With the Deschutes River running through town, miles of trails and easy access to the mountains, Bend, Oregon has long been known as an outdoor mecca.  But this logging-town-turned-outdoor-paradise is quickly gaining a reputation as a destination to chase cultural and culinary adventures through the many film events, theatre productions and live music performances hosted here.

The Fall is an idyllic time to experience the best of Bend’s cultural highlights during the 14th annual BendFilm Festival running October 12 - 15, 2017 where more than 100 independent films from around the world are screened for enthusiastic audiences.  It’s easy to see why the BendFilm Festival was named by Filmmaker Magazine as a ‘Top 50 Film Festival Worth The Entry Fee.’ Festival organizers pack a lot of action into a weekend. Film fans can experience 4 panels, 7 parties and 15 bands in addition to the 100 films covering a wide range of styles and ideas. The screening venues are sprinkled throughout the downtown area and in the Old Mill District making it impossible NOT to pass a delicious restaurant or brewery on the way to your next screening.

48 hours in Bend will take you in many different directions across a variety of outdoor terrain and indoor pursuits from beer tasting to international cuisine to yoga and more. Though there are many ways to experience Bend, here is one way to get a taste of what this incredible mountain town has to offer:

 DAY ONE:

8 am - Pastries and coffee at Lone Pine Coffee: tucked away in Tin Pan Alley downtown, Lone Pine Coffee roasters is hands down one of the most delicious hidden gems and best spots to get coffee in Bend.

10 am - Walk along the Deschutes river trail, see the popular Bend Whitewater Park where people surf and kayak year round.

Noon - Lunch at The Lot: An open air collection of food trucks with 16 beers rotating on tap. They offer fun programming like trivia and live music throughout the week. 

2 pm - Mountain bike at Phil’s Trail: Trails for all skill levels take you through dense forest, open meadows and across the occasional creek for the right amount of adventure.

OR

2 pm - For those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon, try a guided tour through The Bend Touring Company. They offer segway tours, bike tours, pub cycles and other fun ways to see the town. 

4 pm - Happy Hour at Crux Fermentation Project: Housed in a former AAMCO Transmission Plant, this brewery is built for non-traditional brewing methods like decoction mashing, open fermentation and barrel aging.  With more than 20 beers on tap and a festive patio full of food trucks this is a spot not to miss.  It’s one of the reasons Bend is known as a “beer town.”

6 pm - Catch an indie flick at one of BendFilm’s locations including the historic Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Alley Theater, Regal Cinemas and McMenamins - Old St. Francis. Filmmakers are typically in attendance for post film discussions making for an engaging film experience.

8 pm - Dinner at Barrio: Enjoy bold flavorful tacos, paella, meatballs and taquitos and wash it down with a refreshing margarita or craft cocktail on an open-air patio.  The carne asada is mouthwatering and highly recommended by locals.

10 pm - Cocktails at Dogwood Cocktail Cabin: Creative cocktails with artisanal ingredients and the perfect variety of small plate dining options.  Featuring live music and “cabin fever” specials most nights of the week.

DAY TWO:

8 am - Breakfast at Sparrow Bakery: known for their signature Ocean Rolls, the team at Sparrow creates food that is delicious and beautiful. They offer a wide and rotating variety of baked goods, breakfast, lunch and dinner items at two different locations.

10 am - Kayak on the Deschutes: Grab an easy kayak rental from Tumalo Creek Canoe and Kayak in the Old Mill District.

Noon - Lunch at Spork: Dubbed “culinary magic” by the New York Times, Spork started in 2009 as a globally inspired green-conscious mobile street-food kitchen. Today the brick and mortar location serves dishes from across Latin America, Africa, Asia and beyond and creatively remixed.

2 pm - Yoga at Wren and Wild: Relax those weary muscles with a floor or aerial yoga class from some of the best instructors in the world.

4 pm - Beers at Bend Brewing Company: Take in the views in addition to some tasty beers on their new patio on the Deschutes River.

6 pm - Dinner at Joolz: Where the Middle East meets the Wild West.

8 pm - Catch a movie at any BendFilm Festival location and hear interesting stories from the directors and special guests who attend.

10 pm - Nightcap at D&D Bar and Grill: The oldest bar in Bend takes pride in the fact that its bartenders mix the stiffest drink in town while also serving the best hangover food, no matter the time of day, including house-made staples like gravy, biscuits, corned beef and hash browns.