Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for family and friends to gather over home-cooked meals, college football, and time on the couch! But in Bend, the day after Thanksgiving brings the opening of
Mt. Bachelor. Our mild fall weather has given way to a dose of old man winter, and the buzz amongst snow enthusiasts is palatable. Many people in Bend this holiday weekend are visitors looking to enjoy all our community has to offer. If you don't feel like cooking at home, check out the Oxford Hotel and their four-course Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner begins at noon and lasts until 8 pm at
10Below Restaurant with Georges Bouhey playing jazz piano from 3-6 pm. For a completely different experience just a couple of blocks away, check out
McMenamins Old St. Francis School on Bond Street. McMenamins has something for everyone and offers a Thanksgiving buffet with all of your traditional favorites. I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
With the latest storm rolling through, I hiked to the top of Lava Butte in hopes of capturing some photos of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. Located 13 miles south of Bend, Lava Lands Visitor Center is an ideal place to learn about the volcanic activity that formed Central Oregon's terrain. At this time of year, the road is closed to vehicles making the exhilarating hike to the top as peaceful as it is beautiful. The lava flowing from this butte flowed west and eventually blocked the Deschutes River. The powerful Deschutes eventually prevailed, breaking through at Benham Falls, Dillon Falls, and Lava Island. The storm blocked my view of the Cascades, but the dramatic clouds more than made up for it!
