Hello Bend! Proxy Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located an hour and a half from Bend, over McKenzie Pass. It’s a must-see trip […]
Proxy Falls: A Family Waterfall Hike Over McKenzie Pass Read More >
Bend will always be home to a big piece of my heart. My kids grew up there, and some of my dearest friends and clients
How Bend Showed Up: Ways to Support the Silver Rail Community Read More >
I’ve had the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch on the blog for a while, and it’s still one of our family’s favorite fall traditions. But Central
Pumpkin Patches Near Bend Read More >
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
Pumpkin Patch Fun at Smith Rock Ranch Read More >
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
National Hot Chocolate Day in Bend Read More >
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
Ice Skating in Bend, Oregon Read More >
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
Central Oregon Waterfalls Read More >
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
Creating Memories at the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch Read More >
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
Summer Farmer’s Markets Read More >
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
Short Term Rentals in Central Oregon Read More >
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
Bend Children’s Book GIVEAWAY ~ The Busy Birds Adventures Read More >
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
Summer Fun at the Jordan Kent Skill Camps! Read More >
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
Wildlife Safari Adventure Read More >
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
Keep the Kids Busy at these Bend Summer Camps! Read More >
Hello Bend! Our Local Favorites Medi Spa, Bend Aesthetics & Wellness, has gone through some amazing updates to their services and offerings! Read the article
Bend Aesthetics & Wellness: Beauty in the Details Read More >
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
The Home Chef Experience: L For Lavender Read More >
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
Shred Dog: Elite Kids Outdoor Gear Read More >
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
Local Favorites: Bagels in Bend Read More >
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
Bend Holiday Meals Pick-up/To-go Read More >
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
Bend Holiday Shopping Guide Read More >
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
Vooks: Story Books Brought to Life Read More >
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
Christmas Tree Shopping in Bend Read More >
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
Dutch Bros: Best Drive Thru Coffee Read More >
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,
Hopscotch Kids: Your One-Stop Kiddo Shop Read More >
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
Bend Gets Spoooooky: Halloween 2020 Read More >
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
Run Bend: Plan Your Final 2020 Races Read More >
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
Mt. Bachelor: 2020 Ski Season Updates Read More >
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
The Perfect Getaway at FivePine Lodge Read More >
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
Pizza in Bend: The Best Central Oregon Slices Read More >
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
Bend Soap Company: The Power of Goat’s Milk Read More >
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
Tamolitch Falls: Adventure to the Blue Pool Read More >
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
Northwest BOD: Fitness From All Angles Read More >
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
Foxtail Bakeshop & Kitchen, Keeping Your Life Sweet Read More >
Hello Bend & Happy Monday! Today on the blog is Free Spirit! Located in the Old Mill, this unique twist on family fitness promotes play
Free Spirit: Fitness For The Family Read More >
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
Summer Fun at High Desert Museum Read More >
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
Chush Falls: A Magnificent Waterfall Adventure Read More >
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
EMW Fusion ~ Bend’s Premier Korean Fusion Food Truck Read More >
Hello Bend! Located in the heart of downtown, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails offers fine Northwestern cuisine with a southern twist. Not only are they high
Zydeco: Our Kitchen, Your Table Read More >
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
Waterfall Hikes in Oregon-Toketee Falls Read More >
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
Learning Express Toys of Bend Read More >
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
Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery Read More >
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
Megan Marie Myers Art Read More >
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
Brick Huntress LEGO Mosaics Read More >
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
Hearthside Medicine: Primary Care with a Modern Twist Read More >
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
Chomp Chomp Bend – A Japanese Northwest Restaurant Read More >
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
Climbing High at the Bend Rock Gym! Read More >
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
Family Fun at Oregon Winterfest Read More >
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
Bend Chick-fil-A is Open for Business Read More >
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
Mt. Bachelor Ski Lessons with Ski or Ride in 5 Read More >
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
Rubbish Renewed Fashion Show Read More >
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
Friends of the Children Central Oregon Read More >
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
Breakfast with Santa at Brasada Ranch Read More >
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
Sunriver’s Brunch With Santa Read More >
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
Breakfast with Santa at Pine Tavern Read More >
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
Breakfast with Santa in Bend and Beyond! Read More >
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
Powder Palooza Pre-SeasonDeals on Winter Gear! Read More >
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
BENDover Wax Studio Beauty Services Read More >
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
Fun for Everyone at the Bend Fall Festival Read More >
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
Bend First Friday with Photographer Jesper Hilts Read More >
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
July 4th Bend Pet Parade & Festival Read More >
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
Northwest Crossing Farmers Market Read More >
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
Family Fun with Michael Franti in Bend Read More >
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
Introducing~Hello Bend Oregon Blog Read More >
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
Keep Your Kiddos Safe This Summer at Bend Parks Read More >
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
Deschutes Brewery Jubelale Art & Beer Tastings Read More >
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
Fun for Everyone at the Bend Oktoberfest Read More >
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
Thank You for Voting Living the Bend Life as Best Local Blog! Read More >
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
Lotus Naturals ~ All-Natural Health and Wellness Products Made in Bend Read More >
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
Find your Adventure at Sparks Lake Read More >
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 >
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
First Friday Art Walk with Artist ~ MaryLea Harris Read More >
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
Steelhead Falls ~ Family-Friendly Hike Close to Bend Read More >
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
ATLAS Cider~A Passion leads to the BEST Cider in Bend Read More >
* Our family loves spending time in Portland for little weekend getaways. There are so many cool places to visit, shopping to be done, and
The Art of the Brick Exhibition at OMSI in Portland Read More >
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
Plan your Family Getaway at the Great Wolf Lodge Read More >
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
Youth Mountain Biking in Bend Read More >
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
Breakfast with Santa in Bend Read More >
* 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
Don’t Miss the Sunriver Grand Illumination Read More >
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
Ski Gear & FREE Beer at Powder House! Read More >
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
Online Grocery Shopping in Bend with ClickList! Read More >
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
Exclusive Smith Rock Farm to Fork Dinner Read More >
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
Explore Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls Read More >
* 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
* Hello Bend! Are you ready to get into craft beer mode? Bend Brewfest is just a couple days away, and man does this town
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
Living the Bend Life Wins for Best Local Blog! Read More >
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,
Hiking Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls Read More >
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
Floating the River in Bend! Read More >
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
Check Out Bend’s Family Friendly Art Scene! Read More >
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
Let the Good Times Roll at Munch and Music! Read More >
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
You Must Experience the Freedom Ride! Read More >
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
4th of July Parade & Festival Read More >
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
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,
Mt. Bachelor Pond Skim and Summer Activities Read More >
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
Let’s Run…It’s Race Season in Bend! Read More >
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
Get Your Fill at Big Dog Growlers Read More >
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
The Vegetable Man…Fresh, Local Produce Now Available! Read More >
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
Mountain Biking with Bend Endurance Academy Read More >
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
Mt. Bachelor’s Ski or Ride in 5 Read More >
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!
The Bend Escape Room Read More >
Hello Bend! Looking for a unique dining experience in downtown Bend? Look no further than Barrio! With an impressive selection of Latin inspired eats
Barrio~New Location, Same Delicious Food! Read More >
