Visiting Spokane

A Spokane spring is just what you need. A fixture of eastern Washington, Spokane is the largest city in the county, and not far from the Idaho border and city of Coeur d’Alene. Traveling families may hit fascinating cultural centers like the Armed Forces and Aerospace Museum, while vacationing couples may explore the wine country that is Kennewick. Head to the nearby Toyota Center for spring shows like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in late February, and Rain – a tribute to The Beatles – in mid March. Check out the 2012 Spring Festival in Moses Lake come May, or enjoy a hike in Ephrata – an excellent way to experience outdoor Washington this spring.

Spokane is a beautiful spring destination thanks to the region’s plant life – dubbing the town "Lilac City." This May, catch the 2012 Lilac Festival – home of the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade – or register yourself in the 2012 Lilac Bloomsday Run. A Spokane tradition since 1977, this 12-kilometer race features over 40,000 runners and starts in downtown Spokane – ending at the Spokane County Courthouse after a trip up the Doomsday Hill.

Not that you’ll be spending too much time indoors this spring in Spokane, but when you do, visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture – home of the Historic Campbell House. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the MAC features exhibits like “Seeing Impressionism: Europe, America and the Northwest” until late February, and “DIG IT! The Secrets of Soil” starting in early February. Don’t miss your chance to tour the Historic Campbell House, best followed by lunch at Café MAC. No matter when you visit, you can always catch museum collections of American Indian, Regional and Fine Art, during your time at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Kennewick makes spring look good. A member of the Tri-Cities of Washington, Kennewick is a perfect day trip for visitors to Spokane – just a scenic, three-hour drive away. Kennewick is a staple of Washington wine country – acting as the epicenter to more than 150 wineries within 60 miles. Visit the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms of Columbia Valley like the 360 Cellars Estate, open Thursday through Sunday – or the Badger Mountain Vineyard & Powers Winery and Barnard Griffin Winery, both open daily.

Spring’s your chance to head to Moses Lake for the 2012 Spring Festival – happening in late May. That Saturday night, make your way to downtown Moses Lake for the 32nd Annual Kiddie Parade, followed by the 2012 Moses Lake Grand Moonlight Parade. Try your hand in the Lip Sync Contest, or leave it to the professionals during 2012's headliner performances. Cut loose in the Spring Festival Carnival, or check out the Spring Festival Car Show – hosted by the Moses Lake Classic Car Club. Make your Memorial Day Weekend count in Moses Lake during your spring in eastern Washington.

Spokane Hotel Map