Stories from Central Oregon
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New Restaurants in Bend, Oregon
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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An Adult-Only Escape: How to Spend a Weekend at Brasada Ranch
Just 20 miles Northeast of Bend, you’ll discover the 1800-acre property of Brasada Ranch. Once a working sheep ranch, the luxury retreat now hosts a variety of lodging options and activities across all seasons. And while you can certainly book a kid-friendly stay at Brasada, it’s also the ideal destination for an adult-only escape to experience and soak in the views of Central Oregon.
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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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Your Ultimate Guide to Golfing at Black Butte Ranch
Turning off Highway 20, shrouded on both sides by ponderosa pine trees, it doesn’t take long to leave the forests of Central Oregon behind for a wide-open, laid-back vacation at Black Butte Ranch—sitting in the shadow of a half-dozen Cascade peaks. Once you’ve arrived at the ranch and kicked off your shoes, how you enjoy the ranch is limited only by how many vacation days you get to use. But one of the most popular activities at Black Butte Ranch is golfing. You’ll find two championship courses, a creative putting course, and a variety of fun ways to engage with the game—including lessons and clinics, annual events, group discounts, and (for the hearty golfer) stay-and-play packages.
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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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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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Discover Redmond's Best Golf Courses
Redmond, Oregon, is a bustling community that shares the same amazing views and landscape that the rest of Central Oregon has, but with a smaller population that gives way to quiet courses less likely to develop a crowd. The area’s milder weather grants golfers the opportunity to hit the links nearly year-round, all while enjoying the many amenities Central Oregon offers, like farm-to-table dining and some of the best craft beer, cider and wine around. You can’t really go wrong with golf in Central Oregon, but read on to discover some amazing golf courses in Redmond.
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Top Places to Eat in Tumalo, Oregon
Wherever your travels take you across Central Oregon, chances are good you’ll pass through Tumalo at some point. The unincorporated community of fewer than 700 residents sits just seven miles north of Bend, 16 miles southeast of Sisters, and 14 miles southwest of Redmond—making it a central stop on the way to (and coming back from) popular attractions.
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Top Things to Do In and Near Madras
The city of Madras was formed in the early 1900s by a loose-knit collection of dreamers and optimists who wanted to see the region’s burgeoning rail system roll through the nascent community. Their efforts prevailed—but more than a century later, the railroad is a footnote in the agricultural-minded community’s history. Still, dreamers continue flocking to the city of nearly 8,000, enchanted by its outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and fascinating history.
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Ideas for Planning the Best Oregon Road Trip
Planning a road trip through Oregon? We don’t blame you: The Beaver State is home to dramatic landscapes that include rugged rock formations on the Oregon Coast, lush forests and thundering waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, expansive high deserts in Central Oregon, and the impossibly blue hue of Crater Lake.
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Camping In and Near Bend, Oregon
Bend is often called a paradise for any avid adventurer or lover of the outdoors, and the reasons are simple. Bend has incredible weather, boasting plenty of sunny days throughout the year, making camping in Central Oregon more enjoyable. Visitors and locals alike love to spend their time in amongst the many mountains, forests, lakes and rivers before resting their heads under the stars. Read on for some of the best camping around Bend and Central Oregon.
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Discover Fishing Near Maupin, Oregon
It's no exaggeration to say that Maupin is a world-class fly-fishing destination. The city of just 400 year-round residents is cut in half by the Deschutes River, sits in the midst of a khaki-colored canyon, and provides easy access to fishing holes up and down the Lower Deschutes.
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The Best Dog Parks and Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Redmond, Oregon
Central Oregon is a dog owner’s paradise, and Redmond is no exception. Around the city, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed dog park at the end of a hiking and biking trail (showing that our regional affinity of the outdoors is matched only by a love for our four-legged friends), another dog park that serves regional craft beer to human companions and spacious restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating for tired dogs after an exciting day outside.
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Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)—Building Biking Trails for Every Type of Rider in Bend & Central Oregon
Every spring, Central Oregon mountain bikers transition from a snowy winter and start gearing up for a long and lively season of riding the region’s singletrack through forests of pine, wide-open desert expanses, and epic alpine slopes.
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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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Elevation & Altitude in Bend, Oregon
When you visit Bend, Sisters, or other cities in Central Oregon, you might notice yourself a bit more out of breath than usual. Even those in good shape find themselves breathing a bit harder while hiking to alpine lakes, shredding our fast and flowy mountain bike trails, and snowshoeing through our peaceful forests.
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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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A Summer Weekend in Prineville
Here in the high desert, small-town charm is easy to come by. But what happens when you combine a rich legacy of the old West, affordable vacationing, and a tight-knit community? You get Prineville – a town of just around 10,000 people in Central Oregon.
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Central Oregon Water Safety Information
Central Oregon is home to countless rivers, lakes, and water adventures to enjoy; but being prepared and knowing the right information is crucial to having the best experiences on the water. Learn more about water safety and what to be prepared for from the Red Cross’ water safety resource page.
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Stay, Play, & Golf at Tetherow Resort
We all have our own way of heralding the arrival of spring. For some, it means swapping the cross-country skis for mountain bike pads and helmet. For others, spring is a time to get reacquainted with our garden and plan for the seasons ahead. But for others, this is the time of year to dust off those golf clubs and hit the links.
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A Weekend of Wellness in Bend & Sisters
When was the last time you treated yourself? Wellness shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while practice. Meditation, yoga, massage, fitness classes, and pampering reduce cortisol levels, calm the heart rate, boost those happy hormones, and empty our minds. So, safe to say, it’s pretty important. Lucky for you, we made it easy to plan a full weekend reset in Bend and Sisters so you can jumpstart your healthy habits. Read on to get relaxed.