Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Sunriver

"Whether it is out on the water, sitting down for a cup of coffee, strolling along the paths at Drake Park, spending time viewing a small indie film in a boutique theater or savoring the delicious fare at the many locally owned, family run restaurants, some of which have been recognized by the James Beard association, there are many simple, beautiful and memorable ways to spend your time in my new hometown. And I am more than happy to share what I’ve discovered."

"Home to the famous Mirror Pond, Drake Park is likely one of Bend’s most popular parks for visitors and locals alike. They host several events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule to see what will be around during your visit."

"One of Bend’s newest parks, Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is the site of the oldest homestead in Bend’s city limits. Ovid B. Riley and his family farmed and raised cattle, building a number of cabins and outbuildings. Not only can you still see remnants of those buildings, but also a prehistoric rock shelter once occupied by natives of the area."

"A post shared by Stu Curtis (@sand_to_snow) on Oct 5, 2019 at 8:58pm PDT. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve is the last mention on our list and stretches 6.5 mi (10.5 km). The terrain is mostly mountainous and is a worthwhile experience."

"This excellent museum, about 3 miles south of Bend, charts the exploration and settlement of the West, using reenactments of a Native American camp, a hard-rock mine and an old Western town. The region's natural history is also explored; kids love the live snake, tortoise and trout exhibits, and watching the birds of prey and otters is always fun. Guided walks and other programs are well worth attending – don't miss the raptor presentation."

"If the weather isn't ideal (it happens – it was cloudy, rainy, and cool the whole time I was in Bend in June!), downtown Bend has tons of cute shops to explore, and there's also the High Desert Museum you could visit. Sunset at Pilot Butte"

"One of Bend’s most expansive parks, Pine Nursery Park offers a little (or a lot!) of everything. This 159-acre whopper of a park boasts softball fields, soccer fields, pickleball courts, a disc golf course, a fishing pond, a playground, and a 14-acre dog park known as the Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area. The Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash area is one of many amazing features of Pine Nursery Park."

"Once upon a time, Hollinshead Park in northeast Bend was a working ranch with horses and orchards, barns and outbuildings. Some of those buildings still stand today, including Hollinshead Barn (a popular site for events and weddings) and the caretaker’s cottage, which Bend Park and Rec opens up once a year for tours. Stroll the grounds on your own to check out some of the remaining structures like the restored outhouse and items from Dean Hollinshead’s family freight line business from the early1900s."

"Below is an image on the day of the Total Solar Eclipse on Hosmer Lake. But summer doesn’t last all year and as many of you know, Bend is known for the snow and skiing on Mt. Bachelor. While I am not a down hill skier, I do love to take my dogs cross country skiing or go by myself at a handful of different parks along the Cascade Lakes Highway headed to Mt. Bachelor. Usually, I head up in the morning to make the most of the snow, and then return down the hill for a leisurely rest of the day."

"The Deschutes National Forest is a United States National Forest located in parts of Deschutes, Klamath, Lake, and Jefferson counties in central Oregon. It comprises 1.8 million acres along the east side of the Cascade Range. In 1908, the Deschutes National Forest was established from parts of the Blue Mountains, Cascade, and Fremont National Forests."

"If you love hot stone therapy, organic oils, and a spa that cares about the environment, Anjou Spa is your spot. They make it a point to reduce packaging and waste whenever they can to increase what they call their “Green Cred,” which goes a long way in Bend. Offering therapeutic massages, facials, waxing, and cosmetic services, Anjou is a favorite for locals and visitors alike."

"Maybe you spent the day skiing hard at Mt. Bachelor or hiking Tumalo Falls or went rock climbing at Smith Rock and need to relieve that muscle tension. Perhaps you just had a long, stressful week at work and just need to focus on your own well-being. Or are you looking to give the gift of relaxation to a significant other or loved one?"

"The five hotels located in the Old Mill District offer a short walk and easy access to shopping, dining, movies, a beautiful river trail and summer concerts. A myriad of dining options to suit any palate and over 40 stores to engage and indulge, you will be sure to have a marvelous vacation along the Deschutes River, nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Each of these hotels in the Old Mill District are an easy — and short — stroll away from exploring downtown Bend too."

"Take a stroll around Bend, Oregon’s tribute to its timber town heritage. Fifty years ago you would’ve heard the sawmills humming and watched lumberjacks balancing on logs floating down the Deschutes river. Today, you’ll discover an exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment district called the Old Mill District."

"If you prefer to start on the early side, this is the date night for you!. Authentic happy hour hor d’oeuvres and original Level 2 cocktails are served daily at this unique elevated lounge in the heart of the Old Mill District. After dinner, explore the shops at the Old Mill District."

"Fall in love with the food and the river views when you dine at Crossings at the Riverhouse. You don’t need to stay at The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center to dine at their spacious, river-front restaurant, Crossings. The fact that they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour makes them an excellent go-to spot almost any time of day, and the fact that their back deck offers killer river views makes it one of my favorite spots in Bend for river-view dining."

"As I typed the words just now, my mouth literally started watering as I thought about their corned beef hash served with onions, bell pepper, potato, spinach, poached eggs, and horseradish crème fraiche. It’s one of the few breakfast items that reheats beautifully so you can take half of it home (it’s a big portion, yo) to enjoy the next day. Or an hour later because you can’t stop thinking about it."

"Located on the north side of Bend in the Cascade Village shopping center, Olive Garden is an old favorite for many. Their well known dishes like breadsticks, salad and pasta make for a hearty, comforting meal. If you’re on the north side of town and craving Italian food this is a great spot to stop for a bite."

"We called all around Bend on a Friday night and no one was taking phone reservations only in person. We called and were able to get our name on the list..."

"They go above and beyond for their customers, from a coffee guide to make sure you enjoy the perfect cup of coffee to the quality of coffee beans they source. Their Roastery is here in Bend and by appointment only, if you really want to make the best of your morning you’ll take a few friends and go learn from the best or you can stop by their coffee shop in the lower level of the Hixon Yard apartments on 14th!"

"Still Vibrato is a local roaster who is currently working on opening up a retail shop off of Century Dr. In the meantime their beans are available in the local grocery stores around town. They also have a roasting facility near the box factory that is open by appointment only."