Stories from Central Oregon
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New Restaurants in Bend, Oregon (2024)
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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A Weekend of Wellness in Bend & Sisters
When was the last time you treated yourself? Wellness shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while practice. Meditation, yoga, massage, fitness classes, and pampering reduce cortisol levels, calm the heart rate, boost those happy hormones, and empty our minds. So, safe to say, it’s pretty important. Lucky for you, we made it easy to plan a full weekend reset in Bend and Sisters so you can jumpstart your healthy habits. Read on to get relaxed.
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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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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.
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Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System
Over the last five years people have flocked to the Central Cascades wilderness areas. Some trails have had visitation levels increase 300 to 500 percent. To keep these wilderness “wild” the United States Forest Service(USFS) has implemented a limited entry permit system. Beginning the Friday before Memorial Day and ending the last Friday in September, overnight permits will be required within the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness. Day-use permits will be required on 19 of the 79 trails in those wildernesses.
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Six Car-Free Adventures You Can Have at Sunriver Resort This Summer
Summer is a time for kicking back, getting out of town, and making memories with the family. And if your travels bring you to Sunriver Resort this summer, you’ll find plenty of popular activities to enjoy at your doorstep—all without ever getting in the car.
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The Best Redmond Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
Redmond sits in the heart of Central Oregon’s scenic high desert—boasting views of nearby Cascade peaks and sitting a short jaunt from the likes of Smith Rock State Park and Cline Falls on the Deschutes River. With so much natural beauty and sunshine in all four seasons, Redmond has become a regional hotspot for outdoor dining—and options range from casual food-cart pods to family-friendly eateries to romantic nights out.
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The Culinary Food Scene in Bend, Oregon
It’s true that travel writers, vacationers and roadtrippers alike visit Bend for its wealth of adventure. In the past, hiking through the lush Deschutes National Forest or relaxing beachside at one of the crystalline Cascade Lakes may have been the top experiences that drew visitors to Bend. While the endless opportunities for adventure remain, there is a new, delicious drive pulling visitors into town: food.
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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.
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Central Oregon Water Safety Information
Central Oregon is home to countless rivers, lakes, and water adventures to enjoy; but being prepared and knowing the right information is crucial to having the best experiences on the water. Learn more about water safety and what to be prepared for from the Red Cross’ water safety resource page.
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The Ultimate Summer Guide to Black Butte Ranch
There’s never a bad time to visit Black Butte Ranch—the 1,800-acre resort community is a gem all year long—but there’s something undeniably special about summer. Maybe it’s the sun-kissed Cascade peaks that tower over the ranch, all the outdoor activities at your doorstep, crisp nights around the fire pit at your vacation home, or curated activities for everyone in the family.
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Taste the Innovation at These Central Oregon Spots
Among the boundless list of things to do in Central Oregon, there are ample food and drink establishments dotting cities end-to-end. With so many options, finding a tasty place to fill up might be one of the easiest parts of a trip. But dig a little deeper, and visitors will find eateries and watering holes that are deviating from the norm, getting innovative and offering something a bit different. Excellent food is part of the program, as is ambiance, history and culture. These restaurants offer an allure for visitors to not only satisfy their taste buds, but to have an experience that is exceptional. -
Top 10 Essential Tips for Experiencing the Sisters Quilt Show
Every July, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show takes over its namesake community in Central Oregon—displaying more than 1,000 quilts and attracting roughly 10,000 visitors from around the world. It’s a local tradition that’s been going strong since 1975.
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Top Restaurants with a View in Bend and Central Oregon
Central Oregon has some of the most interesting and breathtaking landscapes around. Enjoying a view of the Deschutes River rushing through the high desert, or breathing the fresh mountain air of an alpine scene doesn't have to be a long way from town—or without an incredible meal. Here are the best restaurants in Bend and Central Oregon to pair a delicious dining experience with a spectacular view.
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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, helping the region to maintain a vibrant foodie scene with dishes of various cuisines and establishments with a variety of concepts. In the mood for something new? Try one of these new Bend, Oregon restaurants. Check restaurant websites for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
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Top 5 Unique Things to Do in Terrebonne, Oregon
The community of Terrebonne is perhaps more famous among Central Oregon locals and enthusiastic visitors for what surrounds it, rather than what you’ll find in the town of 1,200. That’s because the cozy city, just six miles north of Redmond and 23 miles north of Bend, sits at the doorstep to some of Central Oregon’s best outdoor adventures—including dramatic viewpoints, rhyolite rock formations, and the Crooked River winding through it all.
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Top Museums in Bend and Central Oregon
Bend is undoubtedly beloved for its outdoor recreation and world-class craft beer scene—but the city’s museums offer a rich exploration of regional history, culture, wildlife, and more. It’s possible, after all, to learn about the area’s earliest inhabitants, see birds of prey up-close, and gaze at the starry night sky—all in one day. More often than not, these museums are staffed by passionate docents and filled with fascinating exhibits, multimedia displays, and curious artifacts.
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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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Where to Go Wine Tasting in Central Oregon this Spring and Summer
Summer is fast approaching, which means the start of music festival season around Bend and Central Oregon—when up-and-coming acts, regional favorites, and national touring artists alike descend on the region for multi-day extravaganzas full of good music and memorable experiences.
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Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Sunriver
Over the years, the location of present-day Sunriver has been many things to many people. Local tribes lived amid the area's ponderosa pine forests and open meadows as far back as 11,500 years ago. During World War II, the forested area along the Deschutes River was a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers training center called Camp Abbot.
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Where to Wine and Dine in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon has a reputation as a beer town, the local wine scene has exploded in recent years with several new tasting rooms and nearby vineyards producing award-winning wines. Bend’s wine scene is intertwined with its farm-to-table culinary scene, and as a result, tasting rooms across Bend offer menus featuring fine dining options made from local ingredients. These tasting rooms are often cozy and fire-lit, perfect for any winter time tour through Bend. In the summer, inviting outdoor patios become a lively spot for wine-tasting in the sunshine. Read on to discover some of our favorite spots to wine and dine this year in Bend.