Glenn VanLandingham

Follow Glenn on EpicBend:

Follow Glenn on EpicFrederick:

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 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

A clear, blue alpine lake is surrounded by green pine trees. Beyond the lake, a rugged mountain with patches of snow rises against a bright blue sky—classic scenery found on the best Bend hikes for those seeking peaceful wilderness.

Read Why the Green Lakes Hike Near Bend Oregon is the Can't Miss Hike in the Area. A Dreamy Mountain and

A calm lake in the foreground reflects a clear blue sky, with patches of green grass and scattered pine trees on the shore. In the background, two snow-patched mountains rise above dense forest—perfect for hikes near Bend Oregon in a serene, natural landscape.

Read about the best way to see Sparks Lake via the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail. This is a classic and stunning hike

A person climbs stone steps along a dry hillside under a clear blue sky—a classic scene from hikes near Bend Oregon. Below, a winding river flows past green grass, while tall, jagged rock formations and walking paths define the stunning landscape.

The Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park is one of the best day hikes around Bend Oregon.

Aerial view of a mountain range with snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky, dense forests below. This stunning landscape showcases the natural beauty and things to do in Bend OR, with mountains rising above light haze near the ground.

On a recent flight to Bend Oregon, I connected in San Francisco. The flight from SFO to Redmond OR had some

Frederick, Maryland Articles From Glenn

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

Pizza Flights at White Rabbit in Frederick

Discover the 26 best restaurants in Frederick MD for 2026 — from local favorites to fine dining and casual eats, all recommended

Read Our 2026 Ranking of the Best Bars in Frederick MD. Details on All the Best Bars in Downtown Frederick.

Two glasses of beer on a wooden table feature “ATTABOY BEER” branding, showcasing the vibrant scene of local breweries Frederick offers. A pale golden beer and an amber brew highlight the variety at one of the top breweries in Frederick MD.

Read Our Updated 2026 Ranking of the Best Breweries in Frederick MD. Also the Best Breweries Around Frederick, Maryland.

Read about the Best Wineries Around Frederick MD. We share the Frederick wineries with the best wines, best views, and best

Read about the Best Things to do in Frederick MD from locals who've done it all! The Best Attractions, Activities, Historical

A tall, light gray water tower with MOUNT AIRY in bold black letters rises above leafless trees and a partly cloudy sky—a familiar sight for those exploring things to do in Frederick, MD. The tower’s cylindrical base supports its rounded top.

Discover the Charm of Mt. Airy, MD — Small-Town Vibes, Wineries, Trails, and Local Eats Just a Short Drive from Frederick and