Santa's Inland Checklist

Better Check it Twice

December 19, 2024

What’s Happening This Week

Queue Buddy the Elf gazing at the Rockefeller Plaza tree... it’s that time of year. Downtown Spokane is going off and holding court as a great Christmas town. Epic Santa vibes in River Park Square, ice skating ribbons, Christmas lights illuminating downtown... I mean, come on. I’m here for all of it. If you skipped out on Christmas Tree Elegance at the Davenport, there are a handful of ways to overly-romanticize Christmas before the big day:

I love the thought of gliding on ice... gentle snowfall... and Kygo blasting in the background. DJ Night on the Ice has been going on since the beginning of December. Frankly, I don’t know what kind of music they play—really, I’m just trying to make sure I don’t eat 💩. This party on ice is held every Friday at 6 PM at the Numerica Skate Ribbon—hope to see you there!

As a gargantuan Christmas dude, I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to The Davenport. So let’s just say you fell on your ass half a dozen times at the Skate Ribbon, well, anything can probably be salvaged at the Davenport (Historic)’s Peacock Lounge... or you can post up at the new Lobby Bar for some—always perfectly crafted—dranks.

If you want to scrap the mere thought of being horizontal. On the ice. Paralyzed with embarrassment, well... it might be more worthwhile to take yourself, your significant other, or your kids (if applicable) through the Thomas Hammer on Grand, get something warm and tasty in their hands as a bargaining chip, and take a waltz through the holiday lights in Manito. If nothing else, it will force everyone into full-throttle Christmas mode.

See me at the Peacock Lounge:

Somethin’ Worth Knowin’ 

Have you joined the pickleball craze yet? 🥒🎾 Well, if you’re trying to find an activity to fight off the winter blues, I implore you to pick up a paddle and hard launch into your pickleball era. What’s that you say?! You play pickleball outside? I say nay. Spokane has plenty of options to get your pickle fix when there’s snow outside... Here are 3 perfect spots to get your game on:

The Press: Located right in the heart of Spokane is The Press. Let me tell ya, if I’m in the area, I’m def going to hit up my friend, talk smack and likely perform at cringeworthy levels of adult recreational competitiveness for a couple hours—and I have. Good news, there’s a reward. The facility is conveniently located next to Dry Fly, so don’t deplete all liquids from your body; victory cocktails are necessary and will demand your attention.

Pickleball on Broadway: This place is pristine: we’re talkin’ sanded acrylic court finish, high ceilings, the works. I ain’t glazin’ (shout-out to my Gen Z cousin). It accommodates dinkers of all commitment levels and skill. They host flexible hours (so you can get some reps in before you clock in). That’s right, 6 AM - Midnight, 7 days a week. Check out the link to see their rates.

Power Pickleball Club: This is the Dom Perignon of pickleball facilities located in the Valley right off Sullivan Rd. When it comes to memberships, if you’re already all-in and demand premium accommodations for your renowned pickle-skills: pretty much anything you want, they got it. But hey, if you want the Dom Perignon lifestyle but you’re on a Bud Light budget, they can meet you halfway. Plenty of membership opportunities—let’s DINK!

P.S. All the facilities use the CourtReserve app. Nobody wants to show up and not play. So plan ahead... never failed me.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

I know some of you might be worried about the next 100 days of gray, snow, or slush—but me? Nuh-uh. I’M FIRED UP, BABY! OWWW!

Why? Because what follows an El Niño year is a La Niña year, and based on where we live, we’re some spoiled sallies. I’ve been bopping from resort to resort, and let me tell ya, we’re in for a great ski season.

Here’s how the mountains are stacking up so far, and how all you ski bums can make the most of this season, plus some unsolicited thoughts on each. Take it or leave it.

Lookout Pass - 16” base : 30” summit
They have top priority in my opinion, cuz if you’re a skier or snowboarder you’d be silly to not consider their mountain Santa-Con on December 23rd You can Ski for just $20. Here’s the scoop though–this is no joe-shmoe costume contest, they have strict standards so make sure you have your St Nick/Mrs Claus glow-up turned all the way to 10.

Plus, “100% of the money collected from this program will be donated to provide Christmas presents to kids in need in the local towns of: Mullan, Wallace, Osburn & Kellogg, ID.” 

Silver Mountain Ski Report - 26” base : 42” summit
Silver is already flexing with early snow and consistent conditions. Known for its gondola (the longest in North America, no big deal), Silver has solid terrain for all levels, plus unbeatable apres accommodations. Their ski and stay deals are a steal, so if you’re feeling like a weekend warrior, this is your spot.

Schweitzer -  33” base : 51” summit
Ah, Schweitzer—the bougie but beautiful icon of the Inland Northwest. If you’re chasing the best views (and maybe a few craft beers), Schweitzer is where it’s at. Their new lift upgrades and village improvements make it feel like a mini-resort town. Don’t sleep on the Outback Bowl—it’s where the magic happens.

49 Degrees North - 22” base : 50” summit
49 Degrees North keeps things old-school cool. With its uncrowded slopes and a killer mix of groomers and tree runs, this mountain is for those who want to escape the chaos and shred in peace. Bonus: the new chairlifts make getting to the goods quicker than ever. Local vibes, great runs, no stress.

Mt. Spokane - 29” base : 43” summit
The hometown hero. Mt. Spokane is where beginners get hooked and seasoned skiers sneak in after-work runs. It’s not massive, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in accessibility and charm. Night skiing here is a vibe, and it’s a perfect mountain for a quick, no-frills ski day.

Cold Winter Night Eats:

During this time of the year, I reeeeeeally get down on some hearty meals that indicate that I’m preparing for a weeklong fast, but. . . you see. . . I’m not. . . I’m just hungry. I actually hate to reveal a few of my go-to’s when I bail on meeting up with some friends. In reality, I’m just stuffing naan in my face watching Schwartzenneger’s Jingle All The Way. . . It’s Turbo Time:

This one actually kinda hurts to pull back the curtain on: My eyes used to glaze over going by Top of India in the valley, but it wasn’t until I migrated from my old Indian go to, when one bite of their Butter Chicken made it the new apple of my eye. You cannot go wrong with Vindaloo, or their Tikki Masala. It’s impossible to get this wrong, just make sure you got enough sauce for your naan. Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m gonna order some right now. Hold please.

What the hell is Purple Egyptian? Look, I have a personal bias. I don’t really eat bread. . . as far as I’m concerned, Wonder Bread can get lost. Other than the fact that Ricky Bobby’s car-sponsor will be merely a cinematic relic–I wouldn’t give it a second thought.

Here’s the deal, the team up at the Grain Shed are doing things “the hard way” and thank God someone is. As an agricultural co-op, they partner with Palouse farmers who have been the ultimate grain hover parents. . . Turns out, bread that’s unf*cked-with, non-genetically modified, and carefully sourced curates some pretty kick ass bread. . . WOAH. HUGE SURPRISE.

Purple Egyptian is their unique barley grown on the Palouse that’s mixed in with their mouth-watering line of Sourdough. Nobody asked me, but I’m telling you, the Grain Shed responsibly sources their grain and has carefully perfected the craft of bread and beer. . . I highly recommend grabbing a few loaves and some tall boys to honker down on some of these cold days. . .  

You’re in luck, finals are over at Gonzaga, which means you can get your Pad Thai faster than normal. The Logan neighborhood’s Our Thai House is the taste I trust. Every other Pad Thai seems just wrong. I can’t put my finger on it but there’s something about securing a nice warm, dense, styrofoam box fox that just wreaks of yummy goodness.

And it’s not just the Pad Thai. Their Yellow Curry is like a warm blanket on a cold day—rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced. Add some of their Fresh Rolls with that peanut sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. When it’s cold asf, and I want something reliable, comforting, and absolutely delicious, Our Thai House is the move.

Pro tip: Order extra because leftover Pad Thai at midnight suuuuuhhlaps!

Santa’s “Buy Local” List

Last minute buys? Look, I’m gonna give you a few killer gift ideas from local companies that you will go gaga for. . . 

🍻 SquareKeg – DO NOT WAIT TILL SUMMER TO GET ONE OF THESE. Square keg is the every-man’s keg. It conveniently fits into any cooler, or for some of you ladies out there, you can fit into your purse (because shopping sometimes requires liquid reinforcements). They’re slingin’ on-the-go taps for beer and wine as well as a host of apparel. Plus this Shark Tank winner will be the perfect party caddy as the snow melts and we start making our pilgrimages to CDA, Pend Orielle, or Priest every weekend. 

🔪Buck Knives – I don’t know why it never crossed my mind, but the Post Falls based “artisans” have been producing some pretty badass blades for pocket samurais everywhere. I’m not blind to the fact that this is the Inland Northwest. . . I’m guessing there’s at least one hunter obsessed dude in your family that would pull a “hell yeah” receiving one of these bad boys on Christmas Morning. . . Ja Feel? 

🦷 Slate Floss – I was listening to a podcast from Dr. Amen – one of the world’s foremost experts on brain health and he explained that better gum health leads to lower chances of anxiety, depression, and future cognitive impairment. I know I love me a good Sonicare in the stocking, but maybe take it a step further, and add a slate flosser to your bathroom arsenal. . . give the gift of a clean mouth, healthy gums, and optimized mental health. . . (during the holiday season, we might need it more than ever) check em out here. 

🥾JK Boots – If you’re up to date watching Yellowstone, you know that western wear is in, thank the lord we have our own premier boot-maker right here in Spokane. It doesn’t stop there though, cowboy. . . JK is even better known for their work and daily boots. . . I implore you to take a peek at these premium boots that have been skillfully manufactured for 30 years. . . they have it all from boots to belts. . . oh and they’re currently running a Ford Raptor giveaway. . . $1 = 1 entry (exclusions apply), but I’ll let you do that investigating for yourself here.  

🌶️ Spiceology – Let’s say you have a Traeger obsessed family member. . . Part of their personality leans heavily on their grilling adventures. Let’s give them a little twist with the crown jewel of stocking stuffers. Spiceology has the boldest blends in the game. Turning your everyday ribs, brisket, or mac & cheese into a culinary epiphany. You want to really blow their mind? Check out the Periodic Table of Flavor™ – Secretly, you’ll know you’re the reason the next cookout hits different.