WHAT TO DO PLAY :: SHOP :: EAT :: DRINK :: SPA :: ART :: KIDS PLAY
WHERE TO DRINK
Welcome to the microbrew capital of the West. Bend has so many breweries, we couldn’t help but establish the Bend Ale Trail™. It’s been buzzed about everywhere from The New York Times to USA Today. In Bend, you can happily taste your way through coppery pale ales, creamy stouts, and crisp lagers. Seeking a change of pace from malty goodness? Don’t miss Bendistillery, Oregon Spirit Distillers, and Cascade Alchemy, three small-batch distilleries reviving the tradition of premium handcrafted American distilled spirits. Taste heavenly gins made from Central Oregon’s vast juniper berries and vodkas produced with pure Cascade mountain water.
PETE ALPORT
PETE ALPORT
Hard cider, a naturally gluten-free alternative to beer, is taking Bend by storm with several craft cideries opening up: Atlas Cider and Red Tank Cider Company. Made with regional and local ingredients like berries, apples, apricots, and even bacon, they’ve been described as a hybrid of winemaking and beer brewing. If vino is more your taste, hold on to your grapes because Bend has several awardwinning wineries. In fact, Central Oregon was officially recognized as a wine region in 2011. Head to Volcano Vineyards, a nano-winery, to sample their champion goods at their tasting room across from GoodLife Brewing. Travel north to Culver to Maragas Winery for some sips of award-winning wine on their outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard. Next is Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards–a stunning 15 acres where nine varieties of hybrid grapes are growing. For samples and souvenirs, don’t forget the plethora of wine shops and wine bars in downtown, the Old Mill District, and NorthWest Crossing. Try a wine-like beverage called mead made with fermented honey and water along with a dash of hops, spices or fruit from Nectar of the Gods Meadery. Don’t miss The Local Pour tour from Wanderlust Tours, and visit a brewery, winery, and distillery all in one fell swoop. Cheers!
NATE WYETH