Bend Oregon

Jul 31 2022

The Old Mill District: What to Know Before You Go

Sunset Over the River, Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon

Get to Know The Old Mill District

In Bend, Oregon, the Old Mill District is widely considered Central Oregon’s hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This bustling commercial zone is known for its numerous shops and eateries and boasts an eclectic assortment of attractions, including breweries, art galleries, and concert venues – and it’s walking distance from Downtown Bend. Over the years, visitors and locals alike have enjoyed spending time in this enclave of commerce in an otherwise rural mountain region to find things to do when they aren’t hiking an alpine trail or floating down the delightful Deschutes River. Meredith Lodging, the area’s premium vacation rental management service, boasts a dazzling collection of rentals in both Sunriver and Bend within minutes of the Old Mill District. As such, we have composed a quick guide to how to spend your time in one of the beloved city’s most prominent places to visit.

Oregon Vacation Spots | Spending Time in the Old Mill District

As one of the Beaver State’s premier vacation spots, Bend, Oregon, is more than an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Whether you are ready to get out of the backcountry or simply yearn for busy streets and things to do besides hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing, the Old Mill District will be waiting for you. Let’s delve into one of the area’s most popular hangouts!

Breweries, Restaurants, and Entertainment

The Old Mill District provides several options beyond its renowned retail offerings. For many, a trip to Central Oregon means exploring each nook, including what is in town. This thriving sphere of business has come a long way from the days of sawmills and loggers, but one thing is for sure, you will find plenty of things to do!

Breweries in the Old Mill District

One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Bend is beer. And for good reason too – Bend is home to some of the best craft breweries in Oregon! In the Old Mill District, there are several fantastic options to choose from: The Tasting Room at Deschutes Brewery, Monkless Belgian Ales, Immersion Brewing, and Crux Fermentation Project. You can enjoy the shopping, trail, or live music of the Old Mill District and then go to the brewery or breweries of your choice! It’s certainly a tough question for a lot of folk!

Try Out Bend Ale Trail and Cycle Pub

For anyone who considers themselves a beer connoisseur, the Bend Ale Trail is a great place to sample some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest lagers, porters, and IPAs. And if you want to burn calories while you drink, Cycle Pub has a must-try experience that combines biking and beer.

Meanwhile, there are several restaurants such as Anthony’s for fine fresh seafood, Hola! for authentic Mexican-Peruvian cuisine, and Pastini for those craving carbs after a day of adventure.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater

After staving off your appetite, you may wish to consider heading over to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater for some live music. For those wanting a more tranquil or laid-back entertainment experience, there are three noteworthy art galleries; Lubbesmeyer Studio & Gallery, Tumalo Art Company, and Amejko Artistry to browse and peruse. And the Roundabout Art Route is a stunning complement to the local art scene that offers an inspiring way to discover Bend’s public art compendium.

Yoga, Spas, & Wellness Centers

Finally, if spas and fitness are your cups of tea, you will be delighted to find an impressive array of wellness centers, yoga studios, and gyms to get your blood flowing and realign your energy. Namaste.

Central Oregon Vacation Rentals in Bend and Sunriver

The Old Mill District presents an excellent option for shopping, eating, and everything in between. And while finding things to do in Bend, Oregon, is rarely a challenging prospect, it never hurts to add a few more. As you plan your next getaway, be sure to check out our sizable batch of Oregon vacation rentals that are sure to please. For more information or to check availability, please visit us online or call 877-778-9055 today!

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Feb 22 2022

5 Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Oregon Vacation Rental

Oregon is an excellent choice for discerning vacationers with its diverse outdoor recreation scene and unique attractions. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a family, on a romantic getaway, or a friend’s retreat, there seems to be something for everyone in the Beaver State. Do a quick Google search for “Things to Do in Oregon,” and you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. Thankfully, Meredith Lodging boasts an eclectic collection of Oregon vacation rentals on both the coast and the mountains, giving you a myriad of options to create an unforgettable escape from life’s hustle and bustle. Now, finding the perfect rental option can look simple on the surface, but there are many things to consider. To help you wade through a plethora of decisions, we put together five suggestions to find the perfect basecamp to explore Oregon.

Find an Oregon Vacation Rental to Match Your Activities

While searching around for things to do in Oregon, you can sometimes lose sight of why you want to visit in the first place. With that in mind, it’s crucial to find somewhere that satisfies your needs. For example, if you wish to indulge in some retail therapy, you’ll probably want a vacation rental near Bend, where you’ll find several well-known retailers. Or, if you’re going to try surfing, beachcombing, or ocean fishing, you’ll want to post up somewhere like Newport, Lincoln City, or Cannon Beach.

Determine Your Preferred Time of the Year

Part of what makes Oregon such a popular vacation destination is the seemingly endless array of recreational and entertainment options. And although we’re known as a premier outdoor enthusiast’s playground, there are still plenty of things to do besides skiing, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. You could go shopping in Bend, drink fine wines in Manzanita, or eat your way through Newport. Deciding which season you would enjoy most will make choosing your vacation rental that much easier.

Make a Realistic Budget

For the majority of travelers, setting a budget is necessary no matter their vacation’s length. Still, it doesn’t take much to become enthralled with all the possibilities. As such, you’ll want to figure out how much money you can spend as soon as possible. Many vacationers will erroneously consider only their lodging costs while forgetting about food and other daily necessities. On the other hand, some people may only focus on entertainment while not considering the price of a well-appointed place to stay. The biggest takeaway is finding symmetry between a worthy vacation rental while refining your recreational choices. No one wants to spend their vacation worrying about money.

Set Defined Vacation Goals

Understandably, most of us would rather not fret over goal setting while on vacation. But having clear expectations on how you can spend your time will go a long way in preventing disappointment or unnecessary budgetary constraints. Setting goals early will keep you motivated to try new things while making it easier to choose a vacation rental that fits your desired experience.

Spend Some Time Researching

With so many things to do in Oregon, there are a lot of factors to consider as you find the perfect vacation rental. And let’s be honest, there are plenty of decent options ranging from camping to hotels. Still, you want something that is not only close to your recreational destinations but also offers well-appointed accommodations and amenities to complement a remarkable getaway experience. Considering that vital element, you should do relatively extensive research on the towns and cities that have made the final cut. On the bright side, Meredith Lodging proudly presents several fantastic vacation rentals that promise to satisfy many preferences.

To learn more about how Meredith Lodging can accommodate your Oregon getaway, don’t hesitate to reach out online or call 877-778-9055 today!

Jan 13 2022

Mt. Bachelor Winter Fun – Snowboarding & Skiing in Oregon

Mt. Bachelor Winter Fun | Snowboarding & Skiing in Oregon

This winter, you and yours can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by journeying to Central Oregon. Our welcoming community is home to a variety of wonderful seasonal activities, from hiking to shopping. The surrounding area is absolutely stunning and draws crowds of locals and tourists alike year after year. During the colder months, folks flock to the area’s ski resorts and trails for some good old fun in the snow! One of the best places in Oregon for winter fun is Mt. Bachelor, a renowned ski and snowboard resort.

When you visit, stay with Meredith Lodging, the premier vacation home company in Central Oregon and along the Oregon Coast. We offer a vast array of private vacation accommodations throughout Oregon’s most beloved communities and resorts. Our knowledgeable staff is standing by to help you find the most fitting vacation rental and plan a great trip! Keep reading to learn more about snowboarding and skiing in Oregon.

Chill Out and Enjoy Oregon’s Winter Fun

Each year, the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area winter opening day relies on the projected temperatures and snowfall of the winter months. You can follow their mountain report for more updated information before planning your visit. They are one of the country’s top winter fun-derlands; however, they offer year-round activities as well. For now, let’s focus on their winter season.

Come prepared for a good time! Make sure you and yours are bundled up in snowsuits, hats, gloves, and other winter gear. Folks are encouraged to bring their own snowboarding and skiing equipment, but Mt. Bachelor also has rentals available at the Gravity Sports Pro Shop. You can find all that you need for purchase before hitting the slopes!

As you get ready to take the lift, keep track of the lift and trail status, which is updated regularly. Your safety is of the utmost importance! That being said, if you are a newbie to snowboarding or skiing, please consider paying for lessons from talented instructors at the resort. Winter fun on the mountain is elevated when you follow good slope practices. Now, you are set for a fantastic day filled with epic jumps, turns, and declines!

Plan the Perfect Oregon Winter Getaway

Use our Bend Area Guide to get more ideas about things to do in Bend, all year around. After a day of winter fun at the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, you can recharge at your Meredith Lodging vacation dwellings. From comfortable cabins to Fido-approved pet-friendly homes, there is something for everyone in our vacation inventory. Contact us by calling 877-778-9055 and book your winter stay today!

Jan 03 2022

Revitalizing Retreats: Central Oregon Spas Near Bend

As much as we love winter, there is no denying that less sunshine and colder temperatures can sometimes leave us dreary. Each year’s conclusions come with a distinct set of observations, obligations, and stress. Finding time to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit can feel like a luxury, so many of our personal needs are neglected. One of the best ways to realign your energy is to take care of yourself. Thankfully, Bend, Oregon, has many different spas that can offer the ultimate escape from life’s trials and tribulations. And if you’re seeking a place to stay during your revitalizing retreat, look no further than Meredith Lodging.

Central Oregon’s Best Spas

With so many outdoor adventures and activities in Central Oregon, you’ll probably want to do some relaxing. Even if you don’t spend your days expending loads of physical energy, you may wish to give your brain some time to decompress. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t benefit from spending time at the spa, and the Bend, Oregon area has something for everyone.

Radiant Day Spa

Radiant Day Spa offers a contemporary luxury spa experience in Bend’s Old Mill District. With self-care and wellness at the forefront of their operation, they provide a wide variety of treatments. From rejuvenating body massages to beautifying facial peels, you’ll feel the weight lifted off your shoulders the minute you arrive.

Anjou Spa

Anjou Spa goes above and beyond with its commitment to offering an earth-friendly and toxin-free spa option. Not only do they provide full-body treatments focusing on acute soreness, but they also have several beauty treatments. Perhaps one of the reasons they were voted best day spa in 2018 by The Source Weekly is their complimentary hot sand sauna and steam room bestowed upon anyone who books a treatment.

High Desert Hydrotherapy

High Desert Hydrotherapy takes a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on both internal and external health. Specializing in detoxifying treatment such as colonics, infrared sauna therapy, and aloe vera body wraps, High Desert Hydrotherapy knows a thing or two about helping you find balance. Be sure to check out their impressive array of services.

Book a Central Oregon vacation rental & soak up a relaxing spa visit!

If you’re planning a spa retreat in the Bend area, you can make yourself at home with Meredith Lodging! Whether you’re flying solo or with friends and family, you’ll have a comforting place to stay in Central Oregon. For more information or to make reservations, please visit us online or call 877-778-9055 today!

Need more ideas for things to do in Bend? Check out our Bend Area Guide and start planning your next trip!

Sep 19 2021

Best Breweries in Bend, Oregon: Top 11 Places to Get Craft Brews

Experience the Top 10 Breweries in Bend, OR

Cheers to Our Favorite Bend Breweries

As the popularity of craft beverages seems to have no end in sight, beer enthusiasts should consider visiting Central Oregon to sample its many fizzy offerings. With over 22 breweries and a population of around 100,000, there is roughly one brewery per 4,500 people in Bend, Oregon! Beer drinking is so prominent in Bend that they even have several festivals, tours, and designated trails for tasting these refreshing concoctions. As such, the team at Meredith Lodging Central Oregon Vacation Rentals are sharing some of their favorite Bend breweries to give you a few ideas of where to wet your whistle. Whether you like hazy IPAs or crisp lagers, you will quickly learn why drinking beer is a favorite thing to do in Bend, Oregon, for visitors and locals alike.

The 10 Best Breweries in Bend, Oregon

Highly subjective topics like food and drink are always open to interpretation. What one person finds delicious someone else might think is not their jam. Beer enthusiasts can appreciate a wide variety of thirst-quenching libations, and the best breweries in Bend are characterized by welcoming atmospheres and eclectic selections. While it’s never much of a challenge to do a quick internet search for craft beverages, deciding where to go can be a little tricky. No matter where you choose, you will find plenty of good times along the way.

1. Silver Moon Brewing

Silver Moon Brewing is close to downtown yet still off the beaten path and is known for its Lunar Series collection of six-packs and live entertainment.

2. Boneyard Beer

Boneyard Beer is a hip Bend brewery featuring over 20 taps and an old-school beer hall and private corner bar.

3. Bend Brewing Company

Bend Brewing Company is the second oldest brewpub in Bend and has a remarkable assortment of award-winning offerings.

4. GoodLife Brewing Company

GoodLife Brewing Company, with its Bierhall Tasting Room and spacious Biergarten, is a west side favorite.

5. The Ale Apothecary

The Ale Apothecary specializes in vintage oak-barrel batches and is perfect for those looking for a unique brew.

6. Shade Tree Brewing

Shade Tree Brewing is one of the last genuine microbreweries offering intimate tours and dock sales (special deals when buying direct from the brewery). Sorry, no food truck or restaurant here. It’s all about the beer at Shade Tree.

7. Crux Fermentation Project

Crux Fermentation Project in the heart of Bend boasts over twenty original craft beers and picturesque views of the Cascade Mountains.

8. Worthy Brewing Company

Worthy Brewing lives up to its name with a stunning assemblage of seasonal brews, captivating observatory, and ongoing philanthropic ventures.

9. Sunriver Brewing Company

Sunriver Brewing Company technically is not in Bend, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include at least one Sunriver Brewery. Sunriver Brewing is an excellent place for year-round libations in a more rural atmosphere with indoor seating and heated outdoor space.

10. Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is arguably Bend’s most famous brewery and comes with an expansive inventory of craft beers ranging from mouth-watering sours to sippable stouts.

11. Monkless Belgian Ales

Monkless is a rustic restaurant and taproom specializing in traditional European dishes and Belgian-style draft beer.

Meredith Lodging Central Oregon Vacation Rentals in Bend and Sunriver

With so many breweries in Bend, Oregon, it’s easy to understand why this beloved mountain community has been aptly associated with craft pints, growlers, and kegs. When you combine some of the best artisanal beers with everything else Central Oregon has to offer, you’re sure to create long-lasting memories and jubilation. So, whether you decide to tour all the breweries or simply grab a few growlers to go, you will have a perfect home base in Bend. For more information or to book your getaway to a Meredith Lodging Bend vacation rental, please reach out to us online at MeredithLodging.com or call the Reservations Team at 877-778-9055.

Need more ideas for things to do in Bend, Oregon? Check out our Bend Area Guide!