Bend, Oregon in the Winter: What To Do When You're Not Skiing
Located in the center of the state, tiny, little Bend, Oregon sure does make for a great tourist destination. Yes, it’s our (new) hometown, but we also love to play tourist here. Award-winning craft beer, excellent restaurants, and countless outdoor activities, there’s so much more here in the winter than just skiing.
And since we’re not skiers (gasp!), we have created a great list of things to do in the colder months when you’re not on the slopes.
BREAKFAST
We’re going to start this post out with a plug for another business of ours! Bend Breakfast Burrito, the perfect answer to your early morning alarm. Mt. Bachelor gets packed and traffic out there can be nightmarish. An early morning start is the only answer. And whether or not you have a kitchen where you’re staying, who wants to make breakfast during that ungodly hour. Order yourself (and your ski buddies) breakfast burritos, banana bread muffins, and hot coffee straight to your doorstep. Best part… Free Delivery within Bend!
AFTERNOON PICK ME UP
Depending on the day, you might be ready for a coffee or a beer. For coffee, there’s the beloved Backporch Coffee Roasters or Strictly Organic. But if it’s time for a beer, head to Bend Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, or 10 Barrel Brewing Co. If you’re also hungry, we suggest Worthy Taps & Tacos for great tacos. Get the Strata IPA!
DINNER SPOTS
After a day of skiing, you’re going to be hungry. For Mexican food, go to El Sancho. The pork carnitas, beef barbacoa, and fried shrimp tacos are always the right choice. For Thai food, go to Wild Rose Thai. Their Khao Soi Curry is as great as anything we had in Chiang Mai. Their food will warm you up from the inside out! McMenamins Old St. Francis School is another great spot for dinner. This old Catholic school turned restaurant, hotel, and theater is one of my favorite spots. The food is consistently good and their staff is consistently kind.
MOVIE TIME
Rest those legs and head to the movies. We love visiting the small theater at McMenamins in Downtown Bend. They play a mix of new and old movies and their prices are cheap ($8/adult for new movies, $5 for old movies, and less for kids). There are only about 80 seats, so I recommend reserving tickets through their app. The best is that you can order food and drinks to be served while the movie plays.
DAYS OFF
Taking a day off? Head out to Tumalo or Sisters to explore the town. Both are less than 30 minutes from Bend and have a great food truck scene and small shops and bakeries to peruse.
Maybe you want to continue to seek adventure, just not on the slopes. Head out to Smith Rock for some hiking or rock climbing. Enjoy Bend’s many sunny days in this beautiful state park. If it’s warmer, take a picnic (maybe subs from Beach Hut Deli?) and watch the rock climbers ascend the volcanic rock cliffs.
Have you visited Bend? What are your favorite things to do in winter there?
