About the Author

Kim Cooper Findling

Kim Cooper Findling grew up on the Oregon Coast and became a Central Oregon girl in the mid-90s, taking in the sunny skies and never looking back (except a few wistful glances at the ocean). She is the managing editor of "Bend Magazine" and the author of “Bend, Oregon Daycations: Day Trips for Curious Travelers,” "Day Trips From Portland: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler” and “Chance of Sun: An Oregon Memoir.” Catch her around the state sampling microbrews, hiking river trails, walking beaches, and hanging out with her family. www.kimcooperfindling.com

Love Under a Stormy Sky

January 6, 2016
There is nothing quite like a coastal winter storm. A stormy sky unleashing a powerful, windy and wet display is fantastic entertainment, whether you watch from warm shelter or from outdoors in the center of the action. More
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Oregon Coast , Cannon Beach , Hiking & Backpacking , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

7 Wonders in Winter

December 31, 2015
Having lived in Oregon my entire life, I can say for certain that there are countless reasons to love this beautiful state in every season — but this is especially true in winter. During the colder months, days may get shorter and chillier, but that doesn’t mean Oregon’s 7 Wonders are any less wonderful. More
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7 Wonders , Favorite Trips , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

A Chef Comes Home to Central Oregon

November 19, 2015
It’s 9 a.m. at 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar, and the classy downtown Bend restaurant is quiet except for muffled sounds from the open kitchen in back. The lights aren’t yet on in the front of the house, but sunlight streams through transom windows, illuminating the restaurant’s modern interior. Joe Kim Jr. steps behind the… More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Favorite Trips , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Guide to the 2015 BendFilm Festival

September 30, 2015
In its twelve-year tenure, the BendFilm Festival has cemented itself as a relevant and fantastic artistic force in the independent film world. Known as a very filmmaker-friendly fest, BendFilm draws filmmakers from around the globe for a weekend of great conversations, good parties, and fabulous films. Set to run October 8-11 this year, BendFilm will… More
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Central Oregon , Fairs & Festivals , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Summer Fun on Oregon’s McKenzie River

July 14, 2015
Summer is a great time to visit the lovely McKenzie River, when weather and recreational opportunities are at their peak. Located in the lush green forests east of Eugene, the McKenzie is one of the most beautiful waterways in the United States and is renowned for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing and white-water boating.… More
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Willamette Valley , McKenzie Bridge , Rafting , Family Fun , Trip Ideas ,

Exploring the Land of Lava

May 28, 2015
It’s easy to forget that the natural beauty of Central Oregon is entirely volcanic in origin. More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Favorite Trips , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Family Fun , Museums , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Good Gravity

January 30, 2015
The brewers walk the catwalk in their flannel shirts and tall rubber boots, occasionally peering into the enormous tanks of the brewing system to check the wort or assess the boil, but mainly hanging out and talking shop. The crew has much to discuss, and much in common. Frank and Patio used to work together… More
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Beer & Breweries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Family Road Trip: Black Butte Ranch

July 24, 2013
There is no smile more satisfying than one on the face of your own child. I am looking at two of these gorgeous smile specimens — huge toothy grins plastered on the visages of my daughters, each of whom rides astride her very own horse. The sun rising this Saturday morning in July is bright… More
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Central Oregon , Sisters , Farm & Ranch Stays , Family Fun , Farms & Ranches , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Immerse Yourself at the Westfir Lodge

June 25, 2013
Westfir is four miles north and west of Oakridge, and unless you are an avid mountain biker, fan of the Aufderheide Scenic Drive, or have deep logging roots, it’s likely you have never been there. But you should go there, as soon as possible, namely to make a visit to The Westfir Lodge. The Westfir… More
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Willamette Valley , Westfir , Scenic Drives , Trip Ideas , Scenic Byways ,

Cabin in the Woods: House on Metolius

October 24, 2012
For years, visitors had access to the secreted-away and astoundingly beautiful House on Metolius 200-acre estate only by way of temporary rental of a few rustic cabins. This year, the resort reinvented itself with the opening of the Main Lodge, which offers seven gorgeous private rooms and lovely common dining and living rooms appointed with… More
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Central Oregon , Camp Sherman , Trip Ideas ,