10 Things to Do in Bend, OR
In celebration of upcoming Bend Yoga Festival June 11-14th
As a native New Yorker, I headed west a few years after college graduation. Landing in Boulder, CO in 2008, I was introduced to so many transplants who hailed from different states like Oregon. The Pacific Northwest hadn’t been on my radar as much but I kept hearing of this cute town called Bend so I made a note to visit someday. I’m not sure why it took me so long but I finally made the trek and visited 3 times the same year – I simply couldn’t stay away!
This small town has captured my heart as it has for so many others over the years. If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, like a cold dip in fresh water streams and want to kick back with a brewed coffee and/or microbrew, Bend is the place to be!
If you’re visiting Bend soon, here are 10 things to do from a non-local:
10) Visit the Last Blockbuster
This stop is a must-see! Even if your old Blockbuster card is inactive, the Last Blockbuster is like a mini-museum of movies and memorabilia. You can even rent movies and buy snacks. I was able to score a few DVD’s as gifts for like $2 each and even found this old gem from Yoga Journal and San Francisco studio owner Stephanie Snyder!
9) Drive Up To Mt. Bachelor
I have yet to hit the slopes in the Cascade Mountain Range but I hear that Mount Bachelor has some great snow in the winter months. I had the pleasure of driving up to see it on a nice fall day and it was a beautiful scenic drive with emerald colored lakes and peak mountain views!
You can’t pass the Deschutes River without trying a tasty beverage from the place that shares its namesake. This is the birthplace of a nationally distributed beer brand and a great place to connect in community over good food and great beer. Non-Alcoholic options available!
7) Walk Around Drake Park & Mirror Pond
Take a stroll from downtown into Drake Park and look out onto Mirror Pond. You’ll see ducks wading in the water, dogs running through the grass and locals out enjoying the fresh air. (Bend Yoga Festival hosts several sessions at this venue so be sure to join us!)
6) Ride the River!
If you ask the locals what to do for fun in the summer a frequent response is “getting in the water!” Whether river rafting, a cold plunge or stand up paddle boarding, the cool water feels great on a hot summer day. Join the locals and take a dip in the Deschutes!
5) Go Local at Locavore
Bend’s only indoor farmer’s market sells farm fresh eggs, harvested huckleberries, and other local provisions. This hidden gem is a few steps away from the Blockbuster so you can stock up on all the goods!
4) Eat at Jake’s Diner
Dining at this local establishment felt like walking into my grandmother’s kitchen. The decor features laced curtains, mismatched mugs and floral wallpaper and the food is absolutely scrumptious. I loved every moment of dining here and I will make a point to go back next visit!
3) Support Local Yoga Studios
As a professional yoga teacher myself, I love supporting local studios, studios owners and fellow yoga teachers any chance I can get and I hope all those reading this feel the same. I’ve had the pleasure of practicing (and assisting my mentor and teacher friend Amy Ippoliti) at Yoga Shala during Bend Yoga Festival 2024 and I have heard great things about Namaspa and Stillwater Yoga + Wellness. No matter where you take class, go local with your practice!
2) Drive to Crater Lake
If you have access to a ride, take a day trip to Crater Lake! This is by far one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S. as it is absolutely breathtaking and pristine. Only about 2 hours south of Bend, this national park is well worth the drive. Like Bend, I had kept Crater Lake on my bucket list for several years and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend!!!
1) Attend Bend Yoga Festival
This homegrown festival is truly a treasure! Angela, our fearless leader, intends to create a nourishing experience for locals and non-locals alike. This year’s theme, Making Space for Joy, will undoubtedly help us all to co-create a spacious container to feel and share joy together! Use code DENELLE for 20% OFF tickets!
Hope to see you Bending in June! 🙃
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