Central Oregon is well known for being a place of authentic, hard-working craftspeople: off the beaten path, a little bit different. New Basin Distillery is a great example of that classic Oregon ethic. This group of drinking buddies didn’t start out in the business of distilling alcohol and didn’t necessarily know what they were about. But they had a strong belief that they could make a great drink, and they stuck with it! A couple of years later, and they’ve created a great business that people all over Oregon are enjoying the benefits of. Come check them out!
Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka
Located in Madras, Oregon, an hour north of Bend, New Basin is a great place to try some innovative new liquors. Their Strong Whiskey, Stagger Gin, and First Cut Vodka are now available at liquor stores all over the state. But it’s much more fun to come in for a tour! New Basin Distilling Company opens in the afternoons, Thursday through Monday, with occasional special events. Follow New Basin on Twitter and Facebook for updates. You can also place orders on New Basin Distillery website, and their blog offers updates and great drink recipes to try.
Attractions in Bend
The beautiful town of Bend offers a plethora of things for visitors to do and see. The High Desert is full of great tourist attractions and if you are only here for a short time, it helps to know what activities should not be missed.
The High Desert Museum
59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702
If you do only one thing when you are in Bend, be sure to visit the High Desert Museum. Part nature preserve and part traditional museum, it is a great place to learn about the history of Oregon and the flora and fauna that are indigenous to the area. They have both permanent and temporary exhibits there and each one will teach you details about history and nature that may have been skipped over in school.
The museum is staffed with zoologists, geologists, and historians who offer presentations throughout the day. You will get to meet many of the animals who live in the Pacific Northwest and you will not want to miss feeding time for the family of otters that live at the museum.
The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from April 1 to October 31 and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students. Tickets for children under 2 are free and kids who are 3 to 10 are only $10.
The Badlands
This wilderness area was protected by the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Its quiet desolate beauty makes it the perfect place for an early morning hike. You can take a walk through a dried-out riverbed or take a loop trail around the crater of a volcano. The area is open 24 hours a day. There is a small parking lot where the trailheads commence. Your cell phone probably won’t work in the area, so make sure that you bring a compass.
Other Things to Do in Bend
Once you are done exploring the major attractions in town, you will find that there are a lot of beautiful parks in the area that are a great place to go for a bike ride. The town offers many mountain biking and hiking trails. Downtown is famous for its art galleries where you can find a unique gift for your family and friends back home or the perfect souvenir for yourself.
Bed Down in Bend
Bend is a great spot to lay your head for your Oregon food and drink adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, Bend Vacation Rentals can help you find just the perfect rental for your trip. With homes ranging from one to five bedrooms to choose from, we have a great selection of properties available!
Choose a downtown destination that’s walking distance from everything, or a suburban home with a big yard for the kids. We’ve got homes with gorgeous river views, cozy gas fireplaces, and so much more! The best part is knowing that your every need will be taken care of. From complete kitchens to clean linens and flat-screen TVs, they have everything you need to have a great vacation. And if you have any questions, we’re always just a phone call away. Contact us today to start planning your trip and to book your vacation rental!
Visit:
New Basin Distillery
2063 NW Andrews Drive
Madras, OR 97741
(541) 980-4595
