Stories from Central Oregon
FEATURED ARTICLE
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…
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
Stay, Play, & Golf at Tetherow Resort
We all have our own way of heralding the arrival of spring. For some, it means swapping the cross-country skis for mountain bike pads and helmet. For others, spring is a time to get reacquainted with our garden and plan for the seasons ahead. But for others, this is the time of year to dust off those golf clubs and hit the links.
-
Top Things to Do In and Near Madras
The city of Madras was formed in the early 1900s by a loose-knit collection of dreamers and optimists who wanted to see the region’s burgeoning rail system roll through the nascent community. Their efforts prevailed—but more than a century later, the railroad is a footnote in the agricultural-minded community’s history. Still, dreamers continue flocking to the city of nearly 8,000, enchanted by its outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and fascinating history.
-
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.
-
What to Bring on Your Next Central Oregon Hike
With Cascade peaks dotting our skyline and clear mountain lakes enticing paddlers — not to mention thick forests, craggy volcanic features, and wide-open deserts all comprising our landscapes — there are several summers’ worth of outdoor experiences to enjoy around Central Oregon. But before you hit the trail this season, make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what to bring — and what to know about making the most of your next Central Oregon hike (whether it’s your first or 101st).
-
72 Hours of Winter in Bend: Your Itinerary Awaits
We always encourage play in Central Oregon, and winter is no exception. Luckily in Bend, blankets of snow are plentiful. When the holidays slow you down and the weather keeps you humble, here’s what to see, do, and eat on your quick trip to Bend (good luck not extending your trip!)
-
Where to Eat in Downtown Bend, Oregon
Downtown Bend is the lively core of Bend, with many shops, activities, lodging and restaurants, all just a couple of blocks from the glittering Mirror Pond, part of the Deschutes River. Whether a visit takes you browsing through downtown stores, taking a stroll through Drake Park or walking through the nearby historic neighborhoods of Bend, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, downtown Bend is adorned end-to-end with delicious breakfast joints, hole-in-the-wall eateries and upscale restaurants.
-
Best Family Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
Central Oregon can be described as the perfect outdoor playground for adults and kids alike, which makes Bend the perfect destination for your next family vacation. After a long day of hiking, biking, skiing, or simply enjoying the countless sunny days that Bend has to offer, it’s guaranteed that you and the kids will need a place to refuel and relax.
-
Guide to Top Resort Near Sisters, Oregon: Black Butte Ranch
When Black Butte Ranch started wooing visitors and potential owners of vacation rentals in the early 1970s, it did so with the promise that guests could "listen to the quiet." More than 50 years later, the world-class resort retains that down-home charm while offering an experience like none other in Central Oregon—with locally sourced fare at on-site restaurants, an abundance of activities for your whole crew, a pair of acclaimed golf courses, and scenery that includes thick forests, meadows covered in springtime wildflowers, and snow-capped Cascade Range peaks.
-
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.
-
A Locals Guide to Golfing in Bend
Central Oregon is known for its gorgeous weather and sunny days. Bend, Oregon, the most populous city in the region, sits on the border of the Deschutes National Forest and the expansive high desert, at the base of the Cascade Mountains. With so much sunshine and such a varied landscape, golf near Bend has become a nationally recognized activity, featuring nearly 30 courses of all shapes and sizes, for all skill levels within 30 miles of Bend.
-
Where to Play Pickleball in Bend, Oregon
Long a popular pastime in elementary and middle school gyms, pickleball was invented in 1965 in the Pacific Northwest. Broadly speaking, the sport blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis; it is played on a tennis-like court, with paddles and perforated plastic balls—and in recent years has earned acclaim for its low barrier of entry, easily understood rules and slow pace that invites camaraderie among players.
-
Top 10 Unique Attractions in Central Oregon
Central Oregon sits at the heart of the Beaver State—and at the nexus of natural beauty, fascinating attractions, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
-
The Best Breakfast and Brunch in Sisters, Oregon
Sisters, Oregon brings visitors back in time to an old-West inspired town and magical hikes just beyond the mountains. Another thing that the town promises is incredible food. Whatever your day looks like in Sisters, start it off right with these breakfast and brunch spots right in town.
-
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.
-
Whitewater Rafting Adventures Near Sunriver
A visit to Sunriver, Oregon calls for getting on the water and soaking up the sunshine. Sunriver is a community based around Sunriver Resort that lives and breathes outdoor recreation. Visitors from all over the world call Sunriver one of their favorite vacation destinations, and much of the reason belongs to the stretch of the Deschutes River that runs through town. When the summer sun is high in the sky, one of the best ways to cool off and get some thrills is to float a whitewater section of the river.
-
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.
-
Top Spas in Redmond, Oregon
For some travelers, a trip to Central Oregon isn’t complete without hitting the slopes of Mt. Bachelor, kicking up dust along Phil’s Trail, paddling our alpine lakes, or hiking into our dramatic wilderness areas. For others, our scenic region is an idyllic destination to rest, restore, and recharge with a long weekend or laid-back vacation.
-
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.
-
Meet the Central Oregon Makers
Central Oregonians are a collection of dreamers, doers, storytellers and innovators who have all chosen this beautiful place as home. The result is a thriving community of makers who help weave the cultural fabric of this unique area. To showcase the depth of creativity that flows here, Visit Central Oregon created the "Central Oregon Makers" campaign. The hope is that the content inspires others to seek out and support the people who bring the Central Oregon region to life. See videos of each of these Central Oregon Makers here.
-
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.