Friday, January 25, 2008

Things to Do


Explore Bend (http://www.ci.bend.or.us/)

Bend has many different activities to offer. Downtown Bend has tons of shops and restaurants to check out, as well as Drake Park and Mirror Pond. You can drive up Pilot Butte, just east of downtown, to get a great view of the entire town. The Old Mill (http://www.theoldmill.com/) has more shops and restaurants to explore, as well as a nice river trail to walk. During the summer, the Les Schwab Amphitheater (http://www.bendconcerts.com/) hosts many concerts that can be seen and heard from the park along the river at the Old Mill, or from one of the many restaurants along the river. On hot days, you can also take an inflatable raft or kayak/canoe and float down the Deschutes River, taking in the scenery.

Microbrew Beer Tasting

The Deschutes Brewery (http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/Splash/default.aspx) has a restaurant in downtown Bend, as well a brewing facility near the Old Mill that offers tours. McMenamin's Old St. Francis School (http://www.mcmenamins.com) offers great Northwest beers, food, multiple pubs, and entertainment all in an old school house located in downtown Bend.

The High Desert Museum (http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/)

Located between Bend and Sunriver, the High Desert Museum had both indoor and outdoor exhibits dedicated to life in Central Oregon.

Paulina Plunge (http://www.paulinaplunge.com/)

The Paulina Plunge is a downhill mountain biking tour. During the tour you descend over 2,500 feet, and ride four 1 1/2 mile segments to different waterfalls.

Whitewater Rafting (http://www.suncountrytours.com/)

Whitewater trips of various levels and lengths are launched on the Deschutes, McKenzie, and Umpqua Rivers.

Sunriver Resort (http://sunriver-resort.com/)

The resort area of Sunriver offers miles of biking and hiking trails, two pools, multiple golf courses, horseback riding, tennis courts, spa services, and much, much more!

Cascade Lakes Highway ~ Scenic Hikes and Drives (http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/byway/or_casca.htm)

Take a scenic drive along the Cascade Highway and stop along the way at the many lakes and scenic overlooks. There are tons of hiking trails too!


Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is located about 30 minutes outside of Bend. Take a quick hike to the top, or keep going to see Happy Valley.


Smith Rock (http://www.smithrock.com/)

Located about 30 minutes north of Bend in the town of Terrebonne, Smith Rock is both beautiful and a rock climber's paradise. Come hike, or just watch the climbers in action.

Fly Fishing

The Deschutes River in Bend has many spots you can stop and fly fish. Fly shops also offer day trips and lessons for those who want to learn how to fish.




Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Welcome to OFR 2008!!!


This year's Ostomel Family Reunion (OFR) will be held in Sunriver, Oregon from August 8-10. Sunriver is located about 25 minutes south of Bend, and is a great spot for many outdoor activities! Check out the official website for the resort: http://www.sunriver-resort.com/index.php

We're looking forward to seeing you all this summer!