Because many of my clients are new to Central Oregon, I often serve as a sort of unofficial ambassador for the region. I’m asked fairly regularly to provide recommendations to out-of-town visitors who are looking for a good place to eat, shop or recreate. And I’m happy to provide my own suggestions whenever possible (right now, it’s the Tumalo Peddlers’ Market for antiques, Bend Farmer’s Market for fresh produce, the Steak and Gorgonzola “Not Just” Nachos at 10 Barrel Brewing, sunset at Smith Rock, the kitchen and garden decor at the Cutest Store Ever in NorthWest Crossing, the yurts at Three Creeks Lake and just about anything at Joolz).
But a gal can only eat, drink or play so much. And, to be honest, like many folks I tend to stick with time-tested favorites once I find ‘em. So I’m always curious to read our regional publications’ “Best Of” issues. (As a former editor for the city magazine of Dallas, I have fond memories of compiling our annual ‘Best Of’ lists — much research was involved. But I digress…)
Anyway, Bend’s The Source Weekly and Central Oregon magazine recently released their “Reader’s Choice” issues, so I thought I’d pass along the suggestions mentioned by their readers as the best of their specified categories.
The people of Central Oregon (at least some of them) have spoken, and here’s what they had to say.
For many Central Oregonians, these choices will come as no surprise. And, in fact, many of the same places were named in both lists. There’s the Best Breakfast: McKay Cottage. Best Lunch: Jackson’s Corner (runner-up in The Source; it’s winner was Spork). Best Dinner: Zydeco Kitchen (The Source labeled it ‘Best Fine Dining’). Best Groceries: Newport Market. Best Clothing: Vanilla Urban Threads. And Best Antiques: Iron Horse (CO mag readers dubbed it Best Furniture).
Here are a few other Bests worth note:
School (CO Magazine): Amity Creek public charter school
Day Trip (CO Magazine): Smith Rock State Park
Park (CO Magazine): Shevlin Park
Trail (CO Magazine): Deschutes River Trail
Golf (CO Magazine): Widgi Creek & Awbrey Glen (tie)
Golf (The Source): Tetherow
Staycation (The Source): Sunriver Resort
Camping, Lake & Family Outing (CO Magazine): Elk Lake
Shop for Gifts (CO Magazine): Lone Crow Bungalow
Best Green Business (The Source): Sunlight Solar Energy
Best Auto Repair (The Source): Happy Dane’s Quailty Auto Repair
Do you agree with these Bests? Care to add any of your own?
About the Author
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE, is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend and Redmond.