Our Rancher Butcher Chef restaurant review: house dry-aged steaks, farm-to-table, great cocktails, and Bordeaux in NorthWest Crossing, Bend.
By Glenn VanLandingham & Nicole Eifler · Last verified: October 2026
These are the Bend, Oregon websites we actually use, whether we’re looking for something to do this weekend, checking road conditions before a mountain drive, or helping a friend who just moved here. Every link below is one we trust and use ourselves.
How we choose: we only list official or long-running local sources, and we check every link each quarter so nothing here is out of date.
Jump to: Events & visiting · News · Government · New residents · Getting around · Parks & outdoors · Food, drink & history · Community · Our guides
Where we check first for concerts, festivals, and things to do.
Bend’s official tourism calendar. Our first stop for festivals and seasonal events.
visitbend.comA second, broader calendar that catches events around the region.
visitcentraloregon.comShopping, dining, and events along the river in the heart of Bend.
oldmilldistrict.comThe state tourism view of Bend, useful for planning trips around Oregon.
traveloregon.comHow we keep up with what’s happening in Bend and Central Oregon.
The official sources for services, permits, and local news releases.
County services, property taxes, elections, and emergency information.
deschutescounty.govThe first sites we’d send a friend moving to Bend.
School boundaries, calendars, and enrollment for Bend’s public schools.
bend.k12.or.usLibrary branches, events, and free resources across the county.
deschuteslibrary.orgParks, trails, rec programs, and the Bend Whitewater Park.
bendparksandrec.orgFlights, buses, and the road conditions every local checks in winter.
Local buses in Bend and regional routes across Central Oregon.
cascadeseasttransit.comOfficial sources for conditions, permits, and closures. For our favorite trails, see the best hikes near Bend.
Trail info, permits, and fire restrictions for the forest around Bend.
fs.usda.govWhere we book campsites around Bend, plus Central Cascades Wilderness permits, Lava River Cave tickets, and forest day-use passes.
recreation.govLift tickets, snow reports, and summer activities on Bend’s home mountain.
mtbachelor.comOfficial park page for Central Oregon’s most famous hiking and climbing spot.
stateparks.oregon.govFor planning brewery days, market mornings, and rainy-day outings.
How the Bend Ale Trail works, plus territories and prizes. Pair it with our brewery rankings.
visitbend.comWildlife, history, and art of the high desert. A favorite with visitors.
highdesertmuseum.orgWhere locals connect, ask questions, and do business.
Our group for locals and newcomers. Ask about neighborhoods, restaurants, contractors, and more.
facebook.comEverything we’ve tried, ranked, and reviewed as locals.
Our local’s guide to everything Bend.
Our ranked list of where to eat.
The best activities, hikes, and attractions.
Our favorite stops in Beer Town.
Cocktails, vibes, and nightlife.
The best areas and hotels.
Sunriver, Tetherow, and more.
Our can’t-miss trails.
Every course we’ve played, ranked.
As featured on Redfin: 13 Bucket List Activities in Bend, OR
Our Rancher Butcher Chef restaurant review: house dry-aged steaks, farm-to-table, great cocktails, and Bordeaux in NorthWest Crossing, Bend.
The Source named Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot Bend's 2026 Restaurant of the Year. Here's our review: standout cocktails, inventive Thai food, menu, hours, and tips.
Read my review of Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, OR: Pronghorn-style high-desert golf, Three Sisters views, with my favorite holes and more.
Join Bend locals in our group, get new Bend reviews by email, or follow along.
Join the Living in Bend GroupGet Bend Updates by EmailInstagramFacebookThe City of Bend’s official site is bendoregon.gov, for city services like utilities, permits, and roads. Deschutes County services are at deschutescounty.gov.
Redmond Airport (RDM) is Central Oregon’s commercial airport, about a 25-minute drive north of Bend.
Use ODOT TripCheck for live road conditions and highway cameras, especially before driving mountain passes in winter.
We check the Visit Bend event calendar first, then the Visit Central Oregon calendar and The Source Weekly for local happenings.