10 Fun Things to Do in Bend Oregon + RV Living Tips

Bend, Oregon, is a type of locations you may’t assist however fall in love with. This high-desert metropolis in Central Oregon is a unbelievable trip vacation spot for almost anybody. Recognized for its huge collection of breweries and outside actions, there are many issues to do in Bend, Oregon.

If you arrive in Bend, you’ll instantly discover the favored RV and van life vibe, which all the time makes us really feel proper at house. Don’t be shocked should you see purpose-built journey rigs throughout city from off-grid adventure vans to expedition vehicles and the whole lot in between.

Joe and I’ve spent fairly a little bit of time right here, and these are a few of our favourite issues to do in Bend, together with a number of suggestions for fellow campers and RVers.

Issues to Do in Bend Oregon

1. Keep Caffeinated at Thump Espresso

Begin your morning with a cup of fastidiously roasted and exactly brewed espresso at Thump Genuine Coffee. The Ethiopia Washed ranks very excessive on Joe’s favorite coffee list.

For these of you preferring to brew your individual espresso, you’ll find freshly roasted beans on the market at any Thump location on the town in addition to lots of the native markets together with Market of Selection and Newport Ave Market.

2. Feast on Scrumptious Thai Meals at Wild Rose

Wild Rose Thai is arguably one of the vital fashionable eating places in Bend, Oregon. Anticipate a wait at this Northern Thai restaurant throughout peak eating hours. Our favourite dishes embrace Grandfather’s Tom Kha, Kabocha Curry (pictured above) and Kar Nar Moo Krob.

After our trip to Thailand, we fell in love with Thai delicacies, and it’s good to have the ability to discover a few of these flavors we liked with out flying midway all over the world.

Tip: should you’re touring solo, lunch is a good possibility with smaller parts the place you may strive multiple dish.

Wild Rose additionally has a sister restaurant in Bend referred to as Sen Thai Hot Pot and Noodle House. We stopped in for lunch and had an exquisite meal. Issues to order at Sen Thai embrace Poh Pia Sode Tod, Ba-Mee Moo Dang and Guay Teow Mun Goong.

3. Beer Hop In Bend

With the rising variety of breweries in Bend, you’ll find nearly any type of beer or non-alcoholic brew to fulfill your style buds.

Deschutes Brewery is probably the most well-known and established spot on the town. Did you actually go to Bend should you didn’t strive a Deschutes beer?

Crux Fermentation Mission is one other fashionable brewery in Bend with a big tasting room and outside space. Joe likes their Gimme Mo Not Simply One other IPA. The expansive outside area with picnic tables and fireplace pits makes it an awesome spot to calm down.

GoodLife Brewing is considered one of our native favorites. The award-winning Descender IPA is a must-try for all you IPA drinkers on the market. Their garden is normally much less crowded, providing an ideal spot for a laid-back summer time afternoon.

10 Barrel Brewing is a more moderen discovery for us. Though the brewery has been round for some time, there’s solely a lot time for brewery exploration every go to. The Cucumber Crush from their collection of bitter beers is very refreshing on a heat summer time day.

4. Go to the Blockbuster in Bend

Step again in time and go to the final remaining Blockbuster on the earth. This iconic retailer is a nostalgic journey for anybody who remembers the joy of Friday evening film leases. Inside, you’ll discover cabinets stocked with DVDs in alphabetical order. It’s a enjoyable and quirky cease that gives a singular slice of popular culture historical past. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan or simply interested in this relic of the previous, the Bend Blockbuster is unquestionably price a go to.

5. Seize a Loaf of Freshly Baked Bread

Bend has a wide selection of bakeries and cafes making freshly baked bread.

Great Harvest Bread Company is thought for his or her freshly milled and baked breads. Our favorites embrace the honey complete wheat and Dakota.

Jackson’s Corner makes a variety of conventional sourdough breads. We particularly loved the entire grain sourdough.

These bakeries are additionally well-known in Bend serving some delectable baked items that locals and vacationers love. We haven’t sampled these but, but it surely’s purpose to return again to Bend proper?

The Sparrow Bakery makes an croissant type pastry lined in cardamon sugar referred to as the Ocean-Roll that prospects completely love.

Nancy P’s makes a cinnamon roll that our buddies had stated is an absolute should strive. Go early to ensure your cinnamon roll expertise, as a result of we’ve heard they do promote out.

6. Contemporary Native Produce on the Farmers Market

Wednesdays in the summertime means an abundance of recent native produce on the Brooks Alley farmers market in Bend, Oregon. Along with in season vegetables and fruit, you’ll additionally discover artisan breads, pasture raised meats, wild caught fish, native honey, recent reduce flowers and specialty meals distributors.

Tip: should you’re not capable of make it to the farmer’s market, Central Oregon Locavore is open every day with an awesome collection of native produce and meats.

7. Loosen up at One among Many Parks in Bend

Bend Park & Recreation personal portion of the land within the metropolis. Consequently, there are a lot of great parks to select from.

Seize a blanket or the garden chairs and head to Drake Park (pictured above). The 13-acre park affords lush inexperienced grass with effectively maintained paths alongside the river and thru the park. Plan to remain some time, the sunsets over Mirror Pond are price sticking round for.

Go for hike at Shevlin Park. It’s possible you’ll be shocked to search out the favored Tumalo Creek Path such a brief distance from Downtown Bend. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the town, get pleasure from peace and quiet at this tranquil park.

8. Drive Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a must-do expertise in Central Oregon, and it comes extremely beneficial by our buddies who stay within the space. This 66-mile scenic route is RV pleasant and affords breathtaking views. As you journey by way of the Deschutes Nationwide Forest, you’ll move by alpine lakes, dense forests, and volcanic peaks. With loads of pull-offs and scenic viewpoints, this drive is a perfect means to absorb the pure great thing about Central Oregon.

There are additionally a number of RV-friendly campgrounds alongside the route, corresponding to Elk Lake Campground and Little Lava Lake Campground, making it simple to increase your journey and revel in an in a single day or two within the camper.

9. Newberry Nationwide Volcanic Monument

South of Bend is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Try the Lava Lands Customer Heart to be taught extra in regards to the lakes, lava flows and trails on this 50,000+ acre area. We have been greeted by this double rainbow on the Path of the Molten Land.

10. Discover Past Bend

If you’re in Bend, remember to take a look at Sisters and Redmond too. Sisters is an enthralling city on the base of the Cascade Mountains with a cool, outdated Western vibe and a vibrant arts scene. It’s additionally proper subsequent to the Three Sisters Wilderness, which is ideal for mountaineering, biking, and fishing. Only a brief drive away, Redmond affords a unique sort of journey with Smith Rock State Park, recognized for its world-class mountaineering and beautiful views. Redmond additionally has a rising meals scene and distinctive outlets which might be enjoyable to discover.

On our most up-to-date go to to the realm, we found Xalisco Latin Delicacies in Redmond and the meals was superb and the nice service made the expertise all of the extra particular. If you’re going to be on the town for one of many Overland Expos this year, ensure prime by for a meal or three.

Whether or not you’re in your solution to Crater Lake National Park or in your solution to Bend, undoubtedly add this to your highway journey.

RV Residing Ideas for Bend, Oregon

For these of you tenting in Bend, listed here are a number of suggestions:

• Cathy’s Specific Eco Laundromat has quick washing machines and good dryers. Bank cards are accepted.
• There are a number of Amazon lockers on the town together with one on the Entire Meals in Bend.
• Oregon Adventure Trucks is a neighborhood journey rig clothing store and equipment store that may make it easier to construct and modify your journey automobile.
• Bend Battery has a big selection of batteries and may troubleshoot electrical points and assist with upgrades.
• Verizon web velocity can fluctuate relying on the place you might be within the metropolis. We had to make use of our cell signal booster in a number of areas to get usable information. Read our post on RV Internet to be taught extra about methods to remain linked on the highway.
• To shortly discover campgrounds, RV dumps, propane fills, potable water and extra RVing/tenting assets we use Allstays. Try our AllStays Review.

The place to Camp in Bend Oregon

Up to now we have now camped on the road and driveway surfed with buddies. More often than not, we favor to camp on public land. For tips about discovering free tenting round Bend, take a look at our put up on how to find dispersed camping on public land.

Having enjoyable exploring in Bend, Oregon!