I was raised in Moorhead, Minn., but born in Fargo. I started associating myself with the latter after people became aware of its existence due to the Coen brothers’ cult classic in the second half of the ’90s. It was just easier. Before then, I’m convinced that no one knew about these twin cities of the North.

Fargo always fancied itself the art mecca of the Upper Midwest – and in the last few years, it has really come into its own. Every time I visit, there’s a new restaurant, coffee shop, brewery or local artist featured in a little boutique.  If you happen to visit, text me for a full list of suggestions. But here are a few to get you started:

Lunch
Scratch Sandwich + Deli Co., a new sandwich shop on Broadway! It’s giving my personal favorite, Erbert and Gerbert’s, a run for its money. You open the door and step right into line, where you’re bound to run into an old high-school pal who’s also home for the holidays. You can’t go wrong with the menu; we chose the confetti tuna salad on sourdough (made-from-scratch) and the chili. Served up on butcher paper printed with old-timey grocery ads on a metal tray, the sandwich was solid. Anyway, we loved it. As we left, the jolly old man running the till asked us how our meal was, and told us, “It’s the time of year to reunite!” Everything’s better from scratch.

68 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102; (701) 478-3354

Coffee
Stumbeanos, based out of Fergus Falls, MN. Doin’ it today. I’ll get back to you.

Dinner
The Boiler Room has been on my must-visit list for a few months, ever since the owner and head chef catered my wedding in September. He’s already well-known for Monte’s, the restaurant we indulged in that magical September night. Monte’s is more of a hot-date spot, but The Boiler Room is his new venture that’s known for its brunch, craft beer list and a menu of American classics. Three-cheese tater tot hot dish graces the app menu, and rumchata French toast entices you on the dessert list. Seriously? We swung by last night for my mom’s birthday, and she scored a free birthday cocktail (the banana colada!) – the rest is history.

210 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102; (701) 478-1990

Entertainment
One of my favorite places to visit each Christmas is The Fargo Theater. This historic stage is host to traveling acts like Ingrid Michaelson, John C. Reilly, the latest indie films, and my kind of boy band…The Blenders. The Blenders are an a capella group of four Fargo guys who have been performing together since 1997. They play a hometown Christmas concert every year, and it’s a festive Fargo-Moorhead highlight.

314 Broadway North, Fargo, ND 58102; (701) 239-8385

Now @DaveFransen, I’d love to read your tribute to Fergus Falls!