Spending the winter in Spokane, WA, can be a gamble – but only if you spend it in one of the city’s casinos, such as the new Northern Quest Resort and Casino. In fact, winters in Spokane sizzle with arts, entertainment and nightlife. Nightlife isn’t the only thing heating up in Spokane; the city’s economy is also aglow. Spokane was named one of the top 100 cities to live and launch a business by CNNMoney.com and noted for its growing technical sector.Spokane’s arts and cultural offerings are topped off by a burgeoning wine trail of more than two dozen vineyards and wineries, and yes, most wineries keep their tasting rooms open throughout the year. Treasure hunting is another favorite cold-weather pastime – whether at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood or at the city’s many shops, boutiques, malls and shopping centers. Other hot spots include the INB Performing Arts Center, which plays host to a number of musicians and comedians throughout the winter months, and Gonzaga University, which has a strong men's basketball program. The Spokane Symphony kicks off the season with holiday and special performances that continue well until the spring.
Population: 213,322
Average January low: 21.7 degrees
Average annual snowfall: 49 inches
Median home price: $132,280
Unemployment rate: 8.3 percent