When my co-workers told me their idea for handing out beer trophies during the first Bend Ale Trail Month last November, I’ll admit it—I laughed.

You know you want it…

“Who’d want some silly Bend Ale Trail trophy cluttering up their house?” I scoffed.

Er, it turns out a whole lotta people did.

More than 350, to be exact, which was nearly double the number who’d hit the Bend Ale Trail in November the previous year.

Is now the time to admit I was wrong?

It’s definitely the time to start planning your beerventure for this November, so here’s everything you need to know about Bend Ale Trail Month 2015.

What’s so special about Bend Ale Trail month?

You can hit the Bend Ale Trail all year long and earn prizes for gathering passport stamps at the breweries. December through October, you earn a Silipint pint glass for racking up 10 passport stamps, and an additional bottle opener for hitting all 16.

But in November, that all changes. Yeah, you still get the Silipint and the bottle opener for accomplishing the aforementioned feat, but guess what else you get?

A freakin’ trophy, that’s what!

To earn it, just bring your completed Bend Ale Trail passport to the Bend Visitor Center on the corner of Lava Ave. and Oregon Ave. between November 1 and November 30. Ten passport stamps get you the trophy AND the Silipint, or hit all 16 to earn the bottle opener, too.

Besides the trophy, what schwag can I get?

So the trophy’s not enough for you, huh?

That’s okay. We’ve also got brewery gift certificates, hats, T-shirts, stickers, pint glasses, and tons more beer-related schwag. To win it, post photos of your Bend Ale Trail adventures in November using the hashtag #BendAleTrailMonth15 (yeah, we know it’s long…you’ve gotta work for this!)

We’re drowning in beer schwag in the Visit Bend office. Want some?

You can post your pics to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use that hashtag in all three spots. More pics = more chances to win!

Oh, and who wants to hear about the BIG prize?

Everyone who turns in a completed Bend Ale passport in November will be entered to win the ultimate Beercation Getaway. The getaway package includes two nights of lodging, a $100 Crux Fermentation Project card, a tour for two with the Bend Brew Bus, and a plethora of other brewery schwag. Not a bad score, huh?

How about other freebies and discounts?

Sheesh, you still want MORE hookups?

Pine Ridge Inn is one of many properties offering killer lodging specials during Bend Ale Trail Month.

No problem. We’ve got ‘em.

The nice thing about Bend Ale Trail Month is that everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. We’re talking EVERYONE. Here are just a few of the deals being offered by Bend businesses during Bend Ale Trail Month 2015:

• Planning to stay at the Pine Ridge Inn while you trek the trail of beer? Complete the Bend Ale Trail while staying with them in November, and receive one FREEnight of lodging to add to your existing stay or for a future stay through spring! Find details on the promo here.
• During Bend Ale Trail month, stay two nights at Mount Bachelor Village Resort and get a FREE Hydro Flask growler to fill with your favorite beer to take home.
• Want to catch a show while you’re in town? Flash your Bend Ale Trail atlas at the Tower Theater at the concession stand during Bend Ale Trail month and get a free pint of beer to enjoy during the performance This is good for the Veterans Day Concertwith Notables Swing Band (Nov. 11). Voices of Hope Singalong & Concert (Nov. 14), Screening of “Elf” (Nov. 28), and (Portland Cello Project (Nov. 29).
• Need a break from beer? During Bend Ale Trail Month, Volcano Vineyards is offering a complimentary taste of sangria and 10% off growler fills. At Cascade Alchemy, they’re doing free tastings all month long for Bend Ale Trail adventurers. Atlas Cider is offering a free Atlas pint glass with the purchase of a taster tray in November. You’ve gotta flash your Bend Ale Trail Atlas to claim any of these deals, so make sure you’re packing it!

To read about more deals on lodging, refreshments, and entertainment during Bend Ale Trail Month, go here: http://bit.ly/bat-month

Can I score any killer deals on Bend Ale Trail gear?

Man, you think this is some sort of endless parade of bargains?

Blogger Tawna in her Girl vs. Beer t-shirt (which is just one of many pieces of Bend Ale Trail merchandise on sale for 40% off in November).

It is!

For the month of November only, pop by the Bend Visitor Center to browse our selection of Bend Ale Tail merchandise (including our ever-popular “Man vs. Beer” and “Girl vs. Beer” T-shirts. We also have gear ranging from sweatshirts to hats to belt buckles and much more. Best of all, it’ s 40% off for the month of November.

You read that right.

That’s 40% off all Bend Ale Trail merchandise at the Bend Visitor Center for the month of November, while supplies last. Hurry in early while the selection is still good!

Wow. You guys must love beer drinkers, huh?

Yep. You’ve probably figured that out by now.

In fact, we’ve decided to open the Bend Visitor Center on Sundays, just to make it easier to cash in your Bend Ale Trail passport. We’ll be here seven days a week doling out prizes, offering directions and dining tips, handing out brochures for Bend activities, and snapping photos for folks who want to pose with our cool Bend Ale Trail prop.

Don’t forget to pose with our prop when you stop by the Bend Visitor Center to claim your prize!

The Bend Visitor Center is located in scenic Downtown Bend on the corner of Lava Ave. and Oregon Ave. It’s open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Can you give me something free NOW?!

Why not?

We want to spread the news far and wide about Bend Ale Trail Month, so we’re calling on you to help us out.

Here’s a short link to the Bend Ale Trail Month page: http://bit.ly/bat-month

Got it? Good.

Now head out to your social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest…whatever rolls your socks up) and share the link with all your pals. Tell ‘em how excited you are about Bend Ale Trail Month!

After you’ve done that, come back here and comment telling us where you shared the link. For each place you shared, we’ll give you one entry in a drawing to win a Hydro Flask beer growler and a $50 gift card to Riverbend Brewing.

We’ll choose a winner on Tuesday, November 10. Good luck!