About the Author

Marie Melsheimer

Marie is a 6th-generation Oregonian who traces her roots back to the Oregon Trail. When she’s not obsessing over grammar and the English language in general, she enjoys Central Oregon’s seasons with her husband, son and three dogs by embarking on a variety of outdoor activities.

Have Dog, Will Travel to Bend

July 6, 2018
There’s no need to leave a precious family member behind when you travel to Bend. Bring your fur baby along and enjoy the area with many dog-friendly options for your next vacation. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Trip Ideas , Pet-Friendly Travel ,

Where to Play When Winter Returns to Central Oregon

March 7, 2018
One way we made it through those days of Nordic skiing with my parents was knowing that there was a banana split waiting for us at a little café on the road down. Now, we like to round out a day on the mountain with a little more sophisticated fare, such as enjoying all that Bend’s Old Mill District has to offer. More
found in
Central Oregon , Ski Areas & Sno-Parks , Snow Sports ,

Find the Magic of the Season in Bend

November 30, 2017
My teenage son loves the holidays. It always surprises me how he is a stickler for every detail, remembers every small tradition that I have (mostly unwittingly) set up over the course of his life. We suggested a family vacation over Christmas break this year and he voted to stay here, at our home in Bend, to keep up those traditions that still make the holidays magical for him. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Trip Ideas , Events ,

The Best of Bend Brewfest

July 22, 2017
Bend's craft-beer-loving community comes together for the annual Bend Brewfest at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. There are many reasons why the Bend Brewfest is top of everyone's summer bucket list. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Culinary Events , Beer & Breweries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Celebrating the Seasons in Southern Oregon

May 31, 2017
While our beautiful state is known for year-round fun, I recently re-discovered the beauty and variety that Southern Oregon offers in every season. Nestled halfway between Portland and San Francisco, this region boasts an array of adventures, no matter the time of year. Here are some of my favorite ways to experience Southern Oregon all year long. More
found in
Southern Oregon , Ashland , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

My Happy (JOYful) Place

February 28, 2017
Living east of the Cascades is fantastic. Like so many other people I live here for about 150 good reasons and most of them included spending time outdoors. And I’m a rarity in this booming region; I actually grew up in Bend. Even old timers like me agree, this winter has been epic. Unparalleled snowfall has made for some amazing winter sports opportunities and some serious happiness for locals and visitors alike. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Shopping , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

Take It on the Fly in the Old Mill District

November 6, 2016
Fall is a time of change in the high desert. We have beautiful blue sky and sunny days mixed with the crisp cool air of fall — and the weather isn’t the only thing that’s changing. Our local Deschutes River fills up with runs of fall steelhead, which means I have a 50/50 chance of… More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Guides & Charters , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

10 Things to Do in Bend’s Old Mill District

August 11, 2015
As a sixth-generation Oregonian, and an on-again, off-again resident of Bend since 1977, sometimes it’s easy for me to forget all the amazing things to do in this place I call home. When I was growing up, the section of the Deschutes River where the Old Mill District now sits was completely inaccessible. (Unless you… More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,