Spring has arrived! If your spring cleaning checklist is complete and you’re thinking about a vacation to treat yourself after all that hard work, look around Bend, Oregon and see what we have to offer for your spring getaway. Spring in Bend means fewer crowds, but just because the area isn’t packed doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of fun activities. Bend is a great destination for solo travelers, couples, families or groups – we truly have something for everyone!
Events for a Spring in Bend
Brunch is wildly popular in Bend year-round, but come springtime, near Easter, restaurants in the area really pull out all the stops. Many cater to this holiday weekend with brunch specials or buffets, and some even include an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos! Make sure you check out the options if you’re here for the holiday. Another great event this spring in Bend is the 6th Annual Bend Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. The courses will take you through beautiful parks and pine forests, along the mighty Deschutes River, and finally, to a happening afterparty with plenty of fun, food, kombucha and craft beer! For a one-of-a-kind event celebrating freedom, check out RendezVan and hang out with an awesome community of RV owners, campers and van-lifers at Mt. Bachelor. And at the Crater Lake Spirits Downtown Tasting Room, you can attend a variety of events, such as sip-and-paint nights and a local Rescue Dog Benefit!
Great Outdoors
Bend is known as a destination for people who love the outdoors! As it should be – the area offers an abundance of stunning natural attractions. You can visit a National Forest, a State Park, Pine Nursery Park, as well as several breathtaking waterfalls and vast underground caverns! There are plenty of opportunities all around us for hiking and biking, whether you’re looking for an off the beaten path experience or prefer a smooth path, or anything in between, you’ll find all of the options around Bend. Other great outdoor adventures can include rock climbing, fishing, photography, boating and exploring. The whole family will love the adventures that surround you in Bend, and if you need a stay, Bend Vacation Rentals is at your convenience!
After a full day of exploring, you can return to one of these lovely homes for rent in Oregon, take a load off, and relax with a home cooked meal and a growler from a local brewery. Call today and book your stay with Bend Vacation Rentals for a spring vacation that will make memories to last a lifetime!
Spring has sprung! If you’ve already busted through your spring cleaning list and are ready for a getaway after your hard work, check out what Oregon has to offer for your Easter vacation in Bend. This is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the area without all the crowds, but still with plenty of fun and exciting activities for the whole family!
Classic Events for Easter Vacation in Bend
Always the favorite activity, no Easter can really be considered complete without your traditional Easter egg hunt! You can spend a whole day on the hunt on your Easter vacation in Bend if you take advantage of all the available hunts; altogether, 20,000 Easter eggs get hidden across the city! Other popular holiday festivities include additional games, bouncy houses and local vendor booths to browse. If Easter is an important religious holiday to you, you can find the perfect Easter service during your stay in Bend at one of our city’s many churches. Enter a quick search online or talk to a local and you’re sure to find a service that fits your preference.
Brunch, the Most Important Meal of the Day
Brunch has always been one of the most popular Bend events, and some of the most amazing options roll out around Easter! Many local restaurants cater this special holiday weekend with buffets and brunch specials. At Currents at the Riverhouse, you can enjoy a terrific view of the Deschutes River while munching on their splendid brunch buffet. Some of the specialties they usually offer include scones, pastries, waffles, omelets, fresh seafood, carved meats and more! Their brunch is so popular, if you want to make sure you have a table, it’s recommended to book ahead of time. Of course, if you don’t make it to Riverhouse, there are plenty of other cozy brunch spots to check out for your Bend events!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you need to get outside and burn off some brunch calories, there are great places to get active around Bend. The surrounding area features a national forest, state park, Pine Nursery Park, as well as several stunning waterfalls and breathtaking caves! There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, photography, and exploring. And when the day is done, you will be glad you have a comfortable home to relax and unwind in. Trust us, staying in a vacation home is way more fun than being cooped up in a hotel! Book your stay with Bend Vacation Rentals today and Easter 2020 will be one you won’t forget!
You won’t need a heavy suitcase to visit Bend, Oregon. Instead, keep your packing on the light side an enjoy Bend’s attractions and activities without the hassle or stress that often accompanies packing for a getaway. Check out our Oregon travel tips below to see how you can enjoy a journey to Bend without overpacking.
Tip #1 – Packing for the Weather – Oregon travel tips
When traveling to almost any region in Oregon, oftentimes many visitors bring too many bags and sets of clothing with the idea that rain permeates the state from corner to corner. Though this may often be the case during the rainy season which usually lasts from October to April, remember that the rest of the year and often within this rainy season, the sun peeks through the clouds now and then. However, over the last couple of decades, most locals would tell you that rain has not been as abundant in past years. Nevertheless, the people of Bend welcome all visitors to explore the natural beauty that surrounds this town of nearly 80,000 people. If you come in the winter, of course pack enough gear to keep you warm; however, leave the ski equipment at home, since most of the outfitters around town as well as the ski resorts at higher elevations will have everything you need to enjoy the backcountry.
Tip #2 – Packing for the Parks
When you arrive in the spring or summer, the weather usually allows you to fill the itinerary with spectacular scenic attractions such as the Deschutes National Forest, the Willamette National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest and Mount Hood National Forest, with its majestic namesake mountain. Each one of these protected domestic treasures provides a wide variety of activities and events every day of the year. Whenever exploring any one of these forests, remember to bring only essential items such as a compass, flashlight, GPS beacon/finder, etc. A sturdy pair of hiking boots is also one of the important Oregon travel tips if you plan to enjoy a lot of time on the trails.
Tip #3 – Leave Extra Food & Snacks at Home
All of our Bend rentals provide a fully equipped kitchen. Take advantage of all the utensils and appliances to prepare your own meals, especially when traveling during the holidays. Inside the city limits, one of the other reasons to pack lightly is because at one point during your stay, the Deschutes River Trail will beckon you to visit. This river trail snakes and winds throughout town providing spectacular views of the surrounding region as well as leading you to some of the best boutiques, bars, restaurants and attractions in this part of the Beaver State. Bend offers a wide range of restaurants and pubs that highlight the bounty provided by land and sea. If you enjoy craft beer, travel to the western side of its banks to taste some of the best suds in Bend at places such as 10 Barrel Brewing, GoodLife Brewing and the nationally recognized Deschutes Brewing, just to name a few. The extra room in your suitcase is perfect to bring back a six-pack or two of your favorite brews!
Bend is an exciting vacation destination, perfect for both short and long journeys. Come find your own piece of paradise with a stay in Bend rentals, Oregon! Contact us today to book your comfortable and well-appointed vacation home.
Oregon is a beautiful vacation destination no matter the time of the year. With so many things to do and see, you may think you need to pack a lot of extra gear in order to enjoy your trip, but that’s simply not true. Being weighed down with heavy luggage is not a good start to any vacation getaway. Here are some helpful tips on how you can pack light for your Bend Oregon travel vacation:
Pack Light for the Outdoors
One of the biggest draws to visiting Bend during the spring, summer, and fall seasons is enjoying the beautiful scenery. Many locals claim that Bend is an outdoor playground with many trails, rivers, and forests to keep you busy. You can prepare to enjoy as much time outdoors by keeping your bag light with just clothing. You may need a few different outfits such as swimming suits, shorts, and clothing to wear into town; however, you will not need to pack multiple options for each activity, as our vacation rentals have washing and drying units to keep everything clean.
More Room to Bring Home Souvenirs of Your Trip
If you pack heavy, you will not have enough room to bring souvenirs home from your trip. Many adventurers find that Bend is a craft beer haven and choose to bring back their favorite cans in their luggage. You can wrap up your take-home goodies in the clothing in your bag. Child-friendly souvenirs can also be found at all the local shops. Stick an empty backpack or duffel bag into the bottom of your luggage that can be taken out for the return trip home.
Leave Cooking Utensils at Home
Last but certainly not least is to make sure you leave any cooking utensils at home for your stay. Each rental has everything you need to whip up a delicious feast. Expect to find all the appliances you need such as an oven and microwave. Of course, to create such as feast, you will need delicious ingredients for which the local Bend markets are known. If you are bored with staying in for multiple nights in a row, you can even check out the incredible restaurant scene that Bend has to offer!
Time to Prepare for Your Bend Oregon Travel
Do not hesitate on reaching out to us with any questions on how else you can pack light. Our vacation rentals are waiting for your next trip to Bend. Simply pick up the phone and see which rentals will be available for your stay.
Come and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2020 in Bend, Oregon this year. We know how to have a good time here, and you’ll get to celebrate in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The beer is tasty, the weather is fine, and there are countless ways to enjoy the holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
Joining us for a holiday weekend is a great way to experience Bend. Come attend our St. Patrick’s Day Dash on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, March 14th. It’s the 9th annual dash presented by the Mt. Bachelor Rotary Club, and it doubles as a challenging activity and a charity event (raising money for the Family Access Network). Gear up in green and join us for this 5K fun run!
You have all weekend to experience the Bend town, so why not hit up a wide variety of different activities over the weekend? Pay a visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument for some stellar views and a breath of fresh, natural air. To explore the city, join the Bend Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour. This is an awesome way to see the whole Bend town in one whirlwind day; a great Sunday activity.
A great way to spend Monday would be paying a visit to the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, or maybe even taking a tour into the world of mountain biking with Cog Wild Bicycle Tours & Shuttles.
St. Patrick’s Day 2020 in Bend
On Tuesday (St. Patrick’s Day 2020 in Bend), spend the day where the trees are evergreen! It does depend on the snow depth, but you can usually still ski this time of year, so grab your chance while you can. This is a great way to work up an appetite for later, when you’re celebrating the evening of the holiday in town. Head to the Brown Owl at 7:00pm for a St. Patty’s Party: a free show for all ages featuring live performances of traditional Irish music. Afterwards, head over to The Dogwood Tail Cabin for some artisan cocktails and gourmet bar snacks. Another perfect bar for St. Patrick’s Day is The Stihl Whiskey Bar, where they serve over 400 different whiskeys. The featured drink right now is the Ginger Cube (a cube of ginger brew with a Bulleit Bourbon pour over), and it’s the perfect drink to end the night with.
Spend Your Stay with Bend Vacation Rentals
Whatever St. Patrick’s shenanigans you get up to during your stay here, you’ll want only the best of our vacation rentals in Bend to rest in between activities. Simply head over to our catalog today and take the first step toward your Bend vacation.
When you’re coming to see the Bend beauty as a solo traveler, you’re going to want some activities that are fun to do on your own. We’ve got you covered with a crash course on Bend activities for the solo traveler. There’s never a shortage of things to do, so here’s a few to get you started:
Visit a Museum
Museums are the perfect activity to do as a solo traveler, because you’ll be able to set your own pace and explore to your heart’s desire. Visit the High Desert Museum, a nature preserve you can find on 135 beautiful acres of forest. If you love nature and wildlife, this is the museum for you. Make sure to visit the Deschutes Historical Museum too if you have a love of history.
Explore the Newberry National Volcanic Monument
This breathtaking area will provide you views that will stand out in your memory forever. The Newberry Volcano hasn’t erupted in almost 100,000 years. The last time it did erupt, it formed the oasis-like caldera where we love to go hiking and fishing today.
Go Skiing on Mt. Bachelor
Make sure to visit the crowning jewel, the Bend beauty: Mt. Bachelor. Skiing is one of the best Bend activities to do on your own, when you can take the day at your own speed, choose your own ski runs, and enjoy the company of the mountain, the snow dusted trees, and the blue sky above. You can even take skiing lessons if you’ve never done it before. Now’s as good a time as any to start!
Take a Tour of Deschutes Brewery
This brewery offers a tour every day. When you take the tour with them, you’ll get to step behind the veil of the brewing process and see how it’s all done in this historical brewery. We all know and love Deschutes Brewery, and you’ll love it too, especially with all the complimentary beer samples, plus the 19 different beers on tap.
Dine in Style
Grab a table for one at one of our favorite local bars and eateries. Make sure to visit Anthony’s at the Old Mill District, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, and McKay Cottage Restaurant while you’re here in town with us.
Spend Your Stay with Bend Vacation Rentals & Bend Activities
Get started on planning your solo trip to Bend today. Head over to our catalog to take a look at all our vacation rentals that have been designed for the solo traveler. Somewhere amongst them, your vacation home awaits!
Bend is beautiful this time of year, and there’s no better place to take your loved one on a well-deserved and well-timed vacation. Here are some suggestions for romantic Bend activities you can do together while you’re here for Valentine’s Day 2020.
A PC Valentine’s Day
This blasé stage show looks like it’s going to be a real hit. Written by two local playwrights from right here in Bend, this show is a fun approach to Valentine’s Day in a world where the holiday can sometimes be taken a little too seriously. You’ll fall in love with this variety sketch style show featuring multiple stories. Catch the last two shows on February 1st at 7:00pm and February 2nd at 5:30pm. Tickets are only $20, which for Valentine’s Day Bend activities is a steal!
Attend Oregon Winterfest
This event is some of the most fun that Oregon gets up to all year long! Enjoy live music, local brews, and even a heated marketplace where you can warm up together from the February chills. General admission is $10, and that gets you into all three days of the festival, from February 14th-16th. However, you can also purchase access to addition fun events, such as the Wine Walk, the Hot Cocoa Run, and the Royal Run 5K. This is the largest winter festival in all of Oregon, so you won’t want to miss it. Attending a big festival is the perfect date!
Date Day at the Old Mill District
For another great Valentine’s day activity, head to Old Mill District and make an entire day of hanging out there, exploring the shops, grabbing food at one of the many establishments, and whiling the day away without worries or cares. Make the centerpiece of this day a wine tasting at VA Piano Vineyards Tasting Room. This classy tasting room experience will really make your Bend holiday stand out, and it’s a great way to end the afternoon with a bang. The atmosphere is both cozy and fancy, and the staff is very friendly. They’re always eager to make your experience truly special, which is exactly what you want on a special Bend holiday like this.
Choose a Romantic Rental and Enjoy the Best Bend Activities
However you decide to spend your days with your loved one enjoying romantic Bend activities, you’ll be just as excited to return home in the evening to your lovely and comfortable rental home. Head over to our catalog to pick yours out now and get ahead of the Valentine’s rush!
Whatever you’re coming to Bend for, from the breathtaking northern views to museums and culture to outdoor adventures, you’ll want a few stops here and there to catch your breath in between. There’s no better way to do that than with a yummy, handcrafted cocktail. Here are some of our favorite Bend bars to find the best cocktails in Bend. Make sure to visit them while you’re in town!
The Dogwood Dogtail Cabin
On 147 NW Minnesota Ave in Bend, you’ll find one of our favorite joints in the entire city: Dogwood Dogtail Cabin. This is the place to go for a good night out. Local DJs play here regularly, providing a lively atmosphere while you snack on delicious small plates and appetizers and taste the different drinks they serve. Try the Juan Connery cocktail to spice things up (made with Dewars, Pimms No. 1, chipotle piloncillo syrup, and burnt orange peel), or maybe a Bluebird (made with aria, elder flower liquor, and blueberries). During their Cabin Fever Happy Hour specials (5:00-7:00pm) you can enjoy select discounted and one of the best cocktails in Bend.
Velvet
Not too far from Mirror Pond and the beautiful Drake Park, you’ll find Velvet Lounge, a hip and trendy cocktail bar. This is a great place to head after an afternoon at the park, enjoying the waters. The cocktail menu here is always fresh and creative. We recommend the Camping Cocktail, made with grapefruit & hop infused vodka, delicious homemade lemonade, and agave. But don’t stop there! There’s an entire menu to explore here, and you have all the time in the world.
Riff
This young taproom is the place to be right now! With youthful energy and a fun vibe, you’ll feel your soul being refreshing as you sip on the tasty cocktails they serve here, such as the Coldspresso (made with vodka, cream liqueur, half & half vanilla syrup, cinnamon syrup, and cold-brewed coffee concentrate). That one is a great pick-me-up after a long day filled with activities. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, which makes it one of the prime Bend bars stop for any vacation day in Bend, Oregon, any time of the year.
Spend Your Time with Bend Vacation Rentals and the Best Cocktails in Bend
After sipping on all those delicious cocktails, you’ll want a nice cozy bed to lay down on at the end of the night, in a lovely rental that makes you feel at home. Stay with us and you’ll get the best of the best! Simply get in touch with us today at 541-385-9492 to get started.
The early months of the year are such a wonderful time to come and visit Bend. The city is at its most lovely, the surrounding landscape is awash with winter beauty, and the city is alive with fun. Check out the upcoming events that we’re most eager to participate in when 2020 rolls around with vacation rentals in Bend:
Winter PrideFest
Jan 30, 2020, 4:00 PM – Feb 2, 2020, 7:00 PM
Bend, OR
Come join us for this year’s Winter PrideFest – an LGBTQ ski weekend at Mt. Bachelor. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a loving community and fun-filled events such as the “Welcoming Snocial,” an interesting panel discussion with LGBTQ athletes, dance parties, and more. This event is all about bringing us together, so grab your spot today!
Infinite Moment: Burning Man on the Horizon
Sat, Feb 1, 10 AM – 4 PM
High Desert Museum
59800 US-97, Bend, OR
Come and explore the newest exhibition opening up at the High Desert Museum in February. This display will be an exploration of the art and culture surrounding Burning Man, one of the most enigmatic and famous events in the world. Get a fresh understanding of it all at our favorite museum in Oregon.
Polar Plunge Bend
Sat, Feb 8, 9 AM – 2 PM
Riverbend Park
799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR
A Polar Bear Plunge is an event held during the wintertime where the participants shed logic and jump into a cold body of water (regardless of the temperatures of the water or the great outdoors) in order to raise money for a charity. In this case, come and join us for this fun icy dive for Special Olympics Oregon, and warm up with some hot coffee in town afterward.
Oregon Winterfest 2020
Feb 15 – 17, 2020
SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR
Visit Bend and in the heart of February, you’ll find Oregon’s annual Winterfest. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend this year, and you can be one of them! We’ll have everything from ice carving to a fire pit and fire sculpture competition. With a Play Zone for your kids to let loose in, food vendors, and even a wine walk, you can easily attend this festival all three days and still not see it all.
Make Vacation Rentals in Bend Your Biggest Event
Wherever you go during your Bend getaway, you’ll want somewhere comfortable and warm to rest your head at the end of the night. Head over to our catalog right now to get a head start on your 2020 vacation by picking out one of the vacation rentals in Bend that’s right for you.
The 2010s are coming to a close, and we’ll be heading into the next decade together with vacation rentals in Bend. This is a big New Year’s to celebrate, so why not make the most of it and take a trip to a city as beautiful as our lovely Bend? Come and do the countdown with us and bring in your new year with the wonders of winter.
Redmond: Countdown to Noon, New Year’s Eve Party
Redmond Library
827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond, OR
Tickets: Free
This is a great way to start off your Bend New Year’s eve day and celebrate the turning of the year if you have a family, and especially if you have young kids who can’t stay up until midnight. This party runs from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Bend New Year’s Eve, and you’ll get enjoy winter crafts, a countdown, and an apple cider toast.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Elk Lake Resort and Marina
60000 Century Dr, Bend, OR
Tickets: $55
Begin your evening with fine dining before heading off to your midnight event. For just $5 extra you can upgrade to the lobster option and really revel in the luxury. They offer kids plates for $27 ($30 for lobster) as well, which makes this dinner a great family option.
2020 New Year’s Eve Celebration
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Come and enjoy and night of live music with two different shows: Tony Smiley and Sugar Mama, both playing from 9:00pm – 12:30am. Tony Smiley is an award-winning loop artist whose stylings will leave you in awe, and Sugar Mama’s dance-rock will have you grooving on your feet well past midnight. You’ll be dancing your way into 2020!
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party
Brasada Ranch
16976 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte, OR
Tickets: $60
Try something different this year by attending a unique masquerade-style party with a twist. Dance to new wave, hip-hop, and more, all behind a mask per the style of the party! Raise your glass for a complimentary champagne toast when the countdown comes around.
Let Vacation Rentals in Bend Carry You into the New Year
Spend your holiday with us here at Bend Vacation Rentals. You’ll be so endlessly glad to have one of our vacation rentals in Bend to head home to after a fun-filled New Year’s Eve, and to be waking up in such a winter wonderland in the morning. Give us a call today at 541-385-9492 to get started.