Spokane, WA

My family and another hosted an outreach to the community Thanksgiving Potluck dinner at the Church of God 7th day this year on Nov. 22nd. The location is 2929 N. Freya. We had 34 attend the event and it was a great feast. We invited people who had no place to go. Singles, people with no family or family was to far and health or other circumstances did not permit travel.

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I find no better way to get into the Holiday spirit by visiting the beautifully decorated Davenport Hotel. I always time my visit with Christmas Tree Elegance. There was no disappointment this year. The Davenport was exquisitely decorated and the Christmas Tree Elegance trees were more beautiful than ever.

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh! Well, it is actually two horses leading a large covered wagon filled to the brim with those relishing in the holiday spirit. I am talking about the carriage rides that are free in downtown Spokane. Every year the Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Downtown Spokane Partnership brings free carriage rides to downtown Spokane and downtown Coeur d’Alene. The horse drawn carriage goes through downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park.

For those of you who didn’t know, Spokane is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in Washington’s growing wine industry. With 14 wineries scattered throughout the Spokane region, local vintners continue to produce award winning wine with a distinctly Washington flavor. Recently I visited Barrister Winery, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Spokane at1213 W. Railroad Ave, to try out one of the region’s premier wineries.

I have heard many people rave about Halletts Market & Café in the Spokane Valley, but had never eaten there myself. I don’t know what I was waiting for. The food was delicious and the meals were very affordable.

Are you dreading getting your holiday shopping done with the kids? Want to go to a movie or dinner with someone but cannot find a babysitter? I have found the place for you; Drop In & Play at Northtown and Valley Mall is your answer. The Northtown Drop In & Play is located on the first floor outside of Kohl’s. The Valley Drop In & Play is located on the second floor between Penny’s and Macy’s.

I really enjoy a good latte. However, now that I have a toddler, finding a place to meet friends that is “kid” friendly is difficult. Last week though I finally found my new favorite coffee place. It is the Little Garden Cafe located at 2901 West Northwest Blvd. in the Audubon Park neighborhood on the northside of Spokane.

Whether you are looking for a night out with the girls, a unique birthday party, host a bridal shower, want your child’s hand or foot prints memorialized or just want something fun to do with your kids, Polka Dot Pottery has it all. I have been painting pottery at Polka Dot Pottery for about 3 years now.

There’s no better way to brighten up a room or glum mood than with the warm glow and wonderful fragrance from candles. As a bit of a candle junkie (and snob), some of the best candles that I have found are right here in town at the Blue Heron Soy Candle Company located at 3928 Post St., Spokane, WA in the Garland District.

My 14 month old son and I just finished a 5 week swim class at the YMCA in downtown Spokane. We had a fabulous time. My son loves getting wet, jumping in the pool, splashing and playing with bubbles. The instructors were excellent and had obviously worked with young kids before. It was nice to begin to get my son acquainted with water. We plan on doing it again after the Holiday’s.