Imagine grabbing dinner at a brand-new local restaurant, strolling through boutique shops, and ending the evening with a drink on a rooftop lounge overlooking Spokane Falls.
That vision could soon become reality.
A proposed $71 million development in Kendall Yards would bring approximately 200 new apartments, 53,000 square feet of restaurant, retail, and commercial space, and a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of Spokane Falls. If approved, it would transform one of the last major undeveloped parcels in Kendall Yards into a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
More Than Just Another Apartment Building
While the additional housing is significant, this project is designed to be much more than a place to live.
The plans call for restaurants, retail storefronts, commercial space, structured parking, and public gathering areas that could further establish Kendall Yards as one of Spokane’s premier neighborhoods. Rather than simply adding apartments, the development would create another walkable destination where people can live, work, dine, shop, and enjoy the riverfront.
Why It Matters
Adding nearly 200 apartments helps address Spokane’s continued need for housing while bringing more customers within walking distance of local businesses. At the same time, more than 53,000 square feet of commercial space creates opportunities for new restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and other locally owned businesses to grow.
One of the most exciting features is the proposed rooftop lounge. With panoramic views overlooking Spokane Falls, it has the potential to become one of Spokane’s most unique places to meet friends, celebrate special occasions, or simply enjoy a summer evening.
What’s Next?
The proposal is currently under review by the City of Spokane. If approved, the project would continue the evolution of Kendall Yards from a former rail yard into one of Spokane’s most vibrant mixed-use communities.
Bringing the Scoop to Your Party: Meet Spokane Swirl, the Local Sister-Owned Soft Serve Rental
If you’ve ever hosted a summer party, graduation bash, or backyard wedding, you know the struggle: keeping guests entertained and fed while trying to actually enjoy your own event. Enter Spokane Swirl—a locally owned soft serve ice cream machine rental service that’s bringing full-service, nostalgic ice cream shop vibes straight to Spokane backyards and venues.
From Baskin-Robbins to Business Owners
Spokane Swirl was founded by two local sisters whose love for ice cream started back in high school while working at Baskin-Robbins. They quickly realized that a scoop of ice cream didn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth—it put an instant smile on people’s faces.
Driven by a passion for hosting memorable gatherings, the duo launched Spokane Swirl to give party hosts in the Inland Northwest an easy, high-impact way to level up their event catering.
“We fell in love with ice cream and the smiles a single cup could induce. Hosting amazing parties for friends and family is our passion, and we want to help you do the exact same thing.”
How It Works: Turnkey Soft Serve Catering
Instead of dealing with melting ice cream tubs or complicated dessert tables, Spokane Swirl delivers commercial-grade, dual-spout “twist” soft serve machines directly to your venue.
Here is what you need to know about the service:
Dual-Flavor Twist Machines: Serve classic chocolate, smooth vanilla, or the crowd-favorite chocolate-vanilla swirl.
Creative Customization: Hosting a high school or college graduation? Spokane Swirl suggests putting vanilla in both sides of the hopper and adding custom food coloring so your guests can swirl their school colors.
Real Dairy Quality: Rentals come with real dairy soft serve mix supplied in half-gallon cartons ($10 each, providing roughly 15 medium cups or cones).
Hands-Off Delivery & Setup: The team handles delivery, setup, and teardown. Every machine arrives 45 minutes prior to your event on a skirted, heavy-duty mobile cart with extension cords included—all you need to provide is a flat surface and a power outlet.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Planning event budgets can be tricky, but Spokane Swirl keeps their package costs straightforward:
Service / Item
Details
Price
Machine Rental
Includes 4-hour event window & full setup
$250
Extra Event Hours
Additional operating time
$25 / hr
Real Dairy Mix
1/2 Gallon carton (~15 servings)
$10 / carton
Party Supplies
Pack of 50 cups and 50 spoons
$15
Delivery Radius
Within 12 miles of Downtown Spokane
FREE
Extended Delivery
Outside the 12-mile radius zone
$25 – $30
Perfect For Any Inland Northwest Gathering
Whether you are organizing a neighborhood block party, an employee appreciation lunch, a birthday party, or a summer wedding, soft serve is an instant crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages. Pair the machine with a self-serve topping bar—think sprinkles, hot fudge, crushed cookies, and cherries—and you’ve got an interactive dessert station that runs itself.
How to Book Your Date
Visit Spokane Swirl and check their live calendar for availability.
Fill out their online inquiry form to reserve your date.
Choose your ice cream mix quantities, party cups, and supply add-ons.
Today’s balanced Spokane housing market creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers, offering more choices, greater flexibility, and a healthier real estate environment.
The Shift is Real: Why Today’s Balanced Spokane Housing Market Benefits Both Buyers and Sellers
If you have been keeping an eye on local real estate headlines lately, you have probably noticed a strange contradiction. One report says inventory is climbing, while another says home prices are holding firm. It’s enough to make any homeowner or prospective buyer pull their hair out. What is actually going on?
The truth is that our local market has entered a highly strategic, “two-sided” phase. We have officially moved past the frantic, unpredictable swings of the post-pandemic years and transitioned into something much more sustainable: a healthy, balanced market.
Whether you are looking to buy your very first home, upgrade to a larger space, or list your current property, this shifting environment completely changes the playbook. Here is a look at what a balanced market really means for you and why it is actually fantastic news for both sides of a transaction.
More Inventory Means Breathing Room for Buyers
For the past few years, house hunting in the Inland Northwest felt a bit like a high-stakes race. Buyers frequently faced severe housing shortages, forcing them to make split-second decisions and waive critical protections—like home inspections and appraisals—just to get an offer accepted.
Today, the landscape looks entirely different. Active listings across the county have seen a significant year-over-year increase, hovering around three to four months of available supply. While this technically keeps us in a slight seller-leaning environment, it grants buyers something they haven’t had in years: options and time. You can actually tour multiple properties, compare neighborhoods, and keep your standard contingencies in place to protect your investment. Furthermore, with mortgage rates stabilizing into a more manageable range compared to recent highs, purchasing power is gradually returning to the market.
Real Pricing Stability is Good for Sellers
If you are a homeowner thinking about listing your property, a headlines-driven market might make you nervous that you missed your window. However, the data tells a completely different story.
The median sales price in Spokane has stabilized comfortably around the $395,000 to $415,000 mark. We aren’t seeing explosive, double-digit artificial spikes anymore, but we also aren’t seeing a crash. Because local inventory is still structurally lean compared to the national average, home values have a solid floor beneath them.
What has changed is buyer tolerance for overpricing. In a balanced market, houses don’t just sell themselves the minute they hit the MLS. Homes that are accurately priced and well-presented are moving steadily, often going pending in about 30 days. Sellers who partner with an agent to price proactively from day one are seeing great results without the stress of sitting on the market.
The Return of Healthy Negotiations
Perhaps the best part of a balanced market is that it brings fairness back to the closing table. Instead of aggressive, blind bidding wars, we are seeing a return to standard real estate practices.
Buyers and sellers are working together again. It is becoming increasingly common to see negotiations involve closing cost credits or temporary interest rate buydowns—strategies that help buyers lower their monthly payments while allowing sellers to maintain their target net gains. It’s a win-win dynamic that keeps transactions moving smoothly.
Let’s Build Your Real Estate Strategy
A balanced market is less about speed and luck, and much more about strategy and clarity. Whether you are navigating the timelines of selling a current home to buy your next one, or trying to find a hidden gem in a competitive neighborhood, having an expert guide makes all the difference.
If you are ready to stop guessing what the headlines mean and get a clear look at your specific neighborhood’s numbers, let’s connect! Head over to my website at swansonrealtor.withwre.com to check out the latest market data and browse active listings, or reach out directly to jumpstart your real estate goals.
Some people preserve culture by reading about it. Others preserve it by living it.
Spokane’s own Tua Unutoa is one of those people.
If you’ve attended a local festival, community celebration, or cultural event, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Tua performing the breathtaking art of Samoan fire knife dancing. With years of experience, he brings energy, precision, and deep cultural pride to every performance.
But what makes Tua truly remarkable isn’t just the spectacle.
It’s the story behind it.
Carrying Culture Forward
For generations, Polynesian dance has been more than entertainment. It tells stories, honors ancestors, celebrates milestones, and keeps traditions alive.
Every performance reflects a rich heritage passed down through generations. The fire knife dance, originally inspired by the Samoan warrior’s weapon, has become one of the most recognized symbols of Polynesian culture throughout the world.
When Tua performs, he isn’t simply putting on a show—he’s sharing a piece of his family’s history and inviting others to experience the traditions that helped shape him.
A Spokane Neighbor with a Global Heart
While Tua calls Spokane home, his impact reaches well beyond our community.
He has participated in humanitarian trips with This Mission, serving communities in Costa Rica alongside volunteers from Spokane. Whether performing, serving, or simply connecting with people from different backgrounds, his goal remains the same: building relationships and representing his culture with humility and respect.
That heart for service is one of the many reasons he’s become such a respected member of our community.
More Than a Performance
Watching Tua spin a blazing fire knife is unforgettable.
Behind every movement is years of dedication, discipline, and respect for a tradition that has been shared across generations. His performances remind us that culture is something to celebrate, protect, and pass on.
We’re fortunate to have neighbors like Tua who enrich Spokane by sharing their heritage and helping make our community more connected and diverse.
Thank you, Tua, for keeping tradition alive and for making Spokane an even more vibrant place to call home.
European Bakehouse Charm in Deer Park: Why Leaven Bakery Needs to Be Your Next Drive
If you live around Spokane and appreciate a genuinely good, flaky croissant or a solid loaf of crusty sourdough, you know that finding authentic European-style baking can be a bit of a search.
Tucked just a short drive north in Deer Park, Leaven Bakery & Patisserie is quiet proof that you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic (or even wander around a huge city) to get top-tier pastries. Founded by owner Christie Janson and a team of passionate, self-taught bakers, the goal behind Leaven was simple: build a hometown bakery that brings real European quality, craftsmanship, and selection right to the neighborhood.
What Makes It Worth the Short Drive
The second you walk through the doors, you’re hit with that incredible smell of real butter, fresh coffee, and crackling sourdough crusts. Everything here is made completely in-house every morning, and you can tell they don’t cut corners.
A few things you should definitely try on your first run:
The Croissants & Pain au Chocolat: These are the real deal—crisp, paper-thin flaky layers on the outside with that soft, airy butteriness on the inside.
The Cinnamon Rolls: These have turned into a massive local favorite for good reason. They’re pillow-soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with just the right amount of icing.
Artisan Sourdough: A deep, flavorful crust with a chewy, soft interior. Grab a full loaf to bring home for morning toast or dinner sandwiches—you won’t regret it.
Fresh Patisserie: Their display case rotates regularly with seasonal tarts, sweet treats, and special-order creations.
Planning Your Visit
Whether you’re heading north toward the lakes for the weekend, taking a casual drive, or just on a personal mission to hunt down the best bread in the area, Leaven is a spot you’ll want to add to your rotation.
Website & Orders: You can check out their daily menu or set up a pickup order right at leaven-bakery.com.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday; 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday and Friday). Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Quick Tip: Go on the earlier side if you can. The popular stuff—especially the fresh croissants and warm sourdough—tends to move fast.
Nonstop Flights from Spokane to Honolulu Are Coming This Winter
Dreaming of warm beaches, ocean breezes, and Hawaiian sunsets? Getting there from Spokane is about to become much easier.
Alaska Airlines has announced a new seasonal nonstop flight between Spokane International Airport (GEG) and Honolulu (HNL), giving Inland Northwest travelers their first-ever direct connection to Hawaiʻi. If you’ve ever dreaded the long layovers or racing through Seattle to make a connection, this is welcome news.
What You Need to Know
Beginning Saturday, December 19, 2026, Alaska Airlines will offer nonstop Saturday flights between Spokane and Honolulu through April 17, 2027. The flights will operate on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and will be the only nonstop service between Eastern Washington and Hawaiʻi.
More Than Just Oʻahu
One of the biggest advantages of the new route is that travelers can easily connect in Honolulu to other Hawaiian Islands, including:
Maui
Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
That means your vacation doesn’t have to stop in Honolulu—you’ll have convenient onward connections throughout the islands.
Why This Matters for Spokane
For years, a nonstop flight to Hawaiʻi has been one of the most requested routes from Spokane travelers. According to Spokane Airport officials, more than 230 passengers from the Inland Northwest travel to Hawaiʻi every day, making it one of the region’s strongest leisure travel markets.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, celebrating a special occasion, escaping winter, or simply checking Hawaiʻi off your bucket list, the journey just became much easier.
With one flight, you can leave Spokane in the morning and be enjoying dinner in Honolulu the same day—no layovers required.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan a Hawaiian getaway, this might be it.
Check Out Griffin Tavern: Downtown Spokane’s Fresh Take on the Classic Pub
If you’ve been walking around downtown Spokane’s Arts and Entertainment District lately, you might have noticed a buzz coming from 1st Avenue. Griffin Tavern Kitchen + Taphouse has stepped into the local scene, bringing a fun mix of classic pub comfort, great food, and a modern twist to downtown.
Whether you’re catching a show nearby at the Fox Theater or the Bing Crosby Theater, looking for a new happy hour spot, or just craving a solid burger and a cold pint, here is why this place needs to be on your radar.
Pour Your Own Pint: Eastern Washington’s First Self-Pour Beer Wall
The biggest headline at Griffin Tavern is its 20-tap self-serve beer wall.
If you’ve ever wanted to sample four different local microbrews, ciders, or wines without having to commit to a full pint (or wait for a busy bartender), this is your spot. You get to control your pour—pour an ounce to test it out, or fill up a whole glass of your new favorite local draft. It makes exploring regional breweries super easy and interactive.
The Food: Classic Comfort with a Twist
Don’t let the taphouse label fool you into thinking the food is an afterthought. The kitchen serves up British pub staples alongside familiar American comfort food classics:
Pub Favorites: Hand-breaded fish and chips, crispy fried pretzel bites, and juicy tavern burgers.
Shared Bites & Daily Specials: Great options to split with a group before heading to a downtown event, plus weekly features like Taco & Trivia Tuesdays.
The Vibe: Hidden Doors and Classic Arcade Fun
Located right in the historic Montvale Hotel building, the space hits the right balance between historic charm and a relaxed, casual hang.
Beyond the main dining area and bar, there’s a classic arcade section to hang out in, plus a hidden private dining room behind a secret door—complete with a custom black walnut table for groups booking a special night out.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 1001 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (Across from the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox)
Hours: Opens late afternoon daily through midnight on weekends
Reservations & Details: Head over to thegriffintavern.com to check out their full menu, look at party bookings, or reserve a table.
This Week’s Meal Plan: Five Easy Dinners to Simplify Your Week
“What’s for dinner?” It might be the most asked question in every household. Instead of scrambling for ideas each evening, I’ve done the planning for you. Here’s this week’s lineup of easy dinners, one delicious breakfast treat, and a grocery list to make shopping simple.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just looking for a little inspiration, these recipes are simple, comforting, and perfect for the week ahead. Just click on any recipe title to jump straight to the recipe.
Start the week with a hearty dinner that’s ready with just four simple ingredients. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed broccoli for an easy Monday meal.
Tuesday
Taco Tuesday
Some traditions are worth keeping! Brown a pound of ground beef, add taco seasoning, and set out tortillas along with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Dinner is served in minutes.
Let your slow cooker handle dinner while you tackle the day. Tender steak and rich gravy are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
If you have cream cheese left from this week’s groceries, put it to good use with these warm, flaky blueberry crescent rolls. They’re perfect for a slow Saturday morning with coffee or a family brunch.
This Week’s Grocery List
Meat
Kielbasa
Ground beef
Steak (or stew meat)
Beef for Beef & Noodles
Boneless chicken breasts
Produce
Potatoes
Onion
Salad mix
Broccoli or green beans
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Avocado (optional)
Blueberries
Dairy
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream cheese
Butter
Milk
Sour cream
Pantry
Cream of mushroom soup
Beef broth
Brown gravy mix
Egg noodles
Crescent roll dough
Taco seasoning
Taco shells or tortillas
Salsa
I hope this meal plan helps make your week a little easier. If you try one of the recipes, I’d love to hear which one becomes a new favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
The 48-Hour Spokane Family Bucket List: The Ultimate End-of-Summer Staycation
Before the school alarms start going off and the crazy fall schedule takes over, summer deserves one last proper send-off. The good news? You don’t have to deal with airport security or pack huge suitcases to get a real break. A quick two-day staycation right here in our own backyard is all it takes to squeeze in a little more summer fun.
Here is a straightforward, action-packed 48-hour plan to pull off an awesome weekend with the kids before back-to-school hits.
Day 1: Downtown Parks, Big Views, and Arcade Games
Morning: Hands-On Fun at Mobius
Kick off your staycation downtown at Mobius Discovery Center. It’s easily one of the best spots in town to keep kids busy without anyone getting bored. They can mess around with the interactive water displays, build stuff at the engineering stations, and just explore. Plus, it’s indoors, which is a nice way to start the day before it gets too hot outside.
Afternoon: Riverfront Park and the SkyRide
Once everyone is ready to move, head right across the street into Riverfront Park:
Ice Age Floods Playground: Let the kids run wild for a bit. There are tons of climbing structures, long slides, and water features to cool off.
Numerica SkyRide: You really can’t skip this one. It’s a quick 15-minute gondola trip right over the Spokane Falls, and the views of the river and the downtown skyline are worth every penny. Kids always love it.
Evening: Go-Karts and Pizza at Wonderland
Wrap up your first day by heading up north to Wonderland Family Fun Center. Grab a pizza for dinner, and then dive into some classic family competition:
Race each other on the outdoor go-kart track.
Play a round of mini-golf.
Hit the arcade to collect tickets and stock up on cheap prizes before calling it a night.
Day 2: River Floats and Mountain Trails
Morning: Paddle the Little Spokane River
Start the morning on the water before the heat sets in. Load up the kayaks or paddleboards and head to the Little Spokane River:
Put in at St. George’s or Painted Rocks for a smooth, easy float down crystal-clear water surrounded by trees.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—you’ll almost always spot turtles, herons, and sometimes even a moose hanging out in the brush.
Quick Tip: Keep in mind that inner tubes and pool floats aren’t allowed on this stretch of the river, so stick to kayaks, canoes, or SUPs!
Afternoon & Evening: Cooler Air at Mt. Spokane
When the afternoon heat peaks, drive up Mt. Spokane State Park to trade the valley heat for fresh mountain air:
Hit the Trails: Pick a simple, family-friendly trail through the shaded pines. Late summer is a great time to catch wild mountain flowers and wide-open views across the region.
Pack a Picnic: Bring dinner with you and eat near the summit or up by the historic Vista House while watching the sunset before driving back down.
Making the Most of Late Summer
You don’t need a massive travel budget or a week off work to make lasting memories. Load up the car, grab some sunscreen, and go enjoy the best of Spokane while summer is still here!
Your Ultimate Guide to Green Bluff’s Peach Harvest.
Peach season is in full swing across Green Bluff! Early varieties usually start ripening right around late July, with peak “bend-over peach” season running right through August.
If you’re looking to stock up on fresh, sun-ripened fruit, here are the primary Green Bluff farms that grow and sell peaches—for both U-pick and pre-picked options:
Top Peach Farms on Green Bluff
Beck’s Harvest House: Famous for their early-to-mid summer peaches, local produce, and delicious peach treats in their Country Kitchen.
Walter’s Fruit Ranch: Known for fantastic U-pick and pre-picked peaches starting in late July and running through August, complete with tractor rides out to the orchard.
High Country Orchard: Offers fresh peaches, nectarines, baked peach goods, and a fantastic country store experience.
Hidden Acres Orchards: Features multiple freestone peach varieties (like Late Red Haven) alongside other stone fruits on their eco-friendly farm.
Pro Tip Before You Drive Up: Peach ripening depends heavily on daily weather, sun exposure, and picking volume. Individual farm supply can change rapidly from one day to the next! It’s always best to check the Green Bluff Growers What’s Ripe Page or call the farm directly before heading up.
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