Living Well Guide to Bend, Oregon

Written By Cate Ritter

Welcome to a place where the wonders of nature and the pursuit of well-being converge, offering a blend of adventure and tranquility.

Discover the essence of wellness and nature in Bend, Oregon, a haven nestled within the beautiful Cascade Mountains and alongside the meandering Deschutes River. Crafted with care by Cate Ritter, a Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator and Wellness Coach, this Living Well guide is a great resource to Prepare for a Licensed Psilocybin Experience or integrate your journey.

Designed to enrich your stay, this guide invites you to explore Bend's natural beauty and engage with the community's commitment to wellness. Beyond the abundance of outdoor adventures, Bend's culinary options provide delicious flavors focusing on healthy, locally sourced ingredients. We hope you have a fulfilling experience where you have the opportunity to connect with nature, nourish your body, and awaken your soul.

Shop Locally

Outside In

If you want a unique local shopping experience, check out Outside In, a locally-owned outdoor lifestyle store. This women-owned small business is embedded in the vibrant Central Oregon community, offering a range of apparel, shoes, and goods perfect for town and trail adventures. Their curated collection helps you seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to city life, ensuring you enjoy every moment in style and comfort.

Rooted Adorned

Root Adorned is a must-visit for those seeking unique home goods. This lovely store offers an array of treasures from around the globe, aiming to help you create a dreamy, sanctuary-like home. With each piece telling a story, you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind items that bring intention and soul to your living spaces.

Somewhere That’s Green

If you're exploring Bend and love indoor plants, Somewhere That’s Green is a destination not to be missed. This premier indoor plant shop is the brainchild of John Kish, whose passion for horticulture and urban planting has culminated in a lush oasis for plant enthusiasts. At this shop, visitors can experience the magic of plants and connect with others in a vibrant setting.

Dudleys Bookshop Cafe

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe offers a rich tapestry of literary wonders, ranging from new and used literary fiction to the finest collections of guidebooks, western history, and genres like science fiction and fantasy. And if your adventures lead you outdoors, Dudley's boasts an extensive collection of trail and field guides for exploring Central Oregon’s majestic landscapes.

Products You’ll LOVE

Broadus Bees

Broadus Bees represents a commitment to sustainability and bee conservation, offering an array of honeybee products like honey, soaps, and lip balm available online and at local markets. At the helm is James Broadus Wilkie V, a passionate advocate for bees, drawing on his wildlife biology studies to enlighten others about bees' essential role in our food chain.

Mythical Chocolate

Mythical Chocolate provides an experience where indulgence meets wellness, crafting cacao products that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Their offerings, particularly the dark chocolate bars made from organic Criollo cacao, are a testament to this commitment, blending quality ingredients with the sounds of laughter and the intention of well-being. Their approach isn’t just about savoring exquisite flavors but engaging in practices that enhance connection.

Wild River Rose

Wild River Rose is a testament to the harmony between herbal body care and the nurturing essence of nature. This women-owned small business creates small-batch, handmade health and beauty products that blend homegrown, wild-harvested, and local ingredients. Emphasizing a holistic approach, Wild River Rose uses pure, primarily organic ingredients without harmful additives, ensuring each product is as nurturing to the body as it is to the earth.


Good Vibes & Pampering

As much as Central Oregon is known as an outdoor recreation wonderland, it’s also a good idea to take care of your body so you can do all the activities you love.

Bodywork

Finding a massage place in Bend might be easy, but Natasha Del Fiorentino Bodywork at Midtown Wellness offers something truly special. More than just a massage, Natasha creates a holistic experience tailored to each individual. Her bodywork services include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Ashiatsu, and Thai Massage. Given her services' personalized and comprehensive nature, it's wise to book in advance, as her schedule reflects the quality and care she provides.

Kriya Yoga & Soundbath

Soundshala, led by Kevin Kraft, offers a transformative blend of Himalayan Kriya Yoga and sound bath experiences designed to awaken and rejuvenate the spirit. Kevin integrates Vedic wisdom in a manner that's both enlightening and accessible, aiming to inspire and plant seeds of potential in every participant. This unique approach invites fun, learning, and a profound inward journey, welcoming all levels of experience and belief systems to tap into their energy and release stagnation or anxiety.

Sauna House

Gather Sauna House is a mobile sauna that stands out as Central Oregon's premier destination for those seeking an immersive wild sauna spa experience. Offering an authentic wood-fired sauna and thermal contrast therapy, this unique spot invites you to connect with nature while indulging in a deeply healing and traditional Baltic-Latvian sauna practice. The experience is enriched with the option of cold plunges and herbal treatments, using locally foraged and wildcrafted plant-based remedies to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

Easy Float

For those seeking a unique way to unwind and rejuvenate in Bend, floating at Easy Float offers an unparalleled experience. Floating in a Dream Pod filled with 10 inches of water, infused with nearly 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt and heated to body temperature, allows for a sensory-reduced state, facilitating deep relaxation and meditation. This environment helps the mind and body to achieve a theta brainwave state that can lead to numerous benefits like improved relaxation and sleep.

Connect with Nature

For those drawn to Bend in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, the area offers many activities that connect you with nature. Start your journey at Smith Rock State Park in Redmond, Oregon, just a short drive from Bend. Its stunning rock formations and a selection of trails make it a perfect year-round destination. For waterfall enthusiasts, Benham Falls offers easy hiking trails in Sunriver, Oregon, and the opportunity to explore the area further on a bike with over 40 miles of paved trails.


Trails and Parks Around Bend

Summer Sensations

If you're visiting during the summer, take advantage of the chance to float down the river in Bend with equipment from Tumalo Creek rentals, choosing from paddleboards, tubes, or kayaks. Extend your water adventures to the lakes near Mt. Bachelor, including Todd Lake, Spark's Lake, and Elk Lake, each offering unique beauty and tranquility.

Healthy Bend Restaurants

Bend's culinary landscape will tease and please your appetite with its diverse options. For those with dietary preferences, you'll find plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices. Whether you're prepping for a psilocybin journey or simply seeking to satiate your hunger, Bend's dining scene is ready to delight your palate.

Spork

Spork, heralded as "Culinary magic" by The New York Times, has been dazzling diners in Bend since its inception. Under the guidance of chef and co-owner Jeff Hunt, Spork's menu is a testament to global culinary exploration, featuring inspired dishes that draw from Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Crafted with a deep respect for global food traditions and ingredients, each dish at Spork blends authenticity and innovation.

Mother’s Juice Cafe

Mother's Juice Cafe venues in Bend and Redmond epitomize nourishment and well-being. Their menu features healthy breakfast and lunch options from organic and local ingredients. Renowned for their made-to-order smoothies and fresh juices, Mother's uses Oregon-grown produce. Their cold-pressed juices pack about three pounds of fruits and veggies into each bottle!

Fix and Repeat

At Fix and Repeat, you'll feel the warm Maui-meets-Bend attitude the moment you step inside, embodying the spirit of Aloha in every aspect. This community-centric spot radiates positive vibes and serves up plant-based delights that cater to every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing smoothie bowl, a nourishing cold-pressed juice, or fulfilling macro bowls, there's something here to energize and delight.

Salud Raw Food

For those venturing to Bend with a desire to indulge in health-conscious dining, Salud Raw Food is a gem worth discovering. This eatery prides itself on a menu that's not only gluten-free but embraces a raw, vegan, and organic ethos. From invigorating fresh juices and smoothies to hot nourishing tonics, salads, and ingeniously crafted dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate while promoting vibrant health.

Laughing Planet

Laughing Planet stands out for its quick-service, nutritious offerings and for creating an environment where food meets fun. Renowned for their flavorful burritos, bowls, salads, smoothies, and homemade cookies, they bring more than just good eats. They emphasize clean, whole foods and a rainbow of fresh veggies. With a menu that caters to every palate and dietary need — be it omnivore, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or anything in between — Laughing Planet helps you eat well and enjoy life.

Life and Time

Life and Time revolutionizes fast food by offering a quick and health-conscious menu, with convenient drive-thru options on Bend's West and East sides. They prioritize the finest, cleanest ingredients, adhere to a strict "Never Ever" protein program, eschew processed sugars, and ensure their offerings are organic and sustainably sourced. Every dish, including their crowd-pleasing sweet potato fries, is made from scratch, guaranteeing that fast food can indeed be synonymous with fresh, nutritious meals.

Active Culture

Active Culture is a beacon of health and flavor, a counter service café that marries wholesome ingredients with delectable taste. Founded on the conviction that healthy food should be irresistible, Active Culture crafts simple, fresh dishes designed to nourish and delight. With a commitment to scratch-made excellence, everything from dressings and sauces to lentil burgers and raw almond milk is prepared fresh daily.

GrocerIES and SnackS

If you're in Bend and need to stock up on groceries or snacks, check out Market of Choice, Newport Market, Natural Grocers, or Whole Foods Market. For those seeking locally sourced produce and artisanal goods, the Bend Farmers Market (open in the summer) is a must-visit, showcasing the best of Central Oregon's farmers and producers.

Get Ready for A Bend Adventure

What to Pack:

The climate in Bend is known for its variability, so pack wisely. Suggestions:

  • Layered Clothing: With temperature shifts throughout the day, items like long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, light jackets, and a waterproof layer are essential.

  • Footwear: Comfortable shoes or hiking boots will serve you well on the trails.

  • Sun Protection: The high desert sun calls for sunglasses, a hat, and sun protection.

  • Hydration: Bring a water bottle to hydrate during your outdoor adventures.

  • Creativity Kit: A journal and pen for those inspired moments and reflections.

  • Trail Snacks: Pack snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and granola.


ExplorE the Scenic Route:

Traveling from Portland? Here are scenic stops you won't want to miss:


In the summer, drive the McKenzie Highway 242 for awe-inspiring landscapes:

  • Dee Wright Observatory: Explore lunar-like lava fields with majestic mountain vistas. It's so unique that even NASA used it for astronaut training!

  • Proxy Falls: A serene spot perfect for a hike and a picnic lunch, showcasing another of Oregon's picturesque waterfalls.


Sample Day in Bend

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at Mother’s Juice Cafe, fueling up with their wholesome offerings. After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride around Farewell Bend Park, where various trail loops offer serene views.

When hunger strikes again, head to Fix & Repeat for a plant-based lunch combining good food with a good vibe. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to either browse the unique shops downtown or enjoy a tranquil walk through Drake Park.

Later, choose between indulging in some pampering or exploring another of Bend's scenic nature trails to further connect with the outdoors. Cap off your adventure with dinner at Spork, where globally inspired dishes create a memorable culinary experience.


With these tips, you're all set for a trip filled with exploration, relaxation, and discovery in Bend! For more ideas, check out Visit Bend.

Cate Ritter
Previous

The Psychedelic Revolution in Golf
Next

Maximizing the Magic With Psilocybin Integration