FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA

Yes, I've seen the movie.  And no, I probably wouldn't have visited if my favorite copywriter had not moved back to North Dakota from NYC.  I am definitely glad I made the trip.  It was not at all what I expected.

It's definitely a place to visit during the summer months as the winter's can be pretty brutal.  It is typical of most cold-weather cities in that the thaw brings energy to everyone.  But the cold is clearly not scaring everyone off, Fortune Magazine recognized the city as America's Most Undervalued Tech Hub.  

The area is home to three universities.  I am sure the students at Concordia, North Dakota State University, and MSU Moorhead certainly support the local sports bars and pubs, being a college town also adds to the eclectic charm and arts scene.  There is some great street art and quite a bit of playful art to dress up the trash bins in the back alley areas behind the restaurants. And there are many opportunities to see live performances if you like musicals, opera, live bands or theater.  You can also find zen at a yoga class within an art gallery.

We enjoyed a cocktail at Sky Prairie at the top of the Donaldson Hotel.  The drink menu is great and the view is a great way to kick off the visit and get a sense of the surroundings.

The food scene was not at all what I expected.  We had a delicious meal at Mezza Luna.  I may have had the best pretzel and cheese dip yet at Wurst Beer Hall.   And there are also some great Mexican places.

Fargo and Moorehead are sister cities.  Fargo is on the Minnesota border and you can easily walk across a small bridge from one city to the other.  Right there at the border is a unique structure just begging you to visit.  After visiting, it is clear what that white structure is guarding.  Lots of interesting history from the tour guides at The Hjemkomst Center. 

There are also a number of great places perfect for a road trip.  We did a day trip to Detroit Lakes, but I was also told that Grand Forks Greenway is also another fun option.  If we had a few extra days, we could have ventured to The Badlands in Medora and visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park.   

Would I go back?  You betcha!