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6 Unique Things to do in Downtown Spokane –

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!

1. Spokane Falls.

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.

2. Iron Goat Brewing Co.

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!

3. Riverpark Square.

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:

20 screen AMC Theater: located on the third floor this is one of the best movie theaters in Spokane.
Kress Art Gallery: showcases art from local ‘rising stars’ and students.
Mobius Children’s Museum: a place where kids and families can play and learn about culture, art, and science through hands-on activities.

Shops:

River Park Square has a wide collection and variety of some of the biggest brand names and local stores.

Apple
Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters
North Face.
Polka dot pottery – paint your own masterpiece.
Made in Washington – Northwest gifts.
Francesca’s – a boutique featuring whimsical & eclectic collections of gifts, handbags, shoes, clothes and jewelry.
TO MARKET: Showcasing the work of local entrepreneurs, crafters, and artisans this unique store has a wide variety of gifts, home decorative items, and goods.

Restaurants:

PF Chang’s: Asian cuisine with a farm to wok philosophy.
Twigs – this locally owned martini bar is a real hit with regulars and visitors alike, frequently being voted as one of the best Martini bars around.
Tortilla Union: Newly opened in 2016, Tortilla Union is a celebration of southwestern food and drink.
Sushi Maru: Creative and traditional sushi served in a relaxing, friendly environment.

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.

4. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

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.

5. Manito Park.

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.

6. Watch the World’s Largest Street Basketball game

Summers are not the same without the 3 on 3 basketball tournament in downtown Spokane. Visit spokanehoopfest.net for more info!

Downtown Spokane.

This is just the beginning of unique things to do in Spokane, for more information check out our other guides.

We are Clever Neighbor exist to give you a local neighborly insight into the best things to see and do in cities across the country.

To register your Downtown Spokane business with our site all you have to do is contact Clever Neighbor.

Manifesto Coffee Single Origin Whole Bean House Blends

Manifesto Coffee Satisfies Your Daily Caffeine Dose

Manifesto Coffee hit the ground running when their dynamic team opened doors in October 2016, emphasizing what’s important to many when it comes to coffee. This shop focuses on superbly roasted beans, and offers Fair-Trade, Organic, Single-Origin Coffee. The coffee has a rich full-bodied flavor that might have you going back for a second Americano. Before you get trapped by winter storms, stop by and pick up one of their original house blends. Hours of operations are 6 AM to 5 PM pm on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Manifesto Coffee is located on South 11th Street in Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood

Meet the Masterminds

Manifesto Coffee is a casual coffee shop, co-owned by Israel Hickey and Jack Saffle. This pair has taken their combined coffee expertise and collaborated with a couple close counterparts to create their version of the corner coffee shop. Israel the Head Roaster, lets the beans speak for themselves. His skillful roasting brings out a rich aroma and full bodied flavor profile. I had a moment to discuss the details with Jack. He shared with me in all honesty how for him this local coffee joint embodies all things Tacoma. This is a place for Skaters, Dungeon and Dragons folk and the alternative locals. Not only is this a space to drink amazing coffee, but its a place to collaborate and share their love of Tacoma. With coffee at their core, it’s not hard to see why Manifesto Coffee is the next up-and-coming neighborhood attraction.

The Main Event, Single Origin Espresso

Establishing themselves in the Fair Trade Organic scene, Manifesto Coffee is available at Harbor Greens, the Tacoma Boys 6th Ave, Puyallup and Lakewood locations, Stadium Thriftway, and Dave’s Meat and Produce. Whats more, their variety of blends have unique flavor profiles which are highlighted in the charismatic names.

Sumatra Takengon has a truly decadent taste. This Single Origin blend has a sweet flavor profile that highlights strawberry, cinnamon, and hibiscus. Consequently the name take-n-gone showcases its popularity as this house original has flown off the shelves. Alternatively, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe hits more floral notes, embodying elderflower, honey and melon for a smooth taste. Indeed spice is not forgotten with the Mexico Chiapas. This spicy bright coffee has notes of cedar and tobacco. No doubt this coffee will transport drinkers somewhere warmer. Finally Nicaragua San Juan De Rio Coco has rich apricot, hazelnut notes. This cup of Joe goes perfectly with your favorite chocolate pastry. If you aren’t sure what caffeine hits the spot just ask your barista for a recommendation.

2 Ways to Enjoy

For most of us, coffee helps us to speak to other humans in the morning. The first way to try this new local coffee shop is to of course stop by and get caffeinated. Not everyone takes their coffee black. For this reason, Manifesto Coffee and 1022 have you covered. The syrups on the espresso bar are made from scratch by the craft cocktail professionals at 1022 on South J Street. They are coupled with seasonal, organic flavors that in my opinion are some of the best blended syrups around. Moreover, the second way to enjoy is to grab a bag of beans from your local grocer and perk up with a french press.Considering that you’re already in the neighborhood, go grab some java from these local experts. Tell them Clever Neighbor sent you and you seek caffeine!

Manifesto Coffee
Address: 1003 S 11th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (360) 775-9834
Hours: 6AM–5PM

Donuts from a Drive Thru! I must have crashed and gone to heaven!

If you have a hankering for donuts in Tacoma, check out Pao’s Donuts and Coffee Shop in Tacoma’s West End (making the West Slope Historic). You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your car—they have a drive thru window! Bring cash though because credit cards are not welcome. However the inexpensive pricing will have you searching your seats for change (I speak from experience).

A fresh selection of Old Fashioned donuts in Tacoma at Pao’s Donuts and Coffee Shop

Pao’s Excels in its Simple Approach

I am impressed with the pricing, the simplicity and the excellence in their offerings. Eating at Pao’s has changed what I accept as a good donut. The owners have been there to serve me each time I go. They are quick let me know which donuts are fresh, and which are discounted day old donuts. I was hesitant in ordering an espresso from a donut shop, but I must say, my double tall latte was well made. Pao and his wife seem to take pride in their work, and the community has noticed . Pao’s was voted Best of the South Sound in 2016.

Pao’s was voted Best in the South Sound for 2016.

Family Business

The atmosphere may seem familiar to you. Pao’s is a former Dunkin Donuts. Pink donut boxes, stacked high behind the counter. Pictures of Pao’s children are on the walls, some with giant donuts. You get the feeling that Pao’s is not just a business—but a means to an end—a vision of what America can be and is.

Local To Tacoma

Pao’s is just off Highway 16 on 6^th avenue, on the way toward Titlow Beach, where grown men once wrestled octopi. Tacoma Community College is nearby as is the Tacoma Musical Playhouse. There are lots of things to do in Tacoma, but stopping here in a must!

Do you like musicals? Check out this 5 disk Boxset.

An assortment of syrups illuminated in Pao’s drive thru window, by the late day sun.

Don’t Forget The Cash!

Next time you’re cruising the streets, looking for some donuts in Tacoma, check out Pao’s Donuts and Coffee Shop. You won’t be disappointed–unless you forget your cash!

Bicycles, Helmets and Gear Oh My!

Tacoma’s waterfront is the premier bike path for a cruise. Old Town Bicycle is ready to get your bike that much needed tune up before Spring melts the Winter frost.

With three locations, Olympia on Capitol Way, Gig Harbor on Kimball Drive, and Tacoma’s McCarver St Location, Old Town Bicycle’s staff is ready to get you on the road.

Cycling Aspirations and Perspiration

Let’s be clear, I do not claim to be a cyclist. When I ride, it’s usually a pleasurable cruise down by the water. My beach cruiser is classic cream white with style, and of course she has a basket.

The only time I was semi-serious about cycling was for the annual Tour de Goldfish on Five Mile Drive. That race ended in a tag team Tandem Bicycle ascent to the finish.

READ: THINGS TO DO IN TACOMA: THE NARROWS BRIDGE

Get Tuned

If you are a cruiser like me, or a serious cyclist that needs the right gear for those long distance rides, Old Town Bicycle has you covered.

When I brought my beach cruiser in for a much needed tune up, I was greeted by several staff members who were ready to assist me. Alana described the different types of tune up’s the shop offered.

They cover everything from Standard to Deluxe tune ups, taking the time to clean, inspect, grease and adjust so my two wheeled transportation was ready once again to ride along the waterfront.

Gear Heads

The staff at Old Town Bicycle is friendly and knowledgeable. They were glad to discuss the importance of bike maintenance and the best ways to keep my bike in well working condition.

Helpful Hint: Giving your bike a bath, similar to washing your car keeps it in good condition. Washing prevents pebbles, sticks and nature from rusting chains or breaking gears.

We also discussed the right types of gear. Those funny shorts and Clip in shoes you see when a cyclist passes by in the bike lane are actually well worth the price for comfort and balance.

Old Town Bicycle has the right helmets, tires, water bottles and cycle gear you need to get out on the road feeling prepared.

Outdoor Adventures

Tacoma’s beauty is is better enjoyed outside. The bike path is a great way to do this. There are plenty of things to do in Tacoma on your two wheeled friend. There are tons of local trails and waterfront views to be enjoyed.

If you ever made a resolution to get active and healthy or trying a new sport, placing your feet to the pedals is a great solution

It’s never a bad time of year to get your bike tuned, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while.

Check out Old Town Bicycle’s Deluxe Tune Up Package! Be sure to tell them Clever Neighbor sent you!

Old Town Bicycle
Address: 3009 N McCarver St, Tacoma, WA 98403
Phone:(253) 573-9400
Hours: 10AM–6PM

Game Day Doughnuts

Seahawks fans should be pleased by their options at Legendary Doughnuts. There is the Sherman, which is a raised ring doughnut topped with vanilla frosting and sprinkles of gresen and blue. The Wilson is very similar, but instead of sprinkles; it has sparkly blue and green sugar crystals. On Blue Friday and Game Day these doughnuts are in the shape of a football. Both of these doughnuts are in the “famous” class, alongside the Homer Simpson, Tinkerbell and Sex In The City doughnuts.

One step above the “famous” class is the “legendary” class, where sits a vanilla cake doughnut donning a blanket of vanilla-frosting and two blue and green chunks of bubble gum. If you haven’t yet guessed, this is known as the Pete Carroll (Learn why Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll is known for chewing gum)

Chandeliers and a 12th Man flag hang proudly in Tacoma’s 6th Ave. location.

Local Origins

Legendary Doughnuts opened in 2010 featuring their own cold press coffee and a bacon encrusted maple bar known as the Oprah (check out this recipe from Oprah.com). They became a hit in the South Sound and have since opened a number of new locations, to the delight of many a work place (click here to order a dozen doughnuts).

Legendary Doughnuts features "Fido Nuts" and "Pup Cannoli" for their four legged customers.

Legendary Doughnuts features “Fido Nuts” and “Fido Cannoli” for their four legged customers.

Doggy Doughnuts

Your pooch will be happy to join you. The “Fido Nuts” and “Pup Cannoli” look delicious. Thankfully there are other options to avert temptation, like the “doughsant” class of doughnuts–a ring of croissant dough, featuring a variety of topping options. For those counting calories Legendary Doughnuts offer smaller variations on many of their doughnuts. There are doughnut cakes and towers for those who are not.

A nine inch ring doughnut celebrating the Seattle Seahawks.

Nearest Location

Legendary Doughnuts is making doughnuts at their original Lakeland Hills location near Lake Tapps. They are in Tacoma on 6^th Ave., in Covington near L.A. Fitness (oh the irony), and have two new locations in Federal Way and Frederickson.

Tools To Make Your Own Doughnuts At Home:

Doughnut Dispenser

Doughnut Cutter

Cuisinart Deep Fryer

Top Pot Doughnuts Recipe Book

A good shoe both separates and connects us to the ground. It protects our feet and ensures the grip we need to move toward our goals. Whether it’s to run another mile or shop another store, active footwear can be a key factor in how we enjoy the experience.

Each person has unique feet, with different widths and arches. Certain brands like Keen are better suited for a wider foot, and other brands like Brooks offer different cushioning factors. After-market insoles like Superfeet are popular, because they adapt a shoe to fit your foot—and can be transferred from shoe to shoe.

When considering how to stock your quiver of shoes, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Will there be mud, water or dust on the trail? Will my feet get sweaty? How stylish should I be today? How active might I get whether chasing a dog or standing in line? These are a few of the factors that help us decide which shoes to wear, and which shoes to buy.

We took a look at the offerings of a number brands to see what they offered in shoes for an active lifestyle. We stuck to low cut shoes that were not intended for any one sport. Hopefully this guide will aid you in making your next purchase:

Lifestyle Shoes

Casual Shoes: A comfortable alternative to dressier shoes that, in some cases, may be worn with dressier clothes. There is a variety of colors and styles to pick from.

Pros – Comfortable, stylish, and typically less expensive.

Cons – They may lack the tread and support you need in your work or activities.

Something to consider –Always break in a pair of shoes and test them out before committing to an 8-hour shift in them. Just because your office-mate can get away with casual shoes, doesn’t mean it will work for you.

Walking Shoes: These can be great for work, your morning walk, or afternoon shopping. Their main function is support and comfort. They may not be as stylish as other shoes, but they get the job done.

Pros – Good comfort with great support.

Cons – Not what some might call “stylish.”

Something to consider – Some brands specialize in more stylish walking shoes. If comfort and support is what you’re looking for, don’t get scared off by one brand’s offerings.

Running Shoes

Running Shoes: Lightweight, purpose-built shoes for running and jogging in a straight line, not necessarily for side to side maneuvers. They are designed to have good airflow. They are not the most supportive in the arches or ankles. Waterproof versions are available, which are less breathable and stiffer.

A few of our favorites

Pros — Lightweight, comfortable and breathable. Often offered in fun colors/designs.

Cons – They wear out quickly. They may lack the support you need. The fun colors/designs might be “too” fun.

Something to consider – Running shoes range from being minimalist with very little support, to having a much better support, depending on the needs of the owner. Check with a reputable running store, like Brooks Running, to have an expert fit a shoe to your needs.

Trail Running Shoes: These are much like traditional running shoes, but are purpose-built for people who run on loose terrain. They have an aggressive tread, are lightweight and breathable. Waterproof versions are available.

Pros – Aggressive tread, light weight and breathable.

Cons – May lack support. The tread may not work so well on pavement or other smooth/hard surfaces.

Something to consider – As with traditional running shoes, the tread is soft and may wear down quickly. Some trail runners have an aggressive tread, which will also wear down quickly if worn off the trail.

Training Shoes

Cross Training Shoes: These are some of the most popular footwear for those with an active lifestyle who may only want one pair of shoes. They are typically made from a material and pattern that doesn’t show the dirt. They have great support and traction, and are relatively water resistant and in some cases are waterproof.

Pros – Long lasting build with relatively good support and traction. Not offensive in appearance especially if worn with an outdoor style. Typically built to last.

Cons – Heavier than other shoes. May not breath as well as other shoes.

Something to consider – These shoes may become so practical that they are all you ever wear. After two years, you may need an intervention from close friends who will help you throw them away. You will most likely buy the exact same style.

Aerobics Shoes: These are made for your typical Zumba, step or Kick-boxing classes. They offer good side support and cushioning.

Pros – Good support and cushioning. A good all around shoe.

Cons – No waterproof option. Won’t last as long as cross-trainers. The style may not translate well from your Zumba class to QFC.

Something to Consider – To help them stay clean and last longer, have a pair of comfortable slip on shoes that you wear to and from your aerobics class. This will allow your feet and active footwear to breath post workout, and could remedy any style concerns.