Cover Story
Best of the Nest 2026
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!
The Gear Fix
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…
All the Buzz
Amazingly, Oregon is home to over 800 species of bees, a stunning figure that may surprise readers. Although most of those 800 are wild bees and not the ones we associate with honey production, all are native pollinators that play a huge role in keeping local ecosystems healthy by helping plants reproduce, which is crucial…
Eyes on the Sky
If you’re looking for a fun, family event, you need only look to the sky! The annual Balloons Over Bend is quickly approaching, with the festivities kicking off Friday, July 24 and concluding Sunday, July 26. “I think Balloons Over Bend is a magical event,” commented Julia Gilley, Event Director for Lay It Out Events.…
Dream Big
Monthly subscription kits for kids—with toys, crafts, science experiments, cooking and so much more—are all the rage these days, and for good reason. With supplies all bundled in one place and clear instructions on what to make or do, these convenient mail-to-your-doorstep boxes pack a ton of fun for a relatively affordable cost. Summer break…
Summer Swim Spots for a Cool Off
This summer, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or just a day at the beach, Central Oregon has no shortage of family-friendly locations, perfect for swimming, floating or boating with the whole crew. When it’s time to beat the heat, look no further than our own backyard. We have compiled a list of…
You are a Burst of Color
By Choi Sook-Hee. Translated by Jieun Kiaer and Sarah Kiaer What colors will you see today and what feelings will you discover in a rainbow? This is a dazzling picture book for the whole family. It’s filled with brilliant yellows, fiery reds, new blue, cozy brown and other brilliant colors. “Clear blue arrives once a storm…
Goldfinches
By Mary Oliver, Art by Melissa Sweet Do you hear the birds singing? Readers young and young-at-heart will feel like they are in nature while reading this poetry picture book. Discover a new poem filled with the wonder of birds, spring, summer, trees and nests. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver creates a unique perspective shown…
R.A.D. Camps
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…
Bend 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…
Active Culture
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…
The Season is Ripe
If you haven’t had a chance to take the kids berry picking yet, make sure to schedule some time this summer to start this family tradition. Few family outings combine fresh air, movement and sweet rewards like a fresh morning in the berry fields. Children of all ages love the treasure-hunt feeling of spotting ripe…
Bend Summer Festival Returns with New May Dates and a New Title Sponsor — Hixon Mortgage
Local favorite, Bend Summer Festival, is kicking off the 2026 season with a fresh new schedule and a new title sponsor. The 2026 Hixon Mortgage Bend Summer Festival returns to downtown Bend May 29–31 marking the event’s first-ever move to late May. The new dates set the scene for ideal early-summer weather which will better support…
Mt. Bachelor to Open Trailhead Lodge— Another reason to stay and play in Central Oregon
Mt. Bachelor, known for being one of the hottest winter ski and snowboard destinations in Oregon, will soon be in the lodging business. Come summertime the mountain transforms from snow to dirt creating an adventure lover’s playground. Visitors can glide through the sky on the Northwest’s fastest zipline, enjoy views from a chairlift ride up…
Expert Q&A with Dr. Cate Quas
My son is six years old and still sucks his thumb. We are working on helping him lose the habit, but it hasn’t been easy. Q: Will my son’s thumb sucking hurt his teeth long term? A: The short answer is: it depends on how long and with what intensity the habit has persisted and…
Editor’s Note, Summer 2026
Onward to summer! We have an exciting issue for you, including one of our favorite features: Best of the Nest. Read all about this year’s winners in a variety of categories and remember to support the local businesses that go that extra mile for Central Oregon families. Have you ever thought about trying your hand…
