Sunriver is the Perfect Place For Your Workcation

Have you spent the last few months (or even years) working from home and find yourself craving a change of scenery, a change in your routine or just feel cramped in your home? If so, then it may be time for you to take a workcation. What is a workcation? It’s an opportunity to travel somewhere while keeping up with your work projects.

You may have already experienced something like a workcation in the past. Have you ever brought along your laptop when visiting family over the holidays or wrapped up a project while on the road? These situations are like a workcation but with one huge difference, you’ll be working.  In the past when you’ve brought along your laptop or work phone you were not certain whether you’d have to work while you are away. Simply having your work devices with you creates anxiety that can loom over your vacation and essentially negate the positive benefit of taking time off.

When you take a workcation, you already know that you’ll be working during your normal work hours and anything that ‘comes up’ can be addressed in the same manner you normally would while working from home. However, the big difference is that your downtime or off work hours is spent exploring a destination of your choice with the convenience of already being in that location at the end of the workday.

Riverfront patio of 16795 Pony Express Way

 

It’s no secret that a change of scenery is likely to increase your productivity, creativity, and motivation.  In a recent Nature Neuroscience paper (mentioned in this NYU article) subjects reported that “on days when people had more variability in their physical location—visiting more locations in a day and spending proportionately equitable time across these locations—they reported feeling more positive: ‘happy,’ ‘excited,’ ‘strong,’ ‘relaxed,’ and/or ‘attentive.’”

Benefits of taking a workcation

Increased productivity, creativity, and motivation.

Return home feeling refreshed and full of energy.

See places you’ve dreamed of going to.

Easily take advantage of downtime to relax or explore.

 

Imagine having a Zoom meeting from your vacation rental’s deck that overlooks the mighty Deschutes River. Have a conference call while wildlife frolic in the woods in your peripheral vision. Simply taking a walk or bike ride on your break could be what you need to inspire your next great idea. After work, you’ll be able to switch from work to play with ease because you are already physically located in the destination of your choice!  Whether you’re craving an evening of mountain biking, stargazing, hot tubing, tubing, hiking or simply letting the day take you, your workcation destination doesn’t get any better than Sunriver, Oregon.

Riverfront deck of vacation rental 56079 Snow Goose Ct.
View from deck of 56079 Snow Goose Ct.

 

Reasons why Sunriver, Oregon is the perfect destination for your workcation!

 

It’s easy to get here. For many major cities in the Pacific Northwest such as: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Boise you can drive to Sunriver within 7 hours, making it the perfect drive-to workcation destination.

No plane ticket necessary. You don’t need to buy a plane ticket to get here! Conveniently located in Central Oregon, Sunriver is easily reached by car all over the pacific northwest. However, if you do want to fly in the Redmond Airport (RDM) is just a short drive away!

There’s so much to do! Central Oregon and Sunriver is widely considered “Oregon’s Outdoor Playground” and offers many family-friendly and pet-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, spelunking,  skiing/boarding, and a local waterpark with lazy river!

The Lazy River at SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center)

 

Sunriver is perfect for families and pets! Bring the whole family along (including your furry family members) and enjoy the most kid/pet friendly town you’ve experienced! Many of our vacation rental homes are pet-friendly so no one has to be left behind!

Fort Rock Park – Sunriver, OR

 

Don’t sweat it if you forgot to bring something.  We have a local grocery store. If you forget to pack an essential ingredient for your meal or you’d rather not eat out for every meal, we’ve got two grocery stores in town to grab what you need.

Sunriver is the only Dark Sky Friendly city in Oregon. Visit the Nature Center and Observatory. Sunriver was recently named Oregon’s only Dark Sky Place in Oregon (see the report). Our observatory also has the most outdoor telescopes accessible to the public and a retractable ceiling for an experience you’re sure to remember for a lifetime.

Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center

 

Shop & Dine! Go shopping or dine at The Village Mall in the heart of Sunriver.

The Village Mall located in the heart of Sunriver

 

Love golf? We’ve got 3 golf courses right in Sunriver and many more in the surrounding area for you to enjoy!

 

Once you’ve decided on the dates for your Sunriver workcation, you’ll need to consider homes that have workspaces in them to seamlessly allow you to work and play. We’ve curated a list of all our workcation ready homes here. You’ll also need to ensure that the home you choose to stay in during your workcation includes excellent Wi-Fi which is offered for FREE at all of our homes.  Below are the workcation essentials you can expect when you book a vacation rental home with Village Properties at Sunriver:

Benefits of booking your workcation with
Village Properties at Sunriver

 

Custom 12 person hot tub at Sable Rock Manor vacation home

ALL our vacation homes come with FREE Wi-Fi. We’re not going to nickel and dime you while you’re on your workcation like most hotels will. Any home you book with us will give you access to FREE WIFI, so you don’t have to worry about your video freezing or losing your work due to sketchy internet service.

Choose your view. Are you interested in a mountain, golf course, or river view? Click on the links to the view you prefer, and you’ll get a curated list of homes that speak to you.

Room to roam. When you rent a vacation home the entire home is at your disposal to work from. Start your morning on the deck while you answer your emails. Mid-morning switch to the livingroom where the cozy fireplace eases you into the busiest part of your day. At lunch, grab a bike and ride to one of our local restaurants. Mid-afternoon, finish your workday strong while seated at the desk in your rental and get excited for what the evening holds in store for you.

You get FREE SHARC passes when you book any of our homes. SHARC is the Sunriver Homes Owner’s Aquatic and Recreation Center which boasts, a lazy river, outdoor waterslide, indoor pools, kiddie pools, music on the lawn (summer only), and a winter tubing hill!

Need a list of homes that have built in workspaces just for workcations? You’ll find it here!

Now that you’re ready to take your workcation, be sure to use this handy list of items you’ll need to bring with you to have a productive and fun time!

Your laptop
Charging cables for your phone and laptop
Headphones
Foldable laptop table if you have one
External hard drive if you don’t use cloud storage
Power bank
Documents or other papers that are essential for your current projects (and maybe even upcoming projects).
Your phone
Credit cards/cash
Masks and hand sanitizer
Your toys! Bikes, skis, boards, paddle boards, kayak, tennis racquets, etc.
Sunscreen to protect you from those 300 days of sunshine!
Sunglasses because your future is bright and sunny!

A Brand New On-Mountain Experience for – All Woodward at Mt. Bachelor

Woodward at Mt. Bachelor

If you or a loved one is heading to Mt. Bachelor as a beginner skier or snowboarder this year, we’ve got some great news for you! Mt. Bachelor introduced Woodward Mountain Park, a brand new on-mountain experience. An experiential action sports company, Woodward aims to help you grow in your sport regardless of your skill level or previous experience.  Set up as a network of terrain zones throughout Mt. Bachelor, you are able to choose your journey through an “artfully constructed progression-based design” as stated on Mt. Bachelors website.

 

The park is meant to help you grow as you build on your skills. If you’ve never been on skis or a snowboard, you’ll want to head over to Sunrise Lodge andWoodward Start Park play around at the Start Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to get used to the equipment and different types of terrain. With small slopes built to control speed while slowly guiding you to higher elevations, you’ll feel comfortable trying out your chosen snow sport for the first time. The even better news is that you can play at the Woodward Start Park for FREE! This includes the area just outside of the Sunrise Lodge rental shop as well as the First Rays carpet (pictured).

Once you feel comfortable and ready to move to the next level, the Woodward Progression Parks intuitively guide you to the next step in your learning adventure. Progression Park / raises the bar a bit with a longer run that you access via the Lava Tube conveyor carpet that is near the Start Park. This run includes some rollers, small mini pipes and more for you to test your skills before moving on. To access this area and many Woodward Park runs beyond the Start Park plan on paying only $39 online (or $49 if you buy the ticket on the mountain) for a Learning Progression lift ticket. With this ticket you have access to the Early Riser chairlift, Alpenglow and the Lava Tube carpet at Sunrise. You may also head over to the Little Pine chairlift at West Village with this one day pass. With this pass there is not a way to ride between the two lodges to access the West Village lift, but if you’d like to give that run a try there is a free Interlodge Shuttle available every day of the week.

If you’re an experienced rider and know that you will soak up the the amazing terrain that Mt. Bachelor has to offer all over the mountain, you’ll want to go big and get the full mountain pass. Regular single day tickets for full mountain access are $109 (online) or $119 (on-mountain). However, for beginners or those that are looking to get their feet into some bindings for a try, the Woodward Mountain Park is amazing option. Save money, ride terrain that feels comfortable and give yourself the space to learn at your own pace.

Visit the Mt. Bachelor site more information on the Woodward Mountain Park and for ticket pricing information.

Fall Golfing in Central Oregon

Cooler weather and shorter days do not mean that your golf game has to be called off. In fact, Central Oregon in the fall is perfect for hitting the links and the rates are just right! Take a peak at 4 of our favorite courses and be sure to take advantage of the splendor each course has to offer.

 

Widgi Creek is a perfectly maintained, challenging and scenic course. The fairways are lined with trees and the greens are expansive with one of the longest Par 5’s in the country. The prices at Widgi Creek are just right for your fall golfing excursion:

 

September 17 thru October 14:
Prime time (Before 2pm) $49 for 18 holes or $40 for 9 holes

Twilight (2pm to close) $29 for 18 holes

 

PLUS: Guests of Village Properties at Sunriver will receive a 25% discount with a voucher from us. Call our office for more information.

 

Lost Tracks Golf Club offers 7,000 yards of magnificent views along with some challenging golf. This course is bordered by national forest and gives the feeling of quiet seclusion yet located on the south end of Bend.

 

October 8 thru November 4:

18 holes for $42 or $30 for 9 holes

Twilight (3pm to close) $35

Additional charges apply for a golf cart. The course offers even lower rates from November 5th thru close.

 

PLUS: Guests of Village Properties at Sunriver will receive a 10% discount.

 

River’s Edge offers a unique golf experience with views of the Cascades and the Deschutes River. Play their signature hole 6 (a par 4) with an approach shot to an elevated green that includes a pond with a 25-foot waterfall!

 

September 4 thru October 28:

18 holes for $47 or $31 for 9 holes

Twilight $30

Additional charges apply for a golf cart. The course offers even lower rates from October 29th thru March 28th in their “Winter Season”.

 

PLUS: Guests of Village Properties at Sunriver will receive a 10% discount.

 

Quail Run Golf Course, located south of Sunriver in La Pine is a beautifully maintained course with panoramic views of the Cascade mountains. Enjoy this resort quality course without resort pricing.

 

October 1 thru December 31

18 holes for $42 or $25 for 9 holes

Twilight (after 1pm and up to 18 holes) $25

Additional charges apply for a golf cart.

 

PLUS: Guests of Village Properties at Sunriver will receive a 10% discount.For all Village Properties at Sunriver partner discount information, check here.

 

 

 

 

Try the Cycle Pub!

Are you traveling with a large group and looking for an activity? We’ve got an idea right here for you. Biking and beer; what more could encompass the Central Oregon lifestyle? For one experience that provides both activities, try the Bend Cyclepub through The Bend Tour Company.

This is a great way to see Bend, stop at different breweries throughout the city or perhaps just get out in the fresh mountain air with friends. The Big Bike will accommodate up to 14 riders. This includes 10 pedaling seats, 2 passive bike seats and a bench for two more riders in the back. Your whole group, including riders as young as 12 years old, can hop on this bike to explore Bend. Do you have more than 14 people that would like to go? No problem, the company offers a Small Bike tour that can launch at the same time as the Big Bike tour. The Small Bikes require a minimum of 4 riders and can carry up to 6.

All tours are 2 hours long and make a lap around Bend, stopping at Silver Moon Brewing (a sponsor for the bikes). Take some time just before you head out on your tour to talk with your guide and map your outing. There are different stop options that you can choose from, or just keep pedaling for your tour to see as much as you can. Perhaps (if all cyclists are over 21) use this as a chance to hit some stops on the Bend Ale Trail.

The Bend Tour Company requests that your entire group arrives 10-15 minutes early to ensure plenty of time to get everyone checked in and on the bike for launch time.

Be sure to plan ahead, make your reservations online and enjoy the ride. You will have a professional Bike Pilot, enjoy great music and sights of the area. We hope that you are able to get out there and experience this one-of-a-kind activity while here in Central Oregon.

Have a great time!

 

What is the SHARC?

Have you rented your vacation home with us and were told that you get some SHARC passes? Are you wondering what the SHARC is anyway? We’ve got your answer.

How did the SHARC get its name? Why is it spelled wrong?
We promise there’s a reason that the name isn’t spelled shark, like the animal. SHARC is the: Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC). Make sense?

What will we find at the SHARC? What do my passes get me?
SWIMMING! An indoor pool offers a shallow play area for little ones, lap lanes, and even a whirlpool and a basketball hoop. The indoor pool and the outdoor adult hot tub are available year-round. There is a large outdoor aquatic park as well. This is THE place to be in the hot summer months. With waterslides, a lazy river, sunbathing spots, and a tot pool and sand area, your summer days will already be planned for your Sunriver visit.

Each SHARC pass in your vacation rental will provide admission for one person. So you can ride your bikes on over, show your pass and swim to your hearts content. Just be sure to BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel) and to read up on other safety and access requirements.

EAT! There is even a cafe; SHARC cafe offers meal options for all ages and a variety of beverages.

While SHARC is known for swimming, you’ll find a variety of other things as well. There is a 9-hole disc golf course that weaves through the beautiful surrounding landscape. This is Sunriver’s only disc golf course. Nearby, find Paulina Park and practice your rock climbing skills on the rock walls, bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many tables or in the green grass or take advantage of the bocce ball court. Around the building from the park you will find an onsite basketball court so you can shoot some hoops before heading back to your vacation rental for dinner.

Turf Tunes, a summer concert series held at the John Gray Amphitheater at SHARC is fantastic entertainment to enjoy during your Sunriver vacation!  Experience live music from nationally recognized musicians for free on select Sundays in June and July.  SHARC also features one premiere musical act via a ticketed concert during the summer lineup.

If you are having an event of any kind, be sure to check in here to see if the SHARC is the right venue for you. There are event spaces for weddings or a pavilion for a smaller gathering.

Why was the SHARC built in Sunriver?
This premier facility was funded by Sunriver property owners, and the Sunriver Owners Association (SROA) operates the space. Before SHARC, Sunriver featured a great pool on the community’s south end. The South Pool was always full and eventually needed some major updates. At this time, the SROA board received lots of input from the community via surveys and meetings and found that a facility such as this seemed to be the desired outcome. In August 2010, the community voted in favor and construction began. SHARC opened its doors in May 2012 and has welcomed millions of visitors.

Okay, how do I get there?
You’ll find the SHARC right off of Circle 2, on Overlook Road in Sunriver. You won’t be able to miss it. Follow the cheerful screams and the giddy laughter and you’ll find the SHARC.

4th of July in Sunriver

If you are planning on spending the 4th of July in Sunriver this year, you won’t be missing out on any patriotic festivities, as there is lots going on right here. We’ve got the day lined out for you below. You won’t have to go very far either.

If you enjoy running, start your day at the Sunriver, behind the main lodge for the 4th of July 5k Fun Run. Start the holiday with a scenic run through the Sunriver meadows with views of Mt. Bachelor and Central Oregon wildlife. All participants receive a commemorative pint glass as well as a complimentary beer or soda after the run. What a great way to start off your 4th of July in Sunriver!

Next, head to the Bike Barn at the Sunriver and join in on the Bike parade fun. The parade begins at 11:30am, but you can check-in beginning at 10am. With purchase of parade ticket you get entered into a contest to win a brand new bike! Add on a bracelet to get admission into bounce houses and an obstacle course at the conclusion of the parade for only $5. Help your family show off their independence by tie-dying some groovy garments or stuff a “far out” furry friend to celebrate Sunriver’s 50th anniversary! (Additional fees apply) If you want to participate, be sure to decorate your bike in red, white and blue and join in on the fun!

From the parade ending point, head over to the Village at Sunriver for the Sunriver 4th of July Festival and enjoy free music, a watermelon eating contest and so much more. The festival goes from 11am – 4pm and will be tons of fun!

If you’re looking for a traditional fireworks show, you may want to plan on a short drive to one of our neighboring communities of Bend or Lapine, as Sunriver doesn’t offer this tradition due to fire dangers in the area. Head north to Bend, and park just about anywhere in to see the fireworks being launched from the top of Pilot Butte at 10pm. There are several options for parking off of Knott Road, on the south end of Bend. We advise that you turn your car so that you’re parked on the north side of the road and have easy access to head back to Sunriver once the show has finished. Another option for a fireworks show Or, head south to Lapine and see their display from Frontier Heritage Park at 10pm.

Whatever you choose to do with your big day, you know you’ll have a cozy vacation home to return to that evening. Pour a cool beverage and head to your deck surrounded by the trees and the bright stars of the Central Oregon night sky to talk about the days events and continue the memory-making.

If you haven’t already secured Sunriver vacation home for 4th of July this year, make your plans fast, as homes are filing quickly. Call our Sunriver experts today. They will be happy to assist in finding your perfect holiday home. Or, check out our listings here.

Day Trip – Newberry Volcano

What do you like to do when visiting Sunriver? Bike riding, swimming and floating the river are a must. If you find yourself with the time or desire to take a day trip from Sunriver, the Newberry Volcano area is a nearby and beautiful location to explore. And, you can do it in a day trip.

From Sunriver, head south on highway 97 for about 9 miles. Turn left onto Paulina Lake Rd (you will see signs directing you to Paulina and East lakes from the highway). Drive up this road for about 13 miles and you’ll be at the Paulina Lake Visitors Center. From here, there are lots of options for hikes, enjoying time on the shores of a lake, renting a boat and being on the lake and all-in-all exploring and taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Walk the Big Obsidian Flow:

Big Obsidian Flow - Paulina PeakA one-mile interpretative trail weaves you up and through a breathtaking 1300 year old obsidian flow. With amazing views of the Cascade Mountains, Paulina and East Lakes and so much more, you will be glad you took this walk. If you visit during the summer, be sure to wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. The shiny black rocks heat up fast and hot on summer days. This is a short and fairly easy walk, but wear good shoes and be prepared for hills as it is a rocky trail and you do gain some elevation. If you bring your dog along for this day trip, be sure to bring some boots for their paws, as there are lots of jagged rocks on the trail.

East Lake:

East Lake Resort

With a beautiful shoreline setting, a restaurant and a marina, the East Lake Resort is a great stop for your day trip up to the Newberry volcano area. Rent a stand up paddle board at the marina, then grab some lunch at the Blue Duck Grill, or just take a stroll along the shore and take in the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the area.

Paulina Lake:

The Paulina Lake Lodge is another option for a lunch or dinner stop on your adventure. Known for its Prime Rib and homemade cobblers, the food is tasty and the atmosphere is relaxing. Call ahead of time to be sure they’re open on your adventure day and to make a reservation if necessary.

Paulina Lake Hot SpringsIf you’re up for a bit of a hike and a hot spring adventure head to the Little Crater Campground and find parking at the Lakeshore Loop Trail trailhead at the far end of the campground. Take a two-mile walk along the east shore of the lake to find Hot Springs Beach. Find these primitive hot springs at the north end of the beach right on the shoreline. Hunker down into one of the log lined hot springs, enjoy the views and the minerals and remember to leave no trace please!

Paulina Creek Falls:

Big Obsidian Flow - Paulina Peak

After exploring Paulina and East lakes and when you are heading back towards Sunriver, plan on just two more stops. First, you will see signs for the Paulina Creek Falls. Upon parking, find a paved trail and walk a quarter mile to the top of the falls and enjoy the thrill of looking over the 80 foot tall falls. Take another portion of path down to the bottom and you’ll be able to see the falls from below. Watch the pair of falls flow onto the rocky ground below from two viewing areas. Be sure to carry your camera with you on this beautiful walk!

Viewpoint:

Newberry Volcano ViewpointAs you head back to your cozy Sunriver vacation rental after a long day of exploring, be sure to make one last stop at the viewpoint just down the road and on the opposite side as the falls. If you’ve soaked up the whole day exploring the caldera, you may be lucky enough to make this stop at sunset to watch the sun sink behind the Cascade mountains creating a palette of colors that seem indescribable.

Still planning your Sunriver stay? Be sure to book your vacation rental as soon as you can to take advantage of the widest selection and best pricing.

Midweek Memories – Give yourself a midweek break!

Ever had a week when you wake up on Tuesday and wish it was Friday already? Sometimes it’s just necessary to take a bit of a midweek break. If you have the benefit of being able to plan a midweek getaway, we think you should. Here’s why:

  1. Better rates: It won’t matter what kind of accommodations you choose or where you visit, you’re going to find the best rates during the week.
  2. Smaller crowds: Weekends are busy. It seems that most of the population works Monday through Friday making travel destinations quite crowded on weekends. Especially through the spring and summer months, businesses are open and offering the same services all week long that they offer on weekends. Less people = less wait time and more room to stretch out and enjoy the scenery! Enjoy a less-crowded golf course, open roads and some peace and quiet!
  3. Easier traveling: Whether you are driving or flying to your destination, you will find your travel time to be easier. With less people on the roads and in airports during these midweek times, you may find that it’s what you always prefer.
  4. There’s still tons to do: Check out our events calendar in the upcoming months! If you’re looking for this kind of a stress-relieving getaway, why not have some fun on the way?

If you’re thinking about Sunriver as your midweek getaway, take a look at our vacation rentals for your visit.

Central Oregon Concerts

Are you coming to Central Oregon this summer? Do you love live music? Everyone knows that while in Sunriver you’ve got to  go hiking, biking, floating and do all things outdoors. But, did you know that there are lots of Central Oregon concerts throughout the Spring and Summer months?

Check out our list of Central Oregon concerts here.

Les Schwab Amphitheater: Probably the most popular venue for shows in the area, the Les Schwab Amphitheater hosts some top name artists in a beautiful, riverfront setting. Here’s a list of who to see this year:

Wednesday, May 30th: Ray Lamontagne with special guest Neko Case
Friday, June 8th: Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, June 9th: Slightly Stoopid with special guests Stick Figure and Pepper
Tuesday, Jun 19th: Michael Franti and Spearhead with special guests Victoria Canal and Dustin Thomas
Saturday, June 23rd: Primus and Mastodon with special guests JJuuJJuu
Friday, July 6th: Steve Martin and Martin Short featuring The Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko
Tuesday, July 24th: Jackson Browne
Wednesday, July 25th: Sheryl Crow
Thursday, July 26th: The Decemberists with Whitney
Saturday, August 4th: Willie Nelson & Family and Alison Krauss with special guests
Sunday, August 5th: Pixies with Sleigh Bells
Thursday, August 9th: Amos Lee
Tuesday, August 21st: Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton
Saturday, August 25th: Brandi Carlile
Tuesday, August 28th: Dave Matthews Band
Friday, August 31st: Portugal. The Man with special guests Shabazz Palaces
Clear Summer Nights: Another outdoor venue, located at the Athletic Club of Bend, the Clear Summer Nights series is a laid back and perfect setting for some live music. Clear Summer NightsBelow are some top name bands that you’ll have the chance to see this year: Thursday, June 21st: Chris Isaak
Sunday, August 12th: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Wednesday, August 15th: Rebelution

Sunriver Summer Concert Series by the Sunriver: The Backyard at the Sunriver hosts a different live band on the following dates:
May 25-27
June 29-30
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 4 – September 2
Enjoy delicious food options, local beer and wine on a beautiful lawn with an amazing view of the Cascade mountain range. Band Lineup coming soon!

Deschutes County Fairgrounds: The annual Deschutes County Fair in Redmond will host some great bands this year:

Wednesday, August 1st: America
Thursday, August 2nd: Big and Rich Featuring Cowboy Troy
Friday, August 3rd: Grand Funk Railroad
Saturday, August 4th: Gary Allan

Grab your dancing shoes and your concert buddy and head out to one of these great shows this summer!

Are you heading to Central Oregon for a concert? Why not stay in Sunriver, just a short trip from Bend and where miles of forest and nature awaits just outside your vacation rental back door. Contact us today to learn more.

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