Special Events
View an interactive map of activities
Pre/Post-Conference Bend Tours & Activities
Separate registration required.
Please use contact noted with each tour for questions, and to make reservation and payment.
Free Admission To The High Desert Museum
Free admission for conference attendees will be offered:
10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday, April 10, 2010
10:00 AM-4:00 PM Sunday, April 11, 2010
10:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday, April 12, 2010
10:00 AM-4:00 PM Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Meet live wild animals, from a bobcat, lynx, otter and fox to owls, eagles and reptiles. Chat with 1880s pioneers, and explore Native American and Western art and cultural exhibits including an indoor re-created frontier mining town. And be sure to catch the acclaimed new exhibit: Sin in the Sagebrush. This new exhibit examines the lives of those who sought opportunity, fortune and community on the Western frontier. Understand how trappers, tracklayers, buckaroos, sheepherders and other workers' dreams were replaced with lonely, harsh lives, and how they found community and escape in saloons, gambling halls and bordellos.
Conference attendees will be admitted at no charge - regular winter rates will apply for family members. Registration is not required. A list of registered attendees will be at Admissions - just check-in there. The Museum is located five minutes south of Bend on Highway 97.
Contact:
Melissa Hochschild
541-382-4754
melissah@highdesertmuseum.org
http://www.highdesertmuseum.org
Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tour
Single-track Sampler Mountain Bike Half Day Tour will be offered:
9:00 AM Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:00 AM Sunday, April 11, 2010
1:00 PM Tuesday, April 13, 2010
If you enjoy mountain biking and want to check out some zooming single-track, this is the cycling tour for you! Cog Wild will make sure you get your fill of banked turns, fast descents and fun climbs through varying Central Oregon terrain. Bend is famous for having hundreds of miles of single-track and this tour ensures you’ll ride among the best. Appropriate for all levels. Transportation and snacks included.
Tour starts and ends at The Riverhouse.
Cost: $60pp. Bike rentals available for an additional cost starting at $25pp.
Contact:
Melanie
541-385-7002
info@cogwild.com
http://www.cogwild.com/
Mt. Bachelor All Day Lift Ticket
A discounted lift ticket will be offered:
Saturday, All day
Sunday, All day
Tuesday, All day
Receive up to a $20 discount off of an all-day lift ticket and $12 off of all day ski/snowboard rental package at Mt. Bachelor.
“Still as pure as the day it erupted!”. With 3,683 acres accessible by lift- 1,600 of which is groomed daily; 7 Express Quads - Including the ALL NEW Pine Marten Express , 3 Triple Chairlifts , 1 Wonder Carpet and 2 Tubing Lifts there will be plenty of spring snow to enjoy!
Pre-reservation is not required.
A list of all registered conference attendees will be at the Will Call window inside the Ticket Building at the West Village base area and you may check in there to pay $49 for an all day ticket. You may also purchase a $20 ski or snowboard rental package.
This offer will be extended to immediate family members bearing the same last name and one additional adult who is accompanying the conference registrant. Valid picture i.d. will be required for all discounts.
Need a ride to the mountain? Mt. Bachelor has a shuttle service that can take you to and from the mountain. Click here for details and check at the front desk of The Riverhouse Hotel for a ride to and from the shuttle stop in Bend!
First Ascent Climbing Services offers Rock Climbing at Smith Rock State Park
Half-day tours will be offered:
9:00 AM Saturday, April 10, 2010 (Riverhouse Pick-up)
1:00 PM Tuesday, April 13, 2010 (Riverhouse Pick-up)
Join us for a half-day rock climbing adventure at the Northwest's premier climbing area. No experience necessary, this trip is appropriate for all experience levels, our AMGA certified guides will provide all the gear and instruction for a fun, memorable day on the rocks. Bring the camera! Smith Rock is one of the crown jewels of Central Oregon. The Crooked River Canyon and the towers of Smith Rock are the perfect backdrop to experience rock climbing for the novice or seasoned climber. Trip includes: Transportation, snack, personal climbing gear (shoes, harness, helmets). First Ascent is an American Mountain Guides Association Accredited Service.
Cost: $75pp.
Contact:
Jim Ablao
541-318-7170
info@goclimbing.com
http://www.goclimbing.com/
Orvis 18-hole golf-style Casting Course at the Old Mill
Casting Course will be offered:
This activity is available anytime and requires no reservations, but scorecards are available only during store hours.
The Orvis Casting Course at the Old Mill is the only 18-hole golf-style casting course of its kind in North America. It was designed for fun, education, and as an opportunity to practice essential casting skills.
Each station is named after a fishing situation that exemplifies a unique challenge; some will require roll casts, some distance. All require a level of accuracy and provide fun while helping improve your technique.
Users keep track of their scores on scorecards distributed at the store. Best scores are showcased on a plaque in the entrance of the store.
The course is free and open to the public.
Contact:
Orvis Retail Store/Bend
541-312-8200
Golf at River's Edge Golf Course
(Located at The Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center)
Golfing is offered:
This activity is available anytime throughout the conference.
Rated 4.5 stars and a Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play," River's Edge Golf Course offers some of the best golf in Central Oregon. Spectacular scenery abounds this par-72 course from the majestic Deschutes River to stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. River's Edge also offers some of the most challenging golf in Central Oregon including our signature hole, the par-4 6th, with an approach shot to an elevated green fronted by a pond and 25-foot waterfall.
If you're looking for gorgeous views and a fun and challenging course, plan on taking advantage of the Governor's Conference discounted rates. River's Edge is conveniently located just up the hill from your hotel room!
Cost: $35 walking rate, $49 cart rate
Contact:
River's Edge Golf Course
541-389-2828
http://www.riverhouse.com/web/golf.htm
GreenEnergy Transportation Brewery Tour
Tours of local breweries will be offered:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Bend is home to the finest micro-brews in the Northwest. Take some time Saturday afternoon to tour Bend Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Silvermoon Brewery, Cascade Lakes Brewery and the new kid on the block, 10 barrel. Let GreenEnergy do the driving while you do the tasting.
The Tour starts at 11:45 AM and ends at approximately 3:30 PM. It will start and finish at The Riverhouse.
Cost: $40pp
Contact:
John Flannery
541-610-6103
john@greenenergytransport.com
Bonfire Snowshoe Tour with Wanderlust Tours
Evening snowshoe tour will be offered:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Depart Bend for the mighty Cascade Range where deep snow awaits our exploration on snowshoes under the starry skies! Strap on the snowshoes for a step back in transportation time. Tucked deep in the forest, our guide will share the fun sport of shoeing while heading to our destination - a spectacular, amphitheater in the snow. Snow chairs will have been hand carved and a bonfire will be glowing. Hot drinks with Schnapps or Irish Cream will be served before heading back to civilization.
Tour departs at 7:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM. Tour includes transportation, guides & gratuity, snowshoes, prepared amphitheater with fire, dessert and hot drinks.
Cost: $76pp
Contact:
David Nissen
541-389-8359
info@wanderlusttours.com
Behind the Scenes Tour at the High Desert Museum
Tour will be offered:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Join our wildlife staff for a look behind the animal exhibits: how food is prepared, how bugs, snakes and tortoises are cared for, where the birds sleep, and more. Tour may include the Desertarium, the bird mews, wildlife kitchen and mammal holding area (based on weather and animal health).
The Tour starts at 2:00 PM and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The tour is partially outside so dress appropriately for the weather. The tour may be postponed due to inclement weather, for safety reasons. In that case, we will contact you.
Cost: $10pp
Pre-registration is required. Maximum 10 people: first-come, first-served.
Contact:
Kathleen
541-382-4754 ext. 241, from 8-4 weekdays
kgarton@highdesertmuseum.org
Roundabout Downtown Walking Art Tour
A tour of Bend’s Roundabout Project will be offered:
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Take a tour of Bend via its roundabouts. The city is proud of the public art that is displayed in these venues and the tour will also include various stops for historical context as well as visits to other Art in Public Places projects.
Tour starts at 10:00 AM and lasts about 1.5 hours. All tours will start and finish at The Riverhouse.
Cost: $20pp
Contact:
John Flannery
541-610-6103
john@greenenergytransport.com
Urban GPS Eco-Challenge
GPS Tour & Adventure will be offered:
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Meet in Bend’s Old Mill District for an amazing and fun event. Along the sparkling Deschutes River, within the attractive urban setting of Bend, teams will begin this fun 2-mile adventure with GPS in hand. Waypoints along the challenge are coupled with intriguing clues which lead participants through forest, rock outcroppings and points of interest within Bend. Ingenuity and team skills will be challenged this morning.
Tour begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 11:30 AM. Tour includes transportation, guides and gear.
Cost: $50pp
Contact:
David Nissen
541-389-8359
info@wanderlusttours.com
Visit Sisters On Your Way To/From The Conference
Best Western Ponderosa Lodge
Best Western Ponderosa Lodge and Hoodoo SKI Deal
Enjoy the peace and solitude of Sisters and the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge only 20 miles from Bend and get 50% of room rate plus Hoodoo Lift Tickets for $29
Cannot be used in conjunction with other packages or discount offers. Available April 9-10 and 13-18 only. Must call Best Western Ponderosa Lodge direct to make reservation: 800.549.4321 or 541.549.1234
Black Butte Ranch
GOLF - Pre or post conference golf at Black Butte Ranch, on Highway 20, just west of Sisters, Oregon -- $40 per person and includes a golf hat. Call 541.595.1500 to book your tee time.
LODGING - Stay at Black Butte Ranch, pre or post conference and receive complimentary bike rentals for the entire family! Call 866.901.2961 to book your family escape today.
FivePine Lodge & Conference Center
Join us at FivePine Lodge after the Oregon Governor's Conference on Tuesday, April 13 for only $99.
The Lodge at Suttle Lake
Receive 15% off any lodge room April 10, 11, or 13. Your stay will also include a complimentary basket in your room when you arrive. Offer valid for any Governor's Conference attendees during the dates described. Escape to the soaring pines and beautiful waters of The Lodge at Suttle Lake.
Gift basket to include: Smoked Pepper Salmon Fillet, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Rosemary Croccatini Crackers, Milano Cookies, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Tusconi Cookies, All Natural Fruit Strips, Mixed Nuts, Premium Chocolate Squares, Altoids, Pellegrino.
Evening in Downtown Bend - A Night with the Stars!
View an interactive map of the event
Monday, April 12, 2010
Click here to register (only available through conference registration)
During this year's Governor's Conference, Visit Bend invites you to the historic Tower Theatre to experience the other side of Bend: a high desert urban oasis that is home to some of Oregon's most prized restaurants and art galleries, as well as the annual BendFilm Festival.
In celebration of the Tower Theatre's 2003 restoration to its original Art Deco opulence, the theme for the evening is a "Night with the Stars." Enjoy beverages served by celebrities of the era such as Ginger Rogers and Clark Gable and take a spin across the red carpet while you pose for the paparazzi.
After a warm welcome from Visit Bend and the Downtown Bend Business Association, the culinary delights of Bend's award-winning chefs await you at one of the city's finest restaurants. it may be difficult to make your choice of one among them, but we know you'll enjoy this "taste" of downtown.
After dinner, you'll head back to the Tower Theatre for a very special sweet treat experience that will remind you why it's always better to see a movie at the theater! Sit back and relax as representatives from the nationally renowned BendFilm Festival share several of their most entertaining and compelling film shorts. At the end of the evening, one lucky person will walk away with a "Discover Bend" dream gift basket that includes a treasure of free Bend vacation experiences!
Schedule:
6-7 p.m. - Welcome Reception at the Tower Theatre
7 p.m. - Dine Around Bend
8:30 p.m. - Return to the Tower Theatre for Post-Party
8:45-10 p.m. - Best of BendFilm shorts and sweet treats
8:45-10:15 p.m. - Shuttle service available from the Tower Theatre to The Riverhouse
Sponsors: Visit Bend, BendFilm, Downtown Bend Business Association, Tower Theatre
