After 20 years of operating one of Bend’s most prominent guiding companies out of a building in their backyard, Wanderlust’s owners are finally opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Bend. We recently sat down with Dave Nissan to talk about the tourism industry in Bend, the path to now and a few stories about the company’s […]
Section Feature
Identity Theft
Holy Motors is the reason I go to movies. Once in a while I see something this extraordinary that captures everything I want from a flick: surrealism, dreamlike sequences, a “what’s next” attitude, conflict, pathos, smatterings of violence, supremely dark humor, a ton of images to make one ponder the universe along with insanely great […]
Better Late than Never
No genre of music ever actually dies—though disco came pretty close. Instead, genres like swing, folk and disco trail off into near obscurity. Only genre heavyweights, diehard fans, and late-coming new artists are left to keep it on life support until a resurgence can be forged. Look no further than the hyper comeback of bluegrass […]
Homemade Gourmet
It's a tough task, finding an appropriate gift for everyone. Friends, family, relatives, coworkers, teachers, the mail carrier. Here are three things I try to remember: Less is more: Dark chocolate with a handwritten note is much more meaningful than a store-bought card stuck to a $40 waffle iron that will rarely get used. It […]
Respect the Ink
WHY’D YOU GET THAT? The reason people get tattoos is unique to them and doesn’t require explanation to every passerby. So, go easy on the 20 questions. Remember that people with tats have probably been asked about them dozens of times before. Greg Mikkelson, got his first tattoo five years ago, has one on his […]
Little Bites: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Carts Club
Central Oregon winter has officially arrived. Bachelor is open, Jubelale is on the shelves, and I had to scrape a thick layer of ice off of my car windshield this morning. As we settle into hibernation mode, ready to gorge ourselves on fatty holiday meals, don’t forget about local food carts, some of which are […]
I’ll Trade You Mine If You Trade Me Yours
As a business owner, would you trade your services to a mechanic for car care rather than cash? How about designing a logo in exchange for an accountant managing your books? Or booking a hotel room by painting a house? Last August, Thom Gates, a 33-year resident of Central Oregon, founded the Deschutes Trade Exchange […]
Outdoor Enhancements
After a few sleepy weeks of “meh” weather and minimal events, outdoor recreation in Central Oregon has received a substantial jolt. Thanks to race organizers, and racers, and fans, Mother Nature and heaps of volunteers, the last week and a half has been a doozy. This weekend and next week should follow suit. More ‘Cross […]
Legends Revised
Remember the nights when you waited in your bed for the Tooth Fairy to bring you money for your tiny tooth or on the couch by the Christmas tree for Santa Claus to give you awesome presents after stuffing his belly full of cookies and milk. Ah, to be a kid again. Those memories are […]
Three of the Worst Christmas Albums Ever
Bob Dylan Christmas in The Heart First off, Bob Dylan is great, OK? He’s one of the best songwriters of all time. It’s just that when he chose to do a Christmas album, someone, anyone, should have said NO. The last thing people want when trying to get into the Christmas spirit is their Grandpa—who […]

