Gimme a Break!

by Heather Moore

Feeling stressed? Need a mental health break? Maybe you need to take a little vacation. Wouldn't you know it - I've got the perfect place for you to stay: The Sunflower Cottage.

The Sunflower Cottage is a delightful bed and breakfast located on a quiet street in Spokane, Washington. A trip from Missoula to Spokane is a scenic two and a half hour drive west on I-90. About five minutes from downtown, the Sunflower Cottage is owned and operated by Chuck, an extremely attentive and sensitive host, as well as an excellent cook.

My partner and I stayed at the Cottage in March. Before our arrival, Chuck asked if we had any special drinks or foods we preferred. As we walked in his door, there were our requested drinks, chilled and ready, along with yummy, hot, fresh-from-the-oven muffins.

Chuck supplied us with a customized city map, local queer and mainstream papers and tips on finding the fun and interesting places to go. Spokane has several queer bars and a wonderfully offbeat downtown area, including the Riverfront Park (with IMAX theatre) and a low-key, excellent and affordable Japanese restaurant, the Suki Yaki Inn.

The Sunflower Cottage's interior is a visual collage that charts Chuck and his family's travels across the globe, including memorabilia and heirlooms. The general atmosphere is a warm combination of casual and formal, something easily seen in the breakfast presentation. Chuck set the table in a formal style and waited on us as needed. At the same time, he chatted with us as he cooked (and we ate). Everything that Chuck made was delicious, from the omelette tarts to the delicious yam bread.

The Sunflower Cottage has just two guest rooms, sharing one bath. Average rates are from $55-75, depending on the season. If you are looking for a relaxing, enjoyable getaway, I highly recommend you contact Chuck at the Sunflower Cottage, (509) 326-7707.