Every year around February, the lull of winter begins to creep in. You’re cold, everything’s gray despite the sun and thinking of Spring Break is starting to sound better than another day of shoveling your driveway.
Luckily, every year around Presidents Day Oregon Winterfest comes along to slap the winter blues right out of us like a faceshot of fresh powder. With three days of live music, acrobatic motocross, wine walks, ice carving, fire pits, beer a plenty, activities for the kids and more at Bend’s Old Mill District, Winterfest comes when when we need a reminder of just how awesome winter is in Central Oregon.
The fire pits, the warm drinks, the snowy adventures, the fun stocking caps and puffy coats – not to mention there’s still plenty of good days to be had up at Mt. Bachelor.
Not sure when to go? Here’s an hour-by-hour guide to plan your weekend? Not sure where to stay? Might we suggest McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School where you can continue the fire-pit fun with a craft beer outside O’Kane’s Pub. Or maybe go a little more upscale with a night or two at The Oxford Hotel smack dab in the middle of downtown. Trip advisor recently ranked The Oxford No. 6 on its Top 25 Hotels in America List. Not too shabby.
There’s some grub at Winterfest, or you can hit up one of the many breweries for more craft beer and excellent food. The spicy mac and cheese at Deschutes Brewery is a can’t miss bowl of delicious comfort food with Northwest flair, while the famous fish & chips at Bend Brewing Co. has been a staple on the menu for years.
There’s a “fest” for every season in Bend, but WinterFest, with all of the activities, is probably the “coolest.”
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