Spokane Washington

Spokane, Washington, is located on the east side of Washington state—the sunny side of the state! The metro area of Spokane boasts a population of over 450,000 people, and it has twice been voted one of the top ten all-American cities. It is the place where Father's Day began, and its nickname is Lilac City. Spokane is the home of the Lilac Festival, held every year to commemorate the start of spring.

Keep reading to learn more about Spokane and the many wonderful things to do in and around town—including visiting Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics to keep your smile bright.

The History of Spokane

Spokane was originally the residence of Native Americans. The name Spokane comes from the Natives who lived here, and it means "Children of the Sun." Spokane was incorporated on November 29, 1881. It was then called Spokan Falls and had a population of just 350 people. Two years later, the "e" was added to Spokan. The word "Falls" was dropped from the city's name in 1891.

Not only was Spokane incorporated in 1881, but this was also when the Northern Pacific Railroad Company finished their line to the area. This brought more Europeans to the area. Spokane eventually became the hub of business for the inland part of the Northwest. It also served as a trading post.

Spokane's population grew until 1889. On August 4th of that year, The Great Fire broke out, destroying the entire commercial district downtown. The pump station which should have provided water was experiencing technical difficulties, so in the end, 32 downtown blocks were destroyed, and one person was killed.

A building boom which lasted from 1890-1915 followed. This was accompanied by more railroads making their way into the area, and Spokane experienced a population boom. By 1910, the population was over 100,000.

Many industries were successful in the Spokane region in the first half of the 20th century, including mining, logging, and milling. The business of agriculture was strong, too, especially when it came to wheat and apples.

Over time, the population growth leveled out, due to businesses closing and expansion into other areas. However, in 1974, Spokane hosted the World's Fair, sparking another period of growth. Today, it is a thriving city with many large businesses and residents who take pride in all it has become.

Highlights of Spokane

One of Spokane's big claims to fame is that the very first Father's Day was celebrated here in June of 1910. It took many years for this to become an official national holiday, but in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year. Spokane isn't just the springboard for a beloved national holiday, however. It has so much more to offer.

For both residents and visitors alike, there are things to do year-round in Spokane. Many people come to the American Northwest to take part in outdoor activities, and Spokane has plenty of those in which to participate. From skiing to fishing to hiking, Spokane has something for everyone.

There are five ski resorts located within two hours of Spokane. These don't just offer access to skiing. Snow lovers can try their hand at snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, too. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy the mountains, the snow, and the fresh air.

You can fish year-round in the Spokane area too. Popular catches include trout, bass, whitefish, and more. There are many lakes to choose from—over 76 of them within an hour from Spokane—and at many of them, you can rent boats and all the equipment you need to make your fishing trip a success. For a different experience, you may choose to fly fish in the Spokane River.

If fishing isn't your thing, but you do love other water activities, you're in luck. There are rafting and kayaking opportunities, as well as paddle boarding, swimming, and canoeing. The possibilities are endless.

Finally, if you love hiking or mountain biking, you'll find plenty of places to enjoy these activities. You don't even have to go far. There are many places with spectacular views and challenging trails to be found no less than an hour from the city.

The Great Indoors

If you're not a fan of the outdoors, not to worry. There's plenty to do indoors in Spokane.

At the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, also known as MAC, you can take in regional art and Native American art. See some amazing airplanes at the Historic Flight Museum. Learn more about the history and people of the region at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.

Prefer to go shopping? Visit River Park Square. Featuring both national chains and local favorites, you'll find plenty of places to browse. If it's antiques you're in the market for, there are vintage shops in the North Monroe Business District, the Hillyard District, or the Sprague Union District.

There are plenty of intriguing food options in the Spokane area. When searching for food to take home and cook, the Spokane Farmers' Market is available by day, while the Kendall Yards Night Market offers a different experience when the sun goes down.

If you'd rather eat out, there's something for everyone. The Spokane region is home to 35 breweries and 20 wineries and tasting rooms, if you're in the mood for drinking. When you're ready to eat, you can get a burger at The Onion Taphouse and Grill or try some vegetarian-friendly dishes at Elliot's, an urban kitchen. Mexican, Chinese, Italian, no matter what you're in the mood for, Spokane has you covered.

Once you've satisfied your food cravings, you can head to one of Spokane's many amazing nightclubs, take in some live music, spend some time in the casino, or get some seats for a Broadway show. Your day will end on a high note, no matter what you choose.

Spokane: A Great Place to Live and Visit

With so much to do, you'll want to visit Spokane over and over. You may even decide that it's the perfect place to settle down so you can participate in all Spokane has to offer on a regular basis. If you've just moved to Spokane and are in need of a prosthodontist, give us a call or contact us online at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics. We'd love to welcome you to the city and check out your smile.