Memorial Day weekend seemed to sneak up on everyone this year; and came rushing into Bend with a calendar full of events.  Portlanders flocked over the mountains to get a taste of the Central Oregon sunshine and Bendites had to decide whether to stay in town and soak up the culture and recreation in their our backyard or hit the road and explore new places.

With a solid line-up of activities and good weather in the forecast, there was a lot to do in Central Oregon.  With three whole days of freedom, there was almost enough time to take advantage of it all.

Here is just one example of a go-getter’s schedule for the weekend in Bend, Oregon.

Friday

Evening: Dinner at 10 Barrel Brewery, Goo Goo Dolls Concert at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

Saturday

Morning: Get up at 4:45am – Fueled by Thump’s Hairbender Espresso Blend, head up Century Drive.  Skin South Sister, ski 5,200 vertical feet, hoot, holler, and make it back to town in time for lunch.

Afternoon: Work in the garden; take a leisurely ride on the cruisers through the Old Mill and Drake Park and head to the Deschutes River Trail for a late afternoon dog-walk.

Evening: BBQ with friends, Organic Buffalo from Pine Mountain Ranch, fresh veggies from Newport Market, and desert courtesy of Nancy P’s Bakery.

Sunday

Morning: Grab coffee and breakfast at Chow.

Afternoon: Head out to Sisters for Central Oregon’s newest competitive mountain biking event; the Sisters Stampede.  After an exciting race on technical single track, the Moon Mountain Ramblers cap off the afternoon with a free show.

Evening: Back to Bend for dinner at Jackson’s Corner and the second concert of the weekend; Band of Horses and She & Him.

Monday

Morning: Rent mountain bikes from Sunnyside Sports and head to the trails.

Afternoon: Replenish your stores and cap off a great weekend with a beer and a basket of fries at the Bend Brewing Company.

Evening: Back to Reality…. Early to bed, tomorrow is another workday!