Fargo, North Dakota? Yes, you read that right! And let me tell you, it was an absolutely delightful surprise. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the genuine warmth and friendliness of everyone we encountered. It’s not just a stereotype; people in Fargo are genuinely happy to chat, offer recommendations, and make you feel welcome.
One of the highlights of our trip was an incredible dinner at Mezzaluna. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet cozy, and the food was simply divine. Eating at the bar, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the experience and it was truly delightful, as was the food. Cudos to Owners Taylor & Joe!
The next morning, I had the immense pleasure of chatting with Monte Jones, a man who has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Fargo. His passion for the city is infectious, and hearing about his vision and hard work in transforming the area was truly inspiring. He pointed out several buildings and projects that he’d personally been involved with, and it’s clear his efforts have made a significant positive impact on the city’s vibrant downtown.
Speaking of downtown, we stumbled upon something truly unexpected during our explorations. In a municipal building complex, we found what looked exactly like a headstone inscribed with the Ten Commandments. It was such an unusual and thought-provoking sight in a government setting, sparking quite a discussion amongst our group.
Finally, a trip to Fargo is not complete without a quick stop at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor’s Center where the original woodchopper from the set of the movie Fargo is housed. It’s quirky but fun.
Note that the one other attraction everyone directed us to was the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, just on the Minnesota side of the river dividing the two cities. It’s home to the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, primarily known for housing the full-scale replica Viking ship, Hjemkomst, and a replica of a Norwegian stave church (pictured below), while also featuring exhibits and archives that interpret the history and culture of the local region. Unfortunately, while we were able to walk the grounds, the museum itself was closed because of an unexpected maintenance issue on the day we visited.
