Road Trip: Sisters

February 26, 2015 (Updated March 17, 2016)
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When you pull into the Old West town of Sisters, you’ll feel like you’re making a getaway. This friendly little outpost in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains draws visitors for its profound natural beauty as well as annual celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo (celebrating 75 years in June 2015), the Sisters Quilt Show (held the second Saturday in July) and the Sister Folk Festival (drawing crowds in September). Take a stroll down main street, hike the trails and enjoy the beauty of Sisters.

You’ll find FivePine Lodge and Conference Center tucked away in a piney grove near downtown. The spacious private cabins, with beautiful Mission style furniture, wood accents, fireplaces and private patios, are retreats in themselves. FivePine was ranked fifth in the nation for Luxury and Top Hotels on Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2014 (among its many awards). One might be tempted to stay put in the comfortable rooms and luxurious Shibui Spa, but there’s much more to see and do in Sisters.

Within walking distance of the lodge, find Three Creeks Brewing Company. Raise a glass to the spirit of the West with tasty craft brews like the Knotty Blonde (a favorite), Old Prospector pale and Firestorm Red. The family-friendly pub has a generous menu of salads, sandwiches and entrees with a kids’ menu sure to please your little posse. Don’t miss Hop-py Hour specials, Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sisters has plenty of options: The 37-mile Sisters to Smith Rocks Scenic Bikeway leads from the mountain forests to the high desert and ends at the soaring spires of Smith Rock — one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. Hikers in Sisters enjoy the 3.8-mile out-and-back to Black Butte Lookout, with spectacular views from the summit. Mountain bikers won’t want to miss the 25-mile Peterson Ridge trail system, a flowing single-track area with options for all rider ability levels.

In the center of town, the Clearwater Gallery and The Open Door wine bar and restaurant illustrate the intersection of fine art and cuisine. The gallery features the work of various artists working in pastel, acrylic, oil, watercolor and bronze as well as the grand landscape and wildlife paintings of local artist and owner Dan Rickards. The gourmet menu at The Open Door conveys Italian leanings with delicious paninis, pastas and artisan cheese and antipasti plates. Enjoy a rich wine menu, and don’t miss wine specials and live music on Monday nights.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.