Districts of Spokane, Part 2: Garland & North Monroe

Spokane’s north side, in season

By Like Media Team

September in Spokane brings a shift in the air. The days grow cooler, the light turns golden, and the pulse of the city slows just enough to take notice. In this second part of our Districts of Spokane series, we head to two neighborhoods that wear history like a favorite jacket—Garland and North Monroe. Here, you’ll find classic architecture, local flavor, and a kind of charm that feels just right as fall rolls in.

Where the Past Has a Pulse

The Garland District is anchored by one of Spokane’s most beloved landmarks: the Garland Theater. This Art Deco gem, opened in 1945, still shows second-run and cult-favorite films for just $5—retro pricing for a timeless experience. Right next door, the Rocket Bakery is a cozy favorite for locals, perfect for sipping a mocha while the leaves start to fall.

Just down the street, Kingsley & Scout brings fresh energy to the district with a curated mix of vintage and modern fashion, gifts, and accessories. A few blocks away, Two Women Vintage Goods offers antique furniture, home goods, and handmade items with rustic flair—each piece telling a story of its own.

North Monroe’s Quiet Cool

Head a few minutes west and you’ll land in the North Monroe corridor, a once-sleepy stretch now home to some of Spokane’s most creative local businesses. At Bellwether Brewing Co., you’ll find small-batch beers with names inspired by mythology and folklore, all poured in a warm, wood-trimmed space that feels like home.

Need a caffeine fix? Ladder Coffee on Monroe delivers strong coffee and a sleek aesthetic, while Hello Sugar adds something playful to the mix with mini donuts, rotating seasonal glazes, and excellent espresso.

And of course, no visit to North Monroe is complete without a stop at Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle—a historic, bottle-shaped diner serving up classic burgers, fries, and huckleberry milkshakes that taste like childhood.

Slow Streets, Stroll-Worthy Stops

What sets these districts apart isn’t just the businesses—it’s how they invite you to slow down. Corbin Park, tucked in just off North Monroe, is surrounded by a loop of stately early-20th-century homes and anchored by mature trees that put on a show every fall. A walk along Driscoll Boulevard, lined with sidewalk cafés and classic Spokane homes, feels especially rewarding as the leaves begin to turn.

Spokane’s Soul, Seasoned by Fall

Garland and North Monroe don’t try to reinvent themselves every season—they evolve slowly, with intention. In September, their charm is amplified: warm bakery windows, rust-colored leaves, and thrifted coats making their first appearance of the year. It’s where Spokane’s history lives and breathes—and where its heartbeat is easy to hear.

Come wander. You might just find your new favorite corner of the city.

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