Skiing

Moonlight scatters across glittering snowfields like millions of tiny diamonds. Towering, snow-blanketed evergreens stand sentinel over the quiet, luminous beauty, rare to behold. Three figures staring up at the bright full moon slowly make their way back to the fresh, cross-country ski tracks and disappear into the crystalline mountain landscape.

Cross-country skiing has gained in popularity as winter sports enthusiasts seek the beauty, tranquility and non-stressful environment of groomed woodland trails. Forty-nine Degrees North Chewelah Peek Mountain Resort has a multitude of new additions, including their new Sunrise Quad lift for downhill skiers. The completion of their Nordic Center features a wonderful new yurt, a large parking area, 16 Km of groomed trails for cross-country skiers and 10 Km of snowshoe trails. For renting skis or snowshoes at a very reasonable rate, visit the 49 Degrees yurt, located next to the parking lot. The cozy environment is outfitted with brand new Rossignol rental equipment and trail maps of the area; it’s also a great place to don your gear. The best time to go is in the morning when freshly groomed virgin trails are awaiting skiers Friday-Sunday and holidays; the Nordic trails are usually open until the first week of April as well.

The well-marked groomed trails vary in difficulty from Hoot Owl, which is perfect for families and the Cedar Trail presenting a more challenging track. The trails are laid out for skate skis, as well as classic wider trails and there is even a large cross-country area for beginners. The ski trails traverse multiple lookout points and wind their way through beautiful forested terrain that dips and crests throughout the basin.

The skiing is ideal here and visitors won’t find noisy hotels, restaurants or roadways to mar the serene experience. Take Highway 395 from Spokane to 49 Degrees for some of the best downhill, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Washington State.

Mt. Spokane State Park is located 30 miles from downtown Spokane. The Nordic park runs through 25 miles of freshly groomed trails. Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Nordic park offers easy to moderate well-groomed, cross-country ski trails. The state park is an exceptionally beautiful park for skiing with stunning views and mixed terrain that ranges from snow-covered glades to thick-forested areas. The amazing feature of Mt. Spokane State Park is the Nordic night skiing. Plan your trip, if possible, around winter full moons or wear headband light lamps (available at most Nordic ski shops). The full moon and brilliant stars on clear winter nights casts an enchanting and surreal stage for cross-country skiers. The glittering landscape is an unparalleled experience and one you will insist on sharing with friends or amours! For additional information, call 509-238-4025 for snow phone.

If you prefer ice-skating to skiing, explore Spokane’s downtown River Front Park for a fantastic outdoor covered ice arena, the Ice Palace. The ice arena is very popular and Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi classed the Ice Palace as one of her favorite outdoor rinks in the U.S.

City Pleasures - Martini Bars

Spokane has remained the hidden jewel in eastern Washington for the past few years, but with its downtown infrastructure exploding into a fine dining, club scene, boutique hotels, shopping and cultural Mecca, the city is emerging as the new vacation destination. One of the city’s attractive downtown draws is the multitude of fabulous martini bars. After a long day or evening of skiing, a delicious martini soothes stressed muscles and awakens the taste buds.

Martinis are no longer the stoic vodka and gin recipes of previous eras but a cuisine of liquid ambrosia over which to linger. A perfect environment that melds martini, atmosphere and music is the alluring and chic Bistango Martini Lounge, located on North Post Street. A starry ceiling lightly flickers down on comfy leather seating to immerse yourself and music video concerts such as Norah Jones or Michael Bublé play on multiple unobtrusive screens. The sublime martini selection offers the “O” Love; a Kahlua, rum, coffee and fresh cream potion served with chocolate and its name embossed on top. The Fireworks Martini is a true flaming display of brilliance. Set ablaze with a burnt sugar rim and combined with various coffee liqueurs and fresh espresso, the aroma drifts through the air reaching you a moment before you taste mind-blowing lusciousness.

Scratch, located in the historic Montvale Hotel on West First Avenue, meets the criteria for serious martini bar, as well as fine dining restaurant. The establishment prepares local organic and wild harvested ingredients from scratch, of course. Intimate, modern and hip in a dimmed light and red-toned setting, Scratch serves outstanding martinis. Their famous Hangover Martini is a very tasty, peppered vodka drink in a savory mixture. For liquid dessert in a glass, the Carrot Cake Martini tastes just like the delightful cake itself without the annoying fork to hassle with or messy crumbs.

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, located in River Park Square on West Main, third level, features an excellent cross-section of American and varied ethnic cuisine with their exquisite martinis. The sophisticated, warm atmosphere is accented with leather furnishings and a gorgeous granite bar. Twig’s Maple Bar-Tini reaches transcendence with Starbucks Cream liqueur and Macallan Amber. This divine creation tastes just like a maple bar and is simply a martini you must try!

Twigs is gracious enough to offer the recipe and here it is: 1.25 oz of Macallan Amber, 1.25 oz Starbucks Cream Liqueur and .5 oz half-and-half; serve in a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

If you are skiing at Mt. Spokane, Twig’s new North side bistro is located on East Farwell Road.

City Pleasures - Restaurants

Fine dining in Spokane has risen to new heights with the advent of Wild Sage. Located on West Second Avenue, the bistro presents vibrant, innovative contemporary cuisine with an ambience of relaxed sophistication. Chef Alexa Wilson creates culinary artistry with a unique élan. The Rack of Lamb, marinated with guajillo chile, mesquite grilled, with sweet red pepper jelly, pistachio and pepita crust is an essential entrée selection. Every meal garners the bistro’s signature popovers. These lighter-than-air delicacies melt in your mouth and arrive freshly baked with honey orange butter. Plan for dessert, it would border on criminal to ignore the Coconut Cake with whipped marzipan and passion fruit accompaniment, nestled in a whipped cream pot.

Each superbly plated Wild Sage dish deserves the designation of “signature.” The décor is elegant and sublimely comfortable but not pretentious and the gracious service is never obvious. The bistro is wildly popular; reservations are recommended.

For lunch or dinner and an excellent beer in a unique setting, visit the Steam Plant Grill, located on Lincoln Street. The historical steam plant was converted into a mixed-use building that sports the wonderful grill and numerous businesses. The Wells family created an innovative historic renovation with the steam plant. In addition, they have garnered several awards for their magnificent architectural design of a pre-existing space. It is a fascinating building to peruse. The menu of the Steam Plant Grill is causal but beautifully prepared and not the standard pub fare. Two wonderful entrees from the grill’s wide menu selections include a smoky-mesquite sweet huckleberry chicken to the brewpub steak with a vanilla bourbon stout marinade that is delectable. The fare is well suited to the exceptional Couer d’Alene beers that are brewed right on the premises. Try the round table of beer tastings to experience the diverse award-winning brews that made the Couer d’Alene Brewing Company famous.

Skiing and martinis are just a few aspects of Spokane that will thrill your five senses. Go to VisitSpokane.com for additional information on Spokane.