Once upon a time, I swore I’d never have kids. Then I landed in a late-in-life marriage to a single dad with the world’s most amazing children and BOOM! My love of family-friendly Bend travel was born. Lucky for us, Bend’s the best spot for family activities. There’s so much to do with kids of all ages, from hiking to caving to snowshoeing to canoeing.  Asking yourself what to do in Bend with kids? Here are my top picks! Explore, discover, and learn! The first time I suggested the High Desert Museum to my kids (then ages 5 and 9), they said they’d been there the week before. I assumed the ..read more

It’s springtime in Bend, which means I just wore a sundress the same week I shoveled snow. Spring’s wonky weather spurs visions of what’s to come, as summer zooms at us like a heat-seeking missile filled with outdoor fun. Itching to get an early start on summer in Bend? Here’s how to pre-funk Bend’s busy season during quieter springtime months. You do not want to miss this! LCD Soundsystem is making a stop in Bend, Oregon. Get ready for concert season! The highlight of my summer is Bend’s outdoor music scene, and it starts early this year. Things launch with a bang on May 14 with LCD Soundsyst ..read more

Picture this: You’ve got two days to spend in beautiful Bend, Oregon this summer. That’s 48 hours or 2,880 minutes or 172,800 seconds or—you know what? Let’s quit counting and start planning the perfect Bend itinerary. With the spellbinding Real Reel video as inspiration (plus a few of my other favorite haunts!), here’s what you can see, do, taste, and experience with two perfect days in Bend. This is no faraway land of make-believe — This is Bend If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the full video here. After you have watched the video, be sure to enter for a chance to win a two-night Ben ..read more

Discover Central Oregon’s craft beer Parched after a day of shredding singletrack? Craving a frosty pint with glorious mountain views? Want to discover some of the best beer in Oregon? Bend has the perfect remedy — dive headfirst into the Bend Ale Trail. The Bend Ale Trail has been serving up a brewery scavenger hunt since 2010. Today, you can sip on an IPA, amber, porter, or whatever hoppy blend pleases your palette, through seven territories at over 30 breweries and tasting rooms in Central Oregon. For non-beer fans, check out Drinkable Diversions, where you can discover non-beer options lik ..read more

Discover the year-round wonders of Central Oregon’s scenic gem In the hub of Central Oregon lies the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, often referred to as Cascade Lakes Highway. Here, you’ll discover a spectacular treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a year-round destination.  Take a drive along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a perfect day trip from Bend. This summer route winds through the Deschutes National Forest, offering panoramic views of rugged, snow-capped peaks like Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top, as well as glittering high alpine lakes ..read more

April in Bend keeps us all on our toes. On Monday, you might see your toes sparkling with a fresh pedicure in your favorite sandals. On Tuesday you’ll tuck them in wool socks to steer you down the slopes at Mt. Bachelor. Then Wednesday rolls around and you’re right back to flip-flops, which kinda matches this flip-floppy month. Welcome to April, when you might just kayak and snowshoe on the same day. Mt. Bachelor’s booming with spring skiing and snowboarding, but you’re hiking Pilot Butte in a tank top and shorts. As April rolls into town, here’s what’s fun to see, do, explore, and experience ..read more

Gaze at the wonders of the night sky Wrap yourself in a heavenly blanket of Oregon stars. Indulge in the spectacular majesty of a night sky aglow with the cosmic amazement of constellations and the silhouettes of dark pines and mountain peaks in the distance.  What makes Bend a stargazing destination? Because of our high elevation, loads of clear nights, and low light pollution, Central Oregon is home to vast, dark celestial skies that make it easy to gaze upon constellations, twinkling stars, and the periodic meteor shower.  In fact, Bend is the gateway to the largest dark sky sanct ..read more

Discover wine in Central Oregon Oregon’s rich landscapes and welcoming climate have fostered a haven for winemakers and oenophiles alike. Oregon’s Willamette Valley has long been celebrated for its exquisite pinot noir. And beyond the iconic pinot noir grape; the region flourishes with other exquisite varieties like pinot gris, chardonnay, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon.  Following Oregon’s thriving winemaking tradition, Bend is emerging as a surprising star in the state’s renowned wine scene. Though younger and less traditional than its beer brewing counterpart, Bend’s wine culture is on ..read more

It’s Women’s History Month, and since it just so happens I’m a woman, I’ve got thoughts on why Bend’s a great place to be a girl.  Between neighborhoods where streets are named for influential women, to clinics like Ladies All Ride camps aimed at honing mountain bike skills, Bend’s brimming with ways to celebrate women.  Here are some of my favorites. Embrace your adventurous spirit Bend’s an outdoorsy kinda town, which means there’s zero shortage of groups dedicated to women exploring Bend’s wild places. She Moves Mountains focuses on rock climbing and backpacking retreats for women ..read more

Ever wondered what March is like in Bend? Here’s how to grasp this quirky, magical month in our high desert oasis: Sit in your car holding a block of ice on your lap while running your air conditioner. Now set the ice aside, switch to shorts and a T-shirt, and crank up your heat to seventy-five. Feeling toasty? Now grab the ice again and— Um, don’t really do this. Aside from wasting fossil fuels, it’s not nearly as fun as experiencing Bend’s wild weather swings firsthand in this magical month where anything goes. Where else can you ski in a snowstorm, go SUPing in shorts, snowshoe in the moonl ..read more