Spokane - The Lilac City

This is Spokane's Riverfront Park. A world exposition was held here in 1974. The upper part of what used to be the US Pavilion can be seen in the background. Swans are commonly seen in the Spokane parks. The beauty of nature is one of the many advantages of life in Spokane.

This is another view of beautiful Riverfront Park. The Clock Tower is the last remnant of a train yard that used to occupy this spot before the Expo. Riverfront Park is the scene of a spectacular fireworks display every Fourth of July. In August of each year is another fireworks display as the Spokane Symphony Orchestra performs Handel's Fireworks Concerto on a floating stage behind the Opera House.

This is the Carousel in Riverfront Park. A popular attraction for the families. The carousel was originally a wedding gift from a father to his daughter at the turn of the 19th century. It has been faithfully restored and is lovingly maintained by skilled craftsmen.

This is the Spokane Opera House as seen from Riverfront Park. Several touring Broadway productions perform here each year as well as many top musical artists. The Opera House is also home to the Spokane Symphony Orchestra.

This is Duncan Gardens in Manito Park located in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood. Many weddings take place here during the summer months. Manito Park also has a very beautiful rose garden that is at it's peak in late June. While visiting the park, a visit to the park's Japanese Garden is also a must. After touring all of the gardens and the greenhouse, locals like to relax by the pond and feed the ducks, geese, and swans.

This is the Spokane County Courthouse. I love the fairy tale architecture.

This is Riverside State Park, a wonderful park that is right at Spokane's northwest city boundary. The park runs for several miles along the Spokane River, with several hiking trails and swimming coves. Camping is popular at this family oriented park. The rock formation in the background is known as The Bowl and Pitcher.

This is the two-story Cougar Falls in the transit terminal in downtown Spokane. There are brass paw prints in the terrazzo floor leading up to the falls. The two cougars are cast in bronze. The mascot for Washington State University located south of Spokane is the cougar.