I've always loved helping people have a great time.

Whether it was planning events, hosting friends, or spending hours researching the perfect restaurant, hidden trail, or local experience, I've naturally been the person people call before a trip. For years, friends and family have been asking for my itineraries, restaurant lists, and Google Maps pins—and I genuinely loved putting them together.

A few years ago, my husband Jon and I took a break from corporate life and spent a year living nomadically throughout the West. We explored places like Boulder, Santa Fe, Telluride, Sedona, Ojai, and Lake Tahoe, always searching for the spots that make a place feel special. Along the way, we learned that the best experiences rarely come from a search engine. They come from locals.

Bend found us more than once before we finally listened and made it home. What drew us in wasn't just the mountains, trails, rivers, and endless outdoor adventure—it was the people. Bend is filled with genuinely welcoming humans who embrace everything this place has to offer. It's also, quite possibly, the most dog-friendly city in the world.

One thing I've noticed is that travel has become increasingly optimized. Between AI-generated itineraries, endless reviews, social media, and hours spent researching online, it's easy to arrive somewhere with a checklist instead of curiosity. I was reminded of this recently in Spain, where some of our favorite memories came not from anything we'd planned, but from recommendations shared by local families, restaurant owners, and people who simply knew someone who knew someone.

That's the kind of travel I believe in.

My goal isn't to fill every minute of your trip. It's to make planning easy, connect you with the best of Bend, and give you the confidence to be present once you arrive. I'll give you thoughtful recommendations, insider connections, and options that fit your style—while leaving room for the unexpected moments that often become the most memorable ones.

As for my husband Jon, he's the outdoor expert in our family. Between the two of us, we've spent countless hours exploring Bend's trails, bike routes, golf courses, and mountain adventures. If your group is looking for trail recommendations, mountain biking routes, golf logistics, or outdoor planning, he's your guy.

Whatever brings you to Bend, we've got you covered.