Most can agree that getting around after a heavy snowfall in Bend isn’t fun or ideal—despite how much we like to tout how good we are at driving on snow and ice-covered streets compared to newbies from California. Plows have trouble keeping the streets clear, sidewalks quickly become unusable (or they’re non-existent)—and some of us […]
Staff Pick
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Local Band
Night Channels
For what really was their first year on the Central Oregon scene, alternative rockers the Night Channels have utilized creative outlets to the fullest. From countless shows at The Capitol, The Domino Room and the not-to-be-forgotten Di’s Pizza in Redmond, the young group has fully immersed itself into the music scene, determined to leave a […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Open Mic
M&J Tavern
After a brief closure of its musical festivities, the M&J Tavern is back and showcasing all of the local talent we have in the area– and they clearly haven’t lost a step. When an open mic is like going to a billed concert, you know it’s something special. The energy at M&J’s open mic is […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Place to Throw Your Dog Poop
Hint: Not in a bag, left on the side of the trail
Most people who’ve spent any time hiking trails around Bend, or taking their kids to school, or just walking down the sidewalk have seen them: black plastic bags filled with dog excrement left lying about like a nightmarish version of an Easter egg hunt. Maybe the bags are left around because people forget them. You’re […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Place to Catch a Free Show
Floating the Deschutes
There’s no shortage of places to catch a show in Central Oregon — we’re teeming with local talent, and traveling acts come through every summer. While there are plenty of solid venues in town to catch a free, local show (and free is relative, support the local bands you love, folks), I’d have to say that […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Ongoing Public Debate
Dredging Mirror Pond
What’s all that sludge in the shallow water that is Mirror Pond? Who should clean up that stuff? Who’s gonna pay for that shizz? What about making the pond into a free-flowing river instead? Who even owns the pond, anyway? If these questions sound to you like a Bend-y version of Groundhog Day, you’re not […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Republican PR Stunt
Fleeing Oregon to protest Cap and Invest legislation
If Oregon Senate Republicans’ goal this year was to position themselves as righteous outlaws, out there to rabble rouse anything that remotely whiffs of “climate change legislation,” then call “The Base” placated. In one epic public relations stunt, Senate Republicans appeared to have a grand time fleeing the state to oppose HB 2020, the proposed […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Supporters of Local Food
Central Oregon Locavore, Bend farmers markets and High Desert Food & Farm Alliance
“Every aspect of our lives is, in a sense, a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.” Frances Moore Lappé, author of “Diet for a Small Planet” Locals, how many times have you touted local beer, local culture or the fact that your parents’ parents’ parents came here on the Oregon Trail—thus vetting […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Way to Win the War on Cars
Electric bikes
Ooo, girl! Shock me like an electric bicycle. Bend locals are revolutionizing the road scene and cutting down on traffic and parking problems with electric bikes. Sometimes referred to as e-bikes, these machines are for everyone from novice riders who need an extra push, to dedicated riders who want to go far and wide. E-bikes […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Local Band
Bony Chanterelle
Back in the day, Best Local Band was a category readers could vote for. Past winners included Larry and His Flask, Mosley Wotta and Corner Gospel Explosion. This year, Best Band is a staff pick category, so I’m writing a special “Pick’s Picks.” Chris Fraser on vocals and lead guitar, Devrett Gupta on bass and […]