From craft brewing to modern art and a nice dinner, downtown Fargo-Moorhead is where it’s at!
If you’re visiting the Fargo-Moorhead area for the first time, or just want to get to know these twin cities on the Red River of the North better, there are many options in the historic downtown neighborhood. The downtown neighborhood offers the cities best dining, art and culture in a welcoming atmosphere that has been noted nationally again and again.
We’ve put together a few options for a fun Saturday downtown. Let’s get started in the morning:
Fuel Up
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and a day downtown requires a little fuel for your body. Here are some breakfast options downtown.
Sandy’s Donuts is a local favorite, and if you’re looking for something fun and light for breakfast they can’t be beat. If it’s your first time, be sure to ask for the Woodchipper donut. You can eat it under the historic Fargo Theatre marquee for a great photo op!
If you’re looking for something more substantial for breakfast, The Boiler Room is a great choice. This unique bar and grill is located under Broadway in the lower level of the beautifully restored Loretta building.
Breakfast is available from 9am to 4 pm on Saturdays and includes Rumchata French Toast topped with banana butter and fresh strawberries, a Greek Omelet or the Grilled Egg and Chorizo Sandwich. Don’t forget about a Bloody Mary!
Other great options: Nicole’s Fine Pastry – 13 S 8th St., Fargo | Babb’s Coffee House – 604 Main Ave., Fargo | Josie’s Corner Cafe & Bake Shop – 524 Broadway N, Fargo
Take A Tour
After a good breakfast, a tour is a great way to spend and hour or two with a group or as a couple.
What started out as a group of friends making beer for each other to sample has turned into one of downtown’s most popular meeting spots at the Drekker Brewing Company taproom. Walk in and you’ll quickly feel like you’re family.
On Saturday’s, the Drekker crew offers tours of their brew operations with their Grains-to-Glass tour. Ticket’s are only $10 and include 1/2 pint pour during the tour, a tasting session with a flight of 4 1/2 pint samples and 10% discount on all merchandise. Tours are limited to 20 guests are all attendants must be 21 years old.
425 Broadway N, Fargo -or- Broadway and 1st Ave. S, Fargo (Island Park)
The Fargo Underground Downtown Audio Walking Tour offers two self-guided walking tour routes of historic Fargo accompanied by audio narration featuring 57 historic buildings. Many of the buildings are part of the Downtown Fargo Historic District, some of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Northern Route of the Downtown Fargo Audio Walking Tour begins and ends at The Great Northern Depot at 425 Broadway. The Southern Route of the Downtown Fargo Audio Walking Tour begins and ends on the North side of Island Park on Broadway and 1st Ave. S.
Shopping Therapy
Sometimes, the best thing you can do on a Saturday afternoon is do a bit of shopping. Downtown Fargo-Moorhead has a collection of some of the most unique little shops you’ve every seen.
Lot 2029 on Main Avenue is a women’s clothing store that features fun, eclectic and affordable fashion. The shop features relaxed and trendy clothing, jewelry and accessories.
Zandbroz feels vintage – like it’s been in it’s downtown location for 100 years. Jeff and Greg Danz opened the store in 1998, well before the downtown renaissance, and have become a cornerstone of the neighborhood. The store features books, gifts, retro toys and home accessories. Set aside some time – you’ll want to spend awhile here for sure! Zandbroz is also a great place to find Fargo-themed gifts and souvenirs.
313 Broadway N, Fargo
It’s easy to lose track of time in Shannalee. This funky boutique has a bit of everything – from apparel to accessories, gifts and candles to art and greeting cards. It’s located right across the street from the Historic Fargo Theatre and is about as “Fargo” as you can get.
Unglued is a whimsical little craft store and more! They host over 100 local and regional artists, crafters and makers. While your there, check out their cupcakes from Bakeology!
Feast Your Eyes
Fargo-Moorhead is the epicenter of a rich arts and crafts movement, with and impressive array of museums and galleries to support the ever growing scene. Native American and folk art lovers will find the FM area has much to offer as well.
More than anything, the Plains is a vibrant community center for artists in the region. Aside from the permanent collections and hosted exhibitions, the center offers classes and space for artists and arts and crafts lovers to come together and share in the creative process. The Plains is one of downtown Fargo’s treasures and is a must see for any visitor.
The Rourke hosts collections of both regional and global scope. Their Art from the Midwest collection features the talents of local and regional artists and works by Midwestern artists make up more than half of the 4000 works. The Rourke’s collection of Pre-Columbian burial figurines are a feature of their global art.
Other great options: The Uptown Gallery – 74 Broadway N, Fargo | Ecce Gallery – 216 Broadway N, Fargo | Boerth’s Gallery – 212 Broadway N, Fargo
Dining For Every Taste
After a day downtown, Fargo-Moorhead offers a wide variety of dining options. From 5-star restaurants to exquisite pastries and fine wines, our welcoming eateries offer something for every taste and budget.
At the top of every local foodies list is Mezzaluna, and for good reason. Chef Eric Watson has created a menu that reflects the best fare the Midwest has to offer in an urban eatery. Mezzaluna would feel right at home in a big city, but has the genuinely Fargo-friendly feel of a neighborhood spot.
Chef Scott Motschenbacker serves some of the finest aged beef you’ll ever experience. Steakhouse lovers will feel right at home and the libations will keep you around for some after dinner conversation.
Modeled after the beefsteak clubs of England, Scott and his crew make each guest feel right at home and continue to receive high marks for both the food and the excellent service.
Other great options: Rustica – 315 Main Ave., Moorhead | Blackbird Woodfire – 206 Broadway N, Fargo | Hodo Restaurant – 101 Broadway N, Fargo
