Spending most of his childhood in Michigan, Nate grew up with a passion for being outdoors, riding his bike and playing in the snow. Years later, he’s still passionate about the same activities. After college, Nate knew that he and his new wife had to find a place to start their life together capable of satisfying their adventure appetite. It was an article in Outside Magazine that originally drew him to Bend. Having the opportunity to work to make a place like Bend better for everyone is nothing short of a dream come true for Nate. As a cyclist, a home-brewer, and lover of all things outdoors, it couldn’t be a better fit.
Prior to coming to Visit Bend, Nate was the Marketing and Development Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, where he was in charge of fundraising, grant writing, all things marketing, public relations, website development, social media strategy, media relations and more. He still is passionate about serving nonprofits in the community and can often be found giving back in his spare time.
What’s Your Favorite Bend Adventure?
There is no better place to ride a bike than Bend. Anywhere in Bend that I am on two wheels is my favorite place to be. For road riding, you can’t beat the climb up to Mt. Bachelor and the exhilarating decent back to town. On a mountain bike, the Tiddlywinks/Funner loop is my favorite. The best bike adventures, in my mind though, are anywhere I can crush some gravel on my ‘cross bike.
What’s Your Favorite Dining Spot?
I’m a sucker for a great brewpub, and it’s tough to go wrong with any of them in Bend. It’s hard to beat both the view and the beer from Crux Fermentation Project, and the food is right up there, too.
Best Piece of Advice for First Time Visitors to Bend?
If you’re a beer lover, take a weekend and tackle the Bend Ale Trail. Don’t like beer, then stop into Visit Bend and have one of the amazing volunteers suggest something a little more your style. Regardless, make sure that you plan it out a little bit, and don’t try to do everything in one trip. Come back often, as you’ll never run out of fun adventures, and always leave it better than you found it.