From big family dinners to laid-back nights by the fire, your patio can host it all!
Visit Patio World and explore Bend’s best selection of all-season outdoor furniture, fire features, and patio accessories.
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR'S NOTE
A nonprofit ensures all children have beds to sleep in each night.
SOUL OF CENTRAL OREGON TRAILS
Access Central Oregon's natural beauty on a pair of cross-country skis.
RETREAT
Find après ski, alpenglow and be first on the hill by camping at ski resorts.
PURSUITS
Bend's Jeska Clark prepares a historymaking expedition to the North Pole.
Community radio station KPOV has been on the air for 20 years.
Bold design and color create a family home with thoughtful gathering places.
The cannabis industry breaks free from stereotypes. Plus, meet the founder of Spiral Wax Co. IMBIBE
Enjoy sparkling wines and bubbly to make every day of the year a holiday.
RESTAURANT
Ariana celebrates 20 years of fine dining and culinary passion.
SAVOR
Rawmona's Artisan Kitchen celebrates Mexican heritage with its cacao cake.
AESTHETIC
Ballet in Bend is based in tradition while evolving for the future.
ARTISTS
Together, siblings K.C. Cannon and Brown W. Cannon III create "Golden" works of art. CULTURE
Ready to enjoy the area's culinary best? Search our dining guide to learn more about the top spots at bendmagazine.com/dining-guide.
Find out what's happening in Central Oregon or upload your upcoming events at bendmagazine.com/calendar.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly restaurant recommendations, read digital-only articles, plus stay connected at bendmagazine.com/newsletter.
There may be 31 days in December, but hum “The 12 Days of Christmas” holiday tune while taking a peek at our curated list of locally found, Bend-inspired gifts and experiences.
Take a walk through the snow. Find an elegant gallery of images in black and white from some of the region’s best contemporary photographers, inspired by the art and legacy of Oregon’s pioneer landscape and ski photographer Ray Atkeson.
Holiday magic comes from connection, whether by supporting the community or communing with nature. Plus, science proves it is good for your health. Written by Suzanne Johnson 80 86 72
ON THE COVER
Winter stoke is upon us.
Snowboarder: Forrest Shearer
PHOTO BY TYLER ROEMER
For over 50 years, Sunriver Resort has been a treasured outpost for family and friends to celebrate the holiday season together. Unforgettable moments become cherished traditions as our 3,300 acres are transformed into a winter wonderland of family fun and snowy adventures. Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through a snowy meadow, sip hot cocoa by the fire after a snowshoe trek, build a gingerbread house, and of course, enjoy a festive feast with all the fixings. Join us in our nightly festivities throughout this holiday season. Make memories. Book your
An outdoor portrait photographer based in Portland, Oregon, Tommy Corey brings a blend of artistry and adventure to his work with leading outdoor brands. His love for photography began at age 12, when his father handed him a 35mm Olympus, sparking a lifelong fascination with portraiture. After years capturing weddings and conceptual art, he set out on the 2,650mile Pacific Crest Trail in 2018, a journey that led to the creation of a fashion-inspired photo series celebrating long-distance hikers and cementing his passion for combining nature and authenticity through his lens. For this issue, he dives into the complex world of cannabis (page 65).
The daughter of an architect and designer, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti has been fascinated with home design since childhood. Also a dancer who studied journalism and anthropology in college, she’s equally passionate about travel, cuisine and the arts. As a lifestyle journalist, HatfieldChiotti contributes to publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure and Forbes. She has put her varied interests and expertise to work in this issue, covering a whimsical home in Tetherow (page 55), the fine-dining temple of Ariana (page 97) and the evolving ballet landscape in Bend (page 105).
Photographing food, beverages, restaurants and products are all in a day’s work for Tina Paymaster. From spending hours in the dark room in high school to studying photography in college, Paymaster loves how the world can transform into something magical through the lens and editing processes. Her journey has led her to careers in graphic design, health, nutrition coaching and commercial photography. Paymaster loves to create imagery that tells a story and leaves the observer hungry for more. Savor the season through her captures of bubbly (page 91) and the artistry of meals at Ariana (page 97).
JEREMY
An award-winning writer and video and podcast producer, Jeremy Storton is creator of the media Good Beer Matters, Sense of Beer Style and more. An expert on the subject of beer, Storton has earned credentials as an Advanced Cicerone®, a WSET Global Beer Educator, a BJCP judge and an IBD-certified brewer. Besides hop-centric pursuits and media, Storton is a freediving instructor, a masters water polo player and coach. He takes his pursuit of storytelling, aquatic adventure, and beer and tacos very seriously. Join Storton in his exploration of Central Oregon’s cannabis industry in “Higher Ground” (page 65).
A born adventurer and storyteller, Julia Duke uses her camera to uncover the emotion within every frame. From family portraits to mountaintop vows, her work reveals authenticity, connection and beauty in its truest form. Duke’s passion began with a film camera, developing rolls of memories in the quiet of a darkroom before evolving into a global photography career. Now based in Central Oregon with her husband and two children, she continues to find magic in every smile, laugh and love story she photographs. Here, she celebrates the warmth of connection during Central Oregon’s winter days in “How We Gather” (page 86).
HEATHER HUSTON JOHNSON
ROSS JOHNSON
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief CHERYL PARTON
Managing Editor KATIE HENRY
Custom Publications Editor HEIDI HAUSLER
Podcast Host ADAM SHORT
Staff Writer SIENA DORMAN
Copy Editors LEE LEWIS HUSK, STEPHANIE BOYLE MAYS
DESIGN
Creative Directors KELLY ALEXANDER, CALI CLEMENT
Lead Designer CALI CLEMENT
Senior Graphic Designer JEREMIAH CRISP
Graphic Designer LIBBY MARSDEN
Print Consultant CLARKE FINE
SALES
Sales Manager RONNIE HARRELSON
Senior Account Executive SUSAN CROW
Senior Account Executive AMY LANDGRAF
Account Executive BOOTSIE BODDINGTON
BUSINESS & MARKETING
Marketing Director CALI CLEMENT
Director of Operations HEATHER RENEE WONG
Sales and Marketing Assistant MCKENZIE KLECKER
Office Assistant KIM PAGE
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Circulation Manager AMARA SPITTLER
Newsstand Coordinator ALAN CENTOFANTE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
CATHY CARROLL, DAMIAN FAGAN, MIRA HANSEN, CASEY HATFIELD-CHIOTTI, SUZANNE JOHNSON, AARON RASHEED, JEREMY STORTON, SARAH WOLCOTT
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
PETE ALPORT, L. RENEE BLOUNT, ALYSON BROWN, TOMMY COREY, CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE, JULIA DUKE, BENJAMIN EDWARDS, TAMBI LANE, CHRISTIAN MURILLO, TINA PAYMASTER, CODY RHEAULT, TYLER ROEMER, ARIAN STEVENS, SARAH TUTTLE, WHITNEY WHITEHOUSE
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of Oregon Media. Articles and photographs appearing in Bend Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Bend Magazine and Oregon Media are not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of Bend Magazine, Oregon Media or its employees, staff or management. Proudly printed in Oregon.
STYLE in every home.
SOUL in every street.
STRENGTH in every connection.
Find your happy place here. On Bend’s west side, Discovery West is more than a neighborhood—it’s a place where neighbors linger over coffee at the community plaza, and shops, parks, schools, and trails come together seamlessly to make everyday life better. Here, joy is in the little moments, and the best of Bend is right outside your door. Learn more at discoverywestbend.com, visit the Harcourts The Garner Group neighborhood office or call (541)383-4360.
The best version of myself is free of mental and physical clutter. So how did I end up with all this stuff? Since our youngest child went to college, I’ve joined the legions of folks at all stages of life who ruthlessly thank their material possessions for their service and then let them go.
But the holidays are a time when I am smacked in the face with a contradiction. While I want to be a collector of moments, not things, it still makes me happy to set a holiday table with my grandmother’s silver. Sure, I recognize things aren’t the people, experiences or places I have loved, but some of these objects bring me closer to people who aren’t part of my daily life.
This search for meaning—in action, words and connection—is woven throughout our holiday issue. We set the tone by offering an homage to Oregon artist Ray Atkeson, whose silver bromide photographs inspired a black-and-white winter portfolio from some of the region’s best contemporary photographers (“A Winter’s Palette,” page 72), a visual reminder that beauty often lies in simplicity. You’ll meet explorers like Jeska Clark, a Bendite leading the first all Black expedition to the Arctic and North Pole (page 43), and tune in to the spirit of community through KPOV, the regional radio station that has offered local voices a place to be heard for 20 years (page 47). We share the importance of gathering during the holidays. Spoiler: Science has proven that being around people boosts the release of oxytocin—our feel-good hormone.
SHOW UP WITH ALL YOUR ATTENTION.
CALL THE GRANDPARENT WHO DOESN’T TEXT. CHECK IN WITH A NEIGHBOR OR FRIEND. VOLUNTEER.”
It turns out that spending time with others helps us feel calmer and more connected. Whether through laughter, shared meals or lending a hand, that connection isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for our health. Read about how to make any day a special occasion with sparkling wines and bubbly (page 93) or at Ariana Restaurant (page 97), which just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
When life can be full of contradictions, perhaps it’s something we can agree on: The truest joy of the season isn’t found in what we buy or even what we keep, it’s in the time we spend with each other. There’s no need to show up with a present in hand (though we’ve got plenty of ideas in our Holiday Gift Guide on page 78). Instead, show up with all your attention. Call the grandparent who doesn’t text. Check in with a neighbor or friend. Volunteer.
Thank you for sharing your time with us by reading Bend Magazine. Life is an adventure, and we’re so happy to share our experiences with you. So pull up a seat to join us, there’s always room at our table.
Happy Holidays,
Cheryl Parton, Editor in Chief
saxonsfinejewelers.com saxonsfinejewelers.com
1. ARTISAN MARKETS: Find a list of the best of Central Oregon’s holiday markets for locally made gifts and an abundance of festive cheer at bendmagazine.com/best-holiday-markets-in-central-oregon. 2. RUN FOR DESSERT: Join a Thanksgiving morning, and Bend, tradition. The “i like pie” fun run (or walk) at the Old Mill District rewards finishers with plenty of pie; learn more at bendmagazine.com/event/i-like-pie
3. HOLIDAY DINING: Enjoy time with family or friends at one of Central Oregon’s best restaurants. Choose from the array of flavors and hospitality found in Savor Magazine BONUS: Get a FREE year of Bend Magazine delivered by mail with code HOLIDAY4 at bendmagazine.com/subscribe 2 1 3
What if your idea started a program that saved thousands of acres from wildfire?
What if you funded a school lunch program that fed the next generation of Oregonian ingenuity?
What if your generosity helped a rural science class generate new ways to harness energy?
And what if you gave yourself the audacity to ponder how to make Oregon even better?
What if your head talked to your heart and they agreed to dream even bigger?
Maybe you start a scholarship.
Or launch a nonprofit.
Become a volunteer.
Or maybe you start a conversation with us, your statewide community foundation, and together we turn your ‘What ifs’ into powerful ‘Why nots.’
What if you joined us?
The Dirksen Derby takes place December 19 through 21, an event hosted at Mt. Bachelor that brings together more than 500 riders in 24 divisions to showcase skill, and build camaraderie and connection. Founded in 2007, the Derby began as a fundraiser for Tyler Eklund, a Bend snowboarder who was paralyzed as a teenager after a fall at a national competition that year. Since then, the event has benefited other causes and nonprofits including Oregon Adaptive Sports, Protect Our Winters, and the Central Oregon Avalanche Association.
“I know that donations mean a lot to the individuals and nonprofits that receive them,” founder Josh Dirksen said.
“But I also realize they need more than just money. They need awareness, kindness, understanding, volunteer support and a strong connection to the greater community.”
In the past, the Derby has registered racers from 6 to 76 years old, whether professionals or the playful—categories are elite, yogi, mini-shred, “older & wiser” and more. But,
“One of my biggest joys each year is seeing our original inspiration (and fundraising recipient), tetraplegic rider Tyler Eklund, race down our Green course together with Kendall Cook from Oregon Adaptive Sports,” Dirksen said. See dirksenderby.com
Built in 1916 by Irish entrepreneur Hugh O’Kane, the O’Kane Building was envisioned as Bend’s first modern commercial center—a 14,000-square-foot fireproof structure symbolizing the city’s growth and permanence. It became the heart of downtown commerce and community life, and once housed Bend’s first movie theater. Now on the market for nearly $9.8 million, the landmark remains on the National Register of Historic Places. See deschuteshistory.org.
The Bend Chamber of Commerce, with support from Simplicity by Hayden Homes, has launched the Pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Library. Offering a curated collection of architecturally reviewed, permit-ready plans that comply with local building codes, the online resource enables faster permitting, cost savings and housing diversity. The Design Library aligns with Bend’s housing goals, including the 2025 ordinance allowing up to two ADUs per property, and provides homeowners, designers and developers with an efficient, affordable solution. See bendchamber.org.
Central Oregon Community College (COCC) has received its first TRIO Student Support Services grant, a $1.36 million, four-year award from the U.S. Department of Education, to assist 140 low-income, first-generation students annually. The funded program includes tutoring, success coaching, transfer-degree workshops, university tours and other student services. The TRIO program boasts high graduation and transfer rates nationwide, and COCC is one of 10 other Oregon community colleges offering this student-success resource.
See cocc.edu.
A new sports park is taking shape in La Pine due to the collaborative efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, La Pine Park and Recreation and Three Rivers Archers. The Lorimor Heritage Outdoor Education Park will encompass 60 acres south of the Midstate SubStation and is slated to include an archery range, clay targets, a 3D trail and a community fishing pond. With an aim to attract tourism, host statewide events and provide hunter education and outdoor recreation training, the park will be the first of its kind in southern Deschutes County. See lapineparks.org.
Bend-based filmmaker, cinematographer and photographer Elif Koyutürk Hazen was selected for the prestigious Mountainfilm 2025 Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship Program becoming the first Turkish recipient and first Turkish woman to receive the award. Chosen from thousands of international applicants, Koyutürk Hazen joins a select group of rising directors. Additionally, she was recently named one of the lead artists in Cambridge University’s SCIxART Project, a program at the intersection of science and art. Originally from Istanbul, Koyutürk Hazen’s creative journey is deeply tied to Bend. Her 2023 solo photography exhibition,”Nature’s Luminescence Within the Human Spirit,” at Scalehouse Gallery connected Central Oregon’s creative community through a global lens. Her latest project, “Story of Lost Goddess,” will weave together ancient goddess cultures with contemporary women’s experiences, blending myth, ecology and cinematography. “To me, telling women’s stories in connection with nature and cultural memory is a way of honoring my roots and sharing collective stories that transcend borders,” she said.
A first-grade teacher at Pine Ridge Elementary in Bend, Stephanie Johnson was recipient of the 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Administered by the National Science Foundation, the award is the highest honor for math and science educators, highlighting teachers who advance STEM learning and inspire future problem solvers. Johnson has taught at Pine Ridge for 16 years, her first six in special education. A University of Oregon graduate, she is known for fostering mathematical curiosity and inspiring students to see themselves as capable mathematicians, drawing on community connections to build student confidence. Beyond her classroom, Johnson supports fellow educators as part of Bend-La Pine School District’s Mathematics Leadership Academy and facilitates regional professional development sessions.
CYCLIST
At 85 years old, Bend’s Bob Sanders clinched the Guinness World Record for being the oldest man to bicycle across the United States. Sanders completed the 3,007-mile journey from Ocean Beach, California, to St. Augustine, Florida, in 44 days, fueled by the support of his wife Kathryn, friend Jack Hoker and well-wishers along the way. “Without exception, people were interested, encouraging and really wanted me to be successful,” he shared. From the Marine Corps to public administration, Sanders’ career brought him to Colorado and Saudi Arabia, while his love of the outdoors led him to Central Oregon after competing in the 1993 Pole Pedal Paddle. Sanders credits Bend’s high-energy culture for inspiring his endurance, saying the city’s adventurous spirit pushed him to keep pedaling and make history.
“My husband and I have had a vision for our dream home for many years. We hired Arrowood Development to build our house and let’s just say that the entire process, start to finish, was nothing short of amazing.”
— Darcy D. —
Every custom home starts with a dream. Entrust it to Arrowood Development, where there is no vision too big or detail too small. We deliver the exceptional craftsmanship, enduring quality, and elevated finishes you expect in a custom home. But we also add substance to shine with flexible collaboration, elevated project management, and an unwavering commitment to your vision.
Arrowood’s roots are in Central Oregon, where we create luxury communities that celebrate the best of Bend. We harness and focus that vast expertise to craft inspired individual custom homes with unexpected value. And, our deep network of trusted vendors means we source e ciently to deliver on time, which leads to
Home sweet home.
Skinny skis are a passport to explore trails and landscapes this winter
WRITTEN BY DAMIAN FAGAN
Nordic skiing has a long history in Central Oregon, beginning with the lumber mill workers in the region's early days. Scandinavian transplants and friends Chris Kostol, Emil Nordeen, Nels Skjersaa, and Nils Wulfsberg formed the Skyliners ski club in 1927 and its traditions are still going strong. The combination of long winters, abundant snow and access from numerous sno-parks provide ideal opportunities for cross-country (XC) skiers to skate or glide through forested trails in the region’s winter wonderlands. Here are five spots to explore this season.
The network of groomed skate and classic trails maintained by Meissner Nordic, a volunteer-run and -supported nonprofit organization, is known by locals as simply "Meissner." Several trails lead to the Meissner Shelter, or connect via the Tangent Trail to Swampy Lakes Sno-Park for a 5-mile loop, or even explore a new loop, Best Day Ever, added in 2024. Download the Meissner Nordic app for real-time grooming reports, weather, event information, alerts and interaction with offline maps. Remember to stay to the right, and make way for faster skiers—watch for local high school competitors and Olympic athletes who also train on these trails
TIP: If Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is full, continue 3 miles up the Cascade Lakes Highway to Swampy Lakes Sno-Park, which offers access to ungroomed classic trails and rolling terrain to both the Swampy and Nordeen shelters.
Across from Mt. Bachelor ski resort’s alpine slopes, the Nordic Center offers more than 34 miles of groomed trails for skate and classic, rewarding skiers with one of the longest groomed Nordic trail seasons in North America—starting in November and going to June if the snow cooperates. Trails dip and weave through subalpine fir and old-growth mountain hemlock forests, punctuated by views of Mount Bachelor’s peak. Pick up a hot beverage or snack from the XC Café in the Nordic Center after a workout. With a free Common Corridor pass from the Nordic Center, skiers can also access the ungroomed 2-mile-long trail to Todd Lake.
Forest Road 16 leaves Sisters and continues for about 11 miles to Upper Three Creeks, a hub for Nordic skiers and their dogs, snowshoers and snowmobilers. One popular destination is the well-marked ungroomed trails to the Jefferson View Shelter, which offers incredible views of several peaks in the Cascade Range. Trail distances vary from 4 to 7 miles.
If you’re after a dog-friendly area with groomed trails, head to Wanoga. Dogpac—a nonprofit, volunteerrun, off-leash advocacy organization—grooms a flat, 2-mile loop for skiers and their happy pets to bound through the snow.
UPDATE: The nearby Edison Butte Sno-park closed in 2024 after the Bachelor Complex fires. While the closure was lifted for 2025, much clearing and resigning work remains to be done.
For a day or overnight trip, head up to the Ten Mile Sno-Park on the flank of the Newberry Volcano. Take the ungroomed Paulina View Trail that gently climbs for about 3 miles to Paulina Lake and passes by the ice-draped Paulina Falls. Overnighters can stay at the Paulina Lake Lodge (the lodge team will snowmobile in their gear) and enjoy a star-studded moonlight ski through the heart of the volcano.
Many of the ski trails located within the Deschutes National Forest are managed by the U.S. Forest Service but are maintained by volunteers who take on tasks such as grooming, signage, trail upkeep, special events and stocking shelters with emergency firewood. “Typically, we put in about 3,000 hours of volunteer work per year on trails, and many more hours in the years with a big project such as putting up a shelter or constructing new trails,” said Sue Sullivan, vice-president and trail maintenance coordinator of the nonprofit Central Oregon Nordic Club (CONC). Donations, memberships or volunteer time are ways to support CONC and Meissner Nordic.
Several ski shops in Bend, Sunriver and Sisters offer XC ski rentals and sales, as well as all the gear you’ll need. Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center offers lessons, and CONC offers ski clinics to members. While Mt. Bachelor's Nordic Center parking is free, remember to purchase an Oregon Sno-Park pass, required for parking November 1 to April 30, which also supports snowplowing and maintenance efforts to keep the history of Nordic skiing in Central Oregon alive.
A CAREER RETROSPECTIVE SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 — JANUARY 18, 2026
HIGHDESERTMUSEUM.ORG/FEDDERSEN
Ice skating and sports shine in the heart of Bend! Come skate at The Pavilion - Central Oregon’s only NHL-sized ice rink.
• Open Skate
Check online schedules for:
• Holiday Skate
• Family Skate
• “Cheap Skates”
• Skating, Hockey & Curling Lessons
• Curling
• Hockey Games
• Hockey Skills & Drills
p. 541-389-7588
1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend For schedules, fees and more, visit thepavilioninbend.com
Sweeping past the West Village Lodge as part of the day’s last run, satisfaction sets in. After an epic day of laps on the mountain, you unclip your boots, sling skis on your shoulder and start a slower pace. During a shuffle to the car, and thoughts of the drive home, you see them: a front row of campers at Mt. Bachelor. The best seats on the mountain are collapsible chairs outside a rig. For skiers and snowboarders with a taste for adventure, and no need to get down the hill, RV or van camping is one more way to extend the best days of winter.
WRITTEN BY CHERYL PARTON
In Central Oregon, long-term leases to ski resorts from the U.S. Forest Service protect the surrounding landscapes from development—there are no overnight accommodations in sight. Whether it's in a motorhome, trailer, Sprinter Van or a truck bed, camping overnight at the base of a ski mountain gives the best view and the chillest après-ski spot in town. “I think it’s essential to have an outdoor set up to hang outside during the day, too,” said Liz McMahon of Bend, who camps two to three weekends at Mt. Bachelor each winter with her husband, Keith, and friends. “That can mean just camping chairs and some tables for food, firepits or a beer pong table. It's nice to have a spot where people can come and hang out during the day when they take a break from skiing.” At night, enjoy a show of starry skies and groomers crawling uphill like ants. In the morning, see alpenglow sunrise and get access to the first chair. Find something magical about waking up with frost on the inside of a camper's window, coffee brewing on a portable stove and the silhouette of a chairlift swinging quietly in the early morning light. “It's pretty nice taking the morning slow without having to think about road conditions or traffic getting up to the mountain,” McMahon said. Welcome to skiers’ glamping—mountain edition.
WAKE
Clear a view on a steamed window to check for fresh powder from your parking spot at Mt. Bachelor’s overnight camping option at the West Village lot. Bachelor combines Central
Oregon’s biggest terrain with accessibility for athletes and campers alike—the RV-friendly parking is only steps from base mountain lifts. Season pass holders are in even better position: On select Saturdays, and Passholder Appreciation Weekend, early risers can hop on a lift an hour before the rest.
The overnight parking area is available online by prepaid reservation only, with spots opening up in November. They go fast for the 20 electric hookup and 30 nonpowered spots, especially for coveted weekends and holidays. Reservations are for up to three consecutive nights, making it perfect for a long weekend, and there's a two-night minimum if your stay includes a Saturday night. There are large, well-maintained restroom facilities open 24 hours and token-powered, hot showers.
The après-ski scene is chill. Sip an IPA at the West Village Lodge’s Rock Bar before moseying over to your setup. Join a crew firing up propane firepits, grilling dinner outside, swapping ski tales or singing karaoke as the stars come out. Hums of snowplows keeping the lot clear are reminders of the fun to repeat the next day. Lights from the Lodge and groomer’s headlights illuminate the landscape; otherwise, the night is pitch black, cold and clean. This is life at elevation. See mtbachelor.com.
BONUS: Nordic trails are accessible from the same lot, so there’s plenty to explore without ever leaving your parking spot. Hooked on the experience? Mt. Bachelor hosts RendezVan April 16-19, 2026, where hundreds of campers will converge to celebrate the season in a ski/camp/music festival setting, so save the date.
Wake up with the slopes outside the door at Hoodoo, where RV sites, at what’s referred to as RV Row, line the ski bowl entrance, putting skiers 50 feet from the lifts. There’s a loose, almost impromptu scene: sites are located against the resort’s snowbank and the onsite camp host directs guests to their location upon arrival—simply roll in with a reservation in hand and join the fun.
Advance booking is required for the Row with its 23 electric hookups, and for spots in the adjacent camping section without electricity. Spots range from regular pads for smaller rigs to oversize spaces for big setups with slideouts. The nearby lodge has bathrooms open 24/7 and hot showers that run on quarters.
Weekends buzz with microcommunities of folks gathered around propane firepits or the massive wood-burning iron snow globe at the base of the mountain for a backwoods party feel that’s equal parts rugged and welcoming. It’s when the lights flip on for night skiing that Hoodoo shines. Few things beat skiing under a spotlight, than clicking out of your boots to walk a few steps to a warm camper and a hot toddy. It’s simple, pure fun. See hoodoo.com.
BONUS: The Snow Bunny sledding hill, Nordic and snowshoe trails add family-friendly variety to an agenda. And stop by the Hoodoo Bar for nachos made to feed piles of hungry skiers in a nostalgic setting—it’s like sitting in a time capsule of Northwest ski culture, only adding carnitas.
Jeska Clark leads an Arctic expedition in a tribute to history and the planet
WRITTEN BY AARON RASHEED
Jeska Clark has an internal barometer. “I know it’s around negative 15 degrees, since that’s usually when my eyelashes stick together,” she explained to a group of students at Central Oregon Community College. “A warm day for me is between zero and 10 degrees Fahrenheit,” she said. Clark moved to Bend in 2024, and has been training rigorously, engaging with the community and fundraising to bring the first all-Black team on an Arctic expedition that pays tribute to history and raises awareness about climate change.
The journey is set to kick off in Greenland during April 2026, followed by a second phase of the trip to reach the North Pole in 2027. Clark is leading the team gathered by nonprofit Full Circle Expedition.The organization garnered national attention on May 12, 2022, when it formed the first all-Black team of climbers to conquer Mount Everest, with Clark as part of the support crew. Although Clark didn’t reach the summit, she made invaluable contributions to the team.
The planned Arctic route includes Greenland, then a separate journey to reach the last degree of latitude—the North Pole. The Greenland segment spans about 372 miles over 25 to 30 days, starting in Kangerlussuaq, close to the world’s second-largest ice caps, and ending in Tasiilaq, a cultural center of east Greenland’s Inuit traditions. During the North Pole section, the team will face temperatures ranging from 14 to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The group comprises Clark, Thomas Moore and Demond Mullins—both of whom summited Everest—alongside L. Renee Blount, Erick Cedeño, Evan Green, Danica Carey and Marcus Shoffner. Members were selected for their spirit of exploration and resilience, and the group is made of people with diverse backgrounds, including psychologists, photographers, writers, filmmakers, and athletes from across the country. As expedition leader, Clark, a professional human performance specialist, is responsible for creating a training regimen, monitoring health and conducting climate research. Part of the Arctic Team’s climate research will focus on monitoring glacier melt and the human condition in harsh environments.
Another element of the expedition is to honor explorer Matthew Henson. “Six years ago, during a visit to the Explorers Club gallery, I stumbled upon his story,” Clark explained. The New York gallery is a base for a group dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation since 1904. By many accounts, Henson was not only the first African American, but the first human to reach the North Pole on April 6, 1909. It wasn’t until 1988 that he received full recognition for his contributions, even though he was inducted into the Explorers Club in 1937. “[Henson’s] story inspired me, as Black explorers are often overlooked. I felt compelled to honor his legacy,” she said.
Training for the Arctic is no small feat. The expedition takes financial support, determination and strength. “Imagine hauling over 200 pounds of gear on a sled while skiing across icy terrain. You have to balance and move swiftly to dodge the sled from bumping into you. Strength training is essential for this,” Clark shared. At Boss Gym in Bend, Clark trains with fitness instructor Marcus McGovern, concentrating on exercises like weighted sled pulls and single-leg stabilization. Despite being in different states, her teammates keep each other accountable through scheduled Zoom calls, phone check-ins and progress reports until they will reunite in person later this winter.
Clark has held fundraising events, such as at Bend’s Juneteenth festival. There, she showcased equipment and educational materials for the Arctic expedition and shared that a documentary about the adventure is in the works. As it embarks on this inspiring journey, Clark’s team not only carries its gear but a profound legacy that will pave the team’s way into history. “Like Matthew Henson,” said Clark, “we’re heading to the edge of the earth to inspire underrepresented individuals to pursue exploration.”
WE'RE HEADING TO THE EDGE OF THE EARTH TO INSPIRE UNDERREPRESENTED INDIVIDUALS TO PURSUE EXPLORATION.”
Central Oregon volunteers build beds—and hope—for families in need
WRITTEN BY MIRA HANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELEANORA JASTRAM
Every child deserves a bed. It seems like such a simple thing. But across the country, a staggering number of children are sleeping on the floor. The Central Oregon community has been working hard to change that by building beds for kids ages 3 to 17, and giving them to their families at no cost.
“There are people here who want to do good,” said Bob Mickelsen, cofounder of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Deschutes Chapter. “This gives them a chance to do that.”
He and his wife, Robyn, first discovered SHP, a nationwide bed-building nonprofit, while volunteering in Grants Pass in 2019. Upon returning home, they decided to start a new chapter in Bend. By February 2020, alongside about 25 volunteers, Bob and Robyn had built their first 10 beds, ready to be donated to kids in need.
Since then, Joe Myers has taken over as the chapter’s president, and SHP
has delivered nearly 3,000 beds to underprivileged children across Central Oregon. Much of that success comes from volunteers and partners such as Home Depot, AAA, Trinity Lutheran Church and local nonprofit Furnish Hope.
“We have been partnering with SHP for the past five years, and it has been a wonderful relationship,” said Megan Martin, founding executive director at Furnish Hope. “Last year, we teamed up for a bed giveaway in Warm Springs, where we distributed over 70 beds to school-age children who were previously sleeping on the floor.”
The level of organization, coordination and hard work needed to successfully plan and execute these bed builds is no small feat, but Joe Myers manages it. Before each event, Myers hauls all the tools and supplies to the designated build site—whether that’s a warehouse, church or business parking lot. He and a few seasoned volunteers also cut the wood slats ahead of time.
On build day, volunteers of all ages and skill levels take up drilling, sanding, staining, branding and assembling pieces of each bedframe. In the days following, a few more volunteers deliver those beds to their new homes and finish assembling them on site. Thanks to local donations, each bed comes with a new mattress and bedding.
The real impact? It’s difficult to quantify.
“One year, when I first started, we’d gone out to deliver a bunkbed to two young girls, ages 6 and 4,” Myers recalled.
“They had made a nest of blankets and pillows for themselves in the closet—that’s where they slept. When we made these beds for those girls, one ran up, hugged my leg and said it was the best day of her life.” He paused. “It’s those stories that keep me going.”
Looking forward, SHP is facing a few uphill battles. For instance, supplies are currently stored sporadically in units across the region, and the chapter doesn’t have a dedicated space to host builds. A permanent, affordable facility in Bend would make a huge difference. “We’re struggling a bit this year,” Myers admitted. “The economy’s been a challenge for a lot of our big donors…[but] if you donate even $5—it all helps.” There are many other ways to contribute, too, whether it’s donating bedding, helping with deliveries, doing admin work or registering for a build day.
While SHP could always use more help, Myers is quick to recognize the dedicated volunteers who come back again and again to build and deliver beds. “Central Oregon is really unique in that we just have so much support from all the businesses and people,” he reflected. “It helps us be able to give these kids hope and give them the experience of someone who actually cares. A lot of these kids have never experienced an act of kindness, and when we go in and deliver a bed—it’s just such a big deal. The impact you’re having is tremendous.” See shpbeds.org and furnishhope.com
For 20 years, KPOV has been powered by volunteers and community spirit
WRITTEN
BY
CATHY CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CODY RHEAULT
It was a cold winter night in 2005 when the “midnight riders”—a handful of pioneers of Central Oregon’s first community radio station—took to the streets in their cars. They were tuned in to a new spot on the dial, 88.9 FM, waiting to hear their fledgling low-power signal crackle to life around town. The big commercial stations in Bend had agreed to power down their transmitters for the test, and the volunteers began calling each other from their cars: “Do you hear it?” And hear it they did. KPOV officially launched in June 2005 after four years of planning, broadcasting live from its studio on NW Bond Street with more than 70 newly trained DJs producing 35 commercial-free music and talk programs, along with select syndicated shows. Since then, it has grown and evolved, streaming worldwide, with podcasts and an online archive for ondemand listening. During 20 years, the station has grown considerably, with an estimated 13,000 weekly listeners, 100 volunteers and a full-power transmitter broadcasting live civic, political and sporting events. The station also hosts
youth camps and DJ classes, all while staying true to its grassroots, listener-supported mission.
“It’s radio by the people, for the people of Central Oregon,” said Mike Riley, one of the KPOV founders, who has since been elected a Bend city councilor. “We wanted to have a station that was run by local people, telling local stories and doing local music, and just really being about our community. It felt like we didn’t get that from the bigger broadcast networks—OPB and KLCC in Eugene weren’t really focused on us.”
The founders chose the call letters POV for “point of view,” central to its core values of fostering dialogue and uplifting diverse voices. “It’s to tell other people’s point of view, to hear everybody’s voice,” said Executive Director Linda Orcelletto. She noted that KPOV’s public affairs program“The Point” is hosted by five rotating local hosts, many representing nonprofits.
“Our biggest thing is hearing all the voices that you might not hear in mainstream media, and that’s so important right now,” Orcelletto said. Community radio is increasingly significant today and relies entirely on private donations and foundations, rather than government funding, to safeguard free expression and reliable information, she explained.
In addition to its focus on promoting an exchange of views, the station’s mission emphasizes entertaining local programming, equality, peace and economic justice to promote healthy individuals and a thriving community. Radio remains one of the most powerful tools for building ties within the local community, Riley said, and music is a good example of that. Central Oregon’s music scene is woven into KPOV’s story, and spotlights both up-and-coming and veteran musicians with live performances and interviews on shows such as “Center Stage,” to connect them with broader audiences.
Several local musicians and promoters serve as DJs, including KPOV Board Member Stacy Koff, an original DJ and early supporter of KPOV and founder of the 4 Peaks Music Festival. KPOV’s DJs range in age from 16 to 92.
Terrebonne musician Steve Frandsen, 71, has been hosting the show “Psychedelic Protest” since 2008, playing 1960s music. He explained the songs are as relevant today as in the past. “Protest is very necessary,” he said. The music addresses themes of war and injustice, and he wants it to inform and inspire younger generations who may not have experienced past movements firsthand, as he did.
KPOV proves that community radio belongs to every generation and is poised for innovation and growth. As the station marks 20 years, its signal remains strong—tuning the community to the same wavelength and amplifying voices that will carry it into the future.
When the homeowners began building their dream space in Tetherow, one thing became clear. They didn’t want to play it safe when it came to design.
“We wanted to risk potentially come to hate the choices we made, and that approach gave us permission to fall in love with bold elements,” they said, adding, “We wanted to have a sense of continuity but surprise.”
The pair created a home filled with interiors that they noted leave guests reflecting, “That’s interesting.”
The mid-century-influenced home features statement light fixtures, wallcoverings with pops of deep blue flowers, tropical fish and birds, and an intriguing play between light and dark.
From a library with a bright yellow daybed evoking an Eames chair to a laundry room with copper piping inspired by a 19th-century diving helmet, every room has character.
The couple had roots in Southern Oregon and fell in love with Central Oregon on a ski and snowboard trip. They began working with John Brockway and Michelle Wilson of Lightfoot A+D in 2019 to create a home with a main living area that would accommodate large gatherings such as for Seder. The upstairs was designed on a more intimate scale so their family of four would be encouraged to spend time together.
The home’s main floor is split into three terraced levels to follow the sloping landscape. The upstairs, including the main bedroom with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, has panoramic mountain views to the west. In a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright, the home has moments of compression and release with smaller spaces sometimes leading to larger ones. Think Alice in Wonderland, but with sophistication.
“The spaces feel engaging and playful, in a way that reflects the personalities of the owners,” said Brockway.
A love of reading inspired the book nook in the upstairs family room, featuring a Cisco Home pink velvet sofa. Built-in bookcases were designed to reveal a surprise—hidden doors leading to the daughters’ bedrooms.
The dining room ceiling is darker than the rest of the home: the vision was a steakhouse by way of Bend with an oversized oak table where the family likes to play games of Mah-Jongg. An array of hematite-like Tom Dixon Melt Pendant light fixtures that extend beyond the table toward the living room creates what the family calls a dining hall.
“Modern can be simple and minimal sometimes to a fault. This house has textural contrast. It has layers,” said Design Bar founder and lead designer Anne Mastalir, who began working with the couple shortly after they purchased the property.
The homeowners are the first to admit they have opposing tastes in architecture and design. The husband, chief marketing officer of a software company, prefers more minimalist modern designs. The style preference of the wife, a clinical psychologist, leans to the traditional.
“We decided we would give the other person what they love in areas, instead of always splitting the difference so neither person gets their way,” they said.
Clad in thermally modified ash and dark gray ledgestone, the home’s architecture is undeniably modern, but more traditional touches can be found throughout. Throw pillows in the family room are upholstered in maximalist Emma J Shipley and House of Hackney fabric, then trimmed with fringe. The wooden floor in the dining room is a traditional French-style herringbone parquet. Cabinet doors leading to the powder room feature multiple panels of glass made to look antique with a high-gloss paint finish.
“They weren’t afraid to bring in materials from suppliers that most people would not think about for a modern house,” said interior designer Mastalir.
Whenever possible, the couple chose products and materials that were ethically sourced and efficient. The Ann Sacks MADE Modern
Collection black tile on the kitchen backsplash is made from clay sourced outside of the Portland area. The Rumford fireplace in the living room is shallower and taller than a typical wood-burning fireplace, so it burns less wood.
To support women, it was important to the homeowners to find female light fixture designers. Brooklyn-based designer Danielle Trofe designed the fixture in the guest bathroom with sustainable materials—the hanging lampshade is made from naturally grown mushroom mycelium.
Art is also deeply personal. The family put together the black and white Vitra Algue installation in the entryway—its seaweedlike plastic components snap together like Legos. A photograph of the interior of historic Hangar One at Moffett Federal Airfield, California, in the main living area was taken near where the homeowners met.
The family didn’t expect to love certain parts of the house as much as they do. In the kitchen—striking and moody with lower ceilings, matte black cabinetry and a large marble kitchen island—a single large picture window frames tall trees and a putting green. “I love symmetry, and I fought the architect. I said ‘really, we’re going to do one window?’” they said.
But with rabbits, quail families and bucks often passing through as the seasons change, it’s like a living artwork, adding to the mystery and the wonder that this home reveals around every corner. “It’s our favorite place in the house,” they added.
Afloating nook sparks imagination while inviting quiet moments of discovery.
Sunshine yellow casts light on a rainbow of books in this site-specific installation at a Tetherow home. Sophisticated yet playful, the daybed’s ergonomic design echoes the organic curves of midcentury Eames lounge chairs to be both nostalgic and new. In a seamless marriage of architecture and sculpture, the alcove is anchored into millwork but appears suspended midair. A sanctuary for reading, the space is a bookshelf turned into gold.
ARCHITECTS: John Brockway/Michelle Wilson, Lightfoot A + D
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Anne Mastalir, Design Bar
Ten years after legalization, Oregon’s cannabis industry has grown beyond stereotypes
WRITTEN BY JEREMY STORTON
My introduction to marijuana came from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” As a kid, I watched Jeff Spicoli, played by Sean Penn, tumble out of a smoky VW Microbus. For me, he defined the stoner image with his classic phrase, “Hey bud, let’s party.”
Spicoli was on my mind as I filled out my Oregon election ballot in 2014. When it passed, Measure 91 made Oregon one of the first states in the country to legalize recreational weed and redirect money from the black market toward tax revenue. Cannabis took off similarly to the craft beer explosion of the 2000s, but instead of brewers, underground pirates stepped into the light to create a multibillion-dollar industry. In March 2014, Dr. Jolly’s was the first medical marijuana dispensary to open its doors in Bend. Today, there are 820 dispensaries in Oregon, with 27 in Bend. Ross Lipson was one of the first to spot the opportunity. After waiting in a long dispensary line on day one, he realized cannabis sales needed an upgrade. With his brother Zach, he launched Dutchie, an all-in-one e-commerce platform for cannabis, in Bend in 2017. After an early valuation of $3.75 billion in 2021—at the height of a cannabis technology boom—today, Dutchie is one of North America’s biggest cannabis tech companies. While money doesn’t grow on trees, for a time it seemed to grow on weed.
The stoner image persisted in the early days despite the products becoming safer and better. However, somewhere along the line, cannabis dropped the stigma. As athletes started rubbing it into their aching muscles and older generations found medicinal uses, Spicoli began to lose his status as the poster child of pot. “Taxes generate approximately $1.25 million for just the greater Bend area annually,” said Kevin Hogan, the cofounder of Oregrown, a dispensary started in Bend, with five locations, including its newest in Redmond. Oregon collected approximately $153 million in excise tax from cannabis, per the state’s 2024 Comprehensive Financial Report. Deschutes County’s portion was just shy of $1.5 million, which it applied toward public safety, law enforcement, criminal justice, public health, and a variety of community programs.
Tax revenue is only one way to look at the impact of weed. “We’ve created about 60 jobs in Deschutes County,” Hogan said, “that meet or exceed the living wage for Deschutes County.” This money ends up with the local workforce. He also noted that each dollar spent at Oregrown redirects about a third back to other local companies.
For Oregrown, elevating communities has been a part of the business plan from the beginning. It has contributed roughly $250,000 to charities, sponsoring sporting events, veteran programs and festivals, including WinterFest and others throughout the year. By sponsoring these events, the cost is much lower for the rest of the community. This is more than a marketing plan for Hogan. “It’s important for leaders in every industry to give back,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Ryan Evans, cofounder of Shift Naturals—a line of microdosed THC cocktails, functional gummies and terpene-infused sparkling waters—has similar ideas. He wants his Bend-based brand to reconnect people with nature as much as cannabis.
“Nature did it right. We just want to put it into a can,” said Evans. Though much newer to the Oregon cannabis industry, Shift has already funneled about $250,000 into the community by supporting Oregon Adaptive Sports and Central Oregon Trail Alliance, among other nonprofit organizations.
Both Evans and Hogan now say overcoming the stoner stereotype is their biggest hurdle. “We need to destigmatize these products to give people more options,” Evans said. Hogan agreed: “It was really important to us from the beginning to normalize cannabis, support the community and create jobs.” But attitudes about cannabis are slowly changing. While Jeff Spicoli may have served as an icon of pot, Evans assured me these days their target consumer is closer to Claire Dunphy of “Modern Family.”
Edward Slingerland argued in his book, Drunk: How We Sipped , Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization, that altered states have been a part of human society for millennia. Imbibing has always played a role in ceremony, creativity, trust and human connection. Even if we choose not to partake, we can still enjoy the ripple effects of cannabis. Anytime we’ve gone out to one event or another, chances are the cannabis industry has been there, like the cool friend of a friend. As Spicoli might say, “Hey, Bend, let’s party.”
For a sport that emphasizes speed, Tim Karpinski and Spiral Wax Co. aim to bring the power of slowing down to the snowboard world.
After decades in the snow sports industry—he founded Grenade Gloves and was creative director for Gnu Snowboards—Karpinski discovered the magic of shaking off the external motivation of success and embracing the practice of meditation and self care to thrive. Spiral Wax Co. is founded on this principle, that even something as simple as waxing a snowboard can become a ritual.
Recently awarded a $75,000 production financing award at the 2025 Bend Outdoor Worx BreakOut Pitch event, Spiral Wax Co. is on its way to making a major impact in the sports world. Karpinski shared the inspiration behind creating a product that makes riders slow down in a world that wants to speed up.
How does Spiral make waxing a board less of a chore and more of a mindful experience?
At Spiral, our mantra is “Slow Down.” It might sound backwards for a wax brand, but for us, it’s more about the ritual. It’s a chance to pause, take a breath and connect with your board, then connect with the mountain. We see it as a form of self-care: taking care of your mind, body and snowboard alike. When all three are in balance, you can be fully present on the mountain and on your board, and get into that magical flow state when time stops and turns are effortless. We want riders to embrace this slower pace—carefully carve the corduroy instead of bombing the hill, rip a new line through the trees you’ve never pursued or simply stop to soak up the beauty of nature. Slowing down lets you reconnect with the wonder that brought us to the mountains in the first place.
That same mindset flows into how we craft our wax. Each bar is made in small batches in Bend. Every step is done with intention. We like to think of love as the invisible ingredient that binds it all together. It’s a kind of quiet magic that resonates in every turn.
What inspired you to get back to the basics and make wax?
As creative director of Gnu Snowboards, I saw the power of owning my own manufacturing. Gnu hand-builds all their boards in Washington, and the founders actually taught themselves how. It took 20 years to perfect their process, inventing their own tools and tech along the way. Watching that showed me how much freedom comes from controlling the process—you’re not at the mercy of outside manufacturers raising prices or missing deadlines. At the same time, I discovered that I love working with my hands, not just designing on a computer.
By contrast, with my first brand, Grenade, we designed gloves in an office, sent them to China, and waited. I loved the creative part, but it always felt incomplete. So when I started Spiral, I knew the core had to be different. I wanted to own the factory, own the supply chain and reimagine snowboard wax from the ground up.
The packaging of the wax seems just as important as the wax itself. What informs the design?
I’m a graphic designer by trade, with a focus on packaging. When I looked at the wax market, I noticed most brands were making great waxes, but the packaging felt like an afterthought—with plastic
wrappers, minimal branding, overly technical language and no real storytelling. I wasn’t connecting with what I saw. That gap was part of the opportunity I found with Spiral. I wanted to create a high-performing, earth-friendly wax that also looked and felt good. Since one of Spiral’s core values is making products that are better for the earth, it was important that our packaging reflected the same care we put into the wax. We partner with an Oregon-based packaging supplier that works with recycled materials and soy-based inks, so even our packaging is local, recyclable, and low-impact. You can literally bury one of our boxes in the ground and it will biodegrade within months.
Where do you see Spiral heading in the future?
We’re taking things slow and growing steadily, which feels true to our mission. Our vision is to expand beyond snow into skate and surf wax, and further into self-care products designed specifically for boarders—things like chapstick, sunscreen, epsom salts and body oils. All of it will carry Spiral’s design DNA, to be mindfully made and look really cool. We’re founded in Bend and want to grow deep roots in the community here. We plan to host community events that share the rituals of waxing, plus educate, inspire and help get the next generation “tuned in and tuned up!” Ultimately, we never want to lose sight of why we started this: To be out there together, riding snow-covered volcanoes and spiraling around the sun. See spiralwaxco.com .
Tune in to the full interview with Tim Karpinski on the new “Birth of the Brands” podcast series. Bend Magazine’s “The Circling Podcast” with Adam Short can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Wear a hat supporting Bend and a local artist michelemichaelart.com West Coast Provisions, Bend
Keeping things chill (or hot): Bend-based Hydro Flask Newport Avenue Market, Bend
For the creative: The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
For the cook: Good Things by Samin Nosrat
For the outdoorsy: Eventually a Sequoia by Jeremy Collins
Buy books locally at Big Story Bookstore, Dudley's Bookshop Cafe and Roundabout Books, Bend; Herringbone Books, Redmond; Paulina Springs Books, Sisters
raptors year-round and give a membership to the High Desert Museum highdesertmuseum.org
Kialoa SUP Paddle, a company founded in Bend, set the standard for lightweight carbon paddles
Kialoa | kialoa.com
Float Coat lifejacket for dogs Ruffwear, Bend
Find SUPs and accessories at Stand On Liquid, founded in Bend standonliquid.com
Kayak, paddle or rafting gear
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, Bend
JP Paddleboards is a local company selling SUPs and accessories jdpaddleboards.com
Paddle in to the Green Wave on a riverboard Bend Surf, Bend
Fins and boards for rivers and ocean surf Cubicle, Bend
BY
Recommended by locally owned FootZone Bend for the runners on your list.
1. Headphones (just add a favorite music or podcast) help the miles pass quickly: Shokz Open Run Pro
2.
for
Library of Flowers bath salts Ju-bee-lee, Bend
Sleep Stone Mini by Kale Iris & Stout, Bend
Bend-based Dani Naturals
Available at local retailers
Lake & Skye Perfume Roller Wren & Wild, Bend
Yay for Earth Face Lotion Casa de Stela, Bend
Ringing Cedar Face Beard and Body Oil made in Bend thelovingfungi.com
Saint Jane Deep Sleep Bath Salts Wren & Wild, Bend
Glasshouse Body Bar
Oregon Body and Bath, Bend
Yak cashmere socks from Bend-based company happyyak.com
Hand-poured specialty soy candles and more Landmark Fine Goods, Sisters
Hand-knit hats children's hats, made in Bend tateandadele.com
Shop local for children’s clothing Hopscotch Kids, Wild Child, Bend; Little & Luxe, Redmond
Shop local for women's clothing
Brave Collective, Desperado, Evrgreen, Faveur, Hot Box Betty, Jack + Millie, Soul Bella, Vanilla Urban Threads, Bend; Desert Prairie, Willow Wild, Redmond; Miko Miko, Sisters
Shop local for men's clothing Jack + Millie, Les Newmans, Revolvr, Bend
Find home goods to feather a welcoming nest at Pomegranate Home and Garden, Tumalo Home, Bend
BY
Keep a beat going into 2026 with tickets for a musical or theatrical experience.
Watch for favorite performers or discover new talent at venues in Central Oregon: The Belfry, Sisters
Cascade Theatrical Co., Bend
Commonwealth Pub, Bend
General Duffy's Waterhole, Redmond
Greenhouse Cabaret, Bend
Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Bend
High Desert Music Hall, Redmond
Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room, Bend
Open Space Event Studios, Bend
Tower Theatre, Bend
Silver Moon Brewing, Bend Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
A timeless photojournal essay captures the quiet beauty and simple joys of a classic winter in Central Oregon
—whitney whitehouse
THIS PAGE: By Whitney Whitehouse, whitwhitehouse.com.
OPPOSITE TOP: Early morning camp mission in the spring at South Sister. By Tyler Roemer, tylerroemer.com.
Dirksen. By
“THE BACKCOUNTRY IN THE WINTER IS BLISSFUL SOLITUDE.”
—christian murillo
What comes to mind when you close your eyes and remember your first December in Central Oregon? We’ve all got that one memory—warm enough to melt the frostiest rime and so full of holiday magic it still lifts your spirits today. It’s likely it wasn’t because of tinsel, presents or even a visit from Santa and his reindeer (okay, maybe Santa gets some credit). True holiday magic comes from gathering. In this darkest month of the year, it’s real-life connections that light us up. Gathering is what elevates us, grounds us, fills us with joy, and reminds us that we belong here.
Between its culture and landscape, the region is a natural place to congregate, even in this season of short days and colder weather. Bendites know to shrug off the temperatures and bundle up rather than isolate indoors. We organize Friendsgiving potlucks with acquaintances who become clans of our choosing; we invite a new neighbor to join a trek into the snowy woods to find the perfect fir, a tradition that will connect them to this place forever; we meet long-time friends on the ski trails, and stop at the warming hut’s fire to laugh and reminisce. These are more than fleeting feel-good moments. The simple act of coming together benefits both physical and mental health, according to Kelli Singer, a functional medicine health coach in Bend. “Spending time with others releases oxytocin, often called the love hormone, and dopamine, the brain boosting hormone,” she said. “Human connection is calming; it lowers stress and inflammation.”
No matter how people choose to celebrate holidays, gathering is at the core of most traditions and rituals. Meeting around holiday meals is especially powerful, according to Singer. “Food is the bond all people use to celebrate,” she said. “Sharing meals instills a sense that we belong to something bigger than ourselves alone.”
Long-time locals and new transplants agree there’s something vibrant and valuable about the community in Central Oregon. Fully engaging in life here means taking part in its events, expanding our social circle, and giving back by sharing our time and talents.
Joining Bend’s holiday celebrations is easy; the hard part is making time for all the cheer on a busy calendar. Find a tree-lighting ceremony in cities across Central Oregon, including the impressive Grand Illumination at Sunriver Resort on November 22 to kick off the season. See Santa, along with high school marching bands and floats created by local businesses, in the Bend Christmas Parade on December 6, a tradition for more than 40 years. String twinkling lights on a kayak and paddle the Deschutes River during the Holiday Lights Paddle Parade December 12.
Creating community can be as simple as connecting with neighbors. Giving back through volunteering help make the holidays more meaningful—and local organizations depend on volunteer help to accomplish their missions. “The energy and generosity of our volunteers make it possible for people of all walks of life to share a meal in a friendly, welcoming place,” said Clara Patt, volunteer director at the Family Kitchen in Bend. Family Kitchen serves more than 12,000 free meals each month in Central Oregon, relying on volunteers for cooking and serving. “Their work bridges social and class divides. I’m constantly awed by the people who give so much to ensure all their neighbors can have a proper meal every day,” said Patt. In return, volunteers gain the camaraderie of a team, and the satisfaction of making a difference in another person’s life.
Being present is a thread of appreciation that runs through gatherings of all kinds. It’s a mindset that takes intention and begins before the holiday whirlwind ramps up. Engaging with the people around us helps us to fully enjoy each experience. Singer suggests strategies for staying centered, calm and focused, such as yoga, mediation and breathwork. “By practicing grounding ahead of the holidays, you can become more resilient to stress,” Singer said. In the season of jam-packed calendars and to-do lists that rival Santa’s, gathering can mean simplifying. “And not every gathering is easy,” she added. “Some are very challenging. In difficult moments, step away to breathe, check in with your body and engage your senses to calm down. The more a person practices self-care, the easier it becomes to return to your center,” Singer said. She suggests shrinking a to-do list, slowing the pace and shifting the focus to what brings the most joy.
Taking the time for self-care helps us to be present for magical moments that remind us why we’re here. And collecting up those moments may be the best gift we could ever give ourselves.
With the DPL Mobile and Libby apps, you have your library at your fingertips!
Use the DPL Mobile app to browse titles, place holds, renew items, create lists, and more. It even stores a digital version of your library card, making check-out a breeze when you visit any library location. Learn more at dpl.pub/mobileapp
Looking for an audiobook to listen to on the road? Or to end the doom-scrolling by getting immersed in an eBook? Download the Libby app and have access to thousands of eBooks and digital audiobooks. Learn more at dpl.pub/libby
All you need is a library card. Don’t have one? Apply online at dpl.pub/getacard, or stop by any Deschutes Public Library location.
www.deschuteslibrary.org
The Hook & Plow offers an upscale, chef-driven, farm-to-table experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and the freshest seafood from the Pacific Northwest. Perfect for intimate dinners, festive gatherings, and everything in between.
Cassity’s Bar & Grill brings warmth and energy with a relaxed atmosphere, spacious patio with fire pits, pool table, and hearty pub fare that’s made for mingling. Ideal for casual get-togethers, team parties, and festive nights out.
WRITTEN BY SARAH WOLCOTT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA PAYMASTER
With tiny bubbles of carbonation and a flair for excitement, sparkling wines are often associated with celebrations. Yet, their effervescence offers loads of diversity and enjoyment throughout the year, regardless of the occasion. The holidays may be upon us, but raise a glass to the sparkling discovery of your next favorite bubbly, even if to celebrate a Tuesday night between Thanksgiving and the bright New Year.
Family Estate 2019 LaRue’s Blanc de Blanc
From the Dundee Hills AVA in the Willamette Valley, the Stoller Family Estate 2019 LaRue’s Blanc de Blanc kicks off with tiny bubbles that dance on the palate and mellow out with a lingering finish, complete with the taste of ripe Fuji apples and a full mouthfeel of brioche bread. This blanc de blanc —translated to “white of whites”—is 100% chardonnay. It’s a wine worthy of many things, including pairing with the gourmet popcorn selection, cheeses and charcuterie at the Stoller Wine Bar in Bend. Visit Stoller Wine Bar, Box Factory, 555 NW Arizona Ave., Bend.
Argentinian Sparkling Rosé
Bendite Christopher “Kirk” Ermisch, operates Ermisch Winery & Tasting Room, and is the majority owner of Bodega Calle, a winery in Mendoza, Argentina, founded in 1925. He also makes wine under the Ermisch Cellars wine label with his daughter, Hannah, who grew up in Bend and is a trained winemaker and sommelier. Visit the urban winery and tasting room to sample some of the six sparkling wine offerings, including several Argentinian versions like Matías Ricitelli Kung Fu and Bodega Calle’s Baja Tanga Sparkling Rosé. The Baja Tanga is a bubbly sipper made with predominantly chenin blanc and just a bit of Torrontés, an aromatic white grape variety, and malbec, a red-skinned grape variety from which the wine gets its pale pink color. This wine bursts with lightly candied aromatics, vibrant acidity on the palate and a rounded mouthfeel that makes sipping oh-so-delicious. Baja Tanga Sparkling Rosé is produced in the same way that prosecco from Italy is made: A second fermentation, the process that creates tiny bubbles of carbonation, is done in a pressurized vat versus in the bottle as is French Champagne. The result is a zippy, fresh-flavored sparkling wine that does not require aging to enjoy it at its finest. Visit Ermisch Winery & Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Road, Bend.
2019 Blanc de Noir Traditional Method Brut
Amaterra Winery is a reflection of its relationship to place: The word Amaterra combines Italian amare (to love), with terra (earth) to form “for the love of the Earth.” With grapes from its Swede Hill estate vineyard in the most northern part of the Willamette Valley AVA, the golden straw color of the Blanc de Noir Traditional Method Brut might initially confuse the consumer: It’s made exclusively from the red-skinned pinot noir grape, but is light in color due to minimal skin contact during the winemaking process. Full-bodied with a delicate hit of dried rose petal, the 2019 Blanc de Noir is a delightful wine to pair with a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal or many of the offerings on the Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club’s dinner menu, including its take on ricotta gnudi, a traditional Italian dish from Tuscany that pops with cheesy deliciousness. Visit Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club, 909 NW Bond St., Bend.
VA PIANO VINEYARDS WINE AND CHAMPAGNE BAR
Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve Champagne
Two wine worlds meet at Va Piano Vineyards Wine and Champagne Bar in the Old Mill District. Sparkling wines galore augment the red and white offerings from the Walla Walla, Washington, winery. A standout on the wine-by-the-glass menu is the Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve Champagne, a classic example of the character of wine from the Champagne region
of France. Although single-varietal Champagnes do exist, most are blends of white and red grapes, including this one, made of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir. Va Piano’s Bolle Vino Club Membership is a fun way to dive into trying different sparkling wines and Champagne—members receive four allocations of six bottles every year. Visit Va Piano Vineyards Wine and Champagne, Old Mill District, 425 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend.
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WRITTEN BY CASEY HATFIELD-CHIOTTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA PAYMASTER
When diners walk into Ariana, they hear the delicate clink of glasses, the unmistakable “pop” of sommeliers uncorking Champagne bottles and the rattle of cocktails being shaken behind the bar. Servers present artfully composed dishes—such as Japanese Hamachi topped with pickled shishito peppers, drizzled with charred onion and applewood smoke-infused oil—to guests seated at caramelcolored banquettes. It is a restaurant for a special occasion or to make an ordinary evening memorable. By the looks of it, Central Oregonians have plenty to celebrate. Reservations are quickly snapped up when they’re released 30 days in advance.
“When I look back, I see how much we’ve grown,” said chef Andres Fernandez, who owns the restaurant with his wife and chef Ariana.
Ariana celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. It’s no small achievement considering more than half of restaurants close after five years. From trying new techniques to updating its recognizable location, a craftsman bungalow on NW Galveston Avenue, the chefs say their success lies in a willingness to change and adapt.
“We never want to rest on what we’ve done before. We’re always trying to do something better,” said Ariana.
Andres grew up in busy Bogota, Colombia, (the passionfruit Rumba cocktail nods to his Colombian background) and Ariana is from Northern California near Eureka. Both were drawn to the culinary arts and found their way to Central Oregon to attend Cascade Culinary Institute. However, they didn’t meet until they were working at Merenda, one of Bend’s first fine-dining restaurants.
While many couples who run restaurants split duties between front and back of house, Ariana and Andres work together in the kitchen, preparing different parts of the menu.
“I’m better at some things, and he is better at other things, and we really balance each other out,” said Ariana.
The couple finds inspiration in both travel and the abundant ingredients grown in Central Oregon. They close the restaurant twice a year so they can taste their way through destinations such as Japan, Spain and Italy. Local farms like Boundless Farmstead and Rooper Ranch supply everything from fresh tomatoes to cellared root vegetables.
“Pretty much every dish on our menu has something the farmers have grown,” said Andres.
A lamb dish is a labor of love and a showcase for Oregon ingredients. The chefs source lamb from family-owned Anderson Ranches. After a long, slow braise on the bone, the meat is shredded and cooked until crisp. It’s paired with pureed Rooper Ranch carrots, homemade rose harissa and
topped with locally grown herbs. Ariana guests can order à la carte or the tasting menu, which is an excellent vehicle for showcasing seasonal produce because it changes weekly.
Owning and operating a restaurant is challenging, but Andres and Ariana remain passionate about what they do, including updating the restaurant’s ambiance. The renovation of the space was unveiled in January. The pair expanded the restaurant’s year-round dining capacity by enclosing a patio and adding moody floral wallpaper and black marble tables. Guests can book the room for semiprivate events.
Andres is experimenting with foams and loves finishing Snake River Farms steaks over binchotan hardwood charcoal, which brings out the savory flavors and adds a touch of smoke. In addition to expertly curated wine pairings, diners who order the tasting menu can opt for a nonalcoholic pairing that might include a concoction of tart cherry juice, Chinese smoked tea and toasted coriander seeds. Many of the best new ideas come from staff members.
“Everyone who works here wants to be in this industry. This is not a stepping stone,” said longtime server Justin Bustamante.
Each year, Ariana and Andres take the entire staff to restaurants they admire, such as the renowned French Laundry, so the staff, from servers to cooks, can experience hospitality at the highest level.
“We never want them to forget what it feels like to be a guest,” said Ariana.
While Ariana and Andres were invited to cook at the James Beard House in 2013, they’ve become less concerned about earning awards or accolades. They’re proud that the restaurant supports a community that feels like a family, including their dedicated staff, farmers, delivery people and wine reps, and that diners are still clamoring for tables two decades in.
“We have a restaurant that is busy, and people like it. That to me is the most important thing,” said Andres.
Rawmona’s Artisan Kitchen blends heritage into delectable desserts
WRITTEN BY SIENA DORMAN
BY TAMBI LANE
Here in Rawmona’s Artisan Kitchen, dessert is more than a sweet treat. From her shop near downtown Bend, founder Karla Diaz Cano shares tamales, paletas—Mexican popsicle—Mexican hot chocolate and cakes, among other delicacies. Every creation is a way to honor heritage, health and the Earth. Unlike most chocolate cakes made with processed cocoa, this one begins with genuine Mexican cacao. Diaz Cano makes all of her cakes with minimally processed flours, such as almond for this one (other times coconut or cassava flours) and utilizes coconut oil, a natural sweetener like maple syrup, and eggs—whole ingredients that are glutenfree, low glycemic, nutrient-dense and organic. What emerges from the oven is indulgent for certain, but balanced. Between the tiers, a silky ganache shines with cacao, coconut cream, piloncillo and Mexican vanilla bean. On top, a crumble of traditional Mexican chocolate made with cacao, almonds and rosita de cacao—a blossom that is separate from, but shades, the cacao tree—adds a layer of texture and flavor. Diaz Cano brings cinnamon, vanilla bean and cacao from Mexico into her kitchen so that each bite celebrates the flavorscape of her native culture. In Mexico, Diaz Cano explained, food is inseparable from community and spirituality. Every ingredient in her kitchen is chosen with intention, heralding ancestral wisdom and time-honored practices. “I work a very different palate than most,” she said. “My hope is that people are positively surprised and intrigued.” See rawmonaskitchen.com.
Bringing the world of dance to Central Oregon
WRITTEN BY CASEY HATFIELD-CHIOTTI
The goal of classical ballet is to appear effortless, but it requires decades of consistent practice and the ability to push the body to its limits. Classical ballet can also be the foundation for innovative contemporary choreography that expresses a dancer’s athleticism.
Certain choreographers—think work by Portland-Indiana born Twyla Tharp or French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi—showcase more physicality and intentionally, according to Peter Franc, a principal dancer at several prestigious ballet companies and the former artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre. “A dancer’s body is as much athlete as artist. Making dance exciting and changing what people think they know about dance, that’s something that I think I’m good at,” said Franc. He believes Central Oregon is ready for more boundary-pushing dance. Franc’s new presenting dance company, Ballet Bend, will debut in 2026 and showcase contemporary, classical and traditional dance from around the world that advances the art form through thought-provoking choreography.
HUMANHOOD, a contemporary dance company out of Birmingham, England, and led by internationally known choreographers Julia Robert and Rudi Cole, will headline performances at the Tower Theatre in early fall 2026. Their immersive soundscapes and lighting enhance movement that is fluid, precise and rhythmic.
“Certain combinations of work are relevant, exciting and more modern than people think,” said Franc, who has a background in both classical and contemporary ballet.
“There’s a culture-share component,” added Franc. The dancers and choreographers will stay in Bend for a week or two, offering classes and demonstrations in addition to performances. Franc has seen firsthand how dance can flourish in a mountain
community—he and his wife met while living and dancing in Aspen, Colorado. Performances brought to town by Ballet Bend will always be bold and innovative, something Franc believes will work well in a similarly active community.
“That combination of athlete and artist doesn’t just get me excited, but gets audiences excited,” said Franc.
Home to several ballet schools and on the circuit of many professional touring companies, Central Oregon hosts ballet performances throughout the year, from “Swan Lake” at the Tower Theatre this fall, to multiple productions of “The Nutcracker.” Bend’s proud ballet tradition dates to the early 1980s when Sarah and Zygmunt Sawiel, professional dancers who met in Germany,
moved to Bend and founded Central Oregon School of Ballet in 1981. Joshua D. Deininger and Elizabeth Voiles, a husband and wife team, took over the school in 2018—Voiles grew up in Bend and trained at Central Oregon School of Ballet. The school’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is celebrating its 39th year this winter and includes community volunteers, professionals and young dancers who fill out other roles, including a festive party scene.
At Académie de Ballet Classique, dancers progress through ballet levels in a sequence adhering to standards for dance set by UK-based Royal Academy of Dance. Founder Valerie Holgers has devoted her life to instructing ballet which, she said, teaches children accountability and mental endurance. Académie de Ballet Classique’s annual production, “The Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale,” composed entirely of students, will return to the Tower Theatre with four performances on November 29 and 30. While viewers might notice new costumes and updated choreography
to highlight dancers’ abilities, both Central Oregon School of Ballet and Académie de Ballet Classique said the Nutcracker’s magic lies largely in giving audiences what they’ve come to expect. Still, these local performances demonstrate why it’s important not to outsource arts and culture to bigger cities.
“It’s an identifying cultural mark of who we are and the values that we have,” said Deininger. “We want to continue to produce highcaliber performances that are unique to the area.” See @balletbend, centraloregonschoolofballet.com, and abcbend.com.
“The Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale,” Académie de Ballet Classique. November 29-30, Tower Theatre.
“The Nutcracker,” Central Oregon School of Ballet. December 6 -7 and 12-14, Mountain View High School.
Siblings create canvases layered with photographs, paint and gold
WRITTEN BY CHLOE GREEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROWN W. CANNON III
In downtown Bend, the walls of Hot Box Betty boutique are alive with energy and color. Black-and-white images of horses mid-stride, waves crashing and night skies lit by constellations become surreal with layers of oil paint, pennies embedded in resin and flecks of gold leaf that catch the light. These are works from “Golden,” a decade-long collaborative project between siblings Brown W. Cannon III and K.C. Cannon, whose distinct mediums of photography and painting converge on each of the collection’s canvases.
Their work, individually and collaboratively, is the result of a lifelong orientation toward the arts. “We were born into art in a lot of ways,” Brown said of their upbringing, which was imbued with creative energy. Their father crafted furniture and built a darkroom at home, and their mother—who studied art therapy—was always capturing photos and folding creativity into daily life. Plus, their stepmother has long been, as K.C. puts it, “a champion of the arts, and of us.”
The siblings’ creative roots led them down divergent paths. After studying at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Brown spent decades traveling to more than 50 countries on assignment for National Geographic Adventure, Travel + Leisure and other major publications. Influenced by his upbringing as a fourth-generation Coloradan and family ties to Hawaii, his lens often returns to the subject of horses and surf culture. Based in Bend, he recently published NORTH, a large-format book on Oahu surf culture, and is also the founder of nonprofit no2plastic with a mission to reduce the planet’s plastic consumption. Brown’s images are meticulous—a culmination of waiting for the right conditions, refining the composition and printing with precision.
K.C.’s vibrant work is a contrast to her brother’s often black-and-white photographs. Once a dancer, training with the Boston Ballet at 15, injuries shifted her focus to painting. She refined her skills at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Rhode Island School of Design. Her work is layered, intuitive and rich in color, with a strong emphasis on symbolism and texture. After living two decades in Central Oregon, she recently moved to Colorado where she paints new work, prepares national exhibits and teaches art and color theory. For her, creation is less about perfection and more about devotion. “My steadfast vision is to my
kuleana pono , [Hawaiian for] the sacred responsibility to living in integrity and balance, honoring what God has put upon my soul and on my heart,” she shared.
The series called “Golden” began in 2012 and has since become the thread that pulls the siblings back together across distance and time. They work in flurries when timing is right. The first piece, “Lucky Penny,” came to fruition when K.C. was particularly struck by one of Brown’s images of a horse and rider printed on metallic gold paper. She tentatively asked if she could paint on top of it and the end result made it evident that this collaboration would be something special. “Initially I wondered how our uniquely different personalities would match up,” said K.C. “But as it turns out, our differences are what allows each piece to stand out.”
The two art mediums are as distinct as the artists themselves, but that is what makes their collaborative pieces so striking. Brown approaches his images with a scientific exactness. “I am a perfectionist of sorts,” he said. “When I hand a print over to my sister, my belief is that it is ready to be framed; however, she sees a canvas that has only just begun.” K.C.’s job then is not to finish what her brother started but to expand it. She meets his precision with a deep intuition, revealing a new dimension to the images that isn’t immediately visible.
Their creations are striking, but for the siblings it’s less about the finished product. For them, the spark and beauty of their work lives not simply in the final image but in the act of creating art. The practice continues to draw them back to one another across years and miles. As K.C. puts it, “Creating with him is truly golden.”
The Museum at Warm Springs received a $1.5 million state grant, kicking off a $3 million campaign to modernize equipment, enhance interpretive elements and feature more tribal artwork. Highlighting the culture and history of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and housing one of the nation’s largest Native American artifact collections, the 32-year-old permanent exhibit will undergo improvements over the next few years. The project is funded through the Cultural Resources Economic Fund, with support from the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon. See museum.warmsprings-nsn.gov
Downtown Bend hosts its first Día de Muertos celebration on November 7 with pop-up ofrendas, art installations, music, dance, cultural presentations, local food vendors and artisan booths. Originating in Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions and carried forward by Mexican and other Latinx/e communities, Día de Muertos is a sacred time to honor ancestors, celebrate life and affirm cultural resilience. See @benddiadelosmuertos.
A new retrospective at the High Desert Museum showcases the works of nationally renowned artist Joe Feddersen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. On display now through January 18, “Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky” features nearly 100 works spanning four decades, including baskets, prints, ceramics, glass and large-scale installations. Exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Feddersen’s work blends Plateau imagery with contemporary life, exploring themes of place, culture and interconnectedness. See highdesertmuseum.org.
MARKS 10
Celebrating a decade of creativity, Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts presents Bend Design 2025 November 7–8 at Oregon State UniversityCascades. The conference includes speakers and workshops from a variety of disciplines, offering inspiration and practical insights for attendees. With a focus on working together for a better future, the event encourages participants to explore how design can drive positive change. This year’s program highlights innovation, collaboration and the impact of thoughtful design on communities and society. See scalehouse.org
WINTER IS NOT A SEASON, IT’S A CELEBRATION.”
—ANAMIKA
MISHRA, AUTHOR
WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY | 5PM - 8:30PM
Cozy up at the Lake House this winter with nightly dining specials and live music on Friday nights.
Enjoy a perfectly slowroasted prime rib of beef paired with a baked potato, sautéed green beans, savory au jus, and creamy horseradish.
Savor crispy beerbattered halibut served with golden waffle fries, fresh coleslaw, and house-made tartar and cocktail sauces. Prime Rib French Onion SoupSecret Special Fish & Chips
Warm up with our French Onion Soup special — rich broth topped with melted Swiss cheese, golden crostini, and served with a fresh side salad. Our Secret Special could be anything from a tempting appetizer to a decadent dessert — revealed only on the day of. Come hungry and let us surprise you.
To view the full menu and make a dining reservation, call 541.593.4855 or visit CalderaSprings.com/LakeHouse.