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!

The post Where to eat, What to do, and Where to Stay in Downtown Bend, OR appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I’ve been watching the forecast like a hawk so that I can plan my outfits accordingly. Evidently San Francisco and Karl the Fog have met their match. Mid 70s during the day and 40s at night…I kid you not. I’m packing looks that can go from day to night with or without a jacket. If it’s anything like SF, it’ll be freezing by Happy Hour…I’m not afraid to break out the Uggs if I need ’em! Here is a sneak peek into my suitcase and what I am packing for Bend. Click the pink buttons to shop each item!

A t-shirt dress is always a good idea. You can dress in one with sandals, platform sneakers, or booties. You can also layer it up with a scarf, jacket, or hat. More importantly, it’ll have enough room for a beer belly. Bend is known for its breweries! Finally, you already know I have a go-to outfit (as seen here). So obviously I’m bringing a slightly different version of it. This black and white tee is perfect because it’ll pair well with black cut off shorts as well as destroyed denim.

Shop the Post:

Tee | T-Shirt Dress | Camo Jacket | Leopard Jacket | Destroyed Jeans | Booties | Uggs (just in case) | Sneakers | Crop Top | Fringe Hem Jeans

Be sure to follow along on Instagram Stories for behind the scenes trip fun. As long as everything goes as planned I will have a full travel guide to Bend, OR, including where to stay, where to eat, and what to wear on the blog next week!

The post Packing for Bend, OR – Wish Me Luck appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.