Stories from Central Oregon
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New Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
The dining scene in Bend, Oregon is constantly evolving, as new restaurants, cafes and pubs open up to feed the community and serve as lively gathering spaces for breakfast, lunch or dinner out on the town. New restaurants are often under development and construction to keep up with Bend’s growing population and visitor base…
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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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Ideas for Planning the Best Oregon Road Trip
Planning a road trip through Oregon? We don’t blame you: The Beaver State is home to dramatic landscapes that include rugged rock formations on the Oregon Coast, lush forests and thundering waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, expansive high deserts in Central Oregon, and the impossibly blue hue of Crater Lake.
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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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The Complete Guide on the Best Breakfast and Brunch in Bend, Oregon
Exploring Bend is a great way to spend a day in Central Oregon, so start the morning right by sitting down for a hearty farm-to-table breakfast, a boozy brunch or by grabbing a quick but delicious bagel on-the-go. Whether you’re looking for a new restaurant to try or you’re visiting town for the weekend, here are the breakfast spots in Bend that you won’t want to miss.
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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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Smith Rock Ranch & Other Fall Experiences in Terrebonne and Beyond
If you grew up in Central Oregon, chances are that you picked your perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin at Smith Rock Ranch—a huge pumpkin patch with spectacular views located in Terrebonne. But this Central Oregon pumpkin patch wasn’t always so grand. Farmer Matt Lisignoli grew up as a city kid in northeast Portland, and dreamt up the idea to start his first pumpkin patch on a rented farm in Redmond in 1998. While some people thought Lisignoli was crazy to farm pumpkins in the high desert, the operation, then called Central Oregon Pumpkin Patch, was a success.
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The Three Sisters Mountains in Oregon
On a clear day from viewpoints throughout Central Oregon, the Three Sisters mountains command attention as the gorgeous snow-capped peaks seen to the west. Each of this trio of volcanic peaks reaches more than 10,000 feet in elevation, and have become a part of Central Oregon culture. The Three Sisters draw visitors seeking mountain climbers hoping to ascend the peaks, those seeking nearby hiking, camping and mountain biking, landscape photographers and anyone who appreciates a gorgeous view.
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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. If you don’t fancy zooming down mountains on planks, are out for the season, or just want some diverse fun in your world, read on to learn about Central Oregon’s best endorphin-boosting activities (without the skis!).
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The Best Spas in Sisters, Oregon
When it comes to planning a family getaway, you have a lot of boxes to check: What kind of overnight stay should you choose—hotel room or vacation rental? Will everyone in your family find something to keep busy and have fun? How can you make the most of your time if you want to check out the surrounding region?
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Haunted Houses & Ghost Tours in Bend, Oregon
Whether you’re walking in the shadow of brick buildings around downtown Bend or grabbing a bite in historic structures elsewhere in town, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of reverence for Central Oregon’s history. In the early 1900s, after all, scores of ranchers, loggers, and businessmen of all stripes descended on Bend to strike it rich and establish themselves in the growing community.
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Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Sunriver
With an endless amount of activities available it’s no surprise that Sunriver has been a go-to destination for families for decades. From golf courses to stunning bike trails to water slides, every member of the family is bound to be entertained.
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Discovering Hidden Camping Gems Near Sisters and the Metolius River
Bend is beloved for its wide range of outdoor adventure—from well-designed mountain bike trails and scenic campgrounds to kayak-friendly lakes and laid-back river floats. It’s only natural, then, that the Bend Whitewater Park adds to the fun with thrilling challenges in the heart of the Deschutes River.
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Top Unique Attractions in Bend & Central Oregon
Planning a summer vacation to Bend and Central Oregon? If so, you’ll find an embarrassment of outdoor riches that show why the region is an outdoor-lover’s paradise and unlike anywhere else in the world. When you visit Bend, you’ll be treated to raging waterfalls in the Cascade Range foothills, thoughtfully designed mountain bike trails crafted by some of the sport’s pioneers, and plenty of opportunities to spend a night under the stars—whether at an acclaimed outdoor concert venue or at one of our many forested campgrounds.
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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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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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Discover the Rich History of the Warm Springs Tribe and Reservation
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have a long, storied history in Oregon—one defined by an integral relationship with the land, resilience, and regrowth. It’s a story that’s unfolded over generations, and is one that is still being told along the Deschutes River, in the foothills of Mount Hood, and in the shadow of rimrock canyons today.
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Your Guide to Biking in Redmond, Oregon
Redmond, Oregon is located in the high desert between Bend to the south and Terrebonne—home of Smith Rock State Park—to the north. The city is perfectly situated to explore Central Oregon’s biking trails. As a lesser known destination for outdoor recreation, Redmond can sometimes feel like a local’s secret playground, featuring tons of trails to explore. From a pump track in town to the nearly limitless access to the nearby mountain biking trails of Central Oregon, avid bikers should consider a stop in Redmond for some adventure.
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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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Sunriver: The Perfect Holiday Town in Oregon
Every November, the community of Sunriver turns into a winter wonderland—complete with colorful light displays, ice skating, and a boisterous tree lighting. As it transforms into perhaps the best Christmas town in Oregon, Sunriver brims with what makes the holiday season so special—including a family-friendly atmosphere, festive experiences, cozy overnight stays, and abundance of outdoor activities. Taken together, and you’re sure to find holiday magic around every corner, in every twinkling light, and in every memory that you and your loved ones make this season.
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Guide to Skiing Bend, Sunriver & Beyond
Visiting Bend, Oregon is a treat, especially if you’re a skier. Bend sits near the base of the Cascade Range, making it the perfect home base for all Central Oregon winter adventures. The city is blessed with light and dry high desert snow, the perfect type of snow for fun, powdery days on the mountain. Central Oregon is also known for its long ski seasons, which can stretch from November to May. With two ski resorts nearby and plenty of backcountry terrain to explore, there’s no shortage of opportunity for winter adventure. Ready to hit the slopes? Read on for a complete guide on skiing around Bend, Sunriver and beyond.
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Breakfast and Brunch in Sunriver
Sunriver, Central Oregon’s premier residential and resort community, has been a playground to Oregonians for over thirty years. Named for the abundant sunshine and beautiful Deschutes River that runs through the village, this small town has so much to offer. In order to fuel your vacation, which is sure to be full of outdoor activities, scenic views and family fun, you’ll definitely want to check out Sunriver’s dining scene.