday nights, with other free entertainment earlier in the week, and there’s a $5 cover for the popular Friday and Saturday shows. If you want to belt out some tunes, both joints also offer plenty of crowd participation, and in some cases you can get on the mic if you throw down an extra donation. With the popularity of both venues, reservations are recommended. Find more at facebook.com/thenycpianobar and ridlerpiano.bar. n

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Northern Quest’s updated summer concert venue (above), and its Kids Quest (middle) and Cottages (below) represent a $20 million investment.

Going All In Area casinos invest millions of dollars to up the entertainment ante in the region

BY DAN NAILEN

hen it comes to the region’s casino resorts, it’s a mistake to think if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. All have unique attributes, and recently they’ve worked to expand their entertainment, dining, shopping and gaming options to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Sometimes that evolution comes with changes to their existing space, and sometimes it means breaking new ground, literally. Here’s a look at what the region’s casino resorts have done lately:

Northern Quest Resort & Casino You don’t even have to go inside the doors at Northern Quest to know there are exciting things afoot in Airway Heights. A year ago, a new building housing M&D, a movie-and-dinner spot, opened and the resort’s outdoor summer concert area got a facelift with an expanded stage and grandstand that raised the capacity to 5,000. That, in turn, led to the resort’s biggest slate of summer concerts ever in 2019. This year also featured the opening of the Northern Quest RV Resort, where 67 RV spots and diminutive cottages entice visitors to stop by and stay a while. The changes don’t stop outside, though; recent years have seen significant renovations inside, including a $20 million project that helped introduce a food court expansion and arrival of the Windfall store, as well as the Kids Quest and Cyber Quest venues that appeal to families with an array of arcade games and child care options. Elsewhere, the Riverbank Taphouse arrived with

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a massive slate of craft beers, high-end cocktails and food. “You’ve got to stay relevant, and you have to continue to give people new reasons to show up,” says Brandon Haugen, the general manager of Kalispel Development for real estate. “Our gaming operation has been operating for almost 20 years. They’ve done a fantastic job of becoming the premiere gaming resort in the region. Our goal is to find other entertainment attractions and other things that will continue to bring people to the site and give them a new reason to show up and hang out and have a good time.” The Kalispel Tribe has about 400 acres surrounding Northern Quest, and while there is no specific project next up, Haugen says he’s constantly evaluating the situation. “We know we need to continue to add more entertainment, more destination-driven venues around Northern Quest and in Northern Quest,” Haugen says. “We’re going to continue to evaluate all the options and what’s the next best one.”

NIGHTLIFE

Coeur d’Alene Casino’s remodeled gaming space.

Coeur d’Alene Casino Worley, Idaho, based Coeur d’Alene Casino and its resort hotel have rarely paused in their 25 years of growing into a North Idaho oasis for gaming, dining, entertainment and recreation. Their most recent project, though, may have been their most dramatic one yet. In the spring of 2019, the Coeur d’Alene Casino put the finishing touches on a massive $15 million renovation covering more than 65,000 square feet of its gaming and event space. The result is a stunning environment for both longtime visitors and new travelers to enjoy expanded gaming options and a higher level of nationally touring entertainers on the resort’s stage. “We’re very pleased with the final result, and we’ve heard great things from customers, employees and tribal members,” said Laura Stensgar, director of public relations-cultural tourism. “We’re really heightened and brightened,” in regard to both the gaming area and entertainment venue. Not only did the event center get a new series of hi-resolution video screens, a new bar and upgraded seating — the stage itself also doubled in size. It all makes for a better experience for both audience and performing artist, and the first summer since the upgrades led to concerts by noteworthy artists like Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Lee Brice, and a September 2019 show by Scotty McCreery. There are also plans in the works to expand the Nighthawk Lounge into a 200-capacity spot where more featured entertainment can happen. And at the resort’s award-winning Circling Raven Golf Club, which just celebrated its 15th full season, director of golf Dave Christenson says they’ve tapped course architect Gene Bates to explore renovating bunkers, putting greens and teebox surfaces, and potentially adding nine holes down the line.

The Spokane Tribe’s new casino opened January 2018.

Spokane Tribal Casino For the Spokane Tribe Casino, just getting open in 2018 was a major feat, the result of years of work by Spokane tribal leaders to deliver an economic engine that will benefit tribal members for years to come. The West Plains spot has already made a name for itself in the region’s dining scene with Three Peaks Kitchen & Bar’s elevated casual fare, in addition to the gaming space. But the original master plan showcases a big vision for the 145-acre site. A hotel, entertainment venue, retail shops and cultural center are all in the long-term plans for what will ultimately be a $400 million casino resort. n

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Turn It Up BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

nyone who has followed Spokane’s music scene with any regularity knows how it morphs and changes, ebbs and flows. But it seems that the Inland Northwest has been on an upswing for the last couple years when it comes to music both local and touring, and we’re in the middle of a particularly fruitful period. If you’re looking for good live music, you don’t have to look very far, and we’re breaking down some of the top club-style options by venue.

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Folk and Indie Rock THE BARTLETT

The premiere all-ages indie venue in town, the Bartlett has become known for its comfortable atmosphere, a great sound system and a full lineup of reliably diverse artists. Their schedule tends toward Americana, folk and indie rock, but they’ll also throw in the occasional stand-up comedy or poetry performances. And don’t sleep on their monthly jazz and bluegrass showcases, and their popular open mic nights. Big names hitting the Bartlett in the coming months include Portland rockers Summer Cannibals (Sept. 22), singer-songwriter Damien Jurado (Oct. 5) and folk-country faves Carbon Leaf (Oct. 7). 228 W. Sprague, thebartlettspokane.com

Alt-Rock for the 21-Plus Crowd LUCKY YOU LOUNGE

From the same folks that brought you the Bartlett, the Lucky You Lounge in Browne’s Addition has only been open since May but has already hosted the likes of Mudhoney, Built to Spill and the Joy Formidable. Alongside a full food menu with vegan options, the venue also boasts a comfy downstairs bar, where it regularly throws free shows and DJ sets. Upcoming artists to look out for: Punk icon Mike Watt (Sept. 25), the alt-country act Son Volt (Oct. 19 and 20), and Spokane native Tyrone Wells (Nov. 15). 1801 W. Sunset, luckyyoulounge.com

INSIDER INSIGHT

DAWSON HOERNER

THE BIG DIPPER has occupied the corner of Second and Washington for decades, its distinctive blue brick exterior and celestial mural a familiar sight to all Spokane music fans. The all-ages venue has changed hands a few times, opening and closing and reopening. But for the last five years it has been under the control of owners Dan and Dawson Hoerner. Dawson Hoerner spoke about fostering a local scene, and how the Dipper has been at the forefront of that for years.

A MUSIC SCENE CAN ONLY GROW WHEN NEW BANDS HAVE A PLACE TO PLAY New bands pop up with some regularity, and it’s important they have an outlet. Hoerner says they’re conscious of this, and that they often pair newer bands with musicians who have more experience under their belt. “It builds relationships for everybody,” she says. And because the venue has such a storied history, many of those veteran musicians are already familiar with the place. “A lot of people come in and say, ‘I played my first show here,’ Hoerner says. “That’s important to a community, and it’s a cool thing for us.”

Lucky You Lounge YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Metal, Hard Rock and Hip-Hop THE PIN

If you want to get your headbang on, look no further than the Pin. This downtown all-ages club specializes in acts that aren’t afraid to crank it up to 11, booking the crustiest punk, the heaviest metal and even the occasional high school rock band showcase. The venue is also known for hosting monthly drag shows, which put the spotlight on both local drag queens and touring performers. 412 W. Sprague, thepinspokane.com

A Little Bit of Everything THE BIG DIPPER

The distinctive blue-brick building on the corner of Washington and First has had a long history as a linchpin of Spokane’s music scene. In the decade and a half before current owners Dan and Dawson Hoerner took the helm, the Big Dipper had closed and reopened and closed again, and it’s now experiencing perhaps its steadiest period of activity. You can expect an eclectic mix of music on any given week — reggae, R&B, rock, pop, jazz and everything else under the sun. The Dipper will also have one of the season’s hottest tickets when Pacific Northwest punk legends the Melvins come through on Sept. 15. 171 S. Washington, bigdipperevents.com

IT’S IMPORTANT TO TREAT THE BANDS WELL In their years touring with the influential emo-rock band Sunny Day Real Estate — Dan was the bassist, Dawson managed merchandise and publicity — the Hoerners learned what touring musicians want on the road. “We can see it from the band’s perspective, and we know the band’s experience,” Hoerner says. “Dealing with the bands and setting up contracts and interacting with the bands — we know how they’re feeling.”

TOURING BANDS REGULARLY PRAISE SPOKANE AUDIENCES It happens all the time, Hoerner says: Touring bands make their tour stops in Spokane and are knocked sideways by the fervor with which they’re greeted. “We’ve had multiple bands tell us that the Spokane show was their best show on tour,” Hoerner says. “Part of that is our room sounds good, but also because of just how enthusiastic the audiences are. It’s exciting and supportive.” — NATHAN WEINBENDER

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Supercrush at The Baby Bar

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

“TURN IT UP” CONTINUED...

Country

DJs

For the times when you have no choice but to boot, scoot and boogie, this spacious, weekend-only country bar out on the Idaho state line is the place to go when you need to brush the dust off those old cowboy boots. Co-owned by bona fide Nashville songwriter and performer Jeremy McComb, the Ville (as its referred to by its regulars) is a massive space, meaning it’s perfect for line dancing. Fridays are ladies nights, and Saturdays often feature live honky-tonk bands you can shuffle to. 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, thenashvillenorth.com

Most dance clubs have DJs that are happy to play all the latest Top 40 hits, but nYne is the place to be if you really, seriously want to get down at the end of the night. On Fridays and Saturdays, the LGBTQ-friendly bar fills up with people from all walks of life, and a rotating roster of DJs spin eclectic playlists of pop hits and classic tunes. After a night of bar-hopping, it’s the place to get your groove on before finally Lyfting home. 232 W. Sprague, nynebar.com

NASHVILLE NORTH

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NYNE BAR

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Funk and R&B

HOUSE OF SOUL, RED ROOM LOUNGE AND THE HIVE One of Spokane’s newest venues, House of Soul (25 E. Lincoln) is a haven for anyone who likes their music of the old-school variety. They host weekly jam sessions and feature the Motown revue stylings of in-house band Nu Jack City, and have hosted touring acts that have included tributes to Earth, Wind & Fire and Prince. Red Room Lounge (521 W. Sprague), meanwhile, is more of a downtown mainstay, and their schedule is heavy with hip-hop, R&B, reggae and even the occasional EDM night. They’re also known for their weekly open mics on Mondays and jam nights on Wednesdays, both hosted by local musician Lucas Brookbank Brown. And if you happen to find yourself in Sandpoint, check the schedule for the Hive (207 N. First), a recently renovated night spot that specializes in funk, R&B and jam bands.

Garage Rock

BABY BAR, BERSERK AND PACIFIC PIZZA

LeftOverSoul plays at the Red Room Lounge. ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

Although these places are first and foremost bars and/or restaurants, it’s not unusual to wander in and stumble upon an awesome, down-and-dirty rock band you’ve never heard of letting loose in the corner. Baby Bar (827 W. First) often hosts DIY shows in its attached Neato Burrito fast-casual restaurant, while the Browne’s Addition staple Pacific Pizza (2001 W. Pacific) serves hotand-ready slices along with local rock ’n’ roll every weekend. And Berserk (125 S. Stevens), one of downtown’s newest bars, throws the occasional live show and hosts a vinyl-spinning night every Thursday. n

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JIM WRIGHT PHOTO

DON’T MISS

LUKE COMBS:

BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART In a time where pop-country hybrids are the norm and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” dominates the country charts, Luke Combs stands out with his true country sound, storytelling and breakthrough album, This One’s for You, which won the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Album of the Year in 2019. Even if you’ve burned yourself out on This One’s for You, you’re still in luck, because this year he released The Prequel, a collection of five new, authentic country songs that we hope he’ll play in Spokane. The Prequel shines a light on what

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makes Combs an icon and a happy spirit, with laughable yet serious lyrics. “Beer Never Broke My Heart” pays tribute to beer’s persistence in his life, while “Refrigerator Door” retells his life from the fridge decorations. Now he’s set to be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Oprey in Nashville, joining a pantheon of legendary country stars. His star is only going to get bigger so when he plays the Spokane Arena in November alongside Morgan Wallen and Jameson Rodgers, make sure you catch him. Tickets run from $35-$50. n

NOV

2019 Spokane Arena

NIGHTLIFE

OKTOBERFEST

With over 30 beers and ciders, eight live bands and three biergartens, this late September celebration will surely be a blast. A ticket to this two day event will get you a pint glass and eight 4-ounce tastings or two full beers. There will also be free root beer on Saturday for children 12 and under so the whole family can partake in the fun. Plus, there’s brownie points for suiting up in traditional Bavarian dirndls and lederhosen. WHERE & WHEN: Sept. 20-21, 2019; Downtown Coeur d’Alene

5 DATES TO SAVE GRAHAM TOLBERT/ CRYSTAL QUINN PHOTO

BON IVER

Hailing from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the indie-folk rock band Bon Iver will take the Gorge Amphitheater this fall alongside Sharon Van Etten. The scenic venue brushed against the Columbia River offers a variety of lodging options from standard camping from around $60 a vehicle, to terrace camping at around $250. Gorge Amphitheater

SEPT

2019

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE:

WERQ THE WORLD TOUR

VOLUME

FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT

MAY 2020

29 2019

DOUG MARSHALL PHOTO

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

Volume, the Inlander’s annual music fest, is about exploration and discovery — about celebrating art, music and the talents of the Inland Northwest. Over the years, Volume has spotlighted emerging local and regional artists and, by doing so, helped people discover their new favorite band. Among the acts who’ve performed in the past: Built to Spill, Allen Stone and Shabazz Palaces. Check Volume.inlander for dates to be announced. Multiple locations in downtown Spokane

SEPT

Stopping off in Spokane for one of their 19 North American locations on their world tour, RuPaul’s Drag Race is sure to make an intergalactic appearance. With fan favorites like Aquaria, Kameron Michaels, Asia O’Hara, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Violet Chachki and four queens from season 11 of the show, the night will have plenty of glitter and queens wearing it. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

This is a small-town whole-town under-the-stars kind of festival. Bring in your homemade picnic and enjoy the 38th annual Festival at Sandpoint. The two-week series takes place every August and welcomes 25,000 concertgoers throughout the season — over three times the city’s population. With performers in jazz, country, rock, pop and more there will surely be a show to suit everyone’s fancy. War Memorial Field, Sandpoint

JULY

THROUGH AUG 9

2020

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RIVER PARK SQUARE | RIVER PARK SQUARE - FP SECTION LEAD SHOPPING FULL PG JI

BE RADIANT. Shed new light on fashion for your home and closet with great brands like Nordstrom, Nike Factory Store, Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Pottery Barn, Athleta and more. With our full spectrum of specialty shops, restaurants, AMC 20 Theatres with IMAX, Mobius Children’s Museum and stunning architecture, you’ll absolutely shine. And announcing our newest additions, Flatstick Pub and Lush.

DOWNTOWN SPOK ANE AT MAIN & POST

riverparksquare.com

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SHOPPING

What local wedding maven Cassie David wishes every bride knew.

Section layout and design: Rachael Skipper

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Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

River Park Squareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bryn West explains why renewals by big retailers like Nordstrom mean big things for Spokane.

Our guide to the shops we turn to for perfect presents.

Three local brands that should be on your radar.

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stocking

SPOKANE Local businesses show support by carrying Spokane goods by ARCELIA MARTIN

Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things

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ALICIA HAUFF PHOTOS

pokane loves Spokane. It’s true. The people in this city love to mock it, defend it and ultimately, support it in their own waysw. Some small businesses are choosing to show their love for this city through their storefronts. When shopping for a gift for a friend, or a treat for your own home, in these stores, you can surely find something local and something you love. Stocked on the shelves of these picturesque neighborhood joints are goods made from around the corner. Candles, jewelry, prints, ceramics, macrame wall hangings — all locally crafted. The work that these stores are doing isn’t just business. It’s a testament to supporting one another, as creators, entrepreneurs and contributors to the city they love. For Ginger Ewing, co-founder and executive director of Terrain, a nonprofit committed to fostering community and economic opportunities for local artists and makers, carrying local goods in their new store, FROM HERE (808 W. Main Ave.), is vital. “Our artists and makers here in Spokane help to form our identity as a community,” Ewing says. “They’re a part of what makes us unique in Spokane. They’re a big part of our economic makeup and having a platform to let people know they exist, to give people the opportunity to buy locally made goods, and help support the local artistry scene — in Terrain’s opinion, is vitally important.” From Here celebrated its grand opening in the middle of June 2019 and is nestled next to Urban Outfitters on the second floor of River Park Square. The store doubles as an art gallery, displaying newly minted Revival Tea Company’s Chai Tea, alongside Honeysuckle Designs vibrant and one-of-a-kind armoire chairs, nearby Sage and Moss’s hanging macrames. Sixty percent of people who walk through River Park Square are visitors, Ewing says, which she is excited about. “What a great way to introduce people to the creativity happening here and all the art being made here,” Ewing says. And for local Renaissance woman Celeste Shaw, owner of Chaps, Paper and Cup, Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things, editor and a parttime emergency room nurse, if she couldn’t stock local goods in her store, she’s not sure she would want to do LUCKY VINTAGE AND PRETTY THINGS (1406 S. Inland Empire Way) at all. Like Ewing, for Shaw, carrying local is vital. “It’s what we represent,” Shaw says. “Art and craft and culture I think it just exemplifies Spokane, and what Spokane has to offer. I mean, I’m a local business, I want to support other local businesses.” Opened in 2014 in Vinegar Flats, the store features both her antique finds as well as local vendors.

Discover

YOUR style A lifestyle boutique for all occasions. Complimentary personal styling.

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

3131 N. Division St. Spokane, WA Mon- Fri 10 - 5:30pm Sat 10 - 4pm | 509.324.8612 ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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Atticus

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

“STOCKING SPOKANE,” CONTINUED...

Many mugs at From Here inside River Park Square

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

From Here’s dedicated workshop space ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

Staggs & Staggs jewelry at From Here ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

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Spokane Doesn’t Suck apparel at From Here ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

When first buying the store, she wasn’t sure exactly what she would do with it. But then it became clear. It could serve as a place for other people in Spokane to create and house other artists. Dandles, for example, is a Spokane-started, hand-poured artisan soy candle company that was one of the first vendors Lucky Vintage had. Vendors apply to sell their good in Shaw’s store to curate the amount of crafts sold. “We only have so much space, so we want the store to have a feel that it has a lot to offer, but we always go with local first before we buy something say from market,” Shaw says. “And if there’s something we were looking for from market, if there’s somebody local, we would maybe even approach them.” Chock full of locally crafted goods like home decor from Southfield Table and Home and vintage finds that she stores in her barn until they’re ready to hit the floor, Lucky Vintage has also taken over the Lucky Fall Festival she used to host in the parking lot of Chaps. Last year, the vintage fair had 4,000 visitors, says Shaw, and almost all the vendors were local artists, crafters or processed a local good. Shaw cherishes the community of other small businesses working to support one another. “You recognize that kind of camaraderie, you aspire to be part of it. And I think people then try to find a way to engage it by offering what they create or supporting a creator,” Shaw says. “And everybody kind of has a role that makes it a round table. No one could do it without somebody else and everyone becomes equal and it’s a pretty remarkable. Something that you witness in a community, there’s a true commitment and conviction to it. It’s pretty awesome.” Another store carrying hand-crafted and local goods is THE LOOKOUT (1516 W. Riverside Ave.), in the Dormitory building in Browne’s Addition. Opened last March, the small store carries co-owner Amy Dolomont’s Aquila Jewelry. Her brass and gemstone pieces are made on her farm, Ace of Spades Farm. At the Lookout, you can also find local mugs handmade by 2232 Ceramics and Inland Candle’s outdoorsy scents to gift someone a whiff of home. And at ATTICUS COFFEE AND GIFTS (222 N. Howard St.), the store is clad with locally made gifts and home decor. The cozy brick coffee shop inspired by How to Kill a Mockingbird, serves and sells local roasts and teas. At the ready with local men’s clothing and accessories, KINGSLEY AND SCOUT (2810 N. Monroe St.) on North Monroe is a great stop to find a little something for the men in your life. From beanies, to hoodies, to leather wallets, there’s sure to be something for every Pacific Northwesterner in your life. Plus, shopping can be tiring and beer makes everything better, so this small storefront gets brownie points for having a bar in the back. n

Also Try

Pottery Place Plus, Gallery Northwest (Coeur d’Alene), the Trellis Marketplace, Boo Radley’s

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Weddings

By appointment only (509)309-3239 • honestinivory.com •

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• 1003 E Trent Ave #105, Spokane, WA 99202

memorable weddings | receptions | rehearsals

Crystal Madsen Photography

spokanecenter.com

509.279.7007

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Weddings

INSIDER INSIGHT

CASSIE DAVID

In August 2018, Cassie David opened HONEST IN IVORY, a new bridal boutique. In less than a year, this upstart was the only Spokane wedding boutique awarded the Knot’s Best of Weddings 2019 designation — which recognizes the top wedding vendors across the country. Earning this award starts with exceptional customer reviews followed by a rigorous evaluation. According to the Knot, only the best of the best (top 4 percent) receive this honor.

DESIGNERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE “I was totally prepared for a very slow start,” David recalls. Instead, at her grand opening more than 400 people showed up within two hours and she quickly found herself with 200+ appointments on the books. David credits her rapid success to an exceptional inventory of dresses that brides see on shows like Say Yes to the Dress. “Our designers that we carry are exclusive to us, so you can’t find some of them within 300 miles.”

EXPERIENCE MATTERS “I would also attribute a lot to my employees and how amazing they make the girls feel,” David adds. Each bride is paired with her own stylist and can share their Pinterest boards in advance of their appointment, so dresses can already be pulled. Then it’s all about having fun. Each private shopping session starts at the mimosa bar, and friends or family can lounge on velvet sofas as the bride finds her perfect dress. “I think that speaks to how consumers now are moving towards an experience economy.”

catering

BEACON H ILL

Featuring thecat best Inland er ing & Northwest e v e n t s producers and products cooked by award winning chefs. PRIVATE PARTIES • WEDDINGS • CATERING ON AND OFF SITE • BBQ • AND MORE

509.720.5412 | LECATERING.CO

WHAT SHE WANTS EVERY BRIDE TO KNOW

BEACON H ILL &

events

Photo by Sydney Baye

cat eri ng

Fine Catering

and

Private Event Facility

www.beaconhillevents.com | 509.482.3556

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As far as trends, David says Spokane brides are voting for quality and comfort with their dollars, which can make their wedding day all the more pleasant. David wishes all brides knew that if they want a custom gown, they need to be prepared to order at least eight months in advance to avoid rush charges. In the age of Instagram and Pinterest, David says she also wishes she could take some of the pressure off brides to make every single detail perfect. “There is a lot of pressure for [their wedding] to look really unique or for it to be spectacular. And I just want to tell girls, ‘Just pick what you like and do it for you, not the ‘Gram.’” — TAMARA McGREGOR

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labels to

LOOK FOR Let us introduce you to three local brands that should be on your radar by TAMARA McGREGOR

TEDDI JOELLE Simple. Timeless. Luxurious. Those are the qualities that have made Teddi Joelle purses, clutches and totes so splurgeworthy. Previously known as Hustle & Hide, the rebrand in November 2018 to Teddi Joelle signified a bigger move for the company, from a side hustle owner Teddi Cripps started during graduate school in Spokane, to a much larger vision, which includes a clothing line in addition to their collection of minimal, sleek bags. “Last year we came to a point in our company where we had to make some big decisions around growth and sustainability,” explains Cripps. “We knew that we wanted to take our work to a whole new level of craftsmanship and design.”

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ALYCIA LOVELL PHOTOS

While all of the company’s bags were previously handmade in Spokane, Cripps has now partnered with a small group of leather artisans in Northern Italy. “They are made from Italian vachetta vegetable-tanned leather and are meticulously crafted to perfect,” she explains. As for her team in Spokane, they will continue to focus on design, product development and their expanding in-house clothing line, “which we are very excited about,” she says. All of the sketching, pattern-making, prototyping and sewing for this line will be done out of the Spokane studio. Just as Teddi

Joelle’s handbags are known for their classic, and timeless style, look for a clothing line that also embraces slow fashion — a core principle they describe as “rather than keeping up with the newest trends, we strive to design and create outside of the fast-fashion parameters. Not only does this approach decrease overall waste and excess, but it also allows a greater sense of creative freedom by not having to structure each launch based on what others are doing.” Find it locally at From Here and online at teddiJoelle.com.

We’ve Got Your Back NIKOLAY KORCHEMNIY PHOTOS

ANFISA In just over a year, Anfisa Skin has developed an international following. Just hours after launching her website, founder Aly Korchemniy found herself fielding an inquiry from British Vogue. Coverage from GQ, Elle and Cosmopolitan followed. Its Lilou Regenerating Balm was quickly picked up to be sold on Anthropolgie’s website, where it’s frequently on back order. “It’s been a whirlwind, for sure,” exclaims Korchemniy. While the company’s profile has seemingly blown up overnight, Korchemniy’s journey started as an effort to heal her own skin. “I’ve always struggled with really bad acne,” she explains. When her dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, she started to pay attention to the ingredients in all the products she was working with at a local medical spa. “All of the products were filled with chemicals and so many synthetics, and I just wanted an option that would have similar effects but would be natural.” She researched ingredients endlessly. She formulated and experimented. “It took four years of formulating products for myself to get my skin under control,” she explains, “and for once in my life, people started to notice a difference in my skin.” With their urging, she decided to launch Anfisa and began to create its signature product, Lilou Regenerating Balm. “You quickly realize things take a lot more time than you realize,” she says. Sourcing the ingredients alone took seven months. She would order 10 or 12 different kinds of cucumber seed oils to compare them side by side to find the best quality she could. Her efforts paid off. Lilou Regenerating Balm is packed with 21 different antioxidants and is designed to replace traditional cream moisturizer without clogging pores. It’s an oil-based balm made from antioxidant-rich blueberries, grape seed oil, matcha tea and cucumber seed, with no fillers or additives. “I wanted it to be able to be used for almost any skin cancer or ailment,” Korchemniy adds, from teens with acne, to women worried about aging.” Find it locally at Spa Paradiso, Sarah Hamilton Face, Plastic Surgery Northwest, North Idaho Dermatology (Coeur d’Alene) and online at anfisaskin.com.

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wearing Millianna’s signature style. “I “LABELS TO LOOK FOR,” CONTINUED... think our biggest hit came from Téa Leoni wearing our cuff on Madam Secretary,” Brooke adds, “All of a With its intricately woven or hand-strung, sudden we started noticing we were selling all cut crystals, Millianna’s earrings, cuffs and these micro cuffs on the website and we were bib necklaces are as distinctive as they are wondering why.” Leoni wore the beautiful beautiful. Note the craftsmanship on each dark blue cut crystal bracelet (still available intricate piece, or the patented magnetic on their website) for almost a whole season, python skin clasp that’s as stunning as it is sparking hundreds of sales. functional. Admire the bold design — intended to make an outfit, not simply accessorize o-owners and friends Arianna it. When you look carefully, it’s easy to spot a Brooke and Sharmilla Persaud piece of Millianna’s jewelry, whether it’s worn began dreaming of starting their by a celebrity at the Grammys, in the pages of own line when they worked together at O Magazine or worn by the guest sitting next BCBG Max Azria in New York City. This spring, to you at Epicurean Delight. Millianna will celebrate 10 years of designing, “It’s definitely statement driven,” explains producing and selling their statement jewelry. Millianna co-founder Arianna Brooke. “If you “It’s definitely been a labor of love. Sharappreciate good design and aesthetics, you’ll milla is a really gifted and talented designer. appreciate it. You’ll also appreciate it for the It’s really exciting to see what she creates. workmanship that obviously goes into it. Every season it’s like opening a new jewel box We have some pieces that literally take hours and seeing all these really cool things,” Brooke of weaving. That’s what we love to do and says. that’s what we are While Persaud drives the design known for.” process, Brooke oversees production It’s clear these heavhere in Spokane, using a team of local ily worked, intricate deartisans. When Millianna started, signs are being noticed they had a hard time finding reliable locally, and nationally. people to execute their intricate Celebrities from Miranda designs. While visiting her parents, Lambert to Rachel Ray Brooke had an epiphany when one of have been spotted their friends talked about his experience volunteering with World Relief, a refugee

MILLIANNA

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advocacy organization. “So a little light just went on,” she explains. “I need workers, and they need jobs. So we started this training program over there.” When you order a necklace or pair of earrings off the website, one of these trained artisans then hand-makes it for you and is paid by the piece. “I feel like we have the best workforce anyone could ever hope to have. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know several of our artisans and they are beautiful people through and through.” So what will the next 10 years bring for Millianna? “The dream is to be able to diversify in our product categories so that we’re doing more than jewelry, we’re doing other types of accessories.” In 2019, the design duo experimented with “shoewelery” — bringing feather shoe accessories to the Grammy Gift Lounge for celebrities to wear. In the meantime, look for a dramatic fall line, says Persaud, “Jewelry is going back to being big and bold again. Statement pieces are coming back and jewelry is going from being minimalist, light and airy to darker, richer and heavier in style and elements of that will be reflected in Millianna for fall.” Find it locally at the Davenport Home Store, La Rive Spa at Northern Quest Resort and Casino or online at millianna.com. n

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CRAFT A LOOK YOU’LL LOVE WITH BASSETT® AT THE TIN ROOF It was a natural fit, The Tin Roof and Bassett Furniture. We’re well known for our wide selection of furnishings and decor, in addition to interior design service. Bassett’s commitment to crafting comfortable, long lasting furniture suits the lifestyle of The Tin Roof. We dedicated a large portion of our showroom for Bassett. All of the furnishings and decor were hand selected with the Pacific Northwest in mind. Natural tones, warm wood finishes, woven patterns, and supple leathers—everything that defines the beauty of our area. In the new HGTV Home™ Design Studio, you can create exactly the furniture you want, be confident it’ll have the high quality you need, and have it in your home faster than you think. It offers nearly unlimited options to create furniture that’s uniquely you. Choose your fabric or leather, your finish, your trim. Choose how deep you want a seat, what style you prefer a wood leg, and how firm you like a cushion. The end result? A custom piece that looks and feels exactly right. Searching for solid wood craftsmanship? Bench*Made is one of our favorites. With artistry, precision, and painstaking attention to detail, Bassett’s finest craftspeople with expertise in making benchmade furniture create pieces by hand. One at a time. Literally. As a matter of fact, the entire Bench*Made line is made old school, in Bassett, 158 | T H E I N L A N D E R A N N U A L M A N U A L 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

Envelop sectional series consisting of three simple pieces to allow you the freedom to create your own seating configuration.

Complimentary design consultations available in our showroom or in your home. Virginia where Bassett started making hand crafted, high quality furniture back in 1902.

Bench Made Solid Maple Live Edge Upholstered Panel Bed is available in your choice of wood finish and upholstery.

If the sleek modern look is more you style, you’ll love the Bassett Modern line. It’s the intersection of modern elegance and everyday comfort. Luxurious upholstery is paired with deep dimensional oak and shimmery metal accents. The combination is sophisticated but approachable. Deep seating is perfect for long “where-did-thetime-go”

conversations with friends. Visit our website to browse online or come to our showroom for a complete tour. Need design inspiration? We’re happy to bring your vision to life. Tell our designers about your home: how you live, what styles you like, how large your room is. We’ll help you create the furniture that will make the most use of your space and bring your style to life.

Call or Text 509-535-1111 | 1727 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm | www.TinRooffurniture.com Follow our story & connect with us

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S E RV I C E

Our guide to local shops that deliver a better boutique experience by ARCELIA MARTIN

ure, online shopping is convenient. But what if you need something spectacular tonight? What if you aren’t sure what shoes or jewelry will work with that dress? What if you need a bra that really fits? For all those reasons, and so many more, we love shopping local. Here’s our guide to some of our favorite shops that go above and beyond to make the Inland Northwest look great.

Audrey’s This year, Audrey’s celebrates 50 years of dressing Spokane women. In retail years (in our minds, similar to dog years), that’s an eternity. Audrey Rotondo was working in the lingerie department at the Crescent, helping to fit breast cancer survivors with post-mastectomy products when she decided she could do better for these women. A breast

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cancer-survivor herself, she opened what was known then as Audrey’s a Boutique. Since then, the shop has had four different owners, but to this day, still serves breast cancer survivors with compassion. “We still do post-mastectomy fittings because it’s a vital service. We have clients that range in age from their late 20s to just over 100 years old,” says Audrey’s current owner Victoria Ferro. “You can be in a fitting room with someone and cry. You can be in a fitting with someone laughing your butt off because they’ve been on this journey for a long time and they are so used to it.” Known in the region as the “bra whisperer” Ferro can fit anyone, not just breast cancer survivors in a bra that actually fits. She is passionate about how a proper foundation makes any clothes wear better. She’s also adamant about finding the

right clothing styles that flatter your figure. Put yourself in her hands and she will make sure that dress you’re wearing to the Pumpkin Ball is perfect. “We’re very honest,” she says. “When women buy clothes, they look at themselves from the waist up and they don’t look at the whole body, whereas I’m looking at this woman from the feet up and from all angles.” Unlike online retailers, which typically have a rate of return of 30-40 percent or more, Ferro’s return rate is less than 3 percent. “I take pride in that,” she says. Ferro also takes pride in the changes she’s made to the store since she took ownership in 2012. She immediately remodeled and replaced the mahogany and brown decor. She removed the “a boutique” from the shop’s name and created a new, stylish logo. “Women have changed since Audrey opened the store,” she explains “and each

Opposite and Above: Audrey’s YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS Right: Kali Yeager at Boutique Bleu KELLY Q PHOTOGRAPHY

of us has a different style profile. My profile tends to be sleek, clean lines which transcend age.” While previous owners tended to cater to older women, Ferro aims to attract a younger woman. “My goal here is to dress the girl who’s graduating from college and show her how to dress for business and still be hip and cool.” At the same time, she also aims to help the older client maintain a stylish edge, without looking like she’s shopping in the juniors section. 3131 N. Division St.

Anderson & Co. Anderson & Co. has been dressing titans of industry in the Inland Northwest for 34 years. This is where power brokers turn to find a perfectly fitted suit, a jaunty pocket square and the perfectly coordinated tie, as well as casual wear from premiere brands like Robert Graham, Bugatchi, Tommy Bahama and Cutter and Buck. This locally owned shop is also known for its longstanding relationships with its customers. Owner Gary Anderson has presided over the shop since it opened back in 1985. Opening his own clothing store was a personal dream, after working the retail industry in Billings, Seattle and Spokane before opening his own storefront. River Park Square, 814 W. Main Ave.

Boutique Bleu This charming shop in Kendall Yards is sunny and cheerful, and the dresses, blouses and sweaters inside are destined to spark joy. Shop owner Amy Driscoll consistently stocks stylish, casual clothing perfect for an evening browsing the Kendall Yards Night Market or wine tasting at nearby Maryhill. 1184 W. Summit Pkwy.

Cues Be warned, if you follow Cues on Instagram, unbudgeted clothing indulgences may occur. This small, but mighty boutique consistently sells high quality clothing that’s some of the most fashion-forward in Spokane. While it’s fun to browse this shop’s selection of premium denim, dresses and blouses, it’s better to give in and just let them Lolo style you from head to toe. And don’t skimp on the jewelry. This small storefront has one of the best selections in the region, but be prepared to make an investment. 108 N. Washington St.

Finders Keepers II Dress Boutique If you love a little bling, then Finders Keepers is your destination for prom dresses and evening gowns. There’s no shortage of sequins and sparkles in this local shop. Need a hat for the RMHC Polo Classic or a derby party? This is also your place. 18 W. Main Ave.

Fringe Boutique So, you went out for groceries and you ended buying a new blouse. Yeah, we’ve done that too. The display windows at Fringe will get you as you make your way to the South Hill

Rosauers (2622 E. 29th). And the great thing is, you really shouldn’t feel too guilty. This stylish boutique has super reasonable price points on everything from Kut from the Kloth jeans to wrap dresses. If you’re tempted to online shop but want to keep your dollars local, they do have an online site (fringecollection.com). And yes, the cute brunette that seemingly looks good in everything on their website and social feeds, she’s the owner.

Jema Lane Boutique Want a casual, comfortable outfit that still looks put together? That’s Jema Lane’s, well, lane. The vibe here is also relaxed and approachable, with a wide variety of sizes from XS-3XL. Their accessory game (jewelry, shoes, handbags) is also strong. 613 S. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley

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Jigsaw Turn to Jigsaw for sophisticated style that’s timeless, but anything but pedestrian. This downtown boutique is awash in tasteful patterns and prints from the likes of top labels like Johnny Was and Nanette Lepore. If you want to look every bit as chic as the mannequins in their 18 massive storefront windows, let their talented staff style you to stand out. 601 W. Main Ave.

Lolo

12501 N Division St • 1105 N Lincoln St

Need a dress for your best friend’s bridal shower? Go to Lolo. Need a gift for the shower, too? Go to Lolo. You can get a lot done in this urban enclave. Just make sure you leave enough time. There’s a lot to see — from exceptional statement necklaces and clothing styles you won’t find at department stores to candles, dish towels and wine accessories. 319 W. Second Ave.

Marmalade Fresh Clothing

(509) 290-6366 reeceboutique.com

Marmalade, on Coeur d’Alene’s main drag, carries what we think is the most diverse inventory of all the area’s local boutiques. Your boho best friend Kristiana Kershaw at Jigsaw YOUNG KWAK PHOTO can shop here for her floaty, floral kimonos. Your always chic sister will find her new favorite jumpsuit here and even your pulled together mom can find her lane in this densely packed boutique. Don’t forget to check out Marmalade Underground downstairs for a smattering of carefully curated vintage pieces by the likes of Chanel and Dior. 308 E. Sherman Ave.

Swank Boutique One of our favorite follows on the ‘gram, the Swank girl is always up for fun and always looks good whether she’s heading to a festival, going out for a burger or off to yoga and brunch. She shops at Swank for comfy and chic jumpers, flirty dresses and sassy swimwear. You can shop her looks on social, but better yet, visit the brick and mortar in NorthTown Square for the full Swank experience. Northtown Square, 4727 N. Division St.

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T-blue is making North Idaho more stylish, one store at a time. In May 2019 they added a third store in Hayden. So how do you choose? We vote you shop them all, but if we described them as siblings (with strong similarities), we’d say the downtown sister is a little more funky, with a penchant for premium brands. The Hayden sister tends toward timeless and tasteful and the Riverstone shop is the little sister who’s playful and fun, and wants to stay up on the latest trends without breaking the bank. 404 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • Hayden Creek Plaza, 8134 N. Government Way, Hayden • The Village at Riverstone, 2027 Main St., Coeur d’Alene n

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GIFTS

Our guide to the shops we turn to for perfect presents by TAMARA McGREGOR

Windfall at Northern Quest

t’s your sister-in-law’s birthday. Today. You need to walk into a birthday dinner in a few hours, gift in tow. Despite your lack of planning, you really do want to get her something great. When push comes to shove, here are the go-to shops we turn to for great gifts. We’ve organized our list by location, because we know you don’t have a lot of time.

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Downtown Spokane You can cross a lot of people off your shopping list at the corner of Washington and Main in downtown Spokane. Start at DECORUM (126 N. Washington St.), where the store is conveniently merchandised with distinct themes — from displays for gifts for graduates to vignettes designed to appeal to lake lovers or wine aficionados. Is there a book lover on your list? Cross the street and stop in at AUNTIE’S (402 W. Main Ave.), Spokane’s largest independent bookstore. This Spokane gem is staffed with passionate readers. Let their handwritten reviews guide you through the shelves, or better yet, ask a staffer to help you discover the perfect gift. UNCLE’S GAMES (404 W. Main Ave.) is conveniently located in the same building, and packed with games promising hours of

irreverent entertainment to family-friendly play. POTTERY PLACE PLUS (203 N. Washington St.) is also inside the Liberty Building, with an eclectic assortment of items made by local artisans from jewelry and ceramics to small paintings and prints. Venture to Spokane Falls and Main, and you’ll find the dynamic duo of gift shops — BOO RADLEY’S (232 N. Howard St.) and ATTICUS COFFEE & GIFTS (222 N. Howard St.). Inlander readers consistently vote Boo Radley’s their favorite gift shop year after year for its self-described “off the wall weird stuff.” Look to nearby Atticus for clever and tasteful gifts that span from gurgle pots, to beautiful journals and Great PNW hoodies. While you wouldn’t typically think of a hotel gift shop as a shopping destination, THE DAVENPORT’S HOME STORE (10 S. Post

St.) is definitely worthy of a stop. Yes, you can purchase their dreamy signature mattress here, but they also stock a beautiful selection of jewelry, linens, perfume, lotions and home goods, all with European flare. For those with more exotic taste, head to KIZURI (35 W. Main St.), which showcases fair trade goods from all over the globe. WONDERS OF THE WORLD (621 W. Mallon Ave.) in the historic Flour Mill also carries an exotic array of items as well, from an abundant selection of jewelry made with natural gemstones to candle holders made from beautiful pink Himalayan salt. You can never go wrong with jewelry or a Hobo wristlet from LOLO (319 W. Second Ave.), but make sure you also visit both sides of the boutique and check out their assortment of scarves, succulents, Corkcicle stemless wine glasses, and what we think is one of the most entertaining card selections in town.

West Spokane If you can’t find something at Northern Quest’s WINDFALL (100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights), you’re just not trying hard enough. This expansive new gift shop is stocked with everything from classic Pendleton blankets to Hobo handbags, Lucky Brand apparel and much more. Unlike many gift shops that cater primarily to women, Windfall has a great selection for the outdoorsy man, as well as girly-girls. While you’re at the casino, make sure you also check out the gift shop at LA RIVE SPA. In addition to a wonderful line of indulgent Ugg bathrobes and loungewear, you’ll find a small, but well curated selection of clothing, jewelry and of course, ample beauty supplies. Added bonus — there’s no sales tax here. Love Joanna Gaines’ and Magnolia Home’s style? Then head to SHOP REJUV

(1930 S. Inland Empire Way) and LUCKY VINTAGE AND PRETTY THINGS (1406 S. Inland Empire Way). The candles, housewares, even the apparel at these charming shops would all work on an episode of Fixer Upper.

East Spokane While the TIN ROOF (1727 E. Sprague Ave.) is beloved for its furniture and staff of talented designers, don’t disregard it for smaller gift purchases, especially at Christmas when the store is full of artfully decorated Christmas trees and holiday decor. THE TRELLIS MARKETPLACE (4102 S. Bowdish Rd.) is a gift-givers paradise. Just don’t be surprised when something for you sneaks into your basket. This charming shop is stocked with canvas totes, bar ware, candles, linens, hats, apparel, cook books and more — perfect for a hostess gift or for hosting a bachelorette party.

South Spokane SOUTHERN SPECIALTIES (301 S. Grand Blvd.) brings some Southern-inspired charm to Spokane’s South Hill. Its candles and gourmet goodies are perfect for birthdays, teacher or hostess gifts. They’re prepared for weddings all year-round, and an in-house embroidery service makes the gift you select even more personal. For years, FERRANTE’S (4516 S. Regal St.) marketplace has been our South Hill go-to stop for girlfriend gifts, with their awesome selection of vibrant dish towels, clutches, artisan jewelry and wine.

but always stocked with exceptional home furnishings and gifts). Pop in here for Brighton purses and Alex & Ani bracelets, picture frames, home decor and decadent PJ Salvage pajamas made from freakishly soft cotton. RITTER’S GARDEN & GIFT (10120 N. Division St.) also offers an abundance of gift options, from succulents to home fragrances.

Coeur d’Alene In our opinion, no visit to Coeur d’Alene is complete without a visit to MIX IT UP (513 E. Sherman Ave.). Stock up on great coffee table books, rubber ducky socks, and Allen Designs clocks. This is the perfect place to pick up hostess gifts, like a porcelain quiche plate which reads, “quiche me baby one more time” or nautical-themed gourmet cheese knives. Nearby, INTO THE WOODS (509 E. Sherman Ave.) also has an abundance of options for avid entertainers, along with all kinds of cabin and lake decor. Don’t miss the Ronda Smith Designs exclusively carried at this Sherman Avenue shop. We’re kind of obsessed. So your sister-in-law is in two book clubs? Then head to THE WELL-READ MOOSE (Riverstone, 2048 N. Main St.), and let their well-read staff guide you to the book everyone is talking about. Pick up that present you need in time for the party, and maybe a beach read for yourself. n

North Spokane MEL’S HOME & CLOSET (12501 N. Division St.) has been a bastion of good taste for northsiders for decades (formerly known as Mel’s Nursery —

Tin Roof YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Southern Specialties JEREMIAH MCCABE PHOTO

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HOME Celebrating your city with what you wear and what you use. by ARCELIA MARTIN

Vintage Print by Chris Bovey Whether it’s of Silver Mountain, Bigfoot, Pend Oreille, the Garland Theater, West Central or the Bulldog, Chris Bovey probably has the vintage print for you. Sold online and at Atticus, most of his 13-by19-inch posters cost $20. He also does custom work of historic buildings and landmarks. A new line of trucker hats and stickers will also help you show your love of local history.

SPO Hat from Lightning Deluxe Three letters, one city. Sport your Spokane pride by wearing Lightening Deluxes’ Spo Dad Hat, with hand cut and sewn letters by local artist Jon Deviny. You can find one of these baseball caps around town, including at Paper and Cup and Atticus for $35.

Great PNW Womens Hoodie Show your local pride with this Great PNW hoodie while you’re out on your next adventure. Great PNW, started in Spokane, has shared their love for their roots through their casual apparel and accessories since 2013. This sweatshirt hand printed in the Northwest will cost you $50 at Atticus.

Staggs and Staggs Neighborhood Sign We may not have a subway, but we have the rustic sign to warrant one. Sourced from raw local aluminium, Staggs and Staggs celebrates their “imperfectly perfect process,” leaving each piece distressed in a one-of-a-kind fashion. You can request a custom subway sign by shooting them an email or for $55 you can snag one of these signs on their website.

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and Coffee Too! Spokane Mug by 2232 Ceramics

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But first, coffee. Start your morning, or your mid-afternoon caffeine boost in a Spokane mug from 2232 Ceramics. Made by local potter Brooke Martinez, every ceramic piece is hand thrown and fired at 2232 degrees. These mugs are food, dishwasher and microwave friendly, too. Find these mugs at the Lookout and Atticus for $26.

CDA Idaho Clothing Company Sticker Take this little hill from home with you anywhere — stick it on your water bottle, on your laptop, on your car. The possibilities of where you go are endless, but you’ll never be stuck without Tubbs. Designed in house by CDA Idaho Clothing Company, this sticker is sold online and in store at the Resort Shops for $5. — ARCELIA MARTIN

LET NATURE NURTURE. Every spa treatment at La Rive is inspired by a rich palette of natural elements and a long history of Kalispel hospitality for a spa experience like no other. For appointments, call (509) 481-6108. NORTHERNQUEST.COM 877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

Step into lolo and discover your new favorite thing: fashions, gifts, and locally made good that take boutique shopping in Spokane to the next level.

319 west second avenue • spokane • 509.747.2867 • monday-saturday 10-5:30pm • lolospokane.com ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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THIS! Who to call when it breaks Broken Phone and Tablet Screens It happens. It’s agonizing. Your smartphone is laying face down on the floor and you say a quick prayer. But some unlucky times, you are not spared. In those times, CPR CELL PHONE REPAIR (2924 S. Regal St.) SPOKANE iPHONE REPAIR (4805 N. Division St.), and EZ FIX CELL PHONE REPAIR (11305 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley) can usually offer same day service to get your phone repaired. The three stores have pretty similar price ranges, from around $75 to repair an older iPhone screen and up to $400 to fix one of the latest iPhone screens.

Shop Local

JAN, THE TOY LADY, IS PROUD OF THE WIDE SELECTION OF TOYS IN HER STORE:

Vet

Scientist

Mom

Broken Small Appliances You notice when your espresso machine stops working. So does everyone around you. Take you and yours truly to APPLIANCE PARTS MART (1513 Mullan Rd., Spokane Valley) to get your small appliances fixed. They handle a variety of appliances, from vacuum cleaners, to KitchenAid mixers, to blenders. Depending on the brand, the store should be able to get the parts your appliance needs.

Chef

Shoe Repair Scuffed up your patent leather shoes? ONE STOP SHOE REPAIR (2934 E. 29th Ave.), RESSA’S SHOE SERVICE (20 E. Indiana Ave.) and SAAD’S SHOE SERVICE (4407 N. Division St.) can help you make your shoes look like new. Whether your boots lost their heel, your sandal’s strap snapped off, or your leather belt needs a new hole, these stores can get it done in a couple of business days.

Purse/Leather Cleaning Now that you’ve got your purse fixed, you can get it all spiffed up for its reintroduction to your regular rotation at SCOLLARD’S CLEANING (223 S. Hatch St.) and at CLARKS CLEANER’S (1419 N. HamiltonSt.). Both cleaning stores have other locations around the city as well.

Furniture Repair So your dog ate your table leg? ROI’S FURNITURE REFINISH REPAIR (1611 N. Monroe St.) and SHANAHAN & SONS FURNITURE (2206 S. Inland Empire Way) can help repair Fido’s pricey snack. And for any upholstery fixes you may need, SURE-FIT SEAT COVERS (1730 W. Broadway Ave.), has got you covered. No seat is too big or too small for them.

Detective

The is re futu ood g in ds! han

tore Toy S er Own

River Park Square (509) 456-TOYS

YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING SHO

— ARCELIA MARTIN

RACHAEL SKIPPER ILLUSTRATION

GUIDE ON INLANDER STANDS

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FAIR TRADE HANDMADE Unique Gifts • Housewares Jewelry • Cards • Clothing From Across The World And Here At Home.

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The Walk Shoppe Carries Comfort that is Always in Style! SPICE BLENDS! NAOT

TAOS

FABULOUS SELECTION OF BOOTS, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES thrift store

It’ll take your day from Ho,Hum to Oh,YUM!! 2018’S BEST LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD

Made in Spokane! Available at: Rocket Market, Rosauers, Super 1 and Online

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Best Locally Produced Food Item Spokane CDA Magazine 2018

upscale thrift clothes w handbags w shoes housewares & much more! A Neighborhood Ministry of St. John’s Cathedral Service League

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Tues-Fri 1:00 to 6:00 Sat 12:00 to 5:00 509.534.3888

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Two Women Vintage Goods ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

vintage A D VA N TA G E Experienced local thrifters are surely familiar with these hot spots, but even if you’ve been before — even recently — keep in mind that vendors and shop owners are always restocking their inventory with fabulous new finds. by CHEY SCOTT

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Tossed & Found

1889 Salvage YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

North Monroe Business District In recent years, one of the best local spots to thrift, antique and hunt for unexpected finds has become Spokane’s North Monroe Business District. All the shops in this neighborhood are worth your while — we suggest starting at one end and working your way down. A great first stop is BOULEVARD MERCANTILE (1905 N. Monroe), located inside a prominent, historic brick building at the corner of Monroe and Northwest Boulevard and Indiana Avenue. Boulevard is home to numerous local vendors of vintage, antique and repurposed salvaged home goods on its main floor and in the building’s basement. Vintage clothing galore, from cut-off Levi’s and funky graphic tees to jackets, shoes and Western-style button ups can also be

found in a large corner of the basement from vendor Vagabond Soundtrack. Continue working your way north and stop at the following shops along the way: Newcomer to the district CHIC & SHAB (2321 N. Monroe), which relocated in early 2019 from Hillyard, offers a wide range of decor styles — sleek midcentury modern to charming, shabby chic farmhouse pieces — from its many local vendors. Meet all of the shop’s curators at chicandshab.com. Just up the street from here, TOSSED & FOUND (2607 N. Monroe), one of the larger stores in the district, is packed with goodies from all eras and styles; get a sneak peek of what’s in stock on the shop’s Facebook page. Keep moving another two blocks north to another local favorite, 1889 SALVAGE CO. (2824

ALI BLACKWOOD PHOTO

N. Monroe). Owner Gina Campbell is also constantly posting social media updates on the store’s latest inventory if you have specific pieces in mind, or want to get first dibs. Nearby, D & L’s RUSTIC TREASURES (2910 N. Monroe) is a hotspot if the shabby chic, farmhouse style is your jam. Just up from there, MARILYN’S ON MONROE (3111 N. Monroe) is another longtime vintage and antique purveyor to add to your list, with wares often spilling out onto the sidewalk to catch the eyes of passersby. Across the street from Marilyn’s, finish your hunt at PAINT IN MY HAIR (3036 N. Monroe), which features a mix of new and repurposed inventory from its many vendors, along with shelves of the popular furniture chalk paint brand Annie Sloan.

GEAR UP TO WIND DOWN.

Shop all of your favorite home, outdoor and jewelry brands like UGG, Filson, Pendleton, Bōte, Jack Mason and more. And use your Camas Rewards card to redeem points and comps for merchandise or earn points for a windfall of future fun. Shop now at Northern Quest.

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“VINTAGE ADVANTAGE,” CONTINUED...

Sprague Union District and Spokane Valley

Boulevard Merchantile

Two Women Vintage Goods

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In the recently renamed Sprague Union District (aka East Sprague, or the International District, near The Tin Roof), a corner shop called ERA VINTAGE HOME (1802 E. Sprague) is bound to blow your midcentury-modern-loving mind. Its owners are constantly bringing in new pieces from their massive collection to stock the small storefront and are happy to chat with customers stopping by looking for a specific piece. Nearby, shoppers can find goods from all eras at BLUE CAT VINTAGE (1919 E. Sprague), which is home to a massive showroom floor stocked with items from dozens of local pickers who continually update their inventories of clothing, shoes, art, home decor, furniture and more. Just down the street to the east is local favorite TWO WOMEN VINTAGE GOODS (2012 E. Sprague), which relocated its store from west downtown in late 2018. The new space, which is double the size of the shop’s downtown spot, also includes the cafe Cream & Sugar Coffee, offering coffee, tea and baked goods. Don’t forget to head upstairs to find lovely collections from more vendors. Spread your vintage hunt further east to the Greenacres area of Spokane Valley and hit another couple of vintage spots worth a stop. RELICS (17325 E. Sprague) offers home decor and furnishings in all styles: midcentury, farmhouse, cottage, shabby chic, rustic and more. While you’re in the area, also

swing by the GREENACRES VENDOR MALL (16814 E. Sprague) to shop its many curated vendor booths, many of which offer a range of vintage and antiques, often mixed in with reproductions, original art, clothing and other handmade items.

Midtown Coeur d’Alene

In North Idaho, make plans to spend a full day exploring Coeur d’Alene’s Midtown Neighborhood, home to the locally beloved treasure trove formerly known as Junk, recently renamed to MIDTOWN HOME & VINTAGE MARKET before it moved, in late summer 2019, into a new and larger spot (1003 N. Fourth St.) just a few blocks from its old location. Keep heading north from here on Fourth to check out fellow antique/vintage goods purveyors THE WAY BACK (1103 N. Fourth), FORGET ME NOT SHOP (1402 N. Fourth) and PARIS ANTIQUES (1815 N. Fourth). South from these, and closer to downtown Coeur d’Alene, there’s also LOOKING GLASS MARKETPLACE (848 N. Fourth). There’s plenty more to be found across the Inland Northwest when it comes to vintage and antique goodies. Beyond the neighborhoods suggested here, take a gander at the dozens of shops listed by area in the locally published and free Vintage Directory, which can be picked up at most of its featured vendors. Find out more at facebook.com/VintageDirectoryUSA and then start planning a day on the hunt in Sandpoint, Cheney, Pullman or beyond. n

Two Women Vintage Goods

Health

Home

Food

Family

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

People

A Bi-Monthly Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ Available on Inlander stands throughout the Inland Northwest ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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LOCAL GOODS In the market for something from the Lilac City? Here’s our guide to the goods. LITTLE HAPPIGOODS CO. LLAMA These handmade little llamas are sure to make your little one smile. Pick up a pair of these sleepy plush animals at Cherry Hill Orchard & Market in Green Bluff, Lovely Chaos in Coeur d’Alene and at Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things. $19.95

REJUV LOTION BAR Rejuv’s lotion bar is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax and glides right onto your skin to replenish and rejuvenate. These two can be found at their flagship store, Rejuv. $8.95 a bar.

COTTONGRACECO GAUZE BIB These multiuse handmade gauze cloths get softer with every spin cycle, as the cotton expands and acquires a “puffed” texture. These cloths can also serve as a bandana or as a lovey for your little one. The teething beads are sold separately and made by the Hatching Hen, a Pacific Northwest company owned by a mother of four. Available at Rejuv, or on Etsy. $10.

COTTONGRACECO CRIB SHOES YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

Good luck trying to get these little booties off, little one. The elastic ankle on these cotton/linen chambray shoes helps to keep them on. There are sizes available for newborns up to children 18 months old. Find them at Rejuv. $16-$18.

JACKIE MAKER DESIGNS Talk about upcycling. These earrings have been made with recycled bicycle innertubes and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Find a pair that suits your fancy at Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things. $22-$28.

DANDLES CANDLES Not only do they brighten up every room, these candles smell of cabernet, tobacco teakwood, pomegranate martini and more. Dandles Candles are 100 percent homemade and some are poured in pottery designed by Jill Smith at Clay Fox Studio. Find them around town, including at 1900 House and Home and Ferrante’s. $8-$25.

COY JEWELRY Coy Jewelry specializes in small batch simple styles for everyday wear. Tinkering away at brass and bronze, these pieces are handmade and use natural stones to add to their minimal beauty. You can purchase a piece at Rejuv or From Here. Prices depend on the piece.

AQUILA JEWELRY Handmade gemstone and brass jewelry, Aquila Jewelry is elegant and natural. Different pieces are now available at the Lookout in Browne’s Addition. Prices depend on piece. — ARCELIA MARTIN

INSIDER INSIGHT

BRYN WEST

As the vice president of Centennial Property Management Company, Bryn West is in charge of the strategy, operations and leasing of all of Centennial’s downtown properties, which include RIVER PARK SQUARE and The M (the old Macy’s building), among other landmark properties. For more than a decade, that’s meant selling Spokane and seeing trends transform the retail landscape.

Downtown Spokane West Main

BRICK-AND-MORTAR ISN’T GOING AWAY “I think the main theme of 2019 is one of retailers right-sizing, and right-sizing in many different ways,” explains West. In the ’90s and early 2000s, she says many national retailers overbuilt. “A lot of those chains over-stored themselves. So now I think we’re going to see that contraction. But I don’t think brick and mortar will ever actually go away. The majority of retail spending is still done in brick-and-mortar.”

WEDDING • BABY • JEWELRY • HOME DECOR • CARDS

fun gifts for all!

LOCALLY MADE • HOSTESS GIFTS • MEN’S GIFTS and more!

EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING But for brick-and-mortar shops to be successful, West says she’s seeing trends shift from a basic service model to one focused on the customer experience. “Now retailers are inviting you to come with classes — cooking classes, makeup classes or parties. Nordstrom has always been all about customer service. But I think other stores are realizing that is such an important piece, because if a customer is going to come into a store, they have to have great customer experience. That’s the differentiator between online.”

SPOKANE ISN’T SUCH A TOUGH SELL While Spokane remains a secondary market to large cities like Seattle, selling Spokane is getting easier. “We are right on the precipice of hitting something really big.” West cites Riverfront Park’s completion, the planned sports complex and new large employers coming to town as evidence of the progress making the city all the more attractive to national retailers. She calls the new Amazon fulfillment center a “big vote of confidence by a major national retailer that this is a place that they want to have better service.” Recent lease renewals from key retailers like Nordstrom, Apple, Banana Republic and Gap are also key. “These are big renewals from big major national retailers that are voting with their dollar, if you will, to stay in Spokane for years to come.” — TAMARA McGREGOR

DECORUM

downtown spokane 126 N WASHINGTON ST. 10AM - 5PM 509.340.9830

41 years of serving Spokane

Spokane’s biggest and best Comic, Game, Magic the Gathering and more store 402 W. Main • (509) 838-0206 auntiesbooks.com

Open Everyday 15 W Main Ave . (509) 624-0957 . www.merlyns.biz

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DON’T MISS

Shop local right inside River Park Square at Terrain’s Brrrzaar. CODY SCHROEDER PHOTO

TERRAIN’S BRRRZAAR

here’s no need to wait until summer. December’s chillier weather isn’t stopping Terrain from hosting the one-day only winter bazaar, cleverly known as Brrrzaar. Due to probable snow, or just freezing temperatures, the market won’t be hosted along Main Avenue like the summer event, but inside River Park Square. With local vendors on both the first and second floors of the downtown mall throughout the day, there will be thousands of artisan goods and gifts on sale, live music and family-friendly activities. Later, stick around for bad santa photos and some holiday spirits — with a beer garden, featuring No-

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Li beers and Townshend Cellar Wines. From clothing, to art, to candles, to plants and the ceramic pots to put them in, a little taste of everything local will line the mall’s walkways. Last year, Brrrzaar vendors included Veda Lux, the handmade eclectic vintage jewelry shop; Do It With Soul, a clothing company that curates new or vintage pieces; American Fire Co., which uses recycled fire hoses to produce can coolers; and Typebee, the letterpress print shop and many more local artists and crafters. Brrrzaar is free and open to the public. — ARCELIA MARTIN

DEC

15 2019

River Park Square • 808 W. Main Ave. terrainspokane.com/brrrzaar

SHOPPING

BEYOND PINK

For 10 years, Beyond Pink has been sending models down the runway in custom-designed bras and bustiers, all to raise money and awareness for thermography — a screening method designed to detect breast cancer earlier. But let’s be clear. This isn’t a stuffy fashion show or fundraiser. This is a raucous, energetic event. This “party with a purpose” also features a killer silent auction. It does sell out each year, so if you want tickets, don’t wait. WHERE & WHEN: Oct. 5, 2019; The Davenport Grand, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

JIM SOMERVILLE PHOTO

5 DATES TO SAVE

THE BRIDAL FESTIVAL

This January, more than 200 photographers, bakers, florists, retailers and planners will assemble — ready to help you plan your dream wedding. Fashion shows and sweepstakes and giveaways add to the excitement WHERE & WHEN: Jan. 11-12, 2020; Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

starting

JAN

2020

PROJECT BEAUTY SHARE POP-UP SALE

Score some major deals on high-end eyeshadow palettes, skin care, hair products and makeup brushes at Project Beauty Share’s fall pop-up sale. You’ll feel better about every purchase knowing this sale benefits Project Beauty Share and enables them to serve 60+ womens shelters and organizations.

NOV

2019

WHERE & WHEN: Nov. 2, 2019; Project Beauty Share’s warehouse, 2718 E. Sprague Ave.

HOLIDAY ON THE AVE

Celebrate the holidays in one of Spokane’s oldest shopping districts — the Sprague & Union District. See Santa, listen to carolers, warm up with hot cocoa and explore a variety of shops all decked out for the holidays, including the Tin Roof, Blue Cat Vintage, ERA Vintage Home, RESKUED, Rail Creek Furniture Co., and more! WHERE & WHEN: Dec. 14, 2019; Sprague & Union District

DEC

14 2019

SPOKANE HOME AND YARD SHOW

When you are ready to tackle your next home remodel or update your landscaping, find inspiration and experts at the Home and Yard Show. Hundreds of vendors will be on site with demonstrations. WHERE & WHEN: Feb. 27-March 1, 2020; Spokane Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St.

starting

FEB

27 2020

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May 3rd, 2020 SPOKANE’S ICONIC SPRING TRADITION FOR 43 YEARS

12K

Scenic Course

7.46 Miles Famous

T-SHIRT miles of smiles costumes

30 Live Bands

40,000

participants

Fun for ALL ages

Doomsday HiLL TM

Runners, Walkers, Wheelchairs & Strollers • A community Experience Like No Other

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RECREATION Pickleball. Flag football. Kickball. Volleyball. Curling. We’ll help you find a league of your own.

Section layout and design: Ali Blackwood

Don’t own the gear? Don’t worry, you can borrow or rent what you need!

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

PEOPLE

PLACES

THINGS

Bloomsday’s new race director Jon Neill shares his vision for the Spokane tradition.

Pack up your paddle board! We’ll help you explore the Inland Northwest one lake at a time.

Six tips to help you save on the slopes this season.

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Shannon Thomsen throws the stone during the Inland Northwest Curling Club’s Burgers, Brats and Brooms event at Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d’Alene. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

If you want to have a ball, play local sports. Spokane’s many sports leagues offer games from curling to flag football, and everything in between. They provide the perfect opportunity to relax, make friends and challenge yourself.

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STONE COLD SLIDERS BY JACKSON ELLIOTT

liding 42-pound stones across ice to hit a 12-foot target is easier than it sounds and harder than it looks. At Matthew Moore throws the stone. the Inland Northwest Curling Club, 30 people sweep the floor and shout instructions as the stones thunder through Frontier Ice Arena. “It’s the funnest sport I’ve ever played,” club member Debbie Wiseman says. “It is a gentleman’s sport. Everyone’s nice to each other.” Even so, the ice can be mean. You can bypass the target entirely if you slide the curling stone with just a little extra force. Dial it back, and you’ll never reach the elusive circle. Thankfully, curlers have the help of a pair of sweepers who smooth the way ahead of the stone as they scurry to keep up. As they frantically rub with their brooms, they warm the If you want to see curling at its best, ice and make the path of the stone more February 2020 brings the Men’s and slippery. The reduced friction can coax a Women’s National Championship few more crucial feet out of a throw. to Spokane. Top curling teams from “Some good sweepers can drag across the nation will compete at a stone 10 to 12 feet,” club president Eastern Washington University’s Matthew Moore says. recreation center in Cheney Feb. 8-15. A curling team has four members, The event will help determine who all of whom throw stones. All members plays on the U.S. international team. except the skip also sweep. The skip Local curlers hope the event will instructs the sweepers, makes strategic encourage people to try curling. “We decisions and throws last. The vice-skip believe it’s going to be a primer much takes on these roles when the skip throws like Olympic years for growing the and throws third. The lead throws the first membership,” says Matthew Moore. two stones of each game, and the second throws the second two stones. When they aren’t tensely watching the growling stones, players chat, laugh and celebrate each others’ victories. In curling, teams are expected to call infractions on themselves and teams usually concede when they know they can’t win. Curlers are never supposed to cheer an opponent’s mistake. “It’s a sport that’s for everyone,” Vice President Ben Preiss says. “There’s an addicting feeling to making a great shot.” The club’s next season starts on Sept. 5, 2019. Participation is free for individuals and $500 for a seasonal team membership. The club welcomes beginners. Last spring, more than 120 first-time curlers attended their Learn to Curl session. (Left to right) Debbie Wiseman, Ken Knutson and club President Matthew Moore sweep the stone. The next session will happen in the fall. Updates can be found online at inwcurling.com. n ANNUAL MANUAL 2019-2020 THE INLANDER |

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FINDING THE RIGHT FLAGS Spokane offers flag football for all ages and skill levels BY RILEY UTLEY

ootball is one of the cornerstones of American sports culture. But sometimes just watching an NFL or college game at home won’t suffice, and that is why flag football is here. Spokane offers a league for those who want to get out of the house and join a high-energy, competitive and spirited group of football fans for three of the four seasons. In Spokane, the Parks and Recreation Department has been running its adult flag football program for over 30 years and has created a community of over 600 players. This league offers spring, summer and fall seasons. Due to actual football season starting, the fall season is the most popular with 40-50 teams competing during the season with about 18-24 players per team. From former semi-pro and college players to weekend warriors, the parks department offers leagues of all experience levels. In recent years, they have added a women’s league into the mix but they have not had enough people sign up to play, which has prompted them to add in a new five-onfive co-ed league in the fall, says Carissa Ware, who is the athletics/sports recreation supervisor at the parks department. “We always want it to be a welcoming environment,” Ware says. Teams travel from all over the region to play in this program because it is the only adult league in the immediate area. Registration is $250 per team and all games take place at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. n

NO SOFTIES HERE BY JACKSON ELLIOTT

aron Grife may play softball, but he asks hardball questions. “Spokane is steeped in a good softball tradition. We need to revive it,” he says. “The real question is, why don’t you play?” This year, Spokane Parks’ softball league was bigger than ever, with a whopping 108 teams in its seven-week spring season. “I think the number pingwise is coming from a millennial audience,” recreation coordinator Carissa Ware says. “We also are getting an uptick

through seniors.” Often, entire teams join the league for the first time. “We wanted to get our church and school together,” principal Jacob Biebert of the all-new St. Matthew Lutheran School Mighty Timbers says. “It was a great way to get to know each other.” The abundance of teams has changed the league in some ways.

AGUE E L A WN O r u o y f o

ADDITIONAL LEAGUES

SPOKANE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

• Fall, spring and summer I and II sessions • Spokane Valley and North Spokane locations • Teamsideline.com/SpokaneCounty • 477-4730

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“It has been different. There’s not enough fields to house us for the earlier games,” player Matt Deakins says. Deakins is playing his second season as part of Nerd Herd, a team made up of scientists working for Jubilant HollisterStier, a pharmaceutical company. So far, the team’s score sheet is as sterile as a laboratory. “We haven’t won a game yet,” player Todd Lewis says. For those who want to join, the league has nine different levels for all ages and skill levels (single sex or co-ed) and three seven-week seasons. People can sign up teams for $750 for spring, summer or fall sessions on my.spokanecity.org/recreation/sports/softball/. If you don’t have a team, you can sign up as a free agent and Spokane Parks will provide you with a team. n

COEUR D’ALENE RECREATION DEPARTMENT

• Fall and spring/summer sessions • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • Teamsideline.com/cdaid# • 208-769-2250

RECREATION

Sole Fighters’ Isaac Gordon pitches during a BigFoot KickBall League game against Fresh Pints of Ball-Air at Grant Park. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

HAVING A BALL B

igFoot KickBall League has a Commissioner Gordon and a whole bunch of Jokers, but no bats. It sounds like this situation would make it hard to play ball, but by all accounts they’re doing fine. The adult league has been playing kickball every summer for five years now. Most people know the sport from fifth grade recess, but the simplicity and low skill threshold of the game appeals to adults, too. BigFoot prides itself on the creation of witty team titles. Its members connive an incredible range of puns, references and connections to kickball to make their team names stand out. “The

Ballbarians” and “We’ve Got the Runs” are two favorites, league commissioner Isaac Gordon says. When players aren’t competing with titles, they’re competing for the league’s title and ownership of the Jack Cup. The award is named after Gordon’s grandfather. “He was a big league sport guy. He bought the trophy,” Gordon says. “I wanted the biggest trophy available so we could drink out of it.” Beer also plays a big role in the league. In past years, players passed the first inning of each game with a beer in hand. The relaxed atmo-

sphere helps the league retain players. James Thompson has been on a team for three years. “It’s the camaraderie, getting to know other friends, getting to know other people, get out and be active and still have a good time,” he says. People can join with their own team or individually by contacting league commissioner Gordon at bigfoot_kickball_league on Instagram or BigFoot Kickball League on Facebook. — JACKSON ELLIOTT

AGUE E L A WN O of your

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Joseph Parry receives the ball during an Evergreen Region Volleyball Association league beach volleyball game at Browns Park in Spokane Valley.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY Spokane Parks’ volleyball league nets record growth

pokane Parks’ volleyball league players love their game more than they fear bad weather. Even when it rains, they’re passionate enough about volleyball to keep playing outside. “Yeah, they had us wait in our cars for 10 minutes and then we came back in. It shows people want to play,” league member Bryanna Pavlish says. The setting sun tinted the few wispy clouds as players took off their shirts in response to some of the first real heat of the summer.

A long line of packed courts stretched toward the trees on the edge of the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. This year, volleyball has been the fastest-growing adult sports league in Spokane. Right now, the league has 550 indoor players and 190 outdoor ones. “The number rose by 10 teams since last year,” league manager Josh Oakes says. “Volleyball’s been pretty popular for quite a number of years now.” Even with an additional 10 teams,

UE G A E A L WN O of your

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the courts are out on time and neatly organized for the game. The league even has speakers booming out country music. “The people who organize it have got it down,” player Donaye Smith says. The teams also seem to have it down. They feel casual but competitive. On the whole field, only one team wears a uniform, but every player makes an effort on the court. People sprint for the ball individually or strategically set up a spike for their teammates. Players from a wide range of backgrounds create the enthusiasm and teamwork that define the league. People of all ages and skill levels play,

adventure STARTS HERE

CLASSES AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMS FOR YEAR-ROUND FUN. EXPAND YOUR

hor izons .

Snowshoe at moonrise on Mount Spokane. Stretch your limbs with yoga. Learn to play drums. Try a ghost tour. We make it easy to try new experiences.

Virgie Downes hits the ball over the net during an Evergreen Region Volleyball Association game.

espite being landlocked, beach volleyball is growing more popular in Spokane. The Evergreen Region Volleyball Association (ERVA) has run 16 beach volleyball courts in Browns Park in the Spokane Valley for nearly five years. The ERVA has four adult beach volleyball leagues that last for six weeks of scheduled league play that culminates with a two-week double elimination tournament. People can register for men’s or women’s doubles as well as co-ed doubles all of which cost $80 per team. Teams can choose from either upper or lower divisions. Upper being players with lots of experience and lower being for people who have a good understanding of the game and are comfortable on the court. League play runs from the beginning of May to the end of June. — RILEY UTLEY

FIND YOURSELF IN

nature.

Join a kayak and cave tour. Sample a variety of youth activities with an Outdoor Adventure Camp. Raft the rapids. Climb rocks. Explore Spokane’s wonders.

DISCOVER YOUR

competitive SIDE.

Play flag football, softball and soccer. No team? No problem! Register as a free agent. and many come to the games with family and friends. Many players have stuck with it for years to hang out with friends. Smith has bounced volleyballs over the nets for nine years at the park district. “There’s about 10-15 people here right now that I play with on a regular basis,” he says. While friendships draw some to the league, others love the sport itself. Spokane hosts Spike & Dig, one of the world’s largest co-ed six-on-six volleyball tournaments. Every August, up to 315 teams and 2,200 players attend for two exciting days of volleyball. “I joined to kinda get practice in for Spike & Dig,” Darin Debolt says. For interested players, the Spokane Parks Department hosts an indoor league in the fall, winter and spring as well as a summer outdoor league. You can register teams at https://my.spokanecity.org/recreation/sports/volleyball/ for a fee, and individual players can join as free agents. — JACKSON ELLIOTT

We offer hundreds of camps and classes—plus four golf courses, six aquatic centers, 17 splash pads and more than 80 parks.

SpokaneRec.org Call 311 or 509.755.2489

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A LEAGUE Matt Goebel, left, hits the ball as teammate Tyson McGuffin looks on, during a doubles exhibition match at the North Park Athletic Club. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

of your OWN

POWER TO THE PICKLE BY TAMARA McGREGOR

alk to anyone involved in the Inland Northwest’s pickleball scene and within minutes they will tell you how pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. They aren’t wrong. The sport has seen a 650 percent increase in numbers over the last six years, according to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and its database now boasts over 7,000 known courts, with more than 90 being added each month. Stop by Comstock or Memorial Field parks and you’ll see evidence of pickleball’s growing popularity for yourself. “It’s so easy to learn and pickup the game,” explains Kathy Skifton, USAPA’s North Idaho ambassador. The other beauty of this mashup of tennis, pingpong and badminton — you don’t have to commit to a league or schedule matches and find partners or opponents to play. “You can just show up. You put your paddle down next to the court or hang it on the fence nearby,” explains Skifton. “It’s such a fun sport and a great opportunity to meet people.” During the warmer months, Skifton says the most popular times to play at outdoor courts is Monday-Friday from 8 am to noon, with some of the most robust, competitive pickup play happening in North Idaho at Memorial Field’s new

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courts and Cherry Hill Park. “All of the most serious players are driving to Idaho to play,” says Skifton. In Spokane, look to Comstock Park and the new courts at Prairie View Park on Spokane’s South Hill. In the evenings, you’ll see more families on the pickleball courts. There are more places to play in the winter months, than ever before as well. Peak Health & Wellness Center in Hayden converted one indoor tennis court into four dedicated pickleball courts and has a robust schedule of organized drop-in sessions. Hub Sports Center has dramatically expanded its offerings. Back in 2010, they offered two drop-in sessions a week, now they are running eight sessions a week, and during peak times more than 50 players will be on their courts at one time. “While it’s easy to pick up, there are a lot of nuances to master, so it’s a game that can grow with you,” says Phil Champlin, the executive director of the Hub Sports Center. “One of the great dynamics I see here is you have men and women playing with each other — old and young playing with each other. It just doesn’t seem to matter. It’s more about your skill than your age or gender.”

RECREATION

WHERE TO PLAY INDOORS COEUR D’ALENE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

From October through April, the Boys & Girls Club opens up its gym for drop-in play. Three courts are available Monday-Friday at 7-10 am and Sundays from 2-5 pm. Drop-in play is $3, $40/month or $100/quarter. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club. 925 N. 15th St., Coeur d’Alene, 208-699-5471

HUB SPORTS CENTER

COMSTOCK PARK

REDBAND PARK

Four lined pickleball courts on the existing tennis courts at this popular South Hill park. Nets are stored nearby in a locked bin. Email the city at jpapich@spokanecity.org to receive the four digit code to access the nets. 600 W. 29th Ave., Spokane, 625-6200

One outdoor multisport court with pickleball lines at this Peacefeul Valley park. Nets are stored in a locked bin. Check out a key for the season by emailing the city at jpapich@spokanecity.org. 1002 W. Main Ave., Spokane, 625-6200

HILL’S RESORT

One multisport court complete with pickleball lines. Nets are stored near the court, but require a four digit code to unlock. Email jpapich@spokanecity. org to get the code. 8501 N. Nettleton Ct., Spokane, 625-6200

One very popular outdoor court is available for guests at this lakeside resort. Open April through November with weather permitting. $1 per hour. 4777 W. Lakeshore Rd., Priest Lake, 208-443-2551

SKY PRAIRIE PARK

At its busiest time of the year, 14 courts are pressed into service at Hub Sports Center’s indoor facility. The Hub organizes eight different sessions of drop-in play a week — so you’ll find a variety of morning, afternoon, evening and weekend sessions. The first Wednesday of every month is reserved for ladies only and a beginner’s clinic is held the second Wednesday of the month. Locally made Selkirk paddles are free to demo. Each dropin session is $5 or $3 for folks ages 50+. 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake, 927-0602

NORTH PARK ATHLETIC CLUB

Four dedicated indoor pickleball courts are available for scheduled social play sessions, along with shootouts (play organized by skill level). Paddles are provided, if needed, and nonmembers are welcome but are required to pay a $15 fee. Check their website for weekly play and tournaments. 8121 N. Division St., Spokane, 467-5124

PEAK HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER AT HAYDEN

Four indoor courts allow for year-round play at Peak’s Hayden Center. This private club allows nonmembers to play pickleball ($10 a session) or attend clinics. Leagues and open play sessions are organized by skill level. Check their website for session dates and times, including introduction to pickleball clinics ($15 for nonmembers). 95 W. Centra Dr., Hayden, Idaho, 208-762-9014 Numerous private clubs, such as the YMCA, Kroc Center, Hayden Lake Country Club and the Spokane Club also offer pickleball courts and organized play for their members. These listings, however, focus on clubs and locations that do not require club membership.

OUTDOORS CHERRY HILL PARK

Twelve lined outdoor courts, complete with restrooms. 1718 N. 15th St., Coeur d’Alene, 208769-2300

Tyson McGuffin playing a doubles exhibition match at the North Park Athletic Club. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

McEUEN PARK

Two pickleball courts for public play with lights, parking and restrooms nearby. 420 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, 208-769-2300

MEMORIAL FIELD

Arguably some of Coeur d’Alene’s busiest courts, Memorial Field has four outdoor courts with lights to extend play into the evening. 501 Fort Ground Dr., Coeur d’Alene, 208-769-2300

NORTHSHIRE PARK

SPOKANE STREET SPORTSMAN PARK

This Post Falls park has two outdoor public courts, as well as public restrooms. Between 19th and 21st avenues on Spokane St., Post Falls, 208-773-0539 The Inland Northwest is rapidly adding pickleball courts at public parks, high schools and private clubs. To stay up to date on places to play, regional classes, clinics, leagues and tournaments, check out the Inland Northwest Pickleball Club website, at inwpc.com, or join their group on Facebook.

Six dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, and another four available for drop-in play with restrooms on site. 3889 Nez Perce Rd., Coeur d’Alene, 208-7692300

PRAIRIE VIEW PARK

Two outdoor pickleball courts available for drop-in play at this recently expanded South Hill park. 3724 E. 61st Ave., Spokane, 477-4730

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LOCAL INDEPENDENT FREE

SINCE 1993

PICK UP A RACKET S

o, you haven’t swung a racket since high school. Or maybe you don’t understand what all those lines on the tennis court are for. Either way, there’s a path to playing in the Inland Northwest. For returning players, the TENNIS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER SPOKANE (TAGS) is a great way to return to the game, and meet potential opponents or partners. Started in the mid ’70s, TAGS runs two (spring and summer) adult tennis leagues, offering singles and doubles. Pay as little as $30, which covers your membership fee and one league, and TAGS will place you in a bracket with players of similar skill levels. All you have to do is contact your opponent(s) to set up a day, time and location that works best for you. Play all your scheduled matches and get a T-shirt. Win your bracket and you get a prize. The best perk, however, is the people. “You meet people from all over town,” says TAGS president Judy Noel. “We have people in their 80s that still play. It’s such a great lifetime sport.” For players brand new to tennis, the best option might be to get started with a lesson or clinic to learn the basics. Neither the city or the county’s rec departments offer tennis lessons or clinics, so that means you’ll need to turn to a private club. In most cases, lessons can be accessed without becoming a full-fledged member. For instance, SPOKANE RACQUET CLUB offers a lessons membership for $30 which allows you to take clinics. They’ve recently started offering a series of clinics targeted to adult beginners, says club manager Kay Menzies. “Our focus has been trying to find new people to play tennis.” Private clubs such as THE SPOKANE CLUB, PEAK HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER and NORTH PARK ATHLETIC CLUB are your only options to access indoor courts. All organize league play, in addition to offering lessons and clinics, along with some unique options, like cardio tennis, a fun mix of music, tennis and high-intensity interval training. — TAMARA McGREGOR

E U G A LE

WN O r u of yo

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W W W . W I L D W A L L S . C O M

INSIDER INSIGHT

JON NEILL

aised in Pullman, 45-yearold JON NEILL first fell in love with Spokane and its “running culture” when he was an undergrad at Gonzaga University, running on the college track and cross country teams and meeting Bloomday founder Don Kardong. Now he’s the new BLOOMSDAY race director after over a decade of involvement with the Spokane tradition. Here’s a snippet of his vision for the future, with a couple running tips.

BLOOMSDAY’S ATTENDANCE IS DECLINING, BUT NEILL’S GOT PLANS FOR THAT The 2019 Bloomsday race saw just over 38,500 participants — compared with the event’s peak attendance of roughly 61,200 in 1997. But Neill says this isn’t cause for concern, arguing it could very well be an abnormality and not a trend. “It’s something we have our eye on. And certainly, we are always cognizant of what our participation numbers are,” Neill says. “There’s times when we have an uptick of 3,000-5,000 [people] and there’s years like this year where there’s a slight downtick.”

ZERO ENROLLMENT FEE FOR MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS

BUILDING THE BLOOMSDAY EXPERIENCE They’re also planning to diversify the Bloomsday programming to make it more attractive for prospective runners. For instance, they’re working on creating an outdoor music festival following the race with a headline band, as well as boosting the offerings at the trade show and expo and making sure they have quality bands along the race course for the “best entertainment.” “Those are things that we’re looking to do to enhance the experience,” he says. But despite planned changes, Neill is a firm believer in the important role that Bloomsday plays in the broader community: “Bloomsday continues to be one of Spokane’s great traditions.”

THREE OTHER CLASSIC SPOKANE RUNS Besides Bloomsday, Neill points to the stretch of the Centennial Trail between Gonzaga and downtown as a personal favorite. “This trail and the Don Kardong Bridge are city treasures,” he says. He also loves running from Cannon Hill Park up to Hart Field, mostly along Manito Boulevard: “The cobblestones, tree canopies and historic homes… reminds you why Spokane is the perfect place to live.” Finally, there's the loop around Kendall Yards and Peaceful Valley, from the Monroe Street Bridge to Sandifur Bridge. “The descent down into Peaceful Valley is the old Bloomsday course,” Neill adds. “Always reminds me of my first Bloomsday!” — JOSH KELETY

New this year: Kids 5k for grades K-6 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 On-site Registration & Packet Pick up: Sat., Sept. 14th, 2-5pm