When you pass under the town's signature "Welcome to Redmond" arch, you're entering small town America, and the city has made a considerable investment in preserving that iconic image. For instance, Centennial Park (opened in 2010) is the core of the city's civic renaissance. It's a pleasant space lined with flowers, trees, tables and chairs where you can sit on the lawn and kids can frolic in the splash park. History buffs can take the Heritage Walk, a walking tour of 29 commercial and residential buildings built between 1910 and 1941. Stroll through boutiques, antique shops, and galleries where local artists offer their works. Choose from 31 restaurants and try one of the craft brews at Cascade Lakes Brewing Company. In summer, head over to the Farmers Market in Centennial Square.

Redmond lays claim to one of the world's premier rock-climbing destinations: Smith Rock. With over 1400 climbing routes, Smith Rock is situated on the banks of the Crooked River in a 651-acre state park. Those prone to vertigo can opt for a hike on Misery Ridge Trail, a 3.6 mile hike that loops around the headland's tip, climbs 900 feet to a gorgeous panoramic view, then takes you gently down the backside to where you started. Cyclists will enjoy the crown jewel of Redmond's park system, the Dry Canyon Trail, a 250 acre park that also includes venues for tennis, soccer, baseball and skateboarding, and picnicking. For anglers, try and snag steelhead and rainbow trout in nearby lakes including Billy Chinook, Suttle, and Blue lakes, as well as the Ochoco, Haystack and Prineville reservoirs. Go rafting on the Deschutes River, or hiking at Tam Arthur Rim, Chimney Rock or Dillon Falls Trail.

Because of its High Desert climate, Redmond has some of the driest powder in the Pacific Northwest. Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes 35 miles southwest of Redmond at Mount Bachelor or at Hoodoo Ski Bowl, 40 minutes to the west. Snowmobilers will find trails in nearby Deschutes, Ochoco, and Willamette National Forest. And finally, in addition to the ice skating rink right in downtown Redmond, take the kids over to Operation Santa Claus two miles west of the city where you'll find a Christmas-themed working reindeer park with real reindeer!

Summer or winter, enjoy the pleasant climate and great hospitality in picturesque Redmond, the heart of Oregon!