Glenn VanLandingham

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Hello, I’m Glenn VanLandingham, and along with my wife Nicole, we are the adventure seekers behind EpicBend and EpicFrederick. I have been a travel enthusiast and outdoor lover for as long as I can remember.

I’ve combined these passions with my role as a digital storyteller, aiming to discover the best ways to enjoy life in these two amazing places and share these insights with others.

I spent my childhood living all over the United States and abroad, and also traveled extensively throughout my career as an adult. Today, I call Bend, Oregon, and Frederick, Maryland, home.

Local Insights on Bend, Oregon From Glenn

Twenty years ago, I discovered Bend while traveling in the Pacific Northwest, and I immediately fell in love with this Central Oregon paradise.

What draws me to Bend the most is its stunning scenery and the endless outdoor activities available.  But I also love the town of Bend, and I’m continually amazed by the community.

Glenn's Insider Knowledge of Frederick, Maryland

I’ve also called Frederick, Maryland home for four years.  I spent a significant part of my life in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic, so I am familiar with the region. 

Nicole and I moved to Frederick in 2021, and since then, we have visited nearly every venue, taken numerous day trips, and enjoyed various outdoor adventures throughout the region.

If you are a visitor or resident of Frederick, we can help you get the most out of this vibrant town.

Travel Junkie. Travel Expert.

As a child, my family traveled extensively around the world, and I have continued this habit into adulthood. I’ve visited every US state and over 30 countries, considering myself a “push the envelope” traveler.

This experience allows me to write articles about Bend and Frederick with visiting travelers in mind. I have a good understanding of the type of information you are likely seeking when visiting our towns.

Outdoor Enthusiast

Writing articles and being an influencer is enjoyable, but I would much rather be outdoors! Nicole and I stay busy with a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and fly fishing.

This shared passion is one of the reasons we make a great couple and love living in both Bend and Frederick.

I’m also an avid (though somewhat mediocre – check my handicap) golfer.

For me, golf is more than just a game; it’s an experience. On this site, I share my reviews of Bend golf courses and Frederick golf courses for my fellow players.

Venue Reviews around Bend and Frederick

Another main reason we started this site to share with readers what we consider the BEST venues in Bend and Frederick. 

We love exploring new restaurants and bars around town, and Nicole and I have visited virtually every brewery, winery, and distillery in both areas.

On this site, I provide in-depth reviews of various venues, giving you insider knowledge from a local who has experienced these places firsthand.

Be sure to connect with me on social media for more adventures in Bend and Frederick, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Bend, Oregon Articles From Glenn

A glowing neon sign reads HAWKEYE & HUCKLEBERRY LOUNGE in white and gold, with a stylized bird spreading its wings. Set against a black background, this shield-shaped sign shines among Bend restaurants, outlined in radiant white neon.

A Year After Opening, The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge Has Established Itself as Top Restaurant in Bend, Oregon.

A beige brick building with a black sign reading “DRAKE” above the entrance, one of the standout Bend Restaurants. A white hanging sign with a large “D” and “SINCE 2013” is above it, surrounded by flowers, street lamps, and a clear blue sky.

DRAKE in Downtown Bend Has Been a Cornerstone Restaurant since 2013, and Still One of the Best Restaurants in Town.

A brown wooden sign reads “Rimrock Trailhead, Sirius Trail No. 65.1, Jct. Dog Leg Trail 1/4.” Surrounded by pine trees and a trail map, this scenic spot is perfect for those seeking classic Bend hikes or memorable hikes near Bend Oregon.

The Rimrock Trail in Bend has several perfect loops for hiking, biking, or getting out with your dog. All without really

A woman and man stand side by side on a dirt path near a lush river and waterfall, surrounded by green trees and rocky hills. Both wear sunglasses and casual hiking clothes, soaking up the sun on one of many scenic Bend hikes.

Steelhead Falls is yet another amazing excursion close to Bend for hiking, swimming, cliff diving, and more.

A wooden sign for GoodLife Brewing Company, one of the top breweries in Bend, Oregon, hangs outdoors on a metal frame with string lights, in front of a red building with vertical siding and a mountain logo.

GoodLife Brewing Company in Bend Embodies Everything We Love About Living In This Town

A large stone sign reading Widgi Creek is set into a rock formation with small waterfalls on both sides. Green grass and trees surround this Bend Oregon Golf Course landmark, as sunlight casts shadows across the rocks.

Widgi Creek Golf Course is the golf club in Bend, Oregon that many locals call their 'home course'. For good reason,

A weathered wooden trail sign stands in sandy terrain, surrounded by rocks. It points left to Flatiron Rock Trail and right to Ancient Juniper Trail. Juniper trees and dry grass are visible under a partly cloudy sky in the background.

The Oregon Badlands are an other-worldly, volcanic wilderness near Bend. The Ancient Juniper and Flatiron Rock Loop Hike is a Great

If you’re looking for an authentic local experience in Bend, Oregon, the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market is a must-visit. This lively community

A yellow hanging sign with “Sparrow Northwest” in bold black letters and simple decorative lines, mounted under a covered walkway with a red brick wall and windows in the background.

The Sparrow Bakery in Bend, Oregon is a favorite coffee shop, bakery, and breakfast spot for locals. Known for its Ocean

Frederick, Maryland Articles From Glenn

The Monocacy River near Frederick offers easy and scenic kayaking opportunities following the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail.

We tell you which is the Best Frederick Movie Theatre! Read why these are the best movie theatres in Frederick MD

Frederick has no shortage of great pizza — you just need to know where to go. If you’re searching for the best

A cup of latte with intricate leaf-shaped art sits on a brown saucer with a spoon, on a wooden table. In the background, an empty matching cup hints at cozy moments found in restaurants in Frederick MD, all warmly lit by natural light.

Discover the best coffee shops in Frederick MD — where espresso meets ambiance. Explore 8 cafés locals love and visitors shouldn’t miss,

Maxwells Burger and Fries in Frederick, Maryland.

Looking for the Best Burger in Frederick, MD? We've tried them all. Read our updated 2026 rankings.

Read about the Best Italian Restaurants in Frederick MD! Reviews from locals on Frederick Italian Restaurants.

A person wearing a black outfit and cap rides a bicycle on a gravel path through a lush, green forest along one of the scenic bike trails near Frederick MD. Fallen leaves border the path, trees line both sides, and a river is partially visible in the background.

Read about the best bike trails near Frederick Maryland. We list the best places to go bike riding, mountain biking, and

Discover the best golf courses near Frederick MD, from affordable public tracks to premium semi-private clubs. Rates, difficulty, and booking tips.

The definitive list of Best Hikes Near Frederick MD from local adventure seekers at EpicFrederick. We list our 2026 favorite Frederick