June 26, 2017 Day 21 Bend, OR
No breakfast at our budget accommodations. Our first task
was making a reservation for the Deschutes Brewery and tasting tour. Had to
sign up for back to back tours at 1 and 2 since each tour only had one opening.
Our first stop was the local BoA office to try to get money
transferred for my son’s home purchase. After waiting about 15 minutes for a
bank officer, we were told that we had to make an appointment. We made an
appointment for 3:30 and headed out for some sightseeing.
First stop was the High Desert Museum, about 3.5 miles south
of Bend on route 97. This was a terrific museum with indoor and outdoor
exhibits. It is an interactive museum that demonstrates how the west really was
wild. Actors in costume played living history characters and were willing to
stay in character while we peppered them with questions. So, we spoke with
pioneers, boomtown widows, homesteaders and saw mill operators. We also saw a
snake, reptile show and wandered along the mile-long nature trail. We really
did not have enough time for this museum since we had to get to the brewery.
Got lost a few times getting to the brewery and parked on
the street missing the charging station in the brewery parking lot. The brewery
could accommodate both of us on the 1 tour. It was a terrific tour that offered
an up-close glimpse of craft brewing. I
am amazed at the speed of the bottling process. The tour lasted over an hour and
then we went to the tasting room. A free
fleet of four beers from their many selections. We bought a shirt for the grandson
with the brewery name since he cannot drink with his parents. Also bought a six
pack.
Then we drove to the bank where we were able to complete the
home down payment transfer. Next was a little self-decided/directed tour of
Bend. The city seems to be a very interesting and attractive place. As part of
our tour we spent some time talking to a real estate agent. He said that the
city, Oregon’s largest east of the Cascades, has experienced boom and bust real
estate cycles. During the Great Recession, it experienced the nation’s steepest
decline in housing prices. But now it is well into a boom cycle. It seems to
have an enviable 4 season climate, lots of recreation opportunities, lots of
breweries, downtown living and Mt. Bachelor, an underutilized gem that is 25 miles
away and gets the first and last snow in the Cascades. Recently a satellite branch
of Oregon University was opened.
We parked just outside the compact downtown, 2 hours of free
parking, and took a meandering walk around the downtown ending at the Post
Office. We then walked back and checked out the Oxford Hotel. We had stayed at
this chain in Portland, but this was a different level. It is a stylish boutique
hotel with a sleek high ceiling lobby and an electric charging station in the
garage (Two Tesla stations and one for the rest.). It advertised 5 pillow
choices. We moved the car and headed west to Drake Park. This lines the
Deschutes River and afforded a relaxing walk as the sun was setting. Watched a
couple of community kickball games. Then we walked over to the Deschutes
Brewery and Public House for some dinner and beer. This is Bend’s original
brewpub and has 19 Deschutes are on tap. Had
some sweet and spicy mac and cheese and the classic Black Butte Porter among
other items.
Back to the motel for a car charging and nighttime swim.
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