High Desert vs. high costs: Central Oregon heads outdoors for Memorial Day weekend activities
Claire Elmer
(update: adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend is once again a top Memorial Day weekend destination. This year, as travel, gas, and food costs rise, people are looking for ways to enjoy the weekend without overspending.
For many people in Central Oregon, the plan is simple: get outside.
According to AAA, about 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles during the holiday weekend, and Bend is among the top regional destinations. But this year’s long weekend is coming with higher costs for many families.
The Century Foundation found Memorial Day staples are up 13% on average from last year, with some summer barbecue favorites — including corn, tomatoes, and pies — jumping 20% to 100%. Gas is also part of the equation, with Oregon prices sitting around $5.20 a gallon as of Sunday.
For locals and visitors, Central Oregon’s outdoor recreation can make the weekend feel like a getaway without breaking the bank.
“It’s expensive here, but we budget,” Bend resident Daniel Wallace said. “We went on the Deschutes yesterday, paddle boarded. Today, we’re going to do a little fishing and get in the water.”
Others say places like Central Oregon’s many parks give people a way to connect, even when higher prices make travel harder.
“I’m enjoying this holiday weekend by just having spent a lot of time with my friends and family,” Bend resident Eddie Lopez said. “Sunbathing, tanning with my friends. We’re going to listen to music.”
Rising gas prices can make it harder for people to travel or meet up elsewhere, making prevalent gathering spaces even more important.
“With the gas prices going up, it just affected travel a lot. So it’s really nice to just have a really accessible public environment like Riverbend Park, to just like, be able to enjoy time with my friends or just meet new people here,” Lopez added.
And for some, the best part of a weekend outside is getting to enjoy it with loved ones. But it doesn’t hurt that it doesn’t have to cost much, either.
“I don’t need to spend money to have fun,” Bend resident Bodhi McClain said. “The river is free. Meeting up with your friends is free. All you need is good people.”
Memorial Day weekend is known as the unofficial start of summer, and in Central Oregon, outdoor recreation is once again at the center — reminding locals and visitors why our area is loved by so many.