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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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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Local's Guide to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Views of the Cascade Range abound all over Central Oregon, but are never more dramatic than from along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway—a seasonal highway that heads southwest of Bend and into the heart of the mountains. Along the way, visitors can swim or paddle in more than a dozen alpine lakes, admire views of the snow-capped peaks that seem to rise from their shorelines, camp under starry night skies and traverse some of the region’s best-loved hiking trails.
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Meet the Central Oregon Makers
Central Oregonians are a collection of dreamers, doers, storytellers and innovators who have all chosen this beautiful place as home. The result is a thriving community of makers who help weave the cultural fabric of this unique area. To showcase the depth of creativity that flows here, Visit Central Oregon created the "Central Oregon Makers" campaign. The hope is that the content inspires others to seek out and support the people who bring the Central Oregon region to life. See videos of each of these Central Oregon Makers here.
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Q/A with Renowned Tetherow Course Designer
Fescue is not unfamiliar to American golfers. But traditionally, the faded greenish-brown turf was most commonly experienced by American through TV — once a year while watching the British Open.
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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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Fall in Redmond, Oregon: Your Itinerary Awaits
Redmond has long been a hub of Central Oregon. A total foodie haven with a vibrant, charming small-town vibe, Redmond serves up the sights. A town of 30,000 and growing, it has it all, from stunning views at Smith Rock to varied cuisine and antique shopping, parks, waterfalls, and upscale hotel experiences. An ideal example of what a visit to Central Oregon should be, it’s where outdoor adventure meets high-end history. Whether you’re exploring the magic of Redmond for the first time, just passing through from the airport, or planning a full getaway, here are our go-to spots for one of the most memorable towns in Central Oregon in the shoulder season.
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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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Horseback Riding in Sunriver, Oregon
For many, exploring new trails and breathing in the fresh mountain air is best done on horseback. And what better place to get in the saddle than in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Here, trail rides meander along the Deschutes River, offering mountain views and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy corral rides, pony rides, lessons and guided trail rides on horses selected specifically for the comfort and ability of the rider.
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Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Bend and Central Oregon
No family vacation is complete without every member of your crew—and in Central Oregon, that includes your four-legged fur babies. Fortunately, pet-friendly offerings abound across the region—where leashed pets are welcome on hiking trails, well-behaved dogs are invited to our food cart pods, pups can frolic in countless dog parks, and pampered pooches spend the night in pet-friendly hotels.
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Top Food Dishes in Central Oregon and Where to Order Them
Central Oregon is known for many things, and exceptional eateries are one of them. The benefit to being here is that you can practically find good food anywhere, but it can be hard to know where to start. As a region full of foodies, we know these tried and true restaurants have the best burgers, sushi, Mexican food, Thai food, barbeque and more in Central Oregon.
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The Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, has long been beloved by furry canines and their eager parents. According to BringFido.com, more than 100 restaurants, brewpubs and food cart pods across the city offer dog-friendly patios and other accommodations; pups enjoy exercising on the city’s many hiking trails; and no less than Dog Fancy magazine once named Bend the dog-friendliest town in America.
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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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4th of July in Redmond, Oregon (2023)
Every Fourth of July, Redmond residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the birth of the United States. It’s a festive time in what locals call “Flag City U.S.A.” (more on that later), and the city celebrates accordingly—with a charmingly old-school parade, boisterous fireworks display and more.
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A Guide to Bend's Whitewater Park
Bend is beloved for its wide range of outdoor adventure—from well-designed mountain bike trails and scenic campgrounds to kayak-friendly lakes and laid-back river floats. It’s only natural, then, that the Bend Whitewater Park adds to the fun with thrilling challenges in the heart of the Deschutes River.
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Top Sno-Parks in Central Oregon Near Bend
Central Oregon sits at the doorstep of the Cascade Range, which is blanketed every winter in a scenic blanket of snow—turning the region into a playground for locals and visitors alike. Often, these play areas come in the form of Sno-Parks, which are exactly what they sound like: forested winter wonderlands where visitors can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, hop on a snowmobile, or even try tubing and sledding on snowy hillsides. More often than not, these Sno-Parks are home to small warming shelters where visitors can step out of the cold and get cozy next to a roaring fire.
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Late Summer in Sisters, Oregon: Day Trips & Town Tips
Here in Central Oregon, summer hits its stride in late June and keeps rolling on through September. There’s still plenty of time left to check all your sunny adventures off the list! No matter when you arrive, Sisters, Oregon is a treat and must-see. Less than 3000 people live here year-round, but myriads more pass through to soak in the scenery and play in the surroundings – and boy, are there a lot of places to see. From cozy lake and downtown strolls to breathtaking waterfalls, lava scenes, and scenic drives, you’ve got your work cut out for you. See what all the hype is about. Whether you’re looking for a day trip (or three), overnight, or long weekend stay with the family, we’ve got your itinerary covered.
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Adult Adventure Time: Summer Outdoor Clinics in Central Oregon
Warm weather is on the horizon, and we’re trying to make the absolute best of it by getting outside as much as possible. Sound familiar? Here’s a tougher question – when was the last time you learned new skills outside, and let someone else do all the planning for you around a fun adventure? (Deep breaths, type A’s! We got you.) Luckily, here in Central Oregon, we are no strangers to an outdoor playground. Whether kicking up dust with our trusty mountain bikes, paddling into the sunset, traversing up volcanic rock, or saluting our beers to the campfire, we know adventure here in the high desert.
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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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Top Mexican Restaurants in Redmond and Madras
The Central Oregon food scene has earned acclaim in recent years, thanks to an invigorating mix of creative food carts, fashionable fine-dining restaurants, and a growing number of globetrotting eateries that feature authentic cuisine from around the world. That eclectic selection includes a variety of taquerias and Mexican restaurants in Redmond and Madras, both of which host homegrown eateries that craft a mix of classic dishes, modern flavors, and innovative entrées.
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Haunted Houses & Ghost Tours in Bend, Oregon
Whether you’re walking in the shadow of brick buildings around downtown Bend or grabbing a bite in historic structures elsewhere in town, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of reverence for Central Oregon’s history. In the early 1900s, after all, scores of ranchers, loggers, and businessmen of all stripes descended on Bend to strike it rich and establish themselves in the growing community.