Visit Spokane, Wash., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Tip tips: Spokane is nicknamed "Lilac City" due to the ornate purple, white and pink blossoms that bloom in May. The city is 20 miles from the Washington/Idaho border; about 45 minutes to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (pronounced core-da-lane); and less than a five-hour drive to Glacier National Park, Mont.
Getting there: Round-trip rates requiring a 21-day advance notice of travel start at $478. Most carriers participate (no nonstop service). Watch for sale rates from $350.
BUDGET
Stay: The Oxford Suites Downtown Spokane Hotel is set on the Spokane River near Riverfront Park and downtown. On site are an indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room. Guests enjoy a hot breakfast buffet and an evening wine reception with appetizers. A studio king suite is $129. 115 W. North River Drive. 509-353-9000, www.oxfordsuitesspokane.com.
Eat: Old European Restaurant is notable for its signature items such as German potato pancakes, Danish Aebelskievers (ball-like pancakes), Dutch Babies (puffy, baked egg batter), Swedish crepes, Hungarian goulash, homemade sunflower wheat bread, German Reuben on dark rye, a Greek chicken and vegetable sandwich and an array of homemade soups; $6.50-$11. Open until 2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. 7640 N. Division. 509-467-5987, www.oldeuropean-restaurant.com.
Experience: Tour 100-acre Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair and the city's crown jewel with its wide river and dramatic waterfalls. Get a bird's-eye view of Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park from a lilac-colored six-passenger gondola. The 15-minute SkyRide Over the Falls offers spectacular views of the second longest urban falls in the United States; $7.75. The park's 1909 Looff Carrousel is one of America's most beautiful and well-preserved hand-carved wooden carousels; $2. 507 N. Howard St. 509-625-6601, www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.
MODERATE
Stay: Luxurious Roberts Mansion is within walking distance to downtown Spokane in historic Browne's Addition — a tree-lined neighborhood of lovely bungalows and Victorian mansions from the late 19th century. The Marian Suite ($175) features a balcony, and the Rose Suite ($140) has views of the Carriage House, Rose Garden and Secret Garden. Rates include breakfast. 1923 W. First Ave. 509-456-8839, www.robertsmansion.com.
Eat: Seasonally changing menus at Italia Trattoria have an mix of house-made pastas, grilled rack of wild boar, house-made squid ink fettuccine with wild shrimp, octopus salad, spaghetti and meatballs to zeppole doughnuts and tiramisu. Starters $8-$14; mains $19-$25.50. 144 S. Cannon St. 509-459-6000, www.italiatrattoriaspokane.com.
Experience: Get a realistic glimpse of the old mining days in Wallace, Idaho, the Silver Capital of the world. Ride the trolley up to the Sierra Silver Mine, where you'll put on your hard hat and enter the chilly depths of the Sierra Silver Mine, see the veins of ore and learn how the miners worked; $14. 420 Fifth St., Wallace, Idaho. 208-752-5151, www.silverminetour.org. Back in town, enjoy a walk, run or bike ride on Centennial Trail, a 37.5-mile-long path following the Spokane River; www.spokanecentennialtrail.org. Head up to South Hill neighborhood past historic mansions to stunning St. John's Cathedral, a classic Gothic style building with French influence, then tour the city's jewel, the 90-acre Manito Park with arboretum, botanical gardens, a Japanese garden and conservatory. 1702 S. Grand Blvd. 509-625-6200, www.manitopark.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: Deluxe guest rooms at the Davenport Hotel feature a European-style soaking tub, custom-made beds outfitted in fine Frette linens, and views of downtown. A "Break Away & Stay" package includes accommodations, valet parking, town car service within a two-mile radius of the hotel and a $75 dining credit at rates from $218, double occupancy. On site are a grill, lounge, ale house and more. 10 S. Post St. 509-455-8888, www.davenporthotelcollection.com.
Eat: Dine in a setting surrounded by giant gears, pipes and boilers at Steam Plant Grill, Spokane's original steam-generating plant. After renovations in 1999, the building preserved much of the original working plant. Before dining, take a brief self-guided tour. A number of beers are brewed on site. The restaurant works with local farmers and ranchers to create the best regional dishes; mains $13-$29. 159 S. Lincoln. 509-777-3900, www.steamplantspokane.com.
Experience: Downtown Spokane boasts of having more than 20 wineries that produce quality wines from grapes grown in central Columbia Valley. Almost all are family-owned and relatively small (www.spokanewineries.net). A four-hour guided tour with tasting is $50 (weekends). 9329 E. Montgomery Ave. 509-280-2560, www.spokanewinerytours.com. Enjoy a scenic 90-minute cruise of Lake Coeur d'Alene's northern bays. See wildlife, secluded lake homes, and the world's only floating golf green; daily starting April 20; $22.75. 115 S. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. 208-765-4000, www.cdaresort.com.
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