Cora

Cora
Food, Waterfalls, Gonzaga...Spokane Rocks

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Downtown, GU, and Beyond

Carousel- The name is fairly self-explanatory: it’s a good old-fashioned, honest-to-goodness carousel!  It can be found in the south half of Riverfront Park, and is a blast not only to ride but to watch.

Pete’s Pizza- If you like pizza (i.e., if you are a human), Pete’s Pizza is the place.  It’s centrally located, and serves not only pizza but some knock-out calzones.

Gonzaga Campus- Where it all went down.  This 131-acre area has hosted the vast majority of our experiences over the last four years, and every square foot is brimming with memories.  For those of you who have heard us tell stories about Hopkins House or Alliance or De Smet, this is your chance to see them in person!  During the summer, the campus is papered with lush grass and flowers, and makes for a wonderful afternoon walk.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes- The Catholic Church holds that their cathedrals, in all their ornateness and grandeur, aspire to give us a glimpse of the glory of God, and the Cathedral in downtown Spokane helps one understand what they mean.  If you carry with you an attitude of reverence and respect, feel free to visit this beautiful church.

Bing Crosby House- Ever curious where a talent like Bing Crosby got his start?  Explore the regal movie star’s humble beginnings in his childhood home, nested on the edge of the Gonzaga campus, the school from which he (almost) received a degree.

Safeway- From campus, this is the closest grocery store that carries things in little packages (if you’re looking for bulk, try Cash and Carry).

Wolfie’s- I went to eat out at this 50’s themed diner my first day of school at GU. They’re especially famous for deep-fried French toast and old-fashioned milkshakes. It’s central, decently priced, and the service is friendly. On Sunday mornings it’s a favorite student spot.

The Onion- The scene of our first date!  They have two locations, one downtown and one up north on Division, but they serve the same delicious, unmistakably American food: jumbo burgers, tasty salads, and the like.  If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for their deep-fried oreos for dessert; they aren’t half bad!

Indaba- Cute Christian bookstore/coffee house. They’re a little spendy, but awesome atmosphere and they have some really complex specialty coffee and teas (I mean, they even come with little straws and umbrellas, basically). Local hipster scene.

Brain Freeze- A little creamery in a new development overlooking the river.  Their many delicious flavors (excepting a few staples) are often rotated out to make room for new ones, which means that Brain Freeze is constantly a treat and a surprise, even for regular visitors.  After getting your fix of sweets, burn off the calories with a walk  up and down the river on a path just a bit south from the store.  (We had a wonderful date the first time we visited.)

Thai House- For quaint decorations, affordable prices, and generous helpings of delicious Thai food, Thai House is ideal.  The first time Corwin ate here, it tasted even better, because his thesis advisor was the one paying for it.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

If it's your first time here in Spokanawa (Spokanistan, Spokannesburg, Spokanada...you get the idea) or if you know it well, here's a few of Corwin and my favorite places to enjoy. We'll keep adding some of our favorite places; if you pop them into google you can find their precise location and more pertinent details. We're so excited that you're coming!!!

Our Favorite Things Downtown...well, some of them

Fire Artisan Pizza- This specialty pizza spot is modern and delish. A friend introduced me to their spicy Camino pizza and it was big enough that the two of us could easily share. They have a brick oven that they fire their creations in, which is pretty cool. Even better: a giant soft-baked chocolate chip cookie for 3 bucks. Add ice cream for 2 more bucks. Also split-able.

The Falls-  Spokane has a waterfall right in its center! The local power company has built a park near downtown to accentuate some of the most beautiful views, and the bridge you can view from there has become the city’s logo. There’s also a “skyride” in little cabooses over the falls leftover from the 1970’s world fair.

Red Wagon- This giant red wagon in Riverside Park is a local landmark. The tongue doubles as a slide! Come for a picture op or reawaken your inner kid (stairs and slide are big enough for adults)! Fun fact: this is where Corwin and Sara had their first date.

Auntie’s- Local bookstore with a bit of everything for everyone, games and books included. Corwin and Sara’s second stop on their first date.

Mizuna’s- If you’re a foodie, and especially if you’re vegetarian, Mizuna’s in downtown is a must. Corwin and I treat ourselves here every now and then, and their generous platters are the benchmark for all other vegetarian vittles. They serve meat too, but we’ve been so in love with their veggies that we haven’t made it that far! It’s a little pricey, but definitely worth it.

Davenport Hotel- The Davenport is the classiest establishment in Spokane. Sara also really loves old things, so check out the old architecture and photographs when you wander into their lobby.

Boo Radley's - Giggle shop galore. This funky little shop has hilarious books and various gags and fan products that are really fun to browse through. Next door Atticus is its more classy and refined counterpart with books and coffee.

4th of July: There's a lot going on. Notice that there's an improv troupe called Blue Door performing - Corwin has performed with them and we have friends in that. Pretty cool stuff. Check it out: http://www.visitspokane.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/4th