Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Blog

Breakfast In the Neighborhood

Molly Enkema — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:21:27 -0700

Most mornings, breakfast is what gets me out of bed. French toast, oatmeal, scones, you name, it I like it. So of course I am always on the lookout for a good breakfast joint. You know, a place that serves a whole bunch of tasty morning treats, has distinct character and brews a cup of coffee that will keep me out of bed.

I am happy to report I have added McGlade's Bistro & Wine Bar to my list of breakfast "hot spots." This North Side favorite has long been known for their fresh produce and pies, but recently joined the ranks along-side other local Spokane breakfast eateries, and for that I am thankful.

The "Ranchero Omelet" combines two of my favorite foods, eggs and salsa. Once I have downed it, lucky me, because I still have hash browns and toast to devour. For those of you with a similar sized appetite to mine, the breakfast buffet is an excellent choice. If you are thinking "whoa, my stomach is the size of a pea," don't you worry. The "1 Egg Your Way" is a bit smaller and equally satisfying.

If, for some reason you're not a breakfast person, bummer for you...but McGlade's offers a full lunch and dinner menu as well as many items to-go, including their famous homemade pies. I grew up on these pies, especially the huckleberry, and I turned out pretty good, right? So if that is not reason enough to try them, I don't know what is. Still not amused? Maybe the weekly beer and wine tasting events will captivate your taste buds more.

The next time you need a reason to get out of bed and stay out of bed, head North to McGlade's and stuff your tummy. Once you have overindulged, if that's even possible, grab your friends, kids, spouse, really anyone you enjoy being with and go check out what's going on at GreenBluff, you're already nine-tenths of the way there.

Local Brews, Corn Pasta and a Chill Atmosphere

Joe Johnson, CTA — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:41:50 -0700

Let's get one thing straight. I don't consider myself a foodie. I love food and I like trying new food. But you will never find me analyzing what I just ate down to the most minute detail? I think it ruins food. I do however consider myself a bar-ie or a beer-ie. I may have just made both those words up. What do they mean exactly? That I enjoy tasting new beers, no matter what the type and that I love experiencing new bars, their food and their atmosphere. What I'm trying to say is that if you're looking for an overrated, overtechincal description of a bar, its beer and its food, this blog isn't for you. But if you're looking for a first-hand account from someone just like you, then you're at the right spot.

It is the bar-ie and beer-ie in me that brought me to the Two-Seven Public House on Spokane's South Hill. After moving from Spokane's north side, I began searching in earnest for a new home pub. My search started and ended at the Two-Seven. Let me tell you why:

It is the lesser known brother, or sister (whichever you prefer) of The Elk. Translation - they're owned by the same people. For those of you who don't know, The Elk, nestled in the friendly confines of Browne's Addition, is the BEST bar in Spokane. You may not agree with me, but this is my blog . . . deal with it! To put it simply, the Two-Seven is the quiet sibling who gets little recognition, while The Elk is the outgoing sibling who gets all the girls. I might not be helping myself out by writing this, but I like that the Two-Seven is not crazy busy, I like that not everyone knows about it and I like that its kind of hard to find.
It's chill. Everything about the Two-Seven says, "chill." From the menu and music to the servers and seating. No one seems rushed, no one seems too busy for you and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. You can't put a price on a relaxing experience. Especially when it includes chillin' on a sweet patio with a good brew in your hand and a delicious meal on your plate.
It's a local bar that carries local beer, wine and spirits. The Two-Seven always has a tap handle reserved for a Northern Lights Brewing Co. beer, a Golden Hill's Brewing Co. beer or if you're lucky, both! Not to mention they serve Townshend Cellar wine and Dry Fly Distilling vodka, gin and if available, whiskey.
The corn pasta. The Two-Seven is unique in that it doesn't offer french fries as a side. I know what you're thinking, "What kind of bar doesn't offer french fries?!" Believe me, you'll be fine. The corn pasta more than makes up for the lack of fried potatoes.
The servers are great! No painted on smiles, no fake conversations and no rushing. They're genuine, relaxed and they know their stuff. You're just as likely to have a conversation about your weekend plans as you are to discuss something on the menu. I dig that! For the best server ask for Shannon!

As you can tell, I have a bar-crush on the Two-Seven. And it's a crush that I don't see ending anytime soon. So if you're looking to find your next love . . . er, I mean bar, look no further than the Two-Seven.

Eating Raw In Spokane

Joe Johnson, CTA — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:24:37 -0700

I think sushi is an acquired taste, kind of like squid, only much easier to acquire. The weird thing about my sushi transformation is that I've always liked fish, it's just the thought of raw fish made me queasy . . . or maybe it was the texture? It really doesn't matter which one it was, the fact remains that I avoided sushi for the first 22 years of my life because of it.

This is where you tell me how much of a fool I am, and also where I agree with you.

But I have since seen the sushi light and would now consider myself a fan. Not a "hardcore eat raw slabs of fish" fan, but an "I love eating sushi rolls" fan. Baby steps are key. So naturally I've been venturing out and exploring Spokane's sushi scene. I know what you're thinking, "Spokane has a sushi scene?" In fact it does. And for a land locked city, you'd be surprised at the quality of sushi that is being rolled out.

So far my favorite is Raw Sushi & Island Grill. First and foremost the sushi is bomb. I obviously can't recommend something for everyone reading this, but my favorites are the Spicy Tuna roll ($5.95), the Firecracker roll ($9.95) and the Crunchy roll ($6.25), with the Firecracker taking top honors. For those of you wondering that's tuna, scallions and shrimp. All equally delicious! All good sized rolls! And don't worry, for those of you not into sushi, there's a whole other menu just for you! But Raw isn't just about the food. It's the entertainment. Most any night of the week you can count on being entertained and having your sushi too with live, local music, a great selection of DJ's and Karaoke every Monday and Thursday. If you're lucky, you may even get to hear Raw owner, Noel Macapagal, belt out some of his favorite songs.

There you have it. The next time you're craving sushi or looking to be entertained, don't just sit there, take my advice and make your way to Raw.

SpokaneMan tested. SpokaneMan approved.

Bennidito?s v. David?s ? The Great Spokane Pizza Debate

Joe Johnson, CTA — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:40:28 -0700

Here's a random fact that you may or may not want to use to impress the opposite sex: There are nearly 70,000 pizzerias in the United States. To be completely honest, I thought that number might be bigger. Of course my view of that number is skewed by the inordinate amount of pizza places that call Spokane home. Spokane might as well be known as the land of mozzarella and marinara! So how does one sort through all the pretenders, false advertisers and fakers to find the greatest pizza in Spokane? My suggestion, which you obviously want since you're reading my blog, is to say sayonara to all the national chains. These companies sold their soul for a buck a long time ago and it shows in their pizza. Secondly, take a look at the remaining pizzerias. If they're not tossing their dough, consider them a no-go. Fresh dough is a must and when they toss it before they make it, well . . . it's just cool! Finally, the cool factor. A place can make the best pizza but if it's a shady joint they won't be getting my business. These are my tried and true pizzeria picking criteria. So who does that leave standing? Survey says . . . wait, what's this? A tie? How could it be?! After all that scrutiny and comparison there are still two standing? Don't be too surprised, these two local joints serve up delicious pizza with an atmosphere to match.

Bennidito's Pizza:
What's my favorite thing about Bennedito's? Beer buddies! These tasty dough balls, cooked to perfection, brushed with butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese make life worth living. Seriously, they're that good! I also like the buckets of PBR. No, unfortunately it isn't an actual bucket full of PBR. It's actually a bucket filled with five chilled bottles of PBR. Drinking out of a bucket would be much more fun! Oh, and I like the pizza too. Huge slices, copius amounts of cheese and whatever ingredients tickle your fancy, pair with the perfect amount of grease creating a foldable slice of pizza that is second to none. And the deck . . . epic! There's nothing better than a summer night on Bennidito's deck with a great slice of pizza, cold PBR and great friends.

David's Pizza:
What's my favorite thing about David's? The fire truck! The David's Pizza Response Team rolls around in a tricked out truck providing delicious catered relief wherever it's needed. You've got to see this thing! I also like their open kitchen. You get a first hand view of them hand tossing your crust and preparing your pizza. I feel like it helps me become one with the pie! And that pie I'm speaking of is sooo good, with all the ingredients being freshly prepared throughout the day. David's just says no to pre-cut vegetables! Oh, and I like the owner too. In addition to being crazy about his pizza, he's one of the raddest guys I know and a pretty sick cyclist to boot. I love eating at David's for three reasons. 1. Amazing pizza. 2. Awesome service (better than Bennidito's, sorry!) 3. Sweet décor (the cycling jerseys just do it for me).

Hopefully you're not looking for me to tell you which one to eat at because I just couldn't do it! You know what that means right? You'll just have to try them both! Cry me a river!

Hands On Science In Spokane

Joe Johnson, CTA — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:18:10 -0700

I never used to like science. In fact, you could say my feelings toward it bordered on hate for the majority of my life. The science I knew was boring. It involved big books, with small print, boring multiple choice tests and a skosh of lab time thrown in to prevent a coup de tat.

Last week I got the chance to head up to the Mobius Lab: Hands on Science Center at NorthTown Mall. Finally, someone got science right! I realize that a 24-year-old college graduate (that's me) probably isn't their target market, but they had me hook, line and sinker from the time I walked in and they gave me my "PassPort to Discovery." Hanging by a lanyard around my neck, my passport has a chip in it that is recognized by the computers at each exhibit in the lab so that when I walk up to a station the computer greets me by name. And don't worry; it's a nice computer voice, not a creepy computer voice. These same computers keep track of your progress as you work through the stations. Then, when you get home, you can enter your key (number found on your passport) at http://mymobius.org/ to see the information you've saved, check top scores and learn even more about the exhibits.

Speaking of exhibits, where the heck were these when I was sleeping my way through science class?! Like the Geology Lab. Using a low-frequency vibrating base plate, this exhibit causes sand to move and shift like it does in the dessert. You can even throw in random items and see how the sand cycles them through and moves them around. Much more interesting than that poorly made movie "Sands of Time" that I watched in sixth grade science, which by the way sounds more like a soap opera. But my favorite lab by far was the Magnetics Lab. Created by a guy out of Hayden Lake, it teaches you about magnetism, its sources, properties and practical applications while (get this) . . . launching objects with an electromagnetic catapult! How sweet is that! I wish I had more time to talk about the Motion Lab, the Energy Lab, the Chaos Lab, the Audio Lab, the touch-screen computers and the fun, interesting factoids. But take my word for it - they're awesome! And for those of you who decide not to go, thinking that books or Bill Nye movies will do the trick, science can't even describe how wrong you are.

Here's what you need to know:

-Mobius Lab IS NOT permanent. It will only be open until the end of September.

-Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm

-Location: NorthTown Mall, ground level, near Barnes & Noble

-Who's it for? The Web site says ages 8-108, and they didn't lie. There's something new for every age to learn!

-Cost: FREE!

-Purpose: Mobius Lab was developed to be a place that made science fun with hands-on learning (mission accomplished!). It also serves as a sneak peek at the future Mobius Science Center, scheduled to open in 2012. Located on the north side of the Spokane River, the 56,000 sq. ft. science center will be one of the premier science exhibits in the Pacific Northwest and will feature a digital theater, labs, classrooms, café and store in addition to its many exhibits.

At this time I want to say thank you to Mobius Lab. Thank you for being untraditional. Thank you for blowing away the negative stereotypes associated with science. And most importantly, thank you for making science fun again.

Great music. Awesome venues. In Spokane?

Joe Johnson, CTA — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:44:23 -0700

I love music, but I'm definitely not a musician. In fact, I'm probably as far from a musician as you can get. The bulk of my musical experience comes from a stint with the recorder during third grade. But despite my lack of formal musical training I'm still a huge fan of music - especially local/independent music. There's something about the music that's produced by those trying like crazy to make it big that is organic, creative, honest and full of emotion - just the way music should be.

So what local artist has caught my ear lately? He's known as Mark Ward, which just so happens to be his name. I must admit, the fist time I went to watch Mark I only went to impress a girl. But wouldn't you know it, she had great taste in music, I liked what I heard and I've now seen Mark in concert a total of three times. Here is where I'd love to be able to write my own review of Mark, but I'll let my attendance at his concerts speak for itself. The review; I'll leave that to the expert:

"When you're one person with a guitar, you better have something compelling to separate yourself from all your like-minded compatriots. Ward definitely does - a magnetic, spine-tinglingly beautiful voice." -Jeff Echert, The Inlander

You know you want to listen now! And if by chance the artist isn't enough for you, make sure to check out the venues! Now feast your eyes on my three "must see" Spokane music venues:

Empyrean Coffee House: This awesome little bohemian joint, tucked into an old brick building in downtown Spokane, is the first place I saw Mark Ward play. With performances ranging from acoustic to alternative with poetry slams and readings thrown in, the Empyrean is the only joint in town with something going down virtually every night. Tip: Be ready for the unexpected; anything doubles as an instrument at the Empyrean. I once witnessed a girl playing a saw and a guy twirling beer-bong tubing.

Rocket Market: If the Rocket Market were a recipe, this natural foods sanctuary on Spokane's South Hill would call for two parts hippie and one part yuppie. Making the final product a . . . yippee or huppie? But, I digress. During the summer months this outdoor venue is my favorite in Spokane, offering live music Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The best part? You can grab a microbrew or bottle of wine before heading outside to enjoy the music. Tip: For all you lovers out there, a concert at Rocket Market is a great date idea - keep that in mind.

Zola: Located in the historic Longbotham Building (circa 1909) in downtown Spokane, this eclectic venue salvaged the majority of its décor from demolition sites around Spokane. That includes the original tilt-a-whirl bucket booths that double as seats and the bicycle rims and license plates that double as liquor dollies and wall coverings. Describing it as unique doesn't do it justice! Offering live music Tuesday through Saturday nights, I've experienced everything from jazz and swing to rock and acoustic at Zola. Tip: Hit up Zola's happy hour, one of the best in Spokane, nightly from 4-6pm.

Is that music I hear in Spokane? It sure is! And now not only do you know that there's good music, you know exactly where to find it! But don't keep it to yourself. Who's your favorite local artist? And where do you like to go to catch some tunes?

The Slippery Rocks Of Priest Lake

Joe Johnson, CTA — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:12:21 -0700

I'm back! And this one's a doozy!

I'm fascinated by jumping off things - strange I know. Rocks, cliffs, trees . . . they're all fair game as long as there's water at the bottom. But this past weekend I slid, literally, into a new fascination that actually might steal the "Top SpokaneMan Fascination" award right out from under cliff jumping. Shocking, I know! I never expected something I've long treasured to be bested so easily. But that's what happens when you experience something that is pure awesomeness. No, awesomeness isn't a word, but it should be. But what activity is so cool that it warrants a made-up word to describe it, you ask?

I'm talking about the Lion Creek natural waterslides or slippery rocks at Priest Lake, Idaho. Having a hard time imagining it? Let me paint a picture for you, and I'll start from the beginning. First, Priest Lake sits at the base of North Idaho's Cabinet Mountains and in my completely unbiased opinion, is one of the most spectacular and pristine mountain lakes that this country has to offer. Even the 1 ½ hour drive from Spokane feels short as you cruise along the International Selkirk Loop through one of Idaho's most scenic areas.

Vehicle care side note: Starting from the Lionhead Campground, the road leading up to the trailhead is rough enough to give most 4-wheel drive vehicles a run for their money, which is why I'm proud to say that my Kia Spectra was the only vehicle at the trailhead not sporting 4-wheel drive. Who cares that I bottomed out twice leading to a fresh oil leak? It was worth it!

From the trailhead, an easy 2-mile hike awaits, taking you through deep pine forests, underneath enormous granite rock faces and alongside a rushing mountain river before delivering you to the top of the waterslides. Believe me; the scenery alone is worth the hike! Standing at the top, a smooth granite rock face spreads out below you. Behind you a glacial stream tumbles into a pool before spilling out over the rock face creating prime water sliding conditions. How do you stop? Don't worry; there are perfect pools of water waiting at the bottom! Now all that's left is to hit the slides!

But before you do, I recommend donning appropriate water sliding attire. And by appropriate attire I mean a garbage bag. Simply open a garbage bag, poke both legs through the bottom, pull up as far as desired and tie off securely around your body. And don't worry; everyone else looks as ridiculous as you do! Whether you opt for a controlled sit-and-slide or a more speedy run-and-slide, you'll have an awesome time! Try sliding on your butt, your stomach, or even switch between the two on your way down.

Insider tips: For best sliding results, use industrial strength garbage bags at least 10-gallons in size. If you're looking for the perfect line to take, I recommend staying to the left. There are less bumps and the landing pool at the bottom is a bit deeper.

Can you picture it now? I'd like to think that my words have painted the perfect picture for you but to be completely honest, words can't do this activity justice, which is tough for a wordsmith to admit. The only way to really experience this pure awesomeness is to do it!

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #14

Joe Johnson, CTA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:08:54 -0700

I know I said that these weren't ranked, and the previous 13 haven't been. But I saved the best for last! And this wasn't just my favorite, it was Lauran's favorite as well - so you know it's good!

14. Mt. Spokane Vista House: There's something about mountaintop kisses that make them better than non-mountaintop kisses. Maybe it's the view, or maybe it's the elevation and the subsequent lack of oxygen. Whatever it is, it's great! Which is exactly why kissing at the Vista House, perched atop Mt. Spokane at 5,833 feet is a must. My recommendation - lay one on her/him at sunrise or sunset. The view is amazing and he/she won't be able to say no! I took the sunrise route. The experience and the views of the Spokane Valley, Idaho and Canada, and of course the kiss, were well worth the early wake up call.

I know you're sad to see the, "Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane" come to an end, and so am I. As you can imagine, this has been pretty dang fun for me! But now is where the fun starts for you. This is your chance to hold up your end of the bargain that we discussed way back at #1. As you can see, I've only shared 14 of my favorite spots. And even though it's a pretty sweet list, I realize that there may be some spots I've never even heard of. That leaves you with the responsibility of finishing off the list of 15 with your favorite lip-locking locale. Remember sharing is caring!

First, take a look back and refresh your memory:

1. Mantio Park Rose Hill Garden
2. Riverfront Park Rotary Fountain
3. Steam Plant Smokestack
4. Bowl & Pitcher Overlook - Riverside State Park
5. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
6. Cliff Drive
7. The Marriage Proposal - The Davenport Hotel
8. Spokane Falls Footbridge
9. Coeur d'Alene Park - Browne's Addition
10. Spokane Falls Skyride
11. Looff Carrousel
12. Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout
13. Horse & Carriage Ride - Downtown Spokane
14. Mt. Spokane Vista House

Now tell me about your favorite spot! And make it a good one!

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #13

Joe Johnson, CTA — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:01:31 -0700

Horse and carriage? Check! Romantic downtown setting? Check! Fairytale ending? That's up to you

Here's the deal. I've sacrificed so that your romantic relationships can flourish. Through countless hours of in-depth, hands on research, I have compiled a list of the 14 BEST places to lock lips in Spokane. Why 14 you ask? Because I want you to respond with your favorite spot to complete the list of 15! Great idea - I know! But don't think this is going to be your traditional "Best of" or "Top ___" list. Why? Because I'm not going to give you all 14 at once. That would be way too much for one person to handle! Instead, you're going to get them one by one. So make sure you haven't missed a single spot!

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

13. Horse & Carriage Ride - Downtown Spokane: Ok, so I know I told you that I had tested and approved each locale. Well . . . I lied. But before you go and get all upset let me explain. I'm doing this blog for you. If you've read any of my previous blogs you'd know that I'm all about, "helping people help themselves." So naturally I want to provide you with the BEST locales for kissing. For this reason, when I heard about the carriage rides through downtown Spokane I knew I had to fit it in, with or without having tested it. It was just too good to pass up! I honestly think it's hard to get much more unique and romantic than a horse and carriage ride, especially on a Friday night when Spokane's downtown is alive and moving. My recommendation - wait until the sun has set on a Friday night in July or August before heading out on your horse and carriage ride. With the lights of downtown twinkling, it'll be the perfect time to sneak an almost fairytale-ish kiss. Heck, while you're downtown why not make a night of it and hit these other great kissing spots that are close by:

2. Riverfront Park Rotary Fountain

3. Steam Plant Smokestack

7. The Marriage Proposal - The Davenport Hotel

8. Spokane Falls Footbridge

10. Spokane Falls Skyride

11. Looff Carrousel

Enjoy!

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #12

Joe Johnson, CTA — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:37:05 -0700

Look out! This kissing locale could lead to some hot kissing.

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

12. Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout: Outdoors vs. Indoors? This is a conundrum that has been debated by kissers for years. On one hand, you have the privacy of being indoors. On the other hand, you have the freedom of being outdoors. For me there's no question - give me the great outdoors, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to the fire lookout atop Quartz Mountain. Looking for a great view, with minimal work involved to get there? The fire lookout is the perfect place! After a nice, easy hike you'll have fantastic views of the Spokane River Valley, Spirit Lake, Newman Lake and Mt. Spokane. Plus, the sunsets are beautiful! My recommendation - make your way to the fire lookout for sunset during the summer months. Climb the steps up to the wrap-around deck, face west and prepare yourself for an epic sunset and an even better kiss.

Only two more kissing locales left! Have you read them all? If not, what are you waiting for? Go do it! Your romantic livelihood depends on it.

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #11

Joe Johnson, CTA — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:05:50 -0700

The only place where a children's activity and bad music can equal a good kiss.

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

11. Looff Carrousel: True, the music can be repetitive and it may lack a romantic atmosphere. But what the Looff Carrousel lacks in ambiance it makes up for in fun! The 1909 Looff Carrousel holds a well deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places as one of America's most beautiful and well preserved hand-carved wooden carrousels. It features 54 horses, one giraffe, one tiger, two Chinese dragon chairs . . . and a partridge in a pear tree! I'd encourage you to think of this kiss as a challenge. After all, you are spinning in circles and going up and down! It's like playing pin the lips on your partner, except you're in constant motion. My recommendation - head to the carrousel just before closing time (10 pm) when the crowd will be dwindling, hop on some horses and hang on. And when I say hang on I mean it! Getting bucked off a carrousel horse would be embarrassing and most definitely a mood killer.

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #10

Joe Johnson, CTA — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:09:47 -0700

Your hint: You'll be flying high but not from the kiss. Thought provoking, I know!

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

10. Spokane Falls Skyride: The Spokane Falls Skyride is an oldie but goodie for those looking to lock lips in Spokane. In fact, it might very well top some people's list. But not mine. I'm not ready to reveal my favorite yet! Speaking of lists, I heard the Skyride also topped the list of best places to . . . ahem . . . in Spokane. But that's neither here nor there. Anyway, back to kissing. If you're looking for a unique venue or vantage point, then the Skyride is definitely a top notch choice. Nowhere else in Spokane can you get up close and personal with the falls in addition to having a bird's eye view. My recommendation - head for the Skyride during spring when the river is at its wildest. Hop on during the early afternoon, I'd say between 12-4 pm. Trust me; kissing is much more enjoyable when you don't feel like you're being watched by the family of five with two young kids in the gondola directly behind you!

Ten down, four more to go! Make sure you've read them all so that your next kiss is your best kiss.

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #9

Joe Johnson, CTA — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:14:59 -0700

A walk in the park and a romantic kiss. Sounds like Spokane bliss!

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

9. Coeur d'Alene Park - Browne's Addition: If you're looking for a historical kiss, the gazebo in Browne's Addition's Coeur d'Alene Park should top your list. Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the state, Coeur d'Alene Park is also one of Spokane's oldest parks. Climb the stairs of the gazebo in the footsteps of some of Spokane's founding fathers. My recommendation - lay one on your partner after the sun has set and the twinkling lights of the park have come on. Then follow it up with a ride on the swings. What? Don't act like you're too old for swings!

Can you guess what the next locale will be?

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #8

Joe Johnson, CTA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:55:42 -0700

So close to downtown, yet so wild! Talk about the perfect place to end a nice evening out!

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

8. Spokane Falls Footbridge: Warning: This locale may get you wet. Okay, get your mind out of the gutter . . . I'm talking about the mist and spray from the falls. Connecting Riverfront Park to Canada Island and suspended over the upper falls, the footbridge is the perfect place to experience the power of the Spokane River as it charges through downtown. Nothing like a a kiss over a raging river to get you going! My recommendation - hit the footbridge at sunset during spring runoff. But make sure to really lay one on her/him, you don't want to be shown up by the river!

Top 14 Places to Kiss In Spokane - #7

Joe Johnson, CTA — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:43:32 -0700

Get a kiss in one of the world's finest hotels! Romantic might as well be spelled D-a-v-e-n-p-o-r-t.

Now grab your Chap Stick, breath mints and that special someone, and start smooching your way through the Top 14 Places to Kiss in Spokane.

7. The Marriage Proposal - The Davenport Hotel: This might be a sweeping generalization, but women love romantic stories. Particularly anything involving marriage proposals, weddings etc. Don't worry fellas, I'm not suggesting that you propose - this is a blog about kissing, not about sealing the deal. I'm simply suggesting that you show her one of the most creative marriage proposals I've ever heard of. If that doesn't put you in good graces and her in the mood for a kiss then I don't know what will. How do you find this marriage proposal? Head upstairs in The Davenport Hotel to the Hall of Doges. Starting above Elizabethan Room B, ingrained in the wood trim, look for that famous phrase every woman wants to hear, "Will you marry me?" Legend has it that the proposal worked, so a kiss shouldn't be out of the question either, right?

There's a nice little tid bit of Spokane history for you. You can thank me later!