Loving what you do and working hard at it are the keys to success. Thanks to our vibrant community of dedicated individuals and businesses who deliver top-notch services and products on the daily, raising a family in the high desert is a dreamy endeavor. This year, Nest followers rallied in great numbers to voice their […]
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.
Best Veterinarian: Pawtown Veterinary Care
BN: How long has Pawtown been in business? LS: We opened here two years ago, in March of 2022. We have really enjoyed watching the practice grow, while meeting a lot of new patients and families. We have a great support staff who are good friendly people enjoying what they do. BN: Does Pawtown offer […]
Best Children’s Therapist: Lark Song Counseling
BN: What types of therapy does Lark Song offer children? AT: Play therapy is often the best way to begin with young children, but we have different approaches for different ages. We tend to take a non-directive or child-centered approach, meaning that we discover how they will best be able to communicate in the therapeutic […]
Best Sports Physical Therapist: Denny Dragan, MS PT Redbird Physiocare
BN: You were voted Best Sports PT. What differentiates that type of physical therapy from others? DD: Most of the sports injuries we see come down to biomechanics, fine tuning what the athletes need to improve their sport. With regular PT, most people come in needing to get back to walking up and down stairs […]
Best Midwife: Kelsey Spanbauer, Engedi Wellness
BN: How long have you been practicing midwifery in Central Oregon? KS: I was born in Bend and I’ve been a midwife here for more than 13 years. BN: What can a woman expect on her first visit with you? KS: We start by discussing the mother’s vision for her birth experience. Our role can […]
Best Children’s Clothing Store: Hopscotch Kids
BN: What’s new and exciting at Hopscotch Kids this season? BB: We just expanded our store space, and we’ve revamped our website. Since we took over the space next door, we have more inventory and a greater selection, especially for baby essentials like car seats and strollers, plus travel and outdoor gear for parents and […]
Best of the Nest 2024
Submit your votes here! BEST of the Nest Ballot Categories BEST OF SHOPS & SERVICES Best Nonprofit Serving Children & Families Best Photographer for Children & Families Best Toy Store Best Children’s Consignment Store Best Children’s Clothing Store Best Family Law Practitioner BEST OF DINING Best Parents’ Date Night Best Grocery Store Best Family Take-Out […]
Best Arts Instruction: Let’s Paint
Sarah Swoffer has creativity in her DNA. In founding Let’s Paint, which offers art instruction to children, parents and everyone in between, Swoffer has been instrumental in helping her students explore their own artistry by nurturing creativity and confidence. Growing as an art teacher during her time with Westside Village Magnet School, she knew painting […]
Best Dance Studio: The Dance Connection Bend
There’s no such thing as a dancer without passion; they do it because they feel it in their bones and soul. Owners of The Dance Connection Bend, Amy Adams, Lauren DuBose and Paige Coduti, feel that emotion and pass it on to every student who enters the doors of their studio. “We believe that dance stretches […]
Best Learning Specialist/Tutor: Sylvan Learning of Bend
No two students learn the same way and it’s a huge mistake to assume they will. That’s one reason why Sylvan Learning has expanded so widely over the years. Audra-Marie Bohn, the director of Sylvan of Bend, explains: “Sylvan sets up individualized learning plans customized to each and every student, and we use expert teachers […]

