1. You HAVE To Check Out Hoopfest
Hoopfest is a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Spokane that attracts over 7,000 teams and 28,000 players every year. As the stands fill with fans of local favorites, it’s one of the most entertaining sporting events around.
2. Unless Running Is More Of Your Thing
The Lilac Bloomsday Run is the world’s largest timed footrace attracting over 50,000 participants on an annual basis. It’s over 7 miles long and is filled with runners, walkers, and stroller-pushers.
3. The Lilac Festival Isn’t Just About The Flowers
One of Spokane’s largest annual events, the Lilac festival, isn’t just celebrating lilacs. It has a huge focus on honoring the armed forces with several events dedicated to them, including the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the country.
4. Spokane Actually Gets Some Sunshine
While the Northwest has a reputation of being rainy and cloudy all of the time, Spokane is one big city that’s an exception to this rule. Spokane has plenty of sunlight days, making it an awesome place for nature lovers and sunbathers alike.
5. The Beer Is REALLY Better Here
Most towns across America swear that their beer is the best. Spokane is one of the few places that can actually hold up to that claim. Favorites include the Tart Cherry Ale from NoLi (stands for “Northern Lights”) and the tester tray from Iron Gate.
With tons of local breweries, there’s something for everyone within a short drive.
6. Napa Valley Has Nothing On Spokane
In addition to great beer, Spokane is also home to some amazing wineries. With 18 local spots within driving distance, the wine loving community here comes out in numbers to support the local businesses.
This area might not get tons of national attention, but Spokanites are toasting with some of the tastiest glassfuls around.
7. Snow Doesn’t Shut This City Down
Spokane is used to getting quite a bit of snow come winter and most locals are completely fine with driving in several inches and going about their daily lives.
So… don’t expect to get a day off of work the next morning if flurries are in the air at bedtime.
8. You Can Get Most Places In 15 Minutes Or Less
Driving and commuting in Spokane are super easy. All of the roads make sense and getting from point A to point B is never a problem. There are rarely setbacks and anywhere you’re headed in town is never far, making for a stress-free trip through a stress-free town.
9. Spokane Is A Golfer’s Mecca
Not only are there roughly 20 awesome golf courses within driving distance of the Spokane area, most of these golf courses are pretty cheap, making it affordable for all to play. If an out-of-towner is coming in for a visit, make sure they bring their clubs along.
10. Don’t Confuse Spokanites For Canadians
While Spokane might be less than 100 miles from the Canadian border, don’t compare them to Canadians, as they’re all proud to be part of the USA. If an out-of-towner hears an occasional “eh?” slip out, it’s probably best they let it slide.
11. Cougars Here Aren’t On The Prowl For Younger Men
Spokane is home to several awesome colleges, including Washington State University, home of the Cougars. People around town love to sport their crimson and grey gear and cheer them on every time a WSU team has a game.
12. Out-Of-Towners Will Finally Know Where Gonzaga Is!
With Gonzaga regularly making appearances on nationwide sports news for their awesome basketball program, everyone in the country will have heard the name.
However, most people probably won’t know that Spokane is the city that Gonzaga calls home. Every out-of-towner will have that “light bulb” moment when they make the connection.
13. Farming Is A Way Of Life For Many Spokanites
Most out-of-towners don’t equate Washington with farmland, but a huge part of the local Spokane economy is made up of agriculture. There’s a joke that Spokanites learn to drive a tractor before they drive a car, and sometimes that’s not too far off from the truth.
14. Traffic Is Rarely A Problem Here
If you’re driving around Spokane and a trip is supposed to take you 30 minutes, it will take you 30 minutes. Traffic here is practically nonexistent barring some sort of crazy construction going on.
15. But Deer Here Don’t Follow Traffic Laws
Most Spokanites have hit a deer at some point in their life or at least know a friend that has. Wildlife is very common in Spokane and animals have a tendency to sneak out onto the roadways.
Make sure out-of-towners know they should be extra careful while driving, especially at night.
16. How To Pronounce “Spokane”
Most out-of-towners will say “Spo-Cane” a few times before they realize everyone else is saying “Spo-Can.” Give them a few minutes to catch on before you laugh them out of the state.
17. Spokane Takes Rafting To A Whole New Level
Whitewater rafting is a big deal in the Spokane area. With the Spokane River so accessible, it’s no surprise that the locals can’t help themselves from getting a little wet.
18. Everyone Here Is A Waver
Out-of-towners visiting the area will probably be a little confused by all of the people waving at them. They shouldn’t feel too awkward though, these people aren’t waving because they think they recognize the visitor, they’re waving because Spokanites are so stinkin’ friendly.
19. “Herbal Medicine” Has A Different Meaning Here
Marijuana is pretty popular throughout Washington and Spokane is no exception. Lots of people smoke weed here, often for its proclaimed medicinal purposes. It’s not too strange to get a whiff of it while you walk down the street.
20. Housing Here Won’t Cost You An Arm And A Leg
While most places in the West Coast are super expensive, Spokane isn’t. It’s not a huge shock to find out that that one of the locals sold their house in Seattle and moved to Spokane for twice the space at half the price.
21. Art Is Everywhere
Spokane has a huge art community. Street art, galleries, and live music are all commonalities that the city seems to embrace.
An out-of-towner should check out First Fridays, where downtown stores and restaurants stay open while artists and music acts showcase their work.
22. Every Spokanite Is Addicted To Coffee
Never try to talk to a Spokanite before they get their first cup of coffee in the morning. Spokane loves their morning pick-me-up and has a ton of awesomely unique shops to get special blends.
… Plus, you can expect some shops to have some pretty great coffee puns in their name like the Wake Up Call or Cool Beans Coffee.
23. Spokanites Love Their Dads
The birthplace of Father’s Day in 1910, Spokane created a holiday that’s now celebrated nationwide. If you’re in Spokane during this weekend, make sure to give pops a call.
24. The Motto Is “Near Nature, Near Perfect” For A Reason
With 76 lakes and 5 national parks all within driving distance from the city, Spokane is practically in the wilderness. The people here love it, finding every excuse they can to get out and get exploring.
25. This Flying Goat Lands It Every Time
Home to what’s probably the best pizza in the city, The Flying Goat is a popular gastropub/pizzeria that’s worth checking out. With tons of specialty options for toppings that change on a regular basis, it’s sure to have you coming back for more.
26. Don’t Be Shocked If You See A Moose
Moose sightings are pretty common in Spokane, along with other huge animals like elk and bears. There’s a good chance an out-of-towner has never seen one of these creatures in their natural habitat before. It’s best to remind them to look but not disturb.
27. Spokane Is Full Of Skywalkers
And not the type related to the man in the epic space adventure. Over 13 blocks of downtown are covered in a skywalk system making it possible to go from building to building without going outside, ideal for cold temperatures.
Spokane has one of the most extensive systems in the country, keeping residents warm year round.
28. Thank Spokane Next Time You’re Dreaming Of A White Christmas
Bing Crosby, known for the famous song “White Christmas,” grew up in Spokane and attended Gonzaga. His hit Christmas single has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Crosby means so much to Spokane history that in 2006 the Clemmer Theatre was renamed the Bing Crosby Theatre (often just called “the Bing”).
29. You Don’t Have To Leave The City To See Some Awesome Waterfalls
One of the most beautiful features in any city nationwide, the Spokane Falls are the result of two dams built in the central business district of the city. The dam creating the lower falls was completed in 1890 and is the longest-running hydroelectric generation facility in the state.
30. Life In Spokane Is A Little Different, In A Good Way
Life in Spokane is unique. With all of the love for nature, beer, and art, this slow-paced city is one of best places to live in America. It has a culture that is completely its own and is a great destination for any out-of-towner that wants to visit.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Spokane? Tell us in the comments below! 
