Larkspur Bend, OR

Early pioneers settled in the area now known as Bend due to its convenient proximity to the Deschutes River and its placement as one of its few fordable points. Bend was first incorporated as a city of 300 people in 1904.

Today, Bend preserves its past through a variety of historical sites and distinct museums. Less than two miles from the neighborhood of Larkspur, explore local history at the Des Chutes Historical Museum. Learn about the county's past through artifacts and stories of Native American tribes, fur trappers, homesteaders and loggers.

Engage directly in the city's art scene every month by participating in the First Friday Art Walks. Less than a mile from Larkspur in downtown Bend, live music fills the streets as shops and art galleries stay open extra late to showcase local artists and their work.

Although restaurants, cafes and delis are scattered throughout Larkspur, the smart money's on the selection of dining options near the western border of the neighborhood, on 2nd Street and 3rd Street.

Start your morning off strong with a low-priced, big breakfast at Sargent's Cafe. Relish the thick-cut, perfectly seasoned hashbrowns, and try their unique sweet cream pancakes on the side. Nearby, fill your lunchtime craving for Mexican food at El Rodeo. Warm up with the tortilla soup, or savor the fresh shrimp enchiladas, all served with a smile from staff who welcomes you like family.

A little to the south, eat your fill of perfectly-crafted Vietnamese food and soups at Dang's Vietnamese Restaurant. Start your meal with the mango sticky rice appetizers, try the bahn mi as an entree, and don't forget to add the salad rolls to your order.

After dark, stick around the area to check out the Hideaway Tavern. Shoot some pool, or watch the game from big, comfortable booths as you sip on a favorite beer or two. If you're in the mood to go bar-hopping, fill your growlers up for less than $7 at clean and quiet Binky's, or check out some live music at Third Street Pub. In north Larkspur, grab some friends and bowl a few games at Lava Lanes Bowling Center - stop by on Mondays and Wednesdays for $2 bowling and discounted draft beer all day long.

Located just blocks from the north neighborhood border, the Bend Hawthorne Transit Center serves as a hub for the regional transportation system Cascades East Transit, while Bend Area Transit provides intercity public transportation throughout the area.

Although web-based car services like Uber don't service the area, save the number for Bend Cab Company in your phone for quick, 24-hour access to an on-call cab.

When you need some fresh air, you'll feel free to stretch your legs and put on your walking shoes in this busy, lively neighborhood. Major roadways with dedicated biking lanes include Bend Parkway, Franklin Avenue and Southeast 15th Street.

The City of Bend provides plenty of parking both for its visitors and residents. An area known as the Downtown Core provides free 2 hour on-street parking to all visitors and customers to the downtown area, while a nearby Centennial Parking Garage provides 3 hours of free parking to its patrons. In addition, those heading into the area can park 2 hours free in several designated lots, and pay an affordable $1.00 per hour afterwards.

For further convenience behind the wheel, U.S. Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 97 both run parallel to the neighborhood borders and easily connect Larkspur to the rest of Bend.

Residents of Larkspur enjoy a number of refreshing natural spaces situated throughout the neighborhood, available free of charge to all interested patrons.

The namesake of the neighborhood, Larkspur Park, sits along the southern border of Larkspur and provides the area with a meadow, a picnic shelter, a beautiful playground and multiple trails. Play bocce ball, horseshoes, pickleball and basketball, or explore the natural preserve that makes up almost 40 percent of the park.

Unleash your dog at Ponderosa Park, and bring your family to watch Fourth of July fireworks from Kiwanis Park. In the north, swing your tennis racket or baseball bat at Juniper Park, conveniently located next to a popular fitness center.

Keep a happy eye on your budget in Larkspur, and enjoy a cost of living 20 percent lower than the average cost of living in Bend. Rent a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $887.50 monthly.

You'll pay $1.50 to ride to city center on public transit, while a local beer sets you back about $4. Gas prices hover 2 percent higher than the national average.

Independent stores exist throughout Larkspur, with a high concentration of thrift and vintage boutiques in the mid-western half of the neighborhood. Browse your way through the open, bright displays at Elite Repeat, and outfit yourself with great gently worn styles at bargain prices. Check out Dwellings Home Consignment for finely kept, affordable home decor and furniture. At Fabulous Finds, sift your way through an eclectic mix of new and old jewelry, accessories and home decor pieces, all displayed in a cozy, funky space.

Go through the stands at The Workhouse for a full range of wares from local artists. Visit the store on Small Business Saturday to nab fantastic $10 deals from many of the stands. Nearby, plan for a paddleboarding trip at Stand on Liquid, or pack your car for a camping trip at The Supply Depot. Mountain High Coins & Jewelry on 3rd Street represents your choice for unique, collectible coins. If you have scrap gold to sell, come here during operating hours to see what you can get.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Costco and Grocery Outlet. The acclaimed Bend Farmers Market sits less than a mile from Larkspur on Wednesdays from June to September.