Liz's Travel News and Views: Spokane Update, Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Cheer at Pagosa Hot Springs

Behind the Spokane Convention Center

Skybridge Now Connects New Hotel to Spokane Washington Convention Center
Things are growing for Spokane's Convention Center. The Davenport Grand Hotel was being built earlier this year when I visited this beautiful riverside area. 

This month, the skybridge connecting the Davenport Grand Hotel and the Spokane Convention Center was installed.  Joining the DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center, the Davenport Grand Hotel will be the second connected hotel to the Spokane Convention Center. 

With an expansion project expected to be completed in January 2015, the Spokane Convention Center will total more than 500,000 square feet, including 120,000 square feet of exhibit space and 83,512 square feet of meeting space. The 17-story Davenport Grand Hotel is projected to be completed in summer 2015 and will have 62,500 square feet of meeting space. The 716-room hotel will be joining the Autograph Hotel Collection by Marriott. 

With the addition of the new hotel, a total of 1,100 rooms will be connected to the Convention Center. Additionally, the number of hotel rooms within eight blocks of the Convention Center rises to 3,300.

Christmas at Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington
Friends and families can experience the sights and sounds of the 1840s fur trade Christmas season this Saturday, Dec. 13, at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The celebration is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular admission rates apply: $3 for adults; free for youth 15 and under. For more information, call 360-816-6247 or click here. 

Activities include Christmas caroling by the Madrigal Singers, hands on activities for kids, games of the 1840′s, and culinary demonstrations in the kitchen and in the Blacksmith Shop. Black powder weapon demonstrations are set for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Click here for the full story from the Daily Insider.

Consider Pagosa Springs, Colorado for a winter getaway

Winter Fun at Pagosa Springs in Colorado

What a great idea for a family getaway. Plan your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa and take advantage of their package deals. The resort features steaming natural springs and a luxurious hotel. I had the pleasure of staying there one fall. 

You can soak in their world famous hot springs, explore the beauty of the Rockies and pamper yourself at their Spa.  

Polar Express Package: Take a magical journey to the North Pole... then return to soak in mystical steaming hot springs.  Enjoy hot chocolate and a treat served by your personal chefs, who will also read THE POLAR EXPRESS story on the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa! Sing Christmas carols, while Santa Clause gives each Child a gift! Rates start at $199 for a Family of 4! Train tickets purchased separately: $35/Adults, $12/Children.  Includes: 1- Night Stay at The Springs Resort & Spa. Polar Express Train Tickets - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Jolly Holiday Hot Drinks in the Phoenix Room Lounge: Hot Cocoa, Hot Toddies and more seasonal specials! And, last but not least, 24-Hour Access to 23 Natural Mineral Hot Springs.

Only Available December 12th - 14th, and December 16th - 20th. Use the Promo Code: POLAR

For More Package deals and to book, see the the Email announcement or visit their website. Or call 970-264-4168