Visiting Spokane

Spokane, metropolitan center of Eastern Washington, is enjoying the dry summer season. Set in the Columbia Basin between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains in the east, abundant outdoor activities make summer ideal for residents and visitors. The Spokane River running through Spokane with the Centennial Trail and Riverfront Park are ideal for summer recreation. Runners, walkers, bikers fill the trails, with canoes and kayaks dotting the river. Outside the city over 75 pristine lakes set among spectacular scenery provide abundant fishing and water recreation sites. Spokane in summer is the heart of the inland Northwest.

A variety of markets in and around Spokane showcase the bounty of the areas summer agriculture. Browse for the best and freshest produce, meat, eggs, baked goods and other products in Eastern Washington. The Liberty Lake, Northside, South Perry and Millwood markets in Spokane and nearby in Cheney and Airway Heights are open various days of the week through the summer months.

For a fun family event, the Cherry Festival and Cherry Pickers Trot and Pit Spit mid-July celebrates Spokane's cherry harvest season. Held in the Green Bluff area, north of the city, you can pick your own cherries, enjoy cookouts, live music, arts and crafts and test your spitting skills. There is a short run for young kids and a four mile run through the orchard areas. Come watch the women spit pits over 30 feet and see if the men's record of 43' gets broken. Pretty amazing skills and a lot of fun!

Spokane Hosts the 2010 American Legion Baseball World Series August 13th through the 17th. Eight teams of the best 16 to 18 year old baseball players in the country will gather at Avista Stadium for the week-long championship. Avista Stadium is home to the Spokane Indians, the city's minor league baseball team. The Best Western Peppertree Airport Inn and Liberty Lake are convenient for travelers to the world series. With affordable rates, you may want to stay in Spokane for a few days longer and enjoy an Indian's game or the beautiful Spokane area. The Indians resume play at Avista Stadium on Friday August 20th.

In Spokane over the Labor Day Weekend? The 31st Annual Pig Out in the Park will be held at Riverfront Park September 1st through the 6th. The 2010 event features nearly 50 food booths with over 225 menu items, adult beverage gardens and two stages hosting 55 free concerts. New this year, an acoustic stage will be opening. Enjoy popular local and regional musicians - Leroy Bell, the Coco Montoya Band and Rail are just a few. It is summer in Spokane and there is something fun for everyone.