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22 wholelifetimes.com Bend is a four-season recreation destination. Skiers and snowboarders head to Mount Bachelor from November through May. Twenty-two miles from Bend, the mountain offers a Kids Ski Free program and averages 462 inches of snowfall per year. During the less-snowy seasons, mountain bikers and rock climbers flock to Bend from around the world. The 651-acre Smith Rock State Park's enormous volcanic rocks, eroded by wind and water into interesting spires, are irresistible to both climbers and photographers. Newbies can learn basic skills from several local schools offering day-long climbing intro courses. Where to Eat When a vegan and a vegetarian travel inland from the west coast, where to eat is often an issue. But we find plenty to eat in Bend. Next Level Burger, a Bend-based chain, specializes in plant-based burgers made from blends of beans, quinoa, black chia seeds, and mushrooms. I especially like their sweet potato fries and dipping sauces, and their vegan milkshakes are delicious. Bethlyn's Global Fusion, named for Chef Bethlyn Rider, is a cheerful world fusion café with a wide-ranging menu. We shared roasted India chick peas, a Thai coconut curry bowl, and a good salad. Lots of their menu items can be made vegan on request. For breakfast, Chow is a restaurant in an old house that feels a little like visiting Grandma. That is, if Grandma is willing to make you tofu rancheros or a vegan Benedict. I tried vegan pumpkin pancakes, a seasonal special. For dessert, Bonta Natural Artisan Gelato is packed even on chilly nights. Gelato joints almost always make sorbets, too, which I'm sure many people love. But you'll never convince me that fruit trumps chocolate for dessert. Luckily, in addition to their sorbets, Bonta makes some richer, coconut-based vegan ice creams, including chocolate coconut. If You Go – Bring Your Dog From LAX, fly direct to Redmond/Bend Airport. You'll need to rent a car if you want to explore the area. Downtown, the McMenamins Old Saint Francis School, a converted 1936 schoolhouse, features rooms decorated by Oregon artists, a movie theater, and a Turkish bath. Riverhouse, a couple of miles from downtown, offers resort amenities and is beautifully situated on the Deschutes River. Rudy said to tell you that Bend is extremely dog-friendly, so don't exclude Fido from the outdoor fun. Many Bend hotels, shops, breweries, and restaurants welcome dogs. There's even a spray park for water-loving dogs, and local outfitter Wanderlust Tours allows canines on some of their canoe adventures. For safety, remember to outfit your dog in a flotation device made by Ruffwear. Whether hiking, biking, rock climbing, or just hanging at a brewery or coffee shop with your pup, Bend offers a wonderful and relaxing getaway. Top Photo: Rich Bacon/VisitBend; Bottom Left Photo: Craig Zagaurski