Fargo, USA - North Dakota

It's a surprise that the founders of Fargo were not adamant as one would suppose to claim the capital crown for the state of North Dakota, but perhaps there's sly reasoning behind its actions. Clearly the most popular of North Dakota's cities, Fargo is a cosmopolitan flare in an otherwise densely forested state. Wonderful nuances adorn nearly every residential street; Victorian homes seem to outnumber all others. Take a walk from the city's northernmost point to its center, following the North River (Not to be confused with the Red River, a wide current acting as a natural border between North Dakota and Minnesota.) to see the contrasts between waterside complexes and those further out. On the face of things, North Dakota may not seem a busy network of industrial and commercial centers. In fact, rarely will you come upon a structure in Fargo that even resembles a manufacturing plant. The lack of such establishments may have something to do with location, but nonetheless, a departure from the ordinary structuring that goes into a city is welcome; Fargo seems to have had the multitudes of eclectic tastes in the region in mind during its growth over the years. Thus it is well received. It may be out of the way for cross-country road-trippers, and it is not the closest destination for international travelers living overseas. However, if you do have the chance to spend quite a large portion of a day traveling by air, and are interested in seeing a city offering familiarity and uniqueness bundled in a rather cute package, Fargo is a choice you won't regret having made.

When to go

Intense weather patterns are ordinarily not an issue as far as Fargo is concerned. Particularly heavy rainfall may be occur, and the city is not immune to snow conditions that'll give Maine a run for its money, but on the whole, Fargo offers a pleasant assortment of seasons. Summers run into the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit); humidity is not nearly as big a problem for the Midwest as it is the east coast. Spring would have gotten our stamp of approval if showers weren't to be expected on a weekly basis. Instead, top honors will have to go to autumn, though travel earlier rather than later if you'd like to leave your overcoat behind.

Getting there and around

Fargo would be a fantastic failure if chose to do without a flight center. Gladly, that is not the case. Hector International Airport, providing connections to/from US and Canadian cities, has a 24-hour schedule comprised mostly of flights within the Midwest, though carriers have been many coastal destinations and vice versa in the past few years. Once you arrive, opt for either the cheapest or most expensive methods of transport (bus; rental car). Both will get you around the metropolitan area well, though only a personal vehicle get you around on a whim.

Attractions

Old-time wagons and buggies are on display at the historic Fargo Depot, where it seems preservation has sacrificed a bit of authenticity (i.e., wear & tear). If wooden wheels don't end up being the high point of your day, you can visit the Fargo Theatre, an establishment true to its 1920's image. Bonanzaville is a nice walk-through village resembling Fargo in its first decades.