Pumpkin Patch Fun at Smith Rock Ranch
Updated for the 2026 season. Hello Bend! Fall is in the air and that means a family trip to Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch should be […]
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National Hot Chocolate Day in Bend
Hello Bend! Winter in Central Oregon is magical and that means it’s time to snuggle up on an outdoor patio or seat warmer with a
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Ice Skating in Bend, Oregon
Hello Bend! Imagine this picture-perfect scene: you and your family sliding gracefully on a sparkling ice rink holding hands and twirling under the lights on
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Central Oregon Waterfalls
I’m back with another travel guide, and this time it’s a whole compilation of all my favorite MUST-see Central Oregon waterfalls! Whether you are a
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Creating Memories at the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch
Hello Bend! Fall is in the air and that means a family trip to Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch should be on the calendar. As one
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Summer Farmer’s Markets
Hello Bend! It’s that time again! That warm, sunny time of the year where you find yourself eating fresh, farm-grown strawberries, home baked goods, with
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Short Term Rentals in Central Oregon
Hello Bend! Let’s talk about Short Term Rentals in Central Oregon! The City of Bend has distinct guidelines regarding the establishment and use of Short
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Bend Children’s Book GIVEAWAY ~ The Busy Birds Adventures
Hello Bend! I would like to introduce you to one of my ultimate top “Local Favorites” here in Central Oregon. Kristen Riggle is an artist
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Summer Fun at the Jordan Kent Skill Camps!
Hello Bend! The longer we’ve been in Bend, the more impressed we are with the various opportunities this town provides. One of our favorite discoveries
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Wildlife Safari Adventure
Wildlife Safari Drive Through “Where you are captive, and they roam free” Hello Bend! The Wildlife Safari is a world-renown haven for hundreds of animals
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Keep the Kids Busy at these Bend Summer Camps!
Hello Bend! Even if the air is still frigid, summer is just around the corner, and with a little normalcy returning to our lives, 2021
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Bend Aesthetics & Wellness: Beauty in the Details
Hello Bend! Our Local Favorites Medi Spa, Bend Aesthetics & Wellness, has gone through some amazing updates to their services and offerings! Read the article
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The Home Chef Experience: L For Lavender
Hello Bend! As a busy, working mom in the middle of a global pandemic, I have tried ALL of the meal subscription kits in an
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Shred Dog: Elite Kids Outdoor Gear
Hello Bend! If you know our family, you know that our happy place is on the mountain! We stumbled across this incredible kids outdoor gear
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Local Favorites: Bagels in Bend
Hello Bend! My kiddos look forward to our trips to the bagel shop for those special weekend breakfast items. It’s a tradition my husband grew
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Bend Holiday Meals Pick-up/To-go
Hello Bend! The holidays are right around the corner, and with all the COVID craze, get togethers look a lot different than normal. It’s such
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Bend Holiday Shopping Guide
Hello Bend! One of the many things we love about Bend, Oregon is how vibrant our local community is and how many “Bend Original” businesses
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Vooks: Story Books Brought to Life
Hello Bend! During the crazy year of 2020, a lot of us parents of school-aged kiddos have turned to home-schooling and are finding ourselves faced
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Christmas Tree Shopping in Bend
Hello Bend! As we move into the first weekend of December, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. For many of us, this is the
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Dutch Bros: Best Drive Thru Coffee
Hello Bend! It’s the season of giving and in the honor of supporting our favorite local drive-thru coffee shop, Dutch Bros, we are launching a
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Hopscotch Kids: Your One-Stop Kiddo Shop
Hello Bend! If you’re a Central Oregon parent and you are looking for a more curated, sustainable, boutique experience for shopping other than Target, Kohl’s,
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Bend Gets Spoooooky: Halloween 2020
Hello Bend! Halloween 2020 is finally here after what feels like ages since March and the original COVID shutdown. By now you know that Halloween
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Run Bend: Plan Your Final 2020 Races
Hello Bend, Let’s RUN! During this time last year, lots of Bendites were gearing up for their favorite fall running races in Central Oregon–From races
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Mt. Bachelor: 2020 Ski Season Updates
Hello Bend! Fall is in the air and for our local avid skiers and snowboarders that means it’s time to start thinking about our season
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The Perfect Getaway at FivePine Lodge
Hello Bend! My husband and I recently celebrated our 15-year anniversary. We had been planning a big trip to mark the momentous milestone, however, the
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Pizza in Bend: The Best Central Oregon Slices
Hello Bend! Often, when I’m helping a new family with their move to Central Oregon, one of the first questions they’ll ask is “Where do
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Add Proxy Falls to your Bend Bucket List!
Hello Bend! Proxy Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located an hour and a half from Bend, over the Mackenzie Pass. It’s a must-see
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Bend Soap Company: The Power of Goat’s Milk
Hello Bend! If you’re new to the blog, or just stopping in, we’ve created a “Local Favorites” category to highlight the imagination, diversity, and unique
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Tamolitch Falls: Adventure to the Blue Pool
Hello Bend! This week’s adventure post is a highlight of the stunning Blue Pool of Tamolitch Falls. It is one of the most exquisite, bright
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Northwest BOD: Fitness From All Angles
Hello Bend! When I first started this blog, I wanted it to be a platform where I could compile all the resources I wished I
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Foxtail Bakeshop & Kitchen, Keeping Your Life Sweet
Hello Bend! Next up on our “Local Favorites” highlights is Foxtail Bakeshop—a boutique, small-batch, made-from-scratch Bakeshop & Kitchen in the Box Factory—right in the heart
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Free Spirit: Fitness For The Family
Hello Bend & Happy Monday! Today on the blog is Free Spirit! Located in the Old Mill, this unique twist on family fitness promotes play
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Summer Fun at High Desert Museum
Hello Bend! With summer finally HERE, I wanted to highlight one of our family’s very favorite summer activities–visiting the High Desert Museum. Just re-opened to
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Chush Falls: A Magnificent Waterfall Adventure
Hello Bend! Inspired by the beautiful weather this weekend, we decided to venture to a new waterfall closer to home. Chush Falls, just outside of
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EMW Fusion ~ Bend’s Premier Korean Fusion Food Truck
Hello Bend! For being a small town nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Bend has no shortage of food trucks. You will find
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Zydeco: Our Kitchen, Your Table
Hello Bend! Located in the heart of downtown, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails offers fine Northwestern cuisine with a southern twist. Not only are they high
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Waterfall Hikes in Oregon-Toketee Falls
Hello Bend! Now that the weather is getting nicer, and COVID restrictions are easing up, it’s time to get outside and explore the beauty our
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Learning Express Toys of Bend
Hello Bend! As businesses in Central Oregon prepare to reopen, we continue to share “Local Favorites” with you. Discover new businesses, Bend originals, and old
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Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery
Hello Bend! Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery has been nestled in Bend’s Westside for 19 years. This little, cozy Bend mainstay opened its doors in
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Megan Marie Myers Art
Hello Bend! I have seen Megan Marie Myers whimsical artwork around Bend for a few years and have always been captivated by the enchanting outdoor
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Brick Huntress LEGO Mosaics
Hello Bend! I am always on the hunt for fun, creative ways to keep the kiddos busy at home. I was absolutely thrilled when I
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Hearthside Medicine: Primary Care with a Modern Twist
Hearthside Medicine Family Care is a local and family-owned boutique primary care medical clinic, and this week’s Hello Bend Oregon’s featured business. We’ve always had
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Chomp Chomp Bend – A Japanese Northwest Restaurant
Hello Bend! …Say Hello to Chomp Chomp Bend! In our small town tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, we have some pretty
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Climbing High at the Bend Rock Gym!
Updated: March 2020 Hello Bend! Its that time of the year when finding something for your kids to do after school is hard. The Bend
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Family Fun at Oregon Winterfest
Updated for 2020 Oregon Winterfest: Hello Bend! Oregon Winterfest is this weekend and we are right in the middle of enjoying it! This is the
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Bend Chick-fil-A is Open for Business
Hello Bend….We FINALLY have a Bend Chick-fil-A! Those of you who know me, know how much our family (our daughter especially) missed not having a
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Mt. Bachelor Ski Lessons with Ski or Ride in 5
Hello Bend! Are you new to Bend and want to give skiing or snowboarding a try? Want to get the kids involved in a winter
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Rubbish Renewed Fashion Show
Hello Bend! The Rubbish Renewed Fashion Show is next Saturday, January 25. Trust me, this is a show you do not want to miss. So
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Friends of the Children Central Oregon
Hello Bend! During the season of giving, so many of us have donated to the bell ringers as we walked into the grocery store, grabbed
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Breakfast with Santa at Brasada Ranch
Hello Bend! In keeping with our theme of trying out a new Breakfast with Santa venue every year, our third year in Central Oregon, we
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Sunriver’s Brunch With Santa
Hello Bend! A few years ago our Christmas Elf brought us tickets to Sunriver’s Brunch with Santa as a special treat. What a spectacular event…Sunriver
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Breakfast with Santa at Pine Tavern
Hello Bend! Sunday, December 8 is the 29th annual Breakfast with Santa at Pine Tavern. This is one of Bend’s oldest, most historic restaurants overlooking
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Breakfast with Santa in Bend and Beyond!
Hello Bend….Tis the Season! Thanksgiving isn’t quite behind us, and I already have Breakfast with Santa in Bend on my mind. The holiday festivities start
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Powder Palooza Pre-SeasonDeals on Winter Gear!
Hello Bend! One of our favorite pre-winter events, Powder Palooza, is coming up this Saturday. We stumbled upon this event at the Powder House our
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BENDover Wax Studio Beauty Services
Hello Bend! I know the struggle to find high quality service providers when you move to a new area can prove to be a bit
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Fun for Everyone at the Bend Fall Festival
Hello Bend…Fall is officially in the air, and I sure am happy about that after last week’s winter blast. Now that the snow in September
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Bend First Friday with Photographer Jesper Hilts
Hello Bend! Please join me tonight at Cascade Sotheby’s Int’l Realty as I host Bend First Friday featuring local photographer Jesper Hilts. He will be
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July 4th Bend Pet Parade & Festival
Hello Bend! Who is planning to take advantage of the 4th of July festival and Bend Pet Parade in Bend this year? The day starts
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Northwest Crossing Farmers Market
Hello Bend! Start your Saturday morning strolling through the lively Northwest Crossing Farmers Market in Bend. This popular event kicks off at 10am, and if
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Family Fun with Michael Franti in Bend
Hello Bend! The Bend Summer Concert Series is something we look forward to every year as summer approaches. One of our all-time favorite “family fun
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Introducing~Hello Bend Oregon Blog
Hello Bend! I am so excited to write the first official blog post for the new website. I hope you enjoy the new look and
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Keep Your Kiddos Safe This Summer at Bend Parks
My nine month old baby is constantly putting things in his mouth, especially his yummy fingers and toes. Lately, he has spent lots of time
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Deschutes Brewery Jubelale Art & Beer Tastings
Deschutes Brewery Jubelale to be featured at First Friday Artwalk! December 1 marks the final First Friday Artwalk of 2017. With downtown Bend bustling and
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Fun for Everyone at the Bend Oktoberfest
School is back in session and the morning air is cool, all signs that Fall is just around the corner. The best way to kick
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Thank You for Voting Living the Bend Life as Best Local Blog!
Thank you to everyone! I am honored to have been voted Best Local Blog in The Source Weekly’s annual Best Of Central Oregon 2017 reader’s
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Lotus Naturals ~ All-Natural Health and Wellness Products Made in Bend
It’s no secret that shopping in Central Oregon can be a challenge. One of my first concerns when I moved to Bend was how on
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Find your Adventure at Sparks Lake
With so many beautiful lakes surrounding Central Oregon, and each lake with its own unique characteristics and charm, you could visit a new one every
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Hydro Flask Growler Giveaway Contest!
Bend Friends~It’s that time of year again! The Source Weekly’s Best of Central Oregon ballot is live. Let your voice be heard and vote for
Hydro Flask Growler Giveaway Contest! Read More >
First Friday Art Walk with Artist ~ MaryLea Harris
Looking for something to add to your calendar this Friday? Downtown Bend offers a nice evening out with the First Friday Art Walk. Dozens of
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Steelhead Falls ~ Family-Friendly Hike Close to Bend
As you may be able to tell by my other “The Great Outdoors” write-ups, I have a passion for the many waterfalls within our beautiful
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ATLAS Cider~A Passion leads to the BEST Cider in Bend
Living in small town Bend, it seems like everyone knows everyone, and you certainly run into someone you know just about everywhere you go. So
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The Art of the Brick Exhibition at OMSI in Portland
* Our family loves spending time in Portland for little weekend getaways. There are so many cool places to visit, shopping to be done, and
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Plan your Family Getaway at the Great Wolf Lodge
This Spring Break my husband and I decided it was finally time to take our kids to the illustrious Great Wolf Lodge, and we are
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Youth Mountain Biking in Bend
Spring is approaching and my son is anxious to get back on his mountain bike and hit the trails! We are fortunate that there are
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Breakfast with Santa in Bend
The Christmas Season is upon us and I am amazed at the wide variety of holiday events and activities available here in Bend. For being
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Don’t Miss the Sunriver Grand Illumination
* Sunriver Resort brings on the fun this Saturday at their annual Sunriver Grand Illumination event. This is an outdoor event featuring a “North Pole” tent, which is heated
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Ski Gear & FREE Beer at Powder House!
Trust me, you don’t want to miss Powder House’s annual Powder Palooza event. Is there a better way to launch the biggest pre-season winter snow gear
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Online Grocery Shopping in Bend with ClickList!
Hello Bend! Did you know that online grocery shopping is now available in Bend? Yes, that’s right…you can order your groceries online and pick them
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Exclusive Smith Rock Farm to Fork Dinner
Hello Bend! Are you looking for an idea for a special date night? Or maybe wanting to try some delicious local food in Bend? Here
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Explore Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls
Hello Bend! If you have not yet made the trek out to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, it is well worth the trip and something
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Munch and Movies
* Hello Bend! Munch and Movies debuts this Friday at Compass Park in Northwest Crossing. This is a fun event for the family and runs every
Bend Brewfest
* Hello Bend! Are you ready to get into craft beer mode? Bend Brewfest is just a couple days away, and man does this town
Living the Bend Life Wins for Best Local Blog!
Hello Bend! Thank you to everyone for your votes and support! I am honored to win 1st place for Best Local Blog in the Source Weekly’s
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Hiking Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls
Hello Bend! We had the most amazing experience hiking Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls recently. This little slice of heaven, located on the McKenzie River,
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Floating the River in Bend!
Hello Bend! Now that the new Passageway Channel is Open, I wanted to offer some tips for floating the river in Bend! One of the
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Check Out Bend’s Family Friendly Art Scene!
Hello Bend! Sharing art experiences with our kids makes for wonderful childhood memories, family bonding, and quality family time together. That is the reason I
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Let the Good Times Roll at Munch and Music!
Hello Bend! Head on down to Drake Park Thursdays this summer to enjoy the free concert in the park. July brings back one of my
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You Must Experience the Freedom Ride!
Hello Bend! As part of 4th of July in Bend, our friends said we MUST experience the Freedom Ride at least once! Of course, since
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4th of July Parade & Festival
Hello Bend! The 4th of July in Bend is amazing! And it’s a lovely reminder that we live in a small town with festivities that
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Bite of Bend
Hello Bend! It’s the beginning of summer and that means the beginning of festival season here in Bend! I don’t think there is a better
Mt. Bachelor Pond Skim and Summer Activities
Hello Bend! What’s the best way to close out the ski season on Mt. Bachelor? With a massive party, of course! The sun was shining,
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Let’s Run…It’s Race Season in Bend!
Hello Bend! As I continue to embrace the Bend lifestyle, I decided (or should I say let my girlfriend talk me into) running the annual
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Get Your Fill at Big Dog Growlers
Hello Bend! My husband and I are in love with our neighborhood tap house and growler filling station, Big Dog Growlers! We’ve stopped in a
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The Vegetable Man…Fresh, Local Produce Now Available!
Hello Bend! Great spring-time news here in Bend….The Vegetable Man fruit and veggie stand is now open for the season in Bend! If you’ve been
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Mountain Biking with Bend Endurance Academy
Hello Bend! Moving to Bend I was not surprised by the wide variety of outdoor activities available, and we wanted to jump right in and experience
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Mt. Bachelor’s Ski or Ride in 5
Hello Bend! It’s official…I’m a skier! Well, more like I’m well on my way to being a skier! I have officially graduated from Mt. Bachelor
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The Bend Escape Room
Hello Bend! We were looking for something to do for a fun night out with friends beyond just dinner. Well, we found a great option!
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Barrio~New Location, Same Delicious Food!
Hello Bend! Looking for a unique dining experience in downtown Bend? Look no further than Barrio! With an impressive selection of Latin inspired eats
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Deschutes Brewery Tour & Tasting Room
Hello Bend! We got a group together this past weekend to check out the Deschutes Brewery Tour. Being the first brewery to introduce craft beer
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Get In Shape at Rev’s House!
Hello Bend! I recently stumbled upon one of the “best kept fitness secrets in Bend”! It took me over 9 months to find this place,
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