You know Central Oregon is a beer mecca — but you might not realize that Redmond has a very big part in Central Oregon’s brewing scene. Cascade Lakes Brewing started here in 1994 and continues to have a production facility and brew pub here. Since then, other excellent breweries have popped up all over this city. Wild Ride Brewing’s outdoor patio is essentially the living room of this community — grab a beer, dinner from the nearby food carts and sidle up to the firepits to meet the locals. You’ll also find The Vault Taphouse downtown, which serves Kobold Brewing pints. Farther afield in town are Porter Brewing and Dry Fields Cider, as well as a number of other bars. Distilleries are also beginning to crop up around Redmond in recent years — try a gin tasting at Gompers, and prepare to be wowed.

The Petersen Rock Garden & Museum is a truly original — and odd — attraction you’ll want to see. This 4-acre rock garden features replicas of famous buildings and other structures, all made from local rock and petrified wood. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is home to year-round events — trade shows, concerts and conferences, as well as the Deschutes County Fair, where you’ll learn more about Central Oregon’s rural roots and see big-name acts on stage each night, all wrapped up with the fair food and high-flying rides that you love.

Redmond has revamped its downtown quite a bit over the past few years, including by remodeling a stately school into the city’s beautiful city hall and developing Centennial Park, which in the summer has a splash pad and in the winter runs an ice-skating rink.

And for the shoppers, a stroll through downtown will reveal boutiques, public art and a number of unique antique shops. Beyond the Ranch Antiques is 6,500 square feet chock full of treasures, from old soda pop signs to saddles and everything in between.

Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in the high desert of Redmond, Oregon. The city is known for its mountain bike trails, hiking and even caving. Redmond is known for its delightful parks. Running north to south through much of the city is the Dry Canyon, with trails, playing fields and other outdoor attractions like a disc golf course. The city has an innovative play structure that is accessible for all ages and abilities called Hope Playground.

Perhaps the top attraction near Redmond is Smith Rock State Park. This is one of Oregon’s seven wonders, and it’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Redmond. Smith Rock State Park is known as one of the greatest places in the United States for rock climbing, and is considered the birthplace of U.S. sport climbing. But even if you’re not a rock climber, you’ll want to spend time here. Rock spires jutting into the blue sky and a deep river canyon provide unforgettable views. You can hike or bike here, but be prepared with good shoes and lots of water.

For those looking to enjoy Central Oregon’s golf courses, you’ll find nearby Eagle Crest’s courses the perfect getaway — it even has a fun putting course that is surprisingly challenging. In town, Juniper Golf Course is a municipal-owned 18 holes that provides a low-cost option.

Also just a short trip from Redmond, Steelhead Falls is a dramatic and secluded waterfall where many locals swim in the summer. The out-and-back 1-mile hike skirts along jagged, colorful cliffs and leads to a variety of swimming holes. This is a perfect spot on a hot day.

And back in Redmond, Cline Falls is a pretty spot with plenty of places to sit with a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the Deschutes River. The falls is just a short hike from the Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, and you’ll also be able to see some preserved historic buildings.