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Spokane - downtown
If you are
visiting Spokane in the Summer you really can't understand. It gets
C O L D in Spokane in the winter. But, as usual, they have a
solution. You will notice, downtown, all the covered walkways
crossing over the streets connecting the buildings. These 'skywalks'
not only connect buildings, they connect entire blocks. The intent
was to allow folks to shop downtown without having to brave the cold
in the streets going from one store to another. But the skywalks are
just as useful in the summer. Ah, we're certainly creatures enjoying
our little comforts.
Children's Museum of
Spokane
We have
learned from touring with grandchildren that children's museums are
great places for break time. You can spend as much or as little time
as you wish (and the kids will allow) and, when they get back in the
car, everything is quiet once more.
We have found that most children's museums have their own
individualities. That certainly is a blessing because you can stop
at more than one as you drive across the country. Spokane's
certainly surpassed our expectations.
We were making a list of the exhibits and were told that the
exhibits change routinely. At the time they had a mock,
true-to-life, Greek village. Visiting kids get to don costumes and
play like they are Greek kids. Another fascinating exhibit was
called "Under the Falls". This teaches kids (and adults) about the
power, tenacity and peculiarities of water and the important role it
plays on earth. It even gets into the physics of surface tension,
etc., all in a way that kids really comprehend it all. Quite
amazing.
From I-90 take exit 281 to Division Street (US-2/395). Keep to the left
on the off-ramp to allow you to turn left (northbound) onto S.
Division Street. Turn left and head north to downtown. At W.
Riverside Avenue (one block after Sprague Ave), turn left. Drive
west on Riverside to Monroe Street (9 blocks), turn right and turn
right again at the next block (Main Ave). Go the 2 blocks back to
Post Street. The museum in in about the middle of the block to your
left (110 N. Post Street). The reason for (what appear to be)
confused directions is that these are all one-way streets. It is
almost like, "You can't drive there from here - but you can walk
it." Find a convenient parking ramp; there are several near by.
For more information, schedules and admission fees,
phone them at 1-509-5437 or visit their web site at:
ChildrensMuseum. |
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Manito Park
Almost
hidden south of downtown Spokane, this set of lovely gardens has been
nurtured with a lot of donations of money (including a $10,000 donation
from a Japanese dishwasher employed in Spokane) and time. Here is a
great place to come and relax. included in the setting are a rose garden
and a lilac garden. The Park has its own, well equipped Conservatory, a
large, glass greenhouse with several smaller, attached greenhouses.
Named the Gaiser Conservatory, it is open to visitors. Note that the
Conservatory closes at 3:30p. You can pick up a walking tour brochure of
the park at the Conservatory.
Our absolute favorite spot is the small Japanese Garden. These little
gardens are just so peaceful it is like stepping into a different world.
And this is all in the middle of a bustling city!
The Park
(and Japanese Garden) hours are 8:30a to dusk from about June 1st to
September 30th. As the days shorten, the hours of operation also
shorten. The conservatory closes at 3:30p. Admission to the park is
FREE!
From I-90, take exit 281 (Division Street) and turn south on Division.
Drive south 3 blocks to 7th Avenue. Turn right, carefully merge with
traffic so you can turn left on McClellan (2 blocks). Go 2 more blocks
and turn left on 9th Avenue. Go to the first street on your right (Grand
Avenue), do the required half-right turn and drive up the hill on Grand
and continue on Grand all the way to 18th Avenue. Turn into the Manito
Park parking lot (on your right).
Address: 4 West 21st Ave.
Phone: 1-509-456-8038.
Riverside Park
Here is more
evidence of Spokane's commitment to family. Riverside Park was, in a
way, created as the site for Spokane's Expo '74 ('A World's Fair for the
Environment'). Many of the buildings were designed and constructed to be
permanent structures (similar to what Seattle did for their '62 World's
Fair) and what remains after the big clean-up is Riverside Park.
The Park is like a 50 acre oasis on the bank of the Spokane River - in
the middle of Spokane. Spokane Falls is in this part of the river and is
viewed from the Park. Remaining from Expo '74 are the Amphitheaters, the
Opera House, the Convention Center and the IMAX theatre with its 5 story
screen and surround sound audio system.
Two things you don't want to miss if you have children with you. One is
the Gondola Ride which, like a ski lift, transports you in these little
'gondola cars' over the park, the Spokane River (and Spokane Falls) and
back again. You board it at the west end of the Park.
The other 'don't miss' attraction is the old (and genuine) carrousel.
Kids love these things and while it may be of a 'by-gone age' it still
brings smiles as quickly and effectively as ever.
Thank you,
Spokane! |
