Have you been to Spokane’s “Secret Garden”?

Tucked into the hillside just west of the Corbin Art Center in Edwidge Woldson Park at 507 W. 7th Ave. is one of those Spokane places that’s surprisingly easy to miss: Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens.

This beautiful historic garden feels worlds away from the city, even though it’s just minutes from downtown. Winding paths, lush greenery, perennial flowers, stonework, a pergola and tucked-away garden spaces make it feel a little like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.

And the history behind it makes it even more interesting.

A Garden More Than 130 Years in the Making

The story begins in 1889, when Frank Rockwood Moore and his wife, Sarah, purchased the property and hired renowned Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter to design their home.

After Frank Moore died in 1895, the property eventually became home to U.S. Senator George Turner and his wife, Bertha.

In 1911, the Turners brought in Portland landscape architect Hugh Bryan to redesign and expand the gardens. His design incorporated elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, including a distinctive two-tiered pergola and tea house.

For years, the gardens flourished on the hillside.

After George Turner died in 1932, however, the property eventually passed to a bank. The house was demolished in 1940, and over the decades much of the once-beautiful garden disappeared.

Bringing Spokane’s Secret Garden Back to Life

Thankfully, this little piece of Spokane history wasn’t lost forever.

A major restoration effort began in 2005, supported by grants and private donations. One of the most significant gifts came from Spokane philanthropist Myrtle Woldson, who contributed in honor of her mother, Edwidge Woldson.

The surrounding park was renamed Edwidge Woldson Park in 2010.

Today, Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens has been carefully restored to reflect the garden as it appeared following its 1911 redesign. It’s a wonderful combination of Spokane history, architecture and nature—and one of my favorite kinds of local finds: a place you can drive past countless times without realizing what’s hiding just up the hill.

Visit Before It Closes for the Season

If you haven’t explored it yet, you still have a little time.

Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens
Just west of the Corbin Art Center in Edwidge Woldson Park
507 W. 7th Ave., Spokane

Open through September 15
Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Monday: Closed

If you love discovering Spokane’s lesser-known places, put this one on your list. Take your time wandering the paths, enjoy the flowers and imagine what this hillside must have looked like more than a century ago.

Sometimes the best Spokane adventures are hiding right in plain sight.

Thinking about making a move in Spokane? Whether you’re curious what your home is worth, considering selling, or just wondering what’s happening in your neighborhood, I’m always happy to be a resource. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help. Ronda 509.979.5894

Some weeks call for ambitious recipes and lots of time in the kitchen.

This is not one of those weeks.

This meal plan is all about dinners that are simple, satisfying and realistic for busy days. I’ve gathered seven completely new recipes—including quick skillet meals, an easy slow-cooker dinner and a Friday-night favorite—plus something sweet for dessert.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

 

This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Easy Dinners + Something Sweet

Does anyone else feel like figuring out what’s for dinner is half the battle?

That’s exactly why I love putting these meal plans together. Instead of standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:30 wondering what sounds good, here are seven dinners already planned for you — plus something sweet.

This week, every recipe is brand-new to the meal plan. There are quick 30-minute dinners, two easy one-pan meals, a slow-cooker favorite and a fun Friday-night option.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

Monday: Creamy Beef & Shells

Let’s start the week with something quick, creamy and comforting.

Tender pasta shells and seasoned ground beef are tossed in a creamy tomato and cheddar sauce. It has the familiar comfort of those boxed beef-and-pasta dinners many of us grew up with, but with a richer homemade flavor.

It’s ready in about 30 minutes. Add roasted broccoli, green beans or a simple salad and Monday dinner is done.

Tuesday: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Tuesday gets a dinner that feels a little special without requiring a lot of extra work.

Chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach all cook in one skillet. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, which means more flavor and fewer dishes to wash.

Serve it on its own or add warm garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Wednesday: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice Skillet

Midweek feels like a good time for another one-pan dinner.

Seasoned ground beef, rice, enchilada sauce and corn cook together in one skillet before everything gets topped with plenty of melted cheese. You get all those familiar enchilada flavors without filling and rolling individual tortillas.

Put out sour cream, avocado, cilantro and crushed tortilla chips and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Thursday: Teriyaki Chicken Noodles

Thursday night, we’re skipping the takeout.

Tender chicken, noodles, broccoli and red bell pepper are tossed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The whole dinner is ready in about 30 minutes, and you can easily change the vegetables based on what you already have in the refrigerator.

Chicken, noodles and vegetables all in one dish — done.

Friday: Baked Italian Sliders

Friday calls for something easy and fun.

Hawaiian rolls are layered with ham, salami, pepperoni and provolone, then brushed with a buttery Parmesan and Italian-seasoning topping before being baked until warm, melty and golden.

Serve them with a salad, fresh fruit or chips. These would also be perfect for a football night or casual family get-together.

Saturday: Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Saturday gets crispy chicken without the mess of frying.

Thin chicken breasts are coated with Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning, then baked until crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.

Add mashed or roasted potatoes and your favorite vegetable. You can even roast broccoli on a second sheet pan while the chicken cooks.

Sunday: Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

Sunday dinner without spending Sunday afternoon in the kitchen? Yes, please.

Chicken cooks slowly with sweet onions, French onion soup, beef broth and seasonings before being topped with melted provolone. It’s warm, savory and exactly the kind of cozy dinner that starts sounding good when Spokane evenings begin to cool down.

Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice or buttered egg noodles so none of that delicious sauce goes to waste.

And Now for Something Sweet

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert tastes like you spent far more time making it than you actually did.

Sweet strawberry filling, a creamy cheesecake layer and a buttery golden cake topping come together in one baking dish with only about 10 minutes of prep.

Serve it while it’s still a little warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s easy enough for a family dinner but good enough to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Your Grocery List

Before heading to the store, check your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. You probably already have quite a few of these ingredients.

Produce

• 1 large sweet onion
• 1 small onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets, plus more if serving as a side
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 7 cloves garlic
• Green onions, optional
• Avocados, optional
• Fresh cilantro, optional
• Fresh strawberries, optional
• Salad greens, potatoes, green beans or other side vegetables of your choice
• Fresh fruit, optional for slider night

Meat

• 2 pounds ground beef
• About 6½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets
• 6 slices deli ham
• 6 slices salami
• 12 slices pepperoni

Dairy & Refrigerated

• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• About 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
• 1 cup shredded or sliced provolone cheese, plus 6 additional slices
• 2 eggs
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
• 15 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Sour cream, optional
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, optional — but highly recommended

Bread, Rice & Pasta

• 12 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine or lo mein noodles
• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
• Mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles for the French onion chicken
• Garlic bread, optional
• Tortilla chips, optional

Frozen

• 1 cup frozen corn

Sauces, Soups & Canned Goods

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 2½ cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (21-ounce) cans strawberry pie filling

Pantry & Seasonings

• Olive oil or cooking oil
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Dried thyme
• Sesame oil, optional
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dinner Is Planned

There you go.

Seven brand-new dinners. One easy dessert. One grocery list.

Hopefully that means a little less time figuring out what to make this week and a little more time actually enjoying dinner.

Save this meal plan before you head to the store and send it to a friend who could use a few easy dinner ideas too.

And while I’m helping make dinner a little easier, I’m always happy to make Spokane real estate a little easier too.

If you’re wondering what your home might be worth, thinking about making a move, or simply curious about what’s happening in your Spokane neighborhood, reach out anytime.

I’m always happy to be a resource, and I’m never too busy for a phone call.

509.979.5894
Ronda

There’s something about September in Spokane that instantly gets me excited for crisp morning air, changing leaves, and a weekend trip up to Green Bluff. While we’re still a few weeks away from peak pumpkin patches and corn mazes, Green Bluff’s famous apple season has officially arrived.

Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Spokane, this historic farming community is home to roughly 30 independently owned farms. Each offers its own unique charm, freshly harvested crops, and family-friendly experiences.

Here is everything you need to know to make the most of this early-fall tradition.

What’s Ripe Right Now?

Depending on the farm and the weather, apple season in Green Bluff runs from late August through October. September, however, is the sweet spot for early-season varieties and shorter crowds.

• Current U-Pick Varieties: Local favorites like Walters’ Fruit Ranch are currently offering U-pick Paula Red, Ginger Gold, and Early Golden apples—alongside blooming sunflower fields and fresh produce at their farm market.

• Coming Soon: Spots like Beck’s Harvest House will see prime picking for mid-to-late season apples, pumpkin patches, and their iconic pumpkin donuts as September progresses.

Local Tip: You don’t need to lock yourself into just one location. The beauty of Green Bluff is driving the scenic loop, hopping between 2 or 3 farms, and sampling whatever catches your eye.

Why Early September is the Best Time to Go

Right now, Green Bluff is in that sweet, quiet transition between late summer and peak autumn.

While the giant festival crowds descend in October for halloween activities and mazes, September offers a far more relaxed pace. You get the crisp air, fully loaded fruit trees, and open farm stores without the bumper-to-bumper traffic.

If you want to soak up the start of fall at your own pace, now is the time to go.

Quick Tips for Your Trip

• Check before you drive: Because every farm is independently operated, hours and crop availability change daily based on weather and ripening schedules.

• Dress for the farm: Dirt tracks mean dusty shoes! Wear comfy sneakers or boots, and bring layers for changing autumn temperatures.

• Bring boxes or bags: Many farms provide containers, but having a sturdy tote or trunk box makes transporting fruit home much easier.

• Start at the directory: Head to the official Green Bluff Growers Association site to download their interactive farm map and check individual grower hours.

Loving the Spokane Lifestyle?

One of my absolute favorite parts about living in the Spokane area is how effortlessly urban amenities blend with countryside charm. You can grab coffee downtown, head 20 minutes up the hill to pick fresh apples, and be back home in time for dinner.

If you’re thinking about making a move—or are curious about what your current home is worth in today’s Spokane market—I’d love to connect.

Have questions about local real estate or specific Spokane neighborhoods? Reach out anytime! I’m always here to help you find your place in our community. 509.979.5894