Consider yourself warned. Those who come to Bend fall in love with Bend. Just ask this writer from Sunset Magazine. Consistently picked as a top vacation destination, as well as a great place to live, Bend is renowned for its outdoor recreation, and is increasingly gaining even more attention for its laid-back sophistication and a seemingly endless pursuit for all things fun and enjoyable.
With infinite options for outside play, including alpine and nordic skiing at Mt. Bachelor, golf, mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing, road cycling, standup paddle boarding and more, Bend is a paradise for active people.
After playing outside, enjoy visiting one (or more!) of Bend’s almost 20 craft breweries. For ideas on where to get started, or how to hit them all, check out our world-famous Bend Ale Trail. You can even pedal to them on the human-powered Cycle Pub.
Despite its size, Bend has an enviable restaurant scene, as well as great shopping, with both well-known retailers and locally-owned boutiques and galleries.
Throughout the year, there are many events, outdoor festivals and art shows, as well as options for live music and theater. The First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month in Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District, and showcases the work of local and regional artists. Bend is a preferred location for many national and international sporting events including the Cascade Cycling Classic, the Pacific Crest Triathlon and many national championship events, like the USA Cycling Masters Road Championships in August 2013.