If you asked ten strangers in Bend what they love most about our summers, odds are good at least half would list concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Few experiences are more magical than dancing barefoot in the grass with the stage bathed in pinky-orange sunset while music ripples off … Continue reading
With the official first day of fall happening this weekend (September 22, 2018), there’s a secret I need to tell you. You know how everyone says summertime in Bend is the cat’s pajamas? Most folks think so, based on summer hotel occupancy alone. But the truth is that summer’s quieter … Continue reading
Bend locals are a sharing bunch, but we’re notoriously protective of secret trails, special hideaways, and lesser-known vistas we prefer to keep to keep to ourselves. All that to say I’m not giving away those kinds of secrets in this post, but I am coughing up 7 of my favorite … 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
All of us have family vacation memories from the days we were carefree kiddos who didn’t have to worry about annoying trip details like finding the perfect Bend hotel or kid-friendly restaurant. Just because you’re all grown up doesn’t mean you should surrender the idea of experiencing Bend with the … Continue reading
Everyone has a time of year they love more than any other in Bend, and for me, that time is now. Nights have turned chilly and trees have gone from ablaze in the literal sense (@#$% forest fires) to ablaze in autumnal hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Crowds … Continue reading
Forest fire season is upon us, and with several large blazes raging around Oregon, Bend has seen a bit of smoke this week. A short walk with the dog last night left us both smelling like we’d spent the evening by a bonfire, and folks with respiratory problems have been … Continue reading
I’m writing this post from 5,570 miles from Central Oregon, which seems weird for a tourism blog devoted to Bend. But being in Barcelona right now has me in “tourist mode” instead of “tourism promotion mode,” which spurred a few observations worth sharing. While I’ve bopped my way between countless … Continue reading
My husband is traveling on business this week, so I’ve spent lots of time talking to the dog drinking milk from the carton exploring Bend on my own. Obviously, it’s not the first time in my 42+ years as an Oregonian that I’ve hung out solo in Central Oregon, but … Continue reading
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