Spokane Is Great Fo Wendy Lee Travel Writer If you’re planning a vacation that will include a few generations of the family, look no further than the small city of Spokane in Eastern Washington. While offering all the amenities of a big city including an international airport, full service hotels, and excellent dining, Spokane is far easier to navigate, with far less traffic, and more affordable to boot. Late spring through early fall are ideal times to visit since the weather is welcoming and the city is offering a nice selection of events and festivals. Riverfront Park Having a river running through a city isn’t unusual, but the city of Spokane’s river features the largest urban waterfall in the United States. Wisely, the city has chosen to make their river and waterfall a centerpiece attraction for both residents and visitors. Lush green lawns, -40- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ September 2024
winding pathways, playgrounds, and fountains line both sides of this 100 acre park. Originally created in 1970 for the Expo ‘74 (a world’s fair held May through November in 1974), the park underwent a
massive rehabilitation project starting in 2016. Today you’ll find spaces and attractions for all ages and abilities. There’s the 1909 Looff Carrousel, SkyRide over the falls, the city’s first all-inclusive playground, and of course, the Garbage Goat. Crafted from copper and brass with a vacuum system that “eats” garbage, the goat is a fun way to encourage park visitors to properly dispose of trash instead of littering. The park is per-