In Bend, Ore., there's no excuse to be bored

Framed by mountains and forests, Bend, Ore., is home to world-class cyclists, triathletes, kayakers and rock climbers — and, of course, skiers who flock to nearby Mount Bachelor.

Bend's population has quadrupled in the past 20 years, but it seems like all 70,000 residents are friendly and eager to get outside and play.

Named one of the five best little ski towns in America by Travel + Leisure magazine's December issue and one of Outside magazine's best towns last year, Bend is surrounded by 2 million acres of national forest, rivers and the Cascade Mountains.

A logging town that hasn't forgotten its roots, the earthy, laid-back community has Craftsman-style architecture, a buzzing downtown and an exceptional culinary scene.

On the slopes

Don't forget the skiing and boarding. Mount Bachelor has 10 lifts, several terrain parks, more than 31 miles of Nordic trails and a tubing hill.

At a little more than 9,000 feet, Bachelor is known for long ski seasons that stretch into May. It's also a dormant volcano that regularly emits steam through tiny cracks. The vents are so small you ski right over them, but the heat sometimes melts snow around the crevices.

On cloudy days, skiers should try the Outback chair, on the northwest shoulder of the mountain, where conditions are often pristine and the runs feature the best moguls.

Boarders will likely feel at home in the Superpipe, which has been home to the Chevy Truck US Snowboard Grand Prix and 2006 Olympic qualifier.

Boarders and skiers alike should head up the Summit chair on clear days. It gives breathtaking views that make the chilly ride to the top well worth it.

For lunch, try Scapolo's at the midmountain Pine Marten Lodge. At the end of the day, settle into the Clearing Rock Bar in the West Village Lodge.

Good eats in Bend

Back in town, there are a lot of choices for dinner.

With more than six homegrown breweries, nightlife is defined by grabbing a pint and warming up by the fire. Check out Deschutes Brewery, 1044 Bond St., which features more than 18 beers on tap. Be sure to try Jubelale, a seasonal winter ale brewed for just a few months each year during the holidays.

But if you tire of long lines at Deschutes, head down the street to the Silver Moon Brewing, 24 N.W. Greenwood Ave., which offers the cheapest craft brews in town at $3.

For dinner, wander downtown to grab a bite at Merenda, 900 N.W. Wall St., for tapas-style offerings and an extensive wine bar.

Other surefire bets are Zydeco, 185 S.E. Third St., where fresh local ingredients, Northwest flare and Cajun spice collide, and The Decoy Bar and Grill, 1051 Bond St., a newcomer that's turning heads.

For meals easier on the wallet, check out Parilla Grill, 635 N.W. 14th St., and order the fish tacos, made with fresh snapper.

For different evening entertainment, head to McMenamins Old St. Francis. In addition to a billiards room, Turkish soaking bath and cigar bar, the downtown hot spot (and hotel) is home to concerts and shows $3 movies in a theater filled with couches. The staff will deliver pizza and beer to your seat during the show at what once was a Catholic school.

Beyond skiing

Outdoors lovers may want to hook up with Wanderlust Tours — www.wanderlusttours.com — to spend a night trekking on a moonlight snowshoe tour or relaxing by a bonfire on the snow.

Or, for a winter classic, head up to the Seventh Mountain Resort — www.seventhmountain.com — and strap on some ice skates to twirl under the lights on an old-school outdoor rink.

Or, if you're looking for a family adventure, take a sled-dog ride. Get details through www.mtbachelor.com/ (click on "services/activities").

Shopping and museums

Shoppers should head to the Old Mill District, the former site of a sawmill and now a vibrant 49-store shopping complex on Bend's west side (www.theoldmill.com/).

Farther south you'll find Factory Outlets, 61334 S. Highway 97, where bargain-hunters can grab deals from Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear and Nike.

Want a little culture? For kids, the Working Wonders Children's Museum, www.workingwonders.org, or (for adults and kids) the High Desert Museum, www.highdesertmuseum.org, are great ways to spend the afternoon.