Cara gathers OAS’s adaptive athletes and volunteers at Crux Fermentation Project to enjoy a sunset. Dogs—including her own deaf pup—outnumbered people. I met Ryan Barbee. A fellow spinal injury survivor, Ryan is an adaptive mountain biking rider. She, too, had moved to Bend, Oregon, because she felt free there. She welcomed me with a pint and trail dust on her wheel. She pointed to the crowd of wheelchairs and mountain bikers, saying, “The first thing that you should know about Bend is its community.” “And OAS, the heartbeat is it.”
Bend has a fantastic food scene. The food scene in Bend is also incredibly ambitious. Hawkeye & Huckleberry LoungeThe new venture of brothers Brian and James Malarkey who returned to their native state recently with a vision of bringing a piece of ranch life to the heart of the town. The restaurant is set around a wood-fired pizza oven and features a canvas tent, an outdoor patio with live music and a menu which reflects their ranch-to plate philosophy. Beef and produce are sourced from the nearby Tumalo Ranch. You can expect high-quality, hearty and unfussy meals served with generous amounts of Oregon hospitality.
Bend’s food scene is equally as good. Later, I rolled through Hayden Homes Amphitheater, a performance space on the Deschutes. Leon Bridges was serenading a sun-drenched crowd beneath a sherbet-orange sky while I sat comfortably in the accessible seating area, surrounded by a joyful sprawl of dancing hikers, hipsters, families, and fellow disabled folks—totally smitten.
For disabled people, inclusion can be a difficult feeling to define and even harder to achieve. As I drove home, past the Craftsman bungalows, ponderosas, and other trees that lined the streets I found myself not only longing to be back, but also imagining my life here. I felt like I had already fit in, even after a few short days. Geoff was at his house on my final day and we talked about the development of his revolutionary chair. “A wheelchair powered by people?” “That could only come from Bend,” he said. “That can only be from Bend.” Now that I’m finally in the know, I nodded my head in agreement.
What to Do in the Area
You can also find out more about the following: Oxford Hotel is an eco-luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Bend; it’s ideal for walking or rolling to nearby shops and cafés. Check out if you’re looking for a pet-friendly, modern hotel. Element Bend. It is situated just off Pioneer Park, and close to the Deschutes River that runs through the city. You’ll also find the Tetherow. This upscale resort nestles between forest and fairway. This resort offers stylish accommodations with mountain views and is easily accessible.
Where to Eat & Drink
The bustling downtown of Thump Coffee is a community hub for coffee lovers—it’s step-free and just the spot for either a quick on-the-go espresso or a slow morning spent with a cardamom latte and a flaky pastry. DrakeThe deviled egg, burger and seasonal cocktail are must-orders at this downtown bistro. A global inspired restaurant that was born out of a food trailer. Spork It’s one of Bend’s most popular restaurants, loved for its street-food fusion and laid-back atmosphere: don’t forget the spicy pork noodles. The dining room features live music, wood-fired dishes, and cocktails. Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge A standout dinner. The riverside Deschutes Brewery This is the original Bend brewery, and it’s still the most popular. It offers a variety of craft beers, tasting flights and pub classics. Crux Fermentation ProjectThe popular brewer’s owned spot, with its panoramic mountain views and rotating menu of small batch beers, is home to food trucks, an accessible lawn, as well as a vibrant, lively outdoor area. At sunset, you can’t miss it.
