Life + Culture

Baked with Heart

Hot Lava Bakery Blends Sunriver Tradition with South-American Inspired Treats Article by Julie E. Furnas | Photography by Maile Mason Morning strolls through the Village at Sunriver offer up familiar aromas of cinnamon, coffee and warm pastries luring tourists and locals alike to Hot Lava Bakery, a Central Oregon staple serving up delicious breakfast, baked goods and specialty coffees. The wait in line passes quickly as eager customers feast their eyes on beautiful custom creations, from...

Home + Design

Make Room

The Lost Art of Setting the Table— the Ritual We All Need Article by Lynette Confer Food is more than physical nourishment. It feeds something deeper—the soul, the spirit, our need to connect. Around a table, we share more than a meal. We share stories, laughter, silence, celebrations and the ordinary details of our extraordinary lives. We pause to notice what is right in front of us, and who is beside us. Yet it is increasingly easy to eat without really eating: breakfast in the car, lunch...

Arts + Culture

The Family Table

Sisters Family Creates Legacy Blending Food, Art, Wine and Community Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Natalie Stephenson In 2000, a family legacy was born, evolving into a beloved Sisters restaurant and gallery rooted in a passion for food and art. “I started off wanting to be an architect,” says artist Dan Rickards. “I always enjoyed the design aspect, and I could draw. I hadn't painted before, but I knew that I could do some form of art.” The Art It wasn’t until he met his wife...

Home + Design

Small Dwellings Offer Big Benefits

Create More Living Space in Your Own Backyard Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Natalie Stephenson and Ross Chandler Photography Ever since Bend changed its zoning laws in 2019 to allow the building of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on personal properties, the demand for them has skyrocketed. These self-contained living spaces are usually found in backyards as separate edifices, but ADUs can also be constructed in garages, on top of garages or as additions to homes. They are often...

Arts + Culture

Beyond Personality Types

Humor, honesty and the Enneagram help Elizabeth Orr unlock deeper self-awareness and connection Article by Lynette Confer Style isn’t always about what someone chooses to wear or how they decorate their home. Sometimes it’s the way they move through the world. It’s the way one person dives headfirst into conflict while another avoids it at all costs. It’s the instinct to protect oneself or the impulse to care for everyone else first. It’s the frustration that bubbles up when someone loads the...

Life + Culture

Styled to Gather

From a Welcoming Grazing Table to Comfort Food Recipes, Here’s Everything You Need for a Beautifully Styled Fall Dinner Party Article by Julie E. Furnas As September brings vibrant colors and cooling air over Central Oregon, it’s time once again to plan fall gatherings with friends and family to celebrate the beauty of Autumn. Early fall dinner parties are a great way to bring people together during a season when warm and comforting flavors are welcomed. Whether it’s gathering indoors around...

Life + Culture

Companion Animal Medical Project (CAMP)

Caring for Companion Animals and Their People Article and Photography by Donna Burklo Josh held each of the four kittens with tears in his eyes as he surrendered them on to a better life. “This isn’t a place for kittens to live,” he murmured into one’s fur. The place he refers to is commonly known as Dirt World, or Juniper Ridge, a location bordered to the west by Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond that is temporarily sanctioned for community members without homes to live and have access to...

Life + Culture

Healthy Bites for Happy Dogs

Locally Crafted Organic Dog Treats Bring Quality Ingredients and Tail-Wagging Flavor Together Article by Julie E. Furnas | Photography by Sierra Confer Central Oregon is renowned for its dog-friendly environment. From Madras to Prineville to Sunriver, Redmond, Bend and La Pine – our region offers parks, trails, lakes and dog-friendly restaurants and bars for our furry friends to enjoy year-round. Additionally, Central Oregon boasts a wide array of custom, locally made products and treats for...

Arts + Culture

A Little Slice of Sunshine

Bring Sunshine Indoors with Tips for Growing Lemon Trees and Simple Recipes to Enjoy Together Article by Julie E. Furnas Summer is peak lemon season and with lemons comes lemonade, popsicles, baked goods and more! Summer is also a great time to teach kids the value of gardening, and caring for a small lemon tree can be a great starter project. Because citrus trees thrive in warmer climates, growing any type of citrus in Central Oregon can be challenging. But with the right tools, specialized...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Belonging

Hearts Unknown Education Creates Space for Young People to Feel Safe, Find Hope and Thrive Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Hillary Christen and Matt Vega When you first enter Hearts Unknown Education’s space, the first thing you notice isn’t the art. It’s the kids. They’re painting, singing, laughing, building, talking, eating, creating and connecting. A teenager experiments with a guitar riff on stage while another carefully adds color to a canvas. Across the room, a small group...