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Amazing summer events showcase the best of Bend, Oregon recreation

I wish I could remember which magazine dubbed Bend, “the outdoor playground of the West.” If I met the journalist who wrote that line, I’d shake her hand and buy her a pint along the Bend Ale Trail and say, “thanks for the awesome phrase I use anytime someone asks me to describe my fair city.”

Bend is indeed a recreation-lover’s paradise, whether you’re a competitive athlete, a casual participant, or just a spectator. Bend’s especially great at hosting top-notch outdoor sporting events, and with prime season upon us, allow me to share the ones I’m most excited about:

Pole Pedal Paddle (May 19)

You’re too late to register for this year’s PPP, but as someone who’s been both a spectator and a participant, I know it can be more fun to watch. Between the hardcore athletes grunting and sweating their way to the finish line and the couch potatoes in goofy costumes competing just to have a good time, there’s a great mix of everything at the Pole Pedal Paddle. The event has been going strong since 1977, and features different legs including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, biking, running, kayaking, and a sprint to the finish. Some competitors do the whole thing themselves, and others do it relay-style in teams. The first elite athletes start crossing the finish line at 10:35 a.m. this Saturday, and it’s great fun to watch from the footbridge in the Old Mill District or the finish line at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

Happy Girls Half-Marathon (May 27)

I refuse to run unless I’m being chased, so I’ll defer to Visit Bend’s Marketing Director on this one. Lynnette declares this race to be an awesome, girl-centric event that appeals to anyone from serious athletes to moms looking for a little exercise and female bonding. Finishers get a special necklace, a fabulous goody bag, and as much girl-time as you can possibly pack into a half-marathon. The thing that caught my eye on the Happy Girls Half-Marathon site? This line: Great on-course support including handsome pacers! Almost makes me reconsider my no-running policy.

Subaru Outside Games (June 10-17)

The ultimate celebration of Oregon’s outdoor recreation, this awesome series in Bend has something for everyone. There’s the Foot Zone Dirty Half, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe’s Pickin’ & Paddlin’, the 2012 Paddle Board Challenge, a Ride & Reach Yoga Clinic with pro mountain biker Ryan Leech, a special Family Day, and much, MUCH more. You can find a complete listing of events on the website and there’s even an all-access pass for $69 that gets you perks like a ticket to see The Dirty Heads,(a 2012 SXSW music festival standout), a Bend Bicycle Film Festival t-shirt, an Outside Games mug & t-shirt, four brew tokens, two Cog Wild shuttle coupons, a Floatchella Float entry, five food tokens, sponsor coupons, and other goodies!

Merrell Oyster Off-Road Adventure Race (June 30)

This is one wacky race, whether you’re a spectator or participant. Teams of 2-4 racers head out on a mystery course ranging from 15-20 miles for 3-6 hours of ridiculous fun. Each course is unique, and includes running, biking, performing strange tasks, solving mind wrenching mysteries, and utilizing technology. Best of all, each racer finishes the day with a refreshing beer at the finish line. Bend Oregon is the only West coast location for the off-road race. Here’s something extra-special about this one – if you have a team and would like to participate, we’re giving away ONE FREE TEAM REGISTRATION! This is for the Bend race only, and the normal fee would be $75. What a deal! Want to win? Leave a comment begging for it and we’ll pick one lucky winner on Wednesday, May 30.

USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships (September 5-9)

Bend has solidified its place as “Bike Town USA” by hosting an unprecedented six USA Cycling National Championships in the last three, years, and we’re contracted to host three more over the next two years. In September, the five-day Masters Road National Championships will kick off with a new time trial course routing through Prineville. The road racing championships will take place over the following couple days with a new course starting at Mt. Bachelor. Saturday’s criterium races will happen in downtown Bend, while Sunday’s criteriums will take place in NorthWest Crossing. In a nutshell, you’ve got oodles of places to catch a glimpse of these bike racers in action. Got a USA Cycling license? You might want to consider registering for this race, since the courses will be top-notch and the scenery spectacular!

LeadmanTri Life Time Epic Triathlon (September 30)

This one’s for the hardcore! Oregon’s first Leadman Triathlon will include a 5k swim across Cultus Lake, followed by a 223k bike trek around Mt. Bachelor, wrapping up with a 22k run along the Deschutes River through Tetherow Golf Club and into the Old Mill District. I feel exhausted just typing all that, so I can’t imagine doing it. If you can, consider signing up for the LeadmanTri Corporate Relay Challenge. If you’re like me and would rather watch, there should be plenty of places throughout the course where you can park your chair and get ample exercise clapping your hands for racers. If you’re kinda in between, consider trying the Leadman 125, a slightly shorter version featuring a 2.5k swim, 111.5k bike ride, and an 11k run. You can do the relay for either the full-length or shortened Leadman race, but keep in mind the team that wins the 250k relay wins the team’s weight in beer from Deschutes Brewery. Bottoms up!

And if you want a taste of what Leadman will be like, check out the video below.

What’s happening this summer in Bend, Oregon? Check out these top five upcoming events, and win free tickets to one of them!

Whenever my parents venture across the mountains to visit, my mom kicks off their Bend stay with the same question:

“What’s happening this weekend?”

It’s not that she expects me to entertain them. They’ve grown accustomed to the fact that there’s a concert, special event, or festival pretty much every weekend in Bend.

It’s one of a million things that makes this a great place to live, but also a reason Bend makes an awesome place for a weekend trip. If you’re planning a Bend adventure this summer and want to time it with cool happenings, scope out our Events Calendar to schedule your optimum Bend escape.

Here are the top five events I’m most looking forward to this summer:

Memorial Day weekend concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater (May 25-27)

This is always the kickoff of Bend’s concert season, and past Memorial Day shows have been some of my favorite concerts ever. This year’s lineup looks pretty flippin’ incredible. Things start hopping Friday evening, May 25, with The Shins as the headline act. Though I’m a huge Shins fan, I’ve also heard oodles of buzz over the opening act, The Head and the Heart. A friend of mine is traveling from Seattle just to see them.

Saturday night’s concert  will be a rare performance by Tenacious D, the band comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass. This one won’t be a family-friendly show by any stretch of the imagination (critics call their blend of vulgar comedy & rock music, “mock rock”)  but it’ll be an amazing show.

Rounding things out on Sunday evening will be Beck with special guest Metric. For information about tickets and show times for the Memorial weekend concerts or any other shows at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, check out this link.

An Afternoon with Bill Cosby (July 22)

I’ve been a fan of Bill Cosby since toddlerhood when my father played cassette tapes of his comedy routines, and I grew up watching the Cosby Show and reading his books. When my gentleman friend told me the routine with his children includes regular viewings of Cosby Show reruns and bedtime snuggles while listening to recordings of his standup routines, my heart melted a little. I’m over-the-moon thrilled the four of us will be able to see Bill Cosby live at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 at the Deschutes County Expo Center. The show is sponsored by C3 Events, and tickets are going fast. You can order them online or get show information here.

Central Oregon Beer Week (May 21-27), the Fermentation Celebration (July 12), and Bend Brewfest (August 16-18)

Bend has the most craft breweries per capita in Oregon, and the Bend Ale Trail has made our craft beer industry legendary. It makes sense that a single weekend of beer-related revelry won’t suffice.

First on the agenda this year is Central Oregon Beer Week. It’s a week-long celebration May 21-27 that will include tastings, tours, beer dinners, and Mt. Bachelor’s two-day Brewski Festival. You can check their events page to get all the details, and if you bring a completed Bend Ale Trail passport to the Bend Visitor Center during the week, you get a bonus prize.

Next on the agenda is the first Fermentation Celebration July 12 in the Old Mill District. This is a first time event that will include entertainment and tastings, and will be capped off with the crowning of the Beer for a Year sweepstakes winner (don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets at the Bend Visitor Center or here!)

The pinnacle of beer festivities in Bend is the ninth annual Bend Brewfest. This is usually one of the highlights of my summer, and the plethora of music, food, and fabulous beer (more than 80 at last count!) is enough to make any beer lover swoon. And sway. And maybe walk a little unsteadily at the end of it all (not that I’m judging).

Munch & Music (Every Thursday July 12-August 16)

This is one of those uniquely-Bend events that’s been taking place so long, locals sometimes forget it exists. We shouldn’t, since these free concerts in Drake Park are some of the most pleasant forms of entertainment available with all your clothes on. This is the 22^nd anniversary of Munch & Music, and the event always offers an awesome chance to groove to some great music while browsing arts & crafts and food booths. You couldn’t ask for a better setting than this quaint little stage beside the Deschutes River, and you really couldn’t ask for a better price than free. This summer’s musical lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but keep an eye on the webpage for that information.

Bite of Bend (June 23-24)

I’ve lived here 14 years, and still never tire of sampling all the amazing cuisine in Bend. Bite of Bend offers an excellent opportunity to try little tasters from dozens of different restaurants. The entertainment is top notch, with a Top Chef competition, performance stage, beer garden, and a children’s area. One of the highlights of the event is the Northwest Spirits & Mixology Show. This preeminent celebration of craft mixology includes competitions, tastings, and parties. Tickets are $15, or you can win a pair RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW by leaving a comment about your favorite Bend event. We’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, May 15.

 

 

 

An abundance of family-friendly fun in Bend, Oregon!

My whole life, I’ve been certain of one thing – I have zero desire to birth offspring.

That’s why I appreciate the irony of finding myself at age 37 in an unexpected and amazing relationship with a guy who just happens to have created the most fabulous six-year-old girl and ten-year-old boy on the planet.

Funny how life works.

One thing I’ve learned in a year of hanging around kids is that you can do a lot of super cool things for the sake of entertaining them. Here are some of my favorite family-friendly activities in Bend:

Explore and discover!

The first time I suggested the High Desert Museum to my gentleman friend’s offspring, they said they’d been there a week before. I assumed they’d have no desire to return right away, but realized my mistake when they ran to the car and shrieked, “let’s go!”

The kids never tire of watching the otter, scouting streams for fish, pointing at snakes in terrariums, or learning about the culinary habits of the lynx and bobcat. Creatures aside, there’s always a cool selection of new exhibits designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

If organized tours are more your family’s speed, there are several great options available. In the winter months, Wanderlust Tours offers moonlight and starlight snowshoe toursperfect for active kids ages 8 and up. The $65 price tag includes snowshoes, instruction, transportation, and most importantly, hot chocolate.

Another great Wanderlust trip that’s awesome anytime of year is the cave tour. Kids will love donning headlamps and exploring the nooks and crannies of Central Oregon’s lava tubes, and Wanderlust’s professional naturalist guides do a great job with stories and trivia that appeal to kids 5 and up. The whole family can crunch wintergreen lifesavers in the pitch-black cave and watch the light show that ensues! The cave tour is $55 for adults or $50 for kids under 12, which is the same price as Wanderlust’s volcano tour (which I haven’t tried, but can’t wait to book this summer!)

For families with an interest in food, farms, critters, or just an old-fashioned good time in the Central Oregon outdoors, The Well Traveled Fork offers the Farm & Ranch Tour. Kids of all ages will love getting up close and personal pigs, sheep, chickens, cows, and alpacas. Owner Chef Bette is passionate about teaching kids where food comes from, and many of her cooking classes are geared toward families.

For families with an artsy side, the Roundabout Art Route is a great way to check out Bend’s amazing collection of public art. Pick up a map at the Bend Visitor Center and do a self-guided tour at your own pace, or head out with GETIT Shuttle for John Flannery’s fabulous Bend Art Safari tour. The $25 per person price tag will be money well spent for awesome art insights from one of Bend’s most engaging and entertaining tour operators. Earn a special chocolate prize for answering trivia questions about 10 of the 20 roundabout art displays!

If you’re willing to travel just a few short miles east of town, Petersen Rock Garden offers an eclectic sightseeing option. Kids will love crawling around on rock creations, inspecting crystals in the on-site museum, and admiring the peacocks that stroll the four-acre property. Admission is based on the honor system with donation boxes at the entrance.

Run ‘em ragged!

For families with a taste for outdoor adventure, Bend is a veritable paradise. If your kids are 13 or older, Cog Wildoffers incredible mountain bike tours ranging from half-day trips to multi-day adventures packed with great food and all fresh air and gorgeous scenery you can handle. They have a huge fleet of bikes to rent, and offer tours that range from expert to brand new newbie.

If you fancy sliding around with strange footwear strapped to your feet, consider roller skating at Cascade Indoor Sports. The $8 general admission includes skate rental, or skate for just $5 if you bring your own equipment. Kids 5-8 skate for $5, or it’s free for those under 5. My gentleman friend’s offspring particularly enjoyed choosing between rollerblades and regular four-wheeled skates. During winter months, there are oodles of ice skating options around Central Oregon. We hit the ice at the new rink in Redmond on New Year’s Eve, and within an hour, both young’uns were sliding along with minimal assistance while giggling like fiends.

If you’re craving indoorsy activity, check out Sun Mountain Fun Center where you can choose from bowling, arcade games, billiards, or bumper cars. The warmer months offer outdoor mini-golf, go-karts, or batting cages. The bumper cars are one of our favorite attractions here, though the experience left me dreading the day the kids obtain their drivers licenses.

Bouncing Off the Wall is another great option indoor exercise. This inflatable family fun center even offers special discount nights every first and third Thursday, with a large pizza, pitcher of soda, and admission for a family of four for only $20.

There are oodles of options for family-friendly hikes on Visit Bend’s hiking page, but my personal favorite is Pilot Butte State Park. This 500-foot cinder cone juts up from the center of the city, and offers 360-degree views from the top. It’s an easy hike even for the six-year-old (who prefers to undertake the endeavor with a Ziploc baggie of apple slices).

Feed the beasts!

At some point, children inevitably require fuel. Flatbread Community Oven in Bend’s Old Mill Districtis an awesome option for kids who enjoy playing with their food. For $5.25, kids 12 and under get a soda, dessert, and the opportunity to make their own mini-pizzas. My gentleman friend’s offspring had a great time smearing their dough with the perfect amount of sauce, arranging the cheese and pepperoni just-so, and watching as the chef shoved their creations into the wood-fired ovens. Parents will appreciate the gourmet pizzas and salads, along with the fabulous beer and wine selection.

Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the Goody’s Ice Cream Factory Tours. It’s a great chance to see the inner-workings of this Central Oregon sweet-spot and sample a variety of candies and ice cream. At $2 for anyone over 3, it’s a pretty sweet deal. The ten-year-old suffers from nut and egg allergies, and we were impressed our tour guide went out of her way to make sure he got extras of the non-allergen items to make up for what he missed.

Because I’m an admitted cheapskate, I’m always scouting for kids-eat-free specials. One of my favorites is Longboard Louie’s, where kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays when parents purchase a meal. The young’uns love picking between the quesadilla, nachos, a burrito, or fish & chips all served with chips and a drink. From now though the end of ski season, Kayo’s Dinnerhouse (another local hot-spot with terrific happy hour specials) offers a kids-eat-free deal when you bring in your lift ticket or season pass.

No matter what family-friendly adventures you choose when you here, we can promise you this much – you’re going to have the time of your life in Bend!

Cheapskates rejoice! Bend has great lunch options for $6 or less.

I am a cheapskate. I’m also a bit of a food snob.

You see the problem here.

Though I adore many Bend restaurants offering delicious lunches in the $8-$12 range, there’s a petulant toddler inside me throwing a tantrum and demanding my lunch cost no more than $6.

Lucky for me, oodles of Bend restaurants are happy to oblige by filling my belly at noontime for $6 or less. Allow me to share a few!

The secrets only locals know (a.ka. my personal favorites!)

From the outside, the D & D Bar and Grill in Downtown Bend looks like a dive bar. That’s probably because it is a dive bar, and a fine one at that. Most people don’t know they offer an excellent cheapskate lunch special. For $4.50, you get a half-sandwich, a cup of soup, and an order of fries. On Monday, I got two tasty slices of rye bread piled high with ham, tomato, lettuce, and assorted condiments. The lentil soup was hearty and packed with veggies and sausage, and though I never plan to eat the fries, I always end up devouring them anyway. It’s one of the best cheap lunch specials in town.

Around the corner on Minnesota Avenue sits Toomies Thai Cuisine. Though price-creep has boosted most of their lunches over the $6 mark, it’s not by much. Those who share my urge to keep it under $6 will appreciate the rotating daily lunch special. It’s always one of the regular menu items offered for a discount price of only $5.95 That gets you an entrée, a tasty noodle & veggie side, and a simple salad with lettuce, tomato, carrot, and hard-boiled egg. It’s big enough I can’t usually eat it all in one sitting, which gives me two lunches for the price of one.

Another local favorite is Parilla Grill on 14^th Street. A hasty glance at the menu might lead you to think there aren’t many items under $6, but you just have to know how to order. Nearly every wrap on their scrumptious menu can be purchased in the 10-inch “bambino” size for $1 less. Trust me when I say you’re not getting shortchanged with the smaller size. I’ve ordered both the regular and bambino, and actually prefer the ratio of tortilla-to-filling with the bambino. My personal favorite is the Bombay bomburrito with chicken for $6. You can also snag their classic veggie burrito for $6 or three veggie tacos for $6.

Like Parilla, Longboard Louie’s might appear not to have tons of options under $6 (unless you count single tacos as filling enough to make a meal, which I don’t). But here’s the trick to getting a super-filling meal for the right price. Order the “recession buster burrito,” which is a small bean & cheese for just $3. Nice price, right? But we’re not done. Next, add your choice of meat for $1.50. I like steak, but you can also pick chicken, shredded beef, or pork. Then choose from an array of fifty-cent add-ons like rice, sour cream, fajita veggies, or fresh pico de gallo. You can pick three of those and still keep the price at $6. Then you raid the fresh salsa bar and stock up on tasty favorites like black bean & corn, or roasted tomatillo lime. You can get it at either the eastside location or the Longboard Louie’s on Galveston, and it’s hearty enough I can’t finish it all.

For a different Mexican option, try the Taco Stand, which is hidden away on NW Hill Street. There are oodles of low-cost options here, but I’m a big fan of the beef Colorado for $5.50 or two ooey-gooey cheese enchiladas for $4.50. They also offer excellent burritos for $5.75 or two fresh tamales for $4.25. Don’t forget to bring cash, and remember this local hotspot can fill up fast at the lunch hour.

Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches

Bend Burger Company specializes in gourmet burgers that can be a tad pricey, but they also offer a basic Bond Street burger with fries for only $4.95. If you’re hankering for a burger mid-week, try the bar at Pine Tavern, where you can snag their classic burger with housemade chips for $5 on Wednesdays.

If it’s pizza you crave, Pizza Mondo in Downtown Bend knows how to hook you up. $5.50 gets you a hefty slice of gourmet pizza, a side salad, and a fountain soda. They usually have several kinds of pizza to pick from, and it’s always hot and tasty. Another Bend favorite is Cibelli’s Pizza on the east side of the town. A humongous, foot-long slice of cheese pizza is $3, but what I love best is adding my own toppings for 25-cents each. I usually opt for sausage, artichoke hearts, olives, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell pepper, which keeps the price at $4.50 fills my veggie quota for the meal.

On the sandwich side of things, Jimmy John’s in the Old Mill District has tons of tasty options for great prices. They offer six different 8” subs for only $4.95, and ten more “giant” subs for $5.95. Check out their online menu to peruse offerings, and don’t forget to add sweet-hot peppers for only 25-cents. Low-carb or gluten-free diners will appreciate the “unwich” lettuce wraps. You can also hit Great Harvest in downtown Bend and snag a half-sandwich and a baggie of carrots for $4.50. I’m fairly certain Visit Bend’s CEO is addicted to the Deschutes chicken salad sandwich, which is packed with chicken, cranberries, and spicy pecans. Though the half-sandwiches are plenty huge, you can score a whole one if you’re willing to cross the $6 threshold and pay $6.50.

On the lighter side

I have a moderately hearty appetite, which means I’m seldom satisfied with smaller dishes. If you lack my size-obsessed nature, there are many terrific lighter options to be had in Bend.

Summit Saloon makes some of the best soups in town, and you can nab a cup for $4 or a bowl for $5. It’s served with a fresh rosemary roll and butter, and if you’re lucky enough to walk in on a day they’re serving Chesapeake Bay crab chowder, scrap your cheapskate tendencies and order ten gallons of it.

Barrio in downtown Bend is the new collaboration between two popular street vendors, Soupcon and El Sancho. Prices are a little steeper than they were in the food cart days, but the food is still excellent. You can score a bowl of soup to-go for $5, or two tacos for the same price. The menu changes daily, but is always guaranteed to be amazing.

I’m a huge fan of the edamame bowl at Café Yumm in the Old Mill District, but offer the recommendation with a caveat. The small sized Yumm Bowls technically meet the price criteria at $5.95, but I don’t find it large enough for a grown-up lunch. To achieve that, you’ll want the medium bowl, but its $6.95 price-tag technically disqualifies it from the list.

Another awesome option in the Old Mill District is Mio Sushi. On a light appetite sorta day, I can be satisfied with their scrumptious Philadelphia roll for $4.25 or the spicy tuna roll for $4.50. They also offer a couple terrific noodle bowls at a nice price point. The regular ramen with veggies comes with broccoli, carrot, onion, cabbage, bean sprout, red and green peppers with thin noodles in a clear soup for $5.50. You can also try the Mio ramen with veggies, which has the same veggies and Japanese noodles for $6.

So that completes my roundup of Bend’s best $6 lunches, but I’m sure I missed a few. Got any others to share? Please leave ‘em in the comments.

And bon appétit, my fellow cheapskates!

Visit Bend offers custom illustrated playing cards with 52 sketches of Bend landmarks. Read on to win a set!

Is solitaire your style, or are you up for a frisky game of strip poker?

Er, that’s not an invitation. But it is one way you can use the awesome new custom illustrated playing cards featuring 52 detailed sketches of unique Bend landmarks.

You can also skip the games and just enjoy the cards for what they are – one of the coolest collections of Bend art you could ever hope to hold.

Several months ago, Visit Bend solicited the talents of renowned sketch artist, Aaron Trotter. Aaron is well known for his pen-and-ink sketch work, but it’s his playing cards that put him on the map – literally. Aaron has created decks of playing cards for Portland, Astoria, Seattle, Vancouver BC, San Francisco, and Paris.

Bend, however, was Aaron’s first custom deck, and I was lucky enough to follow him around one chilly morning to watch the master at work. The process was fascinating.

Aaron is a stickler for sketching everything on-location – no working from photos. As he stood near the footbridge over Mirror Pond in Bend’s Drake Park, I watched as he used a ballpoint pen to capture the details of the ducks paddling around in frigid water.

Though he normally takes the sketches home to Portland to finish, we found a nearby bench so he could demonstrate the inking process. His tools include his grandfather’s quill pen, a fountain pen his aunt bought in Paris in 1910, and a generous supply of Higgins ink.

On average, he told me each sketch takes 20-30 minutes for drawing, and another hour to hour-and-a-half for inking. Tally up the number of playing cards in a deck, and you know this project was no simple undertaking.

The Mirror Pond scene I mentioned (the eight of diamonds, in case you’re wondering) is one of 52 scenes appearing on the backs of these super cool playing cards. Other landmarks include breweries, mountains, historic buildings, local art, recreation sites, and Mt. Bachelor. The latter appears on the cover of the box, since the Visit Bend team decided that’s one of the most recognizable Bend landmarks of all.

Want to get your hands on a deck of cards? You can pick them up at the Bend Visitor Center for $20, or online at visitbend.com. You’ll also see them at the Portland Saturday Market. Vendors interested in selling the cards can contact Visit Bend directly about wholesale pricing.

If you’re interested in winning a deck, just leave a comment sharing your favorite card game. We’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, April 24.

Happy playing!

 Photography by Craig Zagurski

Scanlon’s Restaurant offers a revamped menu and a whole new experience in Bend dining

When you’ve lived in Bend as long as I have (14+ years) you develop certain notions that get hard to shake.

Take Scanlon’s Restaurant, for instance. This little restaurant off Century Drive is tucked in the corner of the Athletic Club of Bend, and I’ll confess my impression wasn’t always favorable. During my early years in Bend, I found the vibe a bit pretentious and the food mostly forgettable.

Thank Dog for second chances.

Scanlon’s has a new vibe and new menu, and if the Visit Bend crew hadn’t been invited to dinner, I might never have realized how dramatically things have changed!

My new first impression began the second I stepped through the door and admired the updated décor and cozy-chic vibe. We were seated in a comfy banquet room beside a large brick fireplace, and the server kicked things off with a complimentary starter.

Not to diss the basket of bread provided at most restaurants, but this starter was something special. The plate included spinach hummus, bread, and an olive platter, and there was plenty to share.

Our group ordered a wide array of appetizers, including steamed mussels, seared tuna, crab tostadas, and housemade lamb sausage with penne noodles and goat cheese. The latter was my favorite, and offered a surprisingly huge portion with a great combination of flavors. The goat cheese was mellow and creamy, the sausage perfectly spicy, and the whole thing prompted me to make a note to bring all my friends back for happy hour (3-9 p.m. Mondays, 9-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday) when this hearty dish is served up for just $6.50.

I also savored a scrumptious winter beet salad with apple slices, pistachios, and oregonzola. I’m a sucker for beets, and this salad has generous portions of everything on the plate. Our group also ordered several flatbreads, something our server described as a house specialty. My favorite was the Hood River Pear, piled high with hazelnuts, rosemary, Riesling honey, oregonzola, and grilled pear. It’s clear someone in the kitchen at Scanlon’s has a great knack for blending flavors.

One unique aspect of the menu is that most items are listed with complete nutritional information. Calories, fat, protein, sodium, fiber – you name it, it’s there. Instead of making you feel guilty, the information actually provides an excellent way to weigh options against one another.

Oregon foodies in the crowd might be familiar with either Pazzo Ristorante in downtown Portland, or with chef Chris Tate. He’s the brainchild behind both the nutritional info and the scrumptious creations on the new Scanlon’s menu. He came out to talk with our group and I seriously considered applauding.

Once the entrées arrived, I used this blog as an excuse to request samples of everyone’s food. The results left me swooning. The petite fillet with wild mushroom demi-glaze was scrumptious and tender. The marinated stuffed pork loin came with tasty sides of sautéed tender greens and grilled yams.

My own pan seared sea scallops left me with no choice but to defend my plate with the aid of a sharp fork and butter knife. The scallops were melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the red curry coconut sauce and nutty brown rice pilaf made the perfect complements.

I’m ashamed to admit I had no room left for dessert, but I managed one brave spoonful of berry sorbet and a longing look at my co-worker’s mudslide cheesecake.

I should mention Scanlon’s offers a particularly nice selection of wines, including several great varieties of Oregon Pinot Noir. The servers were knowledgeable both about the wine list and the menu in general, and it was nice to have their recommendations throughout our meal.

Scanlon’s also makes a great spot for visitors with kids. An on-site “kids club” with air hockey and arts & crafts offers a childcare option for moms and dads craving a romantic evening to themselves. For those who prefer dining with the young’uns, Scanlon’s has a great kids’ menu and a savvy knack for seating families in spots that offer the distraction of big-screen TVs and extra privacy.

Overall, Scanlon’s is definitely worth a shot for dinner, whether you’re a Bend local eager to see what’s new, or a visitor having your first meal there.

I’m glad I gave this one a second chance!

 

The great escape! Oregon couple heads to Bend for the ultimate kid-free getaway.

Guest post courtesy of Adam Fenske

Would you like to know a secret?  My wife and I left our sick children with their grandmother for the weekend.  Do you want to know why we would do such an evil thing? Bend, Oregon.

We don’t get to cash in our babysitting chips very often, but Bend is certainly the place we go when we do. Now I want to make one thing perfectly clear: the best part of my life is spent with my two boys (Garrett, 5, and Micah, 3). The second best part is leaving them in the care of someone else.

Here are some of things we enjoyed recently when we visited my cousin, Tawna:

• Anjou Spa (read Laura’s special post about her experience here)
• 5 Fusion restaurant
• The Bend Ale Trail
• Hiking Pilot Butte
• Hiking Smith Rock
• Downtown Bend & Drake Park
• The Old Mill District

My wife went to Anjou Spa (read her post here) while my cousin, her gentleman friend, and I took a walk in Drake Park.  If you have ever had Mirror Pond Pale Ale (made by Deschutes Brewery, one of the stops on the Bend Ale Trail) then you might know it was named after Mirror Pond located in Drake Park. And for good reason. The beauty of Mirror Pond had us looking over the bridge for quite a while. I think my kids would have enjoyed the beauty for… hmmm ten seconds and then would have wanted to jump into the water. A refreshing dip, I’m sure, but not one I wanted to have. I would have needed an extra set of clothes after saving them.

And speaking of extra clothes we didn’t have to bring any for the kids in case of unexpected emergencies.  It’s amazing how many things you have to keep in mind when taking care of little human beings who depend on you for everything.  It’s amazing how much can be discussed when conversation is uninterrupted.  I half expected to look up and see Micah licking the sidewalk or Garrett throwing rocks at the ducks.

After the walk, we picked my wife up at Anjou Spa.  Laura looked as relaxed as I felt.  I instinctively wanted to ask if she needed to go potty because it had been a while since I had asked this question. I am the man who is constantly looking for bathrooms in case the kids need to go at a moment’s notice.

We found ourselves quite hungry and Tawna suggested 5 Fusion Restaurant.  We felt like we were on another planet where we didn’t need to worry about if the restaurant had color crayons or if they were expensive, and if we’d have to pay for any breakable items.

We didn’t have to walk very far to arrive at 5 Fusion Restaurant.  This place was amazing.  I love Sushi but don’t get it too often, so when Tawna gave us her own 5 star rating, I couldn’t resist.  It lived up to the hype.

I pride myself with my ability to share and be well mannered. After all, I have to set a good example for my children. But after taking a bite of the crispy fritter (with sweet chili sauce) I can’t say my manners were controlled.  I don’t think chopsticks were meant to stab others’ hands when they are trying to get the last slice.

In addition to the filet mignon lollipops, spicy salmon rolls, and unagi rolls, we also sampled from 5 Fusion’s extensive cocktail and beer menu. I tried two different local IPAs, while the others enjoyed drinks ranging from the cucumber gimlet to the drunken mango. Suffice it to say, everyone left full and satisfied. As an added bonus, the owner came over to our table just to see how we enjoyed the meal. After a dinner like this, I wanted to hug her.

What could be better after a wonderful meal then to take another walk?  We strolled downtown Bend visiting the shops that were still open, and showing Laura the ones we’d visited earlier during her massage. I tried on hats at Cowgirl Cash and pretended to be John Wayne, while Laura admired purses at Clutch: a handbag boutique. I may have tried on a purse or two as well, and I found one that brought out the colors in my eyes.

After a good night’s sleep, I had the energy to drag everyone out of bed for a walk up Pilot Butte. If you consider yourself a physically fit individual, you can run it. If you are a generally healthy person, then try walking. If you have children who will collapse halfway up and resist taking another step then you might want to drive (seasonal road closures permitting). However you decide to get up there, you will be glad you did.  With the panoramic view, you will get a chance to see more than a dozen local peaks and the whole city of Bend.

After our hike, we visited the Old Mill District for some more shopping and more walking. I stopped at REI to browse and check out the photos, and then we all trooped into Savory Spice Shop. They had a variety of seasonings that would have you cooking for 10 years before using the full array of flavors they have to offer. Tawna bought a few things to use later for cooking dinner to accompany the growler of IPA we picked up Boneyard Beer. We also checked out the Les Schwab Amphitheater, and studied the impressive list of concerts lined up for the season.

After our shopping adventure, it was time to hit a few stops along the Bend Ale Trail. This was our first visit to GoodLife Brewing Company, and I’ll definitely be back. Bread?  Gotta order it.  Nachos?  Do yourself a favor and go down that road. Beer? Put a spotlight on the main attraction. We toured the facility that was led by a young man who knew how to brew. While it would have been cute for the boys to ask what “beard” was and why they shouldn’t touch the hoses or go across the lines, the cuteness only goes so far before the tour lasts twice as long while we chase them around yelling, “Quit crawling around the hops!” However, our tour did take us outside to a patio area where many attractions are held on a daily basis in the summer. Another kid friendly thing to do at a later date.

We woke up the next day and, sadly, knew it was time to go back home but also with joy at seeing our children.  It doesn’t take long before you miss the crazy and chaotic lifestyle, but we needed one last hoorah. It didn’t take long to convince Laura we needed to climb Smith Rock located 15 minutes north of Bend. This is where rock climbers go to obtain a slice of heaven.  This is where people who are not crazy (and prefer hiking) go to get a slice as well. No matter how you get there, it is a breathtaking view.  I didn’t have to stop while climbing but did just to soak in the beauty. You can walk around the mountain or walk over it which is what we did.

We got back in the car and off to home.  We enjoyed both a restful and active weekend and were more than ready to see our kids.  I hope to offer my kids the opportunity to enjoy a trip to Bend when they are adults with children.

Because heaven knows they will need it.

(Psst….don’t forget to read Laura’s post about her amazing experience at Anjou Spa).

Anjou Spa offers guilty pleasure without the guilt

Guest post courtesy of Laura Fenske

A weekend with my husband away from my boys (who of course, are the light of my life and adorable and all that stuff) sounds like heaven.

Going to Bend for a long weekend is one of our favorite activities. That plan seemed destined for failure the week before when my 3 year old son had a high fever and that progressed into a double ear infection requiring a good dose of antibiotics. Then on Thursday, I developed a crippling migraine that ended with a day stay in the hospital and our other son running a fever. Friday finally arrived, and I was tentatively back on my feet with a dull headache and both boys dosed appropriate meds and left in grandma’s loving care.

Onward to Bend! We arrived in Sisters Saturday morning, and my headache started to creep its way back. I called my husband’s cousin and asked for a massage referral in hopes of heading off the migraine. She suggested Anjou Spa and Salon, and when I called, they graciously fit me in within hours!

I showed up expecting a typical massage and my expectations were blown away with how lovely the entire experience was at Anjou. After checking in, I was taken on a small tour to familiarize me with all the amenities. The first stop was a locker room to stash my personal items. The staff gave me a plush robe with sandals to wear during my stay. Very luxurious!

The next stop was the sauna. As a sauna virgin, I was a little nervous about ending up passed out on the floor only to be found hours later. Luckily, the staff was happy to answer my rudimentary questions about how to use it appropriately, and I felt comfortable enjoying this perk.

From there, we moved on to the Relaxation Room which brought us through a wall of curtains to a room filled with overstuffed chairs and couches. This room can be used before or after your massage for as long as you would like to stay and relax. There’s an exfoliation hand station in one corner of the room, and a refreshment station in the middle of the room offering cucumber water, tea, almonds, and dried cherries.

They also offer a complimentary beverage to all clients. Some options include the Anjou Signature Cocktail (Oregon Spirit Vodka or Merrylegs Gin mixed with Crazy Dave’s Ginger Brew and a squeeze of lime), wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options. My choice was the champagne served with a splash of Black Mariah (Oregon Spirit Distillers newest creation, a delicious Marionberry Cordial). At the point that I sat down with my champagne, in my robe in the relaxation room is when I realized I had made it. I truly was in Bend, on vacation…ahh. And I had yet to even have my massage!

My massage therapist was Crystal Neff, and she made me feel comfortable right away.  She has a welcoming and calm demeanor, and I appreciated that she listened to what I wanted and really focused on my areas of concern. I prefer a very firm massage, and she was able to apply enough pressure to make a noticeable difference on my neck and head. A personal preference of mine is to not be chatty while having a massage, nor have to do very much active listening. Crystal offered a very nice balance of asking a couple of personal questions at the beginning to show interest, but then staying comfortably quiet during the experience, except to ask clarifying questions about the massage itself.  The massage room was lovely and the blankets were warmed, which was so cozy on a cold day.

After the massage, I went back to the locker room. There was a fully stocked shower that I was able to utilize with high quality soaps, shampoos and conditioners.  Anjou offered lotion, hair dryers, towels and everything else you would need to get back into the clothes you arrived in and head out again without missing a beat. That was particularly a nice surprise for me, since we were heading out for a nice dinner directly after the massage, and I hadn’t thought ahead to my need for a shower after the massage.

My Anjou Spa experience kicked off what was the beginning of a lovely vacation in Bend (you can read the rest here in Adam’s post). Besides massage, Anjou also offer skincare, facials, wraps, and more. I highly recommend any of the above for anyone hoping to add some pampering to their Bend adventure!

(Pssst….don’t forget to read Adam’s post about their kid-free Bend adventure here).

Get your spring started right with Springtacular at Mt. Bachelor!

Ever notice how some things happen year after year, but you still look forward to them whenever they roll around?

Birthdays. Mardi Gras. The 24-hour Christmas Story marathon on TNT.

And of course, Springtacular at Mt. Bachelor.

Every year, the good folks at Mt. Bachelor give you the opportunity to get some killer deals on spring skiing. Not only do you get a great price on a pass, you get access to fabulous concerts, awesome events, and – oh yeah – one of the longest skiing/snowboarding seasons in North America.

Not a bad deal, eh?

Here are some of the highlights from this year’s Springtacular:

• Eight BONUS days of skiing or snowboarding. New this year, Bachelor is offering up some bonus days of snow play. Purchase your Springtacular pass by March 28 and you can start using it April 1. Those who wait ‘til after March 28 still get to ski, but have to wait until April 9. In other words, it pays to buy early!
• Groove to the tunes. Amazing music always goes hand-in-hand with Springtacular, and this year is no exception. On May 5, Strive Roots will be melding reggae, hard rock, funk and hip-hop. May 12, it’s local favorite Bill Keale and his unique Hawaiian vibe. May 19 will feature Quasihorse, while MOsley WOtta will steal the stage May 26 with their unique hip-hop performance. May 27 will feature the Moon Mountain Ramblers with a soulful interpretation of traditional bluegrass, jazz/swing rock and country tunes. All shows take place on Fridays from 12:30-2:30 at West Village.
• Party like it’s going out of style. The Springtacular season is chock full of parties and events that lend an element of festivity. The annual Deschutes Brewery Pine Party is slated for Friday, April 13 from 4-7 p.m., while Gerry Lopez’s Big Wave Challenge and Luau will be held Saturday, May 12. Don’t forget to check the event calendar for a complete list of cool happenings.
• Hot Dog! Are you part of a regional ski club? If so, there’s a bonus round of Springtacular fun just for you! Register at ski.com for the Springtacular Blast and enjoy an array of events centered around the ‘80s ski parody “Hot Dog” the movie. The April 5 welcome reception includes a hot tub party and live music, while the April 6 Pine Party keeps the lifts open ‘til 7 p.m. with food, live music, and tasty beverages. The April 7 “Hot Dog Day” includes a costume contest, downhill race, and finale party. For more info or to register your ski club members by the March 23 deadline, go here.

Those seeking Springtacular season passes will find the rates are quite reasonable. Prices are set at $159 for adults, $129 for teens 13-18, $99 for youth 6-12, $29 for kids 5 and under, $129 for seniors 65-69, and $99 for those over 70. You can purchase a new Springtacular pass or reactivate an old one online here.

So who else is ready for Springtacular?

 

 

 

Tawna’s top 10 Bend experiences for visitors

This weekend, my cousin and his wife are coming to Bend for a visit. It’s a trip they make once or twice a year, and I always get giddy with the planning. What shall we do? Where should we go? And most importantly, what might we drink?

It dawned on me the other day this shouldn’t be a stressful thing for me. After all, answering those questions for visitors and journalists is what I do for a living.

Since blog readers might benefit from my suggestions as well, I wanted to share a few.  While it’s unlikely you can fit all these things in on a weekend trip, I recommend trying a few if you can:

1.  The Bend Ale Trail. Bend’s beer culture and the craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and beer tourism has become a big draw for visitors. The result is our popular Bend Ale Trail, which currently includes 8 local breweries and a few others that aren’t technically part of the Bend Ale Trail yet, but still worth visiting. Using your Bend Ale Trail passport and/or a free app for your iPhone or Droid, you can navigate between the breweries sampling beer, learning about the brewing process, and earning prizes for visiting them all. Though it’s possible to walk or bike between breweries, I recommend a tour with The Bend Brew Bus from Wanderlust tours, or a horse-drawn brewery tour with Cowboy Carriage. There’s also Cycle Pub, which is a peculiar bike/bar hybrid that lets people peddle their way between brewery stops.
2.  Dogsledding! Central Oregon is home to four-time Iditarod musher Rachel Scdoris(a legally blind competitor who fought for the right to run the Iditarod). During the winter months, she and her father offer dogsled rides through the snow on Mt. Bachelor. They do a shortened version of this in a wheeled cart over dirt trails during the summer.
   

   One of 20 pieces of art on the Roundabout Art Route, a sculpture named "Phoenix Rising," (or as it's more commonly dubbed by locals, "The Flaming Chicken.")

3.  Roundabout Art Route.The Roundabout Art Route is a collection of over 20 pieces of public art on display throughout the city in the most unlikely places – at the center of Bend’s traffic circles. In 2005, Americans for the Arts named Bend’s public art collection “one of the most innovative approaches to public art in the country.” The Roundabout Art Route offers a way for visitors to navigate between the pieces and earn prizes for visiting them and answering trivia questions.
4. Lava, lava everywhere! Bend is a highly volcanic region, which means there are tons of unique landscapes to see while you’re here. You can do a Volcano Tour with Wanderlust Tours (depending on season) or opt to set out on your own to explore The Oregon Badlands Wilderness. You could also visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument to explore the visitor center, enjoy interpretive presentations, or even check out the lava caves. Keep in mind, some of the Newberry hotspots are closed for winter, so be sure to check that link before venturing out this time of year. In summertime though, everything’s fair game!
5. The High Desert Museum. When I suggest this option to visitors unfamiliar with this cornerstone of Bend culture, the reaction is sometimes a bit ho-hum. But every time I’ve taken ambivalent visitors here, the first thing they say when we walk out is, “that was nothing like any museum I’ve ever been to!” Exactly. Think of it less like a museum and more like a fun-house packed with amazing wild animals, unique exhibits, and interactive living history. I’ve lived in Bend 14 years, and never get tired of going here.
   

   Watching ice cream bars get packaged on the Goody's Factory Tour.

6. Goody’s Factory Tour. Goody’s has been a Central Oregon staple since 1984, offering chocolate, candy, and homemade ice cream. They recently opened a new factory and began offering tours, and Frommer’s immediately named it one of the nation’s top ten ice cream factory tours. It’s a super-quick tour you can knock out in 30 minutes or less, so it’s nice to fit in between other adventures.
7. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. If you’re looking for a gorgeous drive that will provide your fill of Central Oregon scenery ranging from alpine lakes to sprawling meadows to lava cliffs to snow-capped mountains, this is THE drive to take. It’s approximately 66 miles and you can choose to do it all or just a little. There are some winter road closures in place that affect accessibility, so check that link in the title before you start driving.
8. The Well Traveled Fork. These guys have several cool offerings on the culinary tourism front, but my favorite is the Farm and Ranch Tour. This half-day adventure gives you an up-close look at local organic farms, an alpaca ranch, a vineyard, a cattle ranch, and more. It’s a cool chance to see some gorgeous local scenery, and also learn how local farmers and ranchers are making the most of Central Oregon’s unique high desert climate.
9. Smith Rock State Park. Technically, this is Terrebonne and not Bend, but it’s a very short drive and well worth seeing since there’s nothing else like it in the entire state. Smith Rock encompasses 651 acres on the Oregon high desert plateau, which is about 3,000 feet in elevation. It offers endless hiking, climbing, sightseeing, trail running, and horseback riding.
10. Snowshoeing, Kayaking, or Caving? I truly can’t say enough great things about the offerings from Wanderlust Tours. They do everything from starlight canoe/kayak trips to cave tours to snowshoe adventures. Aside from their outdoorsy offerings, they also have The Bend Brew Bus (a great way to hit four stops on The Bend Ale Trail) or The Local Pour (a new tour offering that lets you scope out one brewery, one winery, and one distillery). Every trip you take to Bend should include one tour from Wanderlust. Period.

That does it for my tips. Did I miss anything you think should be an absolute staple? Please share!