Bend’s New Trolley Is Ready To Roll
A new way to look at Bend. That’s the goal of a new tourism attraction called The Bend Trolley, set to kick off tours this summer. Friday, the owner said the idea was to find a way to showcase Central Oregon’s beauty in a relaxing, fun way.
Blake Stamos got the idea after visiting California and saw how big of an attraction trolleys were to both visitors and locals. He’s hoping to create a similar staple in Bend.
“I’ve lived in Bend since 1998, and I take advantage of the scenery and love Bend for what it is,” Stamos said. “Now, I want to show everyone who comes to Bend and visits, and take them on a tour that we see every day.”
Stamos tracked down the bright red trolley in Las Vegas. With a lot of hard work and some love, it’s been restored to look brand new again.
“I saw a trolley when I was in San Diego when I was down there visiting, and came to the conclusion that it would be a great thing to see in Bend, a trolley driving around town,” said Stamos.
The tours will start at 10 Barrel’s newest facility off 18th Street and Empire Avenue. Stamos will pick up large groups, ready for an adventure.
The trolley is wheelchair accessible so that everyone can take part in scenic trips through Bend, even up through the Cascade Lakes Highway. There will also be brewery tours and pub crawls downtown.
Another added bonus: People can drink alcohol on the trolley.
“As long as you don’t offer me beer, I can drive you around,” Stamos said, laughing. “I don’t serve or offer it, but you can bring it on board, just like a limo.”
The tours haven’t started just yet, but Stamos is already having requests pour in and he couldn’t be more excited to get to work.
“There’s been a great response and everybody from young to old is really thrilled about it,” said Stamos. “It makes me really excited, because I was kind of shocked to see the kind of turn out I would get, but it’s been nothing but positive.”
For now, The Bend Trolley is offering private group tours that cost $115 per hour with a two-hour minimum, and every hour after two hours is $90.
More details on tour bookings will be available on his website, here at www.bendtrolley.com. .
