Bend has been dubbed the outdoor playground of the West for a thousand good reasons, but there’s more to this magical place than outdoorsy fun.
Sure, you might spend an afternoon dipping your kayak paddle in the crystal clear waters of the Deschutes River or plunging through pristine fields of fresh powder on your snowshoes. But how you feel when you do that—and as your smile lingers in the days that follow—that’s the Bend spirit.
It’s the smell of sagebrush after a high desert rainstorm. It’s the tickle of sunshine on your bare shoulders as you sip a frosty craft beer on an outdoor patio. It’s the taste of fresh carrots plucked from a basket at the Bend Farmers Market. It’s the sound of your kids’ laughter as they twirl as they dance to a concert at Les Schwab Amphitheater.
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A warm, inviting mountain getaway with a cosmopolitan appeal is what you’ll find when you arrive in the friendly town of Bend, Oregon. Majestic, snow-capped peaks adorn the high-desert skyline, making for some of the best weather in Oregon — think sun-drenched days and cool nights — along with endless options for plenty of play time. Playing in the Cascades, hiking, mountain biking, or skiing at Mt. Bachelor are just a few of the outdoor adventures you can tackle in a weekend or a week.
Dubbed the “outdoor playground of the West” for a thousand good reasons, Bend is world famous for both its outdoor pursuits and pristine beauty. You can catch an art exhibit, dine at an award-winning restaurant, spoil yourself at one of our many spas, or trek the legendary Bend Ale Trail, the largest beer trail in the West. Bend makes a great spot for family-friendly fun as well, from cool cave tours in some of Bend’s ancient lava tubes to watching raptors soar at the High Desert Museum. When you’re all done with the fun, Bend’s diverse lodging options are sure to recharge you. What will your Bend adventure be?
On the giant list of things I love about Bend, summer concert season at the Les Schwab Amphitheater easily ranks among my top 5. Dancing barefoot on the grass with the stage bathed in pinky-orange sunset while music ripples off the Deschutes River, or snuggling with my hubby in our … Continue reading
We’re still a month from the official first day of summer 2018, but peak season in Bend begins a bit earlier than that. Each year, roads and attractions that close for the winter season start popping open like beautiful spring blooms in the weeks surrounding Memorial Day. Here’s what’s open … Continue reading
Today we’re going to talk about 7 things your mom secretly wants you to do for her in Bend. By “your mom” I might mean “me.” And by “you” I might mean “my family.” But since it’s almost Mother’s Day Weekend 2018, I figure this list might hold true for … Continue reading
It’s officially been spring for more than a month now, but those of us in Bend know the new season is seldom ushered in by a fanfare of flowers and warm weather. Our little high desert mountain town sees winter temps well into May, and most of us don’t put … Continue reading
This blog post is for your feet. Since it’s possible your feet aren’t literate, you may need to read it to them. Ahem. Dear feet, It’s been a long winter, hasn’t it? You’ve been crammed into ski boots, subjected to frantic, icy sprints down the driveway on trash pickup mornings, … Continue reading
While some go on vacation to escape a lengthy to-do list, hardcore DIYers get twitchy without a task. Even if you’re not a serious do-it-yourselfer, there’s something rewarding about devoting a bit of vacation time to creating something. Bonus: You go home with a new skill, a special souvenir, or … Continue reading
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