Spokane. Washington

Situated at the center of the Northwest's 'Inland Empire', this understated city lies on the banks of the Spokane River.  The first people to live in the area arrived between 13,000 and 8,000 years ago, living off the plentiful animal population. The birthplace of Father's Day, Spokane is nicknamed the "Lilac City".  The city features Riverfront and Manito parks, the Smithsonian-affiliated Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Davenport Hotel, and the Fox and Bing Crosby theaters.