Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District Included in GeoTourism Project

Bend, Oregon shopping, dining and entertainment district included in National Geographic Society program

11 March 2009 – Bend, Oregon – The Old Mill District today announced that its nomination has been approved for inclusion in the Central Cascades Geotourism MapGuide. The nomination was reviewed by an Advisory Committee and a Stewardship Council that are working with the National Geographic Society under the Society’s “geotourism” program.

“The Old Mill District has a truly distinctive history that dates back to the Bend lumber mills of the early 1900s,” said Noelle Fredland, marketing director for the Bend, Oregon shopping district. “We have preserved this history through careful planning and the retention of historical buildings and landmarks, while at the same time providing a shopping, dining and entertainment hub for the region. This blend of history, present and future is one of the things that resonated for us when it came to this geotourism project.”

The Old Mill District was selected for inclusion because it encourages “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place-its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” The project also rates nominations based on authenticity to the Central Cascade region, which covers areas on the immediate east and west sides of the Cascade Mountain range in both Oregon and Washington states.

The Old Mill District’s profile can be found at: http://www.thecentralcascades.com/node/620