Shopping is eclectic and fun in Bend
Bend may be known for its breweries and outdoor recreation scene, but this city’s boutiques are big fun, too. Here are four must-shop spots in the boutique-rich Old Bend District and beyond.
Dudley’s BookShop Cafe
Who can resist the aroma of espresso mixed with the fragrance of books, new and old? This adorable little indie bookstore in the Old Bend District offers pastries, espresso drinks, local Metolius Tea and everything from “Lincoln in the Bardo” to “Madame Bovary.” It’s cozy and charming in drizzly weather — when the weather warms, the shop sets scarlet cafe tables and chairs on the sidewalk for your sipping, reading pleasure. Open daily at 135 Minnesota, Bend; www.dudleysbookshopcafe.com.
Lark Mountain Modern
Temptation abounds in this eclectic home decor and gift shop, which stocks everything from colorful handhooked rugs to art prints, baby toys and books. We came home with a volume of Oregon author Ruby McConnell’s irresistible, wilderness exploration-encouraging “Woman’s Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook” ($19), which includes equipment guides, packing lists and DIY projects such as camp lanterns and a Princess-and-the-Pea Bedroll for comfy camp sleeping. Open daily at 831 N.W. Wall St.; www.larkmountainmodern.com.
Ju Bee Lee
You’ll find casual clothing, colorful scarves ($32), baby gifts — including a clever BabyLit version of “Pride and Prejudice” ($10) as counting primer — and grown-up books that range from Mark Bitterman’s “Field Guide to Bitters and Amari” ($25) to Chris Santella-penned volumes in the “Fifty Places ... Before You Die” series. Open daily at 903 N.W. Wall St.; www.facebook.com/ jubeeleebend
The Workhouse
Other people might buy souvenir snow globes and Bend beer openers. But wouldn’t you rather remember your travels with a bar of local lavender-rosemary soap ($6) or a deck of Bend-centric playing cards ($20)? You’ll find all sorts of memorable art pieces and gifts at this cool arts collective, tucked next to Sparrow Bakery in the city’s Old Ironworks arts district, but the playing cards are particularly fabulous. Designed by artist Aaron Trotter, they sport 52 pen-and-ink drawings of Bend locations, from Spork and Bend Brewing to Pilot Butte. Open daily at 50 S.E. Scott St. #6, Bend; www. theworkhousebend.com.