Where to eat, What to do, and Where to Stay in Downtown Bend, OR

Now that you know what to wear for a day on the Deschutes River, it is time to get the the nitty gritty. Let’s talk about the food, the activities, and the room accommodations in downtown Bend. Hear me out!

 

Where to Eat

It is no secret: I LOVE food! I’m not a “foodie,” rather just a girl who enjoys to eat and appreciates good grub. I use Yelp to map out the restaurants around me and highlight the dog-friendly options. I’m that person who doesn’t know what the inside of the restaurant looks like #dogmomlife. But patios…I got you covered!

If you’re into hummus, kabobs, and baklava, Zoolz Mediterranean eatery is for you. We were impressed with the libations and pleasantly surprised to find halloumi cheese on the menu. Aside from the cheese and beverages, the kabobs and moroccan chicken were both incredible. I’d pay for the yogurt dip recipe!

La Magie is a rich way to start the day. By that I mean that you’re in trouble if you have a sweet tooth! This cafe and bakery offers an array of both sweet and savory breakfast items. I ordered the quinoa scramble and could have licked the bowl clean. It was the perfect protein-packed meal for a long day ahead.

Other notable restaurants include: Barrio (try the sangria), McKay Cottage (get the lemon ricotta pancakes), Pine Tavern (river front patio great for an afternoon drink).

 

 

What to Do

I used to think a beach vacation was the only way to relax. WRONG! Bend is laid back, peaceful, and very scenic. I’ll always be a city girl but temporarily stepping away from the hustle and bustle is very refreshing. So what is there to do in a “chill” place in the middle of Oregon? Allow me to explain.

If water sports tickle your fancy, you have options. Float, swim, kayak, or paddle board down the Deschutes River. If you prefer land-based sports, you can: bike, walk, jog, or hike. Pilot Butte in an easy two mile hike with panoramic views of Central Oregon. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Other activities include: shopping, beer tasting (Crux marks the spot), and “parking.” I never knew how amusing laying on the grass could be until I found myself at Drake Park two afternoons in a row. The days are long in Bend – it doesn’t get dark until 9:00 pm. Grab a blanket and take in the scenery. Jonathan refers to the park as “ethereal.” It is like the real-life version of an artist rendering!

 

 

Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay in downtown Bend was relatively simple. It needed to be dog-friendly and walking distance to the restaurants. I am happy to report that The Wall Street Suites was only a six minute walk to the heart of downtown, and they offered GG a warm welcoming upon our arrival. Other noteworthy amenities include: tempurpedic beds, fire pits, and complimentary bicycle rentals.

 

Did I miss anything?! Comment below and I’ll be sure to fill you in on everything I experienced in downtown Bend. Overall I give Bend, OR two thumbs up for food, fun, and Fido. Thanks for reading!