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Tour Historic Prineville

Get to know another side of Prineville, one that highlights the history and culture of this growing Central Oregon town.

Prineville is the oldest established community in Central Oregon, founded in 1877 and officially incorporated as a city in 1880. From its roots as a farming and ranching community, the town has grown into a population of a little more than 11,000 people while retaining its small-town appeal and charm. Here’s a quick guide to exploring the area’s rich history and contemporary culture.

Stay at the Crooked River Inn

While the Crooked River Inn looks like it was plucked from a Southern estate, the house is one of the oldest in Prineville. Built in 1906 by Columbus Johnson, the farmhouse stood on a massive farm and property owned by one of the original settlers of Prineville. The house was recently renovated and opened as the Crooked River Inn, a charming bed and breakfast that is now a sought-after place to stay in Prineville.

 

Visit the Wildland Firefighter Memorial

In 1996, the Wildland Firefighter Memorial was dedicated in Prineville, honoring the nine members of the Prineville Hotshots crew who died in the 1994 Storm King fire in Colorado, which was at the time one of the deadliest wildfires in the country. In Ochoco Creek Park, the bronze sculpture depicts firefighters and tells the stories of the men who died fighting the fire and is a memorial to all past, present and future wildland firefighters.

Wildfire-Firefighter-Memorial

 

Eat at Barney Prines

An early settler in the region, Barney Prine gave his namesake town many of its firsts. His legacy continues with Barney Prine’s Steakhouse & Saloon. Open now for a little over a decade, Barney Prine’s is a locals’ favorite, known for its smoked meats and friendly service and atmosphere. The western façade in the front of the restaurant pays homage to the roots and character of the town that was the first to be settled in Central Oregon.

 

Explore the A.R. Bowman Memorial Museum

Housed in the Crook County Bank Building that is now on the National Register of Historic Places, the A.R. Bowman Memorial Museum captures and preserves the history of the town and the region. The building is largely unchanged since it was built in 1910, with the original bronze teller cages and marble countertops. The museum has rotating exhibits and hosts talks about the history of the town.

Current Bowman Museum and Crook County History Center Exterior


Find out about more fun things to do in Central Oregon.

Arts, Storytelling and History Around Central Oregon
Photo by Danielle Meyers

Tourists come to Central Oregon for the mountains, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, biking and festivals. These activities while exceptional, are not the only draw. Central Oregon is also a hub for creativity and innovation. Artists, entrepreneurs and adventurers alike are drawn to the high desert. There are endless opportunities to enjoy art, live music, and presentations to broaden your horizons. These events highlight the stories and passions of the people who live here. Below are a few of those events that encompass the vibe of the locals.

Open Mic

Crow’s Feet Commons has it all: Bikes, skis, coffee, beer and a community open mic every Tuesday night. Cozy up to the fire and enjoy an evening of stories, music and brews. The sign up begins at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m. Like any open mic, the possibilities of entertainment are endless.

Crow’s Feet Commons
875 NW Brooks Street
Every Tuesday 5-8 p.m.

Thursday Trivia

Bring a team of your smartest friends to Thursday Trivia at the Barrel Thief Lounge and enjoy true artisanal craft distilled spirits, including their award-winning Merrylegs Genever. Brought to you by Oregon Spirit Distillers, The Barrel Thief is an almost hidden venue on the outskirts of downtown that is committed to the local agriculture and personality. Come down to experience trivial fun, artisanal cocktails. Stay for the great food and patio. Leave with a prize or two.

The Barrel Thief Lounge
740 NE First Street
Thursdays 7-9pm

History Pub

McMenamins has been a gathering spot in the Pacific Northwest since 1983. In Bend, it’s not only a pub but also a historic hotel, movie theater, soaking pool and music venue. Each month McMenamins opens its doors for History Pub, a free event presented in conjunction with the Des Chutes Historical Museum. A new story of Bend’s history is told on the last Tuesday of each month. Local experts, scholars and historians expand on topics from Lewis and Clark to hop growing and beyond. Handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and cider and food can be purchased during the event. Bring the whole family, bring your friends and learn about the history of Central Oregon.

McMenamins Old St. Francis
700 NW Bond Street
Last Tuesday of each month 5:30 Doors. 7 p.m. Presentation

Last Saturday

While First Friday often gets a lot of attention, Last Saturday is an equally great event to find local artists. It’s held at The Workhouse, an art mecca that houses various studio artists working in mediums from stretched canvas, to beer to leather and everything in between. It’s the place the locals go to escape the tourists and experience all the exotic, fantastic, oddities that might not make a downtown gallery showroom. This studio has everything, from coloring books to steam-powered camp stove necklaces and art painted with beer and coffee. During the event, a bar is opened where two featured cocktails are poured into a mug that you either bring from home or purchase downstairs—once a mug is procured the refills of whatever artisanal cocktails they have that night are bottomless. A strategy that’s as delicious as it is dangerous. Our kind of art walk, for sure.

The Workhouse
50 SE Scott Street #6
Last Saturday of each month

Discover the Best Live Music This Winter in Central Oregon

We’ve got the beat.

Sisters Folk Festival Winter Series, Sisters

Each summer, the Sisters Folk Festival is one of the most popular music events in the region—so popular that a Winter Series (which continues into spring) popped up to fill the demand through the colder months. All shows are held at the Sisters High Auditorium. You can buy a pass that gets you into all three shows for $55, or $40 for anyone under 18 years old.

March 23
Rose Cousins and Caitlin Canty
$15-20

 

Jazz at the Oxford, Bend 

What began as an effort to fill a void in downtown Bend’s music scene—a lack of jazz shows and few places to listen to music at night—has grown over the last seven years into one of the music and cultural highlights in Bend. Catch the last performances of Jazz at the Oxford in March when acclaimed vocalist Sara Gazarek takes the stage.

March 17-18
Sara Gazarek with New West Guitar Group
$42

Riverhouse Jazz Series, Bend

Held at the recently renovated Riverhouse hotel under the guidance of longtime sports and entertainment promoter Marshall Glickman, this series brings more jazz legends to town. In addition to world class music, you’ll find a multi-course, prix fixe menu to enjoy while you take in the original American musical art form.

March 17-18 King Louie’s Portland Blues Review

April 14-15 Ravi Coltrane Quartet

 

McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend

Almost every night at McMenamins, the Father Luke’s room is filled with live music from local and regional bands. The space is great for grabbing a bite and a brew while you watch the show. But don’t expected unobstructed views all night from your table perch, this room gets jumping and the vibe can get downright funky once the dancefloor starts shaking. Here are a few bands we’re excited about seeing this season.

March 2 !Chiringa!

March 15 John Craigie

April 13 World’s Finest

 

The Capitol, Bend

Since it opened about a year ago, this subterranean venue has proved itself to be the uber hot spot to find dance music and touring DJ’s in Bend.

March 3 Beat Lab Radio presents Dr. Jeep

March 10 Staxx Brothers

 

The Belfry, Sisters

What was once a church is now the home to some of the best and most intimate shows in Central Oregon. The Belfry hosts live music throughout the year. There’s a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails as well.

March 9 Zepparella $20

Keep It Classy: Unleash Your Creative Side

 

Looking for a new hobby or to polish an existing skill? Within the last five years, new workspaces and workshops have sprung up all around town. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, make your own jewelry, or just spend some time painting or writing, there’s bound to be a class you’ll enjoy. You may discover a talent you never knew you had while discovering an entirely new community.

 

The Workhouse

At The Workhouse, you’ll find a variety of classes taught each month to help fuel your creative side. The topics change each month, but you’ll find crafts like soap-making, jewelry-making, writing, drawing and more. At the studio, you can also find unique gifts and crafts made by local artists. The Workhouse began in 2012 and is also a workspace for local artists and craftsmen.

 

DIY Cave

Created as a maker’s space stocked with tools for everything from woodworking to welding, Bend’s DIY Cave is the creative space for hobbyists and professionals. DIY Cave provides the space and tools for you to find inspiration for a new project or anything you need to finish one. For those who want to learn a new skill, you’ll find a list of classes each month where you can book your spot in advance. 

 

Art & Wine Oh My

Hosted at Level 2 in the Old Mill District, Art & Wine Oh My will guide you through every step of making a beautiful painting while you sip wine and follow along. The classes are popular events for parties or groups, but you can also grab a friend and try something new for a night.

 

Dudley’s Bookshop and Café

The downtown Bend coffee shop and bookstore has meetups almost every day, with people hosting small group events for knitting, writing, speaking a foreign language and more. Aside from the large collection of new and used books and the coffee, tea and pastry selection, Dudley’s has a cozy atmosphere, with large couches and tables for working.

ScaleHouse UnBend 2017 Series

From Bend Magazine Culture Ambassador René Mitchell: Take a creative thinking workshop through ScaleHouse’s UnBend 2017 Series. The series kicks off on February 25 with a workshop from local artist Lisa Marie Sipe. Students will transform everyday objects and recycled materials into 3D art. The workshop is the first in a series throughout the year from ScaleHouse, a nonprofit organization in Bend that promotes arts, ideas and creative thinking in the community.

Soup for the Soul

What could be better on a cold winter day than a steaming bowl of hot soup that radiates heat from the belly and warms the soul? Perhaps only the fresh bread that often accompanies it, allowing you to savor the last drops of goodness that escaped your spoon. Here are a few of our current favorite places to find the perfect bowl of broth in Central Oregon.

Soup 2 Nuts

Redmond
Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Two types of soup are made fresh every day and served until they’re gone—and they do go quickly. Soup 2 Nuts is a popular lunch spot in downtown Redmond. The deli is equally well known for their fresh breads. There are three types made fresh every morning, and, like the soups, don’t last long.

Cottonwood Café

Sisters
Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Wednesday

In Sisters, The Cottonwood Café is always a good bet for breakfast or lunch. Its “Soup of the Moment” is particularly satisfying, especially paired with a sandwich or salad. Located in downtown Sisters at what used to be Jen’s Garden (but still with the same owners), The Cottonwood Café uses local ingredients, and adds a modern update to classic Pacific Northwest dishes.

Schoolhouse Produce

Redmond
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Soup is made fresh daily during the week at this local Redmond farmstand, market and deli. Schoolhouse Produce was founded in Redmond in 2008. In addition to supplying fresh fruits and vegetables daily, Schoolhouse also serves lunch every day, the highlight being the freshly made soups. If you’re in a rush, you can ahead and pick up your meal in their drive-thru window.

Bend Soup Company

Bend
Open Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Open Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

One of the original members of Bend’s mobile food community, Bend Soup Company has made its mark as one of the go-to destinations for on-the-go lunch in Bend. The truck is usually housed on Century Drive near the Century Center, and features some of the best soup and sandwich pairings in town. One of the best parts is that they also deliver, meaning you can always have hot soup delivered to your front door.

 

Central Oregon Beer, Wine and Spirits Tasting Rooms
Deschutes Brewery-Tasting Room-Bend Oregon-Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

In Central Oregon, beer, wine and spirits are more than just a pre-cursor to dinner. Whether it’s citra hop-fueled IPA, a locally-crafted gin or the fruit off the grapevine, we take our drinks and our drinking seriously here in the high desert. Thankfully, many of our fine artisan breweries and distilleries offer tasting rooms that allow imbibers to get as close as possible to the creative process that delivers this beverage bounty. Here’s a list of some of our favorite tasting rooms worth toasting.

Deschutes Brewery

The granddaddy of them all. Deschutes started the craft brewing revolution in Bend more than two decades ago and remains the preeminent brewery in terms of production and innovation. Get a look behind the scenes at the tasting room and sample something that you won’t find in your local grocer or neighborhood tap handle. Samples are free (up to four tasters), as are the tours. Bring cash and get your Christmas shopping done early, as the gift shop is filled with must-have apparel and beer themed décor.

Deschutes Brewery-Tasting Room-Bend Oregon-Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

Boneyard Brewing

Boneyard is the bad boy of Bend brewing, it’s non-conformist ways evidenced by its take it or leave it tasting room that is housed in a former gutter cleaning business office tucked off Hill Street. But if you love great beer, and we mean GREAT beer, this spot is not to be missed. Just don’t expect the staff to turn down the Motorhead just because you’re old.

The Barrel Thief

One of the newer additions to Bend’s tasting room line-up, The Barrel Thief Lounge is an intimate craft distilling experience brought to you by Oregon Spirit Distillers. Visitors here can sample OSD’s gin and whisky concoctions while noshing on small plates. Viewing windows allow guests to watch distillers as they ply their craft in an adjacent room. Outside, a patio with fire pits beckons to sip a handcrafted cocktail under the evening sky.

the-barrel-thief-lounge-Tasting Room-Bend Oregon-Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

Maragas Winery, Terrebonne

One of the few wineries in Central Oregon that also includes a vineyard on-site, Maragas is a labor of love for Doug Maragas and family, who spent the last decade growing this into one of Central Oregon’s unique destinations. The winery is open for tours, tasting and events and offers a little slice of Napa right off Highway 97.

Our Favorite Hot Chocolate in Central Oregon
Sparrow - Bend Oregon Hot Cocoa - Coffee- Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

When the snow starts to fall in Central Oregon, it’s time to settle in with a cup of hot chocolate. If you need to get out of our house before cabin fever sets in, here our a few favorite places to grab a cup and get cozy.

Sparrow Bakery
Two locations in Bend

Like everything else at the Sparrow Bakery in Bend, the hot chocolate is house-made. There are two locations in Bend, one on 2nd Street and one in NorthWest Crossing. Paired with a croissant or a few chouquettes (at the NorthWest Crossing location only), it’s the perfect treat.

Sparrow - Bend Oregon Hot Cocoa - Coffee- Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

Victorian Café 

Bend

At the Victorian Café, the Chocolate Winter is the drink for adults who still love hot chocolate on cold days. The drink includes Irish cream, Kahlua, amaretto and hot chocolate. Topped with whipped cream, it’s the ultimate warm drink to get your through the cold days.

Sisters Coffee Company
Sisters

In Sisters, the namesake coffee company has a simple cup of hot chocolate that will satisfy on any cold day. The café on Hood Avenue provides a warm atmosphere and a variety of food and treats to pair with your drinks.

Dudley’s Bookshop Café
Bend

What better way to spend a snowy than with a warm drink and a good book? At Dudley’s Bookshop and Café in downtown Bend, you can have both. Grab a drink and a book and curl up on a couch upstairs.

Dudleys-Bend-Oregon-Coffee-Hot Cocoa-Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers

McKay Cottage
Bend

Along with offering one of the best breakfast menus in all of Central Oregon, McKay Cottage also makes a great cup of hot chocolate. Made with Ghirardelli chocolate, this drink will be sure to warm you up on the coldest of mornings.

Lone Pine
Bend

Tucked away in Tin Pan Alley in downtown Bend, Lone Pine has one of the best cups of hot chocolate in town. Order the house-made Belgian waffle to pair with any warm drink.

Lone Pine - Bend Oregon Hot Cocoa - Coffee- Photo by Danielle Meyers
Photo by Danielle Meyers
Bend Joy Project

Share the Joy – and we’ll share 1-year of Bend Magazine with you!

We love our community. And we are all about getting behind great local projects. Keep an eye out this winter for messaging you will see around town for the Bend Joy Project. Designed to inspire each of us to play a role in our community culture, happiness, wellbeing and quality of life—it’s the kind of inspired work that makes this place we love even better. Consider being a part of the project by performing a random act of kindness. Offer a smile and wave instead of a honk; take time to do something nice for a neighbor or donate an hour of your time to a local charity.

Need more ideas on how to spread joy in our community? Visit BENDJOYPROJECT.COM for some inspiration.

For our little part, tell us about your random act of kindness and receive a one year subscription.*

Here’s to dreaming, working hard and spreading joy in 2017.

(*1 subscription per household)

Where to Donate in Central Oregon

It’s been said that a society can be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable populations. Here in Central Oregon, where people of all means mix on the streets every day, we take great pride in ensuring that our community is a safe and welcoming place. That doesn’t happen by accident, a vibrant network of public and private resources woven together by government programs and non-profits help to ensure that individuals and families don’t fall through the cracks. That work is demanding and ongoing, even in times of economic prosperity. In times of trouble resources are strained thin. But it doesn’t have to be so. One person with an open heart can make a huge difference. Consider donating your time, money, food, clothing or household items to these nonprofit organizations and help other people living in the region.

Bethlehem Inn

In Bend, Bethlehem Inn provides emergency shelter to 90 adults and children each night. The Central Oregon nonprofit, which has been operating for more than fifteen years, also provides food, transportation access and work experience to people in need. Check out their Wish List, and see what items you have at home that you can donate to the shelter.

MountainStar

MountainStar has been helping families in crisis since 2001. The nonprofit operates three relief nurseries in Bend, Madras and Prineville, where families are supported in different ways. There’s also an emergency pantry with items like food and diapers for parents in immediate need. In addition to donating money, you can also volunteer to work in classroom or donate items from their Wish List. Read more here, bendmagazine.com/supporting-families-in-crisis

Photo by Benjamin Edwards

Shepherd’s House Ministries

Shepherd’s House Ministries provides shelter, food and clothing to people in need throughout Central Oregon. They accept donations for food and winter clothes. You can drop off items at the Division Street location in Bend or at Grace Gate Church in Redmond. The Needs page has up-to-date information about items it is currently in need of.

NeighborImpact

Since 1985, NeighorImpact has assisted with food and housing needs for Central Oregon residents in need of assistance. The nonprofit receives and distributes food to more than forty locations throughout Central Oregon. In 2015, they directly assisted almost 60,000 people in Central Oregon. NeighborImpact’s Ways to Give page to find out how you can help.

Bend Joy Project

Not ready to save the world just yet? Consider doing an act of random kindness and selflessness for a stranger. Hold open a door an elder, solve a problem not of your making. Find inspiration for a better world at BendJoyProject.com

Warm Up by a Firepit this Winter

The best places to drink outside in Bend this winter. Maybe Bend denizens are part penguin, because even in the sub-freezing temperatures, Central Oregonians like to be outside. Try one of these Bend restaurants that offer four-season patio dining with fire pits and heaters to keep you warm(ish).

10 Barrel

Bend | Open until 11 p.m., midnight on Saturdays

At 10 Barrel on the west side of town, the large fireplace in the middle of the patio keeps everyone warm on the cold nights. In the winter, it’s the perfect place to drink the seasonal Pray For Snow while you think of fresh tracks for tomorrow.

O’Kanes at McMenamins

Bend | Weekdays open until 11 p.m., weekends open until midnight

At O’Kanes at McMenamins, the fire pits are big enough to share. Stay warm outside and make new friends while you try one of the seasonal brews or sip on a warm drink. Inside, you can also watch a movie or sit in the soaking pool.

Bend Brewing Company

Bend | Open until 10 p.m. every day

The heated benches at Bend Brewing Company are the next best thing to a firepit. The newly renovated riverside pub has a warm fire on the outdoor patio to enjoy while you try one of the region’s original craft brews.

Crux Fermentation Project

Bend | Open until 10 p.m. every day

While Crux is popular in the summer for its outdoor space, the patio is also open throughout the winter. With fire pits snapping and popping, award winning ales and food trucks to keep you fed, Crux should definitely be on your winter list.

Worthy Brewing

Bend | Open until 9 p.m. weekdays, 10 p.m. on weekends

The recently renovated Worthy has an expansive patio with clean burning gas-powered fire pits. It’s one of the few craft breweries where you can eat on the east side of Bend. Complete the circle by ordering one of several delicious wood over pizzas and pair it with the session-able Pre Funk Pale Ale.Wild Ride Brewing.

Favorite Post-Adventure Food and Drink Deals in Bend and Sunriver

After a long day on the mountains and in the snow, round out your day with a well-earned beer or cocktail and something to nosh. Call it happy hour, après ski or whatever you like. Here’s our list of places to refuel with comfort food and beverages in Bend and beyond. Some also offers discounts for showing your season pass or lift ticket. Find a fireplace and kick up your feet—you earned it.

The Row

Ask locals where they go for their après ski, and they’ll tell you The Row. The Scottish-inspired menu will warm you up, as will the drinks and the fireplace. If kids still have the energy, they can sled on the snow at the golf course.

Bend
tetherow.com
Open every day 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Discount seasonal après ski menu starts at 1 p.m.

Twisted Tavern

If you make it down from the mountain in time, head to Twisted Tavern at Sunriver so you can eat, drink and gaze at the sunset from the lower level. The best bite to pair with your drink is the homemade pretzel.

Sunriver
Twisted Tavern
Open every day 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Show pass or lift ticket for half-off appetizers and desserts at happy hour

Twisted Tavern Sunriver Oregon
Jeff Kennedy

Sip Wine Bar

For the rare above-freezing evening in Central Oregon, head to Sip Wine Bar. The outside patio always has a roaring fire going to keep you warm while you try flights of wine or champagne.

Bend
sipwinebend.com
Open Tuesday through Sunday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Show pass or lift ticket for happy hour pricing all night

Sip Wine Bar Bend Oregon
Photo by Jeff Kennedy

Bistro 28

Though it’s inside the members-only Athletic Club, Bistro 28 is open to the public. One of the best parts of the restaurant is that you can get full service on the couches by the fireplace.

Bend
bistro28.com
Open every day 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Purchase an entrée and show your pass or lift ticket and receive a discount on artisan pizzas or a free dessert.

Cascades Lakes Lodge

On the way back from the mountains, stop at Cascade Lakes Lodge not only because you’re ravenous and it’s the first place you’ll find in town, but also because the pub food is as comforting as the atmosphere. Find pool tables, darts and a fireplace to wind down after a cold, snowy day.

Bend
cascadelakes.com
Open every day 11:30 a.m. – close. Happy hour Monday-Friday 4 – 6 p.m.

Cascade Lakes Brewing Bend Oregon

 

The Village Bar and Grill at the Village at Sunriver

The Village Bar and Grill was recently renovated with a bigger patio and space inside to find ample seating by the fire.

Sunriver
sunrivervbag.com
Open every day 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Happy hour 3-6 p.m. (Thirsty Thursday all day happy hour)

Atlas Cider

For those looking for something other than beer, try Atlas Cider in the Box Factory buildings near the Old Mill District. The taproom has couches by a fireplace if you’re looking to relax. Vintage pinball machines and arcade games offer a great diversion for the 12-year-old kid in us all.

Bend
atlascider.com
Open every day, times vary
Cider flights are 25% off when you show your pass or lift ticket

Atlas Cider
Photo by Alex Jordan

Velvet

At Velvet, you’re likely to be rubbing elbows with same people you sat shoulder-to-shoulder with on a chairlift ride just a few hours earlier. The bar vibe is hipster-casual, with unique cocktails and craft beer served in mason jars.

Bend
velvetbend.com
Open every day, times vary. Happy hour 5 – 7 p.m.

Parilla Grill

After a day on the mountain, we think there’s nothing better a burrito from Parilla and $1 PBR to wash it all down. It’s one of the more popular stops on the way back from Mt. Bachelor, so be prepared to wait longer than you did in the lift lines.

Bend
parillagrillbend.com
Open every day 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour 4 – 5 p.m.

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