Tucked in Browne’s Addition just across from Coeur D’ Alene Park sits one of Spokane’s most elaborate mansions. Built in 1897 by famous architect Kirtland Cutter for the Clark family, this mansion was built in a Moorish style and is filled with Tiffany glass and wood carved accents.
Spokane is full of oddities. When you look at our history, you might be tempted to tell Austin or Portland to take a back seat to Spokane’s own style of weird.
Runners can find just about any type of race to participate in these days. Whether you’re a princess on the go, a spartan looking for a conquest or you want to run 5 kilometers naked through the woods. Yup, I said it. How did this happen?
Starting a business takes a certain amount of courage, along with commitment and determination. Entrepreneurs who have a great idea in mind for a business may feel reluctant to act right now due to the pandemic, but this hesitation may be unfounded. Now could be the best time to get your new business started for a variety of reasons.
With digital marketing professionals like Olive Group to assist, you are sure to draw in more clientele and meet your benchmarks for productivity in short order. Business ownership and success are far less strenuous with functional processes in place — your business can live online and operate out of your home with little to no overhead. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, it is still a smart time to make the leap, as you can access business loans and equipment at reduced rates.
Small business loans are available any time, but applying for a loan during a time when the economy is struggling and needs entrepreneurial investment is wise. You may be able to secure a low-interest loan or qualify for grant funding to start your business. Other funding options to consider are angel investors, venture capitalists, or personal loans for business. If you have a retirement account and can spare the funds, you could opt for a Rollover for Business Startup (ROBS). Essentially, ROBS uses your own funds from retirement without the usual withdrawal penalty, and there are no loan payments due or debt accrued as a result.
Funding is often the barrier for small business ownership, but it does not need to be. With the myriad of funding options available, you can start your business sooner than you might think. You can make the most of your startup funds by investing wisely in discounted equipment and supplies for your company.
Buying materials, equipment, and supplies at a discount can save you a lot of cash as you establish your business. Many businesses that are closing wish to liquidate their equipment rather than take the loss, which can mean significantly discounted items to start your business. Whether it is office supplies or professional equipment required for your particular type of business, you can score great deals from retiring business owners or those who are closing for other reasons.
You can also save money on startup costs by bartering with other companies for goods, materials, or equipment use. Sharing office space can also save money for startups and may draw in more customers for both businesses. Operating your business out of your home is a significant cost saving and utilizes existing space and utilities. It is also smart to hire freelance workers to assist with some of the areas of your business. It can free up your time and attention for tasks that are within your skillset, plus it’s cost-effective.
Freelancers are often highly experienced professionals in their fields who have chosen to work for themselves for greater flexibility and other benefits. Your startup can benefit from freelance workers in many ways, including blog writing services, virtual assistance, and bookkeeping needs. There are countless freelance services available that can save you time, money, and stress as you begin your startup.
A freelance business consultant may be another practical investment for your startup funds. Sharing your business plan, funding methodology, and business structure with an objective party may help you to identify any missing links. Hiring freelancers for your startup can also save you money because you are hiring on an as-needed basis rather than having someone on your payroll who requires employee benefits and insurance.
Now is a great time to start your business. There are many smart strategies you can employ to ensure your business success and make the most of your time and money. Olive Group can help. Reach out to explore your digital marketing options and learn more about how your business can thrive. 253-785-9623
Bargains await the urban miner at Spokane’s Very Own GoodWill Outlet Store. This treasure trove is located at 1406 E Front Avenue.
That’s the emotion felt by bargain hunters, treasure seekers and resellers alike as the new “boats” (That’s Goodwill talk for Giant Blue Carts) are rolled out. Pickers like me are looking for that next great score. Whether it be vintage clothing, collectibles or useable housewares, the diggers are ready to find some buried treasure.
Boats rotate every 15-30 minutes, so before you think this is a a calm and orderly sifting through items, do realize this is serious shopping. It has been described to me as “throwing ‘bows,” with ‘BOWS being shorthand for ELBOWS. Pickers frantically dig shoulder to shoulder and elbow to elbow, sifting through multiple layers of donated items.
As a frequent digger, I’ve found cash, gold and yes, even some small diamonds. Those items are buried in the big blue “boats” far more frequently than anyone might think. For the most part, these treasures are from items that have been unsold at the regular Goodwill stores. Items that aren’t sold from the outlet are then bundled and sold to salvage companies.
On the very special occasion the Goodwill Outlet is filled with fresh, raw donated unsifted merchandise. This occurs when there are just too many donations to sort and sell. Occasionally you find that obscure, item that makes you wonder who purchaed it in the first place.
Wear gloves…Trust me. There are plastic gloves available for free but I prefer wearing more durable leather gloves to prevent cuts, scrapes or even worse. Check out these Leather Gloves!
If you make a habit of shopping at the Goodwill Outlet store, you’ll see a lot of familiar faces. Honestly, people watching is half the fun. Maybe it’s the lady kissing the dog in her cart or the guy with OCD that arranges all of the books in the boat.
Many of the regular folks are resellers. Others are Ebayers, or shop owners looking to stock their shelves. Some are just casual thrift store shoppers.
For me the fun is in the digging and discovery at a very low cost. You pay by weight. Up to 9 pounds at $1.69. The more you buy the cheaper it gets. if you go over 25 pounds you pay just .89 cents per pound. Trust me, it’s not hard to reach the 25 pound mark.
Eric Thompson – Goodwill picker
The Goodwill Outlet is much like a warehouse. It is separated into two sections. One is filled with rows of clothing and the other is filled with housewares.
On the clothing side, vintage clothing is mixed in with brand name items and yes, even your everyday nasty, gross donated item. It’s up to you to determine the legitimacy of the slick Coach trench coat but pickers have found the real deal and have made a career of doing so on a regular basis.
On the housewares side is where I do my business. I look for collectibles to resell on eBay (For the love of all that is holy, please check eBay for the seller comicgeek12). My house looks like an episode of hoarders and my garage hasn’t housed a car in 4 years.
In housewares you can find electronics, collectables and just about anything you can imagine that someone might donate to the Goodwill. People think I spend a fortune on toys for my kid. What they don’t realize is that for just 89 cents any digger can be a hero. It isn’t all glorious however. My daughter once asked if she could ever get any new toys. NOPE! The hottest new toys will be at the Goodwill in 6 months. Patience is a wonderful quality for any child to develop.
Beware, shopping here can be extremely habit forming. If somebody is ever looking for me during my free time, they will most likely find me scouring for treasures. Ultimately, it’s fun. You can find some really great treasures and even make some money if you are so inclined.
An added benefit to shopping at Goodwill, is that you are supporting local jobs social assistance programs with your purchase.
Either way, it’s an adventure. And trust me, wear gloves.
Tacoma Frame Makers is a hidden gem. Stacia Harvey, Owner and Head Designer has a passion for creating truly unique pieces. She gives memorabilia new life with her amazing touch. This Frame shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 7pm, walk-ins are of course welcome. Tacoma Frame Makers is absolutely the place to have any custom framing done. What are you going to do with your wedding dress? Kid’s art collection getting out of hand? Seahawks Memorabilia taking over, and not in a good way? Go see Tacoma Frame Makers. They make custom easy.
Stacia has been a professional framer for over 25 years. She took over Tacoma Frame Makers a couple years ago and never looked back. The Local Frame Shop has been in business over 40 years and had been through five owners before Stacia took over. Since then the shop has been busy with new customers and many projects. Tacoma Frame Markers is truly a remarkable framing specialist and can cut frames for any piece, any size, any style.
Previous to her own shop, Stacia was the Manager of a big name Frame Store. She has experience in all parts of the framing industry which is why she has perfected her craft and stepped out on her own. Without a doubt Tacoma Frame Makers always crafts beautiful pieces. Not to mention, they don’t kill your bank account unlike the big name box stores. Stacia keeps the shop family owned, she works alongside her husband and has a couple other local framers she employes. Stacia told me that keeping Tacoma Frame Makers a close knit group ensures quality and allows her to understand and make connections with her customers.
I was stunned with Stacias amazing work. First piece piece Stacia and I collaborated on was the MC Hammer Memorabilia Piece. Tacoma Frame Makers left their mark in the Center with a Gold MC crafted by Stacia. MC Hammer Tweeted in the Spring of 2016, that pieces in his own home weren’t even that amazing. Stacia has also crafted Melissa Etheridge Rock Memorabilia Pieces, Tacoma’s own HOPE 253 Memorabilia, fan memorabilia for the U.S. Open, and many more. She is able to take a hodgepodge collection of photos, our near and dear fan memorabilia, and design elegant, fun, unique art.
As Spring cleaning starts to creep up on us, collect your memorabilia, or the Jersey you always wanted to hang, or your wedding dress that you literally do nothing with and go see Stacia. Tacoma Frame Makers is just down the street. They can take those items that you haven’t been exactly sure what to do with, and make them into something dynamic and special. Go to her website, and definitely stop by the store. Tell her Becca from Clever Neighbor sent you.
Tacoma Frame Makers
3011 6TH AVE
TACOMA, WA 98406
ph: (253) 564-2320
Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 7pm
Spokane is a city full of history and 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 5 fun things to do.
Let’s get to it!
Did you know that Spokane was originally called ‘Spokane Falls?’ Spokane comes from the Indian word for “swift-water.” It’s a fitting name considering this beautiful waterfall in the middle of downtown Spokane. (Click to Learn About the Redevelopment of Riverfront Park)
Take a stroll on a bridge above the Upper Spokane falls near 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 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, which has earned it quite the reputation.
The river runs through downtown Spokane. 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.
The Garbage Goat, created by Paula Turnball, can be found in Downtown Spokane
To date, the brewery has crafted over 150 beers and has a seasonally rotating menu.
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.
(Watch a local news story about the Garbage Goat here)
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 (Click To See The 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, River Park 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:
Shopping:
River Park Square has a wide collection and variety of some of the biggest brand names and local stores.
Classic woolen blankets like this can be found at the Pendleton store in Downtown Spokane.
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 2,300 seats!
The Martin Woldson Theater in Downtown Spokane is a lovely venue.
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. It is available for weddings as well.
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 escape the city without leaving the city limits!
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. There are plenty of places to stroll, sit down and relax.
The park is open daily and entry is free of charge.
An early photo of the construction of the Monroe Street Bridge in Downtown Spokane.
For more information check out our other guides. Clever Neighbor exists to give you neighborly insight into the best things to see and do in cities near and far.
Contact us to feature your Spokane business with Clever Neighbor.
A simple three-layer approach to style can keep you warm this season. Here are some stylish tips and selections that are found locally and on the web.
A good base layer wicks moisture away from your body. This keeps you warm. Avoid cotton shirts, which absorb moisture. Fabrics like polyester and wool are good choices. You can’t go wrong with this Icebreaker Merino Wool Long Sleeve. If you are feeling a little more sporty, this Helly Hansen Long Sleeve hearkens back to their original Lifa long underwear which caused a stir in the 70’s.
Mountain Hardwear makes this plush fleece, which compliments a woman’s physique nicely.
A good thermal layer absorbs the heat your body creates, while letting moisture escape. Garments with pockets of air like polar-fleece, wool and goose-down are all great for this. Seattle Based Outdoor Research features a wool blend hoody, which is a comfy and durable choice. This North Face Aconcagua Vest will keep your body warm while giving your arms mobility. It’s a good alternative to the standard North Face Denali Fleece. You could always get both – it never hurts to have options.
A good shell protects you from the wind and the rain. Many older styles of raincoats are not breathable like their modern counterparts, but they still work well depending on how active you are. A classic design from a Northwest mainstay is this Eddie Bauer Windfoil Elite Trench Coat. Something a little sportier, light weight and breathable would be a Minimalist Gore-Tex shell from Marmot.
Despite the cold, this mom — in her classic Filson wax-cloth rain coat — enjoys the beach with her son who is toasty warm in his North Face Denali Jacket.
There is a hybrid of sorts out there. It is technically a thermal layer, but can still shed a little wind and rain. It’s called a soft shell and is more breathable than a standard outer shell. In some ways it is perfect for our relatively temperate Northwest winters. It works well as a light jacket through the other three seasons as well. This North Face Apex Bionic 2 Softshell should last you years on the streets and the slopes, while this Kirkland Signature softshell hooded jacket would be the stylish and economical choice. If you’re looking for another resource check out sharp shaft survival tips.
A lot of these brands are found locally in the South Sound at stores like Big J’s, REI, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops.