Source Weekly

It’s time to settle the score. Oregon’s IPAs are better than California’s, we’re pretty sure. But to prove it, you’re going to need to get scientific. You’re going to need a bunch of friends, a bunch of beers and our handy judging guide below to help you seal the deal in Oregon’s favor.

Live in Bend long enough and someone’s bound to ask you to go disc golfing. But there’s more to it than just getting out and throwing a Frisbee. We recommend going with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Avid disc golfers go out with as many discs in their bag as a regular golfer has clubs. Seven to 20 discs would seem to be the standard for the serious disc golfer. There are discs that curve, discs for distance and discs to putt with—just like regular golf.

Summer evenings call for casual gatherings, and a low-fuss chili cook-off is just the thing for a mid-July Saturday night of friendly competition and good eats.
You supply the drinks and chili toppings. Friends and family show off mad culinary skills with their top-secret recipes. Everyone participates in the sampling, judging and smack talking.
Chili dishes vary wildly, from fiery Tex-Mex to savory Cincinnati-style, with beans that can be white, black or red. Encourage your guests to get creative. For instance, most chilis are tomato-based, but green chili dishes often feature tomatillos as the star ingredient. Be sure a few chili offerings are meatless, ‘cause there’s a lot of herbivores around here.

Where can you feel infinitely small yet universally connected? The best place is under a vast night sky of stars. Thanks to Bend’s minimal light pollution, Central Oregon offers some of the best stargazing on the planet and your summer won’t feel complete without some.
When and where to go:
Find moonlight-free nights by checking on the moon’s phases and setting times in a guide like the 2012 Farmer’s Almanac www.almanac.com/moon.

You’ve survived your epic summer and it’s time to celebrate. It’s the excuse you’ve been looking for to bring all your mountain bike friends together with your drinking buddies, your mom’s group together with your book club, and your work friends with your zany college roommates.
Basically, what you want to do here is offer up some great food and some great music. Add booze and, voila, epic party at your place.