How to Have the Perfect Fargo Staycation

Downtown Fargo has a little bit of everything: luxury or affordable accommodations, fine or casual dining, and tons of great things to do. We spent a weekend in Downtown Fargo and I’m happy to share details so you know how to have The Perfect Fargo Staycation! 

Note: This is described as a “staycation” for people in and around Fargo-Moorhead, but Fargo is a GREAT destination and this guide can be used by you out-of-towners as well! 

Where to Stay

Downtown Fargo really has something for everyone. If you’re looking to have the stay as part of the experience (in my opinion this is what “makes” a staycation) there are a few great options. If you are just looking for a place to crash between outings- there’s something for you too!

Jasper Hotel

I love traveling on a budget but having premium accommodation elevates a trip. There’s something about staying at a boutique hotel that feels so special. Jasper Hotel is just that, the perfect way to make your Fargo stay a little more boujee. 

As you walk into the hotel it feels glamorous yet familiar. Many of the elements are an ode to Fargo, North Dakota or the midwest- an example being the pillars in the lobby resembling grain bins. All of the art is by artists in the area and I found the friendly staff was able to tell me who it was by, if not a little backstory.

Much like the lobby, the room had a upscale but cozy feel. There was plenty of space and beautiful furniture- not to be overshadowed by the stunning views of Fargo-Moorhead. The bathroom had soft towels, nice toiletries and the shower had great water pressure. If you like to workout while you’re away, Jasper Hotel has a great fitness center and sauna available to guests.

Being in the heart of Downtown Fargo right on Broadway makes it the perfect place to unwind and also have easy access to food and drink, local events, and activities.

Check out my post: Jasper Hotel Gallery for a full idea of the stunning hotel. 

And click HERE to book a stay. Use KATTELLSALL for 20% off!

Other Options

Although I highly recommend staying at Jasper Hotel, there are several other great spots to stay in downtown or throughout Fargo. The following are a few:

($) <$100, ($$) $100-$200, ($$$) >$200 per night.

Downtown Accommodation

• Radisson Blu ($$)
• Kilbourne Airbnb Lofts ($$)
• Hotel Donaldson ($$$)

Accommodation a Little Further Out

• Homewood Suites by Hilton ($) Near NDSU
• Courtyard by Marriott ($-$$) Near Concordia College and MSUM
• Delta Hotels by Marriott ($$) Near West Acres Mall

Where to Eat

Downtown Fargo is BOOMING and with that comes great places to eat and drink. There are tons of tried and true places that are Fargo staples, and a few newer places that are making waves throughout the community. I certainly haven’t been everywhere (but it’s on the list!), and I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a “foodie” but here are a few incredible places to stop for a bite!

Blackbird Woodfire

Blackbird Woodfire is Fargo-Famous for their incredible hand stretched pizza. I’m always on the hunt for pizza with a great crust and creative toppings and Blackbird hits the nail on the head. They have a variety of unique pizzas (don’t worry picky eaters- you can still order just cheese!), delicious tapas, and fresh salads.

The kitchen is in the center of the restaurant so you can watch your pizza go in and out of the oven. The ambiance is the perfect balance of intimate but upbeat and fun.

While we were there we started with the Provalette (basically cheese on skillet) which came with a side of delicious and crunchy crostini’s. For our meal we shared the Rodeo Chicken Pizza (chicken, bacon, spinach parm, tomato, roasted onion, and basil) which was on special- I love a pizza with an olive oil base instead of classic tomato sauce.

To drink I had the Red Blend red wine, and Jake went for the Dogfish Head Sea Quench Ale sour. We both loved the beer and will be looking for Dogfish Head Brewing beer on tap going forward!

Silver-lining Creamery

Dessert was Silver-lining Creamery. I hadn’t been before but had heard so many great things! Silver-lining is local to Rapid City and now Fargo. All ice cream is made fresh in-store! I would 10/10 recommend for the sweet treats and location!

I ordered Coffee Flavor and Jake tried the Butterfinger and Oreo flavors. All were a do-again!

Rosewild

Rosewild was the perfect brunch stop during our Fargo staycation. Not only was the food incredible but it’s conveniently located within Jasper Hotel. The restaurant esthetic was perfect and the farm-to-table food made into unique dishes has us dreaming of our next visit!

You HAVE to order the Stuffed French Toast! A towering stack of French toast layered with cream cheese, berries, and berry compote. 10/10 recommend! The Jasper Omelette was also incredible.

I actually visited Rosewild with my Mom and Grandma a few weeks later to try the lunch menu. I went with the Risotto with chicken and a side of the Parmesan fries. Both were great and I would definitely order again! My Mom ordered the Parsnip Apple soup, and after tasting hers, I have to say it was the star. We were thinking about the soup all afternoon and googling recipes to make it at home!

A Few of My Favorite Coffee Shops

• Babb’s Coffee House: I love the Seattle, Washington theme and the coffee is incredible! Tons of great places to sit and enjoy a coffee with a friend. (7 min walk from Jasper Hotel)
• Twenty Below Coffee Co: You HAVE to order the Miel Latte! This was hands down the best latte I have had in a very long time! (5 min walk from Jasper Hotel) 
• Young Blood Coffee: Great coffee and great location! (2 min walk from Jasper Hotel)

Other Food Options

• 701 Eateries: Another farm-to-table favorite, 701 Eateries has become a Fargo-Moorhead staple. Many of their dishes are an ode to the Scandinavian heritage of people in the area. 701 Eateries is a little further out of Downtown, but so worth the drive!
• The Boiler Room: When we were in Grad School the Boiler Room was “our spot”. With a night on the town planned, the Boiler Room was almost always the jumping-off-point. We loved the long tap list, unique cocktails, and half-priced apps during happy hour!
• Vinyl Taco: If strong margaritas are your jam, then Vinyl Taco is for you. Another favorite spot from my college days; a pitcher of margarita goes pretty far when it’s 90% tequila. Single tacos ranging from $4.70 to $5.00 means that you can order as few or as many as you would like depending on your appetite or your budget.
• Drunken Noodle: A great spot to grab lunch! May I recommend the Pork Belly Ramen? 
• The Toasted Frog: Infamous in Downtown Fargo as THE place for a cocktail. If I remember correctly the drink menu is 8(?) pages long!

More of a Brewery person? Check out my post: Your Guide to the Fargo-Moorhead Beer Scene!

What to Do

There are so many great things to do in Fargo-Moorhead. Because Fargo’s weather changes so drastically, events in different seasons can be dramatically different. The following are a few great starting points- if you’re looking for more, the Fargo-Moorhead events calendar can be found HERE. 

Broadway Square

Broadway square is located in the heart of Downtown Fargo. Fargo Parks has grown it to be a true community hub with a fun atmosphere and great events. Throughout the winter Fargo Scheels sponsors a small skating rink that is open most nights (weather dependent). During the summer events happen almost every Saturday, oftentimes there will be live music or movies throughout the week. 

The Red River Market happens in Downtown Fargo throughout summer and fall. It begins in July of 2022. There are 100s of local vendors that sell farm grown, handmade, or locally sourced goods. 

Shopping

Downtown Fargo has great place to shop, no matter what you’re looking for there’s something for you!

A few of my favorites include:

• Unglued: A place to find locally crafted goods. Unglued hosts arts and crafts from over 200 artists in the Fargo-Moorhead area and throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. Sorry Hallmark- I’ll be buying handmade cards from Unglued from here on out!
• Kindred People: A clothing boutique unique to Fargo and Alexandria, MN (I’ve been to both!). Kindred people has me wishing money grew on trees because I always find something- if not multiple things- I can’t leave without!
• Carmine and Heyworth Vintage: I hadn’t been in this vintage shop until a few weeks ago. And I have to say.. it’s so cute. They have amazing clothing pieces and quirky gifts. I would definitely recommend checking it out!
• Mint and Basil: Another great women’s clothing and household goods boutique. If you’re looking for a great gift for someone special (or yourself!) I would recommend Mint and Basil! 

Stay tuned for a FULL blog post all about my favorite places to shop in Downtown Fargo! New Blog Posts are released biweekly!

Your Fargo Staycation Itinerary

This is your complete itinerary for a 24 hour Staycation (or Trip!) to Fargo-Moorhead!

Day 1

12:00 PM- Head Downtown or Arrive in Fargo Moorhead.

12:10 PM- Lunch at 701 Eateries Prairies Kitchen (I would order the Prime Rib Sandwich or Hotdish of the Moment off of the lunch menu) or Drunken Noodle (Order the Pork Belly Ramen Bowl- YUM)!

1:30 PM- Spend some time shopping downtown. Walk down Broadway Avenue and check out some of the local shops! 

4:00 PM- Check into your room at Jasper Hotel (or other accomodation). Take some time to get settled, unpack and RELAX, check out the hotel, or explore more in Downtown Fargo. 

6:00 PM- Grab pizza at Blackbird Woodfire for supper.

7:30 PM- Head over to The Silver Lining Creamery for dessert. The Silver Lining closes at 9pm during the summer and 8pm during the winter months. 

8:00 PM- Enjoy a Cocktail at Rosewild or the Toasted Frog. 

Day 2

Do your morning thing.. sleep in, workout, get packed up and ready to check out. 

9:00 AM- Grab a coffee at Babb’s Coffee House, Twenty Below Coffee Co., or Young Blood Coffee. Jasper Hotel also has a barista that makes coffee each the morning! 

10:00 AM- Breakfast at Rosewild (again, I definitely recommend the Stuffed French Toast or the Jasper Omelette).

11:00 AM- Take in one more Fargo activity: The Red River Market, a Broadway Square Event, or skating at Scheels Ice Rink! 

Looking for a great place to grab a beer in Fargo-Moorhead? Look no further! Check out my recent post with a local beer expert: Your Guide to the Fargo-Moorhead Beer Scene!

Fargo is a wonderful place for a local staycation or a great spot to visit. Downtown is rich in culture, full of fun things to do, and great places to eat. 

If you haven’t already, now is the time to book a visit or staycation! Use code KATTELLSALL for 20% off your stay at Jasper Hotel from 03/22/22-04/30/22!