Unveiling Spokane: The Trendiest City in Washington with a Thriving Wine Culture and Unique Shopping Experiences
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In 1974, Spokane, Washington, became the smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair. Known as Expo ’74, this event marked a significant transformation for the city as it revitalized its dilapidated downtown railyard along the scenic banks of the Spokane River into an expansive 100-acre fairground. This remarkable site showcased America’s inaugural IMAX theater, an aerial gondola traversing over Spokane Falls, and a charming vintage Looff Carrousel from 1909 among various attractions.
During its run from May to November, Expo ’74 attracted approximately 5.6 million visitors who explored exhibits representing ten different countries. Notable displays included Australia’s model of the newly constructed Sydney Opera House and Japan’s beautifully crafted formal garden.
A short distance away lies the Fox Theatre—a stunning Art Deco structure built in 1931 that originally served as a movie palace with seating for 2,300 guests but now hosts performances by the renowned Spokane Symphony. After enjoying an evening show, consider visiting Barrister Winery located within what was once an auto warehouse; here you can savor exquisite wines like Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Walla Walla Valley.
Culinary Delights Await
If you’re looking for dinner options that tantalize your taste buds, treat yourself to a six-course dining experience at Gander & Ryegrass where Chef Peter Froese crafts Italian-inspired dishes such as kohlrabi risotto or succulent pork paired with chanterelles. Alternatively, head over to Indigenous Eat for traditional bison tacos served alongside fry bread and “three sisters” soup made from corn, squash, and beans.
A Vintage Shopping Paradise
The vintage shopping scene in Spokane is equally captivating. Teleport Vintage & Co., for instance, curates an eclectic collection featuring horsehide leather jackets alongside band tees and denim sourced not only locally but also internationally from places like Colombia and England. While browsing through their unique offerings—ranging from camp blankets to workwear—you can enjoy refreshments available on-site including beer or hard seltzer.
This article first appeared in Travel + Leisure’s October 2024 issue under “Sparkle City.” For more exciting updates about travel destinations like this one sign up for our newsletter!
