Bend Oregon Blog | The Bend Buzz by Visit Bend

10 fun DIY experiences for do-it-yourselfers in Bend

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 both.

For those who crave the DIY experience, here are 10 options to try in Bend.

Brew your own batch of beer

Beer fanatics who’ve dreamed of crafting their own unique brew under the guidance of a professional brewer can make their dreams come true at Immersion Brewing. Their BIY (that’s Brew-It-Yourself) sessions last two hours and offer more than 30 recipes to choose from.

Prices range from $180-$220, depending on the recipe, but that includes all ingredients, bottles, caps, and custom labels, and about five gallons of your very own craft beer. This makes an awesome activity for friends or corporate groups.

 

Paint some pottery

This is a fun one to do with kids. Earth Fire Art on NE Revere Ave. offers a fun array of ceramic items including mugs, vases, salad bowls, and more. Just walk in, pick your pottery, and get busy creating your own unique design. There are tons of items to pick from, and prices start at just $10.

When you’re done, they’ll apply a non-toxic clear glaze and fire it in their kiln. The process can take 7-10 days, so this is a good activity to slot in early on your Bend vacation.

 

Make a tasty dish at Ginger’s

Once upon a time, Ginger’s Kitchenware in the Old Mill District would offer regular cooking classes that were open to the public.

While it’s still an amazing place to shop for kitchenware and cooking supplies, the classes have petered out a bit. However, they still offer classes for private groups in their state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, so this is a great fit if you’re looking for a unique team building activity for a corporate group.

 

Welding and woodworking and jewelry, oh my!

Bend’s DIY Cave offers a variety of unique classes from welding to jewelry-making to woodworking to auto repair to candle-making.

Their schedule of classes changes constantly, so there’s always something new popping up. Prices are super-reasonable, and there are even options for kids and parents to try together.

 

Get the kiddos in on the cooking action

Looking for a family-friendly dining option that gets the kiddos in on the DIY game? Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria will dish your young’uns up with dough, sauce, cheese, and the toppings they need to make the perfect personal pizza.

While mom and dad sip wine and enjoy fresh salads and appetizers, the kids can watch their pizzas cook up in the big wood-fired ovens.

 

Fun times with yarn

Want to pick up a new hobby or hone your skills for an existing one? Try your hand at knitting or crocheting with one of the classes offered at Fancywork Yarn Shop.

They offer workshops for all skill levels, including free learn to knit classes as well as more advanced offerings devoted to specific projects like shawls and socks. They also offer a 10% discount on all materials purchased for classes.

 

Make jewelry, write a poem, paint with coffee

A micro-model for global sustainability, The Workhouse offers a platform for local artists to connect with each other and with conscientious buyers. Aside from the retail gallery and on-site studios, they offer events and educational programming for everyone.

Classes range from writing to figure drawing to jewelry making to painting with coffee or beer (yes, really!) Register online early to get dibs on limited spaces.

 

Wine and painting

You’ve seen the trend, and it’s available in Bend from a couple different companies. Participants swill vino while learning to paint a cool scene. No experience is necessary, and both Art & Wine Oh My and Splash Wine Paint Create offer gift certificates.

 

Tie your own flies for fishing

This one’s only offered January through March, but mark it on your calendar now so you’re ready for next year’s fly fishing season.

Confluence Fly Shop in the Old Mill District offers fly tying classes that teach you to do everything from putting thread on the hook to creating a finished fly that’s practically guaranteed to snag a fat steelhead. Classes can fill quickly, so be sure to reserve ahead.

 

Community learning through COCC

Central Oregon Community College offers a huge array of community learning classes, including automotive, gardening, cooking, and tons of art options. They even have classes for kiddos, so you can send the offspring to cupcake camp while you learn to make a pine needle basket and your significant other takes a class on home brewing or tax preparation (or both, since they kinda go together).

8 unique signs it’s springtime in Bend

Ah…springtime. It’s the season where Bend locals find themselves cranking the car heater in the morning and the air conditioning in the afternoon. The season where you might feasibly use the same muscle groups to paddle a kayak and shovel snow in the same 24-hour period.

It’s one of my favorite times of year in Bend. With that in mind, here are 8 things that make springtime in Bend so uniquely awesome.

 

Snow or blossoms?

There’s nothing quite like strolling down the street and finding yourself in a cloud of white fluttery bits. Are they snowflakes? Are they spring blossoms from that nearby fruit tree?

You’re never sure at first, and that moment of wide-eyed wonder is one of Bend’s most oddly cool experiences.

 

The season’s first sunburn

Wearing sunscreen year-round is a necessity in Bend, where our high altitude and the albedo effect of a bright white surface like snow can earn you a nasty sunburn even in December. Locally-made Oregon Lavender & Sage sunshade lotion by Angelina Organic Skincare is an awesome product to slather on every day.

That said, we sometimes forget. Or maybe we fail to realize that sunny spring temps mean reapplication is important throughout the day.

I know my dermatologist would punch me for saying so, but there’s something about the season’s first pink shoulders and nose that fills me with giddy excitement for the summer to come. It’s like the Bend version of Groundhog Day.

 

What’s that smell?

Springtime can bring spring showers, which are infrequent in our dry high desert climate. But those showers bring some of my very favorite fragrances in Bend.

Damp juniper, blooming bitterbrush, rain-soaked ponderosa pine bark baking in the sun….they’re some of the most unique smells in the world. I know some folks struggle with allergies this time of year in Bend, but it’s almost worth it to enjoy the explosion of olfactory goodness.

 

A little birdie told me…

Springtime brings oodles of birds out for nesting and migration, and sometimes you feel like a Disney character whose every movement is accompanied by birdsong.

A great way to enjoy it to its fullest is through a partnership between the Old Mill District and the East Cascades Audubon Society offering free guided weekly bird walks. These walks are led by an expert from the local Audubon Society and wind around the trails of the Old Mill District. The area is a migratory corridor, so you’re guaranteed to see lots of feathered friends.

The walks are appropriate for all ages, and free rental binoculars are available for checkout. You can even grab a specially-designed birding list to help identify what you’re seeing along the way.

 

More skin in the whitewater park

In mid-December, you’ll sometimes spot brave surfers clad head-to-toe in hooded drysuits as they catch waves in the Bend Whitewater Park.

But when spring arrives, they multiply. Not only that, but some swap the full-body suits for shortie wetsuits and attire meant for warmer weather.

The river is still icy cold, but it’s exciting to see such a visible sign of rising temps. It’s fun to watch, especially if you’ve only ever witnessed the sort of surfing that takes place on sandy tropical beaches.

 

Daffodils in the snow

It happens every year: spring sunshine coaxes the tulips and daffodils out of their underground slumber, and suddenly Bend is awash in oceans of pink and yellow flowers.

Then it snows. It always does, at least once. It’s weirdly beautiful to see those cheerful blooms poking up through a blanket of glittery white, and it’s one of the most quintessentially Bend things I know.

 

Skiing in a T-shirt

While a lot of other ski resorts are winding down for the season, Mt. Bachelor still has plenty of season ahead of it. Bend’s beloved ski hill has one of the longest ski seasons in the nation, lasting all the way through Memorial Weekend.

Their popular Springtacular Season Pass is your ticket to ride up to 58 days in April and May. It basically pays for itself after your third visit, so it’s like getting 55 days for free.

Cruise the corduroy, slash the corn snow, and enjoy incredible spring powder days at one of the best spring ski mountains in North America. The events calendar is packed, too, so there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

 

The canals are running!

Bend’s irrigation canals aren’t a landscape feature most tourists ever see, but they’re a common sight flowing through residential areas of southwest and northeast Bend. Some folks think of them as glorified ditches, but most of us see them as burbling creeks that add an eye-catching sparkle to daily dog walks.

While the canals are shut off in late-fall each year, spring is the time they gush to life and keep flowing for the next six months.

There are some particularly lovely spots in the northeast part of town along Butler Market Road. You can head east or west from starting points along Brinson Blvd. or Purcell Ave., and the maintenance easement running along the west side makes a lovely walking trail (particularly for those with dogs).

 

 

 

3 Bend experiences that are cooler than you think

Despite what I tell my husband and step-kids, I’m not always right.

Case in point: In 7.5 years of having a job that requires me to experience everything Bend has to offer so I can tell other people about it, I’ve occasionally….misjudged.

Like I’ll hear about a new experience and think, “Meh, that sounds okay, but nothing to get excited about.” Sometimes I’ll hold on to that thinking for a shamefully long stretch before actually trying the thing myself.

And then I’m forced to admit I was totally wrong, and that the activity or attraction is infinitely cooler than I gave it credit for. Here are three examples.

 

Bend Escape Room

My thoughts were ho-hum when I first heard about this adventure game where participants are placed in a room and have to use teamwork to find clues, solve puzzles, and escape the room within a set time limit. It sounded fine and all, but this is Bend—why would I want to be locked inside?

Guys, I was so wrong on this one.

First of all, an hour is no great sacrifice in the grand scheme of how much time you’re spending outdoors.

Second of all, the Bend Escape Room experience is so much cooler than you think it will be. I had the pleasure of doing it with my extended family, which included my father-in-law, husband, sister-in-law, and two stepkids (ages 12 and 16). In other words, a true multigenerational affair.

With the clock ticking, everyone scrambled around the room overturning furniture, assembling puzzles, trying different lock combinations, and using creative problem solving to find clues. Everyone had a different way of approaching things, and it was fascinating to see the wheels turning in the brains of people I thought I knew well. Each family member brought something to the table, and it was one of the coolest family bonding experiences we’ve had together.

We successfully solved the puzzle with just over a minute remaining, and afterward we stood in the parking lot for thirty minutes gushing about how much we loved it and how excited we are to pick one of the other challenges and do it again.

There’s an FAQ on their website that explains more about the rules and how appropriate it is for different ages and group sizes, but I urge you to give this one a shot if you’re looking for a fun family or team building experience.

 

Float Central

I leapt to some very wrong assumptions when I first heard about Float Central.

For those who don’t know, floating is a wellness technique that involves slipping into a tank filled with about 11-inches of water saturated with Epsom salts. The buoyancy of the salt water keeps you afloat in water that’s heated to skin temperature, so you basically lose track of where your body ends and the water begins.

Wrong assumption #1: Won’t the water be icky with all those people floating in it?

Uh, no. You’re in a private float tank by yourself, and the entire volume of water within the tank is filtered and passed through a UV system after each use and treated with an environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide solution. They also don’t allow shoes beyond the lobby, and showers are mandatory before you float. In other words, this place is so clean you could eat off the floor.

Wrong assumption #2: I’m going to feel claustrophobic closed in a water-filled tank.

Wrong again. The staff at Float Central knows some people are a little freaky about this, so they carefully coach you on options to help you feel safe and relaxed. You can leave the tank door open if you want. You can try two different types of earplugs if you’re worried about water in your ears. You can use a little floaty pillow if you want extra head support. Trust me, these guys have encountered every possible phobia you might have, and they’ve devised a solution that’ll help you relax.

So now that I’ve dispelled some of my own inaccurate assumptions, I’ll tell you what’s amazing about the experience.

Floating is one of the most relaxing, soothing, out-of-body kinda experiences I’ve had. I am not someone who relaxes easily, or who is capable of shutting off her brain for any length of time, so when I tell you I actually zoned out during my 90-minute float, it means something.

There was something unbelievably peaceful about having no sounds, no sights, and no work required to keep my body afloat. Just calm, warm, soothing silence.

So yeah, floating? Way cooler than I thought it would be.

 

A guided tour of caves or breweries

For the cost of a $5 NW Forest Day Pass, you can do a self-guided tour of Lava River Cave, exploring a mile-long lava tube between May and October. For the price of a couple beers, you can get a decent taste of the Bend Ale Trail all on your own.

So why would someone pony up $75 for a Lava Cave Tour or a Bend Brew Bus outing with Wanderlust Tours?

Hoo boy, where do I start?

Let’s start with cave exploration. Yes, the Lava River Cave is neat, and if you’re short on cash, it’s a decent way to get a taste of Central Oregon’s amazing lava tubes. But with thousands of people passing through during peak season, it can feel more like a Disneyland attraction than a spelunking adventure.

By contrast, Wanderlust is permitted to explore caves that no one else can access. Want to see the spellbinding, rustic, super-unique Skeleton Cave? There’s no way in except with Wanderlust, so this is truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime gigs. And your naturalist guide knows everything (I do mean everything) about the history, geology, and science behind the cave systems. Your fees not only include his or her knowledge and guidance, but transportation and gear, including a helmet with headlamp because you’ll be exploring some nooks and crannies that you’d never get to experience with a more sterilized, solo cave visit.

Now, let’s talk Bend Brew Bus. Sure, you can hit the Bend Ale Trail on your own, but you won’t get behind the scenes. You won’t have personal conversations with the brewmaster or sample beers that might not even be on the menu. You won’t get a back-room tour of the brewing equipment or learn exactly what goes into making the beers you’re sampling. If you’re on your own, you won’t get free appetizers at one of your stops (they’re included on your Bend Brew Bus outing).

But most importantly, the Bend Brew Bus ensures you have a safe and sober ride to and from your hotel or vacation rental, and transportation between all four breweries you’ll be visiting. That right there is invaluable, since a DUI will cost you a heck of a lot more than $75.

Now get out there and try something new.

The best spots for wine fans in beer-centric Bend

You don’t need to trek the Bend Ale Trail to know there’s craft beer flowing through this city’s veins, but beer isn’t everyone’s jam.

Maybe you’re a teetotaler on a quest for Bend’s best non-alcoholic beverages (in which case I’ve got a blog post for you).

Or maybe you’re a fan of the cideries, distilleries, kombucha breweries, and wineries that make up our Drinkable Diversions program.

It’s the last bit I want to focus on here, since I’m a bit of a wine geek myself.

Let me first put out the caveat that you should never, ever drink and drive, and that there are plenty of options for finding sober transportation in Bend.

With that said, here are the top spots for oenophiles when you visit Bend.

 

The wineries

Central Oregon’s unique high desert climate makes it an odd place to grow wine grapes, but two local vineyards are making it work with impressive results.

Maragas Winery has been crafting award-winning wines in Culver since 1999, and specializes in several European varietals and French/American hybrids. They have special events like an annual grape stomp and wine dinners, and a wine club that’s surprisingly reasonable in price.

Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards is just a short distance away in Terrebonne, and boasts a breathtaking wedding and event venue against the backdrop of the most stunning mountain views you’ll ever see. They grow varietals like Syrah, Merlot, Barbera, and Pinot, along with some unique grapes like Frontenac, Marquett, Leon Millot, LaCrescent, and Lacrosse.

Both vineyards are part of Drinkable Diversions, so make sure you get your stamp if you opt to head out there.

 

The tasting rooms

Also part of Drinkable Diversions is a pair of winery tasting rooms in Bend’s Old Mill District. Though both are located in a shopping district instead of a vineyard, you swap the smell of grape leaves and the squish of damp earth for easy access, walkability, and sparkly glimpses of the Deschutes River.

Naked Winery is based in Hood River, but has several tasting rooms across Oregon. We’re lucky enough to have one in Bend, which serves as a showroom for their risqué-sounding labels like Penetration Cabernet, Foreplay Chardonnay, and Booty Call Blush. Their Bend tasting room is smack dab in the middle of the Old Mill District, and makes a great place to stop before you head to dinner at one of the spots like Greg’s Grill or Level 2 (both of which boast pretty nice wine selections of their own).

The Va Piano Vineyards tasting room is just a stone’s throw away on the opposite side of the street. Their vineyards are scattered around the Walla Walla valley, but their Bend tasting room is just steps from the Deschutes River with a patio that makes for perfect summer sipping. Their wines are organized into five flights, each reflective of the unique micro-terroirs that make Washington State wines amazing.

Again, don’t forget to grab those Drinkable Diversions stamps!

 

The wine bars

Ahhh, wine bars. They’re the perfect blend of wine shop and restaurant, and they make a fab place for oenophiles to plan a girls’ night or a wine flight date.

Portello Winecafe is tucked in the Northwest Crossing neighborhood offers a killer wine selection and a mouthwatering array of eats. Try a sampler of several flatbreads and their lemony Caesar salad and you’ll be in heaven. Wines by the glass are reasonable and abundant, especially on Mondays when they’re all $5 a glass.

A slightly more intimate setting is  SIP Wine Bar on Galveston Avenue. This spot offers the cozy vibe I crave for date nights, and their menu is a terrific collection of small plates and locally-sourced ingredients. Their outdoor patio is perfect on a warm summer evening, and their flights are fun to split.

 

The wine shops

While you can scoop up a good bottle of wine at any Bend grocery store, sometimes you want the super-fab selection and knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions about regions, varietals, and what pairs well with that takeout meal you just ordered.

If you’re cruising the downtown Bend circuit, you can hit Good Drop Wine Shoppe and The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar within a couple blocks of each other. Both have wines to sample, and an impressive variety from all over the globe. Split a wine flight and some nibbles at The Wine Shop before making your way down the street to grab a bottle or two at Good Drop. Serious wine collectors will also dig the offerings at RHC Selections a few blocks away, which also does private parties, personal shopping, travel consulting and personalized wine education events.

Since you’re headed to the aforementioned tasting rooms in the Old Mill District anyway, stop by Elixir Wine Group on your way and check out their selection of fine wines from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Baja California.

If you’re hunting for the off-the-beaten-path locals’ secret, check out Bend Wine Cellar. They double as a wine storage venue and a wine retailer, with occasional special events and dinners that make it worth your while to get on their email list.

I might also count French Market here, since they’ve got a huge (and well-curated) selection of wines to grab and go, but I’m going to go ahead and stick them in the next section instead…

 

The restaurants with superfab wine lists and flights

Nearly every restaurant sells wine in one form or another, but there are definitely some standouts.

When I took a prominent food and wine editor to dinner at Zydeco, and he wouldn’t stop talking about how impressed he was by their wine selection. But it’s not just their wine list that makes my winey little heart soar. They have a policy of waiving the corkage fee for your first bottle if you bring one produced in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a screamin’ deal, and works well with a group if you opt to bring one bottle and purchase one (or more) from Zydeco’s fabulous selection.

The aforementioned French Market offers European-influenced cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients in a cozy, intimate setting. They’ll pour tastes until you find just the right glass, and you can order a bottle to take home if you find one you love. (Pro tip: Start your meal with the fondue. You can thank me later).

If you’re an oenophile who loves variety, try a flight at 900 Wall in downtown Bend (pair it with the spicy deviled eggs and the fried green beans) and Anthony’s Home Port in the Old Mill District (pair it with the ahi nachos and the crab dip).

 

The events

Bend has no shortage of wine-themed special events, and fortunately, most of them have a charitable component.

Cork & Barrel is a three-day celebration happening every July at Broken Top Club. The event features Sonoma-area wineries and includes winemaker dinners, a tasting event with a killer silent auction, and a chance to mix and mingle with the winemakers. The event benefits the KIDS Center and tickets tends to sell out early. Learn more here.

In February, Oregon WinterFest features a special Wine Walk through the Old Mill District. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend festivities by strolling the Old Mill and sampling wines from a variety of Bend retailers. Learn more here.

If you feel like journeying to Sunriver for the day, their annual Wine, Cheese, and Brew Showcase is a popular spot for wine lovers every August.

Just another reminder: drinking and driving is a no-no. We have taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts, and absolutely no excuse whatsoever for driving under the influence. Seriously.

 

And for all you cheapskates . . .

Cheapskate wine snobs like me are so familiar with the wine world at Grocery Outlet that there’s an entire blog devoted to uncovering the hidden gems that appear on the shelves at this discount retailer.

For those who don’t know, this is where surplus wines and secondary labels go for a new lease on life. Sometimes you’ll get a dud or two, but savvy shoppers know to pull up their favorite wine app or review site to identify the best deals. I’ve snagged mouthwatering Cabs for $10 when online retailers showed the same bottle for $180, and I’ve bought cases of perfectly tasty weeknight wine for pennies on the dollar (I just scored two cases of mouthwatering Marlborough Sauv Blanc for $57 a case).

Staff at Bend’s Grocery Outlet are impressively wine savvy, and hold tastings every Friday from 4-7 p.m. During their semi-annual 20% wine sales (there’s one happening this week through Sunday!) they often do tastings every night of the week.

Keep your eyes peeled for bottles of Oregon Pinot Noir, since those can be great souvenirs to take home. The ones from the Willamette Valley (particularly the Dundee Hills area) tend to be especially good and often pair nicely with your picnic lunch.

Want to win a spring getaway to Bend?

The first day of spring arrived this week with a fanfare of sparkly white confetti flying at Mt. Bachelor.

Just 20 minutes down the hill in Bend, daffodils are poking their heads through the dirt and admiring the bare-legged trail runners out relishing in the warmer days of spring.

In other words, it’s the best of both worlds in Bend right now, making spring the perfect time for a visit. To celebrate, we’d like to share our brand new spring video with you:

Visit Bend – Share Bend Spring from Visit Bend on Vimeo.

Now, here’s the really fun part. The video you just watched highlights some super-fun stuff to do in the springtime in Bend, so we’ve put together a prize package that includes a bunch of it. Here’s what we’re giving away:

• Three days and two nights of lodging at the Oxford Hotel in Downtown Bend Oregon.
• $100 for dining at Tim Garling’s Jackalope Grill.
• Two lift tickets to ride/ski Mt. Bachelor.
• One full-day, guided climbing trip for two at Smith Rock State Park with Chockstone Climbing Guides.
• $50 to spend at Worthy Brewing.

The total package is worth about $1,100, and would make for a pretty killer spring getaway, wouldn’t you say?

Let’s give it away!

In the spirit of sharing highlighted in the video, we’d like you to share your own Bend bucket list. If you’re short on ideas, check out www.visitbend.com.

Ready? Fill out the form below to share details of your dream Bend vacation!

That’s it! Easy-peasy. Now that you’ve filled out the form, we’d love to see you share details of your Bend bucket list in the comments of this post, too. If you do, we’ll give you one bonus entry in the giveaway.

We’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, April 3, and will announce it here on this post, so mark your calendar to check back on that day.

And while you’re at it, go ahead and save some dates for your Bend vacation. You deserve it.

5 reasons Daylight Savings Time signals the perfect season to visit Bend

The arrival of Daylight Savings Time generates widespread grumbling each March when we’re forced to sacrifice an hour of sleep in our quest to spring forward.

Hey, I’m grouchy, too.

But there are a few reasons I also embrace the big DST each spring when it comes to spending time in beautiful Bend, Oregon.

 

Longer days = more hiking!

At the start of March, sunset was happening around 5:50 p.m., which pretty much nixed your chances of squeezing in an evening hike after a long day on the slopes at Mt. Bachelor (or a day of work, for those of us who live here).

But the sun is now holding out until about 7:10 p.m. and sunset’s getting later each day. By the end of March, that big orange ball will be sticking with us until 7:30 or later, so it’s a great excuse to fit in an evening hike or casual spring stroll along the Deschutes River.

 

Spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor

The arrival of Daylight Savings and springtime ushers in one of Mt. Bachelor’s favorite attractions—spring skiing!

Mt. Bachelor boasts one of the latest-running seasons in the world, and it launches in earnest around the time we nudge our clocks forward.

This weekend (March 16-18) kicks off with the Subaru WinterFest featuring live music, cool demos, and tons of cool parties (including an ‘80s dance party guaranteed to rock your neon-banded socks).

They also offer spring pass deals that will let you ride up to 58 days in April and May. Go here for info on Springtacular deals.

 

A little birdie told me…

From the plaintive cooing of mourning doves in search of mates, to the ducks’ enthusiastic (ahem) dating along the Deschutes River, all the birds in Bend get twitterpated this time of year.

If feathered friends are your thing, the Old Mill District makes it easy for you to fit a bit of birdwatching between shopping and your dinner reservation.

Stop by the Ticket Mill to pick up a free birdwatching guide and a pair of rental binoculars (also free!) Consult the schedule to find out about seasonal Nature Walks and Bird Walks with local experts who can help you identify all the little birdies you’re seeing.

 

Bring back the patio dining

Now’s the time when Bend’s restaurants and breweries start dusting off the patio furniture and ushering customers outdoors on days the sun shines brighter.

It’s early still for many of the top river view dining spots in town, though it’s worth having the list in your back pocket so you can make a beeline for them on spring days when the temps lift into the 60s and 70s.

If you’re itching to get outside and can’t stand to wait, check out this roundup of spots to dine outdoors even when the weather’s chilly.

 

Easier access to sunrise and sunset

The most popular posts on Visit Bend’s Facebook page are sunrise and sunset photos, and for good reason. Bend boasts some of the most stunning sun-related eye candy in the world, particularly when you get that golden glow against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains.

Sunrises are currently happening after 7:15 a.m., making them slightly more accessible than they were a couple weeks ago around 6:30 a.m. And if sunsets are more your jam, they’re getting later and later as the month goes on (giving us the aforementioned extra daylight for evening hikes).

If you’re hoping to snap a quintessential Bend photo of sunrise, sunset, or some other unique Central Oregon landmark, check out this blog post for tips.

And to pinpoint the precise time of each day’s sunrise and sunset, check out the roundup on this page.

 

 

 

 

Why it’s a great time to be a girl in Bend

Today is International Women’s Day, and I’m waiting for someone to appear in my office with a tiara and a glass of wine.

Even if that doesn’t happen, I still feel pretty darn good about being a woman in Bend. That’s the case every day, but especially the third month of the year. That’s because Bend Women’s March is a month-long celebration of the ways women are shaping the community through arts and culture, business, and outdoor adventure.

It kicked off with the annual Muse Conference March 1-4, but there are still tons of fabulous events happening the whole month. Here are some of the highlights of Bend Women’s March.

 

Wilder Running and Writing

A few slots remain available for this weekend’s Wilder Running and Writing event in Bend happening March 9-11.

This workshop is designed to help women find their authentic voice through writing in a way that will come to life on and beyond the page. It also includes coached running by champion runner Lauren Fleshman, along with a deep dive into wild writing with acclaimed teacher Laurie Wagner. There’s even a nutrition talk with bestselling cookbook author Elyse Kopecky.

The event kicks off Friday evening with an optional meet and greet, followed by a full day of programming on Saturday and a half day Sunday. For details and registration, go here.

 

Art and design and social change (oh my!)

Looking for the ultimate girls’ getaway in Bend?

Scalehouse and Bend Design have teamed up to create an exciting agenda you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for March 16-17 and plan on two days packed with exciting speakers, creative arts, and a chance to spark your urge for activism.

The event will feature renowned speakers devoted to creating social, civic, and/or business change. Focus areas include storytelling, visual arts, architecture and design, performing arts, conceptual art, and activism.

To learn more, check out this link.

 

Cotopaxi Questival

If you hear the words “adventure race” and imagine slogging through an 80-mile course filled with mud and barbed wire, it’s time to recalibrate your mental picture.

The Cotopaxi Questival Bend 2018 is happening March 23-24, and features a series of challenges in categories like fitness, camping, service, and teamwork. Prizes are awarded throughout competition, and it’s open to all ages and genders of teams from 2-6.

In a nutshell, you register your team and then download the app. The day before the event, you’ll be emailed a list of challenges. These can vary, but think “take a picture with your favorite piece of art in the city,” or “donate blood while wearing Dracula teeth.” Fun stuff.

To kick things off, there’s a check-in party where you pick up your race materials, meet other teams, and enjoy local food and music.

For more info or to register, go here.

 

REI Outdoor Women’s Fest

If outdoorsy fun is your fave, mark your calendar for the Outdoor Women’s Fest happening March 29-31. Sponsored by REI, the event includes three days of dynamic outdoor events and activities ranging from climbing classes at Smith Rock State Park to group hikes to film screenings for several inspiring films.

There are also skiing and mountain biking clinics for those who want to hone their skills or lean something new.

This is another awesome opportunity for a girls’ getaway weekend, so go here to learn more or register.

 

Other special events

Outside the major headlining events, there are gobs of great activities and celebrations happening throughout Bend Women’s March. From poetry workshops to bouldering, yoga classes to film screenings, there’s something for everyone.

Go here to check out the schedule and find a date and event that floats your boat.

 

 

 

It’s time to go sledding in Bend, Oregon

A series of storms moving through Bend recently left behind a glorious abundance of powdery white stuff, and there’s more on the way.

What better way to celebrate than by grabbing your saucer sled and rediscovering your inner child on a snowy slope?

Here’s how to make the most of your sledding adventure when you’re in Bend.

 

Pack your sled, pick a hill

While plenty of Bend retailers and sporting goods stores sell sleds of all kinds, they get tougher to find late in the season or after a big snowstorm. If you already have one in your garage, make room for it in the car before your drive to Bend.

There are plenty of fabulous public parks in Bend with hills that are ideal for snowy swooping. When the snow piles up in town, any sloped surface at one of Bend Parks and Recreation’s more than 70 parks can be fair game for sledding.

Bend’s crown jewel, Drake Park, spans 13 acres with several easy slopes that transform into popular sledding hills when the white stuff is plentiful. Hollinshead Park also has several nice sledding spots dotted around its 16.5 acre space. In the northeast part of town, try Al Moody Park, which also boasts some awesome playground equipment in case the kiddies need a change of scenery.

If snow isn’t blanketing the ground in town, drive 20 minutes up Century Drive to Wanoga Sno-Park. Besides its snowmobile area and fabulous dog-friendly trails for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, Wanoga offers an expansive sledding area with a huge warming hut (complete with woodstove and picnic tables) at the base. Don’t forget to buy a sno-park permit, which you can grab at the Bend Visitor Center on the corner of Lava and Oregon in Downtown Bend.

 

Skip the sled and make it easy

Looking for a sledding experience that doesn’t require you to have your own sled? Check out Mt. Bachelor’s Snowblast Tubing Park. Located between the Mountain Gateway building and the bottom of Red Chair, the tubing park is an 800-foot ride complete with lanes, rollers, and surface lifts that pull you and your tube up the hill quickly and comfortably.

Prices vary depending on the date range, your age, and whether you’re looking for a full day or just a couple hours, but expect to pay anywhere from $20-45 (not too shabby, considering the price includes your tube and as many rides as you can handle without having to hoof it to the top lugging a heavy sled). They’re open Friday through Sunday, plus holidays and winter or spring break.

Another great option for leave-the-hassle-to-someone-else sledding is the Autobahn Tubing Park at Hoodoo Ski Area. After Hoodoo got more than 30 inches of fresh snow in the last week, they’re reopening the park this Saturday, March 3, 2018. Groomers expect to have 6-8 lanes open for tubing Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tubes are provided free with an Autobahn ticket, and no other tubes are allowed in the park. For more information, visit the Autobahn page.

 

Be a responsible sledder

When you were little, responsible sledding meant wearing your hat and gloves (and maybe a helmet if you had one of those moms).

While warmth and safety are important, so is tending to Bend’s beautiful outdoor spaces. If you’re up at Wanoga Sno-Park and your saucer sled busts in two, please, please do not try to stuff it in the overflowing dumpster in the parking lot. It’s littering, plain and simple. The sled graveyard up there is an expensive endeavor for the Forest Service to deal with, so please follow Leave No Trace practices by packing out your own garbage.

Better yet, purchase a sturdy, well-made sled meant to last for generations (old school Radio Flyer, anyone?) Then you won’t have to worry about burdening Bend’s landfills.

For more tips on preserving Bend’s culture, community, and landscape, check out the tips on our Visit Like a Local page.

 

 

Bend vs. beach: 10 reasons to do spring break in Central Oregon

Scheduling your family’s spring break plans can be a daunting task, and families in the Pacific Northwest often waffle between east versus west. In other words, mountains or coast?

Here are 10 reasons you should pick Bend for spring break 2018.

 

Escape the rain

Growing up in Oregon, I had one pair of grandparents on the Oregon Coast and one pair in Central Oregon. I loved visiting them all, but I’ll admit that most of my beach memories are clouded with rain. Clear, sun-kissed days were a rarity on the coast, but they’re standard fare in Bend. My Central Oregon childhood memories are shades of sunshine & snow, or sunshine & desert heat. That can be a blessed relief this time of year if you hail from an area where rain is a springtime staple.

 

Kids ski free at Mt. Bachelor

Anyone with kiddos knows it’s tough to find fun, inexpensive entertainment for the whole family. That’s why Mt. Bachelor’s longstanding Kids Ski Free program is a lifesaver for families. With no blackout dates, it’s a great way to save cash while exposing the whole fam to endless caches of fresh powder. Read up on the rules and plan ahead for spring break fun.

 

No sand in your shoes

Have you ever found yourself still vacuuming sand out of your backseat a month after you visited the coast? There are lots of great things about snow in Bend, but one of the best is that it melts instead of turning your floor mats into sanding blocks.

Foodie paradise

Bend gets written up a lot for having a killer culinary scene, which is unusual for a landlocked city of 91,000. But with oodles of award winning chefs calling Bend home (not to mention specialty options ranging from gluten-free to vegan dining) your palate will be pleased if your spring break plans bring you to this high desert culinary oasis.

 

No need to make tough choices

To ski or to golf? To snowshoe or to mountain bike? These are difficult decisions to be sure, but you’re not forced to make them in Bend. Marmot recently touted Bend as one of seven places in America that have mastered the art of three sports in one day, so pack your snowboard and your trail running shoes. There’s a good chance you’ll need both.

 

Sled dog rides on the beach?

Yeah, that’s not a thing. But if a once-in-a-lifetime sled dog adventure is on your bucket list, you can make it happen in Bend.

 

Sunrises look better with snow-capped peaks

When it comes to snapping sunrises and sunsets, nothing beats Bend’s bounty of rugged eye candy. The glittering Cascade Mountains are the perfect backdrop for family photos and duck-face selfies, so get ready to bust out the good camera. For ideas on where to snag quintessential Bend images ranging from waterfalls to mountains, check out this post.

 

Want a break from the outdoors?

If you’ve had your fill of wallowing in snowy fields, there’s plenty of fun indoorsy stuff to do in Bend. Hit the High Desert Museum and soak up tons of natural history and cool critters. Visit the Mountain Air Trampoline Park to get the wiggles out. Enjoy arcade games, bumper cars, and a family game of bowling at Sun Mountain Fun Center. Solve a mystery together with the clock ticking at Bend Escape Room. For more ideas, check out this post.

The best of après ski

From an umbrella bar with a removable roof at Mt. Bachelor to the post-ski bashes held at Crow’s Feet Commons, Bend’s après ski scene is on point. There’s even an entire Bend Ale Trail for you to tackle. Which brings me to my final point…

 

The Bend Ale Trail

There’s a reason Bend’s craft beer scene is has been written about in publications ranging from the Washington Post to USA Today. Yes, we make great beer, but do you know why? One reason is the abundance of pure water, courtesy of Central Oregon snowmelt. Check out this awesome video from Wanderlust Tours to learn more.

3 romantic dates for soaking, sipping, and supping

Sometimes you crave something beyond the traditional dinner-and-a-movie date. A shared experience that combines relaxation with a touch of intimacy, capped off with drinks and a great meal.

Sound hard to find? It’s totally not! Here are three cool date ideas in Bend that combine soaking, sipping, and supping (a hat tip to the Old English verb for dining, not an acronym for standup paddleboarding). Ready? Let’s go!

 

Hop in the Spa and Tumalo Feed Company

It’s been more than two years since America’s first beer spa took the media by storm, resulting in gobs of buzz over this unique beer experience just 23 miles northwest of Bend.

There’s a reason for the hype. A soak at Hop in the Spa in Sisters is one of the most unique couples’ experiences you can book in a beer-centric region like Central Oregon.

You start off in a relaxation room with your sweetie, where you sip craft beer from Deschutes Brewery and nosh a warm, soft pretzel if you’re so inclined. Next, you undress (or wear your bathing suit if you prefer) and slip into a solid cedar tub filled with hops, herbs, minerals, and oodles of other good-smelling things blended by herbalist and naturopathic practitioner Sally Champa.

The hubby and I sat in separate tubs facing each other so we could talk, and even got to pick the music to accompany our soak. Couples have the room to themselves for ultimate relaxation and privacy, though you could easily enjoy it with a friend. Sipping a hoppy IPA while immersed in a warm bath filled with bobbing handfuls of hops goes down in my book as one of the coolest beer experiences I’ve had, and there’s a unique vibe that’s equal parts “luxury day spa” and “funky-cool Old West.”

Pro tip: Towel off well afterward, and wear underthings that won’t stain if there’s some hop residue left on your skin (sexy, right?)

Now that you’re nice and relaxed, it’s time for dinner. Since you’re headed back to your Bend hotel and already feeling the old-timey Western vibe, stop off at Tumalo Feed Company for some down home cookin’. The building dates back to the early 1900s, and Tumalo Feed Company has been operating since 1991. It’s under new ownership since December 2017, but the menu is still the same homey fare fans have been enjoying for years.

Steaks are especially good here, and don’t forget to add their homemade onion rings for $1 more. Their tap list is solid, and gives you a chance to sample more local craft beer (Boneyard’s RPM is a safe bet for any fan of hoppy suds).

Don’t forget to save room for the skillet chocolate chip cookie, which takes 20 minutes to bake, so plan ahead. With your belly full, head back to Bend and dream of warm water and cold beer.

 

Float Central and a mellow meal at Currents

I’ve been dimly aware of Float Central for a couple years now, but it wasn’t until I set out to write this blog post that I tried it myself.

Holy cow, you guys, can I just say this was one of the coolest things I’ve done in Bend?

For those who don’t know, floating is a wellness technique that involves slipping into a tank filled with about 11-inches of water saturated with Epsom salts. The buoyancy of the salt water keeps you afloat in water that’s heated to skin temperature, so you basically lose track of where your body ends and the water begins.

We started our experience with a glass of kefir water (on tap in the lobby) before moving to the float rooms. We got a detailed explanation about what’s involved, including our options for closing the tank door versus keeping it open, and the different options for earplugs if we wanted them. Then we retired to our separate rooms to shower and slip into our private float tanks.

(Sidenote: I will confess that my preconceived—and misguided—notions about floating led me to fear I’d be dunking myself in water filled some previous floater’s skin gunk. That couldn’t be further from reality. The entire volume of water within the tank is filtered and passed through a UV system after each use and treated with an environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide solution. There’s a lot of other stuff on their website that put my mind at ease, plus stepping inside their super-tidy, calming space gives you a firsthand look at how tidy they keep things. No shoes allowed beyond the lobby, for starters, and showers are mandatory. In other words, germaphobes can rest easy).

While my husband is one of those people who relaxes easily and zonks into deep sleep or meditative states, I soooooo don’t. I’m not good at shutting off my brain, so I wasn’t sure I could do a full 90 minutes in the tank.

Surprisingly, I did manage to zone out. I didn’t fall fast asleep the way my other half did, but there was something unbelievably relaxing about having no sounds, no sights, and no work required to keep my body afloat. Taking away those stressors left my mind to meander to greener pastures, like what I wanted for dinner and whether I’d somehow slipped through the cosmos and was floating in outer space.

It was way cool.

Speaking of dinner, you’ll want to plan ahead for the meal that follows your floating experience. Float Central provides everything you need to shower off afterward, but trust me when I say you won’t want to wreck your blissed-out buzz by revving a hair dryer or heading to some noisy bar.

We opted for Currents at the Riverhouse, where we knew we could cozy up in the oversized chairs at one of their casual river-view tables. A glass of red wine was the perfect way to keep my mellow state going, and Currents has a wine list that includes several Oregon Pinot Noirs (the Elizabeth Chambers was especially awesome).

We ordered several dishes to share, including a baby kale and quinoa salad, prosciutto-wrapped dates, and the confit turkey leg with sweet and spicy ginger plum sauce (surprisingly huge, but sectioned so it’s easy to eat).

If you’d rather preserve your mellow post-float vibe by skipping the restaurant scene altogether, call ahead to one of Bend’s amazing sushi restaurants and order takeout to bring back to your Bend hotel.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, you’ll find a well-stocked Safeway just a few steps from Float Central. Grab a couple lobster tails or steak, a bottle of wine, and some sides from their deli, and you’re all set for a dreamy, blissed-out, romantic dinner in the privacy of your room.

 

McMenamins for soaking and a fireside dinner

Want your soak-sip-sup experience to happen all in one location with the bonus of adding sleep in the same spot? A stay at McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a great option.

McMenamins boasts a beautiful tile soaking pool surrounded by shimmering turquoise tile, luminous stained glass, breathtaking murals, and an open-air ceiling that lets you check out the night sky. It’s filled with soft, buoyant saltwater, which makes for an environmentally friendly soak.

Start by hitting the bar for a plastic cup of beer (glass isn’t allowed in the pool area).

Raspberry-infused Ruby is refreshingly light option that often appeals to folks who don’t love beer. Spend a relaxing hour or so soaking your bones, sipping your brew, and letting your worries slip away.

After you’re showered and dressed, head to one of McMenamins fabulous bars for dinner. There are several options, but the fireside area outside O’Kanes is a great choice for maintaining your chilled-out vibe. Nabbing a spot by one of the fire pits will keep you toasty even when it’s cold out, and an order of their famous Cajun tots will keep the fire going in your belly.

For dinner, order their Hammerhead Cheesesteak featuring chopped ribeye steak with yellow onions, mama lils peppers, and Hammerhead ale fondue sauce on a hoagie roll.

And another beer, of course.

Ready to head back to your room? If you’re staying in the Art House or Ed House, make sure to poke around for secret rooms and corridors. I won’t tell you the location of the secret Broom Closet Bar, but if you find it while wandering around, it makes a great spot for a nightcap.