Fro-Yo Fanatics

While Bend’s nightlife may be dominated by its growing number of brew pubs, there’s a different type of bar scene that is a lot sweeter—and becoming popular with a much broader audience.

Ever since Cuppa Yo opened its doors on Newport Ave. in 2009, the community has embraced the phenomenon that is the frozen yogurt shop. The creamy “fro-yo” comes from an Oregon-based company called YoCream, and is a tasty alternative to regular ice cream. It has the added health benefits of being lowfat or nonfat and containing beneficial probiotic cultures, and it is certified Kosher, not to mention the protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamins that the yogurt contains. Add some fresh fruit and delicious toppings, and you’ve got a tasty treat perfect for anyone from 1 to 101.

After Cuppa Yo, other shops quickly started popping up, each with their own twist on the craze. Bend Yogurt Factory in downtown Bend is the largest of the shops and offers soups from Harry’s and locally owned Rockin’ Dave’s. Yo Wild in the Cascade Village Shopping Center offers self-serve shakes and dipped waffle cones. While All Mixed-Up in NorthWest Crossing emphasizes their eco-friendly café, organic fro-yo, fresh smoothies, vegan soups, Strictly Organic Coffee and occasional live music.

Maybe it’s the freedom to choose whatever you want for your dessert and the ability to serve it yourself that makes this fad such an attractive alterative. Better yet, you’re even in control of the cost of your cup-of-yo – with prices near 40 cents per ounce – rather than at a fixed rate. You also get choices galore: multiple toppings and unique flavors that change frequently to make your frozen yogurt endeavor a new experience every time. And if that’s not enough to love, these establishments typically stay open until 10:00 or 11:00pm on weekends. So when there is not a scrap of dessert in your fridge and Goodies is closed, you can still get some late night yummy in your tummy.

Paddle Boarding Pandemonium

Bend is a paradise for water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, boating, and rafting, just to name a few. But one of the more obscure sports, stand-up paddle boarding, is quickly making its way into the heart of Central Oregon culture. And the best part is you don’t need any prior experience. So it is easy to get out on the water and try something new and exciting.

Stand-up paddle boarding is an ancient Hawaiian sport, in which riders stand on a large surfboard and maneuver with a long, lightweight, single-blade paddle. On any summer day, you’ll see paddlers of all ages and fitness levels making their way through the middle of town on the Deschutes River. Sometimes there’s a dog on the front of the board, and always there’s a smile on the rider’s face.

Several outfitters in Bend offer stand-up paddle-board lessons and tours. For those already comfortable on a paddle-board, renting equipment and setting out on your own is another great option. Check out Sun Country, Tumalo Creek, Standup Paddle Flatwater and Stand On Liquid, which offer services ranging from two-hour group lessons to private and semi-private options. They provide all gear, including boards, paddles, life jackets, water shoes and even the tie-downs to mount the board on your car.

One, two, or three paddleboards are not uncommon to see strapped on vehicles driving around town. More adventurous folks can partake in yoga classes and moonlit excursions on their boards. The opportunities are endless. And it is the perfect way to explore the beautiful area from a fresh perspective. The spirit of Bend is captured in the sport, proving that the locals will always take advantage of their environment by embracing unique ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Bendites are adopting surf’s up attitude of Hawaii and SoCal without the travel expenses and the crowded interstates—or the waves.

Take Me Home Country Road.

Don’t let the big orange signs on Century Drive scare you away from visiting our model homes. Road construction from the Bend city limits to Mt. Bachelor has made great progress and is well beyond both communities. So you won’t experience any delays on your drive.

Of course, there is no construction at all on weekends. So if you’re planning on spending some time at one of the many mountain lakes just 20 minutes farther up the highway, why not stop by our model homes, open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Since Century Drive was last paved in 1991, more recreational opportunities than ever can be accessed from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. In the summer, the road is essential to major events such as Pole-Pedal-Paddle and the Cascade Cycling Classic, besides attracting large numbers of road cyclists on a daily basis. In the winter, the highway provides access to Mt. Bachelor, the sixth largest ski area in North America, along with five of the most heavily used Sno-park areas in the Pacific Northwest.

A multi-use trail undercrossing near Forest Service Road 41 (Conklin Road) just west of PointsWest was completed in June to allow people to safely cross the highway. Special accommodations have been made during lane closures for cyclists, who have been separated from traffic and construction by traffic cones. No work is allowed on holidays or during special events scheduled on Century Drive, and delays are usually no longer than 20 minutes.

By late September, homeowners in the PointsWest and TripleKnot communities can really take advantage of their superior locations with easy access to Mt Bachelor – just in time for ski season! And in the meantime, freshly paved roads make for creamy smooth biking to and from town.