Bend is where high desert light meets mountain air and every day feels built for play. Bend blends adventure with laid‑back sophistication. Here’s your WTEG curated guide to eating well, sleeping comfortably, and getting the most out of Central Oregon.
🟢 Where To Eat
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails – Old Mill District
Zydeco is the place for elevated comfort — think Gulf shrimp and grits, lamb chops kissed with smoky heat, and craft cocktails punctuated with local ingredients. It’s lively but not loud, warm without being formal, and perfect for both celebratory dinners and relaxed nights out.
919 Bond St, Bend OR 97701
Spork – Downtown Bend
This beloved neighborhood spot serves global small plates with big flavor. Traverse the menu from Korean‑style fried chicken to Moroccan lamb flatbread, all alongside inventive cocktails and a carefully curated wine list. Ideal for sharing and perfect for groups.
937 NW Newport Ave, Bend OR 97701
Bend Burger Company – Downtown Bend
Fresh chuck roast patties from NW Natural Beef, hand formed and served to order. Buns made fresh every day and home made sauces to go with the hand cut french fries. Don't miss the chance to have the best burger in Bend.
1939 NE 3rd St, Bend OR 97701
photo: bendburger.com
🔵 Where To Stay
Tetherow Resort – West Side
Perched on a championship golf course with views of the Cascade Range, Tetherow blends modern design with outdoor esprit. Rooms and suites feel contemporary and calm, while onsite dining and trail access make it easy to stay active without leaving the property.
photo: tetherow.com
McMenamins Old St. Francis School – Downtown Bend
Expect colorful, character‑filled rooms in this repurposed 1930s schoolhouse. With a theater, soaking pool, brewery, and multiple eateries onsite, it’s a self‑contained Bend experience that’s quirky, comfortable, and centrally located.
Sunriver Resort – Sunriver (10–15 min south)
If you want a longer stay or a family‑friendly base, Sunriver delivers spacious lodgings, multiple golf courses, a spa, and bike paths that connect the whole property. It’s destination‑style comfort just a short drive from Bend’s core.
🟡 Where To Play
Mountain Biking the Phil’s Trail Network
No trip to Bend is complete without logging miles on Phil’s — a world‑class trail system weaving through ponderosa and juniper with options for all skill levels. From flowy cruisers to technical climbs, it’s a microcosm of Bend’s outdoor culture.
photo: bendtrails.org
Smith Rock State Park – Terrebonne
Iconic for a reason, Smith Rock’s dramatic spires and river‑cut canyon walls attract climbers and hikers alike. Catch sunrise on the Misery Ridge Trail or simply picnic with views that have defined Central Oregon adventure for generations.
Deschutes River Float & Paddle
When the weather warms, the river becomes the place to be. Rent SUPs or tubes and drift past cottonwoods and basalt, or hop on a guided paddle tour for a mellow exploration with local knowledge.
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