Top 10 Things to do in Bend summer 2020
From the top of Pilot Butte looking West.
My Top 10 things to do in Bend OR list is not as vast as in the past. Businesses are still opening, or running at limited capacity. Here are some simple pleasures that make Bend livable and lovable. Tell them Rebecca sent you...
1. Visit the BendFarmers Market: This Market runs down Brooks Street starting at 2:00 each Wednesday during the summer. There are no crafts, but the produce, pies, flowers, kombucha, distilled spirits and pastries are all top notch. Bring a bag or basket, and this summer please wear a mask.
2. Hike Pilot Butte: I often put this hike on my list. It gives you such a great lay of the land. You can see why Bend is considered the "high desert" The mountain are in clear sight, as well as Smith Rock, the many Buttes down South, and Powell Butte to the East. This hike also coaxes you to Bend's Eastside.
3. If you brought Mountain bikes or want a big open sky 10 mile loop for a run, I'm a fan of Horse Butte. The views are great, the trail is a solid 1 hour workout/ ride, and you can see interesting homes in the nearby neighborhood of Sundance. This area has large lots, room for horses and shops and barns, and the horse trails are right there!
4. El Sancho opened a second location on Galveston! (Westside) If you have not tried El Sancho, go today. We are fans of the Sancho bowl, but their tacos are "world" famous. The margaritas are served in big mason jars and recently I tried the Chicharones.... now I'm craving them. Check out the menu!
5. During our stay at home order, multiple people were talking about Roundabout Books in Northwest Crossing. "They'll get you anything!" My friends were also raving about the delivery. Your book, wrapped in paper, tied with string, stamped with a baby animal stamp. So cute. So personal. Small town living and small business hustle at its best.
6. Nancy P's Bakery. This bakery and cafe and gallery is off of Newport. It is worth finding. Immediately after the shut down, Katy was calling looking for locally made masks for she and her employees. They did not miss a beat. Working long hours in unfamiliar terrain, delivering fresh, beautiful, delicious food. The garden here is very special, and Katy may not claim to be a gallery, but I find myself looking at the art each time, and a year ago bought an original Megan Meyers painting. (Look that artist up) Nancy P's doesn't take a cut of the art sales. All money goes directly to the artist!
7. Make a point of drinking a cup or buying a pound of roasted coffee from Bend Roasting. This roastery makes my favorite Black Diamond Blend and many others. You can find it at Looney Bean and Kennedy Coffee House. You should visit both.
8. Shop Downtown Bend! Even if you don't knit, go to Wool Town. Check out the selection and service at my new favorite place to pick up something personal, Tres Chic. Sustainable shopping has never been more fun and beautiful then at FOUND, go to Outside IN for all of your Bend lifestyle clothes. Feathers Edge is a tiny shop with a rich selection of all things unique and artful.... the list goes on and on actually.
9. Visit the new Iron Horse and Trivia Antiques. What a great new space, on Franklin across from Les Schwab. These are not new businesses, just a new easy antique shopping spot with tons of parking and lots of interesting things.
10. Lastly come see Suzanne and I at Cowgirl Cash and Arrange. Our space is curated with a unique mix of Cowgirl and French. Who knew there was so much crossover with farm to table eating, flowers, animals, and aesthetics. As I've said for the past few years, "It's really nice having an interior designer roommate." Try on boots, look at rugs and ask us about Real estate in Bend. Suzanne can help you settle into your new house with furniture and decor and Rebecca and Cowgirl Properties can help you find your sweet Bend spot!
