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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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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Hoodoo Ski Area: The Feel-Good Resort Near Sisters
In 1938 Bend’s Ed Thurston looked out upon the craggy Central Oregon Cascades and decided to build a ski resort on Hoodoo Butte. And we’re sure glad he did. Now, 84 years later, Hoodoo Ski Area is well known for its comfortable down-home vibe as well as being “steeper, deeper and cheaper” than its competitors. Such a reputation, though, didn’t happen by accident. When Chuck Shepard took over as owner in 1999, he set about modernizing the beloved ski resort, which was originally built primarily from surplus World War II materials.
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Spring day trip from Redmond to Terrebonne
There’s something undeniably special about a Central Oregon day trip in spring. The snow melts, the landscape comes to life with piney scents of juniper and ponderosa, and the mountains are just waiting to be hiked. As the days warm up, it’s the perfect time to plan a day trip.
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Easy Hikes in Bend and Around Central Oregon
Bend has been referred to as an outdoor paradise, and it’s easy to see why. From rolling high desert hills and arid plains to forested and snow-capped mountain peaks with lakes and rivers throughout, visiting Bend and Central Oregon is perfect if you love adventure. There is no shortage of trails to be explored in the region; you have your pick of distance, difficulty, and landscape. To help get you started, here are five easy hikes we recommend in Bend and around Central Oregon.
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Meet the Coffee Roasters of Central Oregon
There’s nothing better than waking up to a clear, cool Central Oregon morning than with a steaming hot cup of locally roasted coffee. The high desert has had its foot in the door with local coffee for decades, and experienced the roaster boom in the early 2000s, with many of the original roasteries still standing today. Backporch Coffee Roasters, Sisters Coffee and Junction Roastery (being the most recent) are three Central Oregon coffee roasters with unique histories, built around community and great coffee. They have settled into the high desert roasting scene over the decades, beginning in the late eighties to 2022.
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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 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.
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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!).
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Elevation & Altitude in Bend, Oregon
When you visit Bend, Sisters, or other cities in Central Oregon, you might notice yourself a bit more out of breath than usual. Even those in good shape find themselves breathing a bit harder while hiking to alpine lakes, shredding our fast and flowy mountain bike trails, and snowshoeing through our peaceful forests.
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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).
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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.
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Breakfast and Brunch in Sunriver
Sunriver, Central Oregon’s premier residential and resort community, has been a playground to Oregonians for over thirty years. Named for the abundant sunshine and beautiful Deschutes River that runs through the village, this small town has so much to offer. In order to fuel your vacation, which is sure to be full of outdoor activities, scenic views and family fun, you’ll definitely want to check out Sunriver’s dining scene.
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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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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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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.
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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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The Best Hiking Around Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver, Oregon is known for two things that might not come as a surprise: ample sunshine, and plenty of rivers and waterways. Nestled in the Deschutes National Forest at the base of the Cascade Range, Sunriver is a perfect destination for people who want to explore and see the best of the local landscape. The surrounding area is filled with tall pines and forested lands with meadows dotted throughout. The forest often gives way to a dry and volcanic landscape, contrasted by the refreshing rivers, lakes and ponds that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day. Want to get going? Here are five jaw-dropping hikes for you to try in and near Sunriver.
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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.
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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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Indulge at Tetherow's Fine Dining Restaurant: Solomon's
With an explosive history of volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and cinder cones covering the region, Central Oregon is no stranger to smoke. But these days, while our volcanoes remain in a state of blissful calm, another kind of smoke is the talk of the town: smoked cocktails, the latest culinary attraction from Solomon’s Restaurant at Tetherow.