Matt and Caroline
What to do in Bend
Take a hot soak and then cozy up by an outdoor firepit!
It costs $8/person to enjoy this spectacular soaking pool! It's open to the public 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Minors are allowed until 6PM. Pro-tip, you can order sparkling water or cocktails/beer in a plastic cup at the bar and enjoy them while you soak! Bring your own towel, they have changing rooms on site. There are firepits in the courtyard which is another great place to warm up and have something to eat or drink!
Stage an epic snowball fight at Edison Butte Snow Park
This snowpark has great trails for begginer snow shoers or skiiers as well as lots of little hills for sledding. Make sure you stay away from the snowmobile trails and bring your own dog bags. You can rent or buy tubes, skis, and snowshoes at Powderhouse on the way for a fair price. You will need a snowpark pass to park. They are $6/day and can be purchased at gas stations or gear shops. This is a fun place to bring a camp stove and have a tailgate lunch! If you plan to go out around sunset, don't forget a headlamp. 30 minutes from Bend.
Utilize the high-powered telescope and grab a flight of beer at Worthy Brewing!
Viewing the stars here costs $5 and there is limited times available when the observatory is staffed so check the brewery's website before your visit. They will often take requests to point at whatever celestial delights you are curious about! There's sometimes free live music here and their beer and food is delicious!
Visit the Otters at the High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is full of interactive displays about the science and history of Central Oregon. It is part museum, part zoo, part playground, and part fake old west town. It's a great place to spend the day especially with kids! If you are a Central Oregon resident, you can get a free day pass from the local library.
Grab a cup of Joe and heckle the wildlife!
Looneybean has great coffee! Matt grabs his from the walk-up counter and then walks along Drake park to Mirror Pond to yell at ducks. The "Lumberjack" is very delicious. If you're chilly, Looneybean also has a cozy indoor area with a fireplace and riverfront views to ease you into the day. If you come back to visit in the summer, this is the perfect patio for some prime people-watching as people float down the river.
Do some scenic cross country skiing or snowshoeing at Meissner!
Powderhouse has affordable rentals! XC skii packages will run you about $20 and snowshoes will run you about $10-15. We have included the link to the Meissner Sno-park Trails. There are maps, a changing room, and a wood-burning stove at the Meissner lodge which is open to the public. The lodge is a great place to start and end your adventure. There are no stores nearby so it's a good idea to bring your own drinking water and snacks. Bonus points if you find the Invisalign retainer Matt lost in the snow there in 2012. Dogs are not allowed at this snow park, dogs are allowed in parks on the opposite side of the highway, this includes edison and wanoga. 20 minute drive from bend.
Let those puppers out for a safe romp at Pine Nursery!
Visit this beautiful dog park with both large and small dog areas! There is a system of trails within the dog park along with a large play field. If your dog is friendly but does not want to be at a traditional dog park, you might enjoy GoodDog! Park instead which is a giant trail-system for dogs.
Shred the gnar!
The most affordable skiing is going to be at Hoodoo costing $25-60 depending on which lifts you would like to use. Bring your gear or rent some here in town! There's also tubing (with a lift) for around $20. You can also rent fatbikes, snow blades, and cross country skis to use at the resort for a very low fee. Stop at the Sister's Bakery on the way home for some of the most delicious baked goods in Central Oregon! If you're feeling extra fancy, The Mt. Bachelor ski resort has some of the best skiing in the country. Lift tickets will run you around $140/day. Bachelor is 30 minutes from Bend (50 from Redmond) and HooDoo is an hour from Bend (40 mins from Redmond).
Show off your blades of glory at the ice rink!
For open-air ice skating you really can't beat Seventh Mountain Resort. They rent skates on site and have refreshments available for afterward! If you're more of an indoor-cat, The Pavilion downtown also offers ice-skating with rentals. Both places will cost around $15 including rentals. 15 minutes from Bend.
Get beat by Caroline at pinball!
Vector Volcano is a super fun arcade located dangerously close to the Bend Ale Trail. They have a really rad collection of vintage pinball machines!
Have a calming night hike with stargazing at Shevlin Park!
A great place to walk at night! Bring a flashlight and wear sensible shoes as the trails are gravel. Binoculars are perfect for getting a great view of the night sky as this park doesn't have very much light pollution! Keep small dogs on leash as there are coyotes in the area. The generally cloudless skies here make the stars seem very bright and close by! There is a Red Nova predicted for 2022 although astronomers are not sure when. Keep an eye out for KIC 9832227. For those feeling extra adventurous, snowshoeing at night at Meissner or Wanoga can provide even more impressive star gazing as there is even less light pollution! be sure to bring something waterproof to lie on once you get to a good spot.
Try out some fat bikes!
Rent a fat bike from Project Bike for $40/day and check out Phil's Trailhead! There are gentle cross-country trails for newbies as well as some more intense trails with features and jumps for well seasoned bikers! You will need a parking pass and may need to rent a bike rack if you're not planning to bike to the trailhead from town. If you want to take the fatbikes out in the snow try Tumalo Falls or Wanoga. Phil's trailhead is about 15 minutes from Bend.
Hike/Ski/Snowshoe to Tumalo Falls
Tumalo falls is a snowy wonderland with a breathtaking waterfall at the end. If it has snowed recently you may want to bring snowshoes rather than just hiking as our powdery snow tends to sink you! It is a bit of a hike and you will definitely want to bring water and some snacks. 40 minutes from Bend
Visit the last Blockbuster!
Bend is home to the very last Blockbuster! Have a nostalgic walk-through, rent a movie, or just stock up on some Milkduds! It smells just like you remember!
Go on a haunted historical tour of downtown Bend!
Matt has put together a walking tour of haunted places in downtown Bend Oregon. Click the link below to access the document! Depending on how fast you walk this walking loop takes about 1-2 hours.
Go frisbee golfing at Dry Canyon!
Bring a frisbee (or your official disc-golf set) and enjoy some free family fun with beautiful red-rock canyon views! There's also a nearby dog-park and delicious street tacos at Kobold brewing! If you are staying in Bend, checkout Pine Nursery's course!
Play Pickleball at Pine Nursery!
Bend is sunny and great for outdoor activities even in winter! Pine Nursery has awesome Pickleball courts and a really amazing disc-golf course. You will need to bring your own sporting goods. We have played pickleball with paddleball rackets and wiffleballs before and it was just fine. For disc golf you can get a solid set of discs for $20 at Big5 or use regular frisbees for a casual game for far less.
Try to get on the Rock Box
You don't choose the Rockbox, it chooses you. The Rockbox was built by a local man inspired by Burning Man. It is an open air bus painted like a rockwall. It is covered in party lights, blasts pop music, and the driver is usually dressed in some sort of wig/moustache/hat ensemble. If the Rockbox pulls up you are allowed to hop on at no cost although it is in good taste to make a donation. It can usually be found downtown at night. It is rumored that you can rent out the Rockbox as a shuttle for your party but we do not know the details.
Hike Smith Rock
This is one of the crown jewels of Central Oregon. The hefty red rock faces keep the canyon warm even in the dead of winter! The River Trail is a mild, meandering loop that is great for those with creaky knees aside from one heavy grade into the canyon. Mesa Verde is a nice mid-level hike. Misery Ridge is great for those looking for a more arduous hike with lots of elevation and a great view. There is also world-renowned rock climbing on many faces of Smith Rock for those so inclined. It gets windy in the canyons so be sure to bring layers.
Get in a round of Golf
Central Oregon is known for its amazing golf courses, even in the Winter! Meadow Lakes in Prineville would be our recommendation as its location in the valley keeps it warmer and less windy than other courses in the area. It is a 45-minute drive from Bend or 20-minutes from Redmond. The green-fee with a cart is $10-20 per player. You will need clubs but can purchase them for $1 each at the re-store. They are also available to rent. For those looking for a shorter drive, Juniper Golf Course in Redmond ($20-30) or River's Edge in Bend ($30) are great options as well!
Find yourself a new wardrobe at the outlet malls!
There is no sales tax in Oregon and many awesome companies based in the state! Some of our favorites are Columbia, Nike, Eddie Bauer, and Pendleton. Sadly there is no Doc Martens outlet in Bend. There is a consignment outdoors store called Gear Fix that has awesome ski and snowboard gear!
Checkout Bend's breweries and win prizes!
Bend is home to some of the state's best breweries! If you enjoy craft beer and scavenger hunts as much as Matt does you have to checkout the Bend Ale Trail! The link above is to the scavenger hunt! If you get all ten stamps (no purchases necessary for the stamps) you win a fun prize! Matt recommends the "Rule of Two IPA" at Worthy and the "Black Butte Porter" from Deschutes. Designated Drivers get special DD stamps if they participate in the scavenger hunt which can win them their own special prize! Please drink responsibly and call us if you need to park downtown for the night! We are happy to pick you up or call you an Uber if you get in a tight spot!
Get rowdy at the Astro Lounge!
Astro Lounge has fun music and a nice little patio near the river! This is going to be the closest thing to nightlife you will find here in Bend! Lyft/Ubers are not as common in Bend so it may be a bit of a wait. If you are staying at a hotel they may have a shuttle.
Feel nostalgic at Beyond the Ranch Antiques
Hours could be spent in the seemingly never-ending rooms of this massive warehouse of antique and collectors items. Each room has a theme and TONS of super interesting trinkets. They have everything from baseball cards and vintage clothing to real Oregon trail wagon parts!
Matt's Favorite Eats in Bend
Breakfast: Sparrow Bakery - The Ocean Roll is full of cardamom and is very delicious. Their coffee is great! There are no hearty breakfasts but the ambiance and pastries are great! Also it is haunted. Lunch: Parilla Grill (on 14th)- They have amazing Barbacoa tacos! Dinner: On Tap has a cozy cabin vibe with lots of firepits. There are tons of food trucks so everyone can get something they like. It's kid/dog friendly and there's often live music! Brewery: Worthy - The one on Bellevue has a high powered telescope, free live music, a cool garden, and the beer selection is awesome. Bar: Fireside Bar at Old St. Francis School. They have a fireplace, tater-tots, shuffleboard, and a soaking pool. Dessert: Ida's Cupcakes. They have tons of different combinations you can personalize and include vegan/gluten free options! Pro-tip: Spider Brewing has the best beer in Bend. Get a flight! Lots of experimental taps! Budget Bites: D&D bar has super cheap pub food and early bird breakfast specials.
Caroline's Favorite Eats in Bend
Breakfast: The Victorian - a cozy brunch spot with a wide array of comfort food. Lunch: Wild Rose - Delicious Northern Thai food! Dinner: 10 Barrel! The cozy lodge feel and delicious food make this one an easy choice. Brewery: Monkless Brewing - Beautiful, cozy lodge with a gorgeous view of the Deschutes on their heated patio! Their stone-ground mustard is super tasty. Bar: River Pig Saloon - their GIANT wood fired potbelly stove is to die for! Warming Hut, around the corner, is a close tie! Dessert: Lemon Tree - The best cheesecake around! Pro-tip: Beach Club has Rosé slushies to go! Budget Bites: Taste of Thailand - this drive thru has fresh spring rolls $1 a piece!
Matt's Favorite Eats in Redmond
Breakfast: The Hideaway - They have really high quality classic breakfasts and good coffee. Lunch: Oishi - There's nothing better on a cold day than a huge bowl of Udon. Their bento is a little bit pricey but totally worth it! Dinner: Initiative Brewing - They've got tacos, salads, mac'n'cheese, any pub food your heart desires! If you're up for a little drive, The Bite has awesome food trucks. Brewery: General Duffy's Watering Hole is cozy and has great beer. Dessert: La Frontera - super affordable pastries and cakes! Budget bites: Rigoberto's - There's a drive through and you can get three rolled tacos with guac for under $4
Caroline's Favorite Eats in Redmond
Breakfast: One Street Down - Great Eggs Benedict! Lunch: Grace and Hammer - We refer to this as the "pizza church" because it is inside an old church. The ambiance is really cool and the pizza is delicious! Dinner: Hola! - Delicious Mexican and Peruvian food, this is owned by the same folks who run Hola! in Bend. Brewery: Wild Ride or Kobold! They both have lots of cool seating and lots of great drinks. There's areas for kids which is cool. Bar: The Rooftop at SCP - This rooftop bar is located on top of the historic Redmond Hotel and has amazing views. There are lots of heaters and delicious small plates and cheese boards. They have great hot chocolate and fun cocktails.
Best non-alcoholic beverages in Central Oregon
Most breweries have N/A options but a couple of them have something extra special. Here is our definitive ranking: Deschutes Brewing: They have craft rootbeer - it has a strong sasparilla/vanilla taste and is way more interesting than your run of the mill A&W style rootbeer. Their craft gingerale is awesome, it is spicy and refreshing. They also have an N/A Irish ale but to me it tastes a bit like carbonated cold brew. It's super tasty and smooth I just prefer coffee. Rooftop at SCP: They have really interesting botanical N/A cocktails with the option to add CBD. Boneyard: Boneyard has a line of CBD sodas on tap with delicious flavors like passionfruit Crux - Crux makes an n/a IPA called No Mo. It is citrusy but not very full bodied. They also have Brew Doctor Kombucha --Clear Mind is super minty and delicious. Jackalope Grill - They have a dry french cider on tap that has no alcohol, it's definitely better than martinellis!