Marz

Although I can't stand the name, and I wasn't terribly impressed by the eclectic, sci-fi inspired decor, Marz lived up to the recommendation. At the bar on Mt. Bachelor, we started talking to some of the locals and they mentioned this was a restaurant we shouldn't miss. After walking around the town of Bend, and entertaining many options around town, we decided to follow their advice and try Marz. The service was fantastic, the food was great and overall we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The cuisine was pricey but the portions were large. I was happy we listened to the locals and ate on Marz.

Prices: US$31-40

Phone: (541) 389-2025 Address: 163 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, 97701

Snowboarding / Skiing at Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor resort is a great place for beginners and advanced skiiers and snowboarders alike to test their skills. The ski school offers a variety of lessons for every skill level. The mountain boasts a vast terrain and three lodges. The snow is usually stellar and the runs, groomed. And when the winds allow, the Summit Chair offers great advanced runs and bowls at the peak. Sunrise lodge is the oldest on the mountain and is often less crowded than the more popular Pine Martin Lodge. Long, wide runs and exceptional powder are some of the benefits to this resort. The main drawback: no ski in / ski out. The nearest overnight lodging is 20 minutes away under the best of conditions. This keeps the crowds down, but after a long day on the slopes it can be difficult to sit in traffic on the drive back home. With a variety of great lift ticket options, Mt. Bachelor is a personal favorite.

Equipment: Rentals are available on the mountain. Website: http://www.mtbachelor.com/winter/index.html

Sunriver Resort: A Conde Nast Favorite (as well as a mine)

Actually located 17 miles south of Bend in Sunriver, Oregon, this resort is a spectacular year-round destination. The massive grounds boast miles of hiking, walking and biking trails popular during the summer months. A variety of lodging options are available for any group number or budget, including hotel rooms at the lodge, condos and individual cabins. It's the closest resort to Mt. Bachelor ski resort and features a less-traveled route to the mountain. Pools and hot tubs as well as an ice skating rink are open all winter. The summer months feature a roller rink and bicycle rentals in addition to horseback riding and more activities. The resort is completely self-sufficent housing several restaurants, a gas station, grocery store, ski rentals, shopping and a full-service spa. Great for couples or families, Sunriver Resort is a personal favorite anytime of year. We booked a huge condo (could easily sleep 8-10) through the resort's website during peak season (between Christmas and New Years) for a steal. Upon arrival we added an extra night onto our stay (that online jumped in price by $100) for the cheaper price we were already paying a night. ($139 a night total - not per person!)

Unique Qualities: Tennis, horseback riding, biking, hiking, nature center, spa, pools, roller / ice rink, shopping center, grocery store, gas station, restaurants, golf, cross country and downhill skiing, fly fishing, rafting, kids club, fitness classes, canoeing kayaking, ropes course.

Prices: US$80-120

Phone: (800) 801-8765

Address: PO Box 3609, Sunriver, OR 97707 Website: http://www.sunriver-resort.com/