November 30, 2018 - A Closer Look at Bend, Oregon AND Tanya is on her way to Las Vegas!

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NEXT TRIP DEPARTS:  TODAY - LAS VEGAS

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A Closer Look at Bend, Oregon

Hello my lovelies!!
Hope you've enjoyed your week so far!  Well, the weekend is finally here and have I got a busy Friday!

Errands galore, two kids home with a cold and two potential buyers coming to view my house.  Crossing my fingers on the last item that one of these families may like my house and want to purchase it!!

Traditionally, here on TC, Fridays are all about Food - hence, "Foodie Friday."  As such, I wanted to tell you about a U.S. destination that, not only has great food options - namely vegan and vegetarian ones - but, also possesses some absolutely lovely landscapes and natural views, as well as fun activities!

The place is Bend, Oregon.  Now, I have personally never been and doing a Pacific Northwest Road Trip is on my list to get on the calendar!

Bend is a small city on the Deschutes River. In all directions are some gorgeous natural wonders to see.

Newberry Volcanic Monument (photo credit: wikipedia)

To the west are the lakes and peaks of the Cascade Mountains, perfect for ski lovers with ski resorts and multi-use trails. There is even a trail In town that leads up Pilot Butte, an extinct volcano.

Traveling south, the High Desert Museum showcases the local environment, with history and live wildlife exhibits. Imagine traversing into a lava tube!!! Well, in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, such a journey is possible, with stairs that lead into the Lava River Cave.

Les Schwab Amphitheater (photo credit: Bend Magazine)

Definitely some amazing things to experience!

And there's more!

• Smith Rock State Park is known for rock climbing, as well as hiking, biking and lots of wildlife in the midst.
• How about an outdoor concert to end a day of outdoor adventures at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, located ​on the Deschutes River in Bend's  Old Mill District. 
• Shops, galleries and restaurants fill the area of Downtown Bend as well. With its own app to navigate all there is to enjoy and experience downtown, there are plenty of activities to enjoy to fill an entire day.  

For the vegan and vegetarian, the town offers a number of foodie destinations with a great many non-vegan places offering vegan options. Not to mention bars and a brewery named after Bend's own Deschutes River, appropriately named, the Deschutes Brewery! 

I'm sitting here writing all this and I'm wishing I could just get on a plane tomorrow and do my trip!!!

In any case, I wanted to share an article from Trip Savvy, written by Kristin Kendle in hopes of tempting you to get Bend and the surrounding towns in Oregon, on your travel bucket list!!

The beautiful Deschutes River (photo credit: Earth Justice.com)

The Top 8 Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
​Read more

Time to get my house straightened out for the two prospective buyers!  Enjoy your Friday!!

-Travelin' Elisa
xoxo

Vegas Baby! We are on our way...

Do you miss Tanya??? I do too - she's been very busy and leaves for Las Vegas today - she'll be checking in soon! - E

Famous Las Vegas sign (c)travelincousins.com

Hi guys!!!  

I hope you believe me when I say that I miss you guys too.   I did not even realize that I could even become more busy than I use to be. But I am seriously at my limit. Even if I wanted to, I could do no more!

We are currently on our way to Las Vegas and since Dave is driving, I have some downtime and  can finally take a break.

I promise you that I started yesterdays blog, but hadn't had the time to finish it before the day took over and got crazy with birthday festivities.

I was so busy cooking up a storm to fill my boy's birthday wishes that I didn't even get to wish him a Happy Birthday on FaceBook - which I always do. I hope to do that as soon as I finish up on here. 

I did somehow remember to take a picture of the vegan "clam" chowder in a bread bowl that was for requested for our lunch.

Oh it was soooo good! Vegan "Clam" Chowder (c)travelincousins.com

Between cooking I was packing. It's the truth when I tell you that I couldn't even take the time to look up.

​But alas we are pretty much on schedule and on our way to Sin City, Las Vegas. ​

Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas (c)travelincousins.com

Now although I did take pictures  yesterday, I will have to upload them later on - being that we are on the road and my camera is packed in the back. 

 I will share with you the pictures that I do have handy.

If you recall and have been waiting on the edge of your seat to see pics of my new seasonal hair color - here it is:

My fall color (c)travelincousins.com

Fun colors are my thing! (c)travelincousins.com

A few more things before I bail for the the day...

Dave was such a sweetheart yesterday and walked in with this lovely birthday bouquet for me!!!
It was of course Dominic's birthday, but it is also most definitely the anniversary of one of the most important days of my life - the day I became a mom. Nothing better in life. And Dave had acknowledged that and also that I did all of the work on that very special day. (insert hearts here)

Lastly I was to also add on to Elisa's mention on Bend, Oregon - that it is also an amazing Mountain Biking destination!

I've only been to Bend once, but I am definitely game and more than eager to plan another trip up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. There are so many stops that I'd like to make that it will certainly be a rather long trip. The only problem is where do I fit it on my busy travel calendar. I don't know right now, but I'll figure it out and keep you posted.

Anyhow Vegas here we come!!
-Travelin' Tanya