Central Oregon knows how to celebrate a holiday, and Groove Merchants party sounds will fill the air, not to mention the aroma of classic High Desert dining choices — at Baltazar’s Seafood Ristorante & Spirits in Bend on Dec. 31, New Years Eve. Enjoy a lobster, prawn or scallop dinner served with Baltazar’s famous Grand Cadillac Margaritas. Then take generous helpings of Pop, Jazz, Latin, Funk, R&B, and Soft Rock, mix well with hot vocals and a solid rhythm section, and you have Groove Merchant. It’s the best combination of live music and fine dining in town — the perfect way to end the day that ends the year.

“The absolute BEST “South of the border style” food Bend has to offer,” said Gordon Vasquez, owner of RoundAboutBend.com. “The bar has an intimate setting and a great atmosphere for a date. But it’s kid-friendly too — just ask my 8-year-old.”

Owned by Baltazar C. Chavez, the Ristorante focuses on fine seafood and meats, with a Mexican flair. On a given night they will serve fresh lobster, free-range beef and chicken and locally grown fruits and vegetables, with specialty vegetarian dishes.  For reservations call 541-382.6622 or for information and a map click here.

Two prominent Bend resorts and hotels offer guests holiday packages for lodging and a New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow on December 31, 2007.  Mt. Bachelor Village and McMenamins Old St. Francis School have designs for an expedition that puts visitors smack in the middle of Central Oregon paradise to welcome the New Year. With Bonfire on the Snow packages, guests can celebrate under the night sky and stars with luscious desserts and a hot drink in a stunning old-growth Hemlock forest.  Both hotels offer van service and discounts on holiday packages of various kinds.  Bonfire on the Snow packages include transportation, snowshoes, instruction and hot chocolate

Families that love skiing and snowboarding have traditionally spent holidays at Mt. Bachelor Village because it comes alive with festivities. Many snow enthusiasts praise the lavish space of River Ridge Condominiums with their spectacular Deschutes River views. To reserve lodging at Mt. Bachelor Village call 800-547-5204 or check out the website.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School has music, movies and good food during the New Year’s weekend. Friends and visitors rave about their pub, brewery and bakery, movie theater and elegant Turkish-style soaking pool. For reservations at McMenamins call 541- 382-5174 or Toll Free 877- 661-4228 or visit the McMenamins website.

Lucky guests will snowshoe a short way in the High Cascade Mountains with a tour guide to a serene spot in the forest and then snuggle up to a blazing bonfire. It all takes place in a unique amphitheater that was hand carved into the snow. Naturalists discuss history, ecology, nature and astronomy. Here and on this night nature and the stars are the main attraction. For more information about the New Year’s Eve Bonfire in the Snow, call 541-389-8359 or toll free 800-962-2862 or logon to the Wanderlust Tours web site.

The Mt. Bachelor Village Resort in Bend is hoping to make Central Oregon visitors’ holidays a little brighter by offering a free $75 fuel card. All guests that stay between Dec. 26, 2007 and Jan. 6, 2008 will receive the card. It’s the resort’s way of saying, “Thanks for spending the holidays with us.” A getaway to the resort may serve as a relaxed retreat with days spent lounging in the Jacuzzi at the Athletic Club of Bend, or enjoying gourmet cuisine at Scanlon’s, located on the property. Visitors can enjoy live music at Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar a short distance away. Merenda’s provides all catering services to the resort. Either way, an Oregon holiday vacation at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort is enhanced by a selection of elegant accommodations at the resort, including traditional guest rooms, condominiums, and vacation homes. For more information call 541-389-5900 or toll free 888-449-5917 or visit the website at MtBachelorVillage.com.

Visitors to Central Oregon love to stomp and shout at the McMenamins New Years Eve Bash in Bend. Both dance floors at the historic Old St. Francis School will be jumping to a couple of Oregon’s most popular bands. Smith & Hayes , and the Moon Mountain Ramblers. Music starts at 9:00 PM on Monday, December 31. Overnight packages may include everything from dinner and drinks to a private party with breakfast the following day. Rental cottages are private with a full list of amenities, such as Cable TV, phone, refrigerator and high speed internet access.  Some can accommodate a family or party of up to ten. All have access to an exquisite soaking pool with lavish ceramic tile work and Turkish style fountains. The on site theater presents recent films, classics, and sporting events. Guests relax in overstuffed sofas and snack on pizza and sip a wide choice of spirits from the full service bar. Families are welcome at matinees. Guests can extend the stay by adding Sunday, Dec. 30 or Tuesday Jan. 1 and receive a 10-percent discount that night. The price for dinner and music only is $250. For information and reservations call (541) 382-5174 or toll free 877-661-4228, or visit Mcmenamins.com.

People who come to Central Oregon for fun know that on New Year’s Eve it all starts at Merenda Restaurant in Bend. Merenda’s aim is to bring a bit of France and Italy to the heart of Central Oregon. For those lucky enough to be living here, or for those passing through, Merenda’s New Years Gala Event 2008 promises to be a bit of heaven as well. With the music provided by the Fabulous Essentials Band, the dance floor will be alive. New Years Eve is the band’s forte, and their 8-piece renditions of current hits, rock n roll classics, and heart-wrenching ballads keeps people on their feet and in someone’s arms. The party kicks off at 8:00 PM and features a champagne toast and complete 5 course dinner.
Merenda hosts two special pre-holiday parties that are both relished by local and visiting wine lovers. A wine and chocolate tasting with appetizers will begin Wed. 12/12/07 at 6:00 PM. The party includes a 5 course dinner. On Wed. 12/19 diners will gather for a 5 course Wine and Truffle Dinner that features tableside shaved truffles. Merenda is open 7 days from 11:30 AM with dinners served from 5:00 PM nightly. Chef Jody Denton suggests trying his newly introduced Happy Hour menu, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. Reservations can be made by calling 541-330-2304 or online at MerendaRestaurant.com.