From slopes to soaking pools: my dream weekend in Bend

It’s a sunny spring day in Bend and my wife and I are doing what we do best: sipping beers in our ski boots.

We tell ourselves we’ve earned it. We spent the morning skiing soft, forgiving groomers at Mt. Bachelor on snow just loose enough to keep things fun without demanding heroics. By early afternoon, we trade helmets and goggles for ball caps and beers, legs pleasantly cooked, faces soaking up the sun.

This is spring in Bend, the time of transitions and overlaps. Snow still clings to the mountains while the town below stretches out and exhales. It’s familiar and new in the best of ways. Consider it a remastered Paul’s Boutique. 

Our daughter, college-bound and busy with her own plans, will meet us later. That leaves time for the good stuff: unhurried afternoons, easy adventures, and the luxury of choosing what comes next. Tomorrow it’s a river hike and a concert. Tonight, maybe the best burger in town. If spring break used to mean chaos, we’re well into enjoying the upgrade.

Here’s what I’d do if I had just a weekend in Bend.

The Westman: Bend’s newest and cushiest stay with 23 rooms tucked inside the city’s restored 1930s post office downtown. Ask for the Postmaster’s Loft Suite that comes with a gas fireplace, spiral staircase, and soaring windows. 

The Oxford Hotel: A perennial favorite for those who want eco-chic luxury in the heart of downtown.   

McMenamins Old St. Francis School: A 1936 Catholic school turned into a playground for adults, complete with a stunning turquoise soaking pool and “secret” bars.

Aerie by Avantstay: Ideal for multigenerational trips or traveling with your “chosen family” crew.

Find more places to stay here.

The goal: Ease into the high-desert rhythm with a walkable afternoon.

4 p.m. Downtown wander

Start at Smith Rock Records to hunt for vinyl, then channel your inner ’80s mall rat at Vector Volcano for vintage arcade games. For a quieter pace, browse the stacks at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe.

5:30 p.m. The first pint

Grab a “Bend-only” pour at Deschutes Brewery Public House or enjoy the river views at Bend Brewing Company.

7:00 p.m. Choose your dinner adventure

The Classic: A smash burger at Americana. The Gourmet: the wagyu bresaola and potato at Ken’s Artisan Pizza. The Elevated: global flavors at Yoli (Korean-fusion) or a steak at The Blacksmith.

9 p.m. Nightcaps

Settle by the fire at McMenamins Fireside Bar or go deep into the peat with a Laphroaig at Stihl Whiskey Bar.

The goal: Ski the morning, bike the afternoon, and soak the evening.

7:30 a.m. Fuel up 

Grab an Ocean Roll at Sparrow Bakery (it lives up to the hype) or sit down for a massive Benedict and awesome scones at McKay Cottage.

9:00 a.m. Spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor

In the spring, timing is everything. Start on the Cloudchaser lift (east-facing slopes) to catch the early sun-softened snow, then move west as the day warms.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in April, don’t miss RendezVan, the ultimate slopeside “après” festival.

2:00 p.m. Trail time 

Trade the boards for bikes. Hit the Aspen Meadow trailhead for a scenic, mellow ride along the Deschutes River Trail.

4:30 p.m. The afternoon pivot

Grab a sunny witbier on the deck at Monkless Belgian Ales or head to Flux Thermal Lounge for a modern social soak.

6:30 p.m. Innovative eats

Try to time your visit to catch the Dear Mom Café Chef Series, a collaboration between Bend chefs with a Thai twist. The menu changes but expect bold crossovers like Texas BBQ pork in green curry.

8:30 p.m. Off the beaten path

Skip the crowds and find Terranaut Beer Taproom for world-class Czech dark lagers.

The goal: Scenic views and a smooth transition back to reality.

7:30 a.m. A savory start

Order the Portuguese bifana at Sintra Restaurant with pork tenderloin, fried eggs, sautéed onions, Swiss cheese, and herb Dijonnaise sauce — a boost you’ll need for the morning hike.

9:00 a.m. Tumalo Falls

Spring is the “sweet spot” for Tumalo Falls. The crowds are thin, and the 97-foot roar is at its peak. Check with Sunnyside Sports for trail conditions; you might need hiking boots or light snowshoes depending on the late-season melt. Don’t forget your sno-park pass. 

11:30 a.m. E-bike exploration

Rent an e-mountain bike from Let It Ride Electric Bikes to explore town and paved paths into the Deschutes National Forest for all the views and half the sweat.

1:00 p.m. The Old Mill loop

Walk the river at the Old Mill District. Grab a massive house-cured sandwich at Stacks or head over to Jackson’s Corner in Old Bend for a hearty pozole.

2:30 p.m. Don’t skip the High Desert Museum

You’ll be missing Under Pressure, a volcano exhibit that is a Gen X dream where neon 1980s graphics meet analog drama to explain the wild geology beneath your feet.

4:30 p.m. Tapas for the road

End your trip at Bar RBC with bacon-wrapped dates and dungeness crab tarts before the drive home.