BLOCKBUSTER
The End of an Era (Except in Bend, Oregon)
By: Meredith Miller
Published July 19, 2018
Located in central Oregon, Bend is just north of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the Deschutes National Forest. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, it is a high-desert town that has all you could ever want; gorgeous weather, plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports, and the last Blockbuster open in the United States.
“People view Blockbuster as an iconic, lost American classic…”
With the closest Blockbuster 8,120 miles away in Australia, it’s easy to see why people would add visiting here to their to-do list while traveling the Northwest. A store that used to be a staple in the entertainment industry before the age of Netflix – with over 9,000 stores in 2004 – some people view Blockbuster as an iconic, lost American classic.
I mean, how many of you remember wanting to watch a movie or show, but not owning it? All was not lost – For all you had to do was go to your local Blockbuster and hope that someone had not rented it out before you!
What a rush of adrenaline you got when you would walk into your Blockbuster and go to the section that your movie was in, and see it sitting there on the shelf waiting for you. What do we have today that’s even anywhere near comparable? Blockbuster provided us with a social outing, precious family time, and bonding with our community.
Personally, I was pretty upset when my town’s Blockbuster closed: where was I supposed to get a movie now if it was not available on Netflix? Where was I supposed to get that rush of adrenaline after seeing the movie on the shelf?
So, how does Blockbuster survive in Bend, Oregon? The two that were open in Alaska recently closed, but the Bend location is showing no signs of shutting down. Not only do the locals stay loyal to supporting the last Blockbuster, but the store has also received an influx of tourists over the last few years, all eager to see the last American Blockbuster.
The next time you’re planning a trip out to the Northwest, make Bend, Oregon, one of your stops. Whether you like to hike, bike, or ski, you’ll be able to end your day with a nice relaxing trip to the last Blockbuster in America and rent your favorite movie to unwind. Step aside, Netflix, you’re not the only kid in this town.
As always, thanks for reading. Check out the last Blockbuster and plan your trip to the Northwest! Please feel free to share your experiences or memories with Blockbuster in the comment section below. Happy Travels!
If you like nostalgia, read about when we traveled to the old Nickelodeon Resort in Orlando, Florida.
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