Most parents can picture this scene: it’s dinner time, but instead of talking about the day, everyone is glued to a device. One child is watching videos, another insists on finishing a game, and your partner is scrolling through a social media feed. The constant buzz of screens has become the soundtrack of modern family […]
Unplug Together
Posted inBend Nest
Kitchen Hacks
The house is full of guests, and you’ve still got about a hundred things to do before getting the holiday meal on the table. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, we’ve got a solution. With a little planning, you can spend a peaceful day in the kitchen, then, when that special day arrives, pop […]
Posted inBend Nest
Walking Together
There was a time when I dreaded raising a middle-schooler—the eye-rolling, sarcasm and moodiness is like the “terrible twos,” but in a taller, more hormonal body. As a former elementary school teacher, I used to wonder why anyone would ever choose to become a middle school teacher, but now I understand. This is a special […]
Posted inBend Nest
Expert Q&A with Holly M. Milligan
Q: A friend’s toddler recently had a severe case of RSV with wheezing and difficulty breathing. Naturally, I’m concerned about my own children. Do you have any strategies for prevention? A: Yes, there are great ways to protect your family during respiratory syncytial virus season from October to March. RSV can simply present a nasty […]
Posted inBend Nest
“Smooch the Pooch” Offers Something Special to Readers
It’s always exciting to hear of a local author publishing a children’s book, and this occasion is no exception. The brainchild of Bend resident and university professor, Ed Jackiewicz, and recent Bend High graduate, Maris Findling, “Smooch the Super Pooch” is a touching story about the adoption of a dog from a local animal shelter. […]
Posted inBend Nest
New Super Sports Facility Breaks Ground in Bend
Jordan and Jacob Bailey are on a mission to build skills and confidence in Central Oregon youth, one sport at a time. Since 2021, they’ve owned the Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy. In addition, “Jacob runs action sports camps at all the local skate parks through Parks and Rec,” Jordan says. “He has done so for […]
Posted inBend Nest
Editor’s Note, Winter 2025
The nice thing about living in a growing community is that opportunity is everywhere. Local families often share how much they enjoy the family-friendly activities as well as the strong sense of connection here. As a bonus—there’s snow in the mountains! For many parents, though, the winter sports scene can be daunting. Life for my […]
Posted inLocal News
Holiday Guide 2025
Below are our featured stories, along with a digital version of our print Holiday Guide.
Posted inCulture Features
New Boutique Hotel in Old Post Office Now Accepting Reservations
The Westman Hotel is set to open in mid-December in the newly remodeled historic post office in downtown Bend. Reservations are being accepted starting Friday, Dec. 19. The high-end hotel has 23 rooms and suites on three floors ranging in price from $399 to $749 per night. At the top end are two-story lofts which […]
Posted inLocal News
Spreading Holiday Cheer
One of the best things about the holidays are traditions and Christmas carols are a tradition dating back to the medieval times of the 14th century. It’s believed the first carols were sung by Franciscan friars who stood in a circle, linking hands, singing together. Christmas carols have somehow survived through the centuries. According to […]