Autumn in Oregon's Heartland
Fall in Central Oregon is a great time to explore the area’s rich history, exquisite wineries, decadent cuisine and excellent shopping. Over the course of this two-day itinerary, you will gaze at wildlife and beautiful rolling rivers, dine at restaurants serving authentic Oregon cuisine, and peruse a variety of antiques and outlet stores.
This trip idea was provided by Kristine M. at the Central Oregon Visitors Association. If you would like assistance planning this trip, please call the Central Oregon Visitors Association at 800.800.8334.
1.
Bounty in Bend
Spend the night in a peaceful Bend cottage and wake up to Central Oregon’s crisp, high desert air. Take a short walk to downtown Bend, and make your way past boutiques and shops to DiLusso Bakery Café for a cup of locally roasted coffee and hand crafted pastries.
Stroll back to your cottage, then hop in the car and head south on Highway 97 about 5 miles to the High Desert Museum. Here you’ll find a fun, educational experience for the whole family. This nationally acclaimed “living” museum explores the natural forces, historical events and cultural traditions that have shaped the region. This showplace facility incorporates live animals, a dynamic Birds of Prey exhibit, pioneer presentations, Western and Native American art, streamside exhibits, and walk-through-time dioramas.
All this learning will get your tummy rumbling for lunch. Take the short drive back into downtown Bend and grab a bite at the historical Pine Tavern Restaurant, serving Central Oregon since 1936. Try their Smoked Salmon Salad or Mirror Pond Pasta – named for beautiful Mirror Pond that the restaurant overlooks. Next up? Great tax-free shopping at downtown Bend’s unique boutiques and antiques stores. Then take a walk across the promenade to the tasting room of Volcano Vineyards, specializing in single vineyard designated wines and proprietary blends. Try their award-winning 2003 Syrah, which earned a Silver Medal at the 2006 West Coast Wine Competition in Sonoma, CA.
Shopaholics can hop back in the car and head to The Shops at The Old Mill for brand-name shopping. Bargain hunters, head to Bend Factory Stores for premium outlet shopping. On the way, be sure to stop by Maragas Winery’s tasting room on Colorado Avenue. “Kool Kats” can try their 2005 “Kool Kat Muscat” – their luscious old-world style muscat canelli. On November 18th, join Maragas Winery and The Blacksmith Restaurant for a celebration of Maragas Winery’s 3rd Anniversary at their new winery just north of Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne.
Drop the car off at your cottage and stroll back to downtown Bend to for a fine Oregon Bounty dinner at one of many restaurants to choose from, including The Blacksmith Restaurant, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the Top 66 new “Hot Tables” in the world. Their “Contemporary Comfort Cuisine” is made just like Mom’s, but with a gourmet twist. Try Chef Gavin McMichael’s Fried Green Tomatoes followed by his Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf, complemented by an impressive wine list and home-made desserts that will top off an evening of gastronomic delight that your taste buds won’t soon forget! (Reservations are strongly recommended.)
2.
Step Around Sisters and Meet the Metolius
Start early and go north on Highway 97, then head west on Highway 20, traveling about 22 miles to the quaint Western town of Sisters. Save your appetite for breakfast at Coyote Creek Café and try their “Coyote Creek Slam” – a hearty breakfast and a bargain price.
Stroll up and down East Cascade street, along Western storefronts, to hunt for more antiques, and hand made quilts, or to find a rare piece of regional artwork. Take a break and stop at Cork Cellars for more wine tasting paired with their specialty foods.
Drive just about 20 miles west of Sisters on Highway 20/ State Route 126 and spend the rest of the afternoon in the Metolius River and Camp Sherman area. Visit the head of the Metolius River and you’ll be fascinated by how such a small spring can create such a wide and rushing river. Take a hike on one of the many wilderness trails in the area or head up the road and feed the fish at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery (be sure to bring quarters – a change machine is there, just in case). Don’t forget to stop to admire the clear, blue beauty of the Metolius River on your way out.
Come dinner, head to Camp Sherman’s center for a taste of the Kokanee Café. Their fine Pacific Northwest cuisine includes fresh fish specials, in addition to chicken, seafood, pasta, steak and vegetarian dishes and luscious desserts.
After your bountiful meal, head south back into Bend to enjoy one last evening in front of a warm and cozy fire, talking about which of the many places to stay and restaurants to try when you return for your Oregon Bounty experience in Central Oregon next fall…