Glenn VanLandingham

Co-founder of EpicBend and EpicFrederick. Exploring Bend, Oregon and Frederick, Maryland for 20 years.

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Hi, I’m Glenn VanLandingham, co-founder of EpicBend and EpicFrederick with my wife Nicole. We’ve lived in Bend, Oregon and Frederick, Maryland for many years, and spend our time together exploring both places.

Everything we publish comes from first-hand experience. We eat at the restaurants, hike the trails, play the golf courses, and taste at the wineries before we recommend them. Our goal is simple: help visitors, locals, and people moving here find the places that are actually worth their time.

20 yearsexploring Bend

60+restaurants tried

15+wineries visited

50 + 30states + countries

Local Insights on Bend, Oregon From Glenn

I discovered Bend 20 years ago on a trip through the Pacific Northwest and fell for it immediately. Two decades of return visits later, Nicole and I call it home.

The scenery and endless outdoor options are what drew us in, but it’s the town itself, from the restaurants and breweries to the trails and golf courses, that we write about most. If you’re visiting or thinking about moving here, our Best of Bend guide is the place to start.

Glenn's Insider Knowledge of Frederick, Maryland

Nicole and I moved to Frederick in 2020. Since then we’ve worked our way through nearly every restaurant, winery, brewery, and golf course in the area, plus countless day trips around the region.

Whether you’re visiting or live here, start with our Best of Frederick guide.

50 States, 30+ Countries

I grew up living across the United States and abroad, and I’ve kept traveling ever since: all 50 states and more than 30 countries. I studied at Virginia Tech and Delft University of Technology, and my career kept me on the road for years.

That’s why I write every guide with visitors in mind. I’ve been the out-of-towner trying to figure out where to eat and what’s worth the drive more times than I can count.

Outdoor Enthusiast

Writing is fun, but I’d rather be outside. 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.

How We Choose and Review

We go in person. Every restaurant, trail, winery, and golf course we recommend is one we’ve visited ourselves.
We pay our own way unless noted. Comped visits and sponsored content are always clearly labeled.
We keep guides current. Each guide shows when it was last updated, and we remove closed businesses when we learn about them.
We tell you what we really think, including what’s overrated.

Have a question about Bend or Frederick? Get in touch, we read every message. You can also follow along on Instagram and Facebook, or join Bend locals in our Living in Bend group.