Good morning, Bend. We're the espresso shot your morning news routine needs - bold, bright, and a bit of a buzz.

In today’s Bend Buzz:

• The best cool treats around town 🍦

• Holiday travel headaches ✈️

• Summer Fest returns 🎡

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson

SNAPSHOTS

🎠 Summer Fest is around the corner:

Summer Fest returns to downtown Bend starting Friday, July 12th. Our Friday newsletter will have tons of info on this fun event, so keep an eye out. Until then, start hoping for cooler weather so we can all enjoy the downtown festivities without our shoes melting to the sidewalks.

📈 Home prices rise again

Home prices in Bend saw another increase for the month of June and are inching oh so close back to record levels seen a year earlier. The number of houses on the market also saw a big jump and is at its highest level in over three years, which may bode well for potential home buyers as the summer progresses.

🏓 Stay out of the kitchen

America’s fastest-growing sport continues its expansion throughout the high desert, with plans announced for another eight pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park. These will go along with the 16 already there and should help wait times move along just a bit quicker.

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📸 @roamthenorthwest | 📍Three Finger Jack

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BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

🎉 Plant lovers rejoice: Somewhere That’s Green’s annual garage sale is taking place July 11 - 14. Come and check out their discounted plants, baskets, planters, and more! Just be sure to get there early to get in on the best selection. July 11 - 14 10 AM - 6 PM 1017 NE 2nd St.

 🏺 Throw your own mug: Camp Clay is opening a ceramics-focused studio that can be rented out by beginners and professionals alike. This should be a fantastic addition to the Bend art community with kilns, glazes, wheels, teaching areas, and more.

🚧 Businesses feeling the pinch: Construction and realignments along Highway 97 are eating into some local businesses’ bottom lines. So next time you’re in need of some Greek food or want to restock the bar, consider a trip up to the north end of town to lend a hand.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Tuesday

🧘 Yoga on the Farm: Take a drive out to the Well Rooted Produce farm for some summertime family yoga amongst fields of vegetables and flowers. All ages and levels are welcome. 10:30 AM 20377 Swalley Rd

Wednesday

🥕 Downtown Bend Farmers Market: We know it is hot, but these are the days our local farmers need your support. So stop by and pick up a bundle of carrots and a carton of cherry tomatoes, and say thanks to the farmers, bakers, and makers who make Central Oregon an amazing place to live. 11 AM - 2 PM Brooks Alley

🏛️ Pick Bend’s Next Bridge: The city of Bend is holding an open house to solicit feedback on the preferred design for the future pedestrian bridge over Highway 97 at Hawthorne Ave. Come and make your voice heard to help improve the future of pedestrian and bicycle access between the east and west sides. 4:30 - 6:30 PM 721 NE 3rd St

🛥️ Are You Feeling Yachty?: The Midtown Yacht Club just unleashed a surprise announcement for their 4-year anniversary (I’m sitting here at 9 PM editing the newsletter to add it in), and you’re invited! Dress in your best yacht-themed clothing and head down to join the party. 4 - 10 PM 1661 NE 4th St

Thursday

📚 Meet the Author: Come by Roundabout Books in NWX to meet Leslie Stephens, author of the Morning Person newsletter and the dystopian novel You’re Safe Here. Tickets are $5, but this is waived upon purchase of her book. 6:30 PM 900 NW Mt. Washington Dr. #110

🎵 Munch & Music is Back: Week two of Munch and Music is back after a successful launch of their 33rd season on the 4th of July. This week’s music comes from 3 time Grammy-winning band Ozomatli, so paddle or walk over to Drake Park to check it out.

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

Boys & Girls Club | Bend Ecstatic Dance | 7:45 - 10 PM


Wednesday

Hayden Homes Amphitheater | Slash | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Tickets
McMenamins | Bill Wadhams | 6 - 8 PM
Open Space Event Studios | Clayton Smith | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Tickets
Bledsoe Family Winery | So Much Closer | 4 - 6 PM
Bevel Craft Brewing | The Critical Blues Band | 6 - 8 PM
Drake Park | Sufi Circle | 6 - 8 PM
Crosscut Warming Hut | Billy by Himself | 6 - 8 PM
Juniper Preserve | Lino | 5 - 8 PM

Thursday

The Cellar | The Ballybogs and Friends | 6 - 8 PM
Beach Hut Deli | The Harris Blake Band | 6 - 7 PM
Dump City Dumplings | Paul Eddy | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
River’s Place | The Rusty Frets | 6 - 8 PM
Northside Bar & Grill | Dark and Grey | 8 - 10 PM
Drake Park | Ozomatli | 5:30 - 9 PM
The Capitol | Catacombs | 8 PM - 1:30 AM

BEND ADVENTURE FROZEN DESSERT GUIDE

🍦 Bend’s Best Cold Treats

Summertime in Bend means hot days, cool floats on the river, concerts at dusk, and plenty of frozen goodies. If you’re looking to cool down with a sweet treat, then we’ve got you covered with some old standbys and hot new spots around town.

Bonta Gelato

Now with THREE locations around town, Bonta serves up classic and seasonal flavors of gelato at their downtown, westside, and eastside scoop shops.
📍 920 NW Bond St
📍 924 SE Wilson Ave
📍631 NW Federal St

Birdsong

This brand-new addition to Bend serves up New Zealand-style ice cream, which involves churning vanilla ice cream with your choice of berries. If you grew up mashing raspberries into your ice cream like I did, then you’ll love this spot! You can find their cart at the Podski food cart pod near the Box Factory.
📍536 NW Arizona Ave

Grey Duck

It won’t be long before Grey Duck is to Bend what Salt & Straw is to Portland. With innovative and delicious flavors like Earl Grey Cookie and Smoked S’more, this ice cream is a must-try. You can find them in grocery stores across town or at their scoop shop inside The Pantry.
📍1125 W Newport Ave

Elly’s

Located at The Grove in Northwest Crossing, Elly’s serves up big scoops of classic flavors along with innovative sundaes. Our go-to is the S’more Sunday, which features fresh toasted marshmallows on top 😋
📍921 NW Mt Washington Dr

Goody’s

This downtown Bend classic is under new ownership and has a brand-new look. But fear not, as they still serve up scoops and hand-spun milkshakes seven days a week.
📍957 NW Wall St

Rawmona’s

If you’ve never stopped by Rawmona’s Paleta cart at one of Bend’s farmers markets, then this is your sign to do so. These hand-made ice pops are unlike anything you’ve tried before at the store. Look for their cart at both the downtown and NWX farmers markets.

THANKS!

Stay cool, and thank you again for reading!

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