Tag: bend

The 12 Ways of Glamping

Everyone has their own ways to kick off the fun of the holidays, but our preferred method is through glamping! Here are 12 places to consider for a holiday season glamp.

1. Bend, Oregon: Book a glamping cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to start. Bend is great for outdoor winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You can ice skate at The Pavillion, which even has night skating, or for foodie fun, visit The Podski, which offers a variety of local food trucks and live music.

2. Mt. Hood, Oregon: Another great Pacific Northwest location for snow fun. Of course, a tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect spot to stay when exploring the great outdoors in Mt. Hood. Don’t miss the historic Timberline Lodge and the iconic Mt. Hood Skibowl, which is great for night skiing.

3. Nashville, Tennessee: The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is a perfect home base for exploring the sights and sounds of Nashville and the surrounding area. For holiday lights, check out the 10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Gardens or Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo. For an all-out holiday extravaganza head to Gaylord Opryland to experience Christmas at Gaylord Opryland with all kinds of festivities, light displays, ice carvings, holiday treats, gingerbread competitions and more.

Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

4. Orlando, Florida: The colorful cottages at Encore Tropical Palms are the glamping accommodation to book when planning a trip to the Orlando area during the holiday season. The Magic Kingdom holiday events include EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (through December 30) while Universal Orlando has Christmas at Hogwarts and Celebrate Grinchmas, and of course all the local downtown areas including Kissimmee and St. Cloud will have festive lights, holiday décor and a variety of holiday events.

5. Palm Springs, California: How about a desert holiday countdown? A sunny cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert puts you in perfect proximity to enjoy the special Holiday Market which is part of the regular Thursday evening VillageFest, Wildlights at the Living Desert (through December 30) and Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum that will feature 60 tons of real snow, plus Santa and hot cocoa and is scheduled for December 20-22.

6. Monterey, California: A cool yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort can host you during a holiday getaway to explore California’s Monterey Bay area. Holiday events include Christmas on the Wharf, which runs weekends through December 22 and Ice Skating on the Bay, which features an outdoor ice rink open through January 5.

7. Key West, Florida: Spend several days ringing in the holidays in the sunny Florida Keys and consider these events to get you in the spirit: The Key West Artisan Market (December 15, 22 and 29); the Key West Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours (evenings through December 23); the Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat parade on Big Pine Key (December 13) and Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade on Marathon (December 14). Take your pick from a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Encore Fiesta Key

8. Lake Tahoe, California: Head to Tahoe Valley Campground and rent a glamping cottage or cabin to enjoy the events at this gorgeous location which include the Northern Lights Festival at Incline Village (through December 25) and the spectacular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe where skiers illuminate the ski hill with torches followed by the arrival of Santa and his elves.

9. San Diego, California: If holiday parades are your things, consider a getaway to San Diego which has at least 5 different holiday-themed parades running through December including the Gaslamp Pet Parade (December 14) and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (December 27). Holiday light shows include the All that Jazz Light Show Spectacular on Coronado Island (through January 5) and the Old Town Trolley Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, which runs through December (note: does not run on December 24 and 25). For your accommodation, Thousand Trails Pio Pico in Jamul has you covered with cabins and cottages!

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

10. Miami, Florida: Choose from a variety of glamping accommodations at Encore Miami Everglades and take in the holiday events planned in the area. Night at the Garden, which runs through January 2025, is a neon wonderland at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden while Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, is billed as a “Candyland-inspired spectacle” that features thousands of lights, amusement rides and several immersive installations that promise to provide the perfect backdrop for a photo (through January 5); and Zoo Lights Miami which runs through December 30.

11. Dallas, Texas: Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing to be near the holiday fun in the Big D which includes the “12 Days of Christmas” exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Dallas Zoo Lights (through January 4) and SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas which is winter wonderland of 20 different holiday-themed rooms, including a 1970s Christmas-themed RV.

Bay Landing RV Campground
Thousand Trails Bay Landing Cabins

12. Yosemite National Park: In addition to the beautiful scenery and the outdoor activity, Yosemite National Park also offers several holiday events including a Gingerbread Workshop (book soon; this event sells out fast) on December 21 or December 23 or ice skating at the Curry Village Rink, with great views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. If you still have gifts to buy, consider something from the Ansel Adams Gallery which offers several gift collections. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you’re less than 15 minutes from the Park’s entrance.

Read More:

Enjoy Nature’s Paradise in These Outdoor Towns

It’s summer and everyone’s Summer Bucket List likely includes a host of activities to do outside. Why not add a visit to one of these “Best Outdoor Towns” to your list this summer to maximize outdoor fun. These towns were included on the list of thediscoverer.com’s “9 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.”

Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, California: From an outdoor standpoint, isn’t most of California the best outdoor space? According to thediscoverer.com, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best thanks to the breathtaking scenery and the mountain and lake activities to enjoy here. From a biking standpoint, there are paved trails for road biking as well as a bit rougher terrain for the mountain biking enthusiast. Take a dip in Horseshoe Lake if you want to swim or try your hand at stand-up paddling here, a favorite spot for those that enjoy this way to take on the water. Other ways to explore this beautiful portion of the Sierra Nevada Range include horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking. Check out visitmammoth.com for specifics as well as trip planner guides and maps. The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is set for August 1-4 featuring blues music and craft breweries.

Book a glamping yurt, bunkhouse, cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes to explore stunning Mammoth Lakes this summer.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

Bend, Oregon: Bend is one of those four-season towns when it comes to the outdoors as there is always something to do outside here from skiing in winter to whitewater rafting in summer. One fun thing to do here in summer is to float the Deschutes River in a colorful innertube, a must for its perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Other fun on the Deschutes can include paddleboarding, kayaking, and the afore-mentioned thrilling whitewater rafting. If you’re looking for something unique, take the drive from Bend to Tamolitch Falls (about an hour) to see the Blue Pool. Once you’re here, it’s about a 2.5-mile easy hike on the Tamolitch Pool Trail to reach the unique turquoise waters. There’s also the Bend Ale Trail (bendaletrail.com) and the Bend Summer Festival, featuring live music, food and artisans, is set for July 13-14, for summer fun outdoors!

Book a cottage, cabin or yurt glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to enjoy Bend in summer.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington: Another four-season town thanks to the mountains and lakes here, a visit to Leavenworth should always include “outdoor time.” The bonus is that the quaint Bavarian-style town will make you feel like you’re having a European vacation! The Wenatchee River is one of the draws here with opportunities to paddleboard, whitewater raft and fish. Hiking options include Icicle Gorge Trail (4 miles) or the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offering 600 miles of trails. For a unique way to see the scenery, consider Leavenworth Ziplines (leavenworthziplines.com). You might also check out Village Art in the Park, a three-day vibrant outdoor art market held every weekend through mid-October.

Book one of the charming tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to explore this beautiful mountain town in summer.

Read More:

The Ultimate Guide to Pet Friendly Vacation and Glamping Destinations

Speaking of happy places, if you’re a pet lover, then any place you can travel with your pets has to be a happy place. Here are a few ways you can bring the pup(s) along, glamp, and have the freedom to let them tag along at these dog friendly places.

Cottage at Tall Chief Campground
Cottage at Tall Chief Campground

Seattle, Washington: The pet-friendly cottage at Tall Chief sleeps four humans and is the perfect glamping spot to host a getaway with your pet. Dog-friendly outings when heading into Seattle can include the Washington Arboretum; Gas Works Park, a lovely grassy park built on the site of a former gas works plant that offers paved walking paths and great views of Lake Union; and leashed dogs are welcome to explore the iconic Pike Place Market. Several breweries welcome dogs too including Fremont Brewing and Outer Planet Brewing.

Cabin at Lake George Escape
Cabin at Lake George Escape

Lake George, New York: Our Lake George Escape resort is extremely pet-friendly as all of the glamping accommodations welcome pets. Once you settle in, get ready for an Adirondack adventure with your furry friend. Don’t miss all the opportunities to explore Lake George with your pup in tow – from a brewery (Bolton Landing Brewing Company) or a winery/cidery (Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery) to a hike with views of the Hudson River (Hudson River Park) and a sunset cruise on Lake George (Lake George Waterfront Cruises).

Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt
Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt

Bend, Oregon: Choose from a pet-friendly cabin, cottage, or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver and explore “the outdoor playground of the West” on four legs or two! Most of the Deschutes National Forest is dog-friendly. The North Fork Trail is shady thanks to all the Douglas firs and offers a shorter 4-mile loop as well as a 6.7-mile loop. Of course, you’ll find the Bend Ale Trail here – because Bend is also known as “Beer Town USA” and most of the breweries along the trail welcome pets. If you’re up for shopping for new gear for you and your pet, check out the Patagonia store in Bend which welcomes pets and has some good gear for them (and you), too!

Carmel, California: Carmel is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in California so it’s no wonder dog-lovers and everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, kept a beach house here for over 40 years. Rent the pet-friendly cottage at Marina Dunes and see what makes Carmel so dog-gone pet-friendly. Sip and stroll with your pet and enjoy some of the offerings from the Carmel-By-the-Sea Wine Walk which has plenty of pet-friendly tasting rooms or take to the sugary sand at Carmel Beach, which welcomes dogs. After beach time, check out the Fountain of Woof in Carmel Plaza and let your pet drink from the fountain for good and you can explore the shops here, too! Also, most restaurants that have patio seating welcome dogs as well.

Read More:

Best Destinations for November Getaways

While some people’s plans for November travel involves an “over the river and through the woods” kind of journey, others are seeking out destinations to round out a year of adventure. Roamingtheusa.com, a travel site that bills itself as “the unofficial guide to America,” created a list of great destinations for November travel and luckily, we have glamping accommodations nearby to most! Based on weather, things to do, and holiday events, roamingusa.com, suggests the following:

Bend, Oregon: One reason Bend made the list is that the typical crowds of summer have all but disappeared come November.If you’re early in the month, you might still catch the last of the fall foliage color show. But, if the leaves are gone, the outdoor adventures are still here. Bend is great for hiking! Hike Tumalo Falls or check out the views at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint. The Bend Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 4, and for last-minute unique gifts, check out The Happy Campers Last-Minute Shopping Event featuring locally made gifts from pottery to jewelry. For your glamping consideration, try a yurt or cabin at Bend-Sunriver.

Cabin at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
Cabin at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Key West, Florida: The waters are warm, the daytime temps range between 74 and 80 degrees, and there’s plenty to do in November here. November 12 promises to be a day of fun at the MOTE Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest (on Islamorada) that will feature touch tanks, animal experiences, live music, food, games, and other fun. Another great November event is The Big Pine and Lower Keys Island Art Festival, set for November 26. Of course, all the Keys have their own special island magic to offer so book a tiny house stay at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a waterfront colorful cottage at Fiesta Key and explore them all. Snorkel, stand-up paddle, take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, enjoy quirky Key West, the beauty of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or just soak up the sun on the beach at Sunshine Key.

Palm Springs, California: Palm Springs in November couldn’t be more perfect when it comes to weather – average rainfall is zero and the average daytime temperature a sunny 79 degrees with evening temps falling to a still-pleasant mid-60s. So, it’s no wonder there are plenty of special events planned during this time of year. For starters, there’s Village Fest, a regularly scheduled Thursday night street fair in downtown Palm Springs that features shopping, dining, and live music opportunities. Magic Lights of Coachella Valley, a drive-through holiday-themed light display, begins November 18 and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens hosts their amazing holiday lights display beginning November 23. Other things not to be missed in the area include hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Book a colorful cottage at Palm Springs in Palm Desert to be in the swing of all things Palm Springs.

Cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort
Cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort

San Antonio, Texas: Weather-wise, San Antonio enjoys daytime highs of 74 degrees in November, so that’s one reason to head to this Texas treasure. Things to do here include exploring the amazing River Walk, where you can shop, eat, and just enjoy walking along the river. There’s also the historic Alamo as well as several other missions you can tour, including Mission San Jose. Special events can include the Wurstfest, in nearby New Braunfels, which runs through November 13 and pays tribute to the area’s German culture, the Ford Holiday River Parade, scheduled for November 25, and underground caroling at Natural Bridge Caverns. Reserve a glamping cabin at Medina Lake to be near all the fun in San Antonio.

For a full list of roamingtheusa.com’s suggested November travel destinations, visit roamingtheusa.com and then visit petiteretreats.com to find the perfect glamping accommodation to go along with your November adventure.

Read More:

8 Great Trails for National Bike Month

Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month was established in 1956 to highlight the benefits of bicycling and to get Americans outdoors and riding high on two wheels. Some of the benefits of bicycling include increased cardiovascular fitness, strengthened bones, improved posture and coordination, and decreased stress levels.

So, while a bike ride is great anytime, May is the designated month to roll out your bicycle and see where it will take you. If you’re lucky enough to be camping anytime this month, check out these trails. Or anytime you’re out and about atop two wheels.

Sedona (AZ)
Ride among the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on the Bell Rock Pathway, an easy 3.7-mile hard dirt trail. The grand prize on this ride is the view of Bell Rock, one of the most photographed spots in the country and also one of Sedona’s natural healing vortexes. Book a stay in a cabin or tiny house at beautiful Verde Valley and bike the Bell Rock Pathway as well as several others in this gorgeous valley.

Santa Barbara (CA)
The Atascadero Creek Trail is a 3.5-mile asphalt trail that begins in Goleta State Beach Park and takes riders to the center of beautiful Santa Barbara. Rent one of the unique accommodations (cabin, cottage, or tipi) at Rancho Oso and enjoy this lovely ride.

Rancho Oso Cabin
Rancho Oso Cabin

Orlando (FL)
The bike ride at Shingle Creek Regional Trail is just as magical as a day spent at the Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Glimpse some of Florida’s wildlife, including river otters, egrets, and Great Blue herons as you ride along this 8-plus-mile nature trail set amid cypress trees. Plan a colorful cottage stay at Tropical Palms and hit this beautiful trail.

Exeter (NH)
Just under 20 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village is Henderson-Swasey Town Forest which offers several mountain-biking trails, with almost all of them designated as “easy” and highly rated by users. Glimpses of wildlife and scenic forest views provide for a beautiful, natural ride! Book a tiny house and enjoy the ride.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Lake George (NY)
The Warren County Bikeway makes for a lovely paved 9-mile ride through this lovely upstate New York location. Ride among the towering trees and foliage and learn about the history of the area from the historical markers along the way. Plan a stay at Lake George Escape and tool your way around the historic Lake George area.

Bend (OR)
Book a stay in a relaxing yurt at Bend-Sunriver and enjoy one of the trails offered at nearby Shevlin Park. One trail runs along the waters of Tumalo Creek while another 6-mile Loop Trail runs through old growth Ponderosa pine, has a few hills and crosses Tumalo Creek several times.

Leavenworth (WA)
There are plenty of bike trails in and around the Leavenworth area if you’re planning a stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village. The Apple Capital Recreation Loop is a 10-mile round trip, paved loop along the both the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. Another fun way to explore Leavenworth atop a bike is to take one of the Bavarian E-Bike tours offered. For more info on this unique adventure, visit chm.ee2.myftpupload.com.

Cabins at Arrowhead RV Campground
Cabins at Arrowhead RV Campground

Mirror Lake State Park (WI)
This picturesque Wisconsin state park with sandstone bluffs offers five different bike trails including Pinecone Pass (0.4 miles); the Turtleville Trail (2.5 miles); and the three-mile Fern Dell Trail. Mirror Lake State Park is just 20 miles from great cabin, cottage, and vacation rentals at Arrowhead RV Campground.

Read More:

Cheers to National Lager Day

Friends toasting with beer glasses in the brewery.

Did you know the third most widely consumed beverage in the world is beer? With water and tea being number one and two, respectively, beer comes in at number three most likely due to the fact that cultures around the world have their own version of their favorite brew. December 10 is National Lager Day so why not raise a glass of lager and toast this popular drink? If you’re planning to continue to celebrate National Lager Day well past the December date, consider these popular lagers when you’re on the road to your next outdoor adventure.

BTW – what makes a lager different from other beers, you ask? Becoming a lager is all about the bottom-fermenting technique and using younger hops, a main ingredient in beer. Also, lager yeast can withstand lower temperatures, unlike ale yeasts, and that is where it gets its name. Lager comes from the German word “lagern” which means to store and lager is in cold storage while it ages. Some examples of lagers include Corona, Budweiser, and Miller Lite. We came up with a round of lagers from some of the smaller U.S. brewers conveniently located near our great Petite Retreat accommodations.

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, WI.

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, Wisconsin: Check out the Two Women lager at this Wisconsin brewery in the Swiss-style village of New Glarus. This lager is aptly named because it is the result of a collaboration between two craft breweries both run by women. Book a cozy cabin or a cottage at Yukon Trails and visit New Glarus to sample Two Women as well as the other brews made here, including the pretty popular Spotted Cow. Forget about the beer that “made Milwaukee famous” – New Glarus and Yukon Trails is where it’s at!

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR.

Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon: The perfect tasting trip could combine a tiny home accommodation at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and a visit to Deschutes Brewery in nearby Bend. Deschutes has been craft brewing since 1988 and has two really great lagers in their repertoire of beer – Pacific Wonderland and Rip City Lager, whose interesting name has ties to the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team. Want to be even closer to the brewery? Try staying in a yurt or snug cabin at Bend-Sunriver.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville, PA.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville, Pennsylvania: Reputed to be America’s Oldest Brewery, Yuengling (pronounced ying-ling) offers a traditional amber lager that comes in in a “light” version as well for those watching their waists! Plan a stay at Appalachian RV Campground in a cozy cabin or cottage and head to Pottsville to explore Yuengling’s brewing facilities, which features hand dug caves for fermenting. It’s just about a 25-minute drive through the lovely Pennsylvania Dutch countryside from the campground.

Doghaus Brewery, Leavenworth, Washington: Proving you don’t have to be big to be good, Doghaus Brewery bills itself as a nano-craft brewery with a micro-sized taproom, but nevertheless offers the German Pointer Lager (get the dog reference?). Based on an original blue-ribbon recipe, this one is described as a helles lager, helles being German for “pale in color.” That’s it for this small brewery when it comes to lagers, but they also offer IPAs, stouts, and ales. This is a good place to visit because the Leavenworth Tiny House Village is just 30 minutes away and who wouldn’t want to enjoy some beer in this beautiful spot in the Pacific Northwest?

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA.

If you are looking for a craft brewery near your favorite Petite Retreat, visit www.craftbeer.com for a listing of breweries across the country. Cheers!

Read More:

Five Things to Do In… Bend, Oregon

Yurts at Bend-Sunriver in Bend, Oregon.

According to an article in The Oregonian, Bend ranked 4th in the US as a vacation rental hotspot, based on a 2019 survey. The top three spots went to Florida locations. So, what makes Bend, a small city in Central Oregon, rank fourth on a list headed by some real hot spots? We’ve come up with just five reasons, but there are plenty more to be there now when it comes to Bend.

  1. Spelunking and Caving: First off, spelunking is just a fancy word for exploring caves, of which the area has plenty. There are said to be 400 lava tubes in the area and Wanderlust Tours (wanderlusttours.com) offers a great way to see the ones that are accessible. You can also choose to explore on your own – check out Hidden Forest Cave, Boyd Cave, or Redmond Caves, which has five different lava tubes to explore.
  2. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint: For more lava fun, head to Pilot Butte, which is actually the lava dome of an extinct volcano, rising 500 feet above the surrounding plains. A nice little trail provides access to the dome, which offers an amazing panoramic view of the snow-capped Cascades.
  3. Tumalo Falls: From June to October, the 90+-foot waterfall is the star of the show in Deschutes National Forest. Hike a seven mile loop trail and you’ll find the viewing platform, which provides the perfect spot for great photo ops. (Do it for the ‘gram.) Further up the trail, Middle Tumalo Falls, a two-tiered cascade is pretty spectacular, as well.
  4. Floating on the Deschutes River: The Deschutes River can easily be considered the biggest playground in Bend from May to September. On any given day, you’ll find kayakers, tubers, paddlers and floaters enjoying the scenery along the river. Floating is just one way to explore and enjoy the Deschutes. Check out visitbend.com to see how you can all float on!

    Floating on the Deschutes River.
  5. Bend Ale Trail: Is the Pacific Northwest really the birthplace of craft breweries? Maybe, maybe not, but one way to find out the history and enjoy the results of the craft beer craze is the Bend Ale Trail. There are several ways to explore the trail including by bike, trolley and tour bus. Choose one, drink responsibly, and say cheers to the innovation of Bend’s craft brewers. You’ll soon discover why Bend has been referred to as “Beer Town USA” and “Beervana.”

    Enjoy Craft Beer in “Beer Town USA.”

While exploring the natural beauty of Bend and eating or drinking your way through their exciting culinary and craft brewery scene, relax a bit in one of our yurts or cabins at Bend-Sunriver. It’ll make your visit even more photoworthy!

Cabins at Bend-Sunriver in Bend, Oregon.

Go Big in Bend

Kayaking • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Bend, Oregon is one big playground regardless of the season. But come summer, Bend is bursting with things to do under the sunny skies of the Pacific Northwest. There are all kinds of adventures to be had from rustic to urban, and from relaxing to exhilarating. There is music, art, a rodeo, theater, fishing, hiking, and the list goes on and on. No matter what your fancy, you’ll find something to tickle it when you visit Bend.

Fishing opportunities in Bend are about as abundant as the fish you can catch when you cast your line here. Consider fly fishing, and if you’re new to this sport, River Borne Outfitters offers a 2.5-hour class that covers the basics regarding terminology, casting, and knot tying. If you feel like you’re beyond beginner but still need some fishing tips, they also offer a 6-hour course that has you fishing the Crooked River. Check out www.riverborneoutfitters.com for more information.

Fishing • Deschutes River

Of course, if you’re a seasoned fisherman, just head down to the Lower Deschutes River which is one of the most popular and prolific places to fish in Oregon. Statistics show that more than 3,500 trout run per mile of water in this area. Make sure to obey all the state rules and regulations, and that you have a license to fish. For licensing information, visit www.odfw.com.

If you prefer dry land to water, and art to fishing, then the Roundabout Art Route might be of interest to you. The Roundabout Art Route is a collection of 20 pieces of art that are on display throughout the city. Stop by the Bend Visitor Center to pick up a map, then get rolling on your art adventure. The name of the route should give you a hint as to where the art installations are located, but we are going to give away the secret. Just head into downtown Bend and get ready to glimpse a bronze logger, a bronze grizzly, the Sunrise Spirit Column, and the High Desert Spiral, which at 39 feet is the tallest public art sculpture in Bend, to name a few.

Take a hike up Pilot Butte and you’re guaranteed a breathtaking vista no matter which of the three trails you choose. Pilot Butte is visible from downtown Bend and is a 500-foot high lava dome created from an extinct volcano. Visit www.oregonstateparks.org for information about the state park and the trails.

Cabin • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Tour-wise, there’s plenty of ways to see Bend while eating and drinking some of the city’s offerings. There is the Bend Ale Trail, which offers a do-it-yourself way to visit Bend’s 18 breweries at your leisure. If you want someone else to do the heavy lifting when it comes to touring the breweries, check out the offerings of The Bend Tour Company, which not only offers a craft beer, wine and spirit tasting tour, but also other adventure tours such as an arts and cultural tour of Bend, and a stunning Cascade Sunset tour. Check out what they offer at www.thebendtourcompany.com.

Special summer events in Bend include the Bend Summer Festival, July 12th-14th that will feature food, music, an art fair, and plenty of family fun. July 26th-28th brings Balloons Over Bend to the city as hot air balloon fun takes center stage. Help celebrate a milestone at the 100th Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo scheduled for July 31st-August 4th. This year’s theme is “100 Years of Fun Since Day One.” Bend Brewfest is scheduled for August 15th-17th and features craft brewers, wineries, and cideries set on the banks of the Deschutes River.

Sunset • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Of course, when the day’s fun is done, you’ll need a place to bunk in until the next adventure, so consider adding to the experience by staying in a yurt, cabin, or cottage at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground. Situated on the banks of the Little Deschutes River, this 283-acre campground has plenty of onsite fun including fishing opportunities, swimming, pickleball, tennis, and mini-golf.

Plan your time to Go Big in Bend, visit www.RVontheGo.com and reserve your stay today!

The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest

The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest
The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest

There are some destinations that no matter the time of year, are the ideal vacation spot. A perfect example of a year-round getaway destination is the Pacific Northwest. The mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean are what make this region one of the most beautiful. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, Mother Nature is always at her best here from summer sun to winter snows.

As far back as 1928, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Skibowl was a major draw. As one of the oldest remaining ski resorts in the country, the Mt. Hood Skibowl continues to draw snow sport enthusiasts thanks to its offerings that include 65 total runs over 960 acres of terrain. Snow lovers can day and night ski, snowboard, and snow tube as well as enjoy special events such as visits from Santa Claus and a New Year’s Eve party complete with fireworks. For information visit www.skibowl.com.

The Mt. Hood Skibowl is less than 20 minutes from Mt. Hood Village RV Resort.

Mt Hood Village RV Resort
Mt Hood Village RV Resort

Another must-see in the area is Timberline Lodge, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. A visit here offers a history lesson as well as snow sports fun. The historic lodge was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1936 and 1938 and was ultimately dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt created the WPA as part of his New Deal program to put people to work during the Great Depression. The Lodge and its views alone are worth the visit, but the skiing is the real draw for visitors. Timberline boasts 3,960 vertical feet, which is said to be more than any other ski location in the Pacific Northwest. Holiday events include a Christmas Tree Lighting on December 14 and a New Year’s Eve party on December 31. Visit timberlinelodge.com for more information.  

Snow is big in Bend, Oregon. According to visitbend.com, the mountains surrounding Bend get an average of thirty feet of snow per year. That’s plenty of the powdery stuff in which to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, snow hike, snow bike and simply frolic.

One interesting way to enjoy the snow is a Sled Dog Ride from Oregon Trail of Dreams.  A truly unique experience where you can sit back and let the dogs, and of course the human team, do all the work.

Skiing in Bend, OR
Skiing in Bend, OR

Another fun way to appreciate all the snow is at the Snowblast Tubing Park at Mt. Bachelor where you can glide down the slow with little effort on your part – just hang on to the tube handles and enjoy the ride. Or, consider a guided snowshoe tour where you can learn about the geology of the area as well as the plants and animals of Central Oregon. Visit mtbachelor.com for more information.

Downtown Bend will host special holiday events including the Bend Christmas Parade on December 1 and the Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade on December 14, where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are decorated for a holiday parade on the Deschutes River. Any place that is so big on snow has to celebrate it and you can enjoy all the fun at the Oregon Winterfest, set for February 15-17, 2019 in Bend. This three-day party will include music, food, drinks, ice sculpting competitions, and more winter fun.

Mt. Bachelor is less than 30 minutes from the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground.