What To Do in Bend, Oregon
I love to ski, so when I met my wife (an avid skier) she took me to Bend for a weekend, and I was hooked. Bend is a small city that is surrounded by beautiful nature, a lot of outdoor activities, and a developing cultural scene. It's a dog-friendly town that's great to visit for the weekend or a few days of relaxation, any time of the year. Here's some quick suggestions:
Outdoor Activities:
there's many activities to enjoy, like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, and skiing.
•Winter: Located next to Mt Bachelor (about 30 minutes away),Bend is known for its snow activities. It gets good snow and is quite popular with folks from all over the region. If you prefer to skip the skiing and just want to relax, it's a nice place to come and sit by a fireplace and read.
•Spring, Summer, Fall: In the Spring and Fall, I recommend checking out the hot springs in Paulina Lake. It's a volcano that has hot springs surrounding the lake, so you can sit and enjoy the views. To get there, you can hike or take a boat. Don't forget your towel!
•Bend is also next to many parks, like Pilot Butte State Park, and areas to enjoy walking around the city, like Drake Park. TheDeschutes River Trail is my favorite, you can rent a bike or walk while enjoying beautiful views. It meets up with Drake Park, where you can continue the trail. You'll find gelato, beer, pizza, and if you're there in July and August, you can catch an outdoor concert every Thursday!
Enjoy City Life:
The city has a growing arts and music scene, with frequent concerts, festivals, and art galleries.
•Check out the Old Mill District and downtown Bend for mix of boutique shopping, dining, and historic charm. I particularly enjoy walking near Old Bend and checking out the many coffee shops, bookstores, and bakeries. Don't forget that it's sales tax free!
Drink Beer:
In addition to the outdoors, Bend is also known as a craft beer capital! It has over 30 breweries, which are all listed on the Bend Ale Trail. This is a must when visiting Bend!