Deschutes County celebrates a century this year

This year Deschutes County celebrates its centennial! The County was formed back in 1916 (the same year the two big sawmills opened on the river and statewide prohibition took effect) out of the western part of Crook County, the last of Oregon’s counties to be established. So all year long … Continue reading

The new ice skating rink is open

Bend’s new ice rink, The Pavilion, opened for business yesterday over on Bend’s west side, off of Simpson Avenue. The Bulletin reported that over 800 skaters visited that first day. Through this week they will offer open skate on the following schedule: Monday, December 28: 12:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, … Continue reading

Christmas Tree recycling with the Boy Scouts

If you have a Christmas tree that you will need to dispose of, consider the Boy Scouts Christmas tree recycling program if you don’t do that already. For a modest donation of $5 to $8 they will come to your house to pick up your tree (that you’ve left outside) … Continue reading

Merry Christmas!

It’s late but I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday! I hope the day has treated you well and everything has worked out for the best for you and yours. Cheers!

Gift Guide 2015: Museum Memberships

One thing I found while writing my book on Bend’s beer history was definitely a greater appreciation for our local museums. Both the High Desert Museum and the Deschutes Historical Museum are terrific organizations that offer fascinating glimpses into the history, environment, and culture of our region, and annual memberships … Continue reading

Gift Guide 2015: Handmade coffee mugs from Mug Revolution

Continuing recommendations for holiday gift shopping—we’re only one week from Christmas as of today! So what do you drink on Christmas morning—coffee, hot chocolate, some combo, something spiked? How about drinking it out of a handmade coffee mug from Mug Revolution? The coffee mugs at Mug Revolution are handmade in Bend, … Continue reading

Gift Guide 2015: Hydro Flask True Pints

More gift ideas for Christmas which is approaching fast: Hydro Flask True Pints! This being Bend, what with our love of beer and the outdoors, everyone likely has a Hydro Flask bottle and/or growler already, but do you have the True Pint yet? Well for this season they have released … Continue reading

Gift Guide 2015: “Bend Wild” Calendar by Mike Putnam

Continuing with my own gift guide suggestions for the holidays, with just over a week of shopping left until Christmas! Everybody needs calendars, and for 2016 I’m really liking the look of the “Bend Wild” Calendar from Mike Putnam Photography—a great deal at $15! Mike wrote about the calendar: I’m … Continue reading