In 1902, an American engineer named Willis Carrier invented the modern-day electric air conditioner. He created it for a publishing company in Brooklyn, New York, so its paper dimensions and ink alignment would be consistent throughout the seasons.
Now, air conditioning is in nearly every modern building, providing much-needed respite for those among us who prefer to stay out of the sun and in the chilly, air-conditioned comfort of the indoors during the summer months. We should all say, "Thank you, Mr. Carrier," for without him, there may not be properly aligned text on Inlander pages or a way to escape the pervasive summer heat.
CHECK IT OUT
The Inland Northwest's hottest club is your local library. This place has everything: books, exercise classes, educational workshops, clubs to join, opportunities for people of all ages to express themselves. No matter your summer goal, it's almost guaranteed that one of the region's many local library systems will have an activity on its calendar for you.
While summer is often viewed as a break from school or education, it's also the perfect time to gain knowledge and feed your passions. Hone your writing skills with local author and library education specialist Sharma Shields at her monthly Write Together workshops at Spokane Public Library branches, during which she offers expert advice to budding writers.
Or head to the North Spokane Library for Maker Open Hours in The Lab every Friday from 10 am to 5 pm to use any of the library's equipment like the Glowforge laser printer, a sewing machine, a Cricut and tons of other stuff at your disposal all for the low, low price of $0.
GET A MOVE ON
Looking to achieve some fitness goals this summer, but don't want to worry about sunburns or heat stroke? Local library branches offer tons of fun indoor workout classes throughout the year. The Coeur d'Alene Public Library offers tai chi and qi gong classes every Tuesday at 9:30 am and yoga classes every Monday and Friday at 9:30 am.
If you want to have some fun while also breaking a sweat, the Shadle Park Library offers a weekly line dancing class every Saturday at 10:30 am, designed for all ages and fitness levels.
Or, go the traditional route by using your magical library card to check out books from your closest library branch, or digitally through the Libby app, to expand your knowledge the old-fashioned way.
NERD OUT
No need to book a plane ticket if you want to embark on an adventure this summer — the fantasy world is right at your fingertips.
Local establishments like Bear Totem, Sage's Portal, Merlyn's, The Gamer's Haven, Natural 20 Brewing Co., Uncle's Games, The Comic Book Shop and even regional libraries offer Dungeons & Dragons leagues and tables for players of all skill levels. Don't worry if you don't have a regular group to play with — just hop in a game and befriend some fellow D&D enthusiasts this summer.
Along with D&D fun, game shops often host board game nights, trivia competitions, Pokémon and other TCG (trading card games, that is) nights, so keep an eye out on websites and social media for special events hosted by these awesome local places as well. You never know what will happen in the nerd world.
ARTIN' AROUND
Spokane is known for basketball, yes, but our region's creative community is something to be extremely proud of.
Along with the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Gonzaga's Jundt Museum, Spokane is home to a plethora of smaller art galleries that consistently showcase the city's incredible cache of visual artists. Terrain Gallery's summer lineup includes a group exhibition featuring Krista Brand, Bradd Skubinna, Val Wahl and Cyn Short in July, abstract mixed media paintings by Emily Somoskey in August, and new photographic work by Josh Hobson in September to round out the summer shows.
Entropy Gallery's unique circular space in the Parkade building always makes for a fun display. Catch Margaret Mount's mixed media work on the walls through June. You can also view art from tons of local artists at dozens of local venues like Indaba Coffee Roasters, Barrister Winery, Helix Wines, the Symons Block and more during Spokane's monthly First Friday celebrations. Dates this summer are July 4, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5. See firstfridayspokane.org for a full monthly schedule.
Coeur d'Aleners will be thrilled to hear about the opening of the new J. Rome Gallery on Sherman Avenue's main drag. Local oil painter Jaime Rome Crain's gallery grand opening on June 20 from 5-8 pm will give art lovers a taste of her unique, warm style and a look into what's to come from the new space. Learn more at jromegallery.com.
BOARD, NOT BORED
Ever wandered into a thrift store and seen the mountains upon mountains of board games stacked in a far corner? The sheer amount is typically staggering, but the fun part comes when you look closer.
You'll most likely find several regular editions of Monopoly, but thrift stores often have the most esoteric editions of board games that you've never seen before. Seinfeld Monopoly, One Direction Monopoly, the Clue version of Guess Who. Nothing is off the table.
The best finds are board games you couldn't conjure if you tried. For example, there's Guts of Glory, in which players have survived an apocalypse and are having an eating contest. Each player has a board representing their mouth and must "eat" the most spectacular foods to win. Huh.
Check local thrift stores like Global Neighborhood, Value Village, Goodwill and others to see what you can find. Just make sure you check that all of the pieces are there before purchasing. Save your board game find for a record-breaking day of heat or a night in with friends and family this summer.
SCORE!
Though most sports take place outdoors this time of year, it's nice to beat the heat every once in a while by finding a way to stay active while also keeping cool.
Pattison's North and Roller Valley are the go-to local spots for anyone looking to tear up the hardwood on roller skates this summer. Both establishments have adult skate nights, family nights and sessions for homeschooled kids.
If you picked up a golf habit recently, you'll be happy to know that there's never been a better time to catch the golf bug. Head to one of Spokane's many indoor golf lounges to feed your need to swing.
Golf District in Five Mile has 10 premium simulators and a killer food menu. Plus, they're always playing the current tournament on TV. With locations in downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley, Swing Lounge is the perfect place to practice, take a lesson and swing out of your shoes for the hell of it.
The Wonder Building's newest addition comes in the form of the Wonderground Golf Lounge & Liquor Bar, which combines the classiness of a swanky bar with the rowdy fun of the 19th hole with its three aboutGOLF simulators. Golf Island has locations in both the Country Homes area of North Spokane as well as Coeur d'Alene, so you can play games on coveted courses on their simulators no matter where you live. You can also work on your putting at Flatstick Pub while enjoying a brew or two to get that authentic golf experience without the greens fees.
If you're not ready to tackle a real crag, our region has a few indoor climbing gyms like Wild Walls, Bloc Yard and Coeur Climbing Company. Most offer day passes, but if you have a friend who's a member, ask to use their free guest pass!
Finally, head to Flight 509 if you're looking for a multi-activity, fun-filled day burning some energy. They've got it all: a ropes course, mini bowling, laser tag, an arcade, a ball pit and even a Ninja Warrior obstacle course. Kiddos will probably remember it as the best day of their lives. ♦
