Emily And Aaron's Guidebook
Food Carts
Food cart pods are popping up all over Central Oregon and are a great way to spend a laid back afternoon or evening outside with food and beverage options to please different palates. Many of the food cart pods have room for kids to roam and may offer lawn games and fire pits.
Food carts, ever changing tap list, cider and wine, play space for kids and epic sunsets!
51 locals recommend
On Tap
1424 NE Cushing DrFood carts, ever changing tap list, cider and wine, play space for kids and epic sunsets!
Beer and a bite. Great sushi cart, israeli street food, vegan comfort food and more! Try to tots as an appetizer!
39 locals recommend
Midtown Yacht Club
1661 Northeast 4th StreetBeer and a bite. Great sushi cart, israeli street food, vegan comfort food and more! Try to tots as an appetizer!
River's Place
787 NE Purcell BlvdMore food carts and brews, fire pits and often hosts live music!
In the adorable small town of Tumalo, great carts (try the sushi if they're not sold out!), room for the kids, fire pits and games.
59 locals recommend
The Bite Tumalo
19860 7th StreetIn the adorable small town of Tumalo, great carts (try the sushi if they're not sold out!), room for the kids, fire pits and games.
Warming hut style hang space with great taps and a selection of food carts. Great outdoor space.
10 locals recommend
Crosscut- Warming Hut No.5 Tap House
566 Southwest Mill View WayWarming hut style hang space with great taps and a selection of food carts. Great outdoor space.
Food carts, adult beverages and room for kids to play in adorable downtown Sisters
12 locals recommend
The Barn in Sisters
171 East Main AvenueFood carts, adult beverages and room for kids to play in adorable downtown Sisters
Central location near Old Mill, downtown and the river. The carts change but currently a great new seafood cart and what Aaron thinks is the best smashburger in Bend.
37 locals recommend
The Podski Food Cart Lot
536 NW Arizona AveCentral location near Old Mill, downtown and the river. The carts change but currently a great new seafood cart and what Aaron thinks is the best smashburger in Bend.
Sightseeing/Get Active!
Central Oregon is known for it's outdoor adventures whether you're advanced or beginner, looking for adrenaline or a day by the river. One thing we love about living here is you are constantly finding new adventures and places to explore.
Walk or drive to the top! Stellar views of the surrounding mountains and even to smith rock on a clear day.
141 locals recommend
Pilot Butte
Walk or drive to the top! Stellar views of the surrounding mountains and even to smith rock on a clear day.
A 66 mile scenic byway open seasonally that makes for a fabulous drive or spend the afternoon on one of the lakes or hiking one of many trails. Food and boat/stand up paddle board rentals available at Elk Lake Resort otherwise pack a picnic and bring your gear! Take your stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, fishing gear, hiking shoes and a towel!
21 locals recommend
Cascade Lakes Highway
Cascade Lakes HighwayA 66 mile scenic byway open seasonally that makes for a fabulous drive or spend the afternoon on one of the lakes or hiking one of many trails. Food and boat/stand up paddle board rentals available at Elk Lake Resort otherwise pack a picnic and bring your gear! Take your stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, fishing gear, hiking shoes and a towel!
Hiking, mountain biking, camping and very rough hot springs in the summer and snowmobiling, xc skiing/snowshoeing in the winter. A rustic lodge and a beautiful waterfall accessible year round. Note that in the winter the only access all the way to the lake and lodge is by xc ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, car access is seasonal only.
47 locals recommend
Paulina Lake
Hiking, mountain biking, camping and very rough hot springs in the summer and snowmobiling, xc skiing/snowshoeing in the winter. A rustic lodge and a beautiful waterfall accessible year round. Note that in the winter the only access all the way to the lake and lodge is by xc ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, car access is seasonal only.
Enjoy a walk, trail run, mountain bike or fishing adventure of whatever length you desire on this 12ish mile trail along the Deschutes River. There's multiple access points so you can eventually see it all. Dogs welcome on leash, however the Meadow Picnic area is off leash year round.
64 locals recommend
Deschutes River Trail
Deschutes River TrailEnjoy a walk, trail run, mountain bike or fishing adventure of whatever length you desire on this 12ish mile trail along the Deschutes River. There's multiple access points so you can eventually see it all. Dogs welcome on leash, however the Meadow Picnic area is off leash year round.
Tumalo Falls
Popular, beautiful falls great for a hike, mtn bike, picnic...
Phil's Trailhead
Mtn biking mecca trailhead
Northwest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market
Northwest Crossing DriveSaturdays through the summer
Bend Farmers Market
835 NW Wall StWednesdays downtown through the summer
Edison Butte Sno-Park
National Forest Development Road 45Snowshoe/XC ski area with a couple warming huts. Dogs off leash!
Groomed for XC skiing and for snow biking. Small sledding hill.
Dogs off leash!
26 locals recommend
Wanoga Snow Play Area
Cascade Lakes HighwayGroomed for XC skiing and for snow biking. Small sledding hill.
Dogs off leash!
Put in spot to float the river. Tube rentals and shuttle available.
47 locals recommend
Riverbend Dog Park
799 SW Columbia StPut in spot to float the river. Tube rentals and shuttle available.
Great spash pad for kids, lap swimming outdoors seasonally and a community fitness center.
31 locals recommend
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center
800 NE 6th StGreat spash pad for kids, lap swimming outdoors seasonally and a community fitness center.
Mount Bachelor
The local ski mountain
Misery ridge. Monkey face. Views for days. Hike, climb, trail run or mountain bike!
469 locals recommend
Smith Rock State Park
Misery ridge. Monkey face. Views for days. Hike, climb, trail run or mountain bike!
Beautiful are for a day trip. Great hiking and a famous mountain bike trail runs along here as well (McKenzie River Trail)
57 locals recommend
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
Beautiful are for a day trip. Great hiking and a famous mountain bike trail runs along here as well (McKenzie River Trail)
A stunning drive or a challenging road bike ride (closed to cars seasonally!).
Proxy Falls on the far side is a must visit!
9 locals recommend
McKenzie Pass
A stunning drive or a challenging road bike ride (closed to cars seasonally!).
Proxy Falls on the far side is a must visit!
Lava River Cave
Cottonwood RoadLava Tube...bring a coat no matter the time of year!
This makes for a very long day but can be done as a day trip from Bend and it's breathtaking! Winter is a longer treck as the only entrance open is the southern one.
Crater Lake
This makes for a very long day but can be done as a day trip from Bend and it's breathtaking! Winter is a longer treck as the only entrance open is the southern one.
Breweries
Did you know Bend is known for beer?
Great food and great beer. Outdoor seating available. East and West side locations now!
64 locals recommend
Sunriver Brewing Co. Galveston Pub
1005 NW Galveston AveGreat food and great beer. Outdoor seating available. East and West side locations now!
Great local spot a bit off the beaten path but not far from our location on the east side.
6 locals recommend
Bridge 99 Brewery
63063 Layton AveGreat local spot a bit off the beaten path but not far from our location on the east side.
Close to our location, great food and beer with ample outdoor seating. There is also a west side location that is the original.
77 locals recommend
10 Barrel Brewing East Side Bend
62950 NE 18th StClose to our location, great food and beer with ample outdoor seating. There is also a west side location that is the original.
Bend Brewing Company
1019 NW Brooks StFabulous outdoor spot on the river, yummy food and beer!
A Bend original that started this whole beer culture...brew location and tasting room on the west side of town by Old Mill does tours as well.
208 locals recommend
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
1044 NW Bond StA Bend original that started this whole beer culture...brew location and tasting room on the west side of town by Old Mill does tours as well.
Delicious beers, disc golf fanatics, great outdoor space and a selection of food carts! On the east side not far from our place.
23 locals recommend
Bevel Craft Brewing
911 SE Armour RdDelicious beers, disc golf fanatics, great outdoor space and a selection of food carts! On the east side not far from our place.
Probably the best outdoor space in town...options for kid and adult play, food served and a delicious taco truck on site.
246 locals recommend
Crux Fermentation Project
50 SW Division StProbably the best outdoor space in town...options for kid and adult play, food served and a delicious taco truck on site.
Monkless Belgian Ales
803 Southwest Industrial WayBelgian beers and a fab patio.
Immersion Brewing
550 SW Industrial WayGoodLife Brewing Company
70 SW Century DrBocce ball!
Fabulous patio, yummy beer and a great menu. Check out the Hopservatory!
119 locals recommend
Worthy Brewing Company
495 NE Bellevue DrFabulous patio, yummy beer and a great menu. Check out the Hopservatory!
Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood AveFood carts. Beer. Patio. You get the drill.
Spider City Brewing Company
1177 SE 9th StA little hidden and totally worth it.
Boneyard Beer
37 NW Lake PlHave you had RPM yet?
Boss Rambler Beer Club
1009 NW Galveston AveFun and yummy
The Ale Apothecary
30 SW Century DrA unique brewing style, bottle fermentation
For the Wine Lovers
Great place run by a local man who frequents South America to make and import wine.
Elixir Wine Group
11 NW Lava RdGreat place run by a local man who frequents South America to make and import wine.
Bledsoe Family Winery
550 SW Industrial WayYummy wines and a patio
Formerly Naked Winery (now Evoke) based out of Hood River. Fun vibes and yummy wine. Small snacks available.
8 locals recommend
Naked Winery Bend Tasting Room | Old Mill District
330 SW Powerhouse DrFormerly Naked Winery (now Evoke) based out of Hood River. Fun vibes and yummy wine. Small snacks available.
Va Piano Vineyards
425 SW Powerhouse DrGreat little patio looking at the river!
Stoller Wine Bar | Bend
555 Northwest Arizona AvenueNew wine option with light food menu
Finer Dining
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
919 NW Bond StGet the shrimp appetizer!
900 Wall
900 NW Wall StGreat happy hour, wine flights and always fabulous seasonal dishes.
Pine Tavern Restaurant
967 NW Brooks StPrime location on the river downtown and truly historic.
Ariana Restaurant
1304 NW Galveston AveThis place is something special
Bos Taurus
163 NW Minnesota AveHip fancy steaks
Off Leash Dog Areas
Good Dog Trail
18775 Cascade Lakes National Scenic BywayOff leash fun and river access all year round!
Hollinshead Park
1235 NE Jones RdAcross the street from us! Always a good time.
Large fenced off leash area as well as a great park with walking paths, a playground, open fields and pickleball.
41 locals recommend
Pine Nursery Park
3750 NE Purcell BlvdLarge fenced off leash area as well as a great park with walking paths, a playground, open fields and pickleball.
Riverbend Dog Park
799 SW Columbia StDog park and dog beach.
Restaurants
Spork
937 NW Newport AveFunky, fun and delicious fusion food.
Fabulous breakfast (try the special Bloody Mary), lunch or dinner. Great patio. NW Crossing neighborhood
13 locals recommend
Washington Dining & Cocktails
900 Northwest Mount Washington DriveFabulous breakfast (try the special Bloody Mary), lunch or dinner. Great patio. NW Crossing neighborhood
El Sancho Taco Shop East
335 NE Dekalb AveEast and West side locations, yummy tacos!
Hablo Tacos
1462 Northeast Cushing DriveNew East side addition we're fans of!
Bo’s Falafel Bar
70 NW Galveston AveDelicious falafel, bomb fries and a great patio.
Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats
150 NW Oregon AveNorthern Thai. Unique and delicious
FIX & REPEAT
555 NW Arizona AveSmoothies and healthy bowls
Quick, healthy, delicious and close to the river if you want to picnic!
24 locals recommend
Active Culture
285 NW Riverside BlvdQuick, healthy, delicious and close to the river if you want to picnic!
Delicious farm to table style--breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the cardamom sea salt latte!
203 locals recommend
Jackson's Corner
845 NW Delaware AveDelicious farm to table style--breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the cardamom sea salt latte!
Great beer selection both on tap and in the bottle shop as well as delicious food with unique vegan and vegetarian options.
23 locals recommend
Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Cafe
1740 NW Pence LnGreat beer selection both on tap and in the bottle shop as well as delicious food with unique vegan and vegetarian options.
Trattoria Sbandati
1444 Northwest College WayDelicious little hidden Italian joint
BOSA Food & Drink
1005 Northwest Galveston AvenueNew Italian place, I hear good things!
Kanji Ramen Noodle & Izakaya
I've heard rave reviews, let us know!
Fun atmosphere, patio dining option and a delicious menu with a wide variety of options.
Lady Bird Cultural Society
Fun atmosphere, patio dining option and a delicious menu with a wide variety of options.
JIA Asian Street Kitchen