Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s January gloom and wool socks. The next you are staring down Feb. 14 wondering how to say, “I love you,” without resorting to a drugstore heart box that could have been bought anywhere by anyone at the last minute. This is where […]
Food & Drink
Paint & Sip
Sometimes you just want to hang out with your gal pals, sip a beverage of your choice and share a fun activity together. Wine & Paint nights are popping up all over town. It doesn’t matter if you can’t paint, that’s not the point. It’s a monthly event at the Winery at Manzanita in Bend. […]
Bingo, Bingo and Oh Yeah, Trivia!
Looking for a fun outing with friends that doesn’t involve screen time? How about some bingo?Playing bingo with friends and family combines anticipation and social connection in a way that makes it enjoyable for everyone. The rules of bingo are simple and straightforward. Large groups can relax and socialize while waiting for their numbers to […]
The Nihilist’s Guide to Drinking in 2026
The federal government’s new dietary guidelines arrived earlier this month, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has flipped the food pyramid on its head. Americans need to eat more beef! And mix more cheese, butter and whole milk into everything we eat. Interestingly, though, and enthusiastic drinkers, take heed: The recommendations regarding alcohol are […]
Après Ski Spots Around Town
In Central Oregon, après ski refers to more than winter happy hour deals rebranded with a French preposition and a cool accent. The post-mountain libations, slurped early and fervently, indicate a lifestyle shift that the wisest among us make each winter. During these dark months, outdoor activities are best staged just before the sun comes […]
Where to Watch Your Favorite Teams in Action
So where’s the best bar/brewery/food cart lot in Central Oregon to watch your favorite televised sporting events? There are so many that it’s like asking where’s the best place to go for a hike, bike ride, float, swim, ski, snowshoe, well, you get the idea. It’s no secret that Central Oregon has a plethora of […]
A Pop-Up Persian Evening
A pop-up dinner will whisk you away to another country as Hoss Talebi hosts another one of his Persian nights. He’s occasionally offered the event over the past two years. Talebi, who owns Dogs and Fries at the Bend Airport, says he started the pop-up dinners after receiving requests. He was born in Iran, where […]
Not Just Another Taco
As a Latina who eats a lot of Mexican food, to say that I love tacos is an understatement. To say that Taco Tuesday is my favorite day of the week is also a huge understatement. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I start thinking about what type of tacos I’m going […]
Wild Ride Wields Wasabi for PorterMania
When Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond created the inaugural PorterMania — a celebration of dark, roasty, seasonally-appropriate ales — in 2018, Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter was just catching on en route to it being a flagship brand today. “The interest and hope was to put on a unique but exciting beer festival that could […]
All Good Things Are Wild and Free
I’m not a food expert. Perhaps I’m not supposed to admit that, but I’m not an amazing chef, and my kitchen experience would be generously described as limited. One thing I am good at, however, is sharing my experiences with others and trying to get them excited to explore things they otherwise wouldn’t. I love, […]

