Are you looking for a fun weekend getaway in the Midwest? You need to check out the Midwest gem, Downtown Fargo, ND.
I grew up in a mid-sized town in northern Minnesota located halfway between Duluth, MN, and Fargo, ND. When we wanted to go on a quick road trip if we were not camping, chances are good we were in Fargo or Duluth.
I have to admit, at that time, downtown Fargo was not much to talk about. A few fun shops and a couple of restaurants but generally speaking, not many people spent much time there.
In my mid-twenties, however, I was in Fargo for an event and my aunt suggested we go Downtown for dinner. She explained it had changed a lot and was becoming a fun place to hang out. We agreed to meet and I was shocked to see how much had changed.
I instantly knew I wanted to spend more time exploring sometime. Well, life occasionally gets away from me and I never really went back… Until a comedian I really wanted to see (Jeff Dunham) was making a stop at Scheels Arena in Fargo.
After talking to my partner in crime, we decided to buy tickets and plan a weekend away.
Keep reading for my recommendations on planning your weekend getaway in Fargo, ND.
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Where to stay in downtown Fargo.
Jasper Hotel – I had a difficult time deciding where to stay. The reason? I have been fascinated by the Hotel Donaldson (aka HODO) since that dinner with my aunt many years ago. I’m a sucker for a boutique hotel, renovated old buildings, anything unique and interesting.
But when I found the Jasper Hotel which was opened in the summer of 2021, I knew this was where I wanted to stay. Its centrality is located in downtown Fargo making it close to many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and activities.
The rooms are modern and comfortable. They have a bar, restaurant (with weekend jazz brunch), a fitness center, and a sauna!! It’s a great place to stay for a romantic weekend away or a ladies/guys-only weekend. Kids are welcome but with no pool, most kids would not find this enjoyable. If you want more information check out my previous post about the Jasper Hotel.
Where to get breakfast in downtown Fargo, ND
Rosewild Restaurant – One of the reasons I booked a room at the Jasper Hotel was the weekend jazz brunch at the Rosewild restaurant in the hotel. I love to sleep in so most weekends (even when at home) we eat brunch.
When I say they not only offered a special weekend brunch but also had live jazz music I was sold. The food is amazing. They source local ingredients and create a menu around local Midwest heritage. Think simple but hardy Scandinavian meals: fresh (high quality) ingredients with a connection to the local land.
The musicians are local favorites and several people were moved to get up and dance.
The bar is of course open serving traditional brunch cocktails like Bloody Mary’s, screwdrivers, and of course mimosas!!!
If you want more information check out my previous post about the Rosewild Jazz Brunch.
Sandy’s Donuts – Donuts are not my thing…I know…don’t hate me but most donuts don’t sit well with me. So why am I including Sandy’s Donuts on this list? Because I occasionally risk a stomach ache and try a donut. I tried Sandy’s and they not only didn’t give me issues, I actually wanted to have more.
Sandy’s Donuts is a local favorite with a few locations around the Fargo/Moorhead area. My experience is with the downtown Fargo location.
They offer 54 different flavors, with traditional favorites like; old fashions, Bismarks, and Bavarian cream filled. To fun and innovative flavors like; cookies and cream, maple fried cinnamon, and espresso bean.
If you want more information check out my previous post about Sandy’s Donuts.
Where to get coffee.
Black Coffee and Waffles – This could have put this in the breakfast category too but during our trip to Downtown Fargo, we only had coffee at Black Coffee and Waffles. The location is perfect as it was across the street from our hotel, the atmosphere is relaxing and guests are even encouraged to sit back and play games. And most important, the coffee is delicious!!
In particular, I love the fact the coffee comes from a female-run coffee roasting company located across the river in Minnesota. It’s fresh and you can taste the difference.
If you want more information check out my previous post about why Black Coffee and Waffles is a must check out for a weekend in downtown Fargo.
Where to get lunch in Fargo
Teddy’s Eatery – Teddy’s Eatery is a unique restaurant in Downtown Fargo. Located in a renovated historic building, the original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and tall ceilings, give the space a welcoming feeling. The deli case, that’s right deli case near the front door tells you this place is different than many restaurants.
They have a full menu but specialize in their soups and sandwiches. Hence the deli case by the front door. I recommend the Chicken Bacon Badlands sandwich.
A perfect balance of history and modernity with a wonderful menu and tasty cocktails makes Teddy’s Eatery a great place for lunch with your friends. A lunch date with family. Or a place to relax after a morning full of shopping.
If you want more information check out my previous post about Teddy’s Eatery.
What to do in Fargo
Red River Market – While the Red River Market is a seasonal outdoor event at Broadway Square (next to the Jasper Hotel) I still highly recommend planning a trip around this event. The market runs from early July through October. It’s a maker’s market on steroids that covers several blocks around the square. There are farmers with fresh veggies, flowers, plants, and fruit for sale. Local bakeries, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and candy makers all there selling their products. Food trucks are there selling everything from tacos to waffles to curry. Artists sell paintings, wood carvings, and jewelry. And vendors selling canned goods from pickles to jam to hot sauce. Rounding out the event is the live music and cooking demos.
You can easily spend all morning and into the afternoon enjoying this event. There is something for everyone!
If you want more information check out my previous post about the Red River Market in downtown Fargo.
Where to get dinner and drinks in downtown Fargo.
Toasted Frog – Cheesy Pickles! Enough said.
If you have never had cheesy pickles at Toasted Frog, I will explain. Toasted Frog is known for their cheesy pickle appetizer. It’s a pickle wrapped in Havarti cheese, stuffed into an eggroll wrapper, and deep-fried. If you watch Food Network, Molly Yeh has mentioned these on her show too.
They are so yummy!!!!
The cocktails were some of the best I’ve ever had. The espresso martini and the lemon drop martini are my favorites.
Toasted Frog in downtown Fargo, is one of my top 10 restaurant choices in the Midwest. They have a location in Grand Forks, ND too. I’ve been there and the food there is fire too.
If you want more information check out my previous post about the Downtown Fargo Toasted Frog location.
Where to get a late-night snack
Insomnia Cookies – I saved the best for last. Who wouldn’t want a fresh, still warm, cookie at midnight after a night out with friends? Insomnia Cookies offers just that. A bakery that is open until 1:00 for anyone in Downtown Fargo who has a hankering for a snack. The cookies are fresh and put in the box still warm. They have 13 different flavors including chocolate chip, oatmeal, chocolate mint, snickerdoodle, and peanut butter. They offer vegan and gluten-free options too!
Even if you are not downtown you can still over cookies for delivery.
If you want more information check out my previous post about Insomnia Cookies.
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you. Get out there and explore!
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