What do Chamonix, Telluride, and Bend have in common? They recently made National Geographic Adventure magazine’s list of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns.  Surprised?  Described as an “adventure paradise” for multisport enthusiasts, Bend’s location on the east side of the Cascade Mountains means light, dry snow and some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest.  Bend also has the distinction of being the largest of the 25 ski towns on the list. With a population of 80,000, Bend is not only a great place to recreate, it is a thriving community for year-round living.  For those of us who call Bend home, it’s the best of both worlds.

‘Tis the Season and holiday lights are aglow in North Rim, adding a festive and magical touch to the Lodge.  The first party of the season was held at the Lodge last Sunday – a Holiday Art and Champagne Reception featuring the exquisite work of Annie Ferder.  Ms. Ferder, known for her extraordinary attention to detail and luminous colors, has been published twice in International Artist Magazine in conjunction with awards she earned through the publication’s competitions.  Her award-winning paintings are represented in numerous private and corporate collections. The exhibit will be on display through January.

The North Rim Lodge is available to owners for meetings, parties and special occasions.  It’s a beautiful place to celebrate.

The fall colors in Bend this year have been undeniably gorgeous. The splendor of bright red maple leaves and golden aspen trees against a deep blue sky is a wonder to behold. The beauty of it all surprises me every time. There are more subtle changes with the end of October, too.  The two small fawns who frequented North Rim over the summer have suddenly lost all their spots. They are nearly the size of their mother now. There is a crispness to the air, signaling that the first snow of the season can’t be far behind. It’s just about time to bring out the skiis and showshoes and get ready for winter fun!

It’s one of those beautiful, sun-drenched Bend summer days. The Cascades are on full display, majestic with their blanket of snow. It might feel lazy but for all the activity in town.  People and their happy dogs are out walking, kayaks and canoes sit atop cars headed for a favorite lake or stretch of river, and restaurant patios are filled with patrons enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends.  Events are in full swing, too.  The elite stage Cascade Cycling Classic is underway, as is the Oregon High Desert Classics, regarded as the most prestigious Hunter-Jumper competition in the Northwest.  Pink Martini — not the cocktail but a fine group of musicians — performs Saturday night at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.  And Balloons Over Bend, a wonderful family-friendly event, launches into the air this weekend.  Now, how to fit it all in…

In a recent report Business Insider ranked Bend, Oregon in the #2 spot of Best Housing Markets for the next 5 years, with projected annualized growth of 11.7% (years 2011 to 2016). Data for the report was provided by Fiserv Case Schiller Indexes. For other top cities visit: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-housing-markets-next-5-years-2011-7#2-bend-oregon-14

The beautiful North Rim Lodge is increasingly a place where families gather for their most cherished events.  Over the holiday weekend, one of our owners hosted a wedding and reception here for family and friends.  How lovely that the evening was absolutely perfect for such a special occasion, and for dancing under the stars.