Trailhead Holiday 2018

TRAILHEAD HOLIDAY 2018 | VISITCENTRALOREGON.COM

A D V E N T U R E

C A L L S

Special Holiday Travel Issue 01.

Cozy RETREATS FIRESIDE BITES & SIPS PLUS

WHERE TO RING IN 2019

IN THIS ISSUE ‘TIS THE SEASON “Pray for snow” is the mantra you’ll hear all around Central Oregon. By the time the holidays roll around, all eyes look to the mountain for enough snow to start the next season of outdoor adventure and play. In town, twinkling lights are laced through the trees that line downtown streets. Local craft breweries release their winter-inspired brews and our array of restaurants produce piping hot plates of comfort food. It’s a magical time of year to be in Central Oregon.

In this issue, we provide you with the ultimate guide to traveling in Central Oregon throughout the holidays.There are the best lodges and hotels for a romantic getaway, favorite local restaurants and breweries where you can huddle around a fire, a guide to holiday shopping around Bend, and everything you need to know about exploring the sno-parks off Cascade Lakes Highway.

We hope this special holiday travel issue of Trailhead offers you the inspiration to bring the family to Central Oregon for the holidays, or provides fresh ideas for locals who are staying around town.

Whether you’re here to hit the slopes, relax by a warm fire in a mountain lodge or join one of the festive holiday events around the region, we hope you enjoy this season in Central Oregon.

Happy holidays, everyone.

Best wishes for the New Year, The COVA Team

HOLIDAY 2018

CENTRAL OREGON’S COZY WINTER RETREATS

Romantic getaways at the region’s top destinations.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

Where to shop for everyone on your list, from independent boutiques to favorite national brands. vacation lodging options with a home away from home feel.

CHEERS TO 2019

Events across the region to celebrate the New Year.

DESTINATION: SUNRIVER

With luxury lodging, close access to the mountain and plenty of things to do, Sunriver Resort is the ultimate winter destination for families.

WARM ME UP

Fireside bites and sips around Bend.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The top 3 events not to miss around Central Oregon this season.

TRAILHEAD COVER IMAGE COURTESY Richard Bacon Editor Bronte Dod Designer Alex Jordan Email us: trailhead@visitcentraloregon.com

CENTRAL OREGON'S CozyWINTER RETREATS FIVEPINE LODGE Rustic cabins or luxurious suites. Trailheads or a world-class spa. Whatever type of getaway you’re looking for, you’ll find it at FivePine Lodge in Sisters. The resort is nestled among the towering Ponderosa pines, with uninterrupted views of the Three Sisters in the background. The lodge and the cabins offer rooms for families, business travelers or romantic retreats for two. The onsite Shibui Spa has consistently been rated one of the top spas in Central Oregon. When you want to venture off the campus, FivePine is within walking distance to Three Creeks Brewing, the Sisters Movie House, the Western-themed downtown Sisters and just a short drive away from some of the popular outdoor recreation spots in the area.

CROOKED RIVER INN In the heart of Prineville, the Crooked River Inn is a charming bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic getaway for two. The Crooked River Inn is housed in a historic home that was owned by one of the original homesteading families of Central Oregon’s first town and built more than 100 years ago. Wake up to fresh-pressed coffee and a homemade breakfast, probably cooked with eggs from some of the chickens on the property. It’s an idyllic winter retreat for the holidays.

MCMENAMINS OLD ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL Stay in the heart of downtown Bend at the recently expanded McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Renovated from a historic Catholic school, McMenamins offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants and bars, live music, a movie theater, soaking pools and more, all with the traditional whimsical charm that McMenamins provides.

Its location in downtown Bend puts you in the center of the region’s thriving cultural scene. Find trendy bars, live music, art galleries and top-rated restaurants just steps from the hotel.

MORE CENTRAL OREGON WINTER GETAWAYS TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

CENTRAL OREGON HAS DRAWN creatives and artisans for decades.

The region is full of artists and artisans who craft one-of-a-kind pieces that make perfect gifts for friends and family. In Bend, there are shopping centers throughout town that offer a variety of stores to

Holiday

SHOPPING

GUIDE

browse. (The bonus of shopping in Oregon is that it’s all tax-free, of course.)

The iconic smokestacks greet visitors to the Old Mill District, an outdoor shopping center on the banks of the Deschutes River. Start with a cup of coffee to fuel your day at Strictly Organic. Follow the historic stacks to REI. Along the way you’ll find other national brands such as Athleta, Francesca’s Collections, American Eagle and more.

There are also a host of local businesses such as Ginger’s Kitchenware, Savory Spice, Confluence Fly Shop, Desperado Boutique and Vanilla Urban Threads, where you can find one-of-a-kind items. Browse through local art galleries Tumalo Art Co., DeWilde Glass and Lubbesmeyer Studio and Gallery as well. Cap off your day with a firstrun movie at the Regal Cinemas and dinner at one of the riverbank restaurants such as Greg’s Grill or Anthony’s.

Hot Box Betty

The charming blocks of downtown Bend are lined with small shops offering locally made items to give the gift of Central Oregon to everyone on your holiday shopping list. Boutique clothing shops like Hot Box Betty showcase local and national trends. Bring back inspiring creations from locally renowned artists from galleries such as Red Chair, Mockingbird, Peterson Roth and more. Unique home goods can be found at Lark Mountain Modern, Feather’s Edge Finery, Haven Home Style and Lone Crow Bungalow. National apparel brands can also be found at Patagonia @ Bend, Birkenstock of Bend and CC McKenzie.

Bend Factory Stores, Riverbend Mall and Cascade Village shopping centers have all the department stores and national brands. From outdoor stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sportman’s Warehouse

Desperado

to home stores Bed, Bath and Beyond and World Market, these malls offer everything you need to check off any item on your list.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

WHEN YOU’RE SNOW OVER IT. Swim, surf, cycle and hike. Explore the dry side of the Cascades with these family-friendly activities that are perfect snow-free winter adventures.

MORE SNOW-FREE WINTER ADVENTURES PHOTO RICHARD BACON

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

READY, SET, SNOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Central Oregon in the winter. For some, a relaxing trip into the woods in the snow is enough to get their heart pumping. So now’s the time to get out there and explore Central Oregon’s sno-parks that are just a short drive from Bend and Sunriver. The sno-parks with Nordic, snowshoe, snowmobile, fat biking trails and sledding hills offer a diverse opportunity to enjoy the snow.

VIRGINIA MEISSNER SNO-PARK For

the

Nordic

skiiing

enthusiasts.

One of the most popular trailheads for cross-country skiers, this area offers more than 14 miles of some of the best maintained trails in the area—with grooming handled by a local nonprofit Nordic ski group. There’s a new lodge as well as a warming hut tucked on the trail network. This is the place to go if you have some experience cross-country skiing and are looking for a diversity of trails to test your skills.

DUTCHMAN FLAT SNO-PARK For

the

snowmobile

riders.

Dutchman is adjacent to the Mt. Bachelor ski area and is a very popular trailhead for snowmobilers, snowshoers and Nordic skiers. The parking area typically fills up in the winter, so be prepared heading up. Once you’re there, enjoy 19 miles of cross-country ski trails for all abilities and access to 150 miles of groomed snowmobiling routes. The trailhead features a vault toilet as well. From here you can trek into the woods toward Elk Lake and Elk Lake Resort for a quick bite or a night’s stay in a rustic cabin.

Good

to

Know

Sno-Park permits are required between November 1 and April 30. Daily permits are $4, annual permits are $25 and can be purchased at the DMV and locations listed HERE. Dogs are not allowed in sno-parks north of Cascade Lakes Highway or on Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic trails.

Warming huts can be found on several trails, but be prepared for changing conditions in the backcountry. Be aware of other users on the trail like fat bikes.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

SWAMPY LAKES SNO-PARK For

those

country

who

are

new

to

cross-

skiing.

More access to trails for skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers, the Swampy trailhead launches more than 25 miles of trails with several warming shelters along the way. A couple of different snowshoe loops are available including the 3.25 mile “long loop.” These trails are great to start out at if you’re a beginner to Nordic skiing.

WANOGA SNO-PARK For

kids

sledding

that

want

to

shred

the

hills.

Wanoga features one of the region’s only true sledding hills and is very popular family fun area. That half of the sno-park includes a warming shelter wired for electricity and a food cart that also sells Forest Service passes if you forgot to get one in town. A separate area of the park is open to snowmobilers who can access more than 180 miles of groomed trails. Signs near the entrance point you in the right direction. This part of the park is also newly popular among fat bikers. This is also one of the few sno-parks that allows you to bring your dog along for the adventure.

PHOTO RICHARD BACON

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

You're Invited CENTRAL OREGON KNOWS HOW to throw a party. With live music, drinks, dinner and dancing—and places for the kids to hang out, too—this is where to ring in 2019 around the region. From Sunriver Resort to Hoodoo Ski Area, there are the events that you won’t want to miss.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

NEW YEAR’S EVE BONFIRE ON THE SNOW In Central Oregon, New Year’s Eve

bonfire carved out in the snow where you

Where: Wanderlust Tours office

celebrations aren’t always indoors. Local

can relax and warm your toes. The

in Bend

outdoor guide company Wanderlust Tours

naturalist guide will share stories and

takes the party outside each year for its annual

information about the forest and the

Bonfire on the Snow. It’s a fun and unique way

animals that make it their home while you

to ring in 2019 with the entire family.

sip on hot drinks and eat seasonal desserts.

The tour departs at 9 p.m. from the Wanderlust

At midnight, the group will share a toast for

Tours office in Bend. Then, a tour guide will

the New Year. Then the group will

lead the group in a snowshoe tour in the old-

snowshoe back out of the forest and head

growth forest, led by the moonlight and the

back into town. This event is one of Central

starry sky. Wanderlust will provide the

Oregon’s most popular New Year’s Eve

snowshoes, and you can also rent snow gear if

events, so get your tickets early and make

you don’t have your own. You’ll arrive at a

sure you and your family get a spot in this

When: Tour departs at 9 p.m.

Tickets and reservations: Tickets $100 per person.

unique way to celebrate 2019.

SUNRIVER RESORT Sunriver has everything you need to

together, snacks, drinks and more. Adults

hibernate over the holidays. The Village at

can partake in the no-host bar. There will

Sunriver has independent shops and

be sparkling cider and champagne toast at

Where: Sunriver Resort When: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Tickets and reservations:

boutiques to browse, an ice skating rink, and

9 p.m. when the East Coast New Year

Reservations required. $40 for

restaurants and cafes that the whole family

happens.

adults and $35 for children 12 and under for the Family Night.

will enjoy. Sunriver also sees more snow than Bend, so it’s the place to go if you’re looking

Families can join the New Year’s Eve dinner

Dinner is $97 for adults and $46

for a white Christmas.

hosted at the Resort Lodge. There will be a

for children. Party is $55.

five-course plated dinner followed by a As for holiday celebrations, Sunriver Resort

party for anyone 21 and over to ring in the

offers a New Year’s Eve Family Night. There

New Year. Local favorite Precious Byrd will

will be a host of games for families to play

be supplying the music well into the night.

MIDTOWN BALLROOM In downtown Bend, the New Year’s Eve party not to miss is at Midtown Ballroom. Local band Larry and His Flask always puts on a fun

Where: Midtown Ballroom When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

Tickets: $17

show and will be the headlining performers.

Midtown Ballroom provides a great atmosphere to celebrate into 2019.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

SUNRIVER IS A Winter Wonderland SUNRIVER HAS BEEN A destination for decades. Nestled into the mountains south of Bend, Sunriver provides everything a family would need for a winter getaway. Easy access to Mt. Bachelor? Check. Great restaurants and shopping? Check.

Lodging options for every family? Check. A blanket of snow that turns the village into a winter wonderland? Check.

Where to Stay Whether you’re looking for a romantic room for two or a lodge that can sleep the entire extended family, Sunriver has the lodging options for every need. Sunriver Resort is the premiere destination resort in the area, offering suites at the Sunriver lodges as well as vacation homes and condos. The lodge rooms are perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat, with rooms within walking distance to the outdoor whirlpool and with fireplaces to cozy up to at night. Vacation homes and condos offer more space for families and are in the heart of the recreation offered by the miles of paved trails in Sunriver.

A variety of vacation rental companies also offer cabins, homes and condos to rent for a winter holiday retreat. Most come equipped with essential amenities like hot tubs to warm up in after a long day hitting the slopes. A network of paved paths, more than thirty-five miles, take visitors from their homes to the Village at Sunriver, so you’re never far from the hub of the action.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

What to do

BOOK YOUR STAY IN SUNRIVER

It’s time to play. Sunriver is just a twenty-minute drive to Mt. Bachelor, the premiere ski resort in Central Oregon. In the 2016-2017 season, the resort boasted more than 600 inches of snow. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the resort all winter for its 4,300 acres of lift-accessed terrain and dozens of trails that the whole family can enjoy together. The resort offers three lodges throughout the mountain where you can warm up by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate.

For those looking to shred the tubing hills, the region offers plenty of those as well. At Mt. Bachelor, the tubing hill comes with a lift-rope that will pull you back up the hill. There’s also the DIY sledding at sno-parks.

The most popular is Wanoga Sno-Park, where you’ll find sledding hills and a warming hut.

For a truly picturesque experience, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Sunriver. Families can get snuggly with blankets and hot cocoa

SKI AT MT. BACHELOR

during the ride through the snowy resort community. The Village at Sunriver also has an ice-skating rink open throughout the winter.

SHOP AND DINE AT SUNRIVER VILLAGE

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

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TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

FIRESIDE BITES & SIPS EVEN WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DIP, you’ll find Central Oregonians outside in the evenings, usually huddled around a fire. Grab a puffy coat, hat, and a pint and sidle up to these spots around town where you can trade slope stories and plan your next day’s adventure.

IIn downtown Redmond, you’ll find often find a crowd gathered around the fire pits at Wild Ride Brewing. Sip on one of Wild Ride’s seasonal pints that will warm you from the inside out.

There’s also food trucks onsite, so you can stay for dinner, too.

A fire is usually going at 10 Barrel on the west side of Bend. The pub recently renovated and debuted a new menu with locally sourced ingredients.

Wild Ride Brewing

On the east side of town, Worthy Brewing has expansive patio seating that is available yearround because of its large firepits. Time your visit so you can take a peek at the stars through the Hopservatory telescope.

In the Old Mill District, you’ll find outdoor firepits at both Greg’s Grill and Anthony’s Seafood Restaurant. There’s usually a spot open where you can stay warm while you sip on a happy hour beverage and enjoy the evening views of

Worthy Brewing Company

the Deschutes River.

MORE SPOTS TO IMBIBE IN CENTRAL OREGON TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

OUR PICKS

PHOTO JILL ROSELL

VIEW OUR FULL CALENDAR

HOLIDAY LIGHTS KAYAK

DOWNTOWN CHARM STROLL

DECEMBER 14

DECEMBER 15

Bend takes the traditional holiday parade to a new level with the Holiday Lights Paddle Parade.

As the sun sets on Friday, December 14, head to the Old Mill District. Dozens of kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards are decorated with holiday lights and ornaments and paraded on the river. Those that want to join this Bend tradition can find more information at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.

Get all your holiday shopping done in Redmond while supporting local causes at the Charm Stroll. The historic downtown is decorated for the holiday season, and the local businesses will be have music, refreshments and special events while you shop. Find gifts for friends and family that were made by Central Oregon’s talented artists and artisans. Bring donations like socks, gloves or cash to Santa’s Workshop, next to Herringbone Books.

LA PINE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & TRUCKER’S LIGHT PARADE DECEMBER 7-8 This holiday season, La Pine will host one of the largest Christmas bazaars and light parades in the region. More than fifty vendors will be at the La Pine Community Center with handmade goods to browse and buy as gifts. There will also be hot chocolate, soup and treats to buy to benefit local nonprofits. On Friday night, don’t miss the Trucker’s Light Parade that will take over the main streets.

TRAILHEAD | HOLIDAY 2018

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