Platinum August 2018

LOCAL CASINOS Raise the Stakes

Ready to Downsize?

Travel and Tango AUGUST 2018 Serving Spokane and Coeur d’Alene

August 2018

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August 2018

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PHILANTHROPY

SPOTLIGHT Women Helping Women ¦ Ŋ ¤ ¦

TOP LEFT: Women Helping Women Fund Luncheon guests.

BOTTOM LEFT: Vivian Winston Scholarship recipients.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Keynote Speaker Dr. Tererai Trent.

Photos by Diane Maehl Photography.

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 1,650 guests, corporate sponsors and volunteers attended the 26th Annual Women Helping Women Fund Benefit Luncheon at the Spokane Convention Center. The event, emceed by KXLY Chief Meteorologist Kris Crocker, raised $317,000 for local programs that serve women and children in need.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent, shared her personal story with the audience. From humble beginnings in rural Zimbabwe, Dr. Trent went on to achieve dreams of higher education and now works to create opportunities for girls in developing nations to access quality education.

Women Helping Women Fund (WHWF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and children to create healthy families and vibrant communities. Among this year’s grantees are Camp Fire Inland Northwest, Spokane Valley Partners, Inland NW Associated General Contractors and Women & Children’s Free Restaurant.

Recipients of the Vivian Winston Scholarship, which assists mothers attending local colleges with tuition and child care costs, were also acknowledged during the luncheon.

For more information about Women Helping Women Fund and award recipients, visit whwfspokane.org.

Upcoming Events Aug. 23 Sept. 25 Oct. 12 Oct. 13

Dig In! Support Food Security in Our Community Catholic Charities Spokane, catholiccharitiesspokane.org/events Hope is Golden Luncheon American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest, acco.org/inlandnw Roaring 20’s Benefit Gala Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, nwbigs.org Into Africa Auction and Dinner Partnering for Progress, partneringforprogress.org/into-africa-auction

If your local organization is hosting a benefit or gala that you would like to see in PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT, please email platinum@spokesman.com with event information (inclusion is subject to space).

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Platinum

®

LOOK

S PA C E

LEISURE

FOOD

Volume 2, Issue 5

Publisher William Stacey Cowles

Director of Marketing & Business Development Kathleen Coleman Director of Sales Daniel Fritts Managing Editor Theresa Tanner

Art Director/Designer Anne Potter Contributors Sarah Bain Joe Butler Staci Lehman Cheryl-Anne Millsap Dan Webster Tricia Jo Webster Advertising Bill Davidson

Let us know what you think!

Contact Platinum/The Spokesman-Review 999 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 509.459.5095 EMAIL platinum@spokesman.com WEBSITE platinum.spokesman.com Free Digital Archives Online INSTAGRAM @platinumspokanecda Cover Photo Photographer: Dan Cooley Model: Brooke McCormick (MAM) Hair: Jerrold Sobida (House of POp) Make-up: Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio) Wardrobe and styling: Trish Thoen (Cues Clothing) Location: Northern Quest Resort & Casino

FROM

the editor

So Long, Summer … Hello, Fall The phrase “Back to School” always feels like it creeps back into use earlier and earlier each year.

Whether it’s advertising a sale at your favorite stores or just to put a damper on your summer enjoyment, there’s no denying that it’s time to prepare for the old September routine once again.

The first day of school is still a few weeks away for local kids, but parents are probably attempting to reestablish the old rules of reasonable bedtimes and limited screen time. You’ve no doubt started checking off items on the school supply list, and older kids may already be in the swing of school with extracurricular practices or getting settled in dorm rooms.

anticipation of a new season. Treat yourself to a new outfit, like you used to wear to mark the first day of school. Give your lunchtime meal a creative ‘tszuj’ with a unique tote.

Enjoy some culture with the diverting Spokane Symphony season that’s about to begin. And who doesn’t love to spend a lazy Saturday getting amped to cheer for your favorite team over cold drinks and a warm grill?

And don’t lament the end of summer too much. We’re lucky in the Northwest to have plenty of indoor attractions to keep us active and entertained throughout the year.

Enjoy the sunsets, and raise a glass to the opportunities ahead.

Just because you’re not a kid anymore doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the excitement and

Theresa Tanner

managing editor Supplement to The Spokesman-Review August 2018

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CONTENTS

AUGUST 2018

LOOK 6

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Buenos Aires: La Reina del Plata

36

Sportsman’s Paradise

38

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Life Style

10 14

Fashion with an Edge and Heart Smooth as Silk

S PA C E 16

The Ups and Downs of Downsizing

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Worth A Thousand Words

22

Xeriscape Your Garden

FOOD

24

42

Cocktails with a Twist

45

Get Hyped to Tailgate

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Lunch Boxes for All

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LEISURE 24

Go All-in on Fun

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Adventure Time

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Excitement Ahead for Symphony Season

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Set Your Watch for Sunset

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PLATINUM BUZZ National Dog Day

Depending on how demanding your four-legged friend is, every day might seem like National Dog Day. But it’s ‘officially’ celebrated on Aug. 26. We certainly think that your dog deserves some extra attention, and maybe a present or two.

The Malted Mutt Your dog will love these locally made treats as much as you love locally made craft beer. It’s only logical, because they’re made with spent grain provided by local breweries. Available at Rocket Market and Garland Mercantile, $6

Chuckit! Max Glow Ball As night starts to fall even earlier, a glow-in-the-dark ball is a great option if your daily game of catch lasts after sunset. petmate.com, $5.95

Hear Doggy! Squeaky Toys Oh, they love that squeak but you can’t stand it, right? These plush toys squeak at a frequency that’s outside the human hearing range, so Fido can play all night.

Available at The Yuppy Puppy, $9.99

Ezy Dog Life Jacket You might take it for granted that dogs can swim – they did invent the doggy paddle. But if you spend a lot of time on a lake or boat, the extra security of a doggy life jacket is worth the investment.

Available at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, $ 36-42

BarkBox Subscription

Pet Life Pour-Protection Performance Pet Umbrella

You might be able to excuse your dog for barking at the mail carrier if they’re waiting for your monthly BarkBox delivery. Each theme box is tailored to your dog’s size and interests. barkbox.com, starts at $21/month

An ingenious dog walking accessory that’s perfect for late summer and fall. There’s also a reflective border lining for extra safety during walks on dark, stormy nights. shop.petlifecentral.com, $29.99 August 2018

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LOOK

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Life Style

By Theresa Tanner

Just a few adjustments to an outďŹ t can give you a completely different look. A casual tank and pair of jeans are suddenly party-ready with the right jacket and attitude.

Thanks to Trish Thoen, owner of Cues Clothing, model Brooke McCormick is ready to rock all night.

Amanda Uprichard Cami ($129) A breezy v-neck cami is great for layering with eye-catching accessories, like a black lace bandeau and scarlet red scarf.

Mother Denim The Flirt Ankle Fray ($248) Super comfy jeans with perfectly distressed ďŹ nishes for a casual, rebellious look on Saturday night.

August 2018

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Discover

YOUR style

Zowee Jewels 3-strand Cross Necklace ($278) and Ring ($89) California jewelry designer JoAnn Doxakis describes her style as “eclectic chic with an edge,” which is perfect for a concert look.

Bloom Jewelry Triple Wrap Bracelet ($78) A magnetic clasp gives this soft leather accessory some polish and shine for day or night.

A lifestyle boutique for all occasions, Complimentary personal styling.

3131 N. Division Spokane, WA I Mon-Fri 10-5:30pm Sat 10-4pm I 509.324.8612

DRIVE A MAZDA AND CHASE THE SUN.

2018 MAZDA cx-5

Zadig & Voltaire Very Bis Blazer ($495) When the stars come out, you’ll sparkle. Rhinestone patches glam up this navy blazer to keep you warm as the sun sets on fall nights.

Ceri Hoover Currey Crossbody ($225) One bag all day! With a wild cheetah print, this fold-over handbag with a detachable strap is a true clutch player for any ensemble.

CREDITS Photographer: Dan Cooley Model: Brooke McCormick (MAM) Hair: Jerrold Sobida (The House of POp) Makeup: Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio) Wardrobe and styling: Trish Thoen (Cues Clothing) Location: Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Spokane’s

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August 2018

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Fashion with an Edge and Heart

By Staci Lehman

Participants in Spokane’s annual Runway Renegades fashion show aren’t stopping crime like the models in the 2001 comedy “Zoolander,” but these local designers and models are still working for the betterment of the community.

Proceeds from the September 15 event are awarded as grants to aspiring local artists to further their education or fund special projects, like exhibitions and concerts. The recipients then ‘repay’ their award through community service.

“What we ask in return is that artists volunteer a certain amount of hours working with at-risk kids,” said Runway Renegades founder and Executive Director Ronnie Ryno.

“You could do a workshop. Odyssey Youth Movement has a prom; I could hook you up with them to take prom pictures.

You could teach a workshop at Crosswalk. We tailor their volunteer time based on their skill set.”

Grants are awarded to artists in a variety of disciplines, not just fashion.

“Musicians, sculptors, filmmakers, dancers, photographers – it can be any kind of artist,” Ryno said.

Runway Renegades takes this approach because research shows that kids exposed to the arts tend to finish school and be more successful in their jobs.

MEET THE MAKER: Westward Leather Co.

The fashion show also helps local designers by exposing their creations to the public.

“Some make their garments available that night, they’ll literally sell the clothes off the back of the model that night,” said Ryno. “Others might have Etsy shops. They might wholesale out to a retail place. A lot of them, I would say the majority of the designers, will do custom orders for special sizes or colors.”

Ben Fife Creator and Principal Craftsman 10

Photographer: Eric Barro Designer: Lynne Blackwood Model: Abigail Israel Hair: Mandi Lynn Somday (Fierce & Fabulous) Make-up: Brianna McGarry PLATINUM.SPOKESMAN.COM Accessories: Oona McGuinnis Fischer (Troublemaker Fascinators)

CAN YOU

HELP? Shalom Ministries, in downtown Spokane, needs your help!

Our Dining with Dignity program serves 4,000+ meals each month; however we are in need of support!

First, will you make a muchneeded ďŹ nancial contribution or pledge?

Second, donate food, or your time?

Finally, please remember this ministry in your prayers.

Together, we make Spokane a better place as we set a table for our guests at Dining with Dignity!

LEARN MORE AT

www.shalommeal.org or mail your donation to;

Shalom Ministries, P.O. Box 4684, Spokane WA 99220.

FOR FOOD OR NECESSITIES DONATIONS

CALL (509) 455-9019 Shalom Ministries is a 501 (c) 3 Non ProďŹ t Corporation, and your donation is tax deductible!

Photographer: Jason Jakober Designer: Garrett McCollum Model: Andrew Blakely Hair: Julie Souza (House of POp)

Located at the New Community Building at Third & Howard August 2018

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Photographer: Julia Derosier Designer: Lynne Blackwood Model: Amanda Sue Ewan

And there is something for everyone at the show, including men.

“You will find something you like in these collections, no matter what your age is, or your sex, size or style. There are no two collections in the same realm in this show,” said Ryno.

For instance, designer Lynne Blackwood is re-inventing 90s grunge for the 2018 show, while Kaili Hedrich, a fashion student at Washington State University, is going in a completely different direction: Victorian-era mourning gowns and outfits.

Participant Patty Osborne’s line is retro pin-up clothing, with a twist.

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“She took photos of local landmarks and had them printed on fabric, so the fabric itself is representative of Spokane culture,” said Ryno.

Leslie Holt uses Native American prints and elements in her modern clothing designs, while Ryno describes Brianna Engle’s style as “sort of ethereal, floaty.”

Designer Gianna Reynolds is a former Runway Renegades grant recipient and used her award to stage her own fashion show this past spring. Her collection, “Nooskool,” is a combination of harajuku and street style, combining sassy attitude, weird patterns, bold colors and recycled fabrics.

“Most of our designers are focused on sustainability and repurposing,” said Ryno.

“Which is really convenient, with Goodwill being a sponsor.”

Work on clothing for the show takes almost nine months to complete.

“The designers are chosen in January and they begin working on their collections right away,” said Ryno. “They spend months refining … then they work with accessories designers, hairstylists, makeup artists – all volunteers.”

This year marks the 11th Runway Renegades show, which was started by Ryno and her husband Kevin.

“When I first started design, I reached out to some of the fashion events that were already established, but they weren’t interested in local designs,” she said. “Without them even looking at my work, I kept sort of getting the brush-off.

“We knew we wanted to create something different that wasn’t the norm in Spokane.

We wanted models of all ages and sizes and ethnicities … we wanted to make it clear we were something different.”

Runway Renegades was born. Since its creation, the show has grown immensely.

Runway Renegades is now a registered nonprofit with a six-person board. Major sponsors include Goodwill Industries, Washington Trust Bank and Inland NorthWax, Inc. P

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2018 Runway Renegades Fashion Show Saturday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

Riverside Place 1110 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 Purchase tickets, explore sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and find event information at runwayrenegades.com.

August 2018

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Smooth as

By Theresa Tanner

Northwesterners work and play hard on the weekend, especially in the summer. We’re as busy as bees, tending our lawns and gardens, then jetting down to the sunny farmers’ market for fun with friends and food, and then, if we’re lucky, we unwind with cool cocktails overlooking a glistening lake. Sound familiar?

Of course you’ve been wearing sunscreen all season, but unless you’re avoiding sun exposure on the level of Count Dracula, you’ve probably experienced just a little sun damage.

application of mineral complex treatment to restore vitality, followed by a body wrap to help the skin absorb the treatment’s therapeutic properties.

And don’t forget the lips! “You wouldn’t put foundation on a dirty, flaking skin,” said Julie Farley, makeup artist and owner of The Make-up Studio. To exfoliate the lips, Farley recommends making your own scrub out of coconut oil, sugar and honey, then using a new toothbrush to gently scrub the lips until they’re silky smooth.

Hydrating & Moisturizing If you’re looking to head into fall feeling fresh-faced, check out a few tricks to rejuvenate your skin before fall.

Scub-A-Dub-Dub A good exfoliation can make you feel 10 lbs. lighter.

Shedding that outer layer of dry, dead skin cells softens skin, and it also helps to retain moisture.

At Werschler Aesthetics, the Honey Vanilla Body Facial ($150) uses a blend of brown sugar and honey for a full body exfoliation, preparing the skin for an 14

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Most of us probably think hydrating and moisturizing are the same thing. Nope! But they work together to keep your skin looking healthy and lovely. Hydrating binds water to the skin, and moisturizer prevents the water from leaving. With the dry fall months just around the corner, upping your moisturizing game is even more important.

If your skin is dehydrated, Davenport Hotel Spa & Salon’s Hydration Facial ($107) will leave your face feeling soft and refreshed. All Davenport facial treatments include cleansing, exfoliation, masque

Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

treatment, and a face, neck, arm, hand and scalp massage, finishing with serum and moisturizer application.

Where Wellness is a Way of Life Let our Movers Move You!

If your skin is dry and craving moisture, La Rive Spa at Northern Quest Spa & Casino offers an Oxygen Infusion Facial ($145) that applies cool oxygen to the skin’s surface with light pressure. Along with reducing lines and wrinkles, it helps even spotty skin tone for a smooth, youthful look.

FREE Evergreen Fountains has broken ground on a Phase II Building and Campus Expansion NOW PRELEASING, SELECT YOUR SUITE TODAY! OPENING JUNE 2018

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Directions: I-90 to Evergreen exit, South on Evergreen Rd.

1201 N.Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA

509-922-3100 evergreenfountains.com

Down to Your Toes Feet literally bear the brunt of the damage that comes from an active summer of sunset walks and mountainous hikes.

Coeur d’Alene Casino Spa Ssakwa’q’n offers a Cirling Raven Golf Pedicure ($60), perfect for anyone who wants to give their feet some special attention. Enjoy a soothing soak, gentle exfoliation and expert massage to ease your aches. If your feet need a little bit more TLC, their Daily Feet Vitalizer enhancement ($20) reduces calluses and neutralizes odors. P

August 2018

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S PA C E

The Ups and Downs of Downsizing Interior space of The M Apartments. Courtesy of Centennial Real Estate Investments

By Staci Lehman

The last child has graduated and is leaving for college in the fall. Your future stretches before you ... now what?

people she works with move for aging-related issues, such as health problems or the loss of a spouse.

If you’re like many empty nesters, you downsize your home and expand your hobbies. The trend for retirees lately is smaller, urban homes paired with active lifestyles.

Downsizing can leave you with more money to do the things you enjoy and free up time for hobbies or travel.

But some are just interested in spending more time enjoying their retirement years and less maintaining a home. Apartments and condos are growing in popularity for older people, and many are opting for maintenancefree units in downtown areas with walkable access to restaurants, services and nightlife.

It can also mean making sacrifices though, such as getting rid of belongings.

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“We have at least 50 people every day turn 65 in Spokane.

And 100 percent of them have too much stuff,” said DeAnne Wilfong, owner of Smooth Transitions, a moving company that specializes in – as she describes it – ‘the senior who is in transition.’

The historic Chronicle Building is prime example. Owned

by Centennial Real Estate Investments – a subsidiary of Cowles Co., which also publishes Platinum – the Chronicle offers beautiful downtown views, security patrols, a rooftop patio, and a rooftop indoor lounge. With nearby shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, it’s ranked as a “Walker’s Paradise” by Walk Score.

With so many baby boomers entering retirement, Wilfong, a former retiree herself, stays extremely busy. Many

Another recent addition to downtown living options is The M Apartments (also owned by Centennial Real Estate

PLATINUM.SPOKESMAN.COM

Investments) in the former Macy’s building with two floors of retail and 114 apartments. The first residents moved in this July.

Greenstone’s River District in Liberty Lake includes a 55+ development, Trutina, which appeals to those looking to enjoy community with those in a similar phase of life.

“Residents really have everything at their fingertips,” said Property Manager Amanda Lazaro. “There are daily happy hours, a hair salon, aquatics classes, massages, yoga classes … I see residents running together or walking their dogs together … It’s a true sense of community.”

Trutina offers single family homes for sale and apartments for rent, ranging from studios to three-bedroom offerings.

Lazaro says that while all the activities and amenities appeal to potential residents, one major attraction brings people in.

“The biggest thing is the maintenance-free aspect,” Lazaro said.

INSET: Exterior space of The M Apartments. Photos by Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review.

BELOW: Interior space of The M Apartments. Courtesy of Centennial Real Estate Investments.

August 2018

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Interior and exterior space of The Chronicle Building. Courtesy of Centennial Real Estate Investments.

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Greenstone also created another popular downsizing option: Kendall Yards. Alongside town homes and “urban apartments” for lease, the development includes a community center, community gardens, restaurants and businesses. With a weekly summer farmers’ market and live music, it’s become a popular destination for non-residents as well.

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If you’re on the fence about renting versus buying, financial experts recommend comparing home and rent prices while considering rent hikes, home maintenance expenses, property taxes and homeowners and renters insurance.

Downsizing may not be the right choice for you at all, though. If you enjoy yard work, won’t make enough from the sale of your larger home to pay for a smaller one in a desirable area, or there’s a strong possibility an adult child will return to live at home, you might want to stay in your current home. However, if paying less for a mortgage or rent appeals to you, and may even allow you to retire early, that should be a definite consideration.

If you decide to downsize, prepare for some major changes. The chief concern Wilfong hears is that a smaller home means less storage.

“People can’t get rid of sentimental clutter, so they hold on to all that,” she said.

Besides moving people’s possessions, Wilfong also helps clean out what they don’t need.

Smooth Transitions offers estate liquidation services and Wilfong teaches ways to reduce clutter through classes in Spokane Community College’s Act 2 program.

Morihiko Nakara Nakara, condu conductor

Gravity-defying cirque feats are set to classical masterpieces performed by the Spokane Symphony. Enjoy the amazing, acrobatic feats and strong men, along with dancers and jugglers.

Oct 13 8:00 PM

“I teach about 30 classes a year about downsizing,” she said. “I have a waiting list so that tells me it’s needed.” P

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August 2018

19

Worth A Thousand Words

By Theresa Tanner

Photography technology has changed drastically in the past 20 years. Digital cameras have outsold film cameras since 2003, and smartphone cameras have improved with each device iteration.

But all those digital photos, living on your phone, your computer or “the cloud” sort of defeat the purpose of photography: to preserve and share your life’s memorable moments. And while a gallery of photos on your social media may make your friends jealous of your exotic vacation, a display of photos in your home is personalized décor that’s 100 percent you.

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Besides, swiping across photos doesn’t have the same impact as flipping pages of an album full of family history with loved ones.

When you’re thinking of ways to showcase your favorite photos, take a step beyond the photos lining the wall up the staircase and get creative.

Gallery Wall With a gallery wall, you don’t need a single image as the large centerpiece, but multiple images in frames of varying sizes or styles to create a collage of memories. Along with photos, you can use items like a child’s drawings or

pages from a favorite book to highlight your interests and personality.

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There’s nothing easier than uploading your digital files to Framebridge.com, selecting your favorite frames and waiting for the finished artwork to arrive at your house.

They even provide free templates for gallery walls that will suit your home’s style. If none quite suit your tastes, you can receive a consultation for $99.

Unique Materials Looking for a more rustic look? Get enlarged photographs printed directly onto materials like canvas, metal and wood for an eye-catching twist on hanged art that doesn’t need a frame. Mpix.com has a variety of options to get you started.

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Photo Books You can always print 4x6 photos and slip them into a heavy album, but a photo book is a little bit more polished and less time consuming than scrapbooking, especially with themed templates on websites like Shutterfly.com.

Along with special occasion books for weddings or vacations, you can collect all the photos from the year in an annual printing as you watch your family grow.

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You’ve already done the work of a carefully curated Instagram feed. SocialPrintStudio.com accesses photos from your account to create all kinds of unique items.

Stickers, magnets, buttons, minibooks – these are perfect personalized gifts for wedding favors or birthday party bags.

Local and Traditional An app may be convenient, but you’re also spending a lot of money on a keepsake where a lot of things can go wrong. What if you uploaded the wrong file? What if the item is damaged during shipping?

The one-on-one personal touch of local framers is unmatchable. Lee Frame Shop on West First Ave. in downtown Spokane has been open since 1932 and its state of the art mat cutting equipment creates “precision cuts every time.”

In Coeur d’Alene, Frame It on North Government Way offers framing services and also hosts art workshops.

August 2018

21

Xeriscape Your Garden

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap

This time of year, you can really see the effect of the heat of summer in neighborhoods across the area. Sprinklers broadcast gallons of water across green lawns in the heat of the day, much of it evaporating before it hits the ground.

Delicate ornamental plants droop in pots placed in full sun and newly planted trees and shrubs – purchased at a home improvement store garden center in the first rush of spring fever – now struggle to put down new roots in dry and rocky soil.

It’s an example of gardening from the heart and not the head, neglecting to know the particulars of Eastern Washington’s unique climate and soil, and it’s easy to see why many are choosing xeriscaping over landscaping.

Xeriscaping (pronounced zeer-i-skey-ping) is the concept of consciously using plants and trees that survive and thrive in our unique climate, with a focus on those that don’t need a lot of water but still contribute color and pollinator attraction to the landscape.

According to the Spokane Conservations District (sccd. org), true xeriscaping follows seven basic principles: Plan and design a landscape that works with existing conditions to conserve water resources.

Plant practical lawn areas with drought tolerant varieties of turf grasses that require less maintenance.

Group together appropriate plants according to water needs.

Improve soil with natural organic compost to develop roots and assist with water retention.

Use mulches to reduce watering needs, eliminate weed growth, slow erosion and maintain soil temperature.

Practice efficient irrigation with a system that will water according to the needs of a plant, and avoid runoff.

Provide appropriate maintenance, including mowing, pruning, weeding, fertilizing and irrigating.

If you still love a blowsy cottage-style garden or simply want to adjust your current garden or landscape to be more environmentally sensitive, there are ways to be more thoughtful about what you plant and where you plant it.

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To save time, money and resources, it pays to use plants that are native to this area. They are naturally suited to the dry summers, sometimes harsh winters, and the short and unpredictable spring and fall seasons. With that in mind, choose your retailer carefully.

Diane Stutzman, owner of Desert Jewels Nursery (9809 Upriver Drive, Spokane Valley), specializes in native and drought tolerant plants, cautions against big box garden center shopping.

“It’s not just that the big box stores practice zone denial – what you buy might not grow well here – what they sell makes the whole country look the same,” Stutzman said. “We need a regional sense of place. New (housing) developments, wherever you go in the country, all tend to look the same as far as the landscaping goes.”

Terese Palaia, owner of Blue Moon Garden and Nursery (1732 S. Inland Empire Way, Spokane), is another proponent of native plants. Blue Moon is the local distributor for Plants of the Wild, a native plant provider in Tekoa.

“Blue Moon has partnered with Plants of the Wild Nursery for 12 years because we believe natives are not just beautiful, but a durable and appropriate choice considering climate change and ever-increasing water scarcity,” Palaia said.

“Using native plants is something we should all be doing for our wildlife and our community,” Stutzman said. “Plant a native plant that brings a native insect that feeds a native bird.”

Planting native or hybridized “nearly native” plants in your garden is the first step toward a more sustainable landscape. After all, they thrive in local conditions and aren’t fussy. Some of the native plants that are particularly suited to this area are:

Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) Beardtongue (Penstemon) Bee balm (Monarda) Ninebark (Physocarpus) Mock-orange (Philadelphus coronaries) Golden currant (Ribes aureum) Serviceberry (Amelanchier) Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Plant a native plant that brings a native insect that feeds a native bird.

Diane Stutzman, Desert Jewels Nursery

Beardtongues, or Penstemons, is native to Eastern Washington. Photo by Cheryl-Anne Millsap.

Resources and tips for local gardeners: “Northwest Gardener’s Handbook” by Spokane writers Pat Munts and Susan Mulvihill is an excellent guide to what to grow locally and how to grow it.

Washington State Native Plant Society (wnps2.org) is a 42-year-old organization dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of native plants and their habitats. They host nature walks and hikes, informational workshops and other events for plant appreciators.

A demonstration of xeriscape planting can be viewed at the Spokane Conservation District and WSU/Spokane County Extension offices at 210 & 222 N. Havana St. near the Spokane County Interstate Fair and Expo Center.

August 2018

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Go All-in on Fun

Northern Quest Resort & Casino Photo by Dan Cooley

By Theresa Tanner

When people think of casinos, they usually think of gambling.

And while that’s certainly a reason many people visit one of the three Spokane-area casinos, there are plenty of other attractions to keep guests busy in between rolls of the dice.

This year has been a particularly noteworthy year for local casinos, with plenty still to come. As you plan a night on the town or want to unwind after a stressful work week, the options for fun and games, literally, continue to grow.

Coeur d’Alene Casino celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. From humble beginnings with a bingo hall in 1993, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe-operated casino in Worley, about 30 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, has grown to include 1,400 gaming machines, video blackjack and off-track betting.

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With numerous expansions across two-and-a-half decades, Coeur d’Alene Casino now boasts a 300-room resort, luxury spa, six restaurants and an entertainment venue attracting nationally renowned performers. Upcoming events include Scotty McCreery on Sept. 8, WAR on Sept. 27 and House of Fury Boxing on Oct. 13.

Offsite, Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Casino also host the annual Coeur d’Alene Tribal Encampment and Julyamsh Powwow, the largest powwow in the Northwest, at Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene. Every July, up to tens of thousands of spectators attend the three-day event to watch dancers and drum groups in full regalia participate in the powwow with opportunities to win their share of over $135,000 in cash prizes.

Windfall; outdoor seating at EPIC and Legends of Fire; M&D (Movie & Dinner) theater featuring food and drink service; a remodel of rooms and suites on the hotel’s 10th floor; and a 17-acre RV resort.

Following a 12-year approval and construction process, the newest addition to local casino options is Spokane Tribe Casino, which opened in Airway Heights in January 2018. Upon opening, the casino included 450 slot machines, 12 table games featuring blackjack, roulette and craps, and three options for dining at the 38,000-square-foot facility.

Circling Raven Golf Club Photo courtesy of Coeur d’Alene Casino

In 2003, the casino opened Circling Raven Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course adjacent to the property. With terrain of wetlands, woodlands and Palouse grasses over 620 acres, the course has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Top 100 courses in the United States, and a Top Ten course in Idaho.

Just eight miles west of central Spokane, Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights continues to grow and create more opportunities for fun, some with family appeal.

After opening in December 2000 with 55,540 square-feet of gaming and restaurants, the casino has continually updated the facility, which is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Previous expansions include an indoor entertainment venue in 2004; a 250-room resort with a restaurant and spa in 2010; an outdoor concert venue in 2011; and the acquisition of the Spokane Country Club (now the Kalispel Golf and Country Club) in 2015.

Developers took great care to reflect the history and heritage of the Spokane Tribe throughout casino.

The Three Peaks Kitchen + Bar, a full-service restaurant and bar, takes its name from the three natural landmarks of Spokane Tribe’s ancestral homelands. Whaluks, a traditional card game historically played by the tribe, is the name of the casino floor bar. And the casino deli with sandwiches and coffee, Speelya’s Den, is derived from the Salish word for ‘coyote,’ a figure of mischief and fun in tribal culture and stories.

The casino in its current form is only the first phase in a multi-phase project that will develop on the 145-acre site.

Future plans include the addition of a hotel resort, retail and commercial space, entertainment venues, a tribal cultural center and a fire and police station, bringing additional jobs to the area that will especially benefit tribal members. P

In 2017, the tribe announced plans for a 40,000-squarefoot expansion. Several features of the $20 million project opened earlier this summer.

A luxury grandstand with 1,000 additional seating was added to the existing 4,000 seat amphitheater before the 2018 Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concert series began.

June also saw the opening of Kids Quest and Cyber Quest, owned by Minnesota-based New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc., which leases space at Northern Quest. Kids Quest provides childcare for kids ages six weeks to 12 years ($1112 per hour per child). Cyber Quest features video games and activities for all ages (children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult).

All that fun will make for some hungry kids, so the newly expanded food court with Ben & Jerry’s, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters and Qdoba Mexican Eats will satisfy appetites.

There’s plenty more coming later this year with a retail store,

Spokane Tribe Casino Photo by Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review August 2018

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LEISURE

TIME

By Sarah Bain

New aerial park at Mica Moon Zip Tours. Photo by Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review.

Are you into spiking your adrenaline? Are you always on the lookout for an activity new for you and your family and friends to do together? We’ve got some local suggestions to get you up and out – especially if you reached the end of your summer wishing you’d had more adventures and less yard work.

In the Air

and the two short trail hikes give you a chance to see wildlife such as hawks, deer, elk, and moose.

In addition to zipline tours, Mica Moon has just added an aerial ropes course on Mica Peak offering incredible thrills, views and challenges.

Mica Moon Zip Tour (micamoon.com) takes approximately two and a half hours to complete. It starts with a short shuttle ride from the reception area at their Liberty Lake Portal up to their property halfway up Mica Peak. You’ll then take a ride in specially outfitted UTVs to the top of the property, where guides outfit you with gear and begin the tour.

Faith-based Adventure Dynamics (adventuredynamics.com) in Nine Mile Falls teaches the development and understanding of commitment, self-confidence and teamwork in an outdoor setting. The Inland Northwest’s oldest professional challenge course promises to “take your group to greater spiritual heights.”

The course threads through deep forest glens, across the valley, over a beautiful mountain stream and near historic moonshine camps where “Mica Moon” moonshine was produced during the days of Prohibition. Views on Mica Moon are truly birds-eye,

Adventure Dynamics offers over 12 High Challenges and 20 Low Challenges, including a 50-foot high, 400-foot long zip line. They work with you to plan a program to meet your group’s specific needs and goals.

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Bounce About Altitude Trampoline Park (altitudespokane.com) in Spokane Valley features trampolines, a foam pit, a rock climbing wall, dodge ball court, battle beam, log roll, monkey bar, trapeze and wipeout. Whether you are looking to host the ultimate birthday party or for a corporate venue change, Altitude Trampoline Park can customize an event so that your party is everything you want it to be.

Located in the Northtown Mall, Get Air (getairspokane.com) is a full-service trampoline park with trampolines, a foam pit, dodge ball, kiddie court, slack line, slam ball, ninja course, special needs accommodation, fidget ladder, massage chairs, toddler time, rock wall and knockerball. It also hosts weekly specials like Family Night Mondays (20 percent discount for family of 4 to 10), Twice The Time Tuesday (2 hours of jumping for the price of 1) and Wednesday Student ID Night (20 percent discount).

adventure is up to you. They also offer team-building trips, and can handle groups up to 75 people.

Something for Everyone For families and groups with a variety of interests, you might consider Triple Play Family Fun Park (3play.com) in Hayden.

With a rope course, bumper cars, bowling, a climbing wall, arcade, bumper boats, laser tag, go carts, miniature golf and a 25,000 square foot water park – the fun never stops. If you can’t find something to get your pulse racing at Triple Play, you might want to double-check that you still have one. P

If you are taking a group of kids to jump, make sure you check out their information on waivers needed so that you can have the appropriate parental consent before you arrive. Most forms are available online.

In the Water With so many recreational activities available in the Inland Northwest, you definitely don’t want to miss out on a river rafting trip or a family float before the season ends. If you want to impress your out-of-town guests or just shake up the family from the summer doldrums, these organizations offer rolicking adventures for Northwest residents.

FLOW Adventures (flow-adventures.com) offers a variety of recreation opportunities in the Spokane area and throughout the Inland Northwest, including river floats down the upper and lower sections of the Spokane River. FLOW also offers rafting, kayaking and tubing excursions. And if you really want an adventure, check them out after the first snow for some winter camping or snowshoeing.

Courtesy of Altitude Trampoline Park.

Fun Unlimited (cdasports.com) offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and boat rentals in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. In addition, Fun Unlimited provides stand-up paddleboard tours for those who don’t quite know where they want to travel with their rental.

ROW Adventure Center (rowadventurecenter.com) was created to bring decades of experience in multi-day adventure vacations to one-day and half-day adventures in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and the vicinity. They lead guided, professional trips all over the region. ROW leads whitewater rafting trips on the Lochsa, Clark Fork, Spokane, Moyie and St. Joe rivers.

They also provide adventures on Lake Coeur d’Alene with kayaking, fly-fishing on the region’s best rivers, bike rides on the Hiawatha Trail and more.

Wiley E. Waters (riverrafting.net) offers rafting excursions on both the Clark Fork and the Spokane rivers. There are both gentle water and whitewater excursions, so the level of

Courtesy of ROW Adventure Center.

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure as the weather is changing, make sure you call ahead to see if their hours have changed or if inclement weather may affect the course.

August 2018

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Excitement Ahead for Symphony Season

Courtesy of Visit Spokane

By Joe Butler

It’s common, especially for older performing arts organizations, to stop taking risks and just go through the motions, while still counting on a certain level of support from a number of patrons.

Maybe it’s out of loyalty, maybe it’s out of habit, but offering little beyond the minimum is how once great organizations can become so-so over time.

That “same” strategy isn’t the case at all for the Spokane Symphony, which instead continues to focus on creative and diverse performances, blending familiar favorites with innovative new material and getting better every year.

This approach will be demonstrated as the 2018-2019 season begins Sept. 1. Symphony personnel promise that the 73rd season will be enriching and enjoyable.

“We have great momentum going all season,” said Jeff Vom Saal, executive director. “This is a very exciting time: we have such a commitment to innovation, education and intellectual curiosity.”

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This will be the final season with Eckart Preu as conductor, and he has chosen to revisit his favorite pieces from his last 15 years here, along with inviting back special soloists.

“We really looked back to the good experiences we had years ago with these pieces,” Preu said. “It’s sort of like reading a good book once and coming back to it a decade later.”

One season highlight will be Classics 10, “Eckart’s Farewell,” May 4 and 5. Rather than closing his tenure with something massive and technical by Mahler, Preu will conclude with Boulogne’s “Overture to L’amont Anonmye,” Zivkovic’s “Concerto of the Mad Queen” and Strauss’ “Alpine Symphony.”

Vom Saal is especially excited to hear this final piece, a wonderful tone poem.

“It’s rarely played,” he said. “It’s going to wrap up a meaningful season.”

The finalists include: Morihiko Nakahara, associate conductor of the Spokane Symphony for the last 10 years and part of the organization for 15 years. He’ll conduct Oct. 6 and 7.

Preu’s vacancy means that the 74th season will have a different conductor.

Over the last year, nearly 200 professionals from all over the world expressed interest, which was narrowed to five finalists.

Each candidate will visit Spokane at least once this season to conduct one performance, see the area, and meet with board members, donors, patrons and other local leaders to demonstrate their abilities in front of the orchestra, as well as other interpersonal skills.

“They need to be intelligent and have great emotional intelligence as well,” Vom Saal said. “They need to be inspired, energized, get along with people and like living in Spokane.”

James Lowe, chief conductor of Finland’s Vaasa City Orchestra and principal conductor of the Edinburgh Contemporary Music Ensemble. He’ll conduct Feb. 16-17.

Rei Hotoda, current music director of the Fresno Philharmonic and former associate conductor of the Utah Symphony and the Dallas Symphony.

She’ll conduct March 9-10.

Vom Saal said the quality of the finalists says good things about Spokane and the symphony’s national reputation.

“All the candidates are great,” he said. “They’re all experienced and have demonstrated their skills with orchestras and other musical organizations.”

A final selection is expected by spring 2019, so the new conductor can begin working on the 74th season.

The 75th season also isn’t too far off, which promises even more excitement.

In the meantime, the Symphony is preparing its 10 Classics and six Pops performances, plus the Chamber Soirees, the Baroque Series, the Holiday Specials and other special events, like “Haunted Hollows: The Music of Harry Potter” Oct. 27 and Pink Martini April 27. Some shows sell out quickly, so Vom Saal encourages people to buy early.

“I’m excited by our continued growth and degree of alignment with our community,” he said. “We have this nice momentum and vibrancy.”

Arthur Arnold, music director of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in Russia and music director/ conductor/co-founder of the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy Festival. He’ll conduct March 23-24.

Jayce Ogren, artistic director of orchestra in Philadelphia, was previous assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra and music director of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra. He’ll conduct April 13-14.

For more info call (509) 624-1200 or visit spokanesymphony.org. P August 2018

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SET YOUR WATCH FOR

SUNSET Sunset over High Drive. Photo by Satish Shrestha.

By Joe Butler

The Spokane area’s nightlife can be downright decent these days, and there’s not much that’s better than the sights and sounds of a sunny summer day around here. Or maybe there is – a sunset!

By Joe Butler There are an abundance of lovely locations in the Spokane area, whether you’re watching the whole city turn on its lights as night falls, or appreciating natural wonders of lakes, rivers, mountains or wildlife.

Clear days are always great and even wildfire smoke or crummy air quality can contribute to even more vivid vistas.

Where are some of the best places to watch the sun set? Read on …

Our sunrises aren’t too shabby either, but they’re usually witnessed by early birds among us or those who stay up way toooo late.

KENDALL YARDS

But a summer sunset is something truly magnificent, and shouldn’t require setting the alarm clock like some early morning expeditions do. Nightfall rolls in around 8 p.m. this time of year, as opposed to winter when things start going dim around 4 in the afternoon. The air is cool but not cold, so it can be an opportunity to rock a stylish hoodie or snuggle a little closer to someone special.

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There’s a lot to love about the Night Market on Wednesday nights (through September), from food to live music. But having a front-row seat, sometimes literally, to a spectacular sunset along the Spokane River is what summer memories are made of.

Find a comfy place to sit with your ice cream from Brain Freeze Creamery, or claim a table and chairs at Nectar Wine and Beer or Maryhill Winery’s tasting room. Sticking around past twilight can even be more appealing on Aug. 22 with Spark Central Outdoor Movie Night, or on Aug. 29 with Food Truck Night and live music by The Rub.

HIGH DRIVE If you’re into hiking, time your fitness outing just right to reach the South Hill bluff right as darkness starts to descend. Or if you’re not, go ahead and drive as close as you can and connect to the trail system (they all lead to the same place).

Take note: A sewer line project has closed High Drive from 21st to 29th Ave. through fall, so you may have to take some creative detours to access the vantage point, whether trekking by foot, bike or car.

LIBERTY LAKE Facing west from the lake itself might encounter some obstructions to catch a nice sunrise or sunset, but getting above the city can create some prime viewing spots. Park at Liberty Lake Regional Park for an enjoyable view of the sun shining through the trees, or hike to a higher, clearer spot along the loop trail.

THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT FLOATING BOARDWALK Kudos to whoever decided to place benches at the better viewing areas on the lake. Looking across Lake Coeur d’Alene is downright peaceful, whether it’s the end of a satisfying day spent recreating in North Idaho, or perhaps the start of a fine evening on the town. There’s still time to stop by Beverly’s for elegant coffee and decadent dessert or slip into Seasons for a nightcap. Or go ahead and make it an overnight visit at The Coeur d’Alene Resort and keep playing another day.

MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK No disrespect to other respectable regional mountaintops like Schweitzer Mountain Resort or Silver Mountain, which both have their own daytime and evening fans, but Mount Spokane is a great place to enjoy the coming of nightfall – and it’s a delightful drive up to the Summit Road in summer.

It’s considered the highest point in Spokane County, so it’s fun to look for favorite local features. Consider camping, if that’s your thing and you can find a spot, or head down the hill to Riverside State Park. But bring along your Discover Pass, unless it’s a free day on Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. P

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August 2018

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T R AV E L

P

32 Plaza de laPLATINUM.SPOKESMAN.COM República

Buenos Aires:

La Reina del Plata

By Dan Webster

Even for a seasoned traveler, simple oversights are easy to make.

main tourist sites and a nice place to have lunch.

A number of years ago, my wife and I – along with our food-writer friend Leslie Kelly – visited Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. During our visit, we took a day trip to the nearby historic Uruguayan city of Colonia del Sacramento.

We made other mistakes during our week-long stay in Buenos Aires. Travel, especially international travel, tends to pose new challenges at the least opportune instances. But nothing proved insurmountable.

It took less than an hour to travel the 30odd miles across the Rio de la Plata by high-speed ferry, and we disembarked, ready for the day. Or so I thought.

Buenos Aires left us with a number of unforgettable memories.

Yes, we’d remembered our passports. I think we’d even remembered that there was an hour’s difference in time between the two South American countries. But …

“Did you bring a map?” I asked my wife.

“No,” she answered.

I was taken back a bit. My wife is the one who typically makes our travel arrangements.

“Did you bring any Uruguayan money?” I asked. “No,” she said.

“Well, do you at least know where we’re going?” Again, her answer was a simple “No.” Before I could utter another word, she said, “Hey, you’re the one who speaks Spanish. We’re just following you.”

And that was that.

My Spanish is passable. As I like to say, if you dropped me into a strange Spanish-speaking city, amid people who understood no English at all, I wouldn’t starve, die of thirst or be unable to find shelter for the night.

So off we went and before long had found an ATM, had purchased a cheap map and were on the lookout both for Colonia’s

My wife, true to her talented self, had arranged our air travel – which took us through Mexico City – and booked a VRBO apartment for us in the city’s posh Recoleta neighborhood.

From our apartment, we were able to walk to a number of interesting places. When we wanted to see something farther away, taxis were easy to find. This method of travel proved to be not only convenient and cheap, but allowed me to practice my pedestrian language skills.

Residents of Buenos Aires are known as porteños (or “people of the port”), and I found porteño taxi drivers to be friendly and easy to communicate with. But if you prefer mass transit, Buenos Aires has both a viable bus and underground subway system.

Alongside reasonable transportation, we found everything in Argentina to be quite affordable, especially to anyone accustomed to paying Western European or Scandinavian prices. As I write this, the U.S. dollar is worth 25.7 Argentine pesos.

By at least one estimate, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant would cost the equivalent of about $30.

And we were able to use the city as a staging area from which to visit other areas: the aforementioned Colonia del Sacramento, and we also flew north to the confluence of Argentina, Brazil and August 2018

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Iguazu Falls; Colonia del Sacramento; Street cat in a Buenos Aires park; Cemetery Recoleta.

Paraguay to see the majestic Iguazu Falls – the spot where director Roland Joffè shot a scene from his 1986 film “The Mission.”

Mostly, though, we trekked through the city itself. These are among my most poignant memories:

A Visit to Evita’s Grave Cementerio de la Recoleta was an easy walk from our apartment. This eclectic congregation of stylish tombs, said to be Buenos Aires’ first public cemetery, long ago became an exclusive final resting spot for Argentine dignitaries.

Among the most famous of the cemetery’s residents is Maria Eva Duarte de Perón, better known as Evita, the beloved wife of former President Juan Perón and subject of a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Added bonus for the budget traveler: Not only do you get to touch a bit of history, admission is free.

Up All Night One night, the three of us ventured into the colorful La Boca neighborhood to eat. We arrived about 8 p.m. – this was a late-night excursion for us – and found that we were basically the only customers present.

About an hour later, just as we were preparing to leave, the place began to fill up, which reinforced what people had been telling us: Buenos Aires is a city for night-dwellers.

Residents eat late, then they drink and dance and some of them go clubbing until dawn. We never did figure out when they slept.

I could go on and on. Buenos Aires is full of museums, historic spots – the main square, the Plaza de Mayo – and events that are tied to specific times of the year (the Buenos Aires Tango Festival is held every August). But the main draw is the city itself.

Just remember to bring a map.

P

Two to Tango At one time outlawed, and even looked down upon by the city’s elites – the tango is practically synonymous with Buenos Aires these days.

Tourist shows, often paired with a meal, can be found pretty much everywhere. And unlike yours truly, those who are interested in taking lessons can also find any number of willing teachers.

But my favorite recollection was watching a couple tango in a public park, as if they were all alone, amid the crowd that applauded their every artistic step.

Meals: Well Done and Done Well At the time of our visit I was still a vegetarian, so I missed out on one of Argentina’s prime dishes: steak.

Both my wife and Leslie consumed their respective shares, along with several liters of good Argentine Malbec.

Surprisingly, they preferred the meat grilled at a little parrilla (steakhouse) that we found on our Uruguayan day trip.

On one of our non-steak evenings, we stood in line for nearly two hours to eat a variety of tasty tapas – a Spanish specialty done in the Argentine-style.

Natural Attractions Buenos Aires boasts about 3 million residents in its center, with another 10 million or so residing in the surrounding suburbs.

The city also has something like 250 parks, perhaps the most popular of which is the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. A nature preserve built on what used to be a swamp, the park sits near the upscale cobble-stoned streets of Puerto Madero.

My wife’s favorite green space: the botanical garden in the Palermo neighborhood that is home to a large population of (mostly) abandoned domestic cats.

Tango dancers

August 2018

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Sportsman’s

By Joe Butler

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Courtesy of Silver Spur Outfitters & Lodge

Courtesy of Seven Devils Lodge Guest Ranch and Guide Service Photo by Art of Visuals

There’s a lot to love about hunting – not just the pursuit and hopeful harvesting of whatever game is in season, but the opportunity to spend time in hunting camp. It can be dirty, smelly, exhausting and bloody (if you’re successful), although some might say that’s part of the fun.

Hunting season is a perfect chance for you and your buddies to cut loose and play in the woods without any ‘adult supervision,’ so to speak, and even if you don’t end up getting your elk or deer, you’ll likely head home with great memories.

But as the years have rolled on, some of the allure of roughing it – sleeping in the dirt, dining on burned hot dogs and canned chili, and days without a hot shower – has probably worn off.

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your annual hunting tradition, you might enjoy a trip to a hunting lodge, which provides easy access to quality hunting opportunities alongside fine food and luxury accommodations.

Northwest and Mountain West lodges can be perfect starting points for any outdoor adventure, allowing guests to wander the grounds and come back for an evening meal and relaxation next to a cozy indoor fireplace. People interested in fly fishing, hiking or even venturing on a wildlife photo shoot can also set up base camp at a well-appointed lodge.

Many lodges offer the services of guides, outfitters or other helpful staff who will happily point you toward good spots to find game, assist with your party’s stuff, help with permitting or even handle the mess and work of hauling and cleaning your harvest.

Some lodges even bring the hunt to you, with deer, elk or game birds on the property so you don’t have to do a lot of walking in or out to get where you’re going.

Options include: Silver Spur Outfitters & Lodge (Dixie, Idaho) If you’re looking for the true middle of nowhere, Silver Spur Outfitters & Lodge is about 252 miles southeast of Spokane.

This Idaho outfitter takes campers/anglers/hikers/hunters into the woods via horseback to set up a comfy camp for a few nights or hosts them at a central lodge. The backcountry terrain of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area provides some of the most picturesque scenery in Idaho and Montana, along with world-class game, from bears to moose to mountain lions.

The lodge, which is open all year if you’re interested in snowmobiling, provides everything visitors could ever want or need, including an always-open kitchen, roundthe-clock coffee and daily-made pies. Larger groups can also stay in a nearby bunkhouse. More information at silverspurlodge.com.

Seven Devils Lodge Guest Ranch and Guide Service (Council, Idaho) Safety and fun are the objectives of guided hunts on 18,000 acres of private land located in Council, Idaho, between the Salmon River and Hells Canyon, near the Oregon border.

The professional guides help with everything from advice on proper gear to tips on keeping hunters properly hydrated and fed, so they can endure long days of wandering through the brush in search of elk, deer or bear.

There are a variety of cabins and camps throughout the property, along with the central Seven Devils Lodge. The 5,500-square foot facility includes five suites with multiple beds, so it’s handy for group trips.

Meals are provided, many featuring locally-gathered ingredients. Hunters can also do laundry on-site and store their game in a walk-in cooler or utilize an on-call meat processor. The property is a functional cattle ranch, which adds to the authentic Western experience. There’s also a gun range, fishing area and horseback riding trails. Find out more at sevendevilslodge.com.

Ruggs Ranch (Heppner, Ore.) On an over 80,000 acre hunting preserve, you’ll find wingshooting, elk and deer hunting at Ruggs Ranch, about three and a half hours from Spokane.

The lodge itself is on a hill, overlooking the rolling foothills of northeastern Oregon. Appointed with Old Hickory furniture and custom Pendleton Wool bedding, the accommodations are both rustic and elegant. And nothing quite compares to the gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chef Michael Pivarunas, whether dining at the lodge or at a backcountry camp.

The ranch can accommodate up to 16 guests in a party.

Big game hunters can hunt by rifle or archery, and Ruggs Ranch provides a seasoned army of well-trained English Pointers, Springer Spaniels, English Cockers and German Shorthaired Pointers ready to accompany bird hunters on their quest. Learn more at huntruggs.com. P

Courtesy of Ruggs Ranch

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap

It’s my favorite party trick. I’ll ask friends which United States National Park is the most visited and listen as they list the obvious candidates.

Yellowstone National Park? No. Glacier? No. Yosemite? No. Finally they give up and want to know the answer and it’s always a surprise.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which sits on the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the country.

More than 9 million visitors a year – attendance that almost triples the number of visitors to Yellowstone or Yosemite National Parks – vacation there, drop in for a Sunday drive or drive in for a quick weekend away.

One reason for this popularity is that the park is actually within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the population of the United States. But the draw of the Smokies is about more than just proximity. It’s a beautiful place to be in any season.

I grew up in one of those families that visited the park whenever possible. Through the summer months and into fall, we would pile into the family station wagon at midnight on Thursday or Friday with my grandfather at the wheel as the rest of us slept. We’d arrive at the park just as the sun came over the mountains.

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For long weekends or week-long vacations we camped along shaded creeks and hiked trails through the mountains. Meals were cooked over a campfire with the occasional treat of a pancake breakfast in town.

The Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg (pancakepantry.com) is still there and still a great place to order a stack of hotcakes.

Those trips to the Smokies are now some of my most cherished memories.

For those who grow up, live and play in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, with their jagged and dramatic profile and high snow-tipped peaks, the soft, rolling misty mountains of Great Smoky Mountain National Park seem tame by comparison.

But that soft landscape is the point. It’s the effect of geologic time on a mountain range. The Smokies are old – far older than the Rockies – and for centuries their story has been blended with the story of Native Americans and the settlers who came to live in those dense forests.

If you’re looking for a place to revel in autumnal color, the 800-square-mile mountain wilderness of the Smokies (surrounded and protected by more than 1.6 million acres of U.S. Forest Service lands) is a wonderful destination.

Winding roads carry you through vast deciduous forests that blaze with brilliant gold and scarlet leaves from mid-September to mid-October. The haze that gave the mountains their name drifts and melds with wood smoke and the air is sweet and crisp and fresh.

Discover the history, cultures and art of the Inland Northwest.

August 2018

Sayaka Ganz: Reclaimed Creations Edward Curtis: The Grand Idea As Grandmother Taught: Women, Tradition and Plateau Art

Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Photo by Cheryl-Anne Millsap.

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The State Hermitage Museum

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What to See and Do Take in the view from Clingman’s Dome. Fall is the perfect time to drive up from Newfound Gap and take the short walk to the curiously space age observation deck at the summit.

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Explore the human history of the park. With almost 100 historic buildings still in the park, including the churches, mills, barns and cabins in Cades Cove, the sheltered historic valley in the Tennessee section of the park that is most popular with travelers, you can be immersed in the lives of early settlers.

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The 11-mile loop that threads through Cades Cove is popular with tourists and traffic jams are not uncommon, so plan ahead to visit early or later in the day.

Another beautiful, and less crowded, drive is the 18-mile Little River Road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to Townsend but when the black bears are out – and they often are – “bear jams” can occur.

Put your feet on the path. More than 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail cross through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are several short(er) day hikes along the trail for those who’d like a sample of the terrain.

Play hard. If you (or the restless kids in the back seat) decide you want a break from all that beautiful nature, the park’s main thoroughfare linking Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg has an eye-popping entertainment zone with museums, theaters, amusement parks and even an aquarium with plenty of shopping and dining options.

Sweet dreams. There are campgrounds, cabins, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations in and around the park designed to fit every traveler’s tastes (visitmysmokies.com). If you want the ultimate experience book a cottage at Blackberry Farm (blackberryfarm.com), one of North America’s most luxurious retreats. P

Driving through Cades Cove. Photo by Cheryl-Anne Millsap.

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SIDE TRIPS The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is the country’s longest linear park and links the scenic Shenandoah Valley with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parkway runs for almost 500 scenic miles and offers spectacular scenery.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Oconoluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, N.C., just an hour’s drive from Gatlinburg, offers insight and cultural exploration of historic Cherokee culture.

Asheville, N.C., is a small city with big appeal. Home to Biltmore, the 250-room castle built by George Vanderbilt and still the largest private home in America, the historic Grove Park Inn and a vibrant arts culture, Asheville is worth a visit.

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FOOD

COCKTAILS with a

Twist

By Tricia Jo Webster

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When it comes to imbibing at home, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. We stick with wine, beer or two-ingredient cocktails because they’re quick, and we can’t really screw them up.

Besides, making cocktails at home can be baffling. How much of this?

What does muddling mean? Should it be shaken or stirred or left alone?

The trick? Be fearless. And use a jigger.

While there’s nothing wrong with holding on to old stand-bys, we asked a few local bartenders to help us shake things up by sharing one of their favorite classic cocktail recipes.

“Even professional bartenders go through the process of trial and error,” said Stephanie Goldsmith, a bartender at Sapphire Lounge in downtown Spokane. “At home it’s about experimenting and finding what you like.”

But that experimenting can be quite the endeavor as well, especially if you don’t know which spirits to reach for. A fun way to find out whether or not you like the taste of whiskey, or tequila or gin, is to select something new from your favorite bar’s cocktail list.

Keep in mind that there’s no need to buy from the top shelf when you’re just getting started; stick with the standards and let your tastes grow from there.

Kat Pokorny, a bartender at the Elk Public House in Browne’s Addition, said, “It helps to keep a secondary liqueur, like a triple sec, around, too, because something as simple as that can really add a lot even to simple drinks.”

Fresh-squeezed citrus juices, simple syrups (so easy to make) and a bottle or two of bitters will have you slinging stellar drinks in no time. And building a selection of basic bar tools (sidebar on page 44) can help make your home cocktails instant classics.

Negroni This Italian classic is “a savory sipper that’s sweet, but still kind of spicy,” explained Pokorny. “Sometimes I feel like I live in Margaritaville, so I love making this cocktail because it’s a great change of pace from your standard, citrusy sweet drink.”

The Negroni requires just three ingredients and can be served up in a martini glass, or over cracked ice in a rocks glass. One sip and you’ll have visions of languidly lounging on a sultry veranda – linen suit not required.

NEGRONI Recipe courtesy of Kat Pokorny, Elk Public House

Classic Negroni Photo by Tricia Jo Webster

1.5 ounces Bombay Sapphire Gin 1 ounce Campari 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth Measure and add ingredients together in shaker. Add cracked ice. Cap shaker with pint glass and shake to mix and chill liquids. Strain into martini glass or over ice into rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel twist.

French 75

Goldsmith adds a twist to this classic drink, traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and sparkling wine.

“I love this cocktail because it’s light and refreshing, and even though it’s a classic it’s still very approachable.”

Goldsmith believes that craft cocktails are all about the experience, about respecting the alcohol and savoring flavors.

In her rendition, she includes floral hints with this important tip: “Remember to take it easy any time you’re working with florals. They can go soapy on you really fast, and that’s no fun for anyone.”

LAVENDER ROSE FRENCH 75 Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Goldsmith, Sapphire Lounge 2 ounces Copperworks Gin ¼-ounce Salish Sea Lavender Liqueur ¼-ounce Salish Sea Rose Petal Liqueur ½-ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice Prosecco float Measure and add ingredients together in beaker or shaker. Add cracked ice.

Slowly stir with bar spoon about for about 30 seconds. Strain into champagne flute or coupe. Top with prosecco. Garnish with lemon peel twist.

Lavender Rose French 75 Photo by Tricia Jo Webster

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Sazerac Widely recognized as the official drink of New Orleans, this timeless cocktail perfectly showcases the main spirit, rye whiskey, but still has a complex and smooth flavor profile, says Cabby Barnard, bar manager at Bon Bon, the cozy cocktail bar beside the Garland Theater.

The basic recipe calls for rye, a sugar cube, bitters and absinthe, but Barnard bends the rules a little and slides some tropical flair into the mix with – talk about experimentation – banana.

“We had some banana liqueur in the bar and weren’t using it for anything so I decided to play with it. I love that it’s unexpected and kind of fun!”

And you’ll love that it tastes like the Big Easy with an equatorial flair.

BANANARAC Recipe courtesy of Cabby Barnard, Bon Bon 2 ounces High West Rendezvous Rye ½-ounce Giffard Banane du Bresil liqueur 3 to 4 dashes Agnostora bitters 2 to 3 dashes Barrel Aged Peychauds bitters Absinthe spritz Give a rocks glass a spritz of absinthe; set aside. Measure and add other ingredients into a shaker and add cracked ice. Stir for about 15 seconds, then strain into absinthe-rinsed glass. Add gentleman’s cube (one large rock of ice), and garnish with a strip of lemon peel. BONUS: Warm up the peel with a lit match, then squeeze the peel above the flame for a little fire ball flair before adding.

TOOLS FOR YOUR HOME BAR JIGGER | A measurement tool to help ensure precise pours – a must when it comes to consistent, quality cocktails COCKTAIL SHAKER | Typically a metal tumbler, used for stirring cocktails prior to pouring, or when coupled with a mixing glass, used for combining ingredients via shaking; comes in a variety of sizes but the 28-oz shaker paired with a 16-oz mixing glass works great for most applications PEELER OR CHANNEL KNIFE | Peelers create a wider swath of citrus flesh which works better for igniting zest; for tighter corkscrew garnishes, the channel knife is where it’s at STRAINER | Fits within the opening of most shakers and mix glasses for clean, easy pours into your cocktail glass BAR SPOON | Perfect for mixing drinks that prefer to be stirred, not shaken; they come in a variety of styles and lengths, but 12-inch stainless steel is a great place to start MUDDLER | Used to release juice from fruits and flavors from herbs, these tools are available in many shapes, sizes and materials; most common are the stainless-steel rubber-tipped and wooden models GLASSWARE | The sky is the limit! Flutes, coupes, highballs, martinis, rocks, schooners, mugs, goblets and shots. Although in most bars classic cocktails are served in traditional glassware, when making drinks at home, have fun with presentation – a martini in a margarita glass?

Why not? Your house, your rules!

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The Newport/Priest River Rotary Club is the sponsor/operator.

SPORT (Scenic Pend Oreille River Train) runs north from Newport to the little whistle-stop at Dalkena.

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2018 SEASON RIDE DATES FALL DATES

Sept. 15, 16, 29, 30 Oct. 13, 14, 27, 28

Tailgaters Sue and Gary Hustad before the Eastern Washington University football game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, in Cheney.

Photo by Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review.

LIKE US ON

GET HYPED TO TAILGATE

By Sarah Bain

One of the best ways to fly your fan flag during the sporting season is to host a tailgating party. Whether you’re driving across the state for your beloved Seahawks, heading to Cheney for an Eagles game, down to Pullman for a Cougars game, or to the University of Idaho for a Vandals game, we’ve got you covered. And in case you Vandals fans missed the news back in June, the State Board of Education approved an alcohol permit for 2018 home football games, so read on.

For many, the tailgate party is as much a part of the game as the game itself. And with football season upon us, maybe you’re looking for ways to make your spread the standout envy of the parking lot. Here are a few big ideas to rev you and yours for the big game.

Let’s Get Grilling The game before the game is all about grilling. Get yourself a competitive advantage with a stellar grill. One of our favorites is The Party King Grills SWING’N Smoke Package, which is one of the most popular hitch mount grills on the market. This grill is compatible with all Party King Grill attachments and can be used independently as a portable tabletop grill when not in service at your pre-game fiesta.

TTickets can be purchased through our website at: sporttrainrides.com or by calling 1-877-5 ALL-ABOARD (1-877-525-5226) 1

Email questions can be sent to sporttrainrides@gmail.com

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The Party King website (partykinggrills.com) has all kinds of options if you are looking for a smaller version, or just want to explore how others use their grill.

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Another grilling option is a tailgating grill customized to your favorite team color and logo. Like the Party King, it rides on the back of your vehicle and swings out when you’re ready to cook, then locks up while driving or during the game. Great for those who really like to show their colors before, during and after the game. Check out the Custom Tailgating Gear Store (tailgatingideas.com) for more information.

Keep Things Cool If all you want to do is keep some things cool, any old cooler will likely do. But if you want the most enviable cooler by a mile, you’ll want the multi-function cooler by Coolest (coolest. com).

This cooler has a built-in blender, outdoor Bluetooth speakers, a USB charger, an LED lid light, a bottle opener, BPA-free plates, a knife, a corkscrew, a tie-down bungee cord, and a secret compartment for your phone, keys, Wi-Fi password, classified salsa recipe, or anything else you need to protect.

While one person is grilling your steaks or dogs, you can blend your margaritas to serve along with them. And if you are having too much fun at your tailgating party to enter the stadium on time, you can stream the game on the Bluetooth speakers.

Keep People Warm Maybe it doesn’t seem like it right now, but it’s going to get cold soon, and nothing spoils a good time like frozen fingers and toes. Maybe you like being cold, but I promise not everyone does, and there is not going to be enough room around the grill for everybody to thaw while you try to finish the brats.

You need a portable heater, and our favorites are by Mr. Heater (mrheater.com). Indoor and outdoor safe, Mr. Heater’s radiant heaters are nearly 100 percent efficient, can heat a space up to 225 square feet, have an auto-shutoff if tipped over, and have a fold-down handle to save storage space.

Food and Drink With a little preparation, everyone can be satisfied at the tailgate from kids to adults with easy finger foods, a variety of griller options and some quick and yummy salads.

For finger foods, think tortilla roll-ups – whether you fill them with turkey and cheese or cream cheese with seasoning and a variety of vegetables – the options are endless. Roll-ups travel well and are easy to prep.

Mini sliders and mini-burgers are another great option; they can be grilled quickly and guests enjoy customizing their 46

PLATINUM.SPOKESMAN.COM

sliders. Bring a tray of toppings, from a variety of cheeses to slaws, ketchup, special sauce, hot sauce and mustards.

Although we’re known for some of the best wine and craft beer around, you might want to get creative.

Margaritas are the obvious choice for games while it’s still warm outside. You’ll need a blender, of course, but these can also be prepared in advance. For a spicy twist to this classic cocktail, add a bit of diced jalapeño to the blend (and make sure you warn your guests).

Another fun drink for warm weather is spiked root beer. Super easy and tasty, just pour root beer into a large glass, and then add ice and rum. Leave out the ice and rum and add ice cream for the kiddos.

A great warm-up for cold winter games is Irish coffee: coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and cream will warm your hands and your bellies while the brats are grilling.

Don’t Forget!

One thing we hate is getting to the stadium and realizing we forgot something critical at home. Here are a few ideas to help avoid this tragedy.

Make a checklist of everything you need. Make sure you include all the must-haves and really-want-to-haves on your list. Here’s a sample of our list example to get you started: Grill Propane or charcoal Lighter fluid or gas regulator Matches or lighter Folding table Canopy Table cloth Folding chairs Cooler Ice Food Sodas/cater Beer Wine Grilling tools

Cutting board First aid kit Team flag Portable speakers Tailgating games Generator Plastic utensils Paper plates Clean up supplies Roll of paper towels Napkins and wet naps Trash bags Ziploc bags or Tupperware for leftovers Beverage opener

Another way to keep yourself from forgetting is to have a set of tailgating items ready to go at all times. We recommend having a toolbox packed with the essentials that you can clean up after the game and repack and store away so you’re always ready to go. P

Sure, they’ve been associated more with kiddos and blue-collar laborers over the years, but there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the humble lunch box.

Many modern lunch totes are soft-sided, making it easier to insert oversized items without bulging the boundaries of traditional metal ones. And reusable plastic or glass containers keep sandwiches from getting smashed in a backpack of books.

LUNCH BOXES are for everyone!

Even office workers can get in on the game. Not only is “brown bagging” good for the daily budget and healthier (you control the ingredients and portions), but you can take your midday meal anywhere you want.

As summer wraps up and all sorts of back-to-school items start showing up in area stores, consider some of these options.

Go retro. Everything old is new again, at least that’s what department stores are telling us. It’s a perfect time to show off a lunch box from the past. Your peers will be jealous, even if your kids roll their eyes.

If you like prowling the junk stores on Monroe Street or Trent Road, enjoy the adventure of trying to find “the one.” It’s easy enough to find a favorite from your past at an online auction site, although the price may be on the high side (up to $2,000 for Mickey Mouse and Hopalong Cassidy).

By Joe Butler

Go historical. Some of the earliest American portable food containers were tobacco boxes, which started showing up in post-Civil War industrial areas when many workers couldn’t come home for lunch. They had to be durable because of rough conditions in mines, mills and construction sites.

If your family tree has a connection to some of these industries, you might be able to track down a metal box in your grandmother’s attic.

Go international.

The Japanese bento box takes the to-go concept to tasty new heights with something functional and visually appealing. Bento culture actually dates back to the 1600s as a way to blend nutrition and convenience.

Most area Japanese restaurants offer these to eat in-house, for takeout or for delivery.

There are really no hard-and-fast rules for what must be in a bento box, but generally you’ll see a blend of vegetables, rice and meat, each divided into different sections. Experienced bento-makers are known to put extra effort into making food items look like favorite pop culture figures or animals.

Go beyond the box. Don’t restrict yourself to a square container for a great lunch for yourself or your children.

You can put your morning smoothie and some ice cubes in an insulated water bottle so it stays cold all day. Or assemble a whole dinner – have chicken in one box, rice in another, and silverware and a re-usable plate to combine them together. Make it a picnic, whether it’s your backyard or the break room. P

August 2018

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Call or go online to set up your appointment today 1-800-423-0151 or www.inbcsaves.org August 2018

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