Eat, drink, shop, play. A hip, up-and-coming residential area located on Spokane’s South Hill is alive with a row of unique businesses, serving a diverse array of people daily.
FOOD & DRINK
Spokane’s South Perry District features a variety of eateries and restaurants, and down at the corner of Newark Ave and South Laura Street is the Grain Shed, a bakery and brewery turning out craft beers, daily made croissants, breads, and other treats. The Grain Shed joined the Perry neighborhood a short time ago, bringing with it a passion for strong communities, making it a popular shop with locals. As a Co-Op, The Grain Shed provides a right-at-home space for those who gather to enjoy.
Toby Carroll, staff member and co-owner, takes pride in putting forth his efforts to keep The Grain Shed’s mission of providing friendly and community oriented service.
“This place was really opened deliberately to become a hub of a community,” said Carroll. ‘I think having so many regulars who keep coming in is really rewarding.”
The Grain Shed is surrounded by an immediate neighborhood, with public transit by Spokane Transit Authority, making it accessible for those who live nearby. This vivacious space also hosts local musicians and groups, allowing Spokane community members to showcase their talent in an intimate setting.
“We’ve had Low Crass Bluegrass, and we have a guitar and fiddle trio on Sundays.”
Perhaps one of the most unique things about The Grain Shed is their ingredients. The Grain Shed is known for sourcing everything local, even down to the flour they mill. Their use of landrace grains means fresher, higher quality, healthier products and flavorful outcomes. Within the business, there is the running joke that everything is done the hardest way possible, for the best possible product.
“We own the farm, we grow the grains, we mill the flour,” said Carrolll. “We mill seven different kinds of flour, plus barley, plus rye. That grain goes in the beers, and we use that flour to make the breads, pastries, and cookies.”
In the spirit of community closeness, The Grain Shed treats their customer base as one of them, always. As Carroll states, everyone is a part of The Grain Shed family.
“Someone might have a baby and I think, oh, it’s a new member of The Grain Shed community.”
Amazing music, fresh ingredients, and an atmosphere constantly aiming to provide joy and promote local, The Grain Shed is a must the next time you’re up on the South Hill.
Another unique spot to stop for a cozy study spot, The Shop. Having been developed from an old car repair shop, The Shop has been named a neighborhood favorite by many in his community. Celo Duty, staff member and community member, says she enjoys her workplace and the cozy vibes it brings.
“It’s a family and locally owned business,” said Duty “The owners are really nice people. It’s a staple on Perry street.”
The Shop not only offers a variety of drinks, but gluten free for and pastries as well so customers with dietary restrictions can enjoy all that they have to serve. Playing hits from superstar pop artist Lady Gaga and tracks like “Another One bites the Dust” by Queen, the atmosphere allows for a space a variety of folks can stop by and enjoy. Duty says she wants to stay here for the long run and enjoys the company of those she works with.
“I’ll probably stay here as long as possible. I love all my coworkers, all the regulars are really nice.”
Like many of the businesses located in this neighborhood, The Shop values the people that support them, and participates in many annual and pop-up events hosted in the Perry District. For events like Pride in Perry, The Shop sees an influx in foot traffic and new and old faces.
“It was so busy that day,” said Duty. “There was like, a line out the door kind of day.”
The Shop is certainly a staple and a great place to relax, study, or simply catch up with close friends here in the Perry neighborhood, earning its rightful spot amongst other fabulous places to eat.
Alongside The Grain Shed and The Shop, is a brewery priding itself on serving only the best of the best to locals. Perry Street Brewing is known to the community as a hot spot for gathering, having fun, and being able to enjoy ice cold, top quality beers and other drinks. Owner Ben Lukes hails from Missoula, Montana and after coming to Spokane, he and his wife saw a need for a place where friends and families could gather right here in this neighborhood. Staff member Ari colts, employed by the business for around 8 months, says this spot is family friendly and embraces all of its guests.
“This spot itself is pretty family friendly, we get a lot of families with children,” said Colts. “A lot of people come here to hang out out on the patio.”
Colts also says that Ben takes great care to provide only the best, top notch ingredients, food, and drink, ensuring that everything served is enjoyable, quality, and beyond the best standard.
“He started super small, out of Missoula, Montana,” said Colts. “He’s very passionate about beer, always prioritizes selling really clean beers.”
Perry Street Brewing just celebrated their 10-year anniversary on this block, and makes a point to be involved in every way they can be. Also a supporter and participant in Pride in Perry, Perry Street Brewing hosts many events of heir own to promote their business and support their neighbors.
“I feel personally that Perry Street Brewery and their ideas kind of pave the way for a lot of businesses here,” said Colts.
SHOPPING
In addition to a wide variety of local eats, the Perry Street community hosts an even bigger variety of small and local businesses that all bring their own unique spark to this ever-growing south hill district. One such business, a beloved book shop with titles to fill the hearts and souls of anyone who swings by, is Wishing Tree Books.
Tania Van Winkle, long term staff member and book enthusiast herself, shared her experiences working for this well-known and well-established book wonderland.
“Sometimes I go and read myself a picture book, any time of day,’ said Van Winkle. “Those picture books, people think they’re just for kids, but they’re for anyone who wants to enjoy them. If you’re a book person, there’s nothing that makes you happier.’
Wishing Tree Books keeps their community close. By hosting in-tore book fairs, author readings, and many other events and neighborhood-centered gestures, this book shop embraces people from all walks of life and makes their enthusiasm for the world of literature known.
“A lot of it is Janelle, the owner, I think,” said Van Winkle. “She’s very very involved and I think that’s definitely part of it.”
Wishing Tree Books is often praised for their choice to sell and promote books deemed controversial, many of these titles have bee the subject of scrutiny in states across the country, being completely removed from schools and other book spaces. One of these titles includes “Genderqueer” by Maia Kobabe, a graphic memoir detailing the authors life growing up as a queer and transgender individual. As Van Winkle states, there’s a book of everyone here, and especially those who need them.
“Everyone deserves to see themselves,” said Van Winkle. “Whether it’s a picture book or a graphic book.”
Wishing Tree Books also just celebrated an anniversary and celebrated 5 years of operation within Perry. November of 2019 marked half a decade of service for this shop and hey hope to stick around for a long time to come.
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching shops alive and well in Perry is Veda Lux, a shop known for its handmade, unique trinkets, art, and vintage clothing available for purchase. Started from what was previously a vacant post-office in 2010 by Summer Hightower, this eclectic business has made a name for itself in Spokane, being endearingly called “The Dollhouse” by community members.
Eva Zertuche, staff member of six years, states her workplace feels like a true home. Zertuche describes the environment as a creative space.
“It’s always so funny when I go away because it’s like, ah, I’m home, when I come back,” said Zertuche.
As Veda Lux sells a lot of antiques, Zertuche says it’s one of her favorite parts of being at work. Zertuche has a background with fashion and also enjoys getting to spend time around the unique pieces the shop sells within its walls. From fur coats to dresses and footwear, Veda Lux lines its shop space with pieces that tell a story, including hand-made jewelry by the owner. Veda Lux will have been in the neighborhood 15 years in 2025.
This brilliant business gives Perry what it gets, holding its base close and showing that appreciation through the dedicated work to offer only the best for those looking to buy.
“One of the best things is when we do shows and people recognize us,” said Zertuche. “Like “Oh this is Veda Lux!” That’s really cool.”
A pride and joy of this shop is their Goblin Markets. Veda Lux sells the creations of over 50 other woman-owned small businesses and artists and loves to provide the opportunity for them to have their own space to showcase their dedication and hard work.
“We’ve had between 10-15 different artists,” said Zertuche. “It’s a nice little intimate setting, and we’ve had a live DJ.”
This charming shop is the mother load of all things vintage, handmade, and captures the spirit of Perry in this small, but remarkable space.
Organic and handmade products are trending. The Perry District holds in its embrace a woman-owned shop called Bee You Organics, made up of a team of people who understand that their customers care about what goes in their everyday products.
Larissa Warren, owner and founder, started her shop’s journey as a result of a battle to find the right products for her sensitive, inflammation-riddled skin after a car accident left her with scarring and a need for gentler products. After spending time researching, testing, and developing, the heart and soul of Bee You Organics was born: natural, organic, toxin free products for the beauty regimen that requires tender care.
Bee You Organics began as an Etsy shop in 2017 before opening as a brick and mortar in Perry in 2019. Warren works as a beekeeper outside of the business itself.
Noheami Kolarsky, team member of Bee You Organics, describes the products as eco-friendly, right down to the packaging.
“The really unique thing about all the products is its waterless beauty,” said Kolarsky. “There’s no water, no alcohol, it makes it go a long way and it lasts.”
Every product within the walls of this beautiful shop is made in-house, packaged and shipped with the utmost care.
“We’ve got a lot of different products,” said Kolarsky. “We’ve got a hot press for all of our stuff, we’ve got powders, makeup. All the products have beeswax and shea in them”
Kolarsky describes the business as a hidden gem in Spokane, but says their customers are friendly and a pleasure to serve.
“We attract really sweet people, the company is really inclusive,” said Kolarsky.
Bee You Organics is a supporter of all things local as a local business themselves, and especially welcomes local artists into their space. Every artist featured on the shelves and walls inside the store is local to Spokane.
“It’s really kind of an artist environment,” said Kolarsky. “It’s very peaceful, and it’s nice to have a storefront so people can test our products.”
Bee You Organics is a must for those passionate about clean, waste-free products, and for those looking to save on their Earth-friendly beauty routine. Affordable, artistic, and inclusive, Bee You Organics adds a spark to the Perry District beyond just a beauty store, but a shop full of life, personality, and passion.
If you’re like many Spokanites, you may enjoy hiking, biking, or general outdoorsy activities. A true member of the Inland Northwest can appreciate the value of time spent within nature and getting great exercise in the process, and for one bike shop in Perry, not only is this a business venture, but a lifestyle and the core of the mission.
Bike Hub’s story started in 2009, when co-owner Josh Tofsrud and his business partners sought to open up a bike shop that would intend to become the people’s spot for all things cycling.
“We opened up Bike Hub in 2009,” said Tofsrud. “We expanded in 2015-2016, and we’ve had locations downtown and in the Spokane Valley.”
Each bike sold is brand new, and any other gear up for sale is as well, offering up top notch cycling supplies and filling the needs of their customer base.
“We definitely try to be the people’s bike shop,” said Tofsrud. “When people come in, we try to make it feel like our house. We try to make people.s day. We understand that a lot of our customers enjoy cycling, and we try to match that feeling.”
Tosfsrud is an avid cycler himself, and has been for much of his life, long before Bike Hub came along. Tofsrud says that he’s known other owners since childhood. Tofsrud says he spends as much of his time as possible at spots like Beacon Hill to indulge in this exhilarating hobby.
For athletic and inspired Spokane community members, the Bike Hub is your one-stop-shop the next time you’re in need of a new ride.
RESOURCES
At the heart of the Perry District, Odyssey Youth Movement can be found at the corner of South Perry Street and East 12th Ave, a 30 year old safe gathering space for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults within the Spokane community. Serving the LGBTQ+ community since 1992, Odyssey Youth Movement promotes equity for those in the Inland Northwest.
Ian Sullivan is Odyssey Youth Movement’s executive director, having worked with the organization once before shortly after graduating from Gonzaga University. From 2010-2012, Sullivan spent time working with Odyssey before coming back in 2017 to work as their executive director.
“I get to be a professional queer,” said Sullivan. “I’m very fortunate to be able to be my true, authentic self.”
The core of Odyssey’s work with the community is their drop-in nights at the center. For youths ages 13-18, drop-in is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and for those ages 18-24, every Thursday night. Odyssey’s drop-in programs offer resources like hygiene items, gender-affirming clothing from the free clothing closet, safer sex supplies, and snacks. Free dinner is offered at every drop-in night for both age groups.
Odyssey Youth Movement also hosts the annual LGBTQ+ Pride event, Pride in Perry. Sullivan says as the creator of the event, it means a lot to him and he holds it close.
“Pride in Perry is my baby”, said Sullivan. “It’s celebrating our artists. It’s recognizing that people can grab a coffee or pizza at a pride event, and just hang out.”
Pride in Perry is joined by many businesses mentioned above, and is supported greatly by the community that it happens within. Many sponsors, businesses, artists, and community members gather each June to spend time together and celebrate Spokane’s LGBTQ+ community.
Odyssey Youth Movement plans to visit more local colleges and universities to help youth connect with staff. There are also plans to expand the center’s reach to areas outside of Spokane, such as Deer Park, Cheney, and beyond.
“We’re trying to bring drop-in TO people,” said Sullivan.
In Spokane’s Perry District, there is a place for everyone that sets foot within its streets. A bookstore, a neighborhood brewery, eclectic shops, and a gathering space for LGBTQ+ youth, all come together to form a neighborhood that’s livened up more and more as the years have gone by. It’s walkable, accessible, and full of gems for Spokane, and beyond.
For questions related to this story, please contact the author at sfcc.gus.dinsmore@gmail.com