I was just reading over one of my older posts of expectations for this last summer. Hmmmmm…….what is that saying? “If wishes were dreams….”.

We had one of the busiest summers, before we turned around it was over. We didn’t get to spend as much time up in Bend, Oregon as we wished but the times we managed to get up there were lovely. If you have never visited Bend my suggestion would be for you to try to plan a trip there. It is one of the most beautiful towns, very cosmopolitan but at the same time warm and inviting. Pair that with beautiful scenery, so many lakes and mountains, so much to do outside, great shopping and restaurants and you have Bend!

When we lived up in Bend, our house was actually closer to Sisters which is an adorable little town that makes you believe you have gone back in time. Up until recently the sidewalks were wooden! Unfortunately those have been replaced but it is still a quaint little town very worth a visit. One of their biggest claims to fame is the Quilt Festival which is held every year, held the second Saturday in July.

One of my favorite things to do while up there is go to Riverbend Park, sit and enjoy the scenery beside the Deschutes River. Within easy walking distance is the downtown area of Wall Street and Bond where you can find wonderful restaurants, great shopping and a fun stroll. One of the restaurants we like to go to for breakfast is la Magie. For dinner we always opt for the Deschutes Brewery which is on Bond. When we went in this time we ordered one order of their fish and chips, two salads and there was so much food…….great food!

If you like riding bikes, walking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking you would love this area. There is an abundance of lakes to be toured.

The dream for the summer was that we had hoped to spend our entire summer relaxing and enjoying Bend, the reality was that we only got to spend sporadic, small increments of time there this summer. The dream is that next summer we will get to spend more time there, I think you might like to try to also!