You're short on time.
You're short on money.
But you NEED to get away.
Why not book yourself a STAY-cation right here in the Inland Empire? From luxury accommodations to roughing it, there's no reason why you should miss out on all the summer fun while your friends are zipping around the friendly skies (which in my honest opinion aren't so friendly anymore, so why fly when you can just drive?).
Here are some ideas to get you out of that rut this summer, or any time of the year for that matter, right here in your backyard.
THE BENNY & JOON HOUSE
Benny & Joon was shot on location right here in Spokane in 1992. And the house that saw all the love is located on the banks of the Spokane River in beautiful Peaceful Valley. Why not grab some ingredients to make dinner from the hip new grocery store My Fresh Basket in Kendall Yards and make the Benny & Joon River House your home for the night...or the weekend! The house is listed on Airbnb for just $155 a night. Bring the kayak and don't forget the paint supplies!
THE AUTO VUE DRIVE-IN THEATER
Remember when times were simple? Because a quick hour drive north will remind you of those times. Colville, Washington is home to the Auto Vue. It's the only existing drive-in movie theater in the area and has been "showing movies and serving up fun since 1953" according to their FaceBook page! Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, they serve up a double-header of new releases at a great price! Only $7 for adults and $3 for kids. But get this - Sunday night is carload night. See how many you can fit in the trunk and it's only $15 for everyone!
Make a night or weekend and stay at the overlooked Selkirk Motel. Some of the rooms have been recently renovated into "suites" with kitchens and all the amenities of home. Or stay at the popular Benny's Colville Inn - complete with swimming pool for the kids!
BOOK BENNY'S COLVILLE INN HERE.
FARRAGUT STATE PARK
Once a WWII era naval training station, this 4,000-acre park is not only said to be one of the area's most haunted campgrounds but also offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of Lake Pend Oreille. The park has over 200 incredibly well-maintained campsites, ten cabins and seven group camps. Plus you can spend hours and days exploring the 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Don't forget to include a visit to the Museum at the Brig, located in the former confinement facility at the Farragut Naval Training Station.
I promise you won't get bored. "Camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, cycle, fish, boat, swim, water sports, orienteering, shop, view wildlife, disc golf, fly model aircraft, archery, ride your horse..." the website states a multitude of activities for everyone.
KIDD ISLAND BAY TREEHOUSE
So you go to Coeur d'Alene and you can shell out $300 a night for a hotel room OR you could stay in a luxury treehouse right on the bay for LESS. You decide. I can tell you what I'd do...
Check out this hidden gem. The Airbnb listing states it as being a "Very unique multi-level home with breathtaking views into the trees and through them to the lake. Includes access to a beach and two private dock spaces. Enjoy the private covered patio with a picnic table and propane BBQ. Fully equipped & modern."
With four beds and space for seven guests, it could be fun for the whole family or crew! It's a four-night minimum stay but split that price up and you'll have plenty leftover to gas up the boat (it also includes two tie-up spaces on the dock).
KLINKS RESORT ON WILLIAMS LAKE
A fisherman's paradise. If you truly want to get away from it all and maybe catch dinner, Williams Lake is the place to do it. Right outside of Cheney you'll find Klinks Resort. And every weekend in the summer, Klink’s summer vibe can be heard echoing through across the shoreline with Music On The Patio featuring full band street dances, to dueling pianos, to acoustic duos.
There's a little something for everyone from RV, cabin, tent, fishing, water sports, and much more. I prefer a nice paddle around the lake with my favorite pup in tow, topped off with dinner at Klink's award-winning restaurant.
Their website states it perfectly, "Klink’s Resort is close enough to make it for dinner and far enough to be away from it all!"
RURAL NOWHERE
Close enough to commute back and forth to work, yet a million worlds away. This modern gem is hidden next to the butcher shop in an old warehouse in Garfield, Washington...population 500. In late summer months, the town is silent due to harvest. The stars and meteors abundant without the distraction of the city lights.
You need to experience this one to believe it.
TURKEY RIDGE RANCH
All it took to sell me was the first line on their website: "Located in the beautiful Lake Roosevelt area outside Davenport, Washington, the ranch welcomes animals that need a peaceful home and humans who need to get away from it all."
Turkey Ridge Ranch is a working alpaca ranch, animal sanctuary and wellness retreat offering a perfect place to escape without TRULY roughing it. If you've heard of glamping and have ever wanted to try it, why not let Turkey Ridge Ranch be the one to show you the ropes. They offer two glamping tents - The Badger and The Frog - with all the amenities needed to make you feel right at home.
- Queen-sized beds with linens
- Towel service & organic toiletries
- Electric lighting & outlets
- Electric ‘woodstoves’
- Raised wood floors
- Wireless internet
- Shaded porches & seating area
- Private bathrooms & hot showers
- Flush toilets & running water
Oh, and did I mention continental breakfast? Count me in.