Avoid the hustle of another family get-together this upcoming Thanksgiving and instead, plan a Bend Oregon fall getaway. If you love the outdoors, dining and shopping, and just having fun, make sure Bend is your next Thanksgiving destination.
Explore the Outdoors
Occasionally Mt. Bachelor will have just enough snow in time for Thanksgiving. If so, head up the mountain for some of the best slopes in all of Central Oregon. Don’t worry about having to bring all your equipment along, the rental shop has all the gear you need for an unplanned skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing adventure.
If the season is warmer than expected, you can find miles upon miles of hiking trails surrounding Bend. Be sure to bring some good hiking boots with you, the trails could be icy, muddy or both! Every visitor to Bend needs to hike Pilot Butte at least once, and the top of this dormant cinder cone offers an amazing view of Bend and the surrounding area. If you love waterfalls, hike to popular Tumalo Falls or Paulina Plunge, where after hiking through quiet Alpine forests and over high mountain prairies, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular cascading waterfalls and plenty of scenic views along the way. Or just stay in town for your hike and enjoy a leisurely hike along all or part of the Deschutes River Trail. This popular multi-use trail meanders along the river, crosses over the river (on three very cute footbridges), and winds through downtown Bend, juniper and ponderosa pine forests, canyons and more. It’s a sure safe bet if the weather is iffy, and the views can’t be beat!
If you’re a mountain biker, rent the best bike for the current trail conditions in town. Whether it’s a traditional mountain bike or a fat bike (perfect for those not-so-perfect trail conditions), they’ll get you equipped and can even offer a few tips on the best trails to hit. There are over 500 miles of single-track in Bend to explore, so don’t let the trail conditions slow you down. Whether you are a leisurely hiker looking for scenic views and wildlife, a serious runner, or a mountain biker who loves dirt-jumping and hurtling down mountain trails, these trails are calling out your name.
Participate in the I Like Pie Thanksgiving Day Run
Do not worry about the Thanksgiving Day meal calories when you start the morning off with the I Like Pie Thanksgiving Day Run. This timed race features 5K and 10K runs that you can run or walk on this cheerful holiday in Bend Oregon. The whole family can join in on the fun with the 1.5k Family Run that is perfect for the children to walk.
Shop the Deals this Holiday in Bend
We know you cannot miss out on Black Friday to start your holiday shopping. The Old Mill District will have the deals you need the day after Thanksgiving. You can shop around big-name stores that offer incredible deals but without the insane morning hours of Black Friday. Additional shopping can be done at Bend Factory Stores, where you can find a plethora of outlet stores that you let get incredible savings on big-name items. If you wish to help out the locals, downtown Bend will be hosting Small Business Saturday where local vendors will be on display with their unique merchandise.
And for those in your group who aren’t shop-a-holics, maybe they’d like to spend time on the Bend Ale Trail while you hit the shops? It is, of course, time for pumpkin spice everything, and that includes beer! A few of our seasonal favorites are Big Ol’ Pumpkin from 10 Barrel or the Twisted Gourd Pumpkin Ale at Silver Moon. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Is your family expecting their traditional holiday meal, even though you’re on vacation? Don’t worry, all of our Bend vacation rentals feature fully equipped kitchens with everything you’ll need to prepare your family’s favorite holiday treats. Large open floor plans let everyone easily participate in the celebrations (and preparations), and there’s plenty of comfy seating while everyone is watching the game and waiting for the turkey. If the weather is cooperating, why not have your feast out on the deck, with the lovely Cascade Mountains as a backdrop?
If you do not plan on preparing your own Thanksgiving Day dinner at your vacation rental, there are plenty of restaurants in town that will host you. One of the most popular options is the McMenamins Old St. Francis Thanksgiving Buffet that is available from noon to 6:00pm. Greg’s Grill also features a mouthwatering menu of Thanksgiving turkey, prime rib, coho salmon, and much more. Or, have the best of both worlds and order your holiday meal ahead of time from one of our area restaurants, pick it up, and then dine at your leisure in the comfort of your Bend vacation rental.
Your Thanksgiving Destination
Start planning for your Bend Oregon fall getaway by reserving one of our exclusive vacation rentals. Each property features luxury amenities and allows you to host families of all sizes. Contact us today to learn more about this holiday in Bend Oregon and to book one of our vacation rentals!
