Publisher's Note
509 Digital Lifestyle
A Clear Start to the New Year
STEVE RUSSO
January opens quietly in the Inland Northwest. The rush of the holidays fades, the mornings feel calmer, and the city settles into a slower rhythm that makes room for reset and routine. It’s a month built on small shifts—organizing the house after guests leave, finding new habits that actually stick, or choosing a weekend plan that brings a little energy back into winter.
Across the region, you can feel that reset happening in different ways. Trails stay busy with cold-weather walkers, indoor markets pick back up, and local spots become gathering places again as people ease into the new year. Even the shorter days have their own clarity, offering a chance to refocus before everything speeds up in spring.
This issue reflects that spirit of beginning again. Inside, you’ll find stories shaped around simplicity, winter wellness, and ways to enjoy the season without adding more to your plate. It’s a practical, welcoming start to 2026—rooted in the real pace of life here.
As you step into the new year, I hope this edition brings a bit of calm, a bit of inspiration, and a reminder that there’s value in starting light.
The Year of Living Lighter
A fresh start built on calm, ease, and intention
By Like Media Team
new year always brings the urge to reset, but 2026 is bringing a different kind of energy. Instead of chasing bigger goals or busier schedules, many people are leaning into a quieter rhythm. They’re clearing out what weighs them down, choosing habits that offer clarity, and reshaping their homes and routines to support a calmer way of living.
It starts with the everyday patterns that accumulate unnoticed. Morning routines are getting streamlined with fewer decisions to manage before the day even begins. A simplified rotation of clothing, a tidy drop zone near the door, and less digital noise help set a grounded tone. These small shifts make room for what matters, proving that structure can feel freeing when it’s purposeful.
Homes are getting this treatment too. There’s a growing interest in interiors that feel open and restorative. Fresh paint, soft neutrals, intentional storage, and the removal of unused décor are giving rooms a lighter profile. It’s not about strict minimalism. It’s about creating spaces...
Cancer Pathways: Hope, Creativity, and Connection
Camp Sparkle and Sparkle Saturdays bring support and community to Spokane families
By Taylor Shillam
or children and teens affected by cancer, finding support and genuine connection is an essential component of their care. In Spokane, Cancer Pathways is making that possible through its year-round creative arts therapy programs, including Camp Sparkle and Sparkle Saturdays.
Founded in 1996, Cancer Pathways has remained committed to its mission of “facing cancer together,” providing free programs and support groups designed to empower and educate families touched by cancer. While the nonprofit is based in Seattle, its Spokane programs offer local families opportunities to connect, learn, and heal through creativity and community.
Camp Sparkle: A Summer of Healing and Friendship
Camp Sparkle is Cancer Pathways’ free summer day camp for children and teens ages 5-17 who have been impacted by cancer. According to the organization, Camp Sparkle is designed for kids “who have been impacted by cancer – either from a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one.” This includes children whose parents, siblings, or friends are affected, as well as those who have experienced a loss due to cancer.
Through the duration of the camp, participants engage in therapeutic activities, learn about cancer in an age-appropriate way, go on field trips, and, perhaps most importantly, form lasting connections with peers who truly understand their experiences. Campers are divided by age: campers aged 5-12, Junior Counselors aged 13-15...
“Camp Sparkle is offered in Spokane along with five other locations in Washington, making it accessible to families across the state.”
Winter Radience
Simplified
A clear approach to hydration, light, and skin health all season long
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
inter in the Inland Northwest arrives with crisp mornings, muted light, and long stretches of indoor living. It’s a season that asks the skin to work harder and the body to adapt to dry air, shifting temperatures, and limited sun exposure. Yet with a few intentional habits, radiance is far from seasonal—it’s something you can maintain and even strengthen.
Cold weather affects the skin’s barrier more than most people realize. Heating systems pull moisture from the air, and icy winds draw it from the skin's surface. The combination leaves many dealing with tightness, dullness, or irritation by mid-January. A simple routine makes the most significant difference. Switching to a gentle, low-foam cleanser prevents stripping natural oils. Adding a richer moisturizer—such as one with ceramides or fatty acids—helps rebuild the skin’s barrier. And incorporating a hydrating serum layered underneath gives an immediate boost. None of these steps needs to be complicated; consistency is what restores balance.
Exfoliation is another tool best used lightly in winter. Rather than strong acids or frequent scrubs, a mild weekly exfoliant keeps texture smooth...
Winter Play in the Inland Northwest
From mountain runs to city lights, explore the best ways to enjoy the season
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Snowy Adventures in Spokane
-
Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
-
Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon
-
Underhill Park Sledding Hill
-
Ski Lookout Pass
-
49° North Mountain Resort
Hit the Slopes
Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park delivers classic winter adventure just a short drive from Spokane. Spread across expansive terrain on the southwest slopes of the mountain, it offers a mix of beginner-friendly groomers, wide intermediate cruisers, and steeper upper-mountain lines that keep experienced skiers and riders engaged. With its blend of open runs and wooded areas, the mountain offers plenty of variety for every level.
Night skiing is a signature experience here. On select evenings, the hill glows under the lights, giving guests...
SHOP, STAY & PLAY
Shop, Stay & Play: January in Spokane
A calm-season guide to browsing, relaxing, and winter fun
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Shop
Spokane’s winter shopping scene is perfect for browsing indoors and discovering both familiar favorites and unique finds.
-
River Park Square (808 W. Main Ave.) — A premier downtown shopping destination with popular national retailers and unique local vendors. It’s easy to spend an afternoon here out of the cold. RiverParkSquare.com
-
Northtown Mall (4750 N. Division St.) — A classic mall with a variety of shops, eateries, and indoor comfort during winter days. NorthtownMall.com
-
The Flour Mill (621 W. Mallon Ave.) — A mixed-use shopping area with boutiques, galleries, and cafés in a historic setting that feels especially inviting during winter. VisitSpokane.com
-
Wonders Of The World (621 W. Mallon Ave.) — An eclectic boutique with jewelry, art, and gifts for those looking for something distinctive. WondersOfTheWorldInc.com
-
Boo Radley’s (232 N. Howard St.) — A beloved toy store downtown that delights with nostalgic and creative playthings. ShopBooRadleys.com
-
Chosen Vintage (7 W. Main Ave.) and Teleport Vintage (917 W. Broadway Ave.) — Vintage clothing and thrift finds for winter style and seasonal layering. VisitSpokane.com TeleportVintage.com
Stay
Spokane’s boutique and well-located hotels make winter stays comfortable and walkable. Many are steps from restaurants, parks, and downtown attractions.
-
MAX at Mirabeau (1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley) — A well-known Spokane Valley hotel and dining destination offering comfortable guest rooms, on-site amenities, and one of the region’s most established restaurants. It provides easy access to the Spokane Valley Mall, the Centennial Trail, and nearby winter recreation options.
-
Montvale Hotel (1005 W. 1st Ave.) — A boutique historic hotel in the heart of the arts district. Its restored details and cozy interiors make it a relaxing winter home base near theaters and dining.
-
Ruby River Hotel (700 N. Division St.) — Located along the Spokane River, this property offers a peaceful winter setting with easy access to downtown, Gonzaga, and the Centennial Trail.
-
Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Downtown (801 N. Division St.) — A popular, reliable stay with river views and quick access to the University District and downtown.
-
DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center (322 N. Spokane Falls Ct.) — Directly connected to the Spokane Convention Center and steps from Riverfront Park, making it convenient for winter events, skating, and downtown exploring.
Play
Spokane’s winter play mixes outdoor tradition with warm indoor fun.
-
Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park — Skate a 650-foot ice path with breaks by fire pits and seasonal lights. It’s open through the colder months and highlights winter activity downtown.
-
Winterfest at Riverfront Park (Jan. 30, 2026) — A free community day with ice skating, carousel rides, youth activities, and more.
-
Spokane River Centennial Trail — A scenic paved path for winter walks, bike rides, or brisk strolls beside the river.
-
Mobius Discovery Center — A hands-on children’s museum ideal for families on cold days.
-
LaserMaxx Spokane and Get Air Trampoline Park — Active indoor play options that are great for days when outdoor temps dip.
-
Wonderland Family Fun Center and Flight 509 — Arcade and entertainment centers for family fun.
MUST ATTEND EVENTS!
Never Miss an Issue!
Sign up today and be the first to see our latest issue! Get exclusive early access with a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
LOCAL STORY
sponsored by
HEALTH & BEAUTY
sponsored by
SEASONAL RECIPE
sponsored by
EXPLORE SPOKANE
sponsored by
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
sponsored by
