I Like the Snow by Sarah Nelson, illustrated by Rachel Oldfield Are you ready to make a snowman? And what is snow anyway? From the first winter flurries to catching snowflakes on your tongue and making snow angels, Nelson’s rhyming words take the reader on a snowy adventure. Whether you are playing in the snow or cozy […]
Bend Nest
Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
Editor’s Note
Moving into holiday mode, let’s remember how far we’ve come over the course of a year and be thankful. Last year, if you remember, the fear of COVID-19 prevented families from gathering in Oregon, but this year, most are gearing up for the holidays and the return of traditions. Travel is back on the table […]
Hockey Ace
Whether on or off the rink, local teen hockey players are demonstrating not only exceptional athletic ability, but also a commitment to personal growth and character development. One local organization helping young people with these goals is the Bend Bullets, whose name is an acronym for “Better Understanding Life Lessons and Expectations Through Sports.” Launched […]
Calendar
Mondays, Thursday-Sundays Toddler Open Play PLAY โ A wonderful way for kids to stay active and have fun! There are options for both little ones and older kids to enjoy a clean, bright and fully padded space. Add some fun-filled movement to the week! Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $12-$105 Freespiritbend.com/open-play Tuesdays […]
Traditions & Festivals
As soon as the season shifts, families across Central Oregon turn their attention to the upcoming holidaysโThanksgiving and Christmas in particular. While both holidays are beloved by many, there is a multitude of lesser-known vibrant celebrations that take place around the world during the colder months. Many of these festivals share a common theme of […]
Food Is Love
The holidays are a treasured time of gathering and appreciation for family and friends, often surrounded by food. In every culture and tradition, food is used to show love, feed a hungry soul or give thanks to how far we have come. The holidays and food simply go together! Here are some tips for “lessening […]
Senior Moments
“Inter-generational interaction is the best gift we can give, to the young and to the old.” That’s the advice of Central Oregon’s Council on Aging communications director Denise Labuda for anyone looking for a way to reach out this holiday season. “That inter-generational connection is hard to keep alive right now because of COVID,” she […]
Close to the Heart
This season, Bend Nest has a present for you! We’ve been searching near and far for the finest holiday gifts on offer this season. And, not surprisingly, we found them right here in our backyard. For unique, handmade items, made by Central Oregon artists and creators, look no further than these pages. We’ve curated our […]
Music Therapy
Dr. Debasish Mridha once said that “music can heal the wounds that medicine can’t touch.” If this is true, then music therapy can provide the healing balm to soothe a troubled soul. Many people have experienced better emotional well-being from their relationships with music. Instinctively we know how good it feels to listen to a […]
A Good Kind of Fire
Before modern civilization became inundated with distractions like television, internet and ways to fill the time, there was fire. Long after humanity, there will be fire. During the parched summer months, we know how dangerous the tiniest spark can be in Central Oregon. However, building and enjoying a fire is the best part of our frigid winters! In […]

