As we get ready to journey to Central Oregon this Friday on UnZip The Zip-Code, we thought we would give you the inside scoop on Bend’s biggest industry – breweries. Unsurprisingly, Bend has the most breweries per capita in Oregon with one brewery for every 4,500 people. Here are just a few of the ways you can enjoy some craft beer in Bend.
Bend Ale Trail
The Bend Ale Trail, billed as the “largest beer trail in the west”, is a fun, interactive way to explore Bend and taste some great craft beer. Participants use their Bend Ale Trail Atlas and Passport to guide them to various Bend breweries. After receiving ten Passport stamps, travelers receive a prize from the Bend Visitor Center.
Beer me Bend!
One of the most comprehensive resources for beer in Bend is the Beer me Bend! website and blog. According to Beer me Bend!, “…if it’s about beer in Central Oregon, chances are it will be on this site.” The website gives comprehensive information on some of the best breweries in Bend and the reasons you should stop in for a pint. Check out their list of Where To Eat, featuring the best non-brewery restaurants in Bend that feature at least 15 craft beers. Beer me Bend! even has a list of the best ‘Hoppy Hours’ to help you find the best beer in the area for less.
Other great features of Beer me Bend!
Craft Beer to Go: List of spots where you can pick up a six pack or refill your growler.
Take a Tour: Great resource of various beer tours offered in Bend, including fun cycling tours.
Hop Map: Interactive map of all of the breweries in the Bend area.
Annual Beer Celebrations
Chances are if you’re heading to Bend, your visit will correspond with one of their many annual beer celebrations. Click on each event to learn more.
Zwickelmania – February
Central Oregon Beer Week – May
The Fermentation Celebration – June
Oregon Beer Month – July
Bend BrewFest – August
The Little Woody Barrel-Aged Brew & Whiskey Festival – September
Bend Oktoberfest – September
Bend Ale Trail Month – November
Be sure to tune in to KATU’s AM Northwest this Friday, September 2nd at 9 a.m. for our episode of UnZip The Zip-Code, featuring Bend! And check our blog later in the week for more information about this great area of Central Oregon.