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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Camping In and Near Bend, Oregon
Bend is often called a paradise for any avid adventurer or lover of the outdoors, and the reasons are simple. Bend has incredible weather, boasting plenty of sunny days throughout the year, making camping in Central Oregon more enjoyable. Visitors and locals alike love to spend their time in amongst the many mountains, forests, lakes and rivers before resting their heads under the stars. Read on for some of the best camping around Bend and Central Oregon.
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Explore the History of the Cascade Mountain Range Near Bend, Oregon
t’s no exaggeration to say that Central Oregon would not exist as we know it today without the Cascade Range. The Cascades, after all, act as a rain shield that gives us sunny skies in all four seasons. Volcanic activity formed the myriad peaks that we hike, ski, and camp on all year long—and left behind the lava flows that have dazzled generations of visitors. The Deschutes River, in many ways the backbone of our region, has been moved and rerouted numerous times by volcanic activity that began high in the Cascades and far underground.
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Discover the Best Cities to Visit in Oregon
A good city can make a great trip. After all, cities are where you’ll find restaurants and eateries for your whole crew, charming overnight stays, attractions for all ages, and access to outdoor excitement. And in Central Oregon, you’ll find some of the best small cities in the state—hosting lavish resorts, fairs and festivals, local landmarks, stunning landscapes, and more.
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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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Made in Central Oregon
Whether souvenir shopping is on the agenda during a trip to Central Oregon, or the holiday gift giving season is once again creeping up, there is no shortage of shopping here in the high desert. While it has become easier than ever to shop from behind a screen, there’s a special feeling that comes with shopping local—whether it's for art, local specialty foods or experiences that showcase the best of Central Oregon.
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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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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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Central Oregon: Fun Facts & Places to See
Central Oregon is a picturesque treasure of small-town charm, the great outdoors, world-famous cuisine, scenic communities, and a robust historic past. With all that and more, it can be a tad overwhelming to take it in. We’re all for bite-sized facts that are memorable, interesting, and capture a place’s essence (and we’re full of ‘em here), so we compiled our favorites to make your next adventure off the beaten path fun and exciting.
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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.
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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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Redmond, Oregon Airport Transportation Options
Just five minutes south of downtown Redmond and less than 30 minutes north of Bend, Redmond Municipal Airport is the region’s largest airport and is likely where you’ll fly into when arriving in Central Oregon. Also known as Roberts Field, the airport—referred to colloquially as RDM, its three-letter IATA code—is served by five carriers (including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines), with more than two-dozen daily commercial flights to destinations throughout the American West and Southwest. The terminal itself is home to a pub that dishes fresh food and local craft beer, a nursing room, children's play areas, and other amenities for travelers from all walks of life.
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Fun and Scenic Bend Attractions You Can't Miss
The city of Bend is surrounded by some of the top sites and must-visit family attractions in Central Oregon. After all, where else can you hike through an ancient lava tube, summit an extinct volcano, bask in the misty glow of a nearly 100-foot-tall waterfall, and rent an honest-to-goodness DVD—all before dinner?
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Warm-Weather Fun in Madras, Oregon
Central Oregon is a treasure of towns with endless good times and secret spots that are not to be missed. Take Madras, Oregon, with its population of 7,000 people and convergence of two canyons from the Crooked River and the Deschutes River. It’s a magical setting with lots of wildlife, interesting sights you won’t find anywhere, and views for days.
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The Great Escape to Maupin, Oregon
Here’s something special about a river town in summer. The warm-season brims with a heady mix of possibility and memories. The days melt into a haze, merging with the nostalgia of moments past: the sweet scent of barbeque, warm grass and cascading clouds, long days, and youthful nights. The river's surface breaks with the occasional ripple of fish, and days blush into beginning. Maupin, Oregon, with a tiny population of just 450, is mighty in spirit and its love for the water. In Maupin, you’ll find history flirting with ever-present nature, and small-town charm for days. Make this a summer to remember by chasing trails, waterfalls, and rivers in this epic spot along the Deschutes. Ready to plan your great escape? Let’s get to it.
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Discover Sunriver Resort’s Secret Season
Summer is undeniably the most popular time to visit Sunriver Resort—and for good reason. It’s when families splash around in the boisterous aquatic center, couples crisscross the community’s roughly 40 miles of paved bike paths, and groups come together over farm-to-table fare in several elegant restaurants. But we wanted to let you in on a little secret: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Sunriver Resort.
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Things to Do in Bend for Couples
Valentine’s Day may come around in mid-February, but there’s never a bad time to surprise your sweetie or celebrate a special occasion. All year long, Central Oregon hosts a wide range of romantic hotels and resorts that offer easy access to day dates and fun nights out—whether you’re hitting the trail with the love of your life or sleeping in and relaxing with a day at the spa.
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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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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.
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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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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.