Spokane is a charming place, described by visitors and residents as a "medium-sized city with a small-town feel." If you're looking to escape the Seattle freeze or just catch a little bit of that Eastern Washington heat before summer fades away, then look no further than the Inland Empire.

Classy lodging
Spokane is home to many beautiful hotels, but there is no better option than lodging in one of the classic Davenport Hotels: the Historic Davenport Hotel, epitome of luxury, along with the Davenport Grand and Davenport Tower. Originally built in 1914, the ornate Historic Davenport features turn-of-the-century charm, from the Victorian ballroom to the red-carpeted staircases, and a chilling secret: it is said to be haunted! Mr. Davenport himself, the hotel's founder, is rumored to walk the halls of the top floor late at night, inspecting his masterpiece. Davenport passed away on the top floor, and Spokane locals swear his soul has never left the building. The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Mrs. McNamara, a woman dressed in 1920s fashion who can be seen peering over the railing of the lobby if you look at just the right time. McNamara fell from the third story of the hotel and crashed through a skylight, on August 18, 1920. She survived the fall only briefly, and her last words were "Where did I go?" Hotel workers claim that if you listen closely, you can hear her whispering that question in the walls.

If haunted hotels have you a little spooked, have no fear — the Davenport Grand and the Davenport Tower are perfect for you! Revamped within the last decade, these two locations are ghost free, filled only with the most stylish modern design, delicious gourmet food, and onsite spas in both locations. The Tower also provides guests with the best views of Spokane's gorgeous downtown skyline, and the rooftop is one of the best places to catch a classic "Spo'" sunset.

Near nature, near perfect
Spokane is the perfect destination for anyone fond of nature adventures. With a Washington State Adventure Pass, you can get into any state park in Spokane and explore gorgeous hills, breathtaking views, and some of the most charming wildflower meadows in the state. The most popular hiking trails, for both beginners and seasoned adventurers, can be found at Riverside State Park, nicknamed the "Bowl and Pitcher" by locals for its unique rock formations. To enter the park, guests cross a swaying footbridge high above the rapids of the Spokane River, a breathtaking sight.

Another great location for nature walks is Mount Spokane State Park in the Selkirk Mountain. This park, which doubles as a ski and snowboard location in the winter, is the perfect summer spot for picking wild huckleberries in late August. Enjoy serene trails, and be prepared to see wildlife along the way—everything from deer, rabbits, and even moose.

In North Spokane you can find the Switchbacks Trail, a winding path that eventually takes hikers a delicate waterfall they can step right into as if it were a beach shower. The trail starts with a view over a gorgeous meadow and then winds down past stands of evergreen trees and bursts of wildflowers. If you need to get your steps in, the switchbacks are a great location for a workout.

If floating the Spokane River is your way of getting out and enjoying nature, there are several locations that are perfect to begin your float. Boulder Beach in the Spokane Valley is a great launching spot for tubes, paddle boards, and canoes. The beach is also a great place to picnic and just enjoy some time near the cool water. There are even a few hidden rope swings for brave travelers to try! Pine River Park in North Spokane is also an optimal place for launching a float party. The river runs right through the park, and starting here will give you hours of relaxing time on the water as you float past serene, rural parts of Spokane County.

Spokane is also a quick drive away from dozens of lakes. Deer Lake, Bear Lake, Loon Lake, oh my — there's something for everyone! These mountain and spring-fed lakes are great places to cool off, take a boat ride, and perfect that tan under the blazing Spokane sun. RV and camping spots are available all summer, as well as several cottages to rent. With a fishing license you can explore some of the species native to the area, including salmon and largemouth bass. With luck, you and your family won't be the only ones fishing there; Spokane lakes are home to bald eagles, osprey, and the occasional black bear.

Parks-a-plenty!
If nature is your thing but you like it inside the city limits, never fear; Spokane has plenty of beautiful and well maintained parks to explore. Manito Park, one of the best loved parks in the city, is filled with lush gardens originally designed by Fredrick Olmstead, who also designed New York's Central Park. The Olmstead charm can be seen in Manito's old brick bridges and winding pathways, and on the park's Japanese Garden loop, visitors can stroll amid the blossoming cherry trees and koi ponds. Manito's vast, manicured fields are perfect for picnics, volleyball games and sending the kids to run off some steam.

A trip to Spokane isn't complete without exploring one of the city's most famous parks, Riverfront Park. Built for the 1974 World's Fair, the park is full of whimsy. Giant butterfly sculptures leading guests to the Papillon Building, a historic brick structure that, every summer, bursting with the colors of butterflies on their annual migration.

Riverfront Park is also home to the Looff Carousel. Opened in 1909, the carousel still retains its original charm, and even if the horse figurines no longer feature real horsehair manes, they still bob up and down to old-fashioned music, and bolder kids can try to catch the brass ring as they whirl past it. The park is also home to the "Little Red Wagon," a giant, kid-friendly sculpture that doubles as a slide and monkey bars. The wagon is situated on the bank of the river, where ducks and geese will come right up to you looking for an afternoon snack.

Right outside the carousel you can find more Spokane charm! The Garbage Goat, a metal sculpture, loves to eat your trash and keep the park clean. Across from the goat sits the skate ribbon, featuring ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the summer. High above all the action of the park soar Spokane's gondolas, purple cars that will take you on a romantic journey with views of the river, the falls, and the downtown skyline. For a close-up view of the falls, downtown Spokane has several footbridges with breathtaking views of the rushing river and the falls.

Fine dining
As you make your way past the falls, you'll find some of Spokane's best restaurants. Anthony's provides guests with the best views in the city, overlooking the falls, and as the sun sets, the beautiful colors of downtown. Anthony's has a classic seafood menu, showcasing some of the best catches to come out of Eastern Washington.

Another option for fine dining is Clinkerdaggers, a must for any first-timers to the city. It's a Spokane landmark offering views of the river and skyline, as well as perfectly grilled steak and salmon.

For more casual but still excellent food in Spokane, there is perhaps no better place than the classic Frank's Diner. Located in an old railcar with a 1920s feel, Frank's serves all the comfort food you could ask for—and while you're asking, request a waffle. Frank's has the best waffles in town, possibly in the world, cooked to golden perfection and topped with berries or the classic chocolate chips. The restaurant's railcar-themed design is very fitting for Spokane, as the town originated as a railway hub and mournful train whistles still pierce the night.

Shop til you drop!
Spokane has some excellent retail stores to check out while you're visiting the city. In the center of downtown you'll find Riverpark Square shopping center. This mall has all of the fanciest stores as well as fun stops for the whole family, with a theater on the top level, Polkadot Pottery painting studio on the second floor, and, on the basement level, the Mobius Discovery Center, a museum for kids.

Just across from Riverfront Park sit two of Spokane's beloved stores, Boo Radley's and Atticus, both named after characters in the classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Boo Radley's is a curiosity shop full of knickknacks and intriguing books, while Atticus has some of the best coffee in town and an excellent gifts section. Full of rugged Pacific Northwest charm, Atticus features home decor, mugs and candles created by local artists. Atticus also has amazing books, everything from used classics to children's books on feminism. A stop to Spokane isn't complete without a visit to Boo Radley's and Atticus!

In Spokane you'll find a little bit of everything: gorgeous nature, wonderful parks, amazing food and charming shops. It's a great place for a summer vacation or even just a weekend away from Seattle. Enjoy the views, the sunshine and, of course, the waffles at Frank's.