People tend to sidestep when they see hot poop on Main Street in Anywhere, USA. However, folks from all over the world have traveled to Walla Walla just to march right through Hot Poop. Not the dog stuff but the record store… where did you really think I was going with this?
One of the best things to do in Spokane is discovering spots that only locals seem to know and love. If ever there was such a spot it’s the Garland Theater, with it’s vintage vibe, second run movies and a bar that is steps from the concessions. But before we take a deeper look at the Garland, let’s look at a couple of other local treats.
Every community has their hidden tricks and gems. One of my favorites is the “secret dessert” at the Onion downtown. The hot fudge dipping sauce takes this delight over the top (Pssst… ask your server about the deep fried Oreos. They are a culinary treat)
Another local trick is that farthest Eastern window at Dicks Hamburgers is where you will find the fastest line.
If I mention more, I risk being run out of town. However, there is one piece of information that I can share without relocating my family. It is the Garland Theater and it’s a local treasure.
Read 5 Fun Things To Do In Spokane
The Garland theater is a historic 40’s era single screen movie house located in central Spokane. The theater is a bookend to the historic and revamped Garland District. The theater show second run films but offers a top tier experience. They even have special event movies.
For me, seeing a film at the Garland is by far a more enjoyable experience than catching a flick at a modern theater. Sure the seats might recline at the Regal Theater at Northtown Mall, but the experience of taking my family to see the not so latest releases is probably akin to the experience my parents and grandparents had when they watched Dick Van Dyke dance across the screen.
How about another throwback, the price of the ticket. At just $5 a head I can afford to take my family to a movie. Heck, even the concessions are reasonably priced. For $17 you get a large refillable popcorn popcorn, candy and a large soda. For just $70, you can by an annual pass. With prices like that, I don’t need to sell my organs for the family to see all the new Star Wars movies.
Before Samuel L. Jackson was swinging light sabers or saving passengers from all those snakes on that Mother F plane. I remember him having a conversation with John Travolta about having a glass of beer in the theater (Pulp Fiction anyone?). That blew my 18 year old mind. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that one day I would drink a beer in a theater while watching Thor clash with the forces of evil.
I’ve found that the beer in the theatre thing comes in handy when fulfilling parental duties by watching Pixar’s second latest film. Is it just me, or is alcohol sometimes the only way to get through kid-flicks? FYI, I don’t think there is enough beer to get me through Paddington 2. Just sayin’ (Opinions are not necessarily those of Clever Neighbor).
PBR in the cheap seats at the Garland Theater in Spokane, WA.
Just of the The Garland Theater’s concession area is the Bon Bon. It’s a great little bar. They have specialty cocktails and the traditional trivia & Bingo nights. Don’t assume it’s just another bar though. It may be small, but it has a cool retro vibe. Wether you want a pre-show cocktail or a chills spot to enjoy, it gets two thumbs up from me. Super huge bonus, you can take your drink to the movie.
In case you didn’t know, Spokane has been the setting for a number of films over the years, thank in no small part to North By Northwest which is located close to Downtown Spokane. Let’s say you just inherited a good sum of money and have always dreamed of producing a film starring your best friend and your dog. The Garland Theater is available for rent! They are glad to host a screening party for your film before it’s sent off to Cannes or Sundance.
Beyond screenings, they host corporate events, team building exercises, Holiday parties and more. Click here to learn more.
Before you head to the show, recognize that this is a unique experience. I grew up going to a second run theater in my hometown Oxnard, (which is almost as nice as it sounds). Anyway, I don’t know how shaving 8 bucks off of a ticket changes the dynamics of the audience but it really does. You’ll see folks talking to each other up and down the aisles. If you go to a matinee you might even get a 1 year old serenading you for an hour and a half. That being said, it’s kind of awesome. The Garland Theater provides a sense of community that you don’t get at a modern theater.
The Garland Theater is not simply a movie experience, it’s a Spokane experience. Folks from all over the community come to meet up and enjoy a films and maybe a beverage or two. It’s a safe place to visit with your neighbors. It’s fun. Folks are there to have a good time. The minor distractions are more humorous than annoying.
All in all, this gem isn’t known too well or widely by outsiders, but to us locals it’s a treasure. So if you are looking for some things to do in Spokane this week or weekend, check out the Garland. It is a treat!
If I had one complaint, the lights come on after the film a little too quickly. Weird? Not really. If I had a wish I’d ask Pixar to make a movie that doesn’t make me cry.
Spokane is a city full of fun history and solid reputation. From hosting the world’s fair to inventing Father’s day… But what is there to do in downtown Spokane in this day and age?
If you are fortunate to find yourself in the beautiful downtown Spokane area here are a few of our top 6 unique things to do.
Let’s get to it!
Did you know that the city was originally called ‘Spokane Falls?’ Spokane comes from the Indian word for “swift water” and with good reason considering we have a beautiful waterfall right in the middle of downtown Spokane.
If waterfalls are your thing be sure to check out Spokane Falls in the spring as this is when it is most powerful (31,000 cubic feet per second powerful.)
With a beautiful park and a few bridges, there are plenty of angles to view and experience the waterfall, not to mention grab that perfect Instagram pic.
Rainbows are highly common in the falls and actually have built up a reputation for them.
The river runs through downtown Spokane and the falls are just a few minutes walk away.
Iron Goat is part of the Inland Northwest Ale Trail an organization set up to promote local breweries on the network. When you visit any affiliated brewery you know that you will be sampling some of the finest local craft beers.
Iron Goat Brewing started with a conversation in a local Spokane bar between two strangers and has now become a fully established brewery complete with a kitchen, taproom and a wide selection of beers/sours.
To date, the brewery has crafted over 150 beers and has a seasonally rotating menu.
If you’re interested in local beer and cuisine then you’d better pay a visit while in Downtown Spokane.
Why the name Iron Goat: Paula Turnball created a metal goat with a built in trash-vacuum for the World Expo in 1974. The unusual sculpture can be viewed in Riverfront Park and has become a local icon.
Don’t worry if a beer isn’t your thing, they have plenty of other options available including wine.
Why not ask for an Inland Northwest Ale Trail map while you are there to get some more great ideas about other local spots you can go to on your adventure!
Located smack bang in the middle of downtown Spokane, Riverpark Square is a prime location for dining, entertainment, and shopping.
The mall and the surrounding area have a wide range of ways to spend your time.
Entertainment:
Shops:
River Park Square has a wide collection and variety of some of the biggest brand names and local stores.
Restaurants:
Be sure to check out the River Park Square website for information on upcoming sales and events.
There are also meeting facilities available. You can reserve the fan suite for a meeting or private event.
Clever Neighbor tip: You can park in the parking garage and receive a $3 parking discount from selected stores while parking after 5 pm is only $4 which is great if you’re attending the theater or another event in downtown Spokane.
The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox began as a Fox movie theater in 1931. It was the largest theater in downtown Spokane with 2300 seats!
Designed by Robert Reamer it was the first building in Spokane to have air conditioning and was home to many stars such as Catherine Hepburn and Frank Sinatra.
The theater has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places despite almost being demolished in 2000. Through the generosity of Martin Woldson and his daughter, the theater was saved and given a renovation.
After the makeover and a new name, the theater is now one of the treasures of downtown Spokane offering a prime location for many performances.
The Spokane Symphony calls the theater home and can even be rented out for weddings!
To see what’s on during your visit in downtown Spokane check out their website.
If you need to clear your head for a while Manito Park is just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride from downtown Spokane.
This 90-acre park has been around since 1903 and is a great place to get out of the city without having to go out of the city!
Manito park features rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and even a year-round conservatory that is full of tropical and exotic desert plants. It’s common to see geese and ducks in the pond and is filled with places to stroll, sit down and relax.
The park is open daily and entry is free of charge.
Summers are not the same without the 3 on 3 basketball tournament in downtown Spokane. Visit spokanehoopfest.net for more info!
This is just the beginning of unique things to do in Spokane, for more information check out our other guides.
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