Now is the time to plan your Valentine’s Day getaway to Central Oregon and take advantage of the easy access to all the outdoor activities, delicious restaurants, popular bars and breweries, cozy coffee shops and local favorite boutiques. Reserve your Sunriver or Bend vacation rental now and plan your itinerary with the help of Meredith Lodging’s list of love-inspired things to do in Bend and be a hero this Valentine’s Day!
Located at the iconic corner of Wall Street and Franklin Avenue, The Drake is a great option. With excellent service, great food and fun atmosphere on offer! Enjoy drinks at the handcrafted bar and peeking into the open kitchen. The Drake has a high end, yet fun and casual vibe. We love The Drake for any meal, and some of our favorite dishes include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Butterscotch Pudding for dessert.
Looking to up the romance factor on Valentine’s Day? Head to the place locals love to celebrate, Ariana. Chef Andres and Ariana Fernandez are known for their innovative spin on classic dishes and their work with Central Oregon and Northwest farmers to bring beautiful, seasonal and delicious food to your table. Don’t forget to look at their extensive wine list if you want to raise a glass to love.
We head back to downtown Bend for our other no-fail recommendation for Valentine’s Day, Zydeco Kitchen. This local favorite restaurant turns out some of Bend’s most-loved cuisine and makes for a great Valentine’s Day selection. With so many things on the menu, it’s fun to order a bunch of items and share as a table…especially the House Trout Dip, Wild Mushroom Toast, Duck Fries, Mama G’s Steak Salad, Furikake Encrusted Ahi, Roast Chicken and Homemade Carrot Cake and Beignets for dessert. Bon Apetit!
Started in 1995, Bend Brewing company is Bend’s second oldest brewpub. We love to stop by their location on Brooks St., overlooking the Deschutes River at Mirror Pond and sample what’s on tap. We love it even more that you have to call and talk to a real person to find out what they are pouring. Celebrate good old fashioned analog love at Bend Brewing this Valentine’s Day!