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Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a bustling metropolis nestled in the Red River Valley. It's home to the University of North Dakota and the GF Air Force Base. With its Greenway and ideal location along the river, the city has plenty of outdoor activities and great family-friendly entertainment. There are lovely parks with space to run and play for the younger children. A water park provides even more excitement, especially on a hot summer day. As your children get older, you can take them to local museums, explore the historic downtown, or even catch a race at River Cities Speedway. more There are many fun activities in Grand Forks for kids and adults alike. And if you find yourself in need of transportation to explore the city of Grand Forks, consider visiting Rydell Outlet for your next vehicle purchase. As a trusted part of the Grand Forks community, we're an excellent choice when shopping for a family car. So pack a picnic, grab your family, and head out to one of the fun family activities here in Grand Forks. Splasher's of the South Seas Located in the Canad Inn on 42nd Street, Splasher's of the South Seas is an expansive indoor water park for all ages. The 40,000-square-foot park has many ride and slide options, including a cannon bowl slide, kiddie pool, lazy river, and activity pool. While the kids play, there's also an adult hot tub for you to rest and relax. And when you need a break from the water, grab food and play some games at Garbonzo's Pizza & Arcade. Pricing varies by age and package, and the park's hours also change each day (and differ for hotel guests). The Greenway Photo via Pixabay by rzierik The Greenway is a massive outdoor green belt with so many family activities that it deserves its page! But we'll focus on some of our favorite family-friendly fun there for now. In total, the site is a 2,200-acre linear corridor of open space. While its primary purpose is flood protection for the Greater Grand Forks area, it also provides ample space for outdoor activities. You can visit the Greenway for hiking, swimming, cycling, fishing, golfing, and more during the summer. They even have an off-leash dog park, so you don't have to leave the family pet at home. Further, once winter arrives, so does the snow in North Dakota. Interestingly, the Greenway doesn't close for the season. They have trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling and areas for ice skating and sledding. The options are endless for family fun in nature at the Greenway. And be sure to check out their calendar for special upcoming events. River Cities Speedway River Cities Speedway is a high-banked dirt track — promising different races — that attracts thousands of people every Friday night. Featured cars include NOSA 410 Sprint Cars, NLRA Late Models, Midwest Mods, and Street Stocks. They also have special kids activities, including a candy toss and meet and greet in the pit after the race, where kids can get trading cards and autographs from the drivers. River's races are often on Fridays, but check their schedule for details. Grand Forks Historic District If you have kids who enjoy going on walks with you, consider taking them along for a tour of historic downtown Grand Forks. There are plenty of places to stop and take a break, as well as shops and eateries to slip into if it gets too hot. Downtown Grand Forks also hosts tons of fun events throughout the year, such as trivia nights at local restaurants, live music and shows, street fairs, and more. Check out their event calendar to find something the whole family will enjoy. Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland Photo via Pixabay by Nikiko The Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland at Central Middle School is an incredible destination for kids keen on nature. Plants, trees, grasses, and flowers were chosen specifically to attract butterflies and other essential pollinators, forming a glorious mini-habitat of winged insects. The native prairie site is an excellent location for bird-watching as well. The restored area is 30 acres, with 25,000 square feet dedicated to the butterfly garden. Sherlock Forest Playground If you have younger kids who love to climb, slide, and play, consider an afternoon in East Grand Forks at Sherlock Forest Playground. Sherlock Forest is a unique and expansive playground that includes classic playground equipment, such as slides and swings, with more original designs, tunnels, toys, and interactive games. The garden was designed by junior architects from local schools, which gives the park an even more authentic charm. Elks Pool and Spray Park On hot summer days, there's nothing better than jumping into a fantastic pool. Luckily, Elks Pool and Spray Park are affordable and open to the public, making this experience even more attractive. The pool and park are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer months. This timetable occasionally varies, so be sure to check their schedule before visiting. Day passes range from $1.50 to $4.00, with season and group also available. Dakota Lanes Bowling is a fun, competitive activity for kids and adults alike. Along Route 2, you'll find Dakota Lanes at the Grand Forks Air Force Base just outside of town. In addition to traditional bowling, the facility also has Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. A visit here also promises lunch and bowl combo meals as well as special group packages for your child's next birthday party. Have a Safe and Fun-Filled Time in Grand Forks We hope this list has provided you with some fun ideas for family-friendly activities in the Grand Forks area. Whether you're looking forward to knocking down some pins or swinging at the playground, there's something here for everyone. But before you head out for your next family adventure, don't forget to get your car serviced, so you're safe and prepared for the road ahead. Did we miss your favorite local activity? Let us know!

The town of Thompson is home to Rydell Outlet Center, our used car dealership where you can find a quality used car at an affordable price. After you've purchased your next car from us, we want you to have a good time exploring the area and finding places to take your partner on a date. more Thompson may not have a lot of places to go on a date, but Grand Forks has plenty of great options for the two of you to go for something fun to do. Following is a list of fun date ideas you can find in the area while driving in your new-to-you car. Boathouse on the Red Image via Flickr by RichardBH | License CC by 2.0 Boathouse on the Red, also known as Red River Boathouse, offers reasonably priced adventures on the Red River via canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Take a canoe for two and paddle down the river to watch wildlife do its thing, enjoy the calm of gently drifting near the riverbanks, or take an adventure camp that challenges your physical fitness. The activities offered by Boathouse on the Red are perfect for bonding exercises that help you get to know your date better. It's also a great way to blow off the stress of the week. All activities offered by the boathouse include experts in physical fitness who are there to help people enjoy themselves without getting hurt. The expected outcome from an experience or adventure includes expanding your introspection, responsibility, verbal communication, and ability to help others out during a tight situation. Of course, there's always the opportunity to rent a watercraft and enjoy the simplicity of life with a date on the Red River. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse Looking for something out of the ordinary in farm country? Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Grand Forks delivers authentic Japanese dishes and fusions. Start out with an appetizer of crab meat and cream cheese stuffed in jalapenos, then fried up with tempura and served with eel sauce and spicy mayo for a perfect fusion. Then make your way to a bowl of tonkotsu ramen featuring bamboo soup, noodles, fish cake, scallion, seasoned egg, and pork chashiu. Sakura's sushi menu is extensive and is full of delicious flavor combinations prepared in traditional Japanese fashion along with popular American-style sushi options. The hibachi dinner menu has multiple protein options that please all palates and are made with Japanese-influenced flavors. Finish off your date experience with a glass of boba tea or some mochi ice cream. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse offers authentic flavors and dishes that excite and delight with their origins in another country. JL Beers Sometimes you just want to sit down in a restaurant and not be challenged by the menu. When you and your date feel the same way, head to JL Beers in Grand Forks. This award-winning restaurant is known around the area for simple, yet delicious food and drinks that deliver comfortable satisfaction when you're finished. The menu states at the top that its "ingredients come from someone's backyard," ensuring that your food is made from the freshest available ingredients. The menu features burgers that go by the name of the Humpty Dumpty, Mt. Mushmore, Totally Slawesome, Smokey the Beer, and more. Fries, chips, and pretzels with dips are available to complement your choice of entree. The beer menu features local brews, national favorites, and import brands to round out the selection. JL Beers is about the burgers and the brews, but not much else, and there's nothing wrong with that when it comes to good eating. Lew Flynn's Red Ray Lanes Grand Forks Lew Flynn's Red Ray Lanes is a vintage bowling alley that's a great place for doing something different on a date night as long as you make sure to go on a non-league night. All of your games are tracked on old-school CRT monitors using software that dates back to the 1980s. Make sure to bowl during the cosmic night for a total 80s flashback experience. Other bowling experiences include laser bowling and extreme bowling to help change up the experience. Once you're done throwing strikes on the lanes, and hopefully not with your date, stop by the Kegler Lounge for a drink or two. The bowling alley is open from early in the morning to late at night during the week, and it's open even later on the weekend. It's a great atmosphere for a casual date and gives both of you something to do when there's not much in the way of other activities available. Lotus Yoga Yoga is a meditative exercise style that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Lotus Yoga offers a wide variety of classes that anyone can execute regardless of whether they're a beginner or expert. It's a great place to come with a date to try out yoga as a shared experience and compare notes on the physical and mental journey each of you went on. The studio also offers dance exercise classes in case you want to do something different to get your blood pumping and your body moving. Not sure where to start with yoga? Lotus Yoga can help you decide which type of yoga is right for you and your date. The ultimate goal of Lotus Yoga is to help participants release stress, let their minds relax, and allow energy to move freely through their bodies. You don't have to commit to classes if you don't want to, making Lotus Yoga a great place for a date and a shared experience. So there you have our list of five fun date ideas to do in the area around Thompson that explore the available options that are on and off the beaten path. Do you feel we missed something that should be included in the list? Drop us a line to let us know, and we'll be sure to include your favorite destination for a date. Meanwhile, come see us at the Rydell Outlet Center to get your next set of affordable wheels.

If you live in the Fargo or Grand Forks area and are looking for something to do you'll find many events throughout the year that can be fun for the whole family. Summer festivals bring communities together, while holiday fairs offer a chance to support local makers while shopping for gifts. From outdoor activities like skiing and car shows to indoor theater shows and holiday markets, there is something for everyone no matter your interests. Whatever the season, there's plenty going on in eastern North Dakota. Here are some of the top annual events you might want to check out. more noteaser Greenway Ski Day Happening each year in February, Grand Forks' Greenway Ski Day is a fun way to get outside, get active, and enjoy some winter fun with your friends. This free event takes place at Lincoln Drive Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Kids will love participating in the cardboard sled race which happens at 2 p.m. You can build your own cardboard sled with materials from the Ski and Bike shop which can be picked up before the event. This shop also provided some complementary equipment for the Ski Day. Art on the Red A staple of Grand Forks since 2001, Art on the Red takes place on the second weekend in June. It usually takes place downtown along the Red River, but some recent years it's been held at University Park due to ongoing construction. At Art on the Red, you can shop from 100 vendors selling all kinds of quality goods from handmade jewelry, rugs, pottery, paintings, and delicious food. It attracts the best of North Dakota's artists, artisans, and food vendors, as well as musical acts from around the country. There are also kids' activities making this a great day out for the whole family. Grand Forks Downtown Street Fair The Downtown Street Fair in Grand Forks happens on a Friday and Saturday in August. You can find everything here from fresh produce to food carts, to handmade crafts and other products. Throughout the fair there are busking musicians, live portrait artists, and kids activities, making it a fun weekend experience for the whole family. The hours on Friday are from noon to 8 p.m. for street vendors, while food vendors operate until 10 p.m. On Saturday the Street Fair starts at 9 a.m. Come early to get the best local produce and avoid the afternoon crowds. Rydell Car Show Image via Flickr by recubejim CC BY-SA 2.0 The Rydell Annual Benefit Car and Bike Show takes place in late September in Grand Forks at the Rydell Dealership at 2700 South Washington Street. This is a benefit show that raises money for local charities. Each year a charity is chosen by the Rydell employees, and up to $40,000 is matched, as well as all the donations going to the recipient, no expenses taken out. This event has been taking place here since 2007 and is still going strong, and in that time has raised over 700,000 in benefits for the community. This full-day event starts with registration and coffee and rolls for participants who want to display their vehicles at 8 a.m. At 11 a.m. the car show opens to the public and goes on until 4 p.m. At the Rydell Annual Benefit Car and Bike Show, you can expect to see a range of fun and cars, trucks, and bikes, including corvettes, street rods, muscle cars, unique custom vehicles, international imports, rat rods, classic cars, and more. There's also a silent auction of donated prizes with the proceeds going to the charity or organization that has been chosen to benefit. North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival The North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival and Summit happens in November and takes place at several locations in Fargo as well as at satellite screenings around the state. Now in its fifth year, you can attend the festival in person or via virtual cinemas. There will be morning seminars and educational workshops held at the Plains Art Museum, followed by afternoon film screenings and discussions at the Fargo Theatre. Films will cover important topics about local and worldwide human rights issues, showcased through the narrative as well as documentary films both feature-length and short, with awards for various categories. Christkindlmarkt Fargo's popular German Christmas Market, the Christkindlmarkt, happens in late November at the Fargo Civic Center. It runs from Thursday evening through Sunday, with live music each day. Performances take place in the Bier Hall and include modern pop and rock, bluegrass and country, traditional polkas, German music, and of course, holiday favorites. There is also a ballet performance with scenes from the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," and a holiday performance with aerial silks. Family activities include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and storybook readings with the West Fargo Public Library in the Entryway Lounge. In the Christkindlmarkt you'll find a food hall with food vendors serving up German fare that smells like Christmas should along with hot drinks to help you warm up from a cold November day in North Dakota. The Sweet Shop provides all the sweet treats you and the kids could need. When you're fueled up head to the Vendor Village to get a start on your holiday shopping. The Winter Wonderland is where you'll find Santa and his team, as well as the carolers where you can gather around fire pits to enjoy the festive singing. There are so many community events throughout the year in Eastern North Dakota. Whatever the season you can find something fun to plan for that both adults and kids can look forward to. If you're looking for some yearly activities to attend we at Rydell Outlet Center hope you have found this list helpful. Have you been to any of these events already? Drop us a line and tell us which is your favorite annual event in the Fargo or Grand Forks areas. Have we piqued your interest with any on this list?

Grand Forks, North Dakota, takes pride in harboring some of the best colleges and universities in the U.S. These institutions include The University of North Dakota, which opened six years before North Dakota was established as a state. Every year, thousands of students visit this city to start their college life. While these students come from different states, they all have something in common — finding a hangout to unwind after a long day of studies. If you want to start your college life in this vibrant city, you can meet and make new friends in the following hangouts. more Herd and Horns Image via Flickr by drewtarvin via CC BY 2.0 Herd and Horns is located at North Dakota State University. This bar is decorated with brick walls and reclaimed wood accents, giving it a unique decor. You'll also see bison sculptures, decorated horns, and students adorned in gold and green attire. The main items on the menu in this bar and grill include burgers, bison, and beer. You will also find tacos, soups,  salads, and different types of mac and cheese. The restaurant also takes pride in having an outdoor eating area and serving vegan-friendly dishes. Semi-private rooms are also available for group and club member meetings. Besides food, this restaurant also features dart boards, pool, arcade games, and shuffle games. Trivia and bingo are also available at least once a week, giving you something to look forward to. This restaurant also features strategically positioned televisions, making it a favorite hangout spot for students who love watching sports in a comfortable atmosphere. Location: 1414 12th Ave N., Fargo, ND Sertoma Park Located only 0.8 miles from The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, Sertoma Park provides students and locals with a tranquil environment for unwinding after lectures. This park stretches 22 acres across a natural landscape with several bodies of water. Sertoma Park provides amusement parks, poetry boxes, public art, restrooms, picnic areas, 11 shelters, and play equipment. It also has biking and walking trails located inside and around the park. Sertoma Park is also home to eight playgrounds, but perhaps the most phenomenal one is Ali's Boundless Playground, designed to serve people of all abilities. The park also offers tennis and sand volleyball courts. Sertoma Park is also home to the Japanese Gardens awarded to Grand Forks by its sister city in Awano, Japan. This garden is famous for its picturesque rock allotment that forms a serene meditation area. This garden also has three lanterns made of natural granite rocks. Each of these lanterns has a name and a significant meaning in life. Location: 3300 11th Ave. South, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Albatross Indoor Golf Club Located just 40 minutes from Mayville State University, the Albatross Indoor Golf Club is an ideal chilling spot for students seeking a unique golfing experience. This indoor arena features realistic golf simulators that allow you to hit real balls with clubs. You will, however, follow the ball on a realistic screen. The simulators also allow you to play over 50 courses from different parts of the world, including Harbour Town Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass. You will get golf lessons from PGA Teaching Professionals and a trackman at the arena if you need in-depth swing analysis. The simulators also allow you to practice hitting a bull's-eye or shatter a pane of glass. You can also take a break to relish pizza and snacks, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Besides, you can enjoy a private meeting with your friends in a rental venue and chit-chat about your golfing experience. Location: 2800 S. Columbia Road, Space 232, Grand Forks, ND 58201 River Cinema 15 Located in downtown Grand Forks, River Cinema 15 provides you with a perfect study break and a great way to spend a romantic moment with your partner. This locally owned movie theater houses 15 rooms that play different movies. It also offers a wide assortment of movie snacks, including soda, popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, slushies, and Dippin' Dots. Patrons who are of legal drinking age also get to enjoy alcoholic drinks. The River Cinema 15 also has several theaters with luxury seats featuring reclining and heating capabilities to make your session more comfortable. The theater also collaborates with universities such as UND to provide students with free movie tickets. Location: 211 Demers Ave. # 4, East Grand Forks, MN 56721 Red Pepper At Campus Place If you want to relish a hearty meal, try out Red Pepper At Campus Place, located just a few minutes from University Avenue. This restaurant was established in 1989 and is synonymous with mouthwatering delicacies. Some of their dishes have recipes that have not been altered for decades, giving patrons the original taste. Savor the famous grinder by taking a sub bun and adding turkey or ham, lettuce, a squirt of hot sauce, salami, Swiss cheese, and taco meat. To top it off, add the restaurant's secret creamy white sauce. This restaurant also serves hard and soft shell tacos, bean burritos, enchilada, and tostadas. You can enjoy your food in the restaurant's large sitting area with your friends. Red Pepper At Campus Place also features ample parking space. Location: 1011 University Ave., Grand Forks, ND 58203 Tea and Crepe When the sun is scorching and you're looking for a place to cool off, try Tea and Crepe. This restaurant is located on Demers Avenue in downtown Grand Forks, and true to its name, it sells milk teas, assorted crepes, and Thai rolled ice cream. In addition, it offers appetizers that you can enjoy when you are a little hungrier. Besides delicious beverages and appetizers, this eatery offers an upbeat environment where students engage in a little fun to relax their minds. It also provides a couple of games that you and your friends can play to pass the time. Location: 307 Demers Ave., Grand Forks, ND 58201 There you have it; these are six of the best college hangouts in and around Grand Forks where you can spend quality time with friends when you need to break away from your studies for a little while. These places include bars, grills, and restaurants, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces. If you have other suggestions that we may have left out, please know Rydell Outlet Center so that we can help more college students find a place to hang out.

When you find the chance to get the family together and have bonding time despite everyone's busy schedule, you want to make the most of it. True for all families, each individual has their own likes and interests, so it's hard to find something that every member will enjoy. Luckily, Thief River Falls has many places and activities that can excite the whole family. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there is something sure to appease a wide range of interests. Read on for our list of destinations for family fun around Thief River Falls. more Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail Image via Flickr by woodleywonderworks via CC BY 2.0 Beginning in Fergus Falls, the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail spans over 200 miles and boasts over 50 sites for birdwatching. From Fergus Falls, the trail heads north to Thief River Falls. It then travels north to Roseau, intersects Highway 11, and continues into Canada at the border in Warroad. The trail habitats include pine forests, woodlands, native tallgrass prairies, aspen parklands, dunes, fens, marshes, bogs, and lakes and rivers. What's more, the trail offers a variety of different family-friendly activities. If you have little ones, they'll enjoy exploring the outdoors via a fun family hike. Take time to stop and admire the different foliage and fauna that call this place home. Also, novice and experienced photographer alike can practice their skills in outdoor lighting and catch some lovely sunsets or sunrises. As the name shows, the trail is a prime location for birding. The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, near Thief River Falls, features 61,500 acres of grasslands, marshes, large pools, brushland, and aspen woodlands. Designated globally as an important bird area since 2001, it has over 40,000 acres of shallow wetlands, perfect for viewing wetland wildlife. While there, look for the Black-crowned Night Heron, Sandhill crane, short-eared owl, and Sedge wren. If you're lucky, you'll catch a rare glimpse of the snowy egret or a golden eagle. The best months to visit are April through November. There are two short hiking trails, with one wheelchair accessible. The refuge is at 22996 290th St. N.E., in Middle River, Minnesota. It also has a small gift shop and maintains office hours on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trail is open year-round, except on federal holidays. For updated information on policies, call 218-449-4115. Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village Museum Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village is an essential stop for a family looking for something a little different. It's also the perfect spot if you have a budding historian in your household. This pioneer village is cared for by the Pennington County Historical Society, whose mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and teach the history of Pennington. In addition, the pioneer village lets visitors experience a first-hand replica of the rich history to be found in Thief River Falls. Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village Museum is a collection of 19 buildings donated to Pennington County Historical Society to serve as a historical representation for future generations. Each building speaks to the village's storied past and hosts its own collection of artifacts. A visit to the grounds is an opportunity to walk through a replica of a Northern Minnesota pioneer town and vintage gardens. While there, make sure you visit at least one of the two railroad depots, the single-room schoolhouse, and the two-story Victorian house. Anyone in the family interested in agriculture will appreciate the several pieces of farm machinery displayed. You'll find this family-friendly location off Highway 32 at 825 Oakland Park River Rd., right here in Thief River Falls. They are open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The hours of operation are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $5 for adults. Children 12 years and under get in free with an adult entrance. Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024 For the future engineer and train enthusiast in your family, the Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024 is a must-see. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this amazing spot promises a lot of fun and comprehensive preview into the past. When construction was completed in 1914, and until passenger service was terminated in 1967, the depot was a non-stop central to community activity. During its busiest times, it saw up to 13 passenger trains arrive and depart daily. Thanks to residents who in 1994 and 1995 formed a fundraising campaign called "Save the Depot," efforts to preserve the building and its rightful place in history proved successful. Central to the community and a social hub, the building now serves as the city hall. It's in use daily and stands as a wonderful testament to the importance of history, resourcefulness, and purpose. Visitors marvel at the brickwork and beautiful architecture. Impressively, the important interior features are preserved. The terrazzo floor, wood trim, and doors in the main terminal are remarkable. Use them as the background for a quick family photo to upload as your social media profile picture. Be sure to visit the impressive 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive. It's on permanent display outside the depot and remains the only preserved steam locomotive from the Monon Railroad. This landmark is located on U.S. Highway 59 downtown, at 405 3rd St. E., Thief River Falls. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on this piece of Minnesota history, call 218-681-2500. So there you have it. We here at Rydell Outlet Center have enjoyed sharing with you our guide for planning activities for family fun around Thief River Falls. Check out one of the spots on our list to create some lasting family memories. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to share with your family? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message and we'll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.

When you want to freshen up your hairstyle, the last thing you want to do is take a chance at a hair salon that you have never been to. You want your hair to fit the shape of your face, to have movement, and to work with your style. Getting the right haircut can make your mornings easier and keep you feeling energized and at your best throughout the day. There are several places in Thief River Falls that will help you get the look you want. Read on for our list of the top three hair salons in Thief River Falls. more Salon 209 Image via Flickr by shixart1985 via CC BY 2.0 At Salon 209, the employees know style! As you walk in, you can expect to be greeted by the friendly staff that is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. The wonderful staff is committed to providing a service that gives customers a quality experience to keep you returning. Their mission aims to ensure each client gets a service that is unique and memorable. They keep their craft up-to-date to provide you the most innovative styles and ideas for your updated look. The services offered at Salon 209 include coloring, precision hair cutting, treatments, styling, textures, and spa treatments. They have a variety of coloring techniques for you to choose from to help keep your look in line with the latest trends. A client favorite is balayage. This technique requires hand painting that uses lighter colors to blend naturally with the hair and create a sun-kissed look. They can add deeper tones for dimension and select colors that appeal to you to obtain your desired look. For a fun and funky take on your tresses, try their fashion shades. They can apply everything from subtle blues to bright pinks to help you achieve your hair goals. Clients can also select simple maintenance-coloring services such as toning or highlighting procedures to help give your hair movement and contrast. One significant detail about Salon 209 is that they also work with men's hair. This is a perfect place for a fun couple's date to get pampered. While at the salon, get a spa pedicure and complete the pampering and self-care package! You'll find them at 2nd St. E., right here in Thief River Falls. Their hours of operation are Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For salon safety information or to book an appointment, call 218-681-5330. Creative Clippers Creative Clippers provides customized services to keep your cut current. The attentive and welcoming staff quickly offers their services and seems generally happy to greet a new customer. Many patrons become loyal customers after just one visit because of the relaxed atmosphere. They provide a menu of exceptional services to help you update or maintain your style. Their prices are fair and range from $10 to $85 or more, depending on the service you need. For a nice, neat, and simple cut, they charge $21. A style cut begins at $24 for adults. They do children's cuts here too, so this is an exceptional one-stop option to have the entire family looking their best. Children's cuts range from $10 to $15, depending on age. Several hair-treatment options are also available. For your convenience, you can also purchase several salon-quality products with them so you can work on maintaining your style and hair health at home. Some brands they have available are Matrix, Joico, and Kenra. Some permanent to semi-permanent treatment options include perms, color strippers, full colorings, straightening, or even cap highlights. Get your hair styled here for your next special event or to make date night a little extra special. A blow-dry style begins at $16, while a fancier up-do for a more formal event ranges from $70 to $90. They stand waiting to greet you and work on your hair at 306 Main Ave. N. To schedule your next appointment with one of their experienced stylists, or for information on a hair treatment that interests you, call 218-681-3966. Kezar's Barbershop and Shave Parlour Kezar's Barbershop and Shave Parlour is the new kid-on-the-block creating a lot of buzz! Established in 2021 by sole proprietor Andrew Kezar, Kezar's Barbershop and Shave Parlour is proud to be a classic men's shop specializing in men's cuts, straight razor shaves, beard trims, and line-ups. This forward-thinking establishment takes a cue from the past to provide a much-needed service for the community. Born and raised in Thief River Falls, Master Barber Kezar is honored to provide a selection of services in a friendly and traditional setting to his customers. Services begin at $15 for a simple beard trim or line-up. Children under 12 can gain the experience of being in a full-service barbershop and get a spiffy haircut for $21. Adult haircuts begin at $25. This exceptional barbershop also offers the hard-to-find-elsewhere service of a bald-fade for $30. If you are looking for a manly pampering gift, try a hot towel shave for $30 or spring for the full-service for $55. To step back in time when service was simple, kind, and quick, visit Kezar's Barbershop and Shave Parlour at 315 Duluth Ave. N. Call for information at 218-689-5943 or email your inquiries to kezarsbarbershop@gmail.com. Be sure to have some cash in hand when you go or be ready to pay with local checks or Venmo. This establishment is not currently capable of accepting credit card payments. So there you have it. Rydell Outlet Center has just shared with you our top three hair salons in Thief River Falls. Get a fresh haircut or style for your next night out! What do you think of our list of quality independent salons? Did we miss your favorite place to go for some self-care? Let us know! Leave a message sharing your ideas, and we'll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.

Crookston is a small city in Minnesota with the distinction of being named one of the safest cities in the state. It's home to the University of Minnesota Crookston, and it offers residents and visitors many activities such as fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. The Crookston area also has many recreational facilities where you can either watch or play sports. more 1. Crookston Sports Center Image via Flickr by Union_College The Crookston Sports Center is home to the Crookston Pirates hockey team. The 87,000-square-foot facility has three arenas, an 800-square-foot concession area, and seating for over 1,200. The event arena hosts the Pirates hockey games, but there is also the Blue Arena for kids' hockey and the Gold Arena with a turf field for soccer and other turf sports. The sport center is open to the public so everyone can enjoy getting active. Make sure to check the schedule for open skate times or to try your hand at curling. There is also a golf simulator so you can get some practice swings in, even when there is snow on the ground. Walking is a great way to get your exercise, and the Crookston Sports Center has a walking program so you can do it all year round with an annual membership of only $25. Walking is permitted on the upper level during open hours as long as there are no paid or high school events. The upper-level track is 1/4 mile, so four trips around the event rink and the practice rinks will get you to a mile. If you just go around the event rink, you will hit a mile after eight laps. 2. Minakwa Golf Course and Driving Range The Minakwa Golf Course is a nine-hole golf course on the northwest edge of Crookston. It's a very well-maintained course with a driving range and pro shop. This course is home to the high school golf team and is a popular spot for young local golfers. The Minakwa Golf Course hosts several tournaments throughout the season, including some fundraising events and junior tournaments. The annual Fourth of July tournament is always fun, and the Junior Golf Tournament is always a popular event for kids of all ages. There's even a group for players 8 and under at this tournament. They play four holes, and their registration fee includes lunch. Minakwa also has event nights throughout the season, such as Couple's Fun Night with dinner and golf. 3. University of Minnesota Crookston Campus The Crookston Eagles play their home games at the University of Crookston campus. You can stop by any season to watch your favorite sport. The sport venues include: Lysaker Gymnasium Lysaker Gymnasium is a beautiful gym that hosts basketball and volleyball. It has three full-size courts and can seat up to 2,200 people for games. The facility is also a premier venue for northwest Minnesota sports events and brings section basketball tournaments to the area every year. Ed Widseth Field The Ed Widseth Field is the former field for the University of Minnesota Crookston football team and is now the home of the Crookston Pirates football team. It's also used as a practice space for other Golden Eagles teams. Minnesota Crookston Baseball Field and Softball Field The baseball and softball fields sit next to each other on the south side of the university campus. The baseball field not only serves as the home field for the college teams but also host tournaments for the high school and American Legion baseball. This field has received several upgrades over the years, including a new irrigation system, a windscreen, a press box, and a team lounge with custom-built lockers. Minnesota Crookston Soccer Field Make sure to catch a soccer game at the Minnesota Crookston Soccer Field. It sits to the east of the Ed Widseth Field and hosts the home games for the women's soccer team. 4. City of Crookston Parks The City of Crookston has 22 different parks with all kinds of open space and facilities for playing and watching sports. Head out any time of year to get in on the action. Some of the parks you can enjoy include: The Highland Park Complex The Highland Park Complex includes 40 acres of sports fields and courts. It has a baseball field, a skate park, five tennis courts, horseshoe courts, a basketball court, and six softball diamonds. The complex hosts several softball, baseball, and tennis tournaments throughout the year and provides a home field for many men's and women's softball leagues. You can stop by to cheer on your player or get involved and join a league. American Legion baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, and girls fast-pitch softball teams and leagues also use this complex for their practices and games. The tennis complex hosts lessons for kids and adults along with serving as a place for everyone to enjoy recreational tennis. It even has push-button lighting if you want to play after dark. Carman Park Carman Park has soccer fields, volleyball courts, and play structures for the kids. It also has a rentable shelter and lots of green space. Central Park Head to Central Park on Central Park Drive to play disc golf. This is also a great park if you want open green space to let kids play their own games. Crookston City Pool The City of Crookston now owns the Crookston City Pool, and it not only provides open swim times for those who want to get some laps in for exercise but also hosts swim meets. The Pirates Swim team competes here if you want to stop by to see the kids race against other local teams. When you need reliable transportation so you can get to all of these Crookston area sports venues and events, make sure to stop by Rydell Outlet Center to find a used car or truck. We always have plenty in stock, and there's no better place in the Grand Forks area to find good quality used cars at prices you can afford. Give us a call or stop by to take a walk through our lot to see what we have.

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) is one of five campuses of the University of Minnesota System. It was founded as a two-year college in 1966, and it started offering four-year degrees in 1993. The campus covers 108 acres, and it has about 900 students. Around an additional 900 students learn online as well. This university's slogan is "Small Campus. Big Degree." It provides individual attention and mentorship that puts its students ahead of the competition. Continue reading to learn more about this university's academic programs, athletics, and amenities and the things to do nearby. more Academics The University of Minnesota Crookston offers majors in four departments. Agriculture and Natural Resources includes agricultural education, business, communication, and systems management.  You can also choose agronomy, animal science, environmental science, equine business management, golf and turf management, or natural resources. Many internships are available in summer, especially in agriculture and natural resources. The Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education department offers courses in communication, criminal justice, English, early childhood education, elementary education, and English education. In the Math, Science, and Technologies department, you can earn a degree in biology, applied health, health sciences, environmental sciences, exercise science and wellness, IT management, medical laboratory science, or software engineering. The Business department includes classes in accounting, finance, health management, international business, manufacturing management, quality management, marketing, and sport and recreation management. The University of Minnesota Crookston has been part of US News & World Report's Best College list since 1998, and people who attend have some of the lowest amounts of student debt in the state. Niche also called UMC one of the top public universities in Minnesota. Athletics Image via Flickr by infomastern via CC BY-SA 2.0 This university is a member of the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Its nickname is the Golden Eagles, and the school colors are maroon and gold. Widseth Field is an outdoor venue with seats for 2,000 people, and 3,000 seats are available at the indoor Lysaker Gym. The new Charles H. Casey Equine Arena is available for horseback riding. Student-athletes can participate in 11 varsity sports. Men can compete in trap shooting, cross-country, golf, basketball, baseball, and ACHA hockey. Women can try cross-country, volleyball, soccer, golf, basketball, softball, tennis, equestrian events, and trap shooting. Athletic trainers collaborate with doctors to create a safe environment for student-athletes, and the main athletic training room has a whirlpool tub and an ultrasound machine. Water, ice, cups, towels, and taping and treatment tables are available at games and practices. Student-athletes often participate in community service and special events for the community. Amenities The University of Minnesota Crookston might be small, but it has plenty of convenient amenities. All on-campus students and faculty receive laptops. About 600 students live in on-campus residence halls and student apartments, and others live in nearby off-campus housing. You can choose from five dorms on campus, and the Sargeant Student Center is a perfect place to study or hang out with friends. It has several meeting spaces and study areas along with a big-screen LCD TV, pool tables, a foosball table, an air hockey table, free Wi-Fi, and vending machines. You can also pick up free copies of the Crookston Daily Times and the Valley Shopper or check out a variety of outdoor and recreational equipment. Microwaves and refrigerators are available for commuter students. There's also a bookstore with a large collection of textbooks, reference books, and volumes on more general subjects. You can also purchase office supplies, art supplies, computer software and accessories, and a variety of Golden Eagle merchandise. The Sargeant Student Center is open during the academic year on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. During summer, it's open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Campus Mall is a large, green space with trees, paths, and flower gardens. It's ideal for a short walk between classes, an outdoor concert, and other events. You can also have a picnic at the Harris A. Peterson Gazebo. The two-floor library holds about 40,000 volumes, including books, newspapers, journals, magazines, pamphlets, audio recordings, and videos. The University Wellness and Recreation facility covers 36,070 square feet, and it has a two-court gym with a suspended jogging and walking track, locker rooms, and a classroom. The high-tech cardio and weight machines can connect to your smartphone to help you track your fitness progress. The gym has markings and equipment for several activities, including basketball, volleyball, futsal or indoor soccer, tennis, team handball, ping pong, badminton, boxing, MMA training, and indoor archery. There's also a multipurpose room that has a database of more than 125 prerecorded exercise routines. The room is also ideal for group activities or exercises such as yoga, aerobics, Zumba, and dance. Things to Do Nearby When you're not attending class, there are a variety of fun activities available near Crookston. The Red Lake River surrounds Crookston Central Park, and it has a campsite with showers, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and a nine-hole Frisbee golf course. In winter, you can go sledding, cross-country skiing, or ice skating. The Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is the biggest prairie-wetland restoration in the United States, and it's only about 10 miles east of Crookston. You can go hiking and view many different types of wildlife, including waterfowl, sandhill cranes, swans, shorebirds, prairie sparrows, and more. You can also visit the Highland Complex Splash Park and Skate Park or the Grand I & II Movie Theatre. It's one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States. A few great restaurants nearby include Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream, Eagle's Nest Grill, and Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. At the University of Minnesota Crookston, you can get an excellent education that will prepare you for your career. Have you visited or attended this university? What were your favorite parts? Contact us at the Rydell Outlet Center and let us know what you think.

Having fun as a family is not always easy, as everyone has different preferences. At this point, you may have to compromise and look for places you every member of the family can enjoy together. If you have children, you know how challenging it can be to keep them occupied with fun activities. If you are in Grafton, North Dakota, there are several places that you can have fun with your family. Whether you like indoor or outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. more Fun Activities to Do with Your Family in Grafton, North Dakota Whether it is just a weekend out or a week of family fun, you will always find something to do with your family in Grafton. Below you will find a list of places to visit and activities to do. Explore the Local Cuisine Sharing a meal with your family strengthens your bond. When it comes to food, Grafton has you covered. There are many restaurants available to cater to all your culinary needs. If you crave Mexican food, you can visit the Azteca Mexican Grill and satisfy your craving for Mexican food. Getting a brain freeze is fun when you are with your family. You can enjoy having ice cream together. You can visit Three Star Dairy Inc. for ice cream, or if you love frozen yogurt, you can go to TCBY Frozen Yogurt. Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream is the one-stop shop for your sweet tooth. You can have all the ice cream, chocolates, and candies you want under one roof. When it is colder, the adults can also enjoy hot coffee while the children drink a cup of hot cocoa. Visit the Fair Everyone loves the fair. There are so many fun things you can do there. You don't have to worry about food, as there are delicacies all around. Plus, you can play games and win prizes that can be great keepsakes. A visit to a fair is not expensive, so it is something that you can comfortably do as a family on a budget while keeping kids of all ages entertained and well-fed. Ice Skating If you love ice skating, you can enjoy visiting the rinks in Grafton Parks & Recreation and enjoy both indoor and outdoor rinks. Visit the parks and recreation page to get information on the schedules. You can watch ice hockey and have delicious food when there is a game. If you visit Leistikow Park's Skating Rink, you can play on the ice and visit the warming house afterward. Visit Parks There are several parks in Grafton you can visit that offer several attractions. For instance, you can visit Icelandic State Park that is home to several historical buildings. You can enjoy going on a cross-country ski or snowshoe during winter. When the weather is warmer, you can also go fishing, swimming, and picnicking while enjoying the nature trails. The Gunlogson Nature Preserve is the state's first dedicated nature preserve. If you like nature, you will enjoy seeing different birds, plants, and wildlife species. You can also visit the Turtle River State Park along the Turtle River. The activities available here are similar to those at Icelandic State Park. Moreover, you can enjoy sledding and mountain biking. If you love fly-fishing, you can try fishing for trout in the river. There are campgrounds and cabin rentals available for use if your family enjoys camping as well. Visit Grand Forks If you don't mind the drive, you can go to Grand Forks. There are many things you can do there, such as swimming, shopping, and dining. Check out the Grand Forks Website to learn about other fun activities for your family. Here are some of the highlights of Grand Forks: Splasher's of the South Seas If you are a water person, you will love Splasher's of the South Sea. This is an indoor water park that has a river, water slides, and other awesome features. This water park is the best place to spend your time during hot summer days. During winter, you can also keep warm, as the water park is heated. Columbia and Grand Cities Mall Columbia Mall is the place you can shop till you drop. There are several specialty stores in one place. If you go to Grand Cities Mall, you will find several local businesses. Go Bowling Nothing is more interesting than a friendly family bowling competition. You can visit BowlMOR Lanes and hit some pins, then enjoy a meal at J & H Lanes afterwards. To locate other bowling alleys in Grafton, North Dakota, visit the Grafton, North Dakota Bowling Directory. Art Galleries and Museums You can have a look at art galleries in Grafton and search for other artistic events. While you're there, you also have the chance to enjoy street art and see showcased art at local galleries. One of the places to visit is the Artsplace or Younggren Photography. You show your creative side by trying to make art and display it at local galleries. The North Dakota Museum of Art brings local, regional, and international art to your doorstep. You can enrich your heritage by learning the history of the art displayed. Amusements Several attractions are child-friendly and fun. You can kart as a family at Sports Bubble or Minot Motorsports. Here, you'll enjoy racing with your family, and you can find all the racing gear you need at Minot Motorsports. These amusements are for the adventurous, but safety measures are in place to keep drivers safe. There are so many things you can do in Grafton, North Dakota. All you need to do is pick your favorite fun activity and roll with it. Whether it is food or entertainment, Grafton will sort out all your family fun time needs. If you have any favorites, reach out and let us know. And if you need a car to drive around in Grafton on your family fun day, contact us today and we will gladly help you out.

Need a little help making plans for tonight? Look no further than this list of clubs, bars, and restaurants in Grafton and the surrounding areas. From casual bars to lively clubs to luxurious lounges, let us help you find the perfect place to spend the evening. more Last Chance Bar and Grill Image via Flickr by Sam Howzit via CC BY 2.0 Don't miss the Last Chance Bar and Grill, located at 118 East Fifth Street in Grafton. The bar and grill serves a range of beers, cocktails, and wines as well as an assortment of food items, including chicken wings, cheeseburgers, and sandwiches. It's open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Last Chance offers both dine-in and carry-out food orders. Feel free to grab a table or find a place at the bar to enjoy your night out. The Club Bar Check out the Club Bar, located about twenty minutes from Grafton in Park River. With the motto, “No Bad Days,” the bar strives to provide a good time to everyone who steps through its doors. A blackjack dealer is there on Saturdays and Sundays, and gaming machines are available for play throughout the week. The bar's jukebox provides a little good, old-fashioned fun, and the drinks and food are top-notch. This locally owned establishment hosts a Vikings party celebrating the NFL's Minnesota Vikings every Sunday, making it a must-visit during football season. Extra End Sports Bar Enjoy the Extra End Sports Bar, a great place to grab a beer and watch a game. Located at 15 East Fifth Street in Grafton, Extra End serves a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. For dinner, choose from burgers, tacos, pork tenderloin, and more. It's open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. Strand Twin Theater If you'd like to spend the evening out but aren't in the mood for drinks and dinner, try the Strand Twin Theater. Built in 1946, the Strand is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and shows different movies throughout the month. Check its social media pages to see what's playing. The Frosty Fox Spend the evening at the Frosty Fox, a bar, restaurant, and event space located at 43rd East Eighth Street in Grafton. Started as the Legion Club in 1968, the establishment has grown into a world-class facility that's perfect for a fun night out. The appetizer menu features jalapeno poppers, onion rings, potato skins, and more. For dinner, choose from items such as fried walleye, slow-roasted prime rib, lobster, ribeyes, and ground beef steak. All dinner entrees are served with a side and include a trip to the salad bar. The drink menu is extensive and includes a variety of draft beers, specialty cocktails, and wines. The Frosty Fox is closed on Sundays, and its hours vary during the rest of the week, so check the website or call before you go. Alexander House Motel Located on the west side of Park River, the Alexander House Motel is a full-service restaurant, lounge, and motel. The drink menu features a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. For dinner, the restaurant showcases an appetizer menu containing items like breaded pickle slices and jalapeno cheese curds while its main course menu offers petite sirloin, grilled shrimp skewers, and chicken kiev. Consider staying the night and spending the next day exploring Park River. The Loft The Loft, a neighborhood bar in downtown Grand Forks, is only a 45-minute drive from Grafton. Serving traditional cocktails, liquor and whiskey shots, and a huge variety of draft beers, The Loft offers a fun nightlife experience for both small and large groups. You'll find a pool table, shuffleboard court, bubble hockey, and onsite gaming. If you prefer to sit back, relax and watch a game, The Loft has over 40 HD televisions. The food menu isn't huge, but it features several delicious classics like garlic cheesy bread, beer-battered fries, southern-style chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and wings. For something a little different, start your night at the bar, then take the Loft Party Bus to a University of North Dakota hockey game. The bus runs to all the university's hockey games as well as to concerts and other events held on campus. Book online or give them a call to make a reservation for the bus. The Loft is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Level 10 Plan a night out at Level 10, a premiere nightclub in downtown Grand Forks. It features live DJs, a dance floor, and advanced sound and lighting systems. Order one of their signature drinks, such as the Key Lime Pie or Plum Cross martini or enjoy a draft beer. Level 10 is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Sky's Cloud 9 Lounge Experience fine dining at Sky's Cloud 9 Lounge in Grand Forks. Named the Most Romantic Restaurant in North Dakota in 2018 by FoodandWine.com, the lounge boasts private seating for a quiet, intimate experience as well as traditional tables and chairs for larger groups. You'll enjoy an extensive beer menu as well as several signature cocktails and a variety of fine wines. For food options, choose from an array of appetizers, including sauteed mushrooms and lump crab cake. Sandwiches and hamburgers are also served. If you're in the mood for a more elaborate meal, have dinner in the dining room before making your way to the lounge for drinks. Sky's Lounge is open from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. We hope this list of places to enjoy the nightlife in and around Grafton helps you have a great time during your next night out. If you know of a place we've overlooked, please let us know so we can add it. We look forward to hearing from you!

Even with many people turning to e-readers and new electronics when they want to read a new book, independent bookstores are still alive and well, especially in and around the Fargo area. If you enjoy browsing through stacks of new and used books looking for something new to read, make sure to take a look at some of the best independent bookstores in or near Fargo. You never know what you might find. more 1. Ferguson Books & More Ferguson Books & More is the West Fargo part of the Ferguson Books family. This locally owned, independent book store has one of the largest selections of used books in the region, along with new books from all different genres. Dale and Elizabeth Ferguson share a love for all kinds of books, art, and film and wanted to share their passion with the people of North Dakota. Their first store opened in Grand Forks, and they now have three locations. Ferguson Books will buy your used books if you want to sell them. Depending on the books, you might get a cash offer or a credit that works toward 25% off new products or 50% off used products. They will take any book, DVD/Bluray, or CD that you bring in legally, meaning that it is yours and not the property of someone else. You'll find the Fargo location on Sheyenne Street, and the inventory also includes toys, new and used media, and books from local authors. 2. B.D.S Books Image via Flickr by helicopterspy via CC BY 2.0 B.D.S. Books is the go-to bookstore in the Fargo/Moorehead area for used books. This independent bookstore has thousands of paperbacks and good-quality hardcover books in stock, with titles for adults and children. The staff keeps the store organized, making it easy to find what you need, or you can just enjoy browsing through all the sections. You'll also find the staff at B.D.S friendly and helpful, and they are willing to go out of their way to help you find what you need. If they don't have something you want, they all have the knowledge to recommend something similar. Stop by this bookstore for first editions from well-known authors such as Stephen King, Joe Hill, and more. You can also find some signed books if you like to collect them from your favorite authors. You'll find B.D.S. Books at 120 1st Ave. N in Fargo. 3. Books At a Fifth Stop by Books At a Fifth to find used books at 80% off the publisher's prices. This is one of Fargo's newest bookstores, and it's independently owned and operated. This small bookstore packs a lot into a small space, but everything is well organized by category and then by author's last name. If an author has several titles, then you can find their books organized by title as well. This system makes it very easy to find specific titles and browse your favorite authors. The name of this store comes from the book prices. Most are priced at one-fifth of the publisher's price. If you have books you want to bring in, you can either donate them or trade them for a store credit. The store will take interesting books that are in good condition. You'll find Books At a Fifth on 13th Ave. South, just north of the West Acres Mall in the Village West Shopping Center. 4. Zandbroz Variety Zandbroz Variety is an independent bookstore owned by brothers Jeff and Greg Danz, but it also has much more than just books. The Fargo location is the second store they opened, with the first in Sioux Falls, which opened in 1988. This unique store is a great place to browse. There are tons of books from all different genres, and it also has kitchen items, lotions, candles, and food items. There's even a great cafe tucked in the back called Dakota Soda. Spend time exploring the store, and if you need some suggestions, the staff will help you out, or you can check the Zandbroz website and their recommended reading list before you go in. It includes new and anticipated releases, along with some suggestions for kids, young adults, fiction, and nonfiction. You can also shop for items on the Zandboz website or use it to get an idea of what they have for merchandise. This store is worth the trip if you have the time to browse. It has fun and funky items such as the Amuseable stuffed toy cauliflower, a selection of games, and lots of fashion items such as purses, scarves, and reusable shopping bags. You'll find Zandbroz Variety at 420 Broadway in Fargo, and they are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 5. Eagles Nest Book Store Eagles Nest Book Store is about 35 miles from Fargo, but well worth the drive. This charming bookstore and gift shop sells new and used books, along with gift baskets, toys, candy, and more. You can find new releases from popular authors at Eagles Nest, including titles from local authors and others born and raised in North Dakota. Make sure to stop by this bookstore when you need a gift for someone. You can find unique baskets made with a variety of candies and treats or find games and puzzles that anyone will love. You can even grab a sweatshirt on a cool day or get a Bandi Belt if you need a convenient place to store your phone, keys, and cash when you don't want to carry a purse. Eagles Nest also buys and sells used books. If you have some to bring in, you can contact the store and find out more about the program. You can also follow Eagles Nest on Facebook to find out about new book titles coming and see new merchandise. The owner, Bev, frequently updates the page and will announce sales, too. Whether you live in Fargo or nearby, you'll need reliable wheels to get you to any of these great independent book stores. Give us a call at Rydell Outlet Center, and we can help you find a used car or SUV you can trust to get you where you want to go.

Located 80 miles south of Grand Forks, Fargo is the most populous city in North Dakota. With so many people living here, you'd expect an abundance of places that offer sweet treats, like there are in Grand Forks — and you would be right! If you find yourself craving some delicious pastries, check out one of these Fargo-area bakeries. more Jen's Bakery Image via Unsplash via Yeh Xintong More than a decade ago, Jen Woinarowicz began selling jumbo cookies and Italian herb cheese bread at local markets and garnered wholesale accounts under the name Jen's Breads. She opened a retail spot in 2018 and renamed it Jen's Bakery. Today you'll not only find mouth-watering breads and cookies, but also salads, sandwiches, and savory quiches. Jen prepares her bread dough on baking stones, and the loaves are baked in a self-created steam oven like you'd find in large-scale bakeries. There are more than a dozen cookie varieties to choose from, including the best-selling salted caramel dark chocolate, gluten-free monster, peanut butter cup, red velvet, and root beer float. Jen's Bakery, which is located at at 5050 Timber Parkway Suite 108, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Love in the Oven Bakery Casey Steele opened her bakery, which can be found at 1407 First Avenue North, in 2010, and she prides herself on being a small business owner who makes everything fresh at this made-to-order bakery.  She insists on using high-quality ingredients and adding homemade touches to create delicious baked goods. Because of her dedication to minimizing her environmental impact, she sources local ingredients whenever possible and uses unbleached, biodegradable bakery boxes, and baked goods are delivered in a hybrid vehicle. The extensive menu includes cookies, bars, breads, scones, cakes, cheesecakes, and cake bites. These cake bites, which include cake and frosting rolled together and dipped in chocolate or vanilla, are a bakery specialty. If you have gluten issues, the bakery has a half-dozen baked goods available, such as lemon bars, peanut butter banana cookies, and frosted brownies. Mehl's Gluten-Free Bakery By late-2009, all five of the Mehl siblings had been diagnosed with celiac disease. Because they were dissatisfied with the available gluten-free flour options, they started experimenting with ways to improve all-purpose gluten-free flour. As a result, in 2013 the family formed Mehl's Gluten-Free Flour Company and its offshoot, Mehl's Gluten-Free Bakery, which is located at 1404 33rd Avenue Suite H. Head into the bakery and try one of their made-from-scratch gluten-free breads, muffins, cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. You can also order a meal on Monday through Saturday between 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Another choice is to pick up a frozen thick- or thin-crust take-and-bake pizza. If you prefer to prepare your own bakery items, visit the bakery's website, where you can find dozens of recipes that use gluten-free bread. Nichole's Fine Pastry and Cafe As the head chef and founder of Nichole's Fine Pastry and Cafe, North Dakota-native Nichole Hensen was inspired by her travels and experiences while attending the Culinary Institute of America in California. She came back home and opened a bakery in downtown Fargo in 2003. Her bakery, which is located at 13 South Eighth Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Nichole specializes in traditional European and classic American favorites, and most of the items on her menu are made from scratch with local ingredients. You'll find plenty of French-inspired food and beverages, including French pressed coffee, croissants, and gelato. The eclairs are filled with vanilla bean pastry cream and topped with a chocolate ganache, and her Neapolitans have layers of puff pastry, apricot preserves, and cream glazed with fondant. If you're craving a pie, the bakery has a handful of flavors, including sour cream raisin, butterscotch cream, and lemon meringue. Sour House Breads Begun by native North Dakotan baker Loni Larson, Sour House Breads, which is located at 2010 Elm Street North, highlights the science and art needed to make sourdough bread. Loni's breads combine the use of her own starter, which is approximately five years old, and a starter from Italy that is more than a century old. She and her family make each handmade loaf with just three ingredients — salt, water, and flour — and they follow a process that takes more than 48 hours to complete. This home-based micro-bakery mills its own flour using grain from local sources. Since stone milling doesn't strip away the bran and germ of wheat berry that you'll find with industrial roller mills, the nutrients are preserved. They also use a stone hearth oven to produce high-quality loaves of bread. Come on in and try the Kalamata Olive, Blue Cornmeal, or Rye Chocolate Cherry. Yeobo Sweet Shop Located at 408 Broadway North in historic downtown Fargo, Yeobo Sweet Shop strives to create a location that will give you sweet memories. "Yeobo" is a term of endearment in Korean that means "honey" or "sweetheart," and true to its name, you'll find a wall of more than 60 different types of gummy candies, as well as an assortment of lollipops and giant jawbreakers. Perhaps the best part of this location is its gourmet cupcakes, which are available upon request. They have more than two dozen varieties of cupcakes that are made from scratch with natural ingredients. Some of the most popular choices are Lavender Ginger Honey, Salted Chocolate Caramel, and Banana Split. There are also three flavors that are infused with alcohol: Irish Creme, Man Cake, and Margarita. If you're concerned about gluten, they also offer gluten-free cupcakes. By now, you're likely craving some pastries around Fargo. What do you think of this list of bakeries provided by Rydell Outlet Center? Would you prefer to see just donuts shops in Fargo? We have that too! Did we point out the best sweet spots, or did we miss one? If we forgot one, reach out to us and let us know. We want everyone to know which locally owned and operated bakeries they should visit!