Interview with owner, Josh Sims You have a unique business that fills a niche here in Bend. Can you describe what you do? We are a service-based business that falls into two different categories: consignment and service & repair. The soul of the shop is to keep gear going while also providing the best items […]
Best of the Nest
New to town? New to parenting? In search of a date night, tutor or pediatrician? We’ve got you covered. In fact, we’ve got the best of the best! Local parents vote for their favorite businesses, from the most kid-friendly restaurant to the doc that makes the boo-boos better.
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R.A.D. Camps
Best Day Camp & Best Summer Camp
Interview with Owner, Chance Caruso With so many kids’ programs and day camps in Bend, what sets R.A.D. Camps apart from the rest? R.A.D. Camps has deep roots in Central Oregon and a philosophy that still feels rare: real free play in real places. We’ve been doing this since 2008, and instead of keeping kids […]
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Bend Veterinary Clinic
Best Veterinary Clinic
Interview with Dr. Byron Maas, Owner How long has Bend Veterinary Clinic been around? Was it difficult to gain clients’ trust in the beginning? Bend Veterinary Clinic has been around since 1964 but under the current independent ownership since 2007. When Dr. Maas took over, there was a great response from the community to establish […]
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Active Culture
Best Family Restaurant
Interview with Owner, Faye Wickland Active Culture, a family-owned and operated business, opened their doors in 2018 in Bend. This was their third location, after they opened the first two in Southern California; they just opened another location in Northern California. Owner, Faye Wickland fell in love with Bend on a visit and decided overnight […]
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Best of the Nest 2026
The votes are in and the winners are here!
Thanks to the hundreds of readers who cast their votes. We are proud to recognize the outstanding businesses that set the gold standard for serving families and children in our community. Cheers!
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Best of the Nest 2025
The votes are in and the winners are here!
The votes are tallied and the winners are here! Thanks to the hundreds of readers who voted. We are proud to announce the best businesses that deliver the gold standard to families and children in our community. Cheers! Click here to view the winners!
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Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play
Best Kids Yoga
Interview with Rachel Augustine, Co-Owner Will you tell us a little about your kids’ yoga program? Kids yoga has been at the heart of Free Spirit since we opened in 2019. As a mom, longtime yoga teacher and someone with a background in art and design, I created the program to help kids grow into […]
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Mudpies and Lullabies
Best Preschool
Interview with Alissa Guthrie, Co-Owner Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay in Bend for a long time. What is the history of the school? Yes, Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay of early childhood education in Bend for almost 30 years! Founded by Anne Williams on the belief that children learn best through […]
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Bend Parks and Recreation District
Best Youth Sports
Interview with Becky Rexford, BPRD Sports Program & Athletic Fields Manager With so many youth sports organizations in Bend, what sets BPRD apart from the rest? BPRD has been around since 1974 and has made great connections with many, many people in the community. The district has the benefit of being able to serve many […]
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BEAT Children’s Theatre
Best Youth Theatre
Interview with Bree Beal, Executive Director How long has BEAT been around? Was it difficult to gain a foothold in the community? BEAT Children’s Theatre started in 2006, so we are just about to kick off our 20th season! Our little nonprofit has been growing every year since its inception. We currently serve around 500-600 […]