We’ve noticed open parking spots downtown Bend this summer and that’s weird. So, we thought we would blog about that, some of the new things we’re doing around town lately and oh, yes - the A.Q.I. reality.
First things first: wildfire season. It’s here and it sucks. But, all the sadness and devastation aside, life keeps going. I remember being in Seoul, Korea a decade ago when I used to travel for work and my friends living there as English Teachers suggested I download an app to check the air quality each day before deciding on that morning run or not. Growing up in Central Oregon, before wildfires were seasonal, that was a confusing thing to comprehend but after witnessing their air pollution and all the masked people (pre-COVID), I quickly got on board.
Amid the smoke, we still go to work everyday downtown to open up the shop, exercise, get groceries, garden, schedule lunch dates and happy hours and remember our Farmer’s show up EVERY WEDNESDAY for the weekly Farmers Market no matter the weather. They are the true backbone of Central Oregon growing healthy food for the rest of us.
Our list below of summer activities is not the obvious Summer list. The secret is out on SUPing the Deschutes, river spots, anything amazing and serene along the Cascade Lake Highway, CONCERTS at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, hiking Smith Rocks, dining on the patio at Pine Tavern with family, running up Pilot Butte with the rest of the fit beautiful folks, and pool days at Sunriver or Eagle Crest.
During the wildfire season*, we like to make sure and do one outside thing a day when the A.Q.I. is over 150 - which is also the gauge Bend LaPine School District uses for cancelling classes or not. This way you can protect yourself by reducing your exposure but still get out and check off your summer fun list. Using the app Watch Duty helps keep you informed on fires if they’re nearby and offers realtime A.Q.I. readings. This will help you decide on when to do that hike on the Metolius or to save it for a day you don’t have a concert.
We thought it was also worth linking to Vox’s article, “about the number that measures bad air.”
NEW SUMMER THINGS TO DO IN BEND, OREGON
Go to our new Bend Oregon Central Library that is not centrally located at all - but will be in the near future when our U.G.B. has been totally redrawn. Note: the Downtown Bend library is under construction so this is your new library spot and it will not disappoint.
Wednesday Farmers Markers Downtown Bend are happening every week until mid-October so get down here and come early so you don’t have to wait in line when it’s super hot out. Shop, eat, walk around after and enjoy our amazing town.
Go pick your own strawberries and then some (more produce) in Tumalo at Well Rooted Produce U-Pick! They planted the largest Strawberry patch I have ever seen. It was so epic to take my daughter there and wander and talk about vegetables, fruits and flowers for hours.
Petersen Rock Garden has had a glow up! This local gem has been here a LONG TIME and they are a non-profit keeping us quirky on the weekends. Peacocks and rock castles - open Fri through Monday 10am - 4pm. This is a great stop when you are en route to or from the Redmond Airport (RDM).
Schillings! OK, maybe you’re picking up on a theme… being outside with not too many others, surrounded by plants and with a glass of wine in-hand WHERE I CAN ALSO bring my kid. Yes. This is that! J’adore.
KAHNEETAH just re-reopoend (well, it was years ago now so old news) but we finally made it there and wow, what a treat. It has been around for 25 or 30 years and then closed for about 15 (so sad) but now that it is back on our radar and we have a baby traveling with us - it makes sense as a destination. This is a great family camping / glamping or hotel trip!! Remember to do all their activities for full happiness: hiking up the hills, horseback riding, floating the river, basketball, volleyball, lazy river pool float, wam pools, museum, walking the river trail, restaurants and bars - it was so fun and economical PLUS just a quick drive away from Bend.
There are so many Food Trucks around now it is hard to know where to go but there are a few we want to scratch their backs because they are SO F*ing GOOD. Ok, here we go! Let us know if we missed one in the comments.
Little Cole @ Dogwood - for a spicy jalapeño Matcha experience like no other.
Harbor & Hen @ The Bite in Tumalo - their salads are so refreshing when you want to eat out but not regret it. They have one right now for summer that has pomegranates, pistachios, shaved fennel, mandarines and a tahini dressing. YUM!
Mother Schuckers @ Pod Ski - I mean, five stars. Crabcakes, caesar salad, grilled shrimp tacos, oyster shooters. Done.
SOPA @ River’s Place - the best horchata I’ve ever had. Ever. And maybe their Birria Tacos too.
What else is new to Bend? My baby is 13 months old so I am just now coming up for air and looking around and wondering who all these people are. It’s been about two years since I was apart of the community in a bigger way than food- and work-related errands and truly, how fun is it to live here? There’s always so much change and growth around town! Yes, it can be a lot with all the construction but the silver lining is when they are finished. Bend also seems to attract a certain quality of people that all want to live well and thrive.
We hope to see you at the shop!
Cheers to our home,
Jacq, FOUNDer and Bendite
*This is NOT advice for people who are at-risk or sensitive