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.
-
Why Tetherow Resort is Perfect for Families in Bend
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?
-
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.
-
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!).
-
An Adult-Only Escape: How to Spend a Weekend at Brasada Ranch
Just 20 miles Northeast of Bend, you’ll discover the 1800-acre property of Brasada Ranch. Once a working sheep ranch, the luxury retreat now hosts a variety of lodging options and activities across all seasons. And while you can certainly book a kid-friendly stay at Brasada, it’s also the ideal destination for an adult-only escape to experience and soak in the views of Central Oregon.
-
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.
-
Planning a Trip to Oregon
Windswept bluffs and craggy sea stacks. Alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks. Colorful hillsides and cosmopolitan vibes. Starry night skies. The deepest lake in the United States. These various landscapes and atmospheres all come together in one place that’s unlike anywhere else: Oregon.
-
Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)—Building Biking Trails for Every Type of Rider in Bend & Central Oregon
Every spring, Central Oregon mountain bikers transition from a snowy winter and start gearing up for a long and lively season of riding the region’s singletrack through forests of pine, wide-open desert expanses, and epic alpine slopes.
-
Top Things to Do in Sunriver in the Winter
Every winter, Sunriver transforms from an active resort community into a winter wonderland that brings together the best attractions of the season. Lace up your skates and try ice skating before warming up over a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered meadows and in the shadow of glistening Cascade peaks. After the sun goes down, bask in the glow of holiday light displays and bond over your day while enjoying fresh fare at local restaurants.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Near Bend
Central Oregon is beloved for its outdoor playgrounds for kids of all ages. The fun ranges from slides, swings, and play structures at public city parks to large state parks that host miles of hiking trails, rock-climbing, mountain biking, and other fun adventures. No matter where you and the family wind up, you’re sure to find plenty of natural beauty and an abundance of recreational opportunities.
-
A Guide to Bend's Whitewater Park
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.
-
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.
-
Our Favorite Hikes in Sisters, Oregon
At the base of the mighty Cascade Range lies a little Western town that stands as the gateway to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Sisters, Oregon, is known for two things: keeping the spirit of the American West alive in its culture and traditions, and being surrounded by tons of hiking trails that provide nearly limitless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Here are five hikes to help get you started.
-
Discover Redmond's Best Golf Courses
Redmond, Oregon, is a bustling community that shares the same amazing views and landscape that the rest of Central Oregon has, but with a smaller population that gives way to quiet courses less likely to develop a crowd. The area’s milder weather grants golfers the opportunity to hit the links nearly year-round, all while enjoying the many amenities Central Oregon offers, like farm-to-table dining and some of the best craft beer, cider and wine around. You can’t really go wrong with golf in Central Oregon, but read on to discover some amazing golf courses in Redmond.
-
Sunriver Resort Stay and Play Golf Packages
There are no shortage of outstanding golf destinations across Central Oregon—but few stand out like Sunriver Resort. Tucked amid a forest of ponderosa pine, the popular resort features a high-desert climate that translates to long golf seasons, mountain peaks just beyond the treetops, and award-winning courses for golfers of all skill levels.