Bend, Oregon

Best known for its outdoor lifestyle, Bend, Oregon is tucked between the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the inspiring high desert plateaus of Central Oregon. Bend has evolved from a sleepy, lumber town to an international mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and people in search of active and healthy vacation experiences. Located in Central Oregon, you will find Mount Bachelor, Smith Rock, Tumalo Falls State Park, as well as resort areas like Sunriver. Bend brings people from all over the world looking to experience skiing, hiking, camping, fishing and more.

You'll be lacing up your hiking boots in no time. Bend has been featured in national publications for its outdoor recreation and ranked the best multi-sport town by Outside magazine in 2017. Though Bend is a relaxed city, it is expanding at a rapid pace, making it the nation’s 6th fastest growing city. The city is great to visit year-round. In the winter, you will find snow parks, skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and amazing views of snow-capped mountains. During the summer, approximately 20,000 tourists per day visit for hiking, camping and brewery tours. Fall and spring are cooler, making it a great time to explore areas that are often hard to access during the tourist seasons or while covered in snow throughout the winter. When visiting, you will find that locals take their dogs almost everywhere, as Bend is often referred to as Dog Town USA.

Spend a leisurely day at the historic Old Mill District. Once the town’s thriving sawmill, The Old Mill District area now serves as an outdoor mall with restaurants, shopping and an amphitheater. The Deschutes River flows right through it and, during the summer, thousands of people float the river each day. The smoke stacks still remain and make for an amazing photo opp. The High Desert Museum, both an indoor and outdoor museum, features local wildlife and historic elements. Spend a day at the museum walking the trails through the various exhibits, grabbing lunch and visiting the gift shop.

Bend Whitewater Park, a new addition to the Deschutes River floating channel, is located below the Old Mill District and offers three channels, the Passageway Channel, Whitewater Channel and Habitat Channel. Passageway Channel allows floaters to pass through safely without exiting the river. Whitewater Channel features four waves that provide recreation for surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Habitat Channel provides safe passage for native fish and wildlife. If you’re a water enthusiast, Bend Whitewater Park is not to be missed.

The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway is also a great place to visit. There are 12 lakes, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and 15 other destinations along the byway, all surrounded by magnificent mountain views. Tumalo Falls, located in the Deschutes National Forest, is a quick hike from the trail head. A great spot for hiking, mountain biking or enjoying a picnic, Lava Lands in the Deschutes National Forest offers several attractions at various locations, including the Lava Tube, spanning over one mile, hiking through caves (bring a jacket and headlamp), walking through lava casts and enjoying amazing mountain views as far as the eye can see.

Start your day with a hot cup of Joe. Local recommendations, Bluebird Coffee Company in downtown Bend and Backporch Coffee. Both are small, local coffee shops that offer a truly local experience and great customer service. As for local eats, Ariana and Chow are the top favorites, and both are located in downtown. They feature gourmet culinary dishes made using fresh, local produce. Can't decide? Chow is open for breakfast and lunch; Ariana is open for dinner. Visit both!

With the highest breweries per capita in the United States, you are sure to discover a great craft brewery. 10 Barrel Brewing won the vote for Broker’s choice of craft brewery. Founded in 2006 by town locals, 10 Barrel has since grown to five pubs nationwide and continues to expand. For a unique brewery experience, visit Immersion Brewing. It's a small, local brewery that offers "brew your own beer" experiences. As much as they love beer in Bend, they also love their wine! Favorite wine bars are Portello and Sip. Both have an intimate, local vibe and great wines!

When visiting, the vacation rentals in the sought-after Tetherow neighborhood offer a luxury experience with golf, amazing mountain views, gorgeous properties and your pick of wonderful restaurants and bars. Spend the day in downtown Bend for several blocks of great, local shopping and boutiques, parks, a wide variety of food, and those not-to-be-missed breweries.

WRITTEN BY TOTAL PROPERTY RESOURCES. DISCOVER: LUXURY PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN BEND.