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Eateries

Big Island Kona Mix Plate

This small restaurant was in a rather unappealing strip mall not far from our RV park but every time we passed by it looked busy and the food smelled delicious. When we finally stopped in we were pleasantly surprised. The interior decor was fun, casual, and very Hawaiian. The friendly lady at the counter greeted us with “Aloha” and then cheerfully explained mix plates and recommended favorite dishes to try. We opted to share a 3 mix plate since it gave us a chance to try several different items. (Plus, it was the best deal.) For our mix plate we went with Bulgogi (Korean marinated beef), sautéed Mahi Mahi, and Korean Chicken. The plate also came with rice and Potato Mac (a tasty combination of two summertime favorites). After grabbing our drinks we found a seat and were preparing to read when our food arrived. We enjoyed our meal; it was served quickly, the flavors were zingy, everything was fresh, and it was reasonably priced. We’ve never been to Hawaii but Kona’s felt pretty authentic to us, and that should come as no surprise since the family ran a successful eatery in Hawaii before moving to Bend. Kona’s has a nice patio, a small wine selection, some bottled beer, and also beer from the islands on tap. Hint: Kona’s delivers. Kona’s has plenty of items that even less adventurous eaters would enjoy. Caution: Closed on Sundays. Price: Moderate.

Phone: (541) 633-7378
Address: 61470 S Highway 97, Bend OR 97702

Adventures

Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint

Head east on US 20, Turn left on Azure Dr, take first left onto Savannah Dr, turn left on Linnea Dr – road ends at Pilot Butte Parking lower area.

This 500’ tall cinder cone near downtown Bend has been a state park for decades. There are two main access points to the stellar views at the top; by car or by foot. We chose to tackle the steep but well-maintained hiking trail to the summit. Along the way to the top were numbered signs that were explained in the informative brochure we picked up at the trailhead. Be sure to carry fluids, as there is no water at the top. There is a restroom though. Entrance is free. Hint: There are drinking fountains and restrooms with running water at the lower parking lot. Caution: The entrance to the driving road to top is well-marked but it is hard to find the trailhead parking area.

Phone: (800) 551-6949

High Desert Museum

We had seen numerous signs, ads, and even billboards that touted the Museum as “wild” with animals and we were looking forward to learning about the many animals of the High Desert. Unfortunately, wildlife is only a very small part of what the Museum does, in reality it focuses on living history and museum exhibits with a few animals thrown in. There was a bobcat, a hybrid lynx, a river otter, some lizards and snakes in the desertarium, and a few birds of prey on display at the raptor center, only a small percentage of the wide variety of wildlife that actually survives in the High Desert. Many of the cages were empty both at the raptor center and at the living history ranch display (no sheep, no mustangs). Since it was at the beginning of their busy summer season we had to wonder, where were all their critters? The museum was still a worthwhile place to spend a day exploring and we enjoyed our time there. The indoor history exhibits were very well done, we especially liked the journey through time which traveled from the early native peoples through the first pioneers.

While I thought the museum was interesting, overall I felt they missed their larger goal of introducing and explaining the High Desert. Most of the property was devoted to the activities of white settlers in the area, perhaps a better name would be Pioneer Museum of the High Desert. And why in the world do they have Gila Monsters, which are not native to the area? There is a small cafe for refreshment, and of course, a huge gift shop. Hint: If you live in Bend and have a library card check out a Desert Explorers Pass from the library which is good for free admission for four people to the High Desert Museum. Moderate entrance fee.

Phone: (541) 382-4754
Address: 59800 S Highway 97, Bend OR 97702
3.5 miles south of Bend on Highway 97