My husband is traveling on business this week, so I’ve spent lots of time talking to the dog   drinking milk from the carton  exploring Bend on my own.

This could be your cozy home away from home at Wall Street Suites.

Obviously, it’s not the first time in my 42+ years as an Oregonian that I’ve hung out solo in Central Oregon, but it’s the first time I’ve paid super-close attention to the best ways to savor Bend by yourself. Here are 6 of them.

Pick the perfect spot to stay

When you’re vacationing solo, sometimes you’d prefer to keep to yourself. That’s easy to do in nearly any Bend hotel or vacation rental, and you can amplify your vacation enjoyment with perks like killer views, in-room spas, or the ability to walk everywhere you want to go (handy if you plan to hit the Bend Ale Trail on your own and want to avoid driving).

Downtown properties like Wall Street Suites and the DoubleTree by Hilton make it simple to stroll between restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Ditto that for The Oxford Hotel, which has the added bonus of a swanky lower-level restaurant to enjoy when you do feel like interacting with humans.

Hotels in the Old Mill District are another great option for the ease of walking anywhere you need to go for shopping and dining, plus you’ll be mere steps from the Deschutes River and summer concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

And if you’re a solo traveler who’s actually looking to meet new people, consider one of the cozy, friendly bed and breakfasts in Bend, or check out Bend’s brand new hostel, Bunk & Brew.

Table for one?

I’ll admit I’ve felt moments of awkwardness when dining alone as a business traveler or just a local gal who feels like taking herself out on a lunch date.

Parilla Grill’s brand new Eastside location is just as tasty as the Westside one (and makes for awesome solo dining!)

Fortunately, Bend’s dining scene is chill enough that it’s really not an issue. My favorite lunch spots for solo dining include Parilla Grill (especially the awesome new Eastside location!), Longboard Louie’s, Barrio, and Croutons.

El Sancho is another great choice for those who want to dip a toe in the water of meeting new people. Many’s the time I’ve parked myself at one of the large, outdoor tables with a random group of strangers and found myself making a new friend.

Looking to treat yourself to a nice dinner? 900 Wall, Joolz, Greg’s Grill, and Zydeco are all awesome dinnertime options where I swear you won’t feel weird requesting a table all to yourself (though if you prefer, most of those spots have a bar where you can ask to be seated solo).

Heading out for a hike

I’ve hiked by myself all over Central Oregon, and aside from a couple rare (and possibly paranoid) moments of fretting about cougars, I’ve always felt safe.

Blogger Tawna and her dog, Bindi, hiking solo in the Badlands.

Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to take some precautions when you’re setting out for a solo hike. Take plenty of water and snacks—just like you would when hiking with pals—but factor in the downside of not having an extra body around for warmth. Then stuff your pack with a few extra warm layers and a space blanket.

Next, make sure you plot your route carefully and take a paper map (no relying on smartphones where you might not have service!) Grab a good guide book like Bend Overall by Scott Cook and Bend, Oregon Daycations (Day Trips for Curious Families), by Kim Cooper Findling to get ideas for routes and what to expect.

And most importantly, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. That way they can notify authorities if you haven’t returned in a reasonable amount of time.

No sense in driving solo

Since invisible friends don’t count, your solo status renders you ineligible to use the carpool spots at Mt. Bachelor.

Leave the driving to someone else when you book an outing with the Bend Brew Bus.

But what a great excuse to catch the Mt. Bachelor shuttle to avoid driving all the way there and back in your own car.

And if you want to hit the Bend Ale Trail without fretting about sober transportation, book an outing with the Bend Brew Bus and leave the driving to someone else.

Enjoy your own company

One of my favorite solo activities when traveling is to find a warm, cozy spot to curl up with a good book.

When the weather is chilly, I look for a toasty fire pit or a vacation home with a fireplace.

When it’s warm and sunny, check out one of Bend’s 80+ public parks. You’ll find tons of great spots to throw down your picnic blanket and curl up with your toes in the grass and a good book on your lap. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Want to meet people?

As much as I enjoy the pleasure of my own company, there are limits to how much alone-time I need. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to mingle with strangers when you’re visiting Bend.

Ahhh….this is the life!

Book an outing with Wanderlust Tours, and bond with your fellow travelers while snowshoeing, canoeing, caving, or enjoying countless other tours they offer year-round.

Ditto that for a rafting adventure with Sun Country Tours or a kayak tour with Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe.

And if you’re looking for an activity or event that’s catered to your specific interests, scope out Visit Bend’s event calendar. There, you can search for film screenings, athletic competitions, concerts, art gallery openings, culinary events, and more.