Celebrate Dad, High Desert-Style
He patiently taught you how to cast a fishing line, helped you move into your first apartment, and busted out a “dad joke” in an attempt to break the ice. Your dad was always there for you, even if he expressed it through actions, not words. As June rolls around, we encourage you to stretch beyond the standard tie or set of golf balls in search of the ultimate Father’s Day gift. You’ll find it in the High Desert locale of Redmond.
Here, he can settle into the silence and simply have some fun. The only things on the to-do list today: enjoy a panoramic view above the clouds, a perfect cut of meat, and being in the moment with family. Redmond is packed with ways to celebrate him, all at a pace he can appreciate.
For Once, He’ll Have His Head in the Clouds
The morning sun warms the craggy peaks of Smith Rock. There’s a stillness in the air. When suddenly…a large flame erupts. Don’t be alarmed, this is just the beginning of a memorable experience as the hot air balloon fills. Your Dad has spent the better part of his life keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. Now he’ll see things from a completely different point of view, hundreds of feet in the sky, on a floating ride with Big Sky Balloon Company.
As the balloon takes flight, the chatter and noise disappear. They’re replaced by the quiet of a big open horizon. Together, you’ll drift on the breeze, tracking the rugged paths of the Crooked River below while marveling at snow-capped peaks in the distance. It’s an experience that will take him completely out of the daily grind.
Handing Over the Tongs
Dad takes cooking meat, and entertaining, seriously. You only need to watch him on the backyard grill to witness this in action. He’s usually the one making sure everyone else’s plates are full before he even sits down. This Father’s Day, let him back away from the fire and pull up a chair at Brick House.
Located right in the heart of downtown Redmond, Brick House knows how to handle the flame. Here, the vibe is comfortable and welcoming, not stuffy and pretentious. But the quality is still there as chefs serve up exceptionally prepared USDA Prime steaks and fresh, wild-caught seafood. Watching Dad savor a perfectly charred, tender ribeye alongside a local craft brew or a classic Old Fashioned can be a joy in itself. But it’s also a great way to say thank you for all the heavy lifting he’s done by giving him a fine meal without any of the work.
Stories in the Smoke
As the evening sun drops below the Cascade range, there’s no need to rush the night along. In Redmond, relaxing doesn’t require a membership or an invitation. It just takes a good seat and an appreciation for the finer things, which is exactly what you’ll find at High Desert Cigars.
Step inside this local staple, and you’ll discover a curated selection of premium cigars housed in custom humidors, featuring everything from rich, earthy classics to smooth boutique blends. The real draw, though, is their private outdoor lounge. Outfitted with a covered fire pit and deep, comfortable chairs under the string lights, it feels like the ultimate backyard retreat. As the smoke drifts into the cool desert air, the conversation and stories flow freely. He probably has a few about you that you wish he’d forget.
A Little Something for His Journey
Before you hit the road back to your regular routine, take a quick stroll through the downtown shops to find him something unique that will remind him of the experience. Let him create a T-shirt design of his own at the Brand Lab’s T-shirt bar. Or grab a growler of local craft beer to-go at Kobold Brewing.
A Father’s Day trip to Redmond isn’t about checking a box or repeating a tradition just for the sake of it. It’s about stepping out of the routine to reconnect with the rock of your family. Just like your dad, Redmond is dependable, rugged, and always a welcome sight.
