City Guide: Bend, Ore

C. LEVERS/SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

Experience The Outdoors At Its Best In BEND

By LAUREN DAVIS BAKER

Nestled along the eastern edge of the Cascade Range of mountains, Bend, Ore., boasts a high desert lifestyle with a bit of everything for outdoor and equestrian enthusiasts— including the Oregon High Desert Classic horse shows, held July 18-23 and July 26-30. (This year’s edition of the competition will also host the USHJA Children’s & Adult Amateur Hunter Championships: West for the first time.)

The resort town welcomes skiers in winter and an influx of golfers, kayakers, campers, cyclists and hikers for the sunny summer months. But it’s also known for another beloved feature: Bend is called “Beervana” by enthusiasts who come just for the breweries.

In your horse show off time, wander through town, along the scenic Deschutes River or make your way into the mountains for a more adventurous outing. Picnic in Drake Park along Mirror Pond—or venture a bit farther afield to a mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. No matter your preference, you’ll find plenty to see, do, eat and drink #inBend.

DOWNTOWN BEND

Bend’s downtown area is compact and makes for easy walking. Browse the unique selection of shops, galleries, jewelers and restaurants—or get serious about shopping.

Fashionistas will love Hot Box Betty and Local Joe’s fun and trendy styles. Pick up a feather-light puffy coat to ward off Bend’s chilly summer evenings with a quick trip to Patagonia. Or do a little treasure hunting at Cowgirl Cash, which specializes in vintage Western wear.

Grab a cup of coffee at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe and check out the local art on display or page through the great collection of new and used books.

You’ll find most of the action along Wall and Bond streets, between Greenwood on the north end and Louisiana to the south.

downtownbend.org

BONTÀ NATURAL ARTISAN GELATO

Head to Bontà’s downtown scoop shop for out-of-this-world gelato in 18 amazing hand-crafted flavors. The rich and creamy texture will please even the most critical gelato enthusiast.

Walk on the wild side by pairing a scoop of lemon cream and candied ginger with the roasted strawberry rhubarb. Or play it safe with the winning marriage of rich dulce de leche and a scoop of salted chocolate. For a dairy-free option, try a sorbetto in mango, lemon, or Oregon blackberry.

If you truly can’t decide, order a gelato flight and choose up to six flavors at 2 ounces each.

920 NW Bond St #108 (541) 306-6606 Bend, OR 97701 bontagelato.com

PHOTOS COURTESY BONTÀ GELATO

ZYDECO KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

While the name Zydeco implies Cajun heat, don’t be afraid of burning your lips. Zydeco’s fine northwest cuisine has just a hint of southern style. Choose from the beautifully prepared meats, fish and poultry, or try the sesame-seared ahi tuna served with sticky rice. For more spice in your life, the shrimp etouffee or house-made Jambalaya are tangy and rich in flavor.

FLOAT THE RIVER

On a warm summer’s day, nothing is as relaxing as a lazy float along the Deschutes River. It’s a great way to spend a day off from showing—and has become an annual tradition for hunter/jumper trainers Sara Petersen and Cindy Daniels.

Rent an inner tube at Riverbend Park to join the floating party. Life jackets are free for children under 12.

To keep the pace mild, or if traveling with young ones, use the well-marked walk-around to avoid the floating channel, a short section of manmade rapids. When you reach Drake Park, the Ride The River shuttle service will return you to your starting point.

For more exercise, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe and take a paddle upstream.

799 SW Columbia St. Bend, OR 97701 (541) 389-7275 bendparksandrec.org/bend-whitewater-park/ passageway-channel/

JESS KRAFT/SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

PHOTOS COURTESY ZEYDECO

Trainer Julie Winkel frequents Zydeco for the innovative vegan and vegetarian options, as well as its extensive wine list. Excellent service and an upscale ambience make Zydeco a local favorite.

On your way out, ask for one of the free Lady’s homemade dog biscuits to keep your canine happy.

919 NW Bond St. Bend, OR 97701 (541) 312-2899 zydecokitchen.com

5 FUSION & SUSHI BAR

Adventurous eaters will love 5 Fusion. Chef Joe Kim has been nominated several times by the James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest—and with good reason. Kim brings a blend of Korean, Japanese and American influences, and he just as easily tosses in touches of French, Chinese and Italian cuisine.

Choose from 5 Fusion’s impressive nigiri and sushi offerings; make a meal out of savory starters; or select one of the unique multicultural entrees.

Open only for happy hour and dinner, 5 Fusion’s eclectic mix of flavors will make you forget you’re in a small town. It’s little wonder that World Champion Hunter Rider John French makes it a point to dine here when in Bend. His favorite? The Geisha Roll.

821 NW Wall St. (541) 323-2328 Bend, OR 97701 5fusion.com

SUNSET DINNER ON MT. BACHELOR

A busy ski area in winter months, Mt. Bachelor offers an entirely different kind of fun in summer—keeping the main chairlift open for spectacular sunset dinners. Ride the lift up to the Pine Marten Lodge for jaw-dropping views of several Cascade peaks, and then linger as the setting sun lights up the sky.

Open only Friday through Sunday evenings, July 7 through Labor Day. Make a reservation to enjoy the globally themed buffet dinner. Dinners cost $59 for adults and $39 for children 12 and under.

If you have a lighter appetite or reservations aren’t available, you can still enjoy small plates with wine, cocktails and locally crafted beer as you take in the sights.

No matter how warm the day is, you’ll be grateful for the blankets the lift staff will wrap around you for the chilly ride back down the mountain.

13000 Century Dr. (800) 829-2442 Bend OR 97701 mtbachelor.com/dining/sunset-dinner/

BACK PORCH COFFEE ROASTERS

Northwesterners are known for their love of good coffee. In fact, many are self-proclaimed coffee snobs. And for the hippest coffee in a hip town, head to Back Porch Coffee Roasters, which now has two locations in Bend.

This locally owned business takes coffee seriously, sourcing the highest quality beans. They roast in small batches three to four times per week to maintain small-batch freshness.

Order a cold-brewed coffee, latte, espresso or house coffee and enjoy a bit of people-watching from an outdoor table. Bring home a bag of freshroasted beans for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

1052 NW Newport Ave. 70 SW Century Dr. Bend, OR 97701 Bend, OR 97702 (541) 617-3984 (541) 323-3224 backporchcoffeeroasters.com

PHOTO COURTESY BACK PORCH COFFEE ROASTERS

BROKEN TOP BOTTLE SHOP RESTAURANT

Named after one of the more rugged peaks in the Cascade Range, Broken Top Bottle Shop is casual and welcoming for diners of all ages. It’s one of the best restaurants in town for vegans, vegetarians and the gluten-free—without depriving the carnivores. The food is delicious, and the menu is varied enough to offer something for the pickiest of eaters.

Pair the roasted beet salad, garnished with goat cheese and arugula, with the portobello mushroom philly dip for a rich, satisfying meal. Or try one of the house-smoked meats, which make the baby back ribs and tri-tip philly dip sandwich local favorites.

In addition to the oft-changing tap menu, you’ll find more than 400 varieties of chilled single bottle and canned beer, cider, mead, sake, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

1740 NW Pence Ln. (541) 728-0703 Bend, OR 97701 btbsbend.com

COG WILD MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS

Bend is known as a mountain bike mecca—and for good reason. There are trails for riders of every level.

Ride along the Deschutes River Trail for knock-your-socks-off scenery, explore the world-famous Phil’s trail system or do a (mainly) downhill jaunt from Mt. Bachelor back to town. Bring your own bike or rent one from one of Bend’s many bike shops.

For a bit of guidance on choosing a trail, as well as a shuttle to the trailhead, Cog Wild offers family-friendly tours as well as longer options for riders wanting more time in the saddle.

Book a guided tour with friends or ask for recommendations for a self-guided ride. You’ll be glad you did.

255 SW Century Dr. Bend, OR 97702 (541) 385-7002 cogwild.com

WILD ROSE NORTHERN THAI

Move over pad thai. Wild Rose offers an exotic mix of flavors you won’t find elsewhere. This casual, family-run restaurant serves up Northern Thai specialties intended for sharing.

Eat the sticky jasmine rice with your hands by forming it into a ball and dunking it in an array of flavorful sauces, dips and fresh chili paste. The shredded papaya served in spicy dressing makes a wonderful compliment to the whole game hen marinated in yellow curry.

The fresh ingredients and pungent flavors of Wild Rose are the perfect invitation to step out of your comfort zone and experience a very different sort of Thai cuisine.

Beer, wine and a small but interesting selection of cocktails are also offered.

150 NW Oregon Ave. Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-0441 wildrosethai.com

DESCHUTES BREWERY TASTING ROOM & TOUR

The oldest and best known of Bend’s famous breweries is the Deschutes Brewery, founded in 1988, and the tasting room is well worth a trip. Taps are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends, with four free samples per person offered from 3 to 5 each day.

Try Deschutes’ flagship beers, such as Black Butte Porter, Fresh Squeezed IPA and Bachelor Bitter. Or try the non-alcoholic, homemade root beer and ginger ale; they are far beyond ordinary.

If you plan ahead, you can make online reservations for a tour of the facility. Take a fun, fascinating look at the community-oriented culture of the business—and see for yourself how and where the magic happens.

For a bite with your beer, stop by the downtown Deschutes Brew Pub, which has an extensive bar menu.

901 SW Simpson Ave. (541) 385-8606 Bend, OR 97702 deschutesbrewery.com

THE OLD MILL DISTRICT

The Old Mill District’s three signature smokestacks serve as a reminder of the two large lumber mills that were once the mainstay of Bend’s economy. In the 1990s the area was renovated, and today the district includes a top-notch selection of shops, galleries and restaurants.

Shop your way through the Old Mill, stop for coffee at Strictly Organic or enjoy happy hour at any of the waterfront restaurants. You’ll catch great views of the Cascade mountains as a parade of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inner tube riders make the most of summer with a day on the Deschutes River.

Dogs are welcome on leash on the district’s scenic riverfront trails.

GREG VAUGHN/ALAMY PHOTO

450 SW Powerhouse Dr. Bend, OR 97702 (541) 312-0131 theoldmill.com

PHOTO COURTESY SPARROW BAKERY

SPARROW BAKERY

In a town full of bakeries, Sparrow stands out as a local fave. Visit one of their two popular locations for breakfast or lunch, and enjoy lox and bagels topped with spicy capers and pickled red onion; an egg and bacon sandwich garnished with avocado and arugula, served on a hand-rolled croissant; or the homemade soups and salads.

Known for its cardamom-spiced Ocean Roll, Sparrow is a great place to dine in or pick up a loaf of bread, scone or cup of coffee.

The original location on Scott Street offers little indoor seating but has outdoor picnic tables for larger groups. The newer, Northwest Crossing location is spacious enough to handle a crowd and serves wine, beer and cocktails.

50 SE Scott St. 2748 NW Crossing Dr. #110 Bend, OR 97702 Bend, OR 97701 (541) 330-6321 (541) 647-2323 thesparrowbakery.net

CYCLE PUB

Gather a group of six to 12 of your craziest friends and rent a cycle pub for a hilarious Bend experience. Several companies offer guided tours on the trolley-like, pedal-powered vehicles, which wind their way through town with stops at local beer establishments.

Because a driver is provided, it’s legal to enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of beer along the way. Bring your own playlist, a growler to fill with your favorite beer and snacks to munch en route.

It’s a popular outing for tourists and locals alike. Singing is encouraged. (Note: Most cycle pubs have an electric-assist motor should your legs need a break.) While there are several companies offering this service, the following information will get you started. PHOTO COURTESY CYCLE PUB

550 SW Industrial Way (541) 678-5051 Bend, OR 97702 cyclepub.com

BARRIO

This hip Latin-inspired eatery draws from Mexican, Spanish and South American cuisines. Barrio is best known for its mixta paella, a smoky blend of chicken, chorizo, seafood and rice that’s seasoned with olive oil, parsley and paprika.

Order several of the Spanishstyle tapas to share—making sure to include the Calamari Americas, an unlikely sounding but fantastic mix of calamari, bacon, radish, mango and basil.

The grilled green beans are also mouth-watering treats—tossed with lemon, manchego cheese, almonds and crispy jamon.

Pair your meal with the house-made sangria or a margarita on the rocks and snag a seat in the outdoor patio area.

915 NW Wall St. (541) 389-2025 Bend, OR 97703 barriobend.com

HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

Just a short drive south of Bend, the High Desert Museum is a fun and educational outing for visitors of all ages. The playful river otters of the Autzen Otter Exhibit tend to steal the show, and you can watch their antics both above and below the water.

You’ll also be entertained by the museum’s rescue animals, including birds of prey, porcupines, Viv the bobcat and other desert dwellers. Come for a “show and tell” session and get a close-up view of snakes, lizards and a Gila monster.

Living history characters at the 1904 Miller Family Ranch bring alive the flavor of Bend’s early homesteading life, sharing tales and local history. Kids can participate in vintage games and try their hands at ranch chores.

59800 S Hwy 97 (541) 382-4754 Bend, OR 97702 highdesertmuseum.org