5 ways to have fun in Bend Thanksgiving week

Published 4:30 pm Monday, November 20, 2023

It’s Thanksgiving week and for many that means a break from the daily grind. As you plan the week ahead — whether that’s time spent with out-of-town relatives or a solo adventure — consult this list for ideas on making the holiday week memorable.

Note that some activities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Meet Timber the bobcat at the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum’s resident bobcat officially has a name: Timber. As The Bulletin’s Morgan Owen reported, Timber has become known by the museum staff for his playful and rambunctious personality.

Regarding the exhibits, it’s the final few days to take in the large-scale installations and piñata materials of “Vistas del Cielo” by Justin Favela. Two other exhibits are on display commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Owen also reported on “Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan,” which opened on Oct. 21 and “Endangered in the High Desert,” which opened on Nov. 11. Both exhibits explore the controversial law while shining a spotlight on the endangered species native to the High Desert region.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving Day; 59800 US-97, Bend; $17 adults, $15 seniors, $11 children ages 3-12; highdesertmuseum.org, 541-382-4754

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Discover McMenamin’s secret bar

There’s no telling how long it will take to find McMenamin’s secret bar. Staff will offer a few covert hints but will stay mum about the Broom Closet’s exact location.

It’s been said there are mysterious doorways on each level of McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School’s Art House. Those persistent enough to find the bar will be rewarded with classic cocktails served in an intimate atmosphere.

In addition to the Broom Closet, which offers happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, there’s much fun to be had at McMenamins, from its onsite movie theater to regular live music to the soaking pool.

3-10 p.m daily; 700 NW Bond St., Bend; mcmenamins.com, 541-382-5174

Stroll through golden grasses at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

There are roughly 1.5 miles of paved and compacted gravel in the 184 acres of Riley Ranch Nature Reserve in northwest Bend, making the trails ADA accessible. The trails offer views of the Deschutes River canyon and meadows with golden native grasses and flowering sage.

The reserve is home to wild animals such as the Great horned owl, Northern Pacific tree frog, porcupine and black-tailed jackrabbit, among others.

Those looking to log additional miles may make the trek from Riley Ranch to Tumalo State Park, a 7.0-mile out-and-back trail with an up-close view of Tumalo Creek.

Note that dogs are not allowed at Riley Ranch.

5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; 19975 Glen Vista Road, Bend; Free; bendparksandrec.org

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Escape before time runs out

Participants have an hour to escape at Bend’s Puzzle Effect. But according to the website, it’ll feel closer to 20 minutes.

Solve the mystery before the ship sinks in the most challenging room of “Curse on the Emerald Seas.” Alternatively, travel back in time in “Sideshow” or stop the power from failing in the fictional city of Dystopia in “Pipe Works.”

This escape room offers a privacy guarantee, meaning that once the room is booked, it will be reserved exclusively for that party. And when the going gets tough, the friendly staff are on hand to offer a few hints.

4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday, closed Thanksgiving Day; 61470 S. Highway 97 #4, Bend; $37.50 per person; bend.puzzleeffect.com, 541-293-5832

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Eat, drink and be merry at Midtown Yacht Club

End the day on a high note with Midtown Yacht Club’s seven food carts.

Order ultra-fresh fish from NorthFresh Sushi, vegan comfort food at Lively Up Yourself, a pie at P!ZZA, hand-scooped Tater Tots at TOTS! or a quarter-pound hot dog at Alley Dogz. The creators of Barrio have two food trucks parked at the food cart pod — Shimson, serving up Israeli street food, and Barrio, preparing favorites such as a crunch wrap with chicken tinga.

This is in addition to 20 rotating taps and Sunday brunch starting at 10 a.m. with $6 mimosas or coffee with Irish cream.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday (closed Thanksgiving Day), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend; midtownyachtclub.com, 458-256-5454

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