Have your feet been abused this winter?

This blog post is for your feet.

Since it’s possible your feet aren’t literate, you may need to read it to them.

Ahem.

Dear feet,

It’s been a long winter, hasn’t it? You’ve been crammed into ski boots, subjected to frantic, icy sprints down the driveway on trash pickup mornings, and otherwise neglected for about six months.

But your season is coming, don’t worry. Here are some things you can look forward to in the coming months if you (and the rest of your human) plan to be in Bend.

Pedicures

Whether you belong to someone of the male or female persuasion, now’s a good time to get gussied up for all those sandals and flip-flops you’ll be wearing. This is showtime, so you want to look your best.

Bend’s pedicure options range from budget-friendly walk-in places like Happy Nails and Pretty Nails, to more upscale spots like Urban Beauty Bar and Jinsei Spa.

Blogger Tawna (center) enjoys a pedicure at MK Nails with stepdaughter Violet, and cousin Laura.

Some even have guy-friendly specials like the Jack Black Men’s Pedicure/Manicure at Spa W or the Ale-ing Foot Remedy (complete with crushed barley and hops foot scrub) at Anjou Spa.

Bend even boasts a unique “foot sanctuary” created to holistically restore your health through signature foot soaks, therapeutic foot massages, rejuvenating aromatherapy, and more. Sole Foot Bar offers a wide array of treatment options, so check their website for details (er, that’s assuming feet can go online…you may need help with this one).

Let’s talk footwear

I know you love boots. They keep you warm and toasty in the winter, and their generous coverage means you can let yourself go during Bend’s chillier months.

But all that’s about to change, and there are upsides to it.

For starters, Bend boasts gobs of amazing shopping centers where you can find the season’s hottest sandals, peep-toes, flip-flops, and other warm weather footwear. Stroll through quirky boutiques, national chain stores, factory outlets, outdoor malls, and one-of-a-kind local shops to find the perfect summer shoes to showcase your best assets.

If you’re planning time on the river, make sure you have footwear that stays strapped to your feet instead of floating away.

But it’s not just about style, guys.

Finding the right footwear for your summer activities is crucial. For instance, you might be tempted to wear flip-flops to float the river, since they’re cool and casual and easy to slip on and off.

But that’s the very thing that makes them the worst possible choice, because all it takes is a muddy riverbed or a swirling current to suck that bad boy right off your sole. Not only will it litter up our beautiful river system, but it’ll put you at risk of burned soles and tootsies when you’re forced to hoof it back to your car on sweltering pavement. A better option? Sturdier water sandals like Keens, Chacos, or Tevas that have straps to keep them from floating away. Convince your human to buy you a pair and you’ll be golden.

If you’re up for tackling Bend’s tougher trails and higher elevations, make sure you’re outfitted in sturdy hiking boots designed to support and protect you. Countless hikers have ended up with stubbed toes or cuts and scrapes from lava rock because they failed to shod themselves with the best footwear.

Make sure your human looks out for your best interests, K?

Get permanently prettified

Let’s talk about ink for a moment, shall we?

Tattoos are so common these days that it’s rare to meet someone without one, and ankles and feet are some of the trendiest spots to get them. If you’re already considering some ink, getting tattooed on your Bend vacation can be a cool way to bring home a permanent souvenir of your trip.

Kailah Bartolome at Monolith Tattoo did this awesome foot tat. If you’re planning a tattoo session for your feet or other body part in Bend, make sure you book well in advance (and plan your aquatic activities wisely).

A couple things to keep in mind: Many of Bend’s most popular tattoo artists can book up six months to a year in advance. No joke. Yes, you can occasionally score a walk-in spot, but wouldn’t you rather plan ahead for something that’ll be permanently inked on your body?

Second, a fresh tattoo is technically an open wound, and you can seriously mess it up if you soak it in water before it’s properly healed. In other words, you’ll need to skip wading in the river, swimming in lakes, or swishing in the hotel pool if you opt to get inked early in your vacation.

Plan ahead for your tattoo and book an appointment at the tail end of your Bend vacation.

Special pleasures just for feet

My feet have several favorite activities in Bend, and nearly all of them are concentrated during the warmer months.

The annual grape stomp at Maragas Winery is a unique treat for your feet (and the rest of you).

While you can’t go traipsing barefoot into the concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, you’re free to kick your shoes off once you’re there. Nothing rivals the pleasure of twirling barefoot in the grass to your favorite tunes, so scope out the schedule and get ready to dance.

Another summer pleasure is the squish of warm mud between your toes. You can find it in nearly any High Cascade Lake or on the banks of the Deschutes River, so take some time to savor this small joy when you play in the water in Bend.

Want a truly unique feet treat? Maragas Winery just north of Bend holds a grape stomp every fall, and kids and grownups alike have a chance to stomp barefoot through buckets of grapes. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a chance for some fancy footwork, followed by the rest of the body enjoying live music, tasty food, and great wine. Watch their website for details and dates.