About The Cover
Moon Time, The Porch Public House, The Elk Public House, Two Seven Public House, and El Que
Publisher's Note.
August 2025: Flavor, Roots & End-of-Summer Revelry
STEVE RUSSO
August in Spokane is all about flavor—in the food we share, the traditions we pass down, and the places that feel like home. This month, we highlight a culinary legacy nearly 30 years strong, featuring the neighborhood restaurants created by John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen—local spots that continue to serve good food and foster community spirit across the Inland Northwest.
Our Arts & Entertainment section dives into Pig Out in the Park, Spokane’s beloved five-day festival of music and eats. And our seasonal blurbs are your guide to soaking up summer with everything from hiking trails to frozen treats. You’ll also find inspiration in our feature...
he August 2025 edition of 509 Digital Lifestyle Magazine pays tribute to a culinary duo whose restaurants have become neighborhood institutions across the Inland Northwest. From Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene to The Elk, Two Seven, and El Que in Spokane, John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen have spent nearly three decades serving up not just great food, but also a sense of community. Their employee-first approach and deep local roots have turned five restaurants into something more: a shared legacy of flavor, friendship, and the true spirit of “local.”
Districts of Spokane, Part 1: Downtown & Riverfront Revival
Spokane’s city center at its summer best
By Like Media Team
ugust hits different in Spokane. Long days stretch into warm nights, the river runs steady through the city, and downtown pulses with summer energy. It’s a time when patios fill, trails buzz with locals and tourists, and the creative heartbeat of the city is on full display. This month, we’re kicking off a three-part series exploring Spokane’s most defining districts—starting with the one that’s always moving: Downtown and the Riverfront.
Where Old Meets New
Downtown Spokane blends historic grit with fresh momentum. Turn a corner and you’ll find early 1900s architecture wrapped around modern concepts—coffee shops in brick warehouses, bars with repurposed neon, and retail that celebrates Spokane's ...
A NEIGHBORHOOD LEGACY:
Moon Time, The Porch Public House, The Elk Public House, Two Seven Public House, and El Que
by Like Media Team
Photos by Victoria Belle Photography
or nearly 30 years, John Grollmus and Brad Fosseen have done more than open restaurants—they’ve helped shape the character of their communities. What began as a shared vision between two lifelong friends has grown into a tight-knit group of neighborhood spots: Moon Time in Coeur d’Alene, The Porch in Hayden Lake, and The Elk, Two Seven, and El Que in Spokane. These aren’t just places to eat—they’re places where people feel at home.
Each location is a beloved staple, offering patrons and employees delicious food and a sense of belonging. Many of these restaurants are tucked into the heart of neighborhoods, making them feel like well-kept local secrets—places where neighbors gather, and longtime friendships are built.
John moved to Spokane in 1974, developing his skills in various restaurants before completing the hotel and restaurant management program at Washington State University. After gaining success in the corporate restaurant world across the West Coast, he returned to his roots, eager to create something unique in Coeur d’Alene. Brad, a Spokane ...
Spokane Edible Tree Project Harvesting Hope
Rescuing fruit, feeding families, and fighting food waste one tree at a time
By Taylor Shillam
ince 2013, the Spokane Edible Tree Project (SETP) has been on a mission to fight hunger and food waste in the Spokane area. By connecting local fruit tree owners, volunteers, food banks, and community organizations, SETP rescues fresh produce that might otherwise go to waste and delivers it directly to those who need it most.
“Our vision is a thriving community where everyone has access to healthy food,” says the SETP team. “When we glean, we not only recover food, we strengthen community.”
At the heart of their mission is gleaning (gathering leftover produce after harvest), the foundation of SETP’s work. Through their Glean for Good Program, volunteers coordinate with fruit tree owners across Spokane to collect unharvested fruit and deliver it to food banks and community kitchens. Since its founding, SETP has held more than 350 glean harvests, delivering over 234,273 pounds of produce to local hunger‑relief partners.
“When we glean, we not only recover food, we strengthen community.”
HOT, COLD,
Strong
The 509’s path to strength and resilience
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
powerful shift is happening across the 509. Fitness routines are evolving into comprehensive wellness experiences—where movement, recovery, and mental clarity all play a role. From the heat of hot yoga to the chill of cold plunges, and the discipline of seasonal challenges, today’s wellness culture is about more than looking good. It’s about feeling stronger, thinking clearly, and building habits that last.
What sets these trends apart? They aren’t just physical workouts—they’re experiences that test mental resilience, build stress tolerance, and unlock a more mindful approach to health.
Why Hot Yoga Still Holds the Heat
Hot yoga isn’t new, but its popularity continues to grow for a reason. Practicing yoga in a heated room—often at temperatures of 100 degrees or higher—adds intensity to every pose. The warmth loosens muscles, deepens stretches, and increases circulation. It also creates a sweat-heavy detox that leaves people feeling lighter and more energized.
But the real power of hot yoga goes beyond flexibility and strength. The heat forces focus. In that sweltering environment, distractions ...
SHOP, STAY & PLAY
Local spots to explore, relax, and enjoy the season
Spokane, Washington, combines scenic beauty with a vibrant local pulse, offering the best of both outdoor exploration and city convenience. Plan a weekend getaway, extend your business trip, or make this a stop on your summer travels. This Inland Northwest city makes it easy to relax, explore, and enjoy. From charming neighborhoods to riverfront parks, boutique shops to historic hotels, Spokane is packed with spots worth discovering. Here’s where to shop, stay, and play while you’re in town.
Seasonal Fun
Top ways to enjoy August outdoors and in town
Hike & Bike
Rimrock Drive at Palisades Park: 1 to 7 miles, easy
Liberty Lake Loop: 8-mile loop, moderate
Mt. Kit Carson Trail at Mt. Spokane Park: 7 miles one way, moderate to difficult
Deep Creek Canyon at Riverside Park: 5 miles round trip, moderate
Beacon Hill at Shields Park: 2 to 5 miles, moderate
Explore Riverfront Park
One of America’s most beautiful urban parks, Riverfront Park, offering 100 acres of serenity, is a true urban oasis and the jewel of downtown Spokane. The Spokane River winds through the park, cascading over basalt rock and two dams, creating the largest urban waterfall in the county. Be sure to explore not only Riverfront Spokane’s natural beauty but its rich history and many attractions.
Celebrate August at Riverfront
The summer fun is heating up all month long at Riverfront Spokane with music, food, fitness, and family events!
Skate Nights – Every Friday through August 22 at 5 pm at the Numerica Skate Ribbon. Each Friday brings a different fun theme!
Riverfront Eats – Every Tuesday from 11 am to 2 pm on the Howard Street Bridge: local food trucks, great views, and tasty bites.
ShineFest – Friday, August 1 at 5 pm. Enjoy an uplifting evening of live music presented by Shine 104.9.
Sam Barber North American Tour – Friday, August 8 at 7:30 pm. Featuring Jonah Kagen and Clover County.
Yoga with Eclipse Power Yoga – Thursday, August 7 at 6 pm. Stretch and unwind with a community yoga session.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise (with Medium Build) – Thursday, August 14 at 5:30 pm. A must-see summer concert!
Storytime at the Carrousel – Friday, August 15 at 11 am. Stories, songs, and $1 rides for the kids!
Unity in the Community – Saturday, August 16. Celebrate Spokane’s diversity with family fun, performances, and more.
Final Skate Night – Friday, August 22. Don’t miss the last themed skate night of the season!
Barre3 Signature 45 (North Spokane) – Sunday, August 23. A full-body outdoor class for all fitness levels.
Pig Out in the Park – August 28 through September 1. Spokane’s biggest food and music festival returns! Over 50 food booths, free concerts, and fun for all ages
Visit My.SpokaneCity.org for the complete calendar.
Cool Off with Frozen Treats
Didier's Yogurt & More – 10410 N. Division St. – DarkHorseRestaurantGroup.com
Doyle's Ice Cream Parlor – 2229 W. Boone Ave. – Facebook.com/DoylesIceCream
Mary Lou's Milk Bottle – 802 W. Garland Ave. – Facebook.com/milkbtl
Pete & Belle's – 1330 N. Argonne Rd. | 14700 E. Indian Ave. #5512 – PeteBelles.com
The Scoop Spokane – 1001 W. 25th Ave. | 1238 W. Summit Pkwy – TheScoopSpokane.com
Lud Kramer Memorial Concert
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 30, 2025, and head to Liberty Lake Pavilion Park (727 North Molter Road in Liberty Lake) for the Lud Kramer Memorial Concert with conductor James Lowe. This is your chance to have one last fling with summer, as the Spokane Symphony presents this free Labor Day weekend concert, beginning at 6 pm! The full orchestra will be playing popular classics and favorites from Hollywood and Broadway. Pack a blanket and picnic basket, and join family, friends, and neighbors in a joyful evening filled with music. Visit FoxTheaterSpokane.org for more details.
Must attend events!
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