Spokane Archives - Out There Venture

Little Rippers of the Inland NW

Amy McCaffree — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 22:39:10 +0000

Every time I’m on the mountain, witnessing the next generation of skiers and snowboarders tearing it up, I feel hopeful and excited for the future. These kids—thanks to their parents, instructors, and coaches—are daring, brave, and strong, from the bunny hill toddler snowplowing S-turns to the pre-teen blazing down a black diamond. Here are four local rippers, ages 12 and younger, to look for this season at their local Ski the NW Rockies association affiliated ski resorts. (Personal disclosure: One is my son.)

Oliver (Ollie) Peck: age 5, skier at 49˚ North

Oliver Peck showing his wedge stance. // Photo: Nate Peck

Landon McCaffree: age 10, skier at Mt. Spokane

Landon McCaffree sending it. // Photo: Judd McCaffree

Kendal Brumet: age 11, skier at Lookout Pass

Kendal Brumet racing at Lookout Pass. // Photo: Matt Sawyer

Libby Collins: age 12, skier at Silver Mountain

Libby Collins racing at Silver Mountain. // Photo courtesy Jessica Crosten.

Family Winter Sports Guide sponsored by Ski the Northwest Rockies association.

Amy McCaffree has been a freelance writer for Out There since 2006, and is Out There Kids columnist and special section editor. She started skiing in 9th grade, taking lessons with her junior high Ski Club at Ski Acres at Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Since winter 2003-04, she has been a season pass skier at Mt. Spokane.

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Local Pop Up Shops and DIY Gifts

Amy McCaffree — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 23:47:31 +0000

Handmade gifts communicate an extra level of thoughtfulness and intention, especially when purchased from local artists. So does gifting the chance for loved ones to dabble in their own creativity. Need inspiration? Check out these Spokane-area venues and workshops.

All Things Art: Located in Coeur d’Alene, the shop provides supplies and classes on knitting, crochet, and quilting.

Board & Brush Creative Studio: Located at Spokane’s South Hill, they offer workshops for DIY décor wood signs with farmhouse, vintage designs.

Brrrzaar: Terrain’s Spokane pop-up shop event, Dec. 14, for local artists, artisans, and makers to sell their handcrafted goods.

Corbin Art Center: Spokane Parks & Recreation classes and workshops for different art mediums.

Creative Fix + Co.: Local artist-owned business hosts DIY wood home décor workshops.

Cross My Art: Community fine arts studio, based at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in north Spokane, hosts monthly art-making workshops.

From Here: Retail storefront in Spokane’s River Park Square that sells locally made fine art, pottery, jewelry, and other items and hosts artist/maker workshops.

Storefront for From Here // Photo courtesy of Terrain

Greencastle Soap & Supply: Open studio and DIY workshops to create your own soaps, bath bombs, and other all-natural skincare products using essential oils, herbs, and fragrances.

Hook and Needle Nook: High-end art yarn supplies and fiber arts classes; located in north Spokane.

New Moon Art Gallery: Classes and workshops for various art mediums.

Painting with a Twist: Spokane Valley studio offers DIY home décor classes, including screen art and painting on canvas or wood.

Regal Fabrics and Gifts: Located on Spokane’s South Hill, Regal hosts quilting classes and sells supplies for sewing and handbag-making projects.

Spokane Print & Publishing Center: Non-profit organization in the West Central neighborhood (formerly known as Millwood Print Works) offers letterpress, printmaking, bookbinding, drawing, and screen-printing _classes.

The Clay Connection: Full-service clay and fused glass studio with classes and open-studio times, and products, and equipment for ceramic and warm glass projects. //

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11 Ways to Get Out There for the Holidays

Amy McCaffree — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 22:35:41 +0000

The holidays shouldn’t be for hibernating. Instead, get out and celebrate the season. Whether you’re seeking nostalgic wonder, fun adventure, or a little bit of holiday magic, there’s something special to suit you.

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).

Leavenworth // Photo by Brian Munoz, courtesy Leavenworth Tourism

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.

Fatbiking Pearrygin Lake State Park // Photo courtesy Methow Fatbike

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.

Photo courtesy Riverfront Park

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.

Mt. Spokane // Photo by Amy McCaffree

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.

Photo courtesy Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Area

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.

Santa on the bunny hill // Photo courtesy Schweitzer Mountain Resort

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.

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New River to Ridges Spokane Trail Map

Out There Venture — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 23:15:53 +0000

In November, the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy announced the release of the new River to Ridges Spokane Trail Map that details 10 area hikes. Printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper, the map was created to help more people explore and navigate the many trails and natural areas around Spokane. Each trail was carefully chosen by local trail advocates and enthusiasts with the hope of providing the best experience at numerous unique urban wildlands. The map includes 10 smaller, detailed maps with trail descriptions. Many of the routes described are easier ones perfect for beginner hikers and those who are new to Spokane. The map also includes some of the conservation story of each area, which are all public lands managed by Washington State Parks, Spokane County Parks, or City of Spokane Parks and Recreation. The map is currently for sale for $5 at several Spokane stores, including Mountain Gear, REI, Main Market Food Co-Op, and Northwest Outdoors.

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Harvest Open House

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Come visit us this month for our Harvest Open House! We’ll make autumn crafts and play some games, and you’ll get a chance to explore our yard with a fun scavenger hunt! Of course, you’ll get to pet some of our amazing classroom critters. as well as meet our awesome hawks and owls! Bring the whole family out for a fun day supporting the WVOLC!!

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Changing of the Seasons: Are you Ready? Open House

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000

This month’s open house will focus on the ways that plants and animals transition through changing seasons! Explore how different organisms survive these seasonal variations through crafts and activities. As always, you’ll also have a chance to meet our resident snakes, tortoises, hawks, owls, and more. We hope to see you there!

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Changing of the Seasons: Are you Ready? Open House

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

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Windermere Marathon & Half Marathon

Sun, 19 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The course includes scenic views of the beautiful Spokane River, during it’s most vibrant season. It is a flat, fast course and many of our runners achieve personal records. It is also a certified Boston Qualifier! Produced by Negative Split.

Scenic, flat, and fast course to help you PR!
Long sleeve tech shirts, spinning medals.
Awards in every five-year age groups.
Awesome finish-line party at the convention center along the river.

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January Issue now Online

Out There Venture — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:54:26 +0000

New issue now online. Check out Brad Naccarato’s great piece on local terrain parks. Just click the thumbnail above.

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