I just got back from a quick road trip to Bend, Oregon; we try to have a family reunion there every year, but with growing families and adventurous kids, it’s hard to bring everyone together in one place at one time. I managed three days and nights of rivers, books, coffee and consignment stores-not to mention some great family time and outrageous sunsets!
For the kids, the big draw in Bend is swimming and floating in the Deschutes River-of which I did neither. I think I was the only one besides the grandmas who stayed dry – guess I’m officially OLD!
There’s lots of cool shopping in Bend – we started off in the Old Mill District. The teens loved the clothing, but I loved the Savory Spice Shoppe. I can’t wait to try out my Thai Green Curry and Ghost Pepper Salt!
Next, the search was on for used books and clothes. We found huge amounts of both at two adjacent shops: The Open Book and City Thrift. Shopping for resale winter clothes makes much more sense in a mountain town! Did you know that many thrift/consignment stores sell used books at low, low prices?
We could hardly wait for coffee…and there are many choices in Bend! We headed for a favorite, Lone Pine Coffee downtown.
Next stop was Dudley’s Bookshope Cafe in downtown Bend. This place was that delicious combination of used books, big comfy chairs, delicious pastries and coffee…I never wanted to leave!
Ju-bee-lee is a tiny gem tucked in amongst clothing stores and cafes. The shop offers gorgeous vintage-type clothing, soaps, lotions, artisan jewelry, cards, candles…it’s my ultimate kind of gift shop.
This cute quote caught my eye:
Next, we found more gems at Rescue Consignment Shop; such fun to try on vintage/new dresses!
I love downtowns that invest in beauty.
Didn’t have time to stop here, but definitely would love to spend a hot afternoon at one of Bend’s microbreweries.
Can you believe my morning view? Not a bad place to sip coffee!
On my last day, I took a walk alone back to the Deschutes River-not to swim, but just to take in the glory of the high desert.
Can you spot the desert flower?
On the way to the airport, a quick stop at Dutch Bros-one of my favorite West Coast chain coffee shops.
Just couldn’t resist one last sunset photo; this one of my niece sums up the beauty of my road trip to Bend, Oregon. Sunsets, rivers, shopping, coffee, books and family. It was a good, good time.
Comments: 7
My Best Life July 2014: A Month of Quiet - mamawolfe
July 31, 2014[…] I took two amazing trips this month: one to Bend, Oregon, and one to Calistoga, California. I’d have to call the Bend, Oregon trip the ‘best road trip’ simply because I got to spend eight hours in the car with my mom. It was such a treat to have her all to myself-the hours whizzed by, and I was keenly aware of how precious time with your parent can be – are you hearing me, kids? Aside from the drive, the three days I spent in Bend with my extended family were pretty spectacular-I shared some of the highlights in my post, travel with mamawolfe: Bend, Oregon for Rivers, Books, Coffee and Consignment Stores. […]
Rachel Noel
July 16, 2014Jennifer, I love your blog and style of writing. Thanks for liking my post on Bloggers helping Bloggers and leading me here 🙂 I’m now following you on Bloglovin’.
What a wonderful looking vacation!!!
Jennifer Wolfe
July 26, 2014Hi Rachel,
I’m so glad you found me – great to connect in this virtual world. Hope to read more of your work soon, and thanks for following!
Sara // Simply Happenstance
July 13, 2014What a lovely trip! Bend, Oregon has been on my wish list of places to visit! Love your beautiful photos and recommendations of where to go! xoxo
Sara // Simply Happenstance recently posted…Changes on the Horizon
My Inner Chick
July 13, 2014How Fun!
Thanks for the virtue tour.
Also, I LOOOOOOOOVE Thrift stores. In fact, I’d rather thrift store shop any day of the week than TJ Max or something like that!
xx
My Inner Chick recently posted…I Was Blind, But Now I See
Kathy Radigan
July 13, 2014Thanks for giving me a little arm chair vacation! Beautiful!
Kathy Radigan recently posted…Mom and Dad Go to the Movies
Jennifer Wolfe
July 13, 2014You’re welcome! If you’re ever out this way, Oregon is lovely at all times of year! ~Jennifer