Homegrown goodness found Downtown

Interested in doing some shopping but still want to enjoy the beautiful summer weather? Then you really need to check out the region’s top Outdoor Farmers Market!

The Market kicks off June 19 and takes place every Saturday through September, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM, in Town Square (corner of DeMers Avenue and 3rd Street).

Vendors sell everything from fresh picked produce and flowers to home baked bread and pies to handmade jewelry and artwork. You’ll also be able to enjoy an array of tasty food truck fare and great live entertainment on the Square’s main stage.

While in the area, make sure to explore both of our beautiful Downtowns (Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota) and discover all they have to offer. Here are some suggestions for a day or two of fun.

Picture Perfect

Take a stroll through streets that lead to places where past and present meet. Historic buildings house 21st century businesses. An array of public art may be found in small pocket parks, alleyways and brick walls scattered about Downtown. This form of artistic expression distinctively captures the spirit of our community, while also incorporating its natural surroundings.

Unique Boutiques

Local merchants offer a wide variety of cool finds including artwork, home furnishings, clothing, fine jewelry, delicious desserts and more. Make sure to pay a visit to Widman’s Candy for some of their world-renowned Chippers (chocolate covered potato chips) and other hand-dipped sweet treats. Just up the block you will find the acclaimed Badman Design, which specializes in high-end metal jewelry and liturgical art. Nearby shops include Kittsona (tendering trendy women’s fashions and gift items) and Geneva’s (featuring fabulous vintage furniture and home décor).

Eastside Adventures

Walk across the bridge into East Grand Forks and experience small-city Minnesota at its finest. You’ll discover a boardwalk, along the Red River, lined with popular homegrown eateries like The Blue Moose Bar & Grill, Mike’s Pizza and Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews. Across the street is Riverwalk Centre, which is filled with a mixture of businesses and a 15-screen theater. Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter is also right there. In addition to quality outdoor gear and wear, Cabela’s features an assortment of wild game mounts, a waterfall and 10,000-gallon aquarium containing indigenous fish.

Flavor Filled

After a day of shopping, relax at one of many restaurants, lounges and breweries in the Downtown area, most with outdoor seating, such as The Hub Pub, Brick & Barley, Bonzer’s, Rhombus Guys and Up North Pizza Pub. For a slightly more upscale experience, there is Ely’s Ivy, Sky’s and The Toasted Frog, which was even featured on the Cooking Channel’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” show. Then cap off your evening with some live music, comedy or theater at Half Brothers Brewing Company, The Spud Jr., Fire Hall Theatre or Empire Arts Center.

For more information on these and all of Forks’ SimplyGrand to-dos, check out our website at VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Grand Forks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.