Talking Behind Our Backs

Back in September, we talked about how Bend was named top dog among the nation’s dog-friendliest cities by Dog Fancy magazine. That’s pretty cool. But the fact is, we have so much more to brag about.

For instance, National Geographic recently included Bend in their list of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns, right next to Chamonix, France and Whistler in British Columbia. The article cites Bend as “best for multisport junkies with a taste for microbrews.” Can’t argue with that.

On the microbrew side of things, a little newspaper called The New York Times published an article in April entitled, “Bend, Ore., a Brewer’s Town.” The newly expanded Deschutes Brewery downtown was the inspiration for the article, as it has become the fifth largest craft brewer in the nation and has contributed to one of the highest brewery-to-resident ratios in the country.

Bend is certainly not lacking in the “multisport junkie” department either. In a May 2011 edition of Outdoor Life magazine, Bend came in at number one on their list of America’s Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen for its “embarrassment of sporting riches.” What’s more, in a 2009 article in Mountain Bike Action magazine, Bend was named America’s Top Mountain Biking Town that “seems like it was founded just for mountain bikers.”

We were even awarded best tasting drinking water in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade to Coast section of the American Water Works Association for its “clean, crisp and grassy” flavor with a “nice aftertaste.” Grassy? Whatever.

The latest writer to wax fondly about us is Nathan Borchelt who began his article in The Washington Post in last month by stating, “I hate Bend, Ore.” But that’s only because he says, “No place should have it this good.” Truly, the man had nothing but positive things to say about our humble abode.

See for yourself what all the fuss is about at Visit Bend. Then don’t be surprised if you start bragging about it yourself.

Paddle Boarding Pandemonium

Water SportsBend 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.

© Copyright PointsWest