Bend, Oregon Excites Travelers Year Round
Sitting amidst the shadows of Oregon's most famous ski resort, Mount Bachelor, is the amazing city of Bend. Bend is a beer drinker's delight, boating the most breweries per capita in the state and many of these same breweries such as Cascade Lakes Brewery Lodge, Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing also serve as hopping après ski locations during the winter months. Seriously, you'd be hard pressed NOT to find a formidable sudsy après ski libation to quench your post ski thirsts in this town. However, what does one do in Beer Town, USA when it's "almost ski season"? Aside from drinking your way through the Bend Ale Beer Trail, you should plan on visiting the 15th Annual Bend Brewfest the weekend of August 10-12. Hell, I would even go a few days early and do both because the words, "that's too much beer," has been uttered by no one...ever.
Bend Brewfest Delivers With and Epic Amount of Craft Beer
Moved up a week to avoid the solar eclipse (apparently you can't drink lots of beer during a once in a lifetime astronomical event) this year's festival will feature over 85 breweries and is set to draw nearly 40,000 beer drinkers from across the country. This type of attraction should come as no surprise. Bend Brewfest will feature big boys of brewing like Deschutes and Lagunitas as well as regional favorites such as pFriem, Fremont and Hopworks Urban Brewery. There will even be appearances by smaller breweries with cult-like followings including Sedition Brewing and Ashtown Brewing giving beer drinkers a wide sampling of over 200 quite tasty national, regional and local brews, ciders and wines. Adding to your drinking pleasure will be the annual X-Tap program. This fan favorite includes rare bourbon barreled, farmhouse and sour beers from breweries like the the aforementioned Deschutes and pFriem, Anderson Valley, Buoy and Boneyard.
Drinking Beer for a Cause at Bend Brewfest
Drinking beer at the Bend Brewfest can, not only tantalize your taste buds but also warm your heart thanks to the philanthropic efforts of its organizers. This year money earned from the Brewfest will be donated to local charities that include Deschutes River Conservancy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, NeighborImpact and the Bend Fire Community Assistance Program.
Find out more information and how you can get your hands on tickets for this exciting event at www.bendbrewfest.com.
* All Photos credit Bend Brewfest.
