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Signs of Summer in Fargo-Moorhead

On May 9, 2013, in attractions, events, information, Outdoors, travel, by FM CVB
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It seemed to take spring FOREVER to arrive this year, but now we’re already seeing a few signs of summer in Fargo-Moorhead!

Like what, you ask? Here’s a couple:

Corks & Canvas
This is a newer event in the Fargo-Moorhead area, but it’s one many look forward to! The first Corks & Canvas event of the year happens  Thursday, May 9th!  This event in Downtown Fargo combines art and wine…relax and be inspired as you stroll through historic downtown and sample select wines and appreciate art from local and regional artists.
This event happens the second Thursday of each month May-September from 5pm-9pm. This year’s dates are May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8 and September 12. To take part in this event, purchase a wristband at participating locations on the day of the event!

Corks & Canvas – Art & Wine Walk


Moorhead Bike Night
Another newer event to F-M, Bike Night brings together hundreds of motorcycle and bike enthusiasts of all ages! Bikes and motorcycles from many different eras can be found at this event. Whether you bring a bike or just come to look, come enjoy the bikes, music and food!

Bike Night in Moorhead is also the second Thursday of each month May-August from 5:30pm-9pm with the first event of the 2013 season happening this Thursday, May 9th! This year, the events will be held at Gio’s Grill & Bar, located at 123 21st St S in Moorhead.

Trampled By Turtles at Imagine Amphitheater
Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert and there’s one happening at Imagine Amphitheater in Moorhead this Friday, May 10th! Trampled By Turtles takes the stage Friday evening and its sure to be a great time! The unique venue and the unique sound of TBT will make for a winning combination! Plus, there’s going to be a pre-show picnic from 4-7pm with food from local vendors, drinks from Usher’s House and live music. Get tickets for this event while they’re still available!

F-M RedHawks Baseball
Baseball is another classic summer pastime! The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have their first home exhibition games at Newman Outdoor Field this weekend (May 10-12). The RedHawks regular season home opener is Friday, May 24th–there will post-game fireworks at that game! Here’s the complete schedule for this season so you can plan to take in a few F-M RedHawks games this summer!

Summer Hours at F-M Visitors Center
The F-M Visitors Center is declaring Monday, May 13th the beginning of summer. Well, at least that’s when the summer hours start! Summer hours at the visitors center are:
Monday-Friday 7:30am-8pm
Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-6pm
These extended hours are to accommodate the increase in travelers in the area during the summer months. The F-M Visitors Center is a worthwhile stop–here’s why.

Cruisin’ Broadway
Cruisin’ Broadway is the perfect way to spend a nice summer evening. This year the dates of the event are May 16, June 6, August 1 and September 5. Classic cars and other unique vehicles park along Broadway in Downtown Fargo so you can walk around and gaze longingly at them while enjoying some food, beverage and live music!

Cruisin’ Broadway in Downtown Fargo


So, even though it feels like spring weather is just barely upon us, some signs of summer are making an appearance too! Hope you can get out and enjoy some of these happenings! :)

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Fargo-Moorhead Hometown Tourist

On May 6, 2013, in attractions, events, information, travel, by FM CVB
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Passport to Fargo-Moorhead

What is Hometown Tourist?
Hometown Tourist is a promotion to encourage locals to venture out and explore their community and visit some of the great attractions Fargo-Moorhead has to offer! The promotion coincides with National Travel & Tourism Week which is May 4-12, 2013.

What is the Passport to Fargo-Moorhead?
The Passport to Fargo-Moorhead is part of the Hometown Tourist promotion. The passport costs $5 and gets you FREE admission into six of Fargo-Moorhead’s core attractions: This year the participating attractions are:

When?
The Hometown Tourist promotion is May 4-May 18, 2013. The Passport to Fargo-Moorhead will be valid at participating attractions during that time.

Why  should I get the Passport to Fargo-Moorhead?
It’s FUN! Plus, it’s a great deal. The total cost of visiting all six of these attractions without the passport is about $40! So, even if you only visit one of the attractions, you still get your money’s worth.
Oh, and there are PRIZES! If you visit 4 or more of the participating attractions, you can enter for a chance to win some pretty neat prizes! Prizes include:

How?

  1. Starting April 26, you can purchase your passport at any of the participating attractions or the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.
  2. May 4-May 18, visit participating attractions and get your passport stamped.
  3. Get 4+ stamps on your passport and you can enter for a chance to win prizes!

If you aren’t from Fargo-Moorhead, don’t worry, you can still purchase a passport and participate! :)

Share your adventures on your favorite social networks and tag them with #visitfm!

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5 Reasons to Stop at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

On April 4, 2013, in attractions, information, travel, by FM CVB
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Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

Whether you’re passing by on the interstate or you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area, you should probably check out the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.

Here’s why:

1.) The Woodchipper
-We have the REAL wood chipper from the movie FARGO along with a nice exhibit featuring some additional FARGO memorabilia.
-It’s a fun photo op! We have bomber hats for you to wear…and we’ve placed a fake leg in the wood chipper for a little added shock value.

2.) FREE Popcorn & Coffee
-If a delicious aroma greets you when you walk through the visitors center doors, we probably just popped some fresh popcorn! You likely won’t be able to resist a bag…and we don’t want you to! That’s why we make it…and did we mention it’s FREE? :)
-We know many folks are pretty attached to their coffee so there’s always some brewed!

3.) Bushels of Information
-In the visitors center, you’ll find the official Fargo-Moorhead visitors guide along with brochures and information on cities and attractions all across North Dakota and Minnesota. Maps and travel guides for other states and provinces in the region are also available.

4.) Travel Ambassadors
-These smiling faces will answer your questions about Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding area! They’re happy to give you suggestions for fun things to do, places to see, etc. Many visitors who stop are very appreciative of our Travel Ambassadors and how helpful they are!

5.) Clean Bathrooms
-If you’ve been on the road for hours and need to make a pit stop, you probably appreciate clean bathrooms. We put a lot of effort into keeping ours spick-and-span and smelling fresh!

Here’s a Vine video featuring those 5 reasons!

While you’re at the F-M Visitors Center, you may want to take time to stroll around the Celebrity Walk of Fame too!  The visitors center also has a variety of Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota, Minnesota and Woodchipper souvenirs for sale. The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center is just a pretty neat place in general. The building  resembles a grain elevator and many visitors are impressed by the very high ceiling in the lobby.

Next time you’re in the area, stop in and say hi! :)

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A Visit to the Fargo-Moorhead Region on an RV Vacation

On March 21, 2013, in attractions, events, food, information, Outdoors, travel, by FM CVB
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Nothing clears the mind and refuels our sense of adventure like hitting the open road, even if it’s just for a Sunday afternoon. When traveling to Fargo-Moorhead, one of the best ways to experience this gorgeous region is to drive it in an RV. You have every convenience while you also have adventures only available in North Dakota and Minnesota. Discover plenty of good food, history and attractions galore.

While in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, you can look around before getting out on the road again. But first make your home base at an RV campground with wonderful amenities. One of these is the Lindenwood Park Campground in Fargo. This campground opens in May but the Red River Valley Fair Campground is open all year.

Absorb some of the history of Fargo-Moorhead by visiting some of the museums. You may be in time to catch an event at the Plains Art Museum or take the kids to the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm. Here the younger ones (and the adults as well) will have fun with the numerous hands-on exhibits. WW II takes the front seat at the Fargo Air Museum and it is baseball at the Maury Wills Museum.

It is time to get on the road now! Take Highway 10 east from Fargo to Detroit Lakes. On the way you can stop at Buffalo River State Park. Break out your hiking boots as this is a wonderful place to hike and picnic. Adjacent to Buffalo River State Park (south) is the Nature Conservancy. Taking care of our forests and grasslands is what it is all about and this organization does it all. Explore the area to view the wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera along! Two other places you will come to as you drive along Highway 10 are the Gruhl State Wildlife Management Area and the Lunde State Wildlife Management Area. You’ll want to stop here too.

When you reach Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, you will find a perfect place to stop for a while and take in this lovely lake country. There are more than 400 lakes very close by. If you are here in May, be sure to attend the Festival of Birds event so you can stoke your spring fever. In Detroit Lakes, you can grab some good food at the Bleachers Bar & Grill on the southwest corner of Big Detroit Lake or at 917 Sports Bar & Grill at 917 Washington Avenue.

Leaving Detroit Lakes, head west again on Highway 59/34, following Highway 34 as it branches off to your right. You will be heading back to Fargo. On the way you can stop at any of the lakes offering water sports or just plain awesome views. Tamarack Lake is the place to throw in a fishing line. You can see six feet down and hopefully catch sight of the fish before you hook it. Catch Rock Bass, Walleye or large Bowfin. You will find decent-sized Largemouth Bass too.

Now you can catch Interstate 94 north to head right back to Fargo. Back in Fargo, you may want to stop at the Red River Zoo. The inhabitants include rare and endangered animals, and the zoo also has a great petting area for anyone, young or old. Time for some delicious food at some of the eateries in Fargo! Sample some Italian food at the popular Toscana, an award-winning restaurant. The Granite City Food and Brewery is another great place to have food and a brew.

For history buffs, there are more historic sites you won’t want to miss. For instance, you can see the Viking Ship, something you’ll remember for a long time to come. And you can hop over to Moorhead to visit the Bergquist Pioneer Cabin. This is the oldest house in the region. When evening time comes, you will want to enjoy some of Fargo’s nightlife before turning in. Leave your RV in your campground and head to the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre where you can relax and be entertained by some drama, comedy or a lively musical. Want to catch a movie? Try the Fargo Theatre to see both current and classic films.

Yes, a trip around Fargo-Moorhead provides a wonderful vacation to the RV traveler. If it is time to head home, you will want to make plans to come back another time. There is nothing quite like North Dakota and Minnesota to quench the thirst of exploration in an adventurer.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States. For more information on purchasing a used motorhome see http://www.elmontervsales.com/.

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Fargo-Moorhead: A place all its own

On March 6, 2013, in attractions, information, travel, by FM CVB
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This blog post is mostly inspired by the news of the inaugural Misfit Conf being held in Fargo this year, although a few other happenings have helped me conjure up this post. Here is the quote from the Misfit Conf host/founder that struck me as quite profound.

There you have it. Fargo-Moorhead should be on your bucket list simply for the reason that it’s not everyone else’s bucket list–because it’s different. In this day and age, it seems like being different is cool so that must make the F-M area pretty awesome.

It’s like those who have lived in or visited the Fargo-Moorhead area are part of an elite club.

Fargostuff.com hit the nail on the head with these t-shirts:

These t-shirts are great because they make it sounds like living in Fargo-Moorhead or visiting the area is a big deal…and it is. :)

Some people say there’s nothing to do or see in the F-M area, but that’s not true. We’ve got really great arts, live music and some unique dining experiences and attractions! Plus, we have a bright economic future and the area has seen a huge amount of development recently. Fargo-Moorhead is also home to some great colleges & universities and lots of young adults to keep the city vibrant! Also worth mentioning is our area’s strong sense of community. The population of the F-M metro is over 200,000 but it feels much smaller. We’ve gotten national media attention because of some of the aforementioned things. Check out this list for some of the articles the area has been mentioned in.

It’s true, Fargo-Moorhead might not compare with Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago or the like. But, if you dare, come visit us in the “middle of nowhere” on the “frozen tundra.” We’ll gladly welcome you and show you what makes the F-M area unique.

The Fargo-Moorhead area is a bit of a misfit…and that’s a good thing, so let’s embrace it.

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Catfishing in Fargo-Moorhead

On February 20, 2013, in fishing, Outdoors, by FM CVB
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Last summer I had the privilege of going on a catfishing exhibition with Jason Mitchel for his show Jason Mitchell Outdoors.  Although the filming took place last summer the show will be aired this Sunday on Fox Sports North. We started our morning around 6am by fishing on the bank of the river for some Gold Eyes which would be used as cut-bait. Once we had enough cut-bait we unloaded the boat into the Red River right off of 52ndAve S. We stayed within the city limits of Fargo-Moorhead to show the viewers you don’t have to leave home to have great catfishing. For some, it truly is right in your back yard.

In the course of a day and a half we caught 5 catfish, or as I like to call them, giant river monsters. We slowly went up stream and back down stream navigating the river carefully. We saw a lot of wild life while on the river, anything from bald eagles, otters, wild turkeys, deer and course the catfish.

Jason explained the characteristics of the river and places to look for that may be gold mines for catfish. Although we were on a boat, many of the areas were along bends in the river which were easily accessible by shore. Now, I wouldn’t say I am an avid fisher-(wo)man and my patients tend to run thin easily but a fight with a catfish is very exciting and worth the wait! They really do put up a fight!

Check out Jason and myself on Jason Mitchell Outdoors this Sunday (2/24/13) at 9am CST on Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Midwest.

The picture below is of the last fish I caught, a trophy size catfish from the Red River, just north of the 52nd street convent landing.

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The Adventures of Three Englishmen in Fargo-Moorhead

On January 29, 2013, in attractions, food, travel, by FM CVB
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It’s not very often you read a blog post about bloggers, but when three men make their way across all 50 states in a matter of 30 days, it’s something worth hearing about. Jonathan Thompson, Mark Chilvers, and Chris MacDonald have jumped the pond from their homes in London to America. These three Englishmen were asked by American Airlines to travel to each state and blog about their time there. Jon writes the articles, Chris takes video, and Mark photographs the scenery and shoots portraits of locals everywhere they go.

 

These guys are getting close to wrapping up their journey, but state #44 (ND) brought Jon, Chris, and Mark to good old Fargo! They arrived at 5:30pm and were headed on their merry way by 7am the next morning. Despite their exhaustion from traveling, the trio was enthusiastic about being in North Dakota! They were quick to comment about the beautiful sunset they witnessed as they landed at Hector International Airport and complimented the nice weather…an extremely rare happenstance in January!

 

Mallari Page and I had the pleasure of showing our visitors just some of what Fargo and North Dakota has to offer. I was happy to chat about the journey Lewis and Clark took through North Dakota in the early 1800’s. Jon was unsure what Superman had to do with North Dakota…”no, Jon…that was Lois & Clark,” Chris corrected his travel mate, giving a brief run down about the importance of the journey to us Yanks.

 

After a quick stop at their hotel, Mallari and I introduced our new friends to the Woodchipper!

Mark, Jon & Chris with the real Woodchipper!
www.thewoodchipper.org

 

 

 

Jon was the only one who had never seen the movie FARGO, but both Chris and Mark were huge fans. They were even more excited when we served them Woodchipper IPA from the Fargo Brewing Company and Chippers from Carol Widman’s Candy Store while they enjoyed the infamous scene, starring the Woodchipper itself!

This is when Chris admitted that he was a little sad that I didn’t have the “Fargo Accent”…Oh ya!

 

 

Before we moved on… Chris, Mark and Jon all left their mark at the F-M Visitor Center.

Putting a pin on the map where they’re from!

 

 
Next, we took the guys to ride the indoor Ferris Wheel at Scheels.

Jon and Chris went round and round on the wheel while Mark wandered looking for someone who looked “really outdoors-y.”

 

 

With a beer in their bellies and a memory from childhood relived, our friends were ready for an awesome meal. The Hotel Donaldson did not disappoint! From Bison Short Ribs to Red Deer, they feasted on excellent local fare and sipped on Stone’s Throw Scottish Ale, also from the Fargo Brewing Company.  All three were impressed by the fantastic food and atmosphere, but especially enjoyed the local art that decorates the entire building.

Next, we walked to the famous Fargo Theatre to grab a few shots of the sign and get some video of Wood-Chip Marge inside the theatre.

Finally, to top the night, Mallari arrange to see downtown Fargo from the 16th Floor of the Radisson Hotel. Mallari stunned us all with her skills on the piano while we enjoyed the incredible view.

Keeping up on their reading with the High Plains Reader at the Radisson!

 

We had so much fun with our newest Fargo Fans and look forward to seeing their blog

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2013: Ringing in the NEW YEAR in Fargo-Moorhead

On December 31, 2012, in events, food, information, travel, by FM CVB
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December 31, 2012 may fall on a Monday this year but that won’t stop people from celebrating New Year’s Eve in Fargo-Moorhead. Some people may prefer the tradition of staying in curled up in front of the television watching the infamous “ball drop” on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Others may seek a night filled with champagne, funny paper hats, black ties and glitter dresses.  Oh, and don’t forget the noisemakers!

If you plan to start your night with dinner, I would suggest calling ahead to see if any reservations are still available or if they offer call-ahead seating. Many of the larger restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead will not take reservations but may offer call-ahead seating. You may still need to wait for a table but calling ahead could shave 20 minutes+ off your wait time, depending on how busy they are. For a list of restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead, check out our website!

  • Dinner at the HoDo Restaurant – Make your New Year memorable with dinner at ND’s only AAA 4 Diamond rated restaurant. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations.
  • West Fargo Shakers New Year’s Eve – 7pm, Speedway Event Center. Fundraiser for Fargo’s Emergency Food Pantry features music by Skyline at 9, appetizers and raffles throughout the night.
  • Sons of Norway New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance – 5:30pm, Sons of Norway. Salmon or prime rib dinner served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., $19.50; dance to the Brian Breitbarth Trio, 8 p.m. to midnight.

** information provided courtesy of The Fargo Beat

If dinner plans are not on the agenda for the evening, then pay close attention to these exciting things happening in Fargo-Moorhead for New Year’s Eve!

  • New Year’s Eve Comic Extravaganza – Courtney’s Comedy Club.  6 comedians. 7pm and 10pm show times. 701.287.7100. Sells out every year so drop what you’re doing (unless you’re holding a baby, please don’t drop a baby) and call now!
  • New Year’s Eve 2013 Party at The Hub – 9pm, The Hub. Featuring Sims, P.O.S., Cecil Otter, Mike Mictlan, and Lazerbeak of DOOMTREE; Toki Wright & band; and Kipp G & Tony The Butcher. 18+ $10 Venue Access; 21+ $5 All Access.
  • Heavy is the Head –9pm, HoDo, $5 cover.
  • Helena Handbasket – 9:30pm, Pickled Parrot. No cover!
  • Carmen the Cactus – Spirits Lounge and Casino at the Holiday Inn
  • Pretty Boy Thorson and the Falling Angels, F Detector, What Kingswood Needs, and The Babysitters – 9pm, The Aquarium. Free show with rock and punk bands. Free champagne toast and noisemakers at midnight!
  • Billy D and the Crystals – 9pm, Hagge’s Bar & Grill in Mapleton
  • New Year’s Eve Bash with 24 Seven – 9pm, The Garage Bar
  • New Year’s Eve DJ Dance Party – 10pm, Dempsey’s
  • Moody River Band – 10pm, Sidestreet Grille & Pub
  • 32 Below – 8:30pm, Ramada Crystal Ballroom. $10 cover. Final show with singer/guitarist Matt Aakre.
32 Below Courtesy of FM Spotlight

** information provided courtesy of The Fargo Beat

Have fun ringing in the New Year! We hope you had a fantastic 2012 and we wish you a prosperous 2013. Remember to have fun, be safe and if necessary, take a cab.

Doyle’s Yellow Checker Cab

Fargo 701-235-5535

Moorhead 218-233-1354

Lucky 7 Taxi Service

Fargo 701-235-1717

GoCab Taxi

Fargo 701-630-9383

Moorhead 218-304-1652

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Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh…

On December 6, 2012, in attractions, information, Outdoors, by FM CVB
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ClydesdalesWell, Fargo-Moorhead may be a little short on the snow this winter but the air is still crisp and the Christmas lights still sparkle. What better way to enjoy the season than with a horse drawn holiday ride. Dakota Carriage Companyoffers multiples opportunities to take in this great holiday tradition for the holidays.

This family owned business has been offering sleigh rides for almost 50 years. What started as a side job for retired Clydesdales, after their days of working in the fields had past has now turned into a full time business.

Dakota Carriage Company offers horse drawn holiday rides in conjunction with the Fargo Park District events and through private rentals. Now through December 23 you can take advantage of these rides at Santa Village every Saturday and Sunday at Rheault Farm.

Starting in January you can catch a sleigh ride every Saturday in the months of January and February at the Chalet on Edgewood Golf Course. Because a sleigh is used instead of a carriage and they do go on the golf course, there must be snow on the ground. Who would have thought this would be an issue in North Dakota in the first two months of the year? Hopefully we have a little more snow for the holidays compared to last year.

For a unique way to enjoy the holiday lights in downtown Fargo consider reserving a private ride for you and small group the weekend before Christmas. Rides a starting a $50 and afterwards you can regroup with a warm meal or a cool drink in one of our many downtown dining establishments.

Sleigh rides at Edgewood

Santa Village - Rheault Farm

November 24 – December 23, 2012

Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00-5:00pm

Sleigh Rides at the Chalet – Edgewood Golf Course

January and February 2013

Saturdays, 1:00-4:00pm

** weather permitting**

Tour of Lights Rides

Downtown Fargo

December 20, 21, 22,

Starting at $50

**reservations required 701-347-4069**

To hire the Clydesdales for you Holiday Party call Derik or Sari Kraft 701-347-4069

Check out their website DAKOTACARRIAGECOMPANY.COM

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A Slice of Europe in Fargo-Moorhead

On November 5, 2012, in attractions, food, information, by FM CVB
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It’s not a huge store, but there’s lots of goodness available. The European Market is located on 8th Street in Fargo. If you happen to be gallivanting around in the downtown area, here’s what the exterior of the building looks like:

The European Market

 

Some of the things you can expect to see inside the store include chocolate, candy, cheese, tea, sausage, gift items and more. Take a look at what’s on the shelves…

If you’re into trying new foods, you’ll definitely want to visit this little market.  A lot of the packaging doesn’t have very much English on it, but sometimes you can just tell by looking at something that it’s going to be pretty delicious (e.g. chocolate cake)! Also, if you’re looking for unique gifts, the market would be a good place to shop. They will do special order deli trays too! It’s a neat place to look around, so go check it out! :)

Address
7  8th Street South
Fargo, ND  58103

Hours
Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: CLOSED

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