Founder, Discover Outdoors

Hey, Fargo-Moorhead residents, students, and visitors! I grew up in Fargo but left for quite a while and just moved back a few years ago. I am blown away by how much exploring I can do with my family. It’s as if there is something new to see every day! I live in Moorhead with my husband and three-year-old son, and our dog, Bernard Polka Dot. I am an avid outdoor adventurer, so I’m always on the river trails (both paved and dirt) hiking, biking, and running. We love to cook in our family, so we hit up all the best grocery stores and markets, like Lotus Blossom, Brewhalla, and the Red River Market. One of my favorite hobbies is thrifting, so you may find me any given day at The Arc or Savers scanning clothes, books, and cookware. I work on community building and social infrastructure, so I love studying where people hang out and linger in town. Some of my favorite “linger” spots are Broadway Square, Gooseberry Park, and Island Park. In the winter I still get outside as much as possible, either running on the snow or cross- country skiing. We love to visit Detroit Mountain as a family (all seasons) because it’s so beautiful and only 45 minutes away.

Why be an Icebreaker?

“It can be difficult to meet people in a new city or know how to plug yourself in. I hope I can be a friend and resource to anyone looking to build community.” – Jenny Sheets

Jenny’s typical day in Fargo…

Coffee and/or breakfast?

I might stop at Twenty Below in Moorhead for coffee and a croissant, or BernBaum’s for their egg sandwich.

Mid-morning break?

If I have an hour to kill, I’m definitely hitting up The Arc thrift store downtown.

Afternoon pick-me-up?

Depending on my mood, I might hit the gym, go for a trail run, or get a coffee at Thunder Coffee in Brewhalla.

The dinner bell is ringing?

Thaikota for sure— either going there with the family, or ordering in if the kiddo needs to play in the backyard. I’m getting the Khao Soi Curry and papaya salad, medium spice!

You need to blow off steam?

Downtown Yoga for a yoga class or a full moon ceremony

A Full Moon What?!

A full moon yoga class is a practice that aligns with lunar phases, focusing on introspection, intention-setting, and release/reflection. The class often combines gentle yoga sequences with meditation to create a holistic experience to connect with nature and yourself. What should you expect? While each class will feature different practices, it might feature additional activities like journaling, meditation, and more. All are welcome to attend ceremonies; no matter experience or knowledge. When in doubt—check out their Facebook page for details!

Jenny’s Top 10 can’t-miss things in the FM area!

In no particular order…

1. Thaikota—Authentic northern Thai food that is actually spicy (if you want it to be), which is hard to find around here.

2. Gooseberry Park—Always well-maintained and such a relaxing space to read a book, mountain bike the trails, play at the playground, or just meditate in the grass.

3. Downtown Yoga—Kim hosts such a welcoming space for yogis of all abilities and backgrounds.

4. More Than Words—Awesome Moorhead bookstore that is inclusive, adorable, and woman-owned.

5. Harold’s Bar—One of the best bars in town, where everyone knows your name.

6. Detroit Mountain—Okay, it’s 45 minutes away, but that’s not that far for the outdoor mecca of our region. Hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, nordic skiing, and troll hunting.

A true gem in the region, Detroit Mountain has it all, all year long! As Jenny suggests, there are a variety of warm and cold weather-friendly activities on the “mountain,” along with events like Music on the Mountain in the summertime and more. If you’re heading up there, don’t forget to stop at Daytripper Lodge—a cafe serving up coffee and the beloved Tillamook Creamery ice cream!

8. River trails—Our system of river trails in Fargo and Moorhead is incredible. When the bridges are down it’s easy to do a loop between the two cities. When the bridges are up, the trails are still accessible in the winter.

9. Maven Coworking—This is a new coworking space downtown that is gorgeous! Spacious, inspiring, and even has a childcare center for working parents.

If you haven’t heard of it yet‚ Maven Collective has introduced an inventive and impactful space to the FM area. A coworking space located in downtown Fargo, Maven is designed to inspire creativity and productivity through its variety of workspaces like private offices, desks, and open seating areas. Its amenities include high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a kitchen area, in addition to the onsite childcare services, making it a unique spot for working parents! On top of everything, the facility hosts networking events and workshops. There are a variety of options at varying price points depending on your need for the space, learn more here!

10. Sour House Breads—Soni Larson makes the best bread makes the best bread in town! She only sells online or at the farmers’ markets, but go find her. It’s so good.

Sour House is a delightful, small-batch bakery in Fargo. They specialize in—you guessed it—sourdough bread that’s as tasty to eat as it is beautiful to look at. What makes Sour House even more special? Every time you can get your hands on a purchase it feels like you’re part of a secret club of sourdough enthusiasts. You can find out when the next bread drop is online at www.sour.house or follow along on Facebook at /SourHouseFargo and on Instagram @sourhousefargo.

24 Hours in Fargo – Jenny’s Quick Recs

Where are you going for local food?

BernBaum’s, Thaikota, Rhombus Guys Pizza

Where are you going for local shopping?

Thrift store loop

Where are you going for local nature?

Lindenwood Park, Gooseberry Park, MB Johnson

Where are you going for local community spaces?

Maven Coworking, Fargo Public Library

Where are you going for local networking?

StartupBREW Fargo

Did You Know?
With a Fargo Public Library card, there is SO MUCH you can do! It’s not just borrowing books, movies, audiobooks, and more, you can access public computers and free Wi-Fi, use study and meeting rooms, and online resources like e-books, language learning tools, and databases like Ancestry Library Edition and Consumer Reports. Plus, there are a ton of programs and events for adults, teens, and kids! And, the cherry on top—it’s free. Register online and grab your card in person at any of the local public libraries!