Staff Picks are chosen by our staff! Even though this issue plays up the Greek theme, this is not Athens (the birthplace of democracy) and no one voted in these categories. Our team of titans just chose them, to be cheeky. That is all.
Best Smoke Spot: Bend is a stoner’s delight
By Julianna LaFollette
With a dispensary in close proximity to nearly every neighborhood of Bend, I would consider the city to be quite the stoner's dream. While, technically, it's illegal to smoke in public places, there are a number of great spots to chill and take in the views, once baked. An obvious option, Drake Park, provides great people watching, a view of the river and a short voyage to Pizza Mondo to fulfill those munchies. A more secluded spot is Juniper Park in east Bend, where you can find a shaded spot in the grass, along the trail, to relax and read.
If you want the best of both worlds, head over near Miller's Landing. A great place to hang out, you can pop a squat in the grass or walk along the Deschutes River Trail toward Bend's Whitewater Park for some entertainment. Watch as surfers ride the man-made waves year-round or enjoy some gnarly wipeouts from the tubers in the summer. Happy smoking, and remember, don't drive high.
Best Folks, Beer & Food Relaxing: Deschutes Tasting Room is off the beaten path
By Richard Sitts
For a special treat, I like to venture up to the Deschutes Tasting Room, up on the hill overlooking the Old Mill. It's a little out of the way, but plenty of visitors still find their way here. Stop in for lunch and a pint, or two. There's always several pub exclusive beers on tap that you won't find anywhere else. Stout aged in tequila barrels, anyone?
Parked outside are three real-deal food carts. 'Wich Doctor Sandwich Co. takes it to another level. WillieBurger's smash burger, with its crispy edges, overflows its cardboard tray, which barely contains this flavor bomb. Who needs fries?! Former Best Of winner Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery has a cold noodle dish that I can't get enough of. I'm a carnivore, but rather than the chicken or steak, the tofu is my favorite.
This place is a mellow hang where you're bound to meet some interesting folks, locals and visitors alike.
Best Place to Pretend You’re Ernie Hemingway or Shirley Jackson: The Cellar
By Jared Rasic
Listen, I would never say that drinking helps with writing. There's an old quote that was falsely attributed to Hemingway that one should "write drunk and edit sober," but, in Hemingway's case, it was more like he wrote and edited hungover and in need of hydration. I'm not good at either, but whenever I'm in the mood to write some poetry or some fiction and would like a flagon of ale to help unstick those hard-to-reach feelings, I usually want to do so in a room that feels unattached to the ills of the modern world. A room that, if it existed 100 years ago, probably wouldn't feel much different than it is today.
So, I go to The Cellar in downtown Bend. Whether it's to read a novel, write a poem or reflect on my place in the world, the combination of timeless ambience, a deeply kind and intelligent staff, a wonderful rotating selection of fine English ales from the always-great Porter Brewing and a constantly shifting sampling of fascinating customers, it's impossible to go to The Cellar and not find inspiration.
My personal sweet spot when I'm just looking to relax and not work? A pint of the sweetly dry Irish Red Ale and a few chapters of Márquez's "A Hundred Years of Solitude." This, right here, is the best combo since cheese and tortillas.
Best Instagrammable Spot: Smith Rock State Park
By Savannah Mendoza
Living in Bend is a photographer's dream, brimming with Instagram-worthy scenes. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Central Oregon is a goldmine for perfect shots to add to your feed. One of the top outdoor photo spots is Smith Rock State Park. The moment you arrive, you can't help but capture its breathtaking views. With towering cliffs, jagged peaks and a winding river, the potential to create the best Instagrammable photos are endless. Hike farther into the park for more stunning angles or catch sunset for a magical glow during golden hour. So, grab your camera, strike a pose, let the natural beauty do the rest and watch the likes roll in. Your followers will thank you!
Best Driver Impediment: Big Obvious Boulder, aka BOB, aka the rock outside the 7-Eleven
By Nicole Vulcan
Set in the heart of volcano country, Central Oregon sees its fair share of rocks. Maybe it's because locals are inundated with all the obsidian, basalt and other igneous rocks we can stand, but apparently, drivers in Central Oregon are starting to gloss over even the most glaring of rocky obstacles — like Big Obvious Boulder, the rock near the corner of Franklin and Greenwood avenues that at last count had taken out at least six cars.
We know what you're thinking: How does ONE car manage to drive up and nearly over a rock of this size, let alone six or more?! We don't know, but among our staff picks for this year's Best of Central Oregon issue, BOB had to get some accolades. In fact, this one has gotten so much attention that it actually has its own Facebook group. (Now, that's becoming a heavy hitter.)
Congrats, BOB. You rock.
