Places to Visit: Spokane, Wash.
I think the best day trips and weekend getaways are 2-5 hours away at max. When you hop in a car and start driving out of the Seattle area, there’s not many places you’ll get within that time frame. Head north or south on I-5 and you’ll end up in Vancouver, B.C. or Portland, Ore., respectively. Drive east on I-90 and you’ll land in Spokane. And if you drive west, the highway ends in downtown Seattle.
Given the options and proximity to home, Spokane actually has a lot to offer. It’s a nice trip for a day or two, and there’s always something new to discover (plus a few favorites I keep going back to).
Indaba Coffee
You can start and end your day here. Seasonal beverages, craft coffee experiences, small bites, plus a bar menu at night. Indaba has locations conveniently scattered throughout Spokane.
Borracho
A corner tequileria with cool design, a sprawling patio with fireplaces for summer evenings and a great happy hour.
ZOLA
Just a couple storefronts down from Borracho (this whole street is full of nightlife), sits a smaller cocktail bar with a patio out front. Bonus points for that time the bakery next door gave away cookies out front at close.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
A short drive from downtown, high up on a hilltop in Spokane Valley, this winery is an essential getaway. I’d drive across the state just to come back to this place. Sprawling gardens and seating areas with views for miles on a clear day.
Incrediburger & Eggs
Need brunch after a night out? This is the place to do it. Points for good design, too.
Hello Sugar
The most Instagrammable donuts you ever will find. And yes, they’re delicious. Gluten-free options too!
Davenport Grand Hotel
Need a place to stay? There are four hotels in downtown Spokane under the Davenport name, all part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. I highly recommend the Grand for its overall aesthetic, long list of things to do on-site, and proximity to all the best spots in the city.
SkyRide
For a quick and fun activity with plenty of photo ops, check out the SkyRide at Riverfront Park. The aerial view of the falls is so worth the ride, and you’ll probably spot some other things to do, too.