Want world class cuisine with international fare? Don’t miss the Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar. With French and Italian fare made with traditional Old World cooking methods, you’ll be pleased with the European tastes and aromas. Just the scent of the wood fire grilling and rotisserie is enough to make your nose come alive and your mouth water. With over 700 varieties of wine, no wine list in town is this expansive!

My wife and I love everything about Bend. We are also big fans of the McMenamins restaurants. So when it came time to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, we didn’t hesitate to book a reception at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Having been raised Catholic, I enjoyed reading the history of the school, and looking at the photos and artwork adorning the restaurants and lounges. The food was superb, service friendly, and the setting was festive. At night a warm Bend breeze blew through our window, adding to the romantic atmosphere. It felt like we’d come to the Golden Valley to celebrate our golden anniversary. Call Local: (541) 382-5174; Elsewhere: (877) 661-4228

My brother loves cowboys! The “Century Ranches: Past, Present, and Future” exhibit currently on exhibit at the HighDesert Museum was a thrill and a half for my brother, visiting from upstate New York. He is a watercolor painter. He was so impressed with the artwork he saw that centers on Central Oregon’s area ranches that have been operating for 100 years or more. We saw cowboy poets, open-air artists, and ranch owners who talked about the legacy of ranches that had been in their families for 3 or 4 generations. We were lucky enough to hear a presentation from R.W. Hampton, a nationally recognized cowboy and songwriter, who sang about early mornings and hard work on ranches and cattle drives, dealing with spooked horses, and maverick cattle. My brother took back, as he says, “ ahunnert ideas for paintings about ranching heritage.” I am grateful to have given him this experience.

If it’s the best barbecue you want, then Baldy’s Barbecue in Bend Oregon is where you need to go. It’s located on Century Drive and is easy to miss so drive carefully. Baldy’s is the winner of 45 National BBQ awards. Rumor has it that even Oprah has declared it the best barbeque she has ever had, and invited the owner on her show.

Take the family on an adventure with Cog Wild Bicycle Tours. They have many tours to choose: some for the most advanced riders and some for the first timers.  There are half day rides, full day rides, and even multiple day rides. If you want to spend quality family time with your kids in Bend Oregon, this is a great way to do it!

Tired of the old “look but don’t touch museums”? You won’t find that here! At Working Wonders Children’s Museum, kids learn by playing and doing. You get a total hands on learning experience for your kids, while they think they are just out for play time. Check out their events calendar to really make the most of your vist!! This has to be one of the best kids activities in Bend, Oregon.

It really is possible and very enticing to children since the cave is a mile-long uncollapsed lava tube. If you are interested in a great kids activity in Bend, check out Lave River Cave. There is a small fee for admission and lantern rental (bring a flashlight for backup) but children under 12 are free.  Be sure to wear warmer clothes…. no matter what the temperature is outside, the cave is always about 40 degrees.  Don’t worry moms; there are no side chambers to accidentally wander into.

Creative slideshows is a unique way to tell a story and entertain your guest at the same time during your wedding celebration. Photos are set to music with customized menus, video clips and stunning transitions, then delivered to you on DVD or VHS. If you want, they can also archive your photos for you, so they will be in perfect condition forever. This is a perfect way to make your wedding in Bend, Oregon memorable and unique.