One of the most difficult aspects of this pandemic has been missing out on life’s milestones. Some have opted to celebrate in alternative ways, with drive-by honkings and socially distanced backyard hangs. Most of us, however, have struggled to figure out how to acknowledge a milestone in our lives while remaining safe.

My wife and I usually celebrate our July anniversary by going to dinner at one of Spokane’s many excellent fine dining restaurants, where we indulge in three courses and expensive cocktails. But what if you’re a low-key person or you’re not interested in dining out right now? 

That’s where Wanderlust Delicato comes in. Wanderlust is a cheese shop that opened downtown Spokane last fall. It offers cured meats, cheeses, wines, and other delicacies. If you’re not a charcuterie connoisseur, that’s fine. Wanderlust offers pre-made platters, small to-go options, and sandwiches.

With the help of employee and chocolatier Drew Smith, I chose four cheeses for my platter, including a Croation Paski Sir with beautiful crystals, and three meats: Spanish chorizo, smoky tasso coppa, and a mild jamon serrano. We threw in sides, like cornichons, which are tiny pickles, and sweety drops, which are tiny red Peruvian peppers that burst in the mouth with a delightful and satisfying pop. Smith also added some of his custom-made decadent chocolate bars. 

At home, I prepared a white sangria using sauvignon blanc and local fruit to go with it all. A wooden cutting board artfully displayed our fare, but all of these items could be placed in a picnic basket or pack and taken to your favorite park or trail.

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Jingle Bell 5K Run: Dress up in festive, colorful attire for this fun-run or walk on Dec. 7 at Spokane’s Riverfront Park to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.  

Festivals & Tree Lightings: Regional events include Parade of Lights in Missoula (Dec. 7); Wallace Retro Christmas festival (Dec. 7-8 & 14-15); Holiday Fest & Tree Lighting in Pullman (Dec. 7), which includes a YMCA Kid’s Jingle Bell Fun Run; and the epic Christmas Lighting Festival in Leavenworth (Dec. 6-8, 13-15, & 20-22). 

Holiday Lights: Destinations include Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory  in Spokane, open Dec. 7-31 (extended dates this year); Luminaria Walk at Yakima Area Arboretum (Dec. 9-10); and Lighted Boat Parade along the Columbia River between Kennewick and Richland (Dec. 6 and 7). 

DIY moonlit fat bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski adventure. The Cold Full Moon is December 12—also referred to as the “frost” or “long nights moon” according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.  

Christmas Tree Hunt: Cut down your own tree at a Christmas tree farm or make the hunt a National Forest backcountry adventure. Purchase a tree-cutting permit from your local U.S. Forest Service ranger office and follow regulations to harvest your own rustic fir tree. More info at fs.fed.us. (Can also harvest trees on BLM land.)

Ice Skating & Yoga at Riverfront Park: Riverfront Park Skate Ribbon is open daily, with free ice-skating lessons every Sunday, 11 a.m.-noon, and there are free yoga classes at the Pavilion on Tuesday evenings.   

Cross-country ski and fat bike in the city: When there is enough snow in Spokane and many other Inland NW towns, groomed trails may be available at select locations. In Spokane, that includes Indian Canyon Golf Course (ski only), Riverside State Park (ski and fat bike), and Dwight Merkel Park (ski and fat bike). All are free to use, except the state park requires a Discover Pass. More details at the City of Spokane website. 

Night Skiing/Snowboarding: Starting Friday, Dec. 20, Mt. Spokane’s alpine area remains opens for night skiing until 9:00 p.m. (earlier time this year), recurring Wednesdays-Saturdays through mid-March. (Note: Previous years night skiing ended at 9:30 p.m.) Sunsets and summit views of area city lights are spectacular. Other regional resorts also offer night skiing. 

Dress-up like Santa and ski/snowboard for free: On Dec. 21, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park will host an all-day Holiday Party, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as a Jingle Rails terrain park event. Anyone who dresses in a full Santa outfit receives a free lift ticket that day. Lookout Pass hosts its Santa dress-up and ski-free day on Dec. 22. 

Ski/Ride with Santa: On Dec. 23, Santa Claus will visit Schweitzer Mountain Resort to ski and ride with kids. Then on Dec. 24 he’ll fly to Lookout Pass, and also make time to visit Schweitzer on Christmas Eve for the annual kids’ balloon parade.   

New Year’s Eve Festivities: Watch (or ski in) the Torchlight Parade at Lookout Pass. Fun begins at 5 p.m. (see participation requirements online). Spokane’s Riverfront Park hosts a New Year’s Pavilion Party from 8 p.m.-midnight.

The post 11 Ways to Get Out There for the Holidays appeared first on Out There Venture.

Yes. It’s true. As part of its participation in Spokane’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program, The Fernwell Building and the City Ramp Garage are offering indoor bicycle parking in Downtown Spokane available to both Fernwell Building Tenants and the public. The City Ramp Garage is providing a ride-in, secured bicycle storage room in the basement of its Building starting at one dollar per day.

To schedule a tour of the new bicycle parking facility, please stop by City Ramp at the corner of 1st and Stevens or contact city ramp manager Lu Gaurdipee at 509.624.1313.

The Fernwell Building’s Commute Trip Coordinator, Holly Coleman, is also available to answer at questions and can be reached at 509-624-5664 or hcoleman@fernwell.net.

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