DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020 | VISITCENTRALOREGON.COM
TRAILHEAD A D V E N T U R E
C A L L S
FRESH TRACKS
CREATE NEW TRADITIONS •VISIT SANTA •OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES •EXPERIENCE A HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
VISIT CENTRAL OREGON MEET THE MAKER: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH A MASTER BASKETWEAVER
IN THIS ISSUE FRESH TRACKS There’s nothing like making a set of fresh tracks in the snow this time of year. Whether you’re on snowshoes, Nordic skis, snowmobiles, snowboards or Alpine skis, getting up early to greet the sun and beat the crowds to your favorite trail in the woods or on the slopes is a winter tradition we look forward to all year. It’s hard to top a quiet winter morning in the mountains. This year we’re thinking about other new winter traditions in Central Oregon, too. Rather than getting stuck inside, this is the time of year to experience winter in ways you haven’t before and visit new places. As a family, there are plenty of things to do to make some new memories before the New Year arrives. Children won’t want to miss visiting Santa in the Old Mill District, downtown Bend or at the Cascade Village. Book a carriage ride through Black Butte Ranch for an old fashioned jaunt through the snow. There are plenty more ideas throughout this issue that will help you make the most of this season. We’re also talking about winter ales to try around town and new restaurant and bar openings where you can raise a toast this season. Check out our heritage feature for a history of Scandinavian influence on the region. And for those looking to escape to Central Oregon this season or those who need an excuse for a staycation, we have the perfect itinerary for getting to know Sisters Country this season. Whether your season is filled with epic adventures in the snow or spent embracing the cozy season in town, we hope you find a way to enjoy the winter traditions in Central Oregon. Thanks for reading! Visit Central Oregon
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020
NEW FAMILY TRADITIONS
Make the most of the winter season with these one-ofa-kind outings.
MEET THE MAKER
A Warm Springs basket artist weaves a story.
EAT DRINK REDMOND
The tastemakers head north to find the latest and greatest bites and sips.
WINTER WARMER
The best beers to drink this season.
DESTINATION: SISTERS COUNTRY This small town is a perfect winter getaway.
HERITAGE
Bend’s Scandinavian history.
ALSO: 3 Picks Staff Picks Calendar
Produced by Visit Central Oregon Email us: trailhead@visitcentraloregon.com
NEW & NOTEWORTHY 320 SW Century Dr Suite #410, Bend Central Oregon has no lack of great tacos, but Vida Y Tacos has filled a void on the west side of Bend. Tucked in the Century Center (near Safeway and Starbucks) Vida Y Tacos opened this fall and has already garnered rave reviews. The bright space is open for lunch and dinner (until 9 p.m.) with a menu consisting of traditional tacos, “extraordinary tacos” (for those who aren’t afraid to experiment with flavors) and entrees like carne asada, enchiladas, sopes and more. Offering affordable prices and margaritas on tap, Vida Y Tacos is sure to become a mainstay in Bend.
5 2 1 S W 6t h S t , Redmond
13959 SW Commercial Loop Rd, Crooked River Ranch
After years of renovations, the historic Redmond Hotel reopened in December. SCP Redmond (stands for soul, community, planet) is an environmentally friendly hotel with forty-nine rooms, common area and fitness studio. Even if you’re not staying overnight, make a trip to The Rooftop, where visitors can find a year-round indoor/outdoor dining space. Sip on unique handcrafted cocktails and taste the seasonal small bites menu while enjoying the panoramic views of Central Oregon.
This fall, a new food truck pod and taphouse opened in Crooked River Ranch. Like successful food truck pod ventures before, Over the Edge has rotating food trucks that offer a variety of dishes for visitors. There are also twenty beers on tap and firepits to keep customers warm while they eat and drink. Since its opening, Over the Edge has hosted live music and events. Plus, dogs are welcome at this spot that has new food trucks to try and a great view to enjoy.
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TRADITIONS There’s light shows, bonfires in the snow and, of course, visits from the big guy in red. Here are a few favorite winter traditions in Central Oregon.
BONFIRE IN THE SNOW
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ne of Central Oregon’s best winter traditions combines snow, stars and a crackling fire. Book an evening snowshoe tour with Wanderlust Tours and experience the Deschutes National Forest at night. Tours depart from the Wanderlust office in Bend. Follow a guide into the forest to a small amphitheater carved out in the snow. Warm up by the roaring bonfire while you sip on warm beverages, eat tasty local treats and learn about the forest. After soaking in the incredible night sky, snowshoe back to the car and ride back down to Bend. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that families will remember for years.
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CARRIAGE RIDE THROUGH BLACK BUTTE RANCH
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now frosted trees, frozen ponds and clear blue skies can all be enjoyed during a carriage ride through Black Butte Ranch. This time-honored tradition is a classical way to enjoy the holidays as a family. Carriage rides take place December 21,23, and 26-31st. The ride also include a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to keep hands warm along the way.
K1 RACING ndoor go kart racing has arrived in Bend with K1 Speed. Drive one of the zero-emission go karts on a professionally designed indoor track. Riders just need to be four feet tall to enjoy the race. Check their calendar for select evenings of GLO-Karting under the lights. There is a lounge area with beer and wine that can be enjoyed after the races.
WHERE TO SEE SANTA
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he holiday seasons isn’t complete without a trip to see Santa. Thankfully, there are a few places where families can meet the famed gift-bearer.
MOVIES AT TIN PAN THEATRE
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ucked in the heart of downtown Bend in an alleyway that is often lined with local art, Tin Pan Theater is an indie, twenty-six seat moviehouse. The cozy theater is now run by BendFilm and shows some of the favorite films and documentaries from its fall film festival as well as other features. Check out the theater and grab tickets to see a film while you’re in town. The theater has a full bar as well as snacks.
At SantaLand in the Old Mill District, open during select days, kids can meet the celebrity Santa (and parents can take a guess at the local celebrity who is wearing the red suit that day). The Old Mill will also host carolers throughout the month of December to get shoppers and revelers into the holiday spirit. Children also have a chance to meet Santa at Cascade Village. Each weekend in December, head to the shopping center to meet Santa and capture the moment with a photo. In downtown Bend, Santa will also be hanging out in his village (916 Wall Street) on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. There is no professional photographer there, so families should bring a camera or phone to take photos.
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Central Oregonians are a collection of dreamers, doers, storytellers, and innovators who call this beautiful place home. The result is a thriving community of makers who help weave the cultural fabric of this unique area. To showcase the depth of creativity that flows here, Visit Central Oregon produced a series of videos called “Central Oregon Makers”. We hope they inspire you to seek out and support the people who bring our region to life.
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E AT , drink ,R E D M O N D As Redmond grows, so do the options for great places to eat. Check out these suggestions from the taste makers at EATDRINKBEND for your next favorite place to eat in Redmond.
The Rooftop @ SCP Redmond
The Red Martini 509 SW 6th St.
521 SW 6th St. The former New Redmond Hotel has transformed into an eco-conscious urban oasis. The SCP, which stands for soul, community, and planet, launched The Rooftop late this summer but only recently opened up the hotel to overnight guests in December. Sip on libations made with herbs grown from their live wall atop the four-story rooftop with 360-degree views, including the Cascade mountain range.
Gomper’s Distillery
Recently taking home the ‘Best Dinner of Redmond’ award for 2019, this hometown favorite is serving up more than just martinis. With classic comforts like French pot roast, it’s no surprise that this downtown institution is one of Redmond’s hot spots. Can’t choose between dessert and cocktails? Look no further than their Chocolate & Sea Salt Martini for a drink that checks off the boxes for sweet, salty, and boozy.
611 NE Jackpine Ct. #8
Scarlitos Taco Truck
Gin and vodka is made using juniper berries and lavender. We love their Spicy Herman, made with gin, cucumber, lime, and jalapeños. Enjoy cocktails, spirit flights, and tours inside of their prohibition-theme distillery.
New to the Redmond food scene, Scarlitos is serving not only some killer al pastor and tinga chicken tacos, but pozole specials that run on weekdays! This Mexican classic is sure to warm your bones during the frigid winter months.
Grace & Hammer
Porter Brewing Co.
641 SW Cascade Ave.
611 NE Jackpine Ct. #2
Unassumingly located inside of an old church building, this brick oven pizza is truly a religious experience. Try the “Smithy”, made with smoked and cured Italian pork, mozzarella, tomatoes, and topped with fresh arugula and olive oil.
This unassuming taproom is tucked away just north of downtown, but there’s nothing modest about their beer. They’re Central Oregon’s exclusive cask-brewed-ale hub, using a natural secondary fermentation process. And all pints are poured using a hand pump!
Eat Drink Bend features cocktails and plates from local eateries. They scout restaurants, breweries, and wineries to share with you the best and unknown dishes and drinks while sharing stories from our locally-owned Central Oregon establishments.
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Winter Warmer
Where Else Can I Find Winter Ales Around Central Oregon? Jubelale might be the most popular and best-known winter ale in Central Oregon, but it’s far from the only option. If you’re looking for a cool taste of winter, here are a few other breweries putting their own spin on the versatile style.
Deschutes Brewery popularized this style of beer, and craft breweries in Central Oregon have followed suit.
Cascade Lakes Brewing Company - Slippery Slope The second-oldest brewery in Central Oregon produces a fullbodied beer with hints of chocolate and roasted malts.
In the summer of 1988, Deschutes Brewery opened in a converted law office in downtown Bend. In the decades since, the brewery has produced one memorable beer after another— from Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale in Deschutes’ earliest days to the hit Fresh Squeezed IPA, which became a staple on store shelves in 2013.
Sunriver Brewing Company - Shred Head seasonal ale Sunriver’s only brewery packs a punch with its UK-style winter warmer, brewed with brown sugar and featuring strong malty notes, a slightly piney finish, and hints of caramel. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. - Pray For Snow Bend’s 10 Barrel Brewing Co. rings in winter each year with Pray For Snow, sporting subtle raisin and molasses flavors alongside notes of caramel and vanilla.
As the temperatures fall and leaves turn color every autumn, another Deschutes mainstay takes center stage: Jubelale. Deschutes’ winter ale debuted just months after the pub opened in 1988 and has since become a holiday tradition, known for a festive mix of caramel, toffee, and cocoa—all while winning a dozen awards at beer competitions around the world since 1990. (The brewery even enlists a new artist each year to design a label for the iconic ale.)
Ochoco Brewing Company - Winter Schnocker The Prineville brewery marks the season with a winter ale made with six varieties of malt. The resulting beer features fruity notes and a hint of cocoa.
Thirty years later, other Central Oregon breweries have gotten in on the fun and produce their takes on the style. As such, winter ales are a hallmark of the season—often incorporating seasonal ingredients and offering a rich flavor profile. So as the Cascade peaks don coats of winter snow and temperatures continue to fall around Central Oregon, here’s everything you need to know about winter ales.
What is a Winter Ale? Generally speaking, winter ales are darker than spring and summertime seasonal beers, with a higher-than-usual alcohol content. Most breweries put maltiness front and center, so you’ll probably notice nutty and bready flavors, along with occasional notes of coffee or caramel. Brewers might also add fruit like raisins or orange peel or wintry mulling spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a slightly more complex flavor profile.
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Bend Brewing Company - Sno’d In Winter Ale Bend’s second-oldest brewery serves a winter ale heavy on holiday spices, with notes of nuttiness and hints of cocoa. Monkless Belgian Ales - Friar’s Festivus Bend’s Monkless Belgian Ales made a name for itself by eschewing the everpopular IPA style altogether in favor of Belgian-inspired ales. Its Belgian-style quadruple ale showcases that devotion to unconventional styles with fruity notes, a hint of spiciness, and a slightly sweet caramel flavor.
Read more about Central Oregon’s winter brews here.
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DESTINATION:
SISTERS COUNTRY It’s hard to beat the ambiance of Sisters. The Western aesthetic paired with mountain charm has drawn residents and visitors for decades. Families can make the town their basecamp for a weekend filled with adventure and culture. Couples can find a romantic escape and plenty of ways to relax. Whatever type of vacation you’re after this season, Sisters Country offers one-of-a-kind experiences in a picturesque setting. T R A I L H E A D
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Winter Wonderland Local ski hills don’t get much better than Hoodoo Ski Area. The ski resort has 800 acres of terrain, including thirty-four runs from five lifts. Those who don’t ski can hang out on the sledding hill, which is one of the largest tubing parks in the West. After a day on the slopes, relax in the lodge with hot food and a beverage. Hoodoo is also the only resort in Central Oregon to offer night skiing, which takes place Thursday to Sunday until 9 p.m. Families who want to enjoy the snow without a lift ticket can spend a day exploring Ray Benson Sno-Park. The park has a network or Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails for all levels and trails designated for snowmobiling. Follow the trails through the forest to a warming hut with a fire where you can warm cold hands and feet before heading back out. In town, stroll down Sisters’ main street to find local shops and boutiques. In the evening, visit Sisters Movie House for firstrun films. The four-screen theater, on the FivePine Lodge campus, has beer on tap and a full menu of late-night snacks. Check out the Sisters Chamber of Commerce for a full list of current and upcoming events.
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Sisters Coffee Company
Where to Stay Sisters has a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts from which to choose. For families or those traveling in large groups, consider booking a vacation home, cabin or condo at Black Butte Ranch, just a short drive from Sisters. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or sip on Oregon wine at the Lakeside Bistro. Black Butte Ranch offers ski and stay packages and you can go for a soak in the 16-person hot tub after a long day at Hoodoo! There are also properties in the secluded Pine Meadow Village, nestled in the woods outside of Sisters, as well as in Camp Sherman, a small community on the Metolius River just twenty minutes from town. Luxury and tranquility can be found at FivePine Lodge, a resort that draws visitors looking for a romantic getaway. With snow on the ground and clear, starry nights above, it’s the perfect place
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Shibui Spa
to settle in for a cozy Central Oregon weekend. The modern, rustic cabins are tucked into a forest-like setting on the FivePine property. Choose from wellappointed cabins with amenities like sunken bathtubs, waterfall showers and fireplaces. Inside FivePine is the acclaimed Shibui Spa. It’s a must-visit for those looking for the highest standard of pampering while in Sisters. Start with a cup of tea in the relaxation room, then take a dip in the thermal soaking tub before each treatment. Guests can indulge in custom massages (solo or couple’s), body treatments, facials and more to truly rejuvenate in a tranquil setting.
Local Bounty A day that starts at Sisters Coffee Company can’t go wrong. Pick up a latte and freshly baked pastry and settle into a chair by the fire at this local coffee house and roaster with a loyal following. An inspired brunch can also be found at T R A I L H E A D
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The Cottonwood Cafe. The charm of the cottage setting is unmatched and the Pacific Northwest fare will please the entire family. Central Oregon is well-known for its abundance of craft beer, and Sisters is no exception. Three Creeks Brewery is a destination for lunch or dinner as a family as well. Check their beer tasting flights and happy hour menu. Find traditional pub food like burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza that can feed a crowd. The local bounty doesn’t stop at beer, though. At Cascade Street Distillery in downtown Sisters, visitors can sample a flight of the craft spirits from this smallbatch distillery. The distillery adheres to a philosophy of using local, quality ingredients. Visit the tasting room to try the natural, fruit-infused Wild Roots Vodka, which also makes a great gift for friends or family back home.
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- History & Heritage -
Bend’s Scandinavian History
Shevlin-Hixon & Brooks-Scanlon Mill, 1916 Courtesy of Deschutes Historical Society
To look at Bend today, it might be hard to see the mill town it once was. The Brooks-Scanlon mill that used to dominate the riverfront is now a shopping center. The Deschutes River, once chock full of timber, is now much more likely to be packed with standup paddleboarders, kayakers and floaters. And the sounds along the river, once heavy with saws, are now probably the lilting voices of a concert at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. But Bend’s culture is heavily influenced by the migrants who followed mill work to Central Oregon, and many of those people were Scandinavians searching for a place similar to the countries they’d once called home.
between 1890 and 1910, the Oregon History Project reports, likely because of the fishing, logging and farming industries. The first of Bend’s big mills, Shevlin-Hixon, opened in March 1916, according to the Old Mill District’s history page. Brooks-Scanlon showed up just a month later. Both companies had their roots in Minnesota, and many of the workers who moved to Bend to work came from there. Bend’s Sons of Norway Hall opened in 1916 and still hosts events and a popular Christmas bazaar each year.
The influx of Scandinavian residents influenced other aspects of the city as well. For example, Bend’s ski culture can be traced back to Scandinavians Nels Skjersaa, Nils Wulfsberg, Chris Kostol, and Emil According to the Oregon History Project, more than 2.1 million Scandinavians moved to the United States Nordeen, according to a 2016 article in Bend Magazine. between 1820 and 1920, most of them between 1865 The men started Skyliners ski club in 1927 after a and World War I. A little more than half were Swedes, rescue effort in backcountry, and the club hosted almost a third Norwegians, and a seventh Danes. The competitions, built an Olympics-style ski jump off Skyliners Road and helped establish Mt. Bachelor in bulk settled in the Midwest, also the original home of Bend’s biggest mill owners. More than 150,000 the 1950s. Scandinavians settled in the Pacific Northwest T R A I L H E A D
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OUR PICKS
Museum at Warm Springs
BEER
HISTORY
MUSEUM AT WARM SPRINGS
BLEDSOE FAMILY WINERY
COFFEE
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BRUNCH
SPIDER CITY BREWING
WINE
BREWED CLUB AWAKENINGS PIONEER
ONE STREET DOWN CAFÉ
DOG-FRIENDLY
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WHITE RIVER SAN FALLS STATE PARK SIMÓN T R A I L H E A D
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EVENTS
Eldon “T” Jones
VIEW OUR FULL CALENDAR
ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE DECEMBER 27
Fans of the King of Pop won’t want to miss the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience. Held at the Tower Theatre for one night only, the live celebration of Michael Jackson’s career, performed by the longest running tribute band Who’s Bad, spans f rom his early days with the Jackson 5 to his peak hits like “Thriller.”
JAZZ AT THE OXFORD JANUARY 10-11
There are still tickets left to see jazz artist Eldon “T” Jones with his band N Touch this month. The groove jazz saxophonist will be opening the 2020 series of Jazz at the Oxford. Grab dinner or drinks and don’t miss this performance f rom a star in the jazz world.
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HIGH GRAVITY BREWFEST JANUARY 18
In Central Oregon, visitors can find a beer festival almost any month of the year. In January, the High Gravity Brewfest at McMenamins Old St. Francis School returns. Head to O’Kane’s bar and sip on tastes of specialty regional craft brews while you mingle by the warming fire pits.
WINTER PRIDEFEST JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 2
Winter Pridefest is an annual celebration of winter sports in the LGBTQ+ community that takes place throughout Bend. Head to Mt. Bachelor for organized group alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and sledding. Take part in social events in town, like ice skating at Seventh Mountain Resort and a dance party at Spoken Moto.
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TRAILHEAD A D V E N T U R E
C A L L S
Fly directly to Central Oregon from most major cities in the west, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Salt Lake, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, and starting in March 2020 - San Diego. Seasonal direct flights include Las Vegas and Chicago.
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