Warming Trend

Guided: Bend, Oregon

THOUGHTS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST usually don’t conjure visions of a sun-drenched desert landscape where the heady scent of wild-growing juniper and sage is carried by a warm breeze. Too busy packing my raincoat, I hadn’t done the preflight weather check on Bend, my destination in central Oregon. If I had, I might have learned that the sun shines an average of 300 days per year there. Forget the galoshes——pack your golf shoes. Especially if a visit to Pronghorn is on the agenda.

WHERE TO STAY: Situated on 640 acres of high desert just outside of Bend and resting in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Pronghorn (pronghornclub.com; 800-541-9424) is a mix of ultra-high-end residences, ranging from fractionally owned townhomes (where I’m lodged) to wholly owned private villas and multimilliondollar homes. Surrounded by 20,000 acres of protected federal land, the property feels secluded and exclusive. No-nonsense security personnel in stiff jackets and dark sun glasses at the entry gate reinforce the VIPsonly vibe. My Pronghorn guide tells me the celebrity residents (no name-dropping here) strongly value such closely guarded privacy.

At the front door of my townhome, I’m greeted by the sound of water running down a small rock waterfall. Desert wildflowers grow at its base. Throughout Pronghorn, such understated design elements subtly promote a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. The townhome reflects the property’s over arching design aesthetic——an organic, rustic (yet refined) look defined by the generous use of stone, dark woods, warm earth tones and natural materials. A spacious backyard, complete with a stainless-steel barbecue, lets guests soak up the desert panoramas.

WHERE TO EAT: In Pronghorn’s fine-dining restaurant, Chanterelle, chef Fa brice Beaudoin showcases fresh, local- source foods——greens from the Willamette Valley, chanterelle mushrooms from the Cascade Mountains, artisan cheeses from central Oregon, fruits from Hood River Valley and beef raised on local ranches. This early September weekend, Pronghorn is hosting an annual golf tournament fund-raiser, Ghost Tree Invitational, and the accompanying Dinner on the Range culinary event. Sixteen of central Oregon’s finest chefs ——including Chan ter elle’s Beaudoin——serve up gourmet bites to enthusiastic foodies. Bend, known as an epicurean hot spot, is also near a number of central Oregon vineyards and wineries. I get to sample the fruits of local winemakers’ labors during the weekend’s Promenade du Vin wine-tasting event.

WHAT TO DO: The crown jewels of Pronghorn are the emerald side-by-side Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio championship golf courses. Golf Digest named the Fazio course one of the top four new private courses in 2008. The Nicklaus Academy at Pronghorn offers a toprated golf curriculum (developed by Nicklaus) and the latest teaching technology, including 3-D swing analysis. There’s also a range of recreational outings available through Pronghorn Adventures, an activity concierge. Next visit, I’m signing up for the Raft and Draft, a rafting trip followed by a barbecue with beer from local breweries. Now that’s my idea of getting wet in the Pacific Northwest.

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