# @cnntravel on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMQiiywMwZC
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32465642-cnntravel-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/e82eeb44dc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-18T18:01:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** CNN Travel (@CNNTravel) — https://gondola.cc/CNNTravel

## Caption

There's a reason that Bend, Oregon experienced a population boom during the pandemic that still hasn't stopped. Given the freedom to work and live anywhere, thousands have followed their bliss to a ruggedly beautiful oasis of seriously fun activities, food and beverages in central Oregon.

It's a combination that lures visitors, too.

"I think Bend just has this magnetic pull and it's full of adventure, but still small enough to feel like home. There's insane natural beauty in every direction, a super sophisticated food and drink scene, and an outdoorsy, go-play-all-day energy that's kind of infectious," said Bend resident Todd Clement, owner of Monkless Belgian Ales.

Logging was what initially drew people to establish this town on the edge of the Cascade Mountains. Bend was named after that feature in the river that runs through it. Long before that, Indigenous peoples hunted and fished this land.

Bend has landed at No. 4 on CNN's list of America's Best Towns to Visit for 2025. Swipe to explore some of its best spots, and read more at the link in our bio. 

#bendoregon #bendoregonlife #bendoregonphotographer #bendoregonlifestyle #visitoregon #oregonexplored #oregon #oregoncoast

📸 Garrett Lockrem/Mt. Bachelor; Nate Wyeth; Elena Pressprich/Visit Bend; Lane Pearson/Campfire Hotel; Visit Bend; Gillian Flaccus/AP; Dogwood at the Pine Shed; Visit Bend; Visit Bend

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 201
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- **Comments:** 5

## Tags

oregon, oregoncoast, bendoregonphotographer, bendoregon, oregonexplored, bendoregonlife, bendoregonlifestyle, visitoregon

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