A Sobering Search for Love
May 21, 2010 
11 Comments
New to Spokane, fresh off of a particularly painful breakup, I found myself in fight or flight mode. I needed a rebound, fast. My college instincts kicked in as I started to venture out and explore the bar scene. It didn’t take me long to find a comfortable niche among poor twenty-somethings out for dollar PBR night at the Baby Bar, or enjoying the patio at The Elk.
Photograph by Old Timey Dave
As time moved on and the scar tissue started to build where my previous boyfriend had so willingly ripped my heart out, I started to yearn for something more, but alas, where does one go to find love in the Lilac City? I needed to veer away from the security of the dark lit, drunken dens of seduction I had become fond of, take a step out into the sunlight and open my eyes to all the potential mating grounds Spokane has to offer.
With this in mind, I was flipping through The Inlander, when I came across an article about the community gardens program in Vinegar Flats. While the article was heart warming, the photo of the guy who ran it was hormone warming and it dawned on me – if I took care of the community, maybe it would take care of me.
I shot Farmer Joe an email explaining that I was new to town and was interested in volunteering at the garden. He suggested that I help him glean plums one evening. Now, I’m not normally one to glean anyone’s plums on a first date, but I was curious so I agreed to meet him.
To my relief I discovered “gleaning plums” was the agrarian equivalent of picking plums. We met later that week on a warm, sunny evening. The smell of ripe fruit was intoxicating, the warmth of the sun comforting; things were wonderful. After a couple of hours of working we retreated to The Lantern for a pint. We chatted about me living in West Virginia and he told me about all the wonderful non-bar related things to do in Spokane. I was impressed to say the least.
No, this ambitious journey of plum gleaning love did not end in the happily-ever-after way, but it did introduce me to all the awesome ways to meet people in Spokane. This town is littered with groups and clubs for every interest. If you’re serious about finding someone, wouldn’t you want something more in common than the cheap beer you both prefer?
Take it upon yourself to seek out groups in Spokane that share your interests. Meetup.com is a great resource. With the weather warming up there are plenty of opportunities to get involved outside through trail or community clean ups. If you’re not one for physical labor, just getting out to one of the beautiful parks around the area might be more your style. You never know who you’ll meet. Or kill two birds with one stone and head to Spokane’s new Main Market Co-op. While you peruse the aisles for yummy local foods, let your eyes feast upon potential soulmates as well.
I’ll be the one with a six-pack of PBR in my basket.
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Great article, now if the co-op only had PBR.
Arts in the Park may have you reeling in a good one! Great post.
Well. The least I could say is that I am incredibly impressed. Wow. We need this person to write more Blog posts, before the Washington Post snatches them up!
If you’re serious about finding someone, wouldn’t you want something more in common than the cheap beer you both prefer?
nicely said.
I’m sorry that you had a broken heart – sometimes life gives us lemons (or limes) and we have to make margaritas out of them. (tee hee) I’m cheered that your heart is on the mend.
How great would it be if the places where we love to shop (Finders Keepers, Area 58, Merlyn’s, Value Village, The Main Market Coop, Aunites) had “singles mixer nights.” ?? Where you could check out the merchandise and maybe check out some PDA as well? (PDA – Potential Date Material – my friend’s mom gave this term to us ages ago.)
I’ve been saying this for years. Hell. I’m dating someone, but if the Library held a singles mixer I’d totally be there! “Sorry, hon! I’m checking out The Literary Hotties! brb.”
Nicely written. As a transplant, I can definitely relate that looking for love in a new city is not easy but we’re fortunate to have many awesome people here making a difference.
Gin, good to know you’re getting out there and exploring! I wish you the best, and I’m especially jealous of all the warm/sunny details, as I’m back to winter in Chile. BESOS!
This is the only town I know with an alternate rag that doesn’t do an annual most eligible singles issue circa Valentine’s. While such articles are basically pablum, the observation strikes me as emblematic. I don’t think the Inlander can pull it off. I don’t think there are enough single people here over the age of 25 to make an article.
That said, I think the library singles night is a brilliant idea, maybe it would prove me wrong…
–
Spokane’s your home and I don’t begrudge or judge you for it
but it’s a pit to me
Still I’m ready to have my mind changed.
Any time now… fire when ready…
Spokane has a great adult soccer scene too! Lots of outdoor leagues, indoor leagues, and several regular pick up games at Plantes Ferry. Everyone is of an age, very fit, and by the end of the game ready for a pint.