TravelFOCUS: Bend,Oregon's beer and Adventure destination

Hugh Straight
Sep 4
5 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Its time to get familiar with a unique travel jewel many of us may indeed be unfamiliar with, but definitely need to get the inside scoop on. Its in the amazing Pacific northwest and its Bend, Oregon.

For those in the know, Its a name that immediately brings to mind adventure and craft beer, a reputation well-earned. But to truly know this city, you must look beyond its popular images and dive into the rhythm of its unique high desert lifestyle. From the dramatic change of its four seasons to the friendly, laid-back spirit of its locals, Bend offers a rich and layered experience that goes far beyond a single-day visit, inviting travelers to stay and explore a place where outdoor passion and urban comfort perfectly intertwine.

Check out the TravelFOCUS Episode

about Bend, Oregon

Beyond the Brews

Discovering the True Heart of Bend, Oregon

Nestled in the high desert of Central Oregon, Bend is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, alpine

lakes, and the mighty Deschutes River, it's a place where adventure is a way of life.

Popular Hotels: The Oxford Hotel is a top-rated downtown option known for its luxury and walkability. McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a quirky, unique hotel converted from a 1930s Catholic schoolhouse.

Popular Restaurants: The Pine Tavern is an iconic, historic restaurant known for its sourdough scones and classic Pacific Northwest dishes. Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails offers modern Southern and Cajun cuisine. Jackson's Corner is a local favorite for its farm-to-table brunch and supper.

Best Foods: Bend is a hub for craft beer, with more breweries per capita than any other city in Oregon. The city is also known for its classic, no-frills drive-in burgers and excellent high-desert cuisine, which often incorporates local, seasonal ingredients.

Museums: The High Desert Museum is a major attraction, with a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the high desert region. The Deschutes Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the area's past.Beyond the exhilarating outdoor activities and thriving craft beer scene, Bend offers a rich experience that changes with the seasons and provides a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere for all visitors. The high desert climate is a defining feature, with distinct seasons that dictate the pace of life and the activities available.

Summers are short, warm, and dry, with average highs in the low 80s, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and floating the Deschutes River. In contrast, winters are very cold and snowy, with average highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s. This is when the town transforms into a winter wonderland, with a focus on skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mt. Bachelor. The best time to visit depends on your interests, but the peak tourist seasons are undoubtedly during the summer (June-August) and the winter ski season (December-February). During these times, expect higher prices and a need to book accommodations and activities well in advance.

Getting around Bend is a breeze, with options to suit every preference. While the city is very car-friendly, with a notable number of roundabouts, there's a strong emphasis on alternative transportation. Cascade East Transit (CET) provides public bus service with a number of fixed routes throughout the city and even connects to neighboring towns and attractions like Mt. Bachelor. For a more active approach, Bend is a cyclist's paradise. There are numerous bike rental shops, offering everything from mountain bikes for trail exploration to electric bikes for a leisurely tour of the city.

Self-guided and guided bike tours are also a popular way to explore the famous Bend Ale Trail. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the downtown area and Old Mill District are highly walkable, and there are countless trails for walking and hiking, including the scenic Deschutes River Trail.

"Beer Town USA": Bend has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the United States. There are over 30 breweries in the area, offering an incredible variety of beer styles from classic IPAs to experimental sours and Belgian-style ales.
The Original Craze: The city's reputation as a beer mecca started with Deschutes Brewery, which was founded in 1988 and helped pioneer the craft beer movement in Oregon. Many of the city's other breweries were founded by brewers who got their start at Deschutes.
The Bend Ale Trail: This is a major tourist attraction. It's a self-guided tour of the city's breweries where you can collect stamps in a passport or check-in on an app to earn prizes. It's a fantastic way to experience the local beer culture and visit multiple taprooms.

Bend, Oregon is known throughout the country as a major hub for them. The city has a vibrant and influential craft beer scene. Here's why Bend is so famous for places that make beer:

Beer is a very big "thing" in Bend, Oregon. It's a central part of the city's identity and a huge draw for visitors. When it comes to local culture and practicalities, Bend has a friendly, outdoorsy vibe. The local etiquette is relaxed and casual—don't be surprised to see people in hiking gear at a nice restaurant.

A key thing to be aware of is the need for recreational permits for many popular outdoor areas, so be sure to check with land management agencies beforehand. In terms of safety, the city is generally very safe, but visitors should be mindful of natural hazards like wildfire smoke in the summer and slick roads or storms in the winter. For emergencies, St. Charles Medical Center is the main hospital in town, a Level II trauma center serving the entire Central Oregon region.

For a unique souvenir, look for local crafts like the handmade goods available at places like The Workhouse Bend, which showcase the artistic community's talent. For those seeking a deeper connection, consider a tour with a local outfitter like Wanderlust Tours, which offers naturalist-guided trips away from the crowds to explore the area's geological and natural wonders.

Visit Bend is the official destination marketing and management organization for Bend, Oregon. It is a non-profit entity funded primarily by a portion of the transient room tax paid by visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals. The organization, led by Jeff Knapp, CEO has a mission to promote tourism to the city, while also focusing on sustainability and reinvesting tourism dollars to benefit the local community.

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