Bend is a very special place (to the point where we’ve debated moving there many times). The town itself is cute and artsy. It’s filled with an infinite number of craft breweries and restaurants serving farm to table fare. There always seems to be a concert or festival happening. The High Desert Museum is a fun place to take kids, as is a paddle or inner tube down the Deschutes River from Sunriver. For the skiers, it’s close to Mt. Bachelor. And if you love hiking, there is no end to stunning forest and mountain exploration. Sisters, Oregon is nearby where you can climb the famous peaks. Charming, irresistable, and beautiful, it should be a stop on any trip to Oregon (or a nice long weekend by itself)!
Day 1
- Arrive in Bend
- Wander around the town
- Lunch – Deschutes Brewery (+/- tour), Americana, or Farmer’s Deli
- High Desert Museum
- Gelato – Bonta
- Dinner – Rancher Butcher Chef
- Lodging – Mill Inn B&B or McMenamins Old St. Francis School (night 1/3)
Day 2
- Breakfast/Coffee – The Sparrow Bakery, Still Vibrato, Sisters Coffee Company, Lone Pine, Thump
- Paddler, kayak, or float down the Deschutes River with Sunriver Raft and Float
- Lunch – Sunriver Brewing Company or Active Culture
- Brewery – Crux Fermentation Project
- Dinner – Ariana Restaurant
- Lodging—same place (night 2/3)
Day 3
- Breakfast – The Lemon Tree
- Smith Rock State Park and hike
- optional alpaca visit at Crescent Moon Ranch
- Drive to Sisters
- Lunch – Three Creeks Brewing Company
- See the headwaters of the Metolius
- Drive to Bend
- Dinner – Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
- Lodging—same place (night 2/3)
Day 4
- Grab sandwiches for lunch at Valentines Deli
- Green Lakes hike (9.1 miles round trip)
- Elk Lake
- Drinks – San Simon
- Dinner – Dear Irene, Trattoria Sbandati, Lady Bird Cultural Society, Wild Rose, Dear Mom
With More Time
- Additional hikes: Tumalo Falls, Benham Falls, Black Crater, Blue Pool via MacKenzie River Pass, Iron Mountain
- Try another brewery: Monkless Belgian Ales, The Ale Apothecary, Funky Fauna, Silver Moon Brewing, Bend Brewing Company are some of our other favorites
- Climb Three Sisters
- Day trip to Crater Lake
