There are things that define Spokane. One of them is the Spokane River and Riverfront Park. The park is a meandering mix of green space and asphalt that stretches East to West on the north side of downtown and is bisected by the Spokane River. Today I needed to get from our home on the West side of Spokane to the eastern border of downtown, so I walked through Riverfront Park. I took my time and observed the surroundings. Over my 20+ years in Spokane there have been a lot of changes in the park. It is not my favorite park, but it has improved over the years. I took several pictures of sculptures in the park that have added visual and artistic interest. You can see some of them below.
The oldest, and most celebrated of the sculptures anywhere in Spokane is the runners. “The Joy of Running Together” is a celebration of Spokane’s annual Bloomsday road race, one of the largest in the United States. It is a timed 12k run that has attracted up to 61, 000 participants at its peak. The first Bloomsday race took place in 1977 with 1500 participants, and now runners come from around the world to participate. It is likely the most iconic event or structure in Spokane.
Another event that defines Spokane is Pig Out In the Park, an annual food and music event. On my way through the park I saw dozens of food booths being set up for the 5 day event that begins this Thursday. If you want deep fried anything this is the place to be. I have never eaten at Pig Out, but I have seen several memorable concerts there – all of which I seem to have forgotten. I also enjoy walking through the energetic mass of people in what is an extremely well attended event. I love the energy of happy crowds.
Speaking of food, we do not eat out at restaurants often. We have been disappointed too many times by overpriced mediocre food and service. Tonight we ate at Kismet, in Hillyard. I am trying very hard to think of restaurants we have been to multiple times. I could not come up with many. Kismet is the biggest exception. It has been open for 4 years now. I can count tonight as our seventh meal there. We have yet to be disappointed by their European influenced Latin food. I recommend Kismet often, and if we take someone to a restaurant Kismet is our first choice. The link is below in case you would like to have more information.
https://www.kismetspokane.com/
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Wow, thanks for the pictures, brought back many good memories of walking through the park, although Manito Park was my favorite (Japanese Gardens), and I too can think of very few restaurants that were worth going more than once, they were overpriced and not always good food or service. However there are parts of the Spokane region I miss.
Keep sharing your travels
Thanks Charles, agreed Manito is my favorite. Riverfront is a bit awkward for me.