Book Your stay at The Hotel Donaldson
The Hotel Donaldson, or as the locals call it, The HoDo, offers a selection of unique, artist-inspired rooms. If at all possible, book room 17. Its expansive space includes pottery by local artist and Master Potter, Richard Bresnahan; Aveda’s Rosemary Mint line of shower products, and a Japanese Soaking Tub with water filling it from the ceiling (seriously)!
We were given chocolates in the evening and offered wine (though we had other plans preventing us from imbibing). Coffee and pastries were brought to our room in the morning. The service was welcoming and attentive.
Great restaurants, shopping, sculptures, and cafes are within blocks, including our next recommendation!
Note: When we visited their onsite restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar were all closed (thanks pandemic). As far as we know, a reopening date has not been published for those amenities. They do still offer room service for drinks.
Reserve a Table for Two at Mezzaluna
Mezzaluna has an unpretentious space adorned with romantic touches like chandeliers. You can sit at a high backed banquette that looks like it was lifted off of a glamorous Hollywood set — maybe The Great Gatsby, or Sunset Boulevard.
The service is kind, knowledgeable, and attentive and the locally sourced, elevated American fare served is sublime. They offer craft cocktails, craft beers, and a wonderful selection of wine.
We recommend listening to the knowledgeable wait staff’s recommendations and indulging a little. We both had steak. I asked which wine might be best to pair with mine. Our server recommended a glass of Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon ($18) and it was a divine combination.
Room Service After Dinner Drinks or BYO
Remember, there’s a Japanese Soaking Tub in the room to enjoy (if you’re in room 17), so it doesn’t make a heckuva lot of sense to stay out super late. Have some beer, wine, or soda delivered (or bring your own) and unwind.
Walk over to Twenty Below Coffee
After a romantic and restful evening and a room service treat, kick off your day at Twenty Below Coffee Co. with a coffee, espresso drink, or a not-coffee drink if that’s your pleasure.
If you like your coffee beyond basic black, I recommend trying The Kinnick. It’s a latte with Grade A Minnesota maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon. If you prefer to drink standard black coffee, Chris says it’s quite delicious. Sit down and stay awhile. The atmosphere is friendly and refreshing.
Walk Around Downtown Fargo
Chris and I love to walk around downtown areas with coffees in hand looking for art and architecture we like. In Downtown Fargo, bring along your kid-at-heart self. There are sculptures and Instagram-friendly murals scattered around downtown to have fun posing with.
If you’re an art lover, you might want to work a visit to the Plains Art Museum into your visit.
Try Delicious Tacos and More at Vinyl Taco
Eat chips, guac, and a variety of street tacos while listening to groovy tunes in Vinyl Taco – a place that embraces the vinyl element of its name in its record themed decor.
We started with the Guacamole and Chips ($5.95). Guac made from smashed avocados, pico, and fresh, then topped with radish. Served with just made chips. It was double-thumbs-up delish! Then we tried a variety of tacos, including: Carne Asada, Chicken Fajita, Cilantro Lime Chicken, and Crispy Chicken and Mango.
For Film-lovers only
Go into the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. Once inside, you can see memorabilia from the Coen brothers’ Midwestern noir comedy, Fargo. There’s a copy of the original script, movie posters, and an assortment of props from the film including the famous wood chipper. Outside, you can stroll along Fargo-Moorhead Walk of Fame. It includes handprints, signatures, and more from famous folks like the members of Metallica, author John Updike, Dr. Ruth, and many more.
You may also want to see if any films are showing, or events are happening at Fargo Theatre during your stay. Built in 1926, as a cinema and vaudeville theatre, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places.
for All the #Northofnormal details
See more #NorthOfNormal Fargo, North Dakota fun by watching our “Just How North of Normal Is Fargo?” video.
