1. The Grand Coulee Dam

The Grand Coulee Dam is the nation's largest dam. Located Grand Coulee, WA, the area offers rich history and background towards the Great Depression and President Franklin Roosevelt's position in the building of the dam. Mid-eastern Washington offers unique landscapes mixing desert and forest, and can make for a nice relaxation spot next to the Columbia River. A little less than two hours from Spokane, the Grand Coulee Dam provides a historical yet never before seen experience.

2. Hoopfest

Spokane, WA hosts a number of unique events and festivals; Hoopfest is just one of them. Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world, hosting around 7,000 basketball teams of four each year to play in even more games. Lasting for the last weekend in June, players from neighboring states to neighboring countries come down to test their skills and try to beat the heat. In addition to the games, many vendors, businesses, and activity booths offer things to do for players, coaches, and fans alike. For more information and applications, click here.

3. Walla Walla, Washington

Southeast Washington hides the wine capitol of the state, Walla Walla, Washington. Despite small, the town provides modern and rural culture and communities. Home to three different colleges, Whitman College in particular is a nationally acclaimed private liberal arts college. Walla Walla is the perfect spot for a getaway from life, and is especially rewarding to those old enough to drink, as the town has boomed in the wine industry and continues to grow in world-class level wine and dining.

4. Colleges

The Inland Northwest is surrounded by many top notch colleges, each offering their own strengths, cultures, and environments. Pullman, a town two hours south of Spokane, houses Washington State University, the rival to Seattle's University of Washington. The college excels in health sciences, veterinary schooling, and agriculture. Furthermore, Spokane houses the basketball icon of the state: Gonzaga University. Not only does the college have a renowned school of law, but the basketball team, led by Coach Mark Few, is one of the most successful college basketball teams in the nation. Other colleges such as Eastern Washington University, Whitman, University of Idaho, Whitworth, and University of Montana also offer top ranking programs in fields such as journalism, wildlife biology, environmental science, business, and creative writing.

5. Skiing and mountains

Scattered all around the Inland Northwest are multitudes of mountain resorts. Within an hour and a half time, anyone in Eastern Washington can reach around 7 different ski resorts. Last winter the mountains all had record snow fall, some reporting over 300 inches of snow by late February. Mt. Spokane Ski Resort makes efforts to work with community by allowing high schools and other corporations to fund raise by offering discounted tickets, which is especially helpful to those who may desire to ski but cannot afford the costs of the hobby. Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain Resort, 49 Degrees North, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort all offer family friendly and ski bum welcoming activities and events for bother winter and summer seasons, including beer festivals, outdoor events, family resort attractions, and more.