As mentioned before, Quest For Fire is absolutely about dry rubs, marinades, and of course hot sauces, but it is also about reconnecting with your wise self, your happiest self, and exploring the world.
In Manhattan Beach, California, schools close during the second week of February for what is called "Ski Week." Just about every family takes off to ski or heads to beautiful warm-weather destinations. This year, group photos flooded our chats—some families went to Tahiti, Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Singapore, and even out of state to Wyoming (Jackson Hole), Park City (Utah), and my old stomping grounds—New York City.
We decided to explore Oregon, skiing at Hoodoo Ski Resort and Mt. Bachelor—and it was an amazing trip!
Sisters, Oregon: A Hidden Gem
Sisters, Oregon, is an absolutely magical town that still maintains its charm. It could easily be the next Park City. The town boasts great shopping, an amazing food scene, and fantastic art galleries.
Getting here was easy—LAX to Redmond, Oregon is less than a two-hour flight. In contrast, skiing in Los Angeles means choosing between Big Bear (crowded) or Mammoth (a six-hour drive and still crowded).
The Food Scene in Sisters, Oregon
The Barn: A Must-Visit Spot
Our first stop was The Barn in Sisters, Oregon—a must-visit! It's literally a barn with food trucks parked outside, serving up incredible food. Inside, there’s a cozy fireplace (a wood stove, actually), making it a perfect place to hang out with friends and family—definitely a "Quest For Fire" moment.
You grab your food from the trucks, then settle inside to eat. There’s also outdoor seating for warmer days.
Boone Dog Wood Fired Pizza: A Slice of New York in the West
As a New Yorker—born and raised in Washington Heights—I take my pizza seriously.
One of the best food trucks we tried was Boone Dog Wood Fired Pizza. I’ve tried pizza across Arizona, Washington, Utah, Nevada, and California, and this was the closest to NYC-style pizza I’ve had out west. It was amazing. Hats off to the chefs!
Sisters Coffee: Start Your Morning Right
Before heading out to ski—yes, this was Super Bowl Sunday—we stopped at Sisters Coffee. This place is magical:
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Cozy fireplace
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Local art for sale
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Merch & great atmosphere
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Delicious coffee & food
Dinner in Sisters: The Open Door & Sisters Saloon
Dinner in Sisters was an incredible experience.
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The Open Door: We ate here twice—it was that good. The ambiance is unique because it’s both a restaurant and an art gallery featuring pieces from The Rickards Gallery.
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Sisters Saloon: A great casual spot with local beers, burgers, chicharrón, and an incredible chicken pot pie (with the crust on the side—highly recommended).
Hoodoo Ski Resort: The Hidden Treasure
Hoodoo Ski Resort is a great place to ski, but if I'm being honest, Mt. Bachelor stole the show (more on that later).
That said, Hoodoo reminds me of Big Bear, CA—but without the crowds or high prices. If you visit Sisters, Oregon, I recommend skiing Hoodoo first and then heading to Mt. Bachelor for an even bigger experience.
Curious how Hoodoo compares to Mt. Bachelor, Big Bear, Mammoth, Vail, and Park City? Check out our detailed breakdown:
Future Adventures: Fishing in Oregon
I’m already planning a summer trip back to Sisters, Oregon. The food, the atmosphere, and the fishing—yes, absolutely the fishing—make it a must-visit year-round destination.
There’s year-round fishing, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check it out this trip. Next stop?
The Annual Fishing Season Opener in June Lake Loop—Weekend of April 25th. Stay tuned!
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