Just a few-hour drive outside of Portland, you will find yourself in Central Oregon. Both the weather and the local lifestyle there are different from those in a major city and its surrounding suburbs. But at the same time, Central Oregon feels like the rest of the state: nature walks, top-rated food, laid-back personalities, and more.
You have towns like Sisters where cowboys and authentic rodeos are alive and well, and resorts like Sunriver and Black Butte where people from around the world visit to unplug from the daily demands of life and work.
Central Oregon is not a middle-of-nowhere landscape. Instead, it is a thriving region that is a great place to raise a family or even to take them on vacation. I take my family down here at least once a year, and this spring and summer we were there twice. I never get tired of visiting Central Oregon. The land is extraordinary.
Bend is probably the best-known city in Central Oregon, and for good reason. This is a Western town built for adventure, and there is something here for everyone. For those looking for outdoor experiences, Smith Rock State Park is about a half-hour drive outside Bend and is perfect for rock climbing and photography. There are also endless miles of mountain biking and hiking, and there is a good chance you will see golden eagles and river otters along the way.
The Lava River Cave is also something that you don’t want to miss. This self-guided, mile-long hike through a magnificent cave is an easy walk but will definitely test your bravery a little bit since it requires handheld lights for visibility.
Depending on everyone’s comfort level and ability, floating the river in Bend is almost like a rite of passage. Floating the Deschutes River from the Old Mill District through Drake Park is a popular choice.
Speaking of the Old Mill District, if anyone wants to shop, it is a great place to go. The Old Mill District is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary and will offer exclusive specials and deals through the end of the year.
There is a wide variety of shopping options here, including new clothes, jewelry, and art. If you need to get in a solid workout or relax, the Old Mill District has several workout studios and spas to check out.
There are also a ton of restaurants here for when you need to grab a bite in between shopping.
If you are feeling a little nostalgic, the last Blockbuster on earth is right here in Bend.
If you want to check out a McMenamins, they have the Old St. Francis School, which has been converted into a quirky hotel with a movie theatre and a soaking pool.
One of my family’s and my favorite places to grab lunch in Bend is the Crux Fermentation Project. Their food menu is delicious and gives just enough options to choose from without feeling overwhelmed. Their nacho plate is topped with pulled pork, black bean salsa, and beer cheese. One of their salads is a Pesto Caesar that will positively change your thoughts on this once limited type of salad. My favorite sandwich there is called The Carver, which is built with ingredients like sliced turkey, whipped-jalapeño cranberry spread, and more. Their Kids Menu is also top-tier, with choices including a crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich served with a side of chips or veggies, and their Chicken Bacon Ranch slider with a side of chips.
For the 21-and-over crowd, if you want a quintessential Bend experience, grab a pint from Crux, too; they make some of the best beer you could ever have. One of my favorites from them is their Crux Farmhouse, a flavorful Saison with amazing complexity.
Connected to the Crux Fermentation Project is an outdoor seating and play area. It is also lined up with multiple food carts, such as El Sancho and Alpine Smash Burger. Make sure not to skip Crux when visiting.
Covering all that Bend has to offer is impossible. I’ve been coming down to visit this region my entire life and still discover something new on every visit. I could tell you to drive up to the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, grab lunch at Deschutes Brewery, or go horseback riding with Wilderness Horse Adventures. But the reality is that you need to visit this place in person. Bend isn’t a concept. Bend is a place that needs to be experienced, and there’s no better way than doing that with your family.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.