JPiper, Author at Mt Bachelor Village Resort

Jul 25 2022

Visit Bend, Oregon in The Fall!

Fall in Bend is a season filled with changing color, cooling temps, sunny skies and golden light. Surprisingly warm days (often in the high 60s or even low 70’s) and crisp nights make it a great time to enjoy all that Bend has to offer. Mt. Bachelor Village, just above the Deschutes River and tucked in amidst evergreen fir trees, pinecone-laden pines and Aspens that turn bright yellow each Fall, is even more beautiful than usual this time of year and makes the perfect home base to experience the season in Central Oregon. We gathered our Guests’ top favorite ways to savor Fall on -property (or very nearby!) when staying at Mt. Bachelor Village.

Book a River Ridge Home, and spend as much time as possible on your deck facing the Deschutes River.

Once you check-in to these River-facing, light filled homes, you will not want to leave! Perched just above the Deschutes you can watch the Fall Color Show play out for miles and see trees of every color! Sunrise is spectacular, with the cool air seeming to make the colors even brighter. And the evening light changing the skies every few minutes is better than any movie you could watch inside your cozy home.

Walk the Deschutes River Trail and see Fall up close.

Let nature be your guide to exploring Fall at Mt. Bachelor Village. Right outside your door you can access the beautiful Deschutes River trail and see and hear the rushing of the River, the changing of the maple and Aspen trees and all that golden light across the landscape. This trail is suitable for hikers of all experience levels and family-friendly, too.

Want to see even more Fall Color? Head to Nearby Drake Park!

Drake Park is a local favorite with good reason, it’s beautiful and offers something for everyone. In the Fall, the park is also one of the best places to see the Fall color show because of the vast variety of trees that were planted there when the park was built. The park features a half mile of riverfront, acres of open green space, charming views over Mirror Pond and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy.

Sunny Day? Cruiser bikes! Surprise Snowfall? Snow shoes! Mt. Bachelor Village offers complimentary rentals to Meredith Lodging Guests no matter what the season!

We know that our Guests love to get out there and see and experience all that Bend has to offer and we want to make that fun and easy and FREE to Meredith Lodging Guests no matter what the weather. We have cruiser bikes for the whole family and snow shoes and poles, too. And if you are lucky enough to be at MBV when the snow falls, check with our front desk about sleds and snowman building kits! And if some group game time sounds fun and the weather permits, we even have corn hole sets available for Meredith Lodging Guests to enjoy. No matter what the weather we love helping you make memories at Mt. Bachelor Village.

Spend some time around the new outdoor fire pit with friends and family.

Meredith Lodging spent the summer making upgrades and Mt. Bachelor Village Guests are putting our our new outdoor fire pit at the top of their favorites list! This cozy outdoor gathering spot is even seeing some daytime use by folks wanting to work on their laptops outside. Grab your s’mores supplies and come to the fire pit to enjoy the warm glow amidst the beauty of Mt. Bachelor Village!

When the temperatures drop head inside and enjoy our remodeled lobby and Meredith Lodging Guest Lounge and Game Room!

Need a place to tuck in to when the weather is cooler? Like to start your morning with a hot cup of coffee from local favorite Backporch Roasters? Kids need to get the wiggles out and you want to read a book? Look no further than the newly revamped Mt. Bachelor Village Lobby and Meredith Lodging Guest Lounge and Game room! From free morning coffee to cozy evenings spent by the indoor lodge-style fireplace while the kids play shuffle board, foosball, video games or board games nearby…we have your entertainment and cozy-lounging needs covered!

Find your perfect fall escape at Mt Bachelor Village Resort, where we offer Bend lodging all year round.

Mar 01 2022

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hikes When in Bend

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hikes When Staying at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging

A stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging puts you in prime location to explore nearby family-friendly hikes, where the whole family can enjoy the stunning sights of Central Oregon – the Deschutes River, the Cascade Mountains, towering ponderosa pines, and local wildlife.

Ready to explore the breathtaking scenery, endless outdoor activities, and exclusive amenities for our guests? Book a stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging for a memorable family getaway!

Find an Oregon Vacation Rental to Match Your Activities

While searching around for things to do in Oregon, you can sometimes lose sight of why you want to visit in the first place. With that in mind, it’s crucial to find somewhere that satisfies your needs. For example, if you wish to indulge in some retail therapy, you’ll probably want a vacation rental near Bend, where you’ll find several well-known retailers. Or, if you’re going to try surfing, beachcombing, or ocean fishing, you’ll want to post up somewhere like Newport, Lincoln City, or Cannon Beach.

Here are our top 5 family-friendly hikes in Bend:

Deschutes River Trail.

This 3-mile, family-friendly trail can be accessed directly from Mt. Bachelor Village resort – it runs right through the property! Enjoy the convenience and beauty of this favorite trail for locals and visitors alike. Certain parts of the trail allow dogs, but we recommend verifying before heading out with your favorite four-legged friend!

Pilot Butte.

The Butte is in the center of Bend and is open year-round. This trail is roughly 1.5 miles in and out and will reward you with stunning views of the Cascades and high desert vistas. During the summer, you can also drive to the top of Pilot Butte for a 360-degree view of Bend!

Tumalo Falls.

No trip to Bend is complete without a hike on this iconic trail. In the winter, you can snowshoe 2.5 miles from the parking area to view the stunning falls, or in warmer months, park closer to the falls. There is a $5/vehicle/day recreation fee site – passes are available onsite, or you can purchase online here.

Todd Lake.

This popular trail is suitable for all ages. The 1.5-mile loop takes you around the lake with only a slight elevation gain. The trail is only open during the summer months but will spoil you with beautiful views of mountains and wildflowers. If you are lucky, you may see hundreds of baby frogs that hatch here in early summer.

Benham Falls.

Spend an afternoon hiking amongst old growth ponderosa pine along the Deschutes River. There are a few waterfalls along the trail – perfect for that family photo, as well as several picnic areas, great for a resting area and a snack to fuel up as you continue exploring the beauty of Bend. Leashed pups allowed.

Ready to get out and explore the unique and unforgettable beauty of Central Oregon?

Book a stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging for a memorable family getaway! Check out our amazing selection of condominiums and homes or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We guarantee one stay will have you falling in love with Bend!

We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on Social and post those pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.

Feb 02 2022

Best Outdoor Winter Activities Near Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging

Best Outdoor Winter Activities Near Mt. Bachelor Village Resort in Bend

It is no surprise locals and visitors alike head to Central Oregon for winter fun! There is something for everyone from world-class skiing, sledding, and tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, to scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. Book your family winter getaway? Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging has an impressive collection of Central Oregon vacation rentals to suit every group and budget. From cozy cabins to golf course estates.

However you like to stay and play in the snow, here is a guide to some of the best outdoor winter activities in Central Oregon:

Skiing.

Experience world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and much more at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon’s premier ski resort. Hoodoo Ski area also offers more than 800 skiable acres, as well as Central Oregon’s only night skiing.

Sledding.

Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park is the perfect spot for the whole family – pups included – to slide into a fun filled day of sledding and tubing! Pack a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy while you warm up in their large warming hut.

Hiking.

Smith Rock State Park – Enjoy scenic views of snow-covered canyons, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and sightings of local wildlife (golden eagles, deer, river otter and beaver, and falcons) in this stunning state park. Leashed dogs allowed.

Explore local hot springs.

Paulina Lake Hot Springs – Come explore these hidden hot springs dotted along the shores of Paulina Lake Beach. In order to reach the hot springs, you will need to hike along the shore for 1.25 miles. The hike is flat and appropriate for all fitness levels and offers stunning views along the way.

Spelunking.

Tucked away in the high desert of Central Oregon hides hundreds of lava tubes formed from Oregon’s volcanic past. Sawyer Cave is a hidden gem. If you choose to visit, you will likely have the cave to yourself. We recommend parking at the Little Nash Sno-Park, following the edge of the forest to get to the cave.

Explore local caves.

Boyd Cave is one of the largest and best-preserved caves in the region. Its accessibility and location make it one of the most popular caves to explore. Bring a flashlight and dress warm, as temperatures drop dramatically inside the cave. Hidden Forest Cave is unique and magical to explore because it is both a lava tube and a 500-foot long, 40-foot-deep depression where the cave’s ceiling collapsed. The cave is easily accessible and open all year long.

Hike to local falls.

Benham Falls Hike – The whole family will enjoy this 1.5 mile, out and back trail that features a waterfall and majestic old growth ponderosa pines. The trail is accessible year-round, and leashed dogs are allowed.

Ice Staking.

For a classic winter holiday experience, hit the rinks at The Village at Sunriver or Seventh Mountain Resort with the whole family. Enjoy music, light displays and the sound of laughter from kids of all ages, as you glide over the ice.

Try Snow/Fat Biking.

Plow over snow with ease while you enjoy the rising popularity of fat bikes, mountain bikes with 4.5-inch-wide tires. Crow’s Feet and Pine Mountain Sports are two local outfitters that rent fat bikes.

Snowshoeing.

Central Oregon boasts tons of amazing spots to snowshoe, and plenty of them are pup-friendly too! Wanoga Sno-Park offers a short, easy 1-mile loop. Perfect for first timers and pups. The friendly team at Powder House can help get you and your whole family geared up for a memorable snow day. Please note, Sno-Parks require a permit for usage between November 1st and April 30th.

Go with a guide!

Prefer a guided experience? Wanderlust Tours offers a wide variety of winter experiences to choose from, and Crater Lake National Park offers a free ranger-led tour.

Ready to stay and play at a Meredith Lodging Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rental?

Book your trip online at MeredithLodging.com or call our Reservations team at 888.752.2220.

Jan 19 2022

Top Tips for A Bend, Oregon Snowshoeing Adventure

Looking for the perfect wintertime activity for the whole family? Bend, Oregon offers excellent snowshoeing opportunities for all levels! Come explore Central Oregon’s winter wonderland, and book a getaway at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging.

Located just down the hill from Mt. Bachelor, and nestled amongst towering pines and aspens, Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging sits high above the Deschutes River, offering guests scenic views in any direction. Guests can choose from cozy ski cabins, to more luxurious, larger homes, all whilst enjoying a wide array of exclusive on-site amenities.

There are endless opportunities for exploring the snow-covered Cascades on snowshoes, and remember Sno-Parks require a permit for usage between November 1st and April 30th. Here are a few of our family-friendly favorites:

Skyline Sno-Park.

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Bend, this sno-park is one of the closest places to snowshoe. This sno-park provides a small network of Nordic trails rated easy to moderate, perfect for cross-country skiers and snowshoers looking for 1-2 hours of wintery fun. Dog-friendly!

Tumalo Falls.

These majestic Falls are not only a must-visit during the summer, but also an impressive site in the winter. During the winter months, you can follow the snow-covered road just after the bridge crossing for a mostly flat 5.2 mile out and back trek. Pups allowed.

Wanoga Sno-Park.

This dog-friendly, winter playground offers plenty of options for snow-filled fun – sledding, tubing, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. The Wanoga snowshoe trails is perfect for families and beginners, as there is a 1-mile groomed snowshoe trail leaving right from the parking area.

Try a guided tour.

First-time snowshoe-ers might want to start out with a guided tour. A few of our favorite outfitters include Mt. Hood Meadows, Wanderlust Tours, and a free ranger-led snowshoe walk at Crater Lake National Park.

Warm up after a long day on the snowy trails. We love an Après-snowshoe steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the kids at Thump or Lone Pine. Looking for something stronger? Head to The Stihl Whiskey Bar, or open a bottle of wine and warm up by the firepit back at the Resort.

Ready to explore the wide-open beauty of Central Oregon? Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging offers something for everyone. We guarantee one stay will have you planning your next trip to explore all that Bend has to offer. Book your trip online at MeredithLodging.com or call our Bend, Oregon lodging page.

Jan 10 2022

Romantic Dining Spots in Bend, Oregon

Romantic Dining Spots in Bend, Oregon

Did you know Bend has been voted by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the Most Romantic vacation destinations in the world?!? Now is the perfect time to see why and plan your Valentine’s Day getaway to Central Oregon with a stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort in Bend. From stunning scenery, extensive outdoor activities, gourmet restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and stylish boutiques, we guarantee one visit to Bend, and Mt. Bachelor Village will have you falling in love!

Ready to book your romantic getaway? Meredith Lodging offers a wide selection of beautiful Bend and Mt. Bachelor vacation rentals.

We have made a list of some of our favorite romantic dining spots – all within easy distance from the Resort – to help you plan your perfect Valentine’s Day for that someone special.

Tim Garling’s Jackalope Grill is a romantic New American restaurant serving prime steaks and fresh seafood alongside handcrafted cocktails and a notable wine list. Bon appétit!

Romance with a view. NINETEEN at Awbrey Glen offers an elegant dining experience overlooking the 19th hole. The gourmet menu features locally sourced ingredients and regional produce. We love the sous-vide beef tenderloin with duxelle mushroom cream sauce and house-mashed potatoes.

Local’s favorite DRAKE offers creative and inspired comfort food in a brasserie-like setting. Enjoy classic, yet elevated dishes like Little Gem Caesar salad, buttermilk fried chicken, pork chops, and for dessert – butterscotch pudding.

The Blacksmith Restaurant is a hip steakhouse located in a historic blacksmith shop. Slip into a cozy leather dining booth, as you peruse their extensive menu offering prime steaks, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and decadent desserts. With subtle lighting and stylish décor, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two.

Visitors and locals alike love any excuse to celebrate at Ariana, so come celebrate your special someone at this hidden gem. Chef Andres and Ariana Fernandez have made a name for themselves by using the bounty from local farmers and purveyors to create a fresh perspective on classic dishes. Order a signature cocktail or a glass of wine from their extensive list. Cheers to love!

No trip to Bend is complete without a visit to Zydeco Kitchen. This local favorite restaurant has something for everyone. With so many delicious choices, we recommend ordering a bunch of plates to share with your plus one. Make sure to leave room for the homemade carrot cake!

Ready to fall in love with Bend and your stay at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort? We have beautiful, private vacation homes to suit all budgets and group sizes, from luxury high desert estates to scenic river-view homes, and cozy cabins, too! When you stay with Meredith Lodging at MBV (Mt Bachelor Village), you have access to a whole host of exclusive, resort-style amenities including complimentary use of snowshoes/poles, sleds, and snowman/igloo building kits; free drip coffee from local-favorite BackPorch Coffee Roasters in the lobby each day; and access to our Meredith Lodging Fireside Lounge & on-property Game Room for kiddos and grownups (think foosball, shuffleboard, board games, and Xbox games!), as well as our outdoor fire pit. You can view our entire Mt. Bachelor Village Collection online or call our Reservations Team at (888) 752-2220 and they will help you plan the perfect Valentine’s getaway.