Jess & Spencer
Things To Do
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
If you're itching to get out on the river, this is where to rent tubes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. They also offer shuttle service for river floating, which we highly recommend. Be sure to float down the rapids for extra excitement!
Meadow Day Use Area
Our go-to hiking area just 15 minutes outside of Bend. Hike the Deschutes River trail in either direction or post up at a picnic table and go for a swim. This is also a great place for dogs and you can find fun climbing at the boulders along the river.
Smith Rock State Park
If you're looking for a day trip outdoors, Smith Rock is a 35 minute drive north of Bend. With beautiful red rocks and a river, Smith is great for hiking and is a world-famous rock climbing destination.
Project Bike
Bend is a super bike-able town. You can rent bikes to ride into town and along the river. There are also endless mountain bike trails at varying levels around Bend. Ask the bike shop for the best places to ride!
Mount Bachelor
30 minutes from Bend, Mt. Bachelor has endless activities to offer in the summer. Zip lining, disc golf, hiking, mountain biking - it's an awesome place for kids and adults!
Todd Lake
One of our go-to, after-work hiking spots in the summer with an easy 1.5 mile loop trail and plenty of spots to hop in for a swim. It's the closest lake along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, about a 30 minute drive from Bend.
Spoken Moto
This is our favorite coffee shop, but it's so much more than that. Go in the morning for coffee, pastries and breakfast at their Scoutpost food truck, or in the afternoon for beer, cocktails, and more food trucks.
Looney Bean of Bend
Great coffee spot with outdoor seating overlooking the river! Perfect place to stop before hanging out at Drake Park or walking around downtown. Fun fact: this coffee shop is affiliated with the Looney Bean in Bishop, CA where Spencer and Jess got engaged!
El Sancho Taco Shop West
Best tacos (and one of our weekly go-to's) in Bend. Try their margaritas!
Bo’s Falafel Bar
Seriously delicious food with a casual patio, beer and cocktails. In a great area (same as El Sancho) with breweries like 10 Barrel and Boss Rambler nearby.
The Podski Food Cart Lot
One of Bend's many food cart lots. Others we love include On Tap, Midtown Yacht Club and Silver Moon Brewing.
Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot
This is Jess' favorite Thai food spot in town. Sister restaurant to the equally delicious Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats, Sen has a beautiful patio right on the river.
The Sparrow Bakery Northwest
The best bakery in Bend. We recommend their breakfast sando (with bacon!) and you have to try the ocean roll.
San Simón
One of our very favorite cocktail bars in Bend. Jess' favorite cocktail here is the Executive Lounge. Also be sure to check out San Simón's new sister bar Flamingo Room, as well as other downtown spots Dogwood Cocktail Cabin and Velvet Lounge.
Crux Fermentation Project
Expansive brewery with large outdoor space. This is the spot to be for sunset - they even do sunset hour drink deals! (Beer and wine available)
Bend Brewing Company
Downtown Bend brewery with large beer garden right on the river. Great for if you want to sit outside, especially if you're already exploring downtown. Also serves wine and cocktails.
Stoller Wine Bar | Bend
If wine is more your thing, Stoller Wine Bar is one of Jess' faves. There are also three other wine bars on the same block - Bend Wine Bar (Spencer's favorite), Elixir Wine Group and Bledsoe Family Winery.
Domaine Serene Wine Lounge
Classy wine bar downtown with a great atmosphere and cozy seating - one of our faves for a nice night out!