By: Lauren Montague, columnist

What are some of the best things to do off campus if you’re new to Spokane? 

From: Samantha 

Dear Samantha, 

Great question! Thankfully, Spokane is a cool enough city for me to actually be able to answer this! 

Spokane is a great, weird place. It’s quirky and it’s normal. It snows a huge amount in the winter and feels like a sauna in the summer. Spokane is a place of polar opposites, which is what makes it so great. And because of that, it has a huge variety of fun things to do when you just want to get off campus and explore. 

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, Spokane’s got your back. Our neighborhoods and our downtown are surrounded by farmland, hiking trails, lakes, mountains and of course the Spokane River. While floating the river may lead to getting stuck in the mud in the shallower parts (or so I’ve heard), it is always an option. Or you could stick to hiking Bowl and Pitcher and enjoying the river from dry land. If you don’t wish to brave the river but want to take a dip during the hot late spring and summer months, you could head over to The Cove at Nine Mile Falls and partake in some cliff jumping! 

If you’re like me, then cliff jumping might not be your cup of tea and you may prefer the atmosphere of downtown Spokane. Downtown can be fun during both the day and night. During the day, grab some coffee at Atticus, visit Boo Radley’s, take a SkyRide and go shopping in River Park Square. At night, stroll the boardwalk, see the lights reflecting off the river at Riverfront Park and watch the mesmerizing colors of the Pavilion.  

(I feel like I’m writing a commercial for Spokane now… oh well.) 

Okay, here’s an idea. Learn some basic line dancing at Lil Sumthin Saloon and then immediately head over to Nashville North in Post Falls, Idaho. This option isn’t technically in Spokane, but it’s relatively close and a really good time. Be prepared to get very sweaty and to leave with muffled ears—the country music is loud and the dance floor is packed! 

One more thing: if you’re over 21 and like to drink socially, here are some recommendations. Bellwether Brewing is a good option for beer, plus you may see a friendly Whitworth face from behind the bar. The Bigfoot Pub & Eatery is a great place to go to unwind, see friends, buy a cheap drink and sing some karaoke. If you’re looking for more of a sit-down place, Cascadia Public House has amazing drinks and amazing food. Barrister Winery in downtown Spokane has great vibes and wine, and Fine Brewed in Coeur d’Alene has brunch and delicious mimosas (Exercise caution with the bottomless mimosa option… I speak from experience).  

These are just a few ideas of what you can do around here in our lovely Spokane. There is SO much more than this, so I recommend doing some research of the popular spots, as well as asking around Whitworth for other people’s favorites! You never know what hidden gem you will find—Spokane is full of them. 

If you want any more ideas, feel free to message me on Instagram! 

Love, 

Your older sister

DISCLAIMER This columnist is not a therapist, financial adviser, realtor, nutritionist, medical professional or clergyperson. She is your older sister. Take her advice (or not) in that context.

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