There is a certain catch-22 about living in what Sunset Magazine named one of the best places to live and work. On one hand, Bend’s an outdoor tourist’s haven, with a plethora of adventures and destinations to keep one twitter pated for weeks. On the other hand, once you live here, the very things you most likely moved here for can often fall to the background when the demands of day-to-day life take front and center.

You may have moved to the high desert thinking life would resemble a permanent vacation: work would seem sunnier and lighter, the trails would call your name every weekend, your paddle board would greet you each morning as the sun rose. But as many of us know well, the daily grind is a strong force.

But Central Oregon can, once again, become your favorite vacation destination. The key to any restful vacation, whether near or far, is getting away — from the laundry, the dust bunnies, the stacks of mail, the clutter of life. When this is no longer a distraction, something liberating happens. And with the help of the diverse and soulful local B&Bs, vacationing without getting out of town is indeed possible.

“There is a great amount of competition for lodging, but B&Bs still offer that personal touch of the owner living in the structure and being available 24/7,” said Anne Goldner, Innkeeper at the Hillside Inn B&B. “We offer personalized restaurant recommendations, directions to activities, and full breakfasts that are prepared specifically to the guest’s preferences.”

And while B&Bs offer that comfort of being at home while being away, you can also rest assured of the quality and professionalism.

As Sunny Acres Innkeeper Pegi Malnick explained, “B&Bs have very strict regulations to live up to, so guests can be assured of health and safety requirements being met and inspected once a month. It is like going to a five-star resort, but in the comfort of a private home aimed at service and hospitality.”

While hotels offer a certain type of anonymity, B&Bs offer a sort of communal relaxation, where guests not only have the opportunity to visit and connect with the innkeeper, but also with guests from around the world.

“My favorite aspect is getting to meet people from over 50 different countries,” shared Shirley Bloomfeldt, of Sister’s Long Hollow Ranch. “People will gather around the table and start swapping stories.”

From urban and eclectic to rustic and down-home, there’s a wide variety of B&Bs in Central Oregon, which cater to a broad range of people looking to recharge in ways that match their style.

Here’s a peek at a few of them from around the area:

The Mill Inn is located in historic downtown and just blocks away from the Old Mill. Proprietor Zane Littrel describes this 1917 former boarding house as casual, eclectic, and contemporary, with high-end finishes.

A great choice for adventure seekers and music lovers, it is close to mountain bike trails, the Mount Bachelor shuttle and the Les Schwab Amphitheatre.

Tip: Because no one lives on site, it has a bit more of a hotel feel, yet still maintains the community feel of a B&B. The entire place can be rented out for special events and holds up to 22 people.

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The contemporary 1999 craftsman style Hillside Inn B&B is located in the quiet Riverwest neighborhood on Bend’s trendy west side. Owner Anne Goldner has owned this bright and cheerful B&B for 12 years, and enjoys being able to advise her guests about all the many amazing ways to enjoy the outdoors in Central Oregon.

Each room at the Hillside exits to the patio or balcony so enjoying the outdoors for relaxing, reading, and socializing is popular with guests.

Tip: Goldner plans and prepares the breakfasts, only after she has visited with her guests to plan the menu. Families often return because their children have enjoyed getting to help her prepare breakfast in the kitchen.

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Located in a historic logging neighborhood across from Drake Park on the edge of downtown Bend, Lara House is a 1910 craftsman that originally housed military families. With the original windows still in tact, this quaint, cozy B&B has antique furniture in each of the guest rooms and original wood beams in the community area. With Donner flowers brightening each room and Ida’s cupcakes greeting guests in the entryway, Innkeeper Sarah Brown supports local businesses whenever possible.

An ideal spot for lazy mornings listening to the birds, a leisurely afternoon stroll, lunch downtown, and a relaxing evening playing croquet on the lawn, Brown says her goal is to give guests a sense of belonging.

“We want guests to share their story, and we want to share ours.”

Tip: After visiting with her guests during wine hour, Brown pulls from her 30 recipes to cater to their preferences.

“One of our dishes people die for is our pecan glazed French toast casserole,” Brown said.

She’s even been known to share her recipes with guests.

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Shirley Bloomfeldt of Long Hollow Ranch describes her 105-year-old working cattle ranch in Sisters as down home with a warm, cozy feel.

Keeping with the theme of the original building, Bloomfeldt said many guests find this charming abode reminiscent of their grandma’s house.

“We stay authentic, down to earth and with the nature of this place,” she said. “Just this morning I spent at least 2 hours making Swedish pancakes with the help of two ladies.”

Bloomfeldt describes the breakfast as having the characteristics and flavors of ranch cooking, using simple ingredients and vegetables from her garden.

This is a great place for waking up to cattle work and haying. With large lawns, a big flower and vegetable garden, and being a half-mile away from the closest neighbor, this is the essence of peace and quiet.

Tip: Saturdays are the best days for guided horse rides, as the wranglers have Sunday off.

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The Diamond Stone Guest Lodges is a big sky rural haven with a western and wildlife theme. Nestled between the Little Deschutes River and Quail Run Golf Course, it sits on 10 expansive acres of meadows and pines with no traffic or streetlights, and an unbeatable view of the Milky Way, attracting astronomy fans from all over the world.

“A guest last year even showed me Saturn’s rings,” innkeeper Gloria Watt said.

This is a great option for motorcycling on the Cascade Lakes Highway, astronomy fans, kayaking, canoeing or floating the Little Deschutes River, and golfing at Quail Run Golf Course.

Tip: Gloria and Dave Watt host the 3-day Newberry Event Music and Arts Festival July 25-27, a multiple sclerosis fundraiser supporting the Deschutes MS Foundation. Gloria suggests floating the Little Deschutes during the festival, listening to the music while winding down 4 miles of the peaceful river.

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Surrounded by more than 20 acres of woods and with views of seven mountain peaks, Juniper Acres B&B sits off U.S. Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters. Innkeepers Della and Vern Bjerk aim to make their guests feel like they are in their own home. This is the perfect place to get out in the country, yet still be a short drive from Bend or Sisters. Or spend your time sitting outside on the back deck and enjoying the mountain views and peace and quiet and wildlife all around you.

Tip: Enjoy the view from the deck and the great room, and know that with 22 years of innkeeping experience, the Bjerks are sure to provide you with some rich insight on how to best enjoy your stay.

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Meet the newest B&B in Bend: Sunny Acres B&B. Innkeeper Malnik’s tagline is “great service comes from the heart”!

Located on the “country side” of Bend between U.S. Highway 20 and Bear Creek, this secluded, brightly adorned B&B offers a large backyard and deck that overlooks a stream with a waterfall and a wildflower pasture.

The location is perfect for enjoying the many lawn activities, relaxing in the gazebo with your morning coffee, and unwinding around the firepit with s’mores. Getting away from the hustle bustle, or enjoying a getaway with the family, can be done in this country setting.

Tip:  A Family Fun package is offered with two rooms and a shared bath for families to enjoy. Malnik also offers a veteran discount and donation to the SAVE Foundation (Support All Veterans Equally).