B is for...Bend

It's day two of the A-Z Blogging Challenge and B is our designated letter today.  Unlike last year, I've decided on a dedicated theme to guide my posts for this month's challenge and have chosen:  sites and points of interest in Oregon.  I sat down last night and filled in my list (for the most part...some of those pesky letters are tricky) with places and things that I think are awesome and must-see stops for anyone traveling through the Pacific Northwest.  So, without further ado, let's get this virtual tour started!



Bend, Oregon

Technically considered the central point of the state, Bend is a city that is a must for nature enthusiasts and beer connoisseurs.  Nestled in the Cascade Range, it's a vibrant city with the highest population in Central Oregon (roughly 76,000).  Surrounded by high desert and US Service Forest land, the climate is temperate and offers activities year round.  Whether you're into biking and hiking in the summer or skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Bend has it all.  Yet another positive for Bend:  nearly 300 days of sunshine with low humidity and a fairly temperate climate.

Tower Theater, Bend, Oregon 1920
First settled in the mid-1800s by fur trappers, Bend was originally named Farewell Bend after a nearby ranch.  This name didn't last long because the postmaster in DC felt it was too long, so it was shortened to Bend.  Since its founding, Bend has continued to grow and attract visitors.


Bend, Oregon
In recent years, Bend has become a mecca for outdoor thrill seekers and retirees.  The housing market has been booming and tourism has become one of the main cash flows for the area.  After a long day on the slopes of Mt Bachelor, the multitude of golf courses in the area, or hiking on the many trails around the city, take a minute or two to check out some of the local breweries.  Some personal favorites include Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing Company (BBC), and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company among others.

Or simply follow the Beer Trail! 


Regardless of what you're into, Bend is a place where something will strike your fancy and it will keep you coming back for more.
Mt Bachelor, Bend, Oregon
Happy Tuesday and Blog On fellow A-Zers!

Comments

  1. Nick WilfordApril 2, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    You had me at beer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. katie eggemanApril 2, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    I love Oregon and the whole northwest, although, beer doesn't really do it for me.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 2, 2013 at 3:12 PM

      Well, we do have a very well-respected wine industry if that's more to your liking :) More on this later! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. JudyApril 2, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    I'm a little prejudiced against Bend - - my husband got a HUMONGOUS speeding ticket while going through there once. So, really, that's all we think about when we hear about or go through Bend, Oregon :( Although, to be honest - it IS beautiful :) (Don't tell my husband I said that)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 2, 2013 at 3:12 PM

      Oh no!!! I'll keep your secret ;) Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  4. AndreaApril 2, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    I have never traveled west of Buffalo, NY (and don't like to fly) so I will live vicariously through your photos and tales!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 2, 2013 at 3:13 PM

      Thanks for stopping by, Andrea! I'll do my best to give you a visual presentation of this side of the States (at least Oregon).

      Delete
  5. Krista McLaughlinApril 2, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    Sounds like a great place to visit! I love the snowy mountain look. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 3, 2013 at 10:36 AM

      Hi Krista! It is! It's beautiful on sunny winter days.

      Delete
  6. AshleeApril 2, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    This is exciting! I'm an east coast native and have only ever made one trip to the west coast and that was to Seattle for a night so I could board a cruise ship. But I've always had a fascination with Oregon and Washington and their history so I'm looking forward to your blog this month! Thanks for stopping by mine. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 3, 2013 at 10:34 AM

      Hi Ashlee! I look forward to imparting some PNW knowledge your way :)

      Delete
  7. Rebecca Green GasperApril 2, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    Bend looks beautiful. I lived in McCall ID for a while...but never had the chance to make it over to Bend. Would love to go some day.

    ReplyDelete
  8. KristinApril 3, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    "...a mecca for outdoor thrill seekers and retirees" I wonder if they overlap?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 3, 2013 at 10:35 AM

      Oooo...good question :) There are a multitude of golf courses in the area. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete

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