Spokane, WA

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.

To ride look for the sign on Wall Street between Main and Spokane Falls Blvd., near the Olive Garden Restaurant. This is the first year we have made our way downtown to go on the carriage ride. We dressed warm, although I would also suggest taking a blanket to put over your legs as it was cold. Once you board the sleigh, the horses take off for a lovely ride through downtown Spokane.

The horses are wearing jingle bells, so as you travel you can hear the horses’ hooves clopping on the ground and the jingle bells singing a little song. We enjoyed seeing downtown Spokane at a slower pace than you get when you drive through it. The businesses are decorated for the Holidays, Riverfront Park is a glow in lights and winter is in the air. My son loved riding on the sleigh and seeing all the cars go by. The other kids on the sleigh ride were also having a great time. Every child got a candy cane to eat on the ride and each family was given a two for one coupon for a hot beverage at one of many coffee shops in the downtown area. Carriage rides are available now through December 24^th.

You can enjoy a ride on Friday nights 3 pm to 8 pm or Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. On Christmas Eve the sleigh rides will be offered noon to 3 p.m. Oh yeah, did I mention the best part, it is free.