Friday, July 10, 2009

Visiting, staying, eating in Bend

My last post received a comment from Norine, who is planning a Bend visit in July. While her husband is off doing artisan things, she wants to know what a slightly design-obsessed wife would do on the perfect Bend Design Weekend.

Norine, this is just the kind of thing I love! But first, a disclaimer. I'm a bit out of touch with my own town. We pretty much just work, and I'm sorry to say we put the emergency brake on eating out, so I can't say we're up to date with various recommendations. But I'll give it a shot, and no doubt others will chime in.

Staying in Bend. Haven't been inside, but have heard good things about Lara House (B&B). It's located in the very charming older part of Bend, just a block or so from downtown. Walk to restaurants, river, shops, etc. Bend Riverside Motel is where my in-laws used to stay before we had a guest room. The interior is clean, but kind of bland 80s decor. No design awards here, but, they have functioning kitchens and are right on the river; you can leave your slider open and listen to the rushing river all night. Also close to downtown. McMenamins took over a Catholic school and did a great job refurbishing it in their funky, fun style (downtown). I've only been in the lobby of AmeriTel Inn (in the Old Mill District), but it looked like they did a very nice job of it. It sits up on a knoll and has some good views; easy walking to shopping/dining at the Old Mill. This is probably a good choice if you need more of a full-service hotel with fax machines and internet access, etc. And then there are numerous resorts where you could probably be happy just hanging out and taking leisurely walks between the pedi and the massage. I think there are some pretty good deals out there, too. Check www.visitbend.com for links to all these places.

Eating. You can hardly go wrong downtown. We lost a few key restaurants in past months, but miraculously, there's been a revival and it seems everything's humming along now. 900 Wall, Joolz, Zydeco, Cork, Marz -- all good choices. 28 for small plates & cocktails. Typhoon for Thai. Lots of good coffee houses, too. My choice for breakfast (or lunch) is McKay's Cottage. Also Nancy P's and Sparrow (you'll have to get out the map for this one) for delicious baked goods. Lots of locals swear by Victorian Cafe and Alpenglow. I'm not much of a pizza fan, but do like the pizza at Flatbread Community Oven in the Old Mill District. Get a glass of wine and sit outdoors by the river for a great view. For a cupcake stop, find Le Cakery on Galveston. Sooo dangerously delicious.

Shopping and exploring. Well, you have to come visit our little shop, right? Right. It's in one of Bend's oldest homesteads, and the setting alone is worth a visit. McKay's Cottage is nearby, for lunch on the lawn. I would also go to Casarama on Division St. (cool mid-century, vintage, industrial finds) and Royal T Antiques on 9th (or Wilson? better call for directions). Downtown is full of cute shops, galleries, restaurants. I think it's a really good example of historic preservation in a smaller town, and it's right on the river. Can't miss. I would also wander around the old part of town (right next to downtown) for some of our more delightful older houses and neighborhoods.

Old Mill District is an outdoor mall, but they've done a really good job with it (great setting, too). Tumalo Art Company just moved there (lots of local art) and you mustn't miss the Lubbesmeyer studios (upstairs - have to look for it) for amazing fiber art. Also DeWilde Art & Glass. Northwest Crossing is a growing area, too, with some nice shops, a good wine bar (Portello) and a new contemporary art gallery that I want to go see. Near the Old Mill District is the Old Mill Marketplace, which is going through a revival with some new shops. Has a bit of flavor of the Pearl District in Portland (but, you know, we're just a little village). I love the row houses there; reminds me of parts of Chicago or Boston, but new. Oh, right: on Delaware (near Bond St., west side) check out one of my favorite bookstores (housed in what used to be an old corner market), Between the Covers. Just a block away from Jackson's Corner (café, hangout, find it).

And maybe go to Petersen Rock Gardens. It's weird and whacky: a whole little miniature village made out of stacked-up rocks. It's about ten minutes from town.

That should keep you busy. Especially if you add in some bike riding, river rafting, hiking, fishing, golfing... Have fun, and stop by!

2 comments:

Helen said...

Don't know if you are still looking at comments .. but I stumbled across your blog while looking up Royal T (which I love visiting) and just want to complement you on providing so much useful info......

shopping monkey said...

Thanks, Helen! Yes, I love comments (not the spammy ones in cyrillic, however). Glad you enjoyed the post. -- Jan