So much to do in Bend during October and all of Fall!
September Events in Bend
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
It's that time of year! Fall is a great time to check your home to ensure it's ready for the colder winter months. Below is a list of recommendations for preparing your home so that you stay warm, dry & cozy!
Central Oregon Fall Activities
From hiking to enjoying your favorite cup of coffee, it’s easy to take advantage of the fall season and everything it offers. Here are a few activities to enjoy the cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and the great community around Central Oregon.
Oktoberfest
To kickoff the fall season, Bend is holding it’s annual Oktoberfest on September 15th & 16th, 2017. Beer, food, wine, cider, music, quirky games, and much more is there for you to enjoy during the free event. This is a great way for local businesses to promote their services and products and for visitors to have a good time.
Rock Climbing
The climbing scene in Central Oregon is undeniably great no matter the season, but the fall offers weather for the best days. Smith Rock is the ultimate place to go and has all levels of climbing, from beginner to extreme. But if the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re really new to climbing, Bend Rock Gym is a great place to spend the day. They have a great staff that’s always willing to help give pointers and offer lessons.
Mountain Biking
With the cooler weather, the fall makes for some of the best mountain biking around Central Oregon. There are many popular local areas to visit (check out the list here) or you can head over to Mt. Bachelor Bike Park which has over 13 miles of downhill trails. Traveling or don’t have a bike? No worries, Mt. Bachelor has a fleet of bikes you can rent and there are also a handful of bike shops in Bend that offer tours and rentals, such as, Pine Mountain Sports and Cog Wild.
Metolius River
Central Oregon is full of gorgeous places, and there are some spots out there during the fall season with lots of changing colors you have to check out. Located just north of Sisters is the beautiful Metolius River, great for hiking, fly fishing, and enjoying a beautiful autumn day. In Bend, the Pilot Butte trail is a great hike and offers miles of views.
Beer
Central Oregon has a great selection of local brews and fall also offers a few awesome seasonal beers. Maps for the Bend Ale Trail are available at the Bend Visitor Center where you can get all the stamps and claim your prize. The Brew Bus is a great and fun way to travel around the breweries around Bend too!
Thrifting
If you enjoy shopping or an interesting activity on a rainy day, then thrifting might be your answer. Bend is full of awesome thrift shops to add a little spice to your spaces. The Humane Society Thrift is a good choice knowing proceeds are going to the local animal shelter. Other local thrift shops that are great for finding treasures include City Thrift, Possibilities, and Starburst. Gear Fix is also a great resale shop for used outdoor equipment.
Coffee
There’s something about cozying up in your favorite sweater and drinking a delicious warm drink. Thump Coffee, Backporch, Lone Pine, and Megaphone all roast their beans locally. In addition to those selections, there are many more wonderful local coffee shops in Bend that offer a different vibe, perfect for a cool autumn day. If you're not a coffee drinker, but are looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of tea, Townshend's Tea downtown offers a warm atmosphere complete with couches and comfy chairs.
To learn more about everything Central Oregon has to offer, check out my relocation guide or give me a call - 541.728.3356.
Original blog post by Cascade Sotheby's International Realty.
Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place to Live
If you've visited Bend, or if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to call Central Oregon home, then you understand why so many choose to relocate here either full-time or as a vacation destination. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, endless outdoor activities, and a trendy yet independent mountain culture, Bend is genuinely an awesome place to live.
If you need specific reasons why Bend is the best city in Oregon, check out this list that covers everything from the Arts to Breweries. Are you planning a trip to Central Oregon this holiday season and looking for places to go while you're in town? Grab a cold beer, sit back, sit back and Visit our Discover Bend page to learn about summer hot spots, locals favorites, and some of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon.
Life is Great on Skates
The snow isn't falling yet in Bend, Oregon, but the Bend Parks & Recreation Ice Pavilion is officially open for the season! If you're looking to polish your figure skating skills, practice your curling technique or start an ice hockey team this is the spot to do it. Be sure to check out their website for schedule and details.
Staying in Sunriver this holiday season? Not to worry, they have a fantastic ice skating rink for all to enjoy. They also offer the Alpine Express Train that takes the little ones on a short ride around Sunriver Village - a must do for families visiting Sunriver this winter season.
If being on ice skates isn't your thing (trust me, I get it), you can always snuggle up next to the fire pit, drink some hot cocoa and breathe in the crisp fall and winter air in Central Oregon.
10 Homes Built for Nature-Lovers in Central Oregon
It's no secret that Central Oregon is known for it's unique high desert landscape - a mix of juniper, aspen and oak trees, mountain views, and volcanic terrain. Check out these beautiful homes that make our rustic and breathtaking scenery the star of the show.
Want to find your own nature-inspired Central Oregon getaway? Feel free to browse here!
Fall Home & Garden Tips
As fall rolls in, nights get cooler, days get shorter and life seems to take a bit of a breather after seemingly non-stop summer activity. While you pull out the crock pot, and dream of pumpkin spice lattes, it's also time to prepare your home for fall and winter. Here are a couple of tips to ensure you're ready:
- Once trees have shed their fall leaves, be sure to check your gutters and roof to ensure they're clear of debris that can clog gutters. Also caulk/seal gutter joints to prevent leaking.
- Winter is a time to get cozy! Be sure your fireplace and chimney are serviced and cleaned to help prevent house and flue fires.
- Check windows & doors for drafts. According to bobvilla.com, proper sealing and insulation can save you 20% on your heating and cooling bill.
- Prepare your yard for colder weather: clean and store outdoor furniture and garden tools, and contact your irrigation company to winterize sprinkler & irrigation systems.
- Planning on entertaining this winter and holiday season? Prepare now by cleaning ovens, stoves and refrigerators to ensure they're ready for extra use.