Made up of part adventure mecca, part craft beer explosion, and part arts community, Bend is a community with an envious lifestyle that is no longer a secret.Take the lead from local nonprofits Commute Options and the Central Oregon Trails Alliance: Grab your helmet, hop on your bike and experience Bend’s offerings on a sunny day.
STOP 1 The Commons
The printed mantra “ride. drink. laugh.” on the historic Radamacher House are words Crown's Feet Commons have lived by since 2012. On one side of the Brooks Street alley sits a bike shop ready to get you on two wheels for an epic trail day or a leisurely one around town. On the other, a cafe serves up world-class coffee and beer and offers a friendly place to share a drink and a laugh.
Shoot this Get your version of the iconic Bend photo of the Cascade Mountains overlooking Drake Park and Mirror Pond.
STOP 2 The Box Factory
Ride three miles south of The Commons along Riverside Boulevard toward Colorado Avenue to find The Box Factory, a reimagined mill building giving a nod to Bend’s past while showcasing its present. Businesses include Immersion Brewing, Avid Cider’s taproom, Brown Owl’s food cart-turned-restaurant, Gear Fix’s outdoor gear repair and consignment shop, Modern Boardshop’s games, and the Bend Arts Center among others. With outdoor seating for food and drinks and an impressive fire pit, the Box Factory is more of an urban hub than shopping plaza.
Try This Enjoy a handful of donut holes and a hard cider from the Avid Taproom.
STOP 3 Colorado Bridge
Many people point to the shopping in the Old Mill District, but the outdoor scene buzzes all along the Deschutes River. Four miles of meandering trails, paths, and footbridges connect McKay and Riverbend Parks. The free Old Mill Casting Course, the first of its kind in North America, awaits area fly fisherman, while the Deschutes River beckons river revelers, human and wildlife alike. Land-lovers can ride or hike the Old Mill Reach of the River Trail.
Watch this Marvel at the pro and amateur surfers in the Bend Whitewater Park.
STOP 4 Bend Brewing Co.
After returning the rental bike, or locking up your own two-wheeler, head to Bend Brewing Co. It’s not uncommon to hear Bend transplants refer to BBC as their first Bend brewery experience. The welcoming staff at the pond-side brewery are ready to serve up some of the best bar food in town or one of their award-winning beers. Though established in 1995, the new owners have kept its quality offerings while improving the physical location by way of an expansive lawn, complete with food carts, and an outdoor bar.
Hear This Listen to live music year-round inside by the bar or outside during BBC’s Rhythm & Brews Concert Series.