For the past 10 years or so, the watchword for Central Oregon beer has been “expansion.” It’s a trend that continues apace, although it’s perhaps not so noticeable at the moment because not as many new breweries are opening. But our existing breweries are expanding like there’s no tomorrow. So it goes, as well, for […]
Pacific Northwest
Best Vegetarian
Most menus in Bend provide ample options for vegetarians on the hunt for a meatless meal – so in that way, the best vegetarian category has some meaty competition. Still, it’s Laughing Planet that came out, well, laughing. Their well-designed menu makes it easy to decipher which plates are veg-friendly. Meat is by no means […]
Best Gift Store
For a small space, ju-bee-lee is a big storeโnot necessarily in size, but in variety, quality and heart. The little shop opened up in April of 2013 and has quickly established itself as a favorite around town. However you came to hear about it, you’re sure to find something to fawn over inside. When you […]
Honoring History with Art
On July 30, McMenamins Old St. Francis School celebrated its recent expansion, which more than doubled its number of rooms. Through the use of distinct design elements and artistic applications, the iconic lodging and entertainment venue showed its commitment to historic preservation when it unveiled two new buildings aptly named the Education House and the […]
Best Mexican
This year’s Best Mexican is an ace up the sleeve, for sure. If you don’t know El Rancho Grande, you should. It’s in the Cascade Village Shopping Center across from the water fountain. You can’t miss it because there’s a giant bucking bull out front. That’s Diablo, their mascot. The dining room is lined with […]
Best Home Decor
Lark: n. A merry, carefree adventure; frolic; escapade. That description was the inspiration behind owner Karen Letourneau and general manager Jessica Pollard’s decision to open a companion shop to their popular Lone Crow Bungalow store. Mimicking the carefree adventure that Bend embodies, Lark opened less than a year ago with the goal of offering home […]
Best Blog
If you’re new to town and looking to discover how things work around here, Living the Bend Life is the perfect blog. It features walkthroughs of Munch and Music, Bite of Bend, art exhibitions and tons more from the eyes of someone experiencing Bend’s local scene for the first time. LtBL creator Brenda Menzel and […]
Best Instagram Selfie Spot
Teenage girls, Instagram celebs and Ellen DeGeneres know the rules for taking the perfect selfie: get a good amount of natural light; chin down, lips pouted; and pick a memorable location for the background. Here in Bend, there is no end of beautiful spots that make for great selfies, but Bendites at the top of […]
Best Children’s Clothing Store
Hopscotch Kids’ owner Bridget Swetland has been in the children’s clothing business for a long time. She ran a children’s clothing store in Klamath Falls named Bella Bella for a decade before moving to Bend in 2012 and opening Hopscotch in 2013. The clothing at Hopscotch runs the gamut from babies to kiddos, with books, […]
General Excitement
In case you haven’t seen it, Buster Keaton’s “The General” is one of the greatest movies ever made. No hyperbole needed or used: the movie is the pinnacle of the silent film era, combining some of the most jaw-dropping stunts and hilarious physical comedy ever captured on celluloid. To see a screening of “The General” […]

