Best Golf Course
Downriver
The Spokane/North Idaho region has some of the best public and private golf courses in the Northwest. Downriver is no exception; it's a true gem in the city of Spokane's assortment of outstanding (and affordable, and not overcrowded) municipal golf courses. Located just off the Spokane River near Riverside State Park, the long, narrow fairways and towering pines are a signature of Spokane golf.
2nd PLACE: The Creek at Qualchan
3rd PLACE: Kalispel Golf & Country Club
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Circling Raven, Worley (pictured)
Best Place to Ski & Snowboard
Mt. Spokane
Being so close to Spokane, the "Kan," as the locals call it, is an ideal place for a family of snow-sports lovers. Or if you prefer to stay in the lodge and drink schnapps-infused hot chocolate, Mt. Spokane's main lodge is big and comfy enough for that. The Wednesday-through-Saturday night skiing offers some of the most frequent, wide-open, after-dark skiing and boarding in the Northwest. And the sunsets from Vista House are, well, something you have to experience for yourself.
Best Place to Ski:
2nd PLACE: Schweitzer
3rd PLACE: 49 Degrees North
Best Place to Snowboard:
2nd PLACE: Schweitzer
3rd PLACE: 49 Degrees North
Best Ski/Snowboard Shop
1st Place: Sports Creel
2nd Place: Spokane Alpine Haus
3rd Place: Ski Shack (Hayden, Idaho)
Best Bike Shop
Wheel Sport
There's an unfortunate stereotype about some bike shops; that they can be, shall we say, a little "holier than thou" if you're not wearing the right gear, or know enough cycling lingo. Wheel Sport isn't one of those shops. The three Spokane-area locations are as approachable for newbies looking for a recreational bike as they are for Lycra ninjas with dreams of being in the Tour de France's peloton. If you don't know what that means, don't worry. Just ask the Wheel Sport folks.
Best Outdoor Recreation Supplies
1st Place: REI
2nd Place: Mountain Gear
3rd Place: The General Store
North Idaho's Best: Cabela's (Post Falls)
Best Martial Arts Studio
1st Place: Warhorse Martial Arts
2nd Place: Jung Kim's Martial Arts
3rd Place: Warrior Camp
North Idaho's Best: Trevor
Prangley's AKA (Coeur d'Alene)
