Things to Do in Bend Oregon

Aug 03 2022

Lakes Near Bend, Oregon

Top Swimming Lakes Near Bend

Where You Can Live That Lake Life

Bend is home to numerous stunning lakes, perfect for hiking, taking a dip on warmer days (or braving a dip on colder days, too!), and capturing that perfect family photo, or selfie. If you’re looking for things to do in Bend, visiting the many alpine lakes in the summer should probably go toward the top of your itinerary!

A stay in one of our beautiful Bend or Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rentals will provide the perfect home base for exploring Central Oregon’s nature in all of its splendor. Here are some of our favorite alpine lakes for exploring:

Todd Lake

This pristine lake is nestled at the base of Broken Top, providing visitors with stunning views of wide-open meadows, mountains, and summer wildflowers. A 1.5-mile trail, suitable for all ages, will guide you around the lake. Keep your eyes open for hundreds of baby frogs that hatch here early summer. Note: the trail is only open during the summer months.

Paulina Lake

Situated at the basin of the Newberry Volcano caldera, Paulina Lake boasts breathtaking views reflecting thousands of years of volcanic activity. The day use area offers picnic areas and swimming beaches. The water comes mostly from snowmelt, so it can be chilly for swimming in the early season. Luckily, the Paulina Lake Loop Trail leads you to some geothermal hot springs on the north shore.

Moraine Lake

This high mountain lake is easy to access and is not too far from Bend, making it the ideal family outing. The lake is not very deep, so late August/early September, the water is warmer – perfect for taking a dip as you soak up the views!

Twin Lakes

The 3-mile hike into Twin Lakes will take your breath away with meadows of wildflowers, miles of old growth Douglas Firs, and views of turquoise water. Please note: This trail is currently closed. Please check this link for current updates.

Sparks Lake

Just off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sparks Lake boasts stunning views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Bachelor Butte, a perfect backdrop for your family photo.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake, with the Three Sisters towering over the north end of the lake and Mt. Bachelor dominating the eastern horizon, has a beautiful backdrop. It is not a high-traffic fishing destination, but it is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom from any area on the surface. Instead, it offers sandy beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of trails to hike and bike. Going to Elk Lake is a full-day trip.

Ready to take the plunge? You can view our amazing selection of Bend vacation rentals online, or contact our friendly Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on social media and post those vacay pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.

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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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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!