Stories from Central Oregon
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Top 10 Winter Activities in Bend and Central Oregon (Besides Skiing)
Central Oregon is a mountain lover’s dream. No matter the season, you can expect constant adventure at your fingertips. But, make no mistake: Winter is not just for the thrill seekers. Luckily, Bend, Oregon has far more to offer in the chilly months than Mt. Bachelor, its world-renowned ski resort and backcountry mecca…
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More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Discover Redmond's Best Golf Courses
Redmond, Oregon, is a bustling community that shares the same amazing views and landscape that the rest of Central Oregon has, but with a smaller population that gives way to quiet courses less likely to develop a crowd. The area’s milder weather grants golfers the opportunity to hit the links nearly year-round, all while enjoying the many amenities Central Oregon offers, like farm-to-table dining and some of the best craft beer, cider and wine around. You can’t really go wrong with golf in Central Oregon, but read on to discover some amazing golf courses in Redmond.
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Top 8 Things to Do in Sunriver in Summer
Whatever you’re looking for from a fun summer vacation, you’ll find it in Sunriver. Just 20 minutes south of Bend, the bustling community sits surrounded by forests of ponderosa pine and offers a full weekend of enjoyment for travelers of all stripes—complete with world-class golf courses, otherworldly natural scenery, lazy river floats and comfortable overnight stays.
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Stay and Play Golf Packages in and Near Bend, Oregon
Every year, golfers from around the world hit the links across Central Oregon, and it’s easy to see why. On any given round, golfers might gawk at the region’s sweeping high desert and sun-kissed Cascade peaks, play through lava rock formations and fun water features, and relax amid forests of juniper and ponderosa pine.
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The Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, has long been beloved by furry canines and their eager parents. According to BringFido.com, more than 100 restaurants, brewpubs and food cart pods across the city offer dog-friendly patios and other accommodations; pups enjoy exercising on the city’s many hiking trails; and no less than Dog Fancy magazine once named Bend the dog-friendliest town in America.
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Complete Guide to Planning Your Sisters, OR Vacation
When travelers visit Sisters, Oregon, they’re not disappointed. Sisters is an idyllic little mountain town at the base of the Cascade Mountains near the Deschutes National Forest that offers tons of outdoor activities, luxurious accommodations, downtown shopping and annual festivals. Make a trip here to feel like you’ve been transported to a friendly Wild West town full of adventure, farm-to-table eats, local coffee, art galleries and so much more.
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The Best Dog Parks and Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Redmond, Oregon
Central Oregon is a dog owner’s paradise, and Redmond is no exception. Around the city, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed dog park at the end of a hiking and biking trail (showing that our regional affinity of the outdoors is matched only by a love for our four-legged friends), another dog park that serves regional craft beer to human companions and spacious restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating for tired dogs after an exciting day outside.
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Your Guide to an Epic Lake Billy Chinook Day (plus time well spent in Culver)
Just 35 miles north of Bend and 10 miles south of Madras lies Culver, Oregon—the staging ground for adventures on sparkling Lake Billy Chinook and The Cove Palisades State Park. And while the options on the expansive lake are many, Culver, a sleepy town of less than 2,000, also sits surrounded by world-class golfing, quiet camping, jaw-dropping scenery and excellent wine tasting. Here’s what you need to know for enjoying a jam-packed day or thrilling weekend around Culver and Lake Billy Chinook.
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Tour the Central Oregon Mural Trail
Take a scenic tour around Central Oregon, and among the lush forests, arid high desert landscapes and bright blue skies, you’ll start to notice stunning murals dotting the region. The murals, each with distinct symbols unique to the town, reflect the spirit of Central Oregon in animated colors and design. Artists Katie Daisy and Karen Eland began the “Greetings From…” series with inspiration from vintage postcards. Now, nearly every town in Central Oregon hosts a large hand painted mural with stunning details specifically designed for that town. Follow the Central Oregon Mural Trail and discover hidden treasures in each high desert town along the way.
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The Ultimate Bend Winter Vacation at Tetherow Resort
The four-star Tetherow resort has long been known for—among other things—its world-class, 18-hole golf course designed by an award-winning architect. And while the course fills up on sunny spring and summer weekends, Tetherow has bolstered its winter offerings in recent years, transforming itself into one of Central Oregon’s premier year-round destinations.
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The Ultimate Guide to Eating in the Old Mill District in Bend
Whatever you’re looking for in Bend, chances are good you’ll find it around the Old Mill District. Outdoor fun? Go for a stroll or ride a bike on our paved paths, or paddle your kayak on the Deschutes River at your doorstep. Need to get some shopping done? Shop ‘til you drop at more than 40 stores, from locally owned boutiques to name-brand outlets. And that’s to say nothing of the vibrant murals dotting our district.
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Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)—Building Biking Trails for Every Type of Rider in Bend & Central Oregon
Every spring, Central Oregon mountain bikers transition from a snowy winter and start gearing up for a long and lively season of riding the region’s singletrack through forests of pine, wide-open desert expanses, and epic alpine slopes.
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Your Guide to Biking in Sunriver, Oregon
No tour of the best biking in Central Oregon is complete without a stop in Sunriver, Oregon. A city named after the abundance of sunshine and water, Sunriver is a nationally-renowned destination for outdoor adventure. The town is nestled right where the Deschutes National Forest meets the base of the Cascade Mountains, just a few miles south of beautifully stark high desert landscapes. From mountain biking trails near volcanic monuments to paved paths meandering near the river, Sunriver is perfect to explore from the seat of a bike.
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Top Hidden Restaurants in Warm Springs, Oregon
Sitting at the northern edge of Central Oregon, not far from where the forested slopes of Mount Hood descend into the high desert, the community of Warm Springs is awash in regional wonder. The Museum of Warm Springs tells the story of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, nearby Lake Simtustus Resort offers a relaxing getaway on the shores of its namesake reservoir, and the Lower Deschutes River—which runs through the heart of Warm Springs—is an angler’s paradise.
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Best Waterfalls Around Bend That Are Worth Seeing
Arguably Bend’s most popular waterfall hike, Tumalo Falls is only a 30 minute drive from town up Skyliners Road to Forest Road 4603. When the falls are open in the summer, it’s an easy quarter-mile hike on the North Fork Trail. The trail–paved and wheelchair accessible at the observation deck–leads visitors to views of the spectacular 97-foot waterfall.
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Sisters, Oregon Beer and Wine Guide
Sisters sits at the crossroads of high desert ranching country and the vast wilderness of the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests at the base of the mighty Cascade Mountains. Sisters Country is known for providing adventurous experiences and farm-to-table dining. Like the rest of Central Oregon, the city of Sisters is a great spot to enjoy craft brews and fine wines from both local and imported sources. Read on to discover some of the best places to sip your favorite libation in Sisters.
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Horseback Riding in Sunriver, Oregon
For many, exploring new trails and breathing in the fresh mountain air is best done on horseback. And what better place to get in the saddle than in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Here, trail rides meander along the Deschutes River, offering mountain views and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy corral rides, pony rides, lessons and guided trail rides on horses selected specifically for the comfort and ability of the rider.
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Why is Bend, Oregon So Popular?
Bend and the broader Central Oregon region are unlike anywhere in the state. Nowhere else in Oregon, after all, can you hike to alpine lakes, ride bikes through the sprawling high desert, and celebrate with creative cuisines and award-winning craft beers—all in one day. Couple that with a sunny climate and plenty of Bend, Oregon, tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why this region resonates so broadly.
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An Adult-Only Escape: How to Spend a Weekend at Brasada Ranch
Just 20 miles Northeast of Bend, you’ll discover the 1800-acre property of Brasada Ranch. Once a working sheep ranch, the luxury retreat now hosts a variety of lodging options and activities across all seasons. And while you can certainly book a kid-friendly stay at Brasada, it’s also the ideal destination for an adult-only escape to experience and soak in the views of Central Oregon.
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The Last Blockbuster Video Store Located in Bend, Oregon
In the late 1990s, video stores were all the rage across the United States—so much so, trips to Hollywood Video and Blockbuster Video were events unto themselves. It was possible to peruse rows upon rows of DVDs dating back decades—while new releases lined the walls, in-store televisions played the latest trailers, and bags of popcorn and sugary snacks filled tubs near the cash register. Siblings bickered over what to rent, cinephiles found lone copies of rare titles, and families jostled to stop by before the last copies of “Men in Black” or “Armageddon” flew off the shelves on Friday night.
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Top State Parks to Visit in Central Oregon
A trip to Central Oregon is usually one with ample time spent in the great outdoors. From the expansive high desert landscape to the Deschutes National Forest and all the rivers, lakes and sometimes volcanos in between, Central Oregon is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. What better way to explore the region than to take a tour of the local state parks? To get started, check out these six state parks to get an idea of what Central Oregon is all about.