Explore The Bend Ale Trail This Summer

A phenomenal place to drink a beer or two this summer is by visiting Oregon. That’s because of The Bend Ale Trail. It’s home to some of the best stretches of breweries in the state. You can start and end your adventure along the ale trail in Sunriver, Oregon, with Village Properties at Sunriver. We are about 20 minutes from Bend, Oregon, which allows you safe transportation to and from any of the breweries below. The Bend Ale Trail features 30 breweries. We’ll highlight some of the best breweries you can’t pass by.

Sunriver Brewing Company: The best place to start is in our backyard in Sunriver. This is an awesome place to grab to eat and enjoy a beer by the campfire.
Worthy Brewing Company: This a Bend, Oregon, brewery focusing on sustainability. They have two locations in Bend; the brewpub and the beers and burgers location.
Spider City Brewing: Spider City Brewing has a great selection of covering IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and more.
Silver Moon Brewing: Silver Moon Brewing is an excellent option for brewing with lots of energy. Check out their events calendar or stop in and marvel at the interior art.
Goodlife Brewing Company: Goodlife Brewing Company offers an excellent selection of well-balanced beers. Try their award-winning Sweet As! Pacific Ale.

Drink Your Way Through The Bend Ale Trail

This is the best summer activity that you can do in Oregon. The best way to experience The Bend Ale Trail is by starting at Village Properties At Sunriver. We feature some of the best amenities and rooms in the Sunriver and Bend, Oregon, area. Have the best time possible by booking directly with us. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

Why You Need To Visit Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory

Summer is a magnificent time to visit Central Oregon. One way to take advantage of Sunriver's clear, sunny weather is by taking some time to visit the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. It's a must-see destination for anyone with an interest in the wonders of the natural world. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or your family is looking for an enjoyable day activity, when you book directly with Village Properties at Sunriver, you’ll be in an excellent location to visit Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and more. Here’s what you need to know about Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory before you visit.

What Is The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory?

The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is located on the west edge of Sunriver on River Road. Visitors can use the Sunriver pathways to walk or bike to SNCO, where bike racks are available. SNCO features a wide variety of exhibits that showcase live animals natural to the area. In addition to the animal and plant exhibits, another attraction is the Oregon Observatory, the largest publicly accessible observatory in the country. The Sunriver Nature Center also offers a range of educational programs and events designed specifically for children, emphasizing natural science and eco-preservation.

Things To Do

There is an ever-changing schedule of events and activities. Here is a sampling of what you can expect.

Visit the Creature Cave to see snakes, lizards, frogs, salamanders, and more.
Stroll through the botanical gardens. It’s a great place to get close to some of Oregon’s wildflowers and pollinators.
Learn about the rehabilitation efforts for some of the live animals at the Center, like the owls, hawks, eagles, and swans.
Head to Lake Aspen and enter the Observatory to get a unique view of the sun and the stars.

Private Experiences

You can take a private tour if you want a more private journey through the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. The private guides that are available include:

An exclusive star party in the Observatory.
Learn about cosmic adventures with rockets or rovers.
A family birding adventure.
A two-mile Sunriver nature hike.

It’s The Best Way To See Oregon Nature

Sunriver's elevation, minimal light pollution, and crystal clear air have earned it an International Sky Place designation, the first in Oregon. Visiting Sunriver is the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. And with a vacation rental with Village Properties, you won't have to compromise on comfort. You’ll also sleep well at your vacation rental through Village Properties at Sunriver. Village Properties at Sunriver features some of the best amenities and rooms in the Sunriver and Bend, Oregon, area. Have the best time possible by booking directly with us. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

The Local Guide to Bend, Oregon Food Trucks

Bend, Oregon, has some outstanding events and festivals throughout the year. Typically, you can find a lineup of delicious food trucks at any of these events. These food trucks are everywhere in Bend, Oregon, not just at events. Finding something unique and great if you are visiting for the first time can be intimidating. However, we know of some popular food trucks with locals and visitors.

If you plan a vacation to Central Oregon, we suggest staying at Village Properties at Sunriver. We are close to Bend, Oregon, with many attractions in Sunriver, Oregon, to explore. For those looking to explore Bend, Oregon, here are some note-worthy food trucks to seek out when you are here.

The Lot

This is Bend's first food truck pod. What that means is that the space is designed for a variety of food carts. This is one of the best places to visit if you want to sample different food or are still determining what to eat. It's also wonderful to stop in if it is chilly outside because of the heated seating. We recommend the Pork Curry Tacos from A'la Carte. The taproom serves beer, cider, kombucha, CBD, hard seltzer, and wine. The 16-tap handles rotate, giving various local and regional pints to try.

The Podski

The Podski is located in Bend's historic Box Factory in the Old Mill District. It's a unique and beautiful location to grab a bite and drink. You'll find a fantastic selection of food to choose from. We suggest trying Juno Japanese Sushi Garden and Little Slice of Heaven Cheesecakes.

On Tap

On the North East side of Bend, Oregon, you'll find On Tap. It's a less traveled area but offers an unparalleled draft collection. The outdoor beer garden is a great place to park yourself with friends during the summer. If it's a little cool, you'll love the heated and enclosed tap house or outdoor heated tent. With six food trucks and 35 taps, including craft beer, cider, wine, and kombucha, you should be OK with finding the perfect meal and drink. We recommend visiting Rush's Squares.

Sample The Best Food Bend Has To Offer

We know you won't have a problem finding something to eat and drink when you visit these food trucks in Bend, Oregon. Also, you won't find a better place in Central Oregon to rest your head than at Village Properties at Sunriver. Village Properties at Sunriver is a short drive from Bend, Oregon, and features some of the best amenities and rooms in the area. Have the best time possible by booking directly with us. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants Near Sunriver, Oregon

When it comes to fine dining at restaurants in Sunriver, Oregon, you will not find it lacking in options. It's a beautiful place with a variety of meals and experiences. Get a head start on your Oregon vacation planning by booking directly with Village Properties at Sunriver. We are ideally located for you to travel to and from the best fine dining in Sunriver and Bend, Oregon. These are some of the most elegant restaurants in and near Sunriver, Oregon.

Marcello's Cucina Italiana

For those who want an excellent Italian meal, Marcello's Cucina Italiana is a great place. You can order classic plates of food like Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo. They also offer special wine dinners. These include a tour of some of the best wines in Italy and food pairs for each glass of wine.

South Bend Bistro

The South Bend Bistro is a comfy, elegant dinner destination in Sunriver, Oregon. You'll be treated to a delicious mix of locally sourced food and imported specialty meats and cheeses. You can also select fantastic wines paired explicitly with whatever entree you choose from the menu.

The Grille at Crosswater

Enjoy your meal with only the best scenery in Oregon, and sit at a table at The Grille at Crosswater. You'll see one of the best views of the Cascade Mountains. Some entrees you can look forward to including Honey Thyme Glaze Salmon, Black Pepper Filet Mignon, and more. There is also an expansive selection of wine.

Enjoy Some Of The Best Food In Oregon

We know that no matter which restaurant you choose, you will have a memorable meal and experience with whoever you bring to these restaurants in Sunriver. It can all start at Village Properties at Sunriver. Village Properties at Sunriver is a short drive away and features some of the best amenities and rooms in the Sunriver and Bend, Oregon, area. Have the best time possible by booking directly with us. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

Amenities To Have For Managing A Rental Property

When preparing your rental vacation property for new guests, it’s crucial to have the essentials covered when managing a rental property. One thing that makes all the difference compared to your competition is outstanding and essential amenities upfront. See some examples at Village Properties at Sunriver, in Central Oregon, if you are looking for ideas. We’ll cover some of the essentials you should mention for managing a rental property.

Basic toiletries: One of the most critical and essential things to offer in your vacation rental. Remember soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and toilet paper.
Wifi and streaming: Guests usually expect wifi for their smartphones and more. In addition, if the weather is ideal, guests will want to watch TV and stream entertainment if the weather is rainy.
Offline enjoyment: Outside of streaming content online, you must include things to do offline. Think of having stuff like board games, cards, puzzles, etc.
Cleaning supplies: Accidents happen, so you will want to stock plenty of ways to tidy your vacation rental. This includes things like dish soap, paper towels, and a vacuum.
Kitchen supplies: Stock your kitchen with essentials like plates, glasses, silverware, and basic cooking utensils.
Informative house rules: Provide clear house rules to your guests. You will need to address this upfront and again when your guests check-in. Provide check-in and check-out times, noise restrictions, and other important local ordinances.

Cover Your Essentials

These are some things that you will want to remember when you are managing your rental property. Check out the vacation rental properties on Village Properties at Sunriver for a better idea. To hear more about our Sunriver and Caldera Springs property management services, contact our Vacations Property Manager, Nicole McClure, at nicole@village-properties.com or call directly at 541-749-1268.

4 Joyous St. Patrick’s Day Events In Bend, Oregon

With St. Patrick's Day approaching, we wanted to share upcoming events and activities in Bend, Oregon. Suppose you plan on staying in Central Oregon this week or looking for a future trip here. In that case, you should know that there is always something interesting going on. Village Properties at Sunriver is the best place to explore many outstanding events in Bend, Oregon. We are in Sunriver, Oregon, only a short drive from Bend, Oregon. This is what you can look forward to during St. Patrick's Day.

An Irish Rambling House at The Tower Theatre

An Irish Rambling House is a beautiful, humorous, and exciting event. According to the Tower Theatre's website, "In Ireland, the neighbors would pick a house to ramble to in the evenings to share music, dance, and story. These settings bore their humor, charm, and a sense of community and togetherness, which is what Rambling House exemplifies." Tickets are available. Enjoy the show with a warm mug of Irish coffee too.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins

If you want to try an excellent local Irish Stout, head over to McMenamins. In addition to their own Irish Stout, they will be offering a unique St. Patrick's Day whiskey. Outside of drinks and food, the establishment will feature live music all day and late into the night.

St. Patrick's Day at Oregon Spirit Distillers

For those looking for something other than Irish Stouts, then stop by the tasting room at Oregon Spirit Distillers. They will be pouring whiskey, beer, Shamrock Shooters, and more. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a hidden lucky charm for your opportunity to win the scavenger hunt.

St. Patrick's Day Dash

Stay active on St. Patrick's Day with Bend, Oregon's St. Patrick's Day dash. Start your race in Old Mill District and enjoy live music, beer, fitness, and more. You can choose a 5K, 10K, or 1.3-mile course. Don't forget to wear green and join in after the race for the Miller Lumber Post-Dash-Bash.

Irish You Could Visit Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, is the best place for those looking for a fun time during St. Patrick's Day. Village Properties at Sunriver is a short drive away and features some of the best amenities and rooms in the Bend, Oregon, area. Make sure you have the best time possible by booking directly with us. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

Pros, Cons of Hosting Your Property On Airbnb or VRBO

If you have an outstanding property you want to rent out for vacations, you have plenty of options. Property owners have more options, such as considering popular services like Airbnb, VRBO, etc. If you are in the Central Oregon area, Village Properties at Sunriver can aid you. Check out our vacation rentals and property management services to get a better idea and understand the pros and cons of Airbnb, VRBO, and more. Here are some pros and cons of hosting your vacation property on these platforms.

VRBO vs. Airbnb

For starters, Airbnb is a home rental service and application to connect customers to short-term vacation property renters. On the other hand, VRBO is short for Vacation Rental By Owner, offering potential guests houses, apartments, condos, villas, and more. Both offer similar services for people looking for vacation rentals or unique vacation homes.

Pros of Hosting on Airbnb or VRBO

Ease of use: Both platforms allow users to list a property quickly and easily, as well as upload photos, rates, descriptions, and more.
Exposure: Due to the popularity of Airbnb and VRBO, a large pool of people use these apps to find vacation rental properties.
Flexible pricing: You can adjust your rates on the season, demand, and other factors.

Cons of Hosting on Airbnb or VRBO

Fees: Both Airbnb and VRBO have fees attached to using their services.
Exposure: While exposure is also a pro of using Airbnb and VRBO, the popularity of these services means you will have to work hard to stand out too.
Strict policies: You’ll be at the whim of Airbnb and VRBO policies regarding cancellations, refunds, and other issues.

Reach A Wider Audience

Some of the best advice is to spread the widest net you can. Get as many eyes on your property as possible, so consider working with professional property managers. For those in Central Oregon, this is where Village Properties at Sunriver can help you the most. We will provide you with full-service property management. This means we handle all the hassles, and you can relax and reap the rewards. Some of the things that we can help manage to include the following:

Staying Updated with User-Friendly Technology
Home Care from Local Professionals
Maximize Bookings and Revenue
We’ll distribute and manage your listing across the top booking sites
Take advantage of a multi-faceted marketing strategy effectively utilizing search engine optimization, organic and paid digital and social media marketing, promotions, and email marketing

Find The Best Fit For Your Property

Since you know the pros and cons of Airbnb, VRBO, and more, you can decide about your vacation rental property. Visit Village Properties at Sunriver for more information about our Crossover Program, see other vacation rentals, the Homeowner Portal, and more. To hear more about our Sunriver and Caldera Springs property management services, contact our Vacations Property Manager, Nicole McClure, at nicole@village-properties.com or call directly at 541-749-1268.

Can’t Miss Festivals this February in Sunriver & Central Oregon

Sunriver, Oregon, and Central Oregon have plenty of events near the start of the year. This makes February an ideal time to explore Central Oregon. The events throughout the month are unique and exciting. The best place to explore all of the extraordinary events happening in Central Oregon is to book directly with Village Properties At Sunriver. Check out these events happening in February in Sunriver and Central Oregon.

Sunriver Food & Wine Festival

The inaugural Sunriver Resort Food & Wine Festival is a month-long event that highlights the region's rich farming, heritage, and wine. For a taste of what to expect, you'll be treated to tasting events, cooking classes, live music, shopping, regional vintners, artisans, farmers, local craft spirits, and beers from around Central Oregon. Sunriver Resort hosts this, but the dining events are not exclusive to guests of Sunriver Resort (accessible to all who visit). Here is a taste of some of the events happening during this month-long festival.

Local brewery flights at The Lodge Kitchen
Saturday Supper Club at The Lodge Kitchen
Live music at The Owl's Nest

Oregon Winter Fest

Head on over to the most exciting winter festival in Oregon. The Oregon Winter Fest features a weekend full of fun and unique activities. You’ll find events and activities perfect for adults, couples, and families of any size. For example, take your family to explore The Wonderland Marketplace. More than 75 local vendors and exhibitors will be present, offering jewelry, home goods, pottery, and other art. Some new attractions this year will include a merry-go-round and a Ferris Wheel. Here are some more attractions that you can expect at The Oregon Winter Fest:

Central Oregon Light Art Exhibit
Ice carvings
Cozy fire pits
Multiple stages with live music
5K adult Hot Cocoa Run

Have A Great Time In Central Oregon

You will have a great time at any of these events in Sunriver and Central Oregon. Make sure you have the best time possible by booking directly with Village Properties At Sunriver. A vacation rental with Village Properties at Sunriver will make the perfect cozy home base for your Central Oregon winter getaway. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.

Best Breakfast Restaurants In And Near Sunriver, OR

A hearty breakfast is one of the best ways to start your vacation. Sunriver, OR, is known for its incredible views and the best way to get a taste of the scenic view is with a cup of coffee in your hand. Plenty of cozy breakfast spots in Sunriver, OR, are ideal for you and your partner, or you can bring the entire family. The same can be said for the accommodating vacation rentals only found with Village Properties at Sunriver. So when you roll out of bed, start planning to visit one of these breakfast restaurants near Sunriver, OR.

Wake Up And Breath In That Fresh Oregon Air

Take in the sights early in the morning after a filling breakfast at one of these restaurants in Sunriver, OR. A vacation rental with Village Properties at Sunriver will make the perfect cozy home base for your Central Oregon winter getaway. To hear more about our accommodations, reach out to us at 1-844-458-4433. Or book with us online.