7 TIPS FOR WINNING A FARGO WINTER

"Being someone who strives to stay active and loves being outdoors as much as possible (when the weather permits), I’ve experienced my fair share of wrestling through Fargo’s long frigid winters. Yes, living much of my life in one of the coldest climates in the world, I’ve come to view these winter months as a time to embrace my introverted creative side; however, aside from having time for personal projects, I realize that there continues to be a lot happening throughout the FM community to become involved with—if we so choose to brave venturing out into the cold to show up!"

1. CREATIVE PROJECTS

"Watercolor painting, scrapbooking, making movies, writing poetry, composing or playing music… tap into your creative side instead of scrolling TikTok (or, use TikTok to first get inspired in researching an idea)!"

2. COOKING NEW CUISINES

"Something I’ve been challenging myself with lately is stepping outside of my comfort zone in cooking new cuisines. Greek, Indian and Peruvian cuisines are a few that I currently have on my radar!"

3. PLAN SOMETHING

Creative Cuisine

Reyna has been getting into cooking Greek Indian and Peruvian cuisines lately. If you want to tantalize your taste buds, check out these options below!

ForGreekspecialtyfoods try shopping at Somali Halal Food Market which carries a ton of Mediterranean ingredients.

ForIndianrecipes try Himalayan Grocery, Namaste Grocery or Lotus Blossom.

Don'tfeellikecooking? (SorryReyna)

Organizations and businesses offering art classes in the area include:

The Art Bar

THEARTBARWFGO.COM

Fargo Parks

FARGOPARKS.COM/ YOUTHPROGRAM/ARTCLASSES

Plains Art Museum PLAINSART.ORG

"A weekend getaway to Detroit Lakes, staycation, brunch or hosting a party… in the middle of winter, I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to in getting us through the darkness. Take initiative and make something happen!"

You can find some great Greek food at GP's Greek Kitchen, Ishtar, Tati's Mediterranean Saveur, New Gyro and Café Aladdin.

Currently in the local area are:

Himalayan Yak, Passage to India, India Palace Super Casual Restaurant, India Street Food Fargo (located inside Fargo Fresh Groceries) and Momo's N More.

EXPERT TIP:

If you are looking for a spot, the newly renovated Hotel Donaldson might be the perfect option with its location in the heart of downtown Fargo.

At Himalayan Yak, you can order in Mild, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot, but you can also order in 2x Extra Hot, 4x Extra Hot, etc. all the way up to 20x Extra Hot!!!

Tips For Winning A Fargo Winter

4. VOLUNTEER

"There are countless opportunities to get involved with local businesses, nonprofits and organizations throughout the FM community. Just because a business doesn’t outwardly advertise an opportunity doesn’t mean that they aren’t open to welcoming volunteers. If you’re looking to give your time, try connecting with your church, local shelters, schools, food pantries or any organization that you feel drawn to. There are volunteer opportunities everywhere if you choose to seek them.

While still a student at Concordia, I spent my college summers working at a bible camp in western Montana called Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. It was during those summers that I fell in love with both the great outdoors and student ministry. After graduating, I knew that I wanted to continue working with students because I saw the impact that having a positive role model with a supportive community had on their lives. Since 2018, I’ve spent my Wednesday evenings at Hope Lutheran Church mentoring and hanging out with their youth. I currently lead a high school small group (as part of their High School Ministry program) who in turn challenge and encourage me in my own faith journey. It is both humbling and inspiring to walk alongside these students who are so refreshingly honest, spirited and authentically themselves. In addition to volunteering at Hope, I sing in FM Choral Artists, an auditioned 78-member community choir, that feeds my love and passion for music

Thirdly, I look forward to continuing my involvement in the Miss America Organization as a lifetime volunteer in various capacities. The Miss North Dakota Organization, which is the state chapter of MAO, is regularly looking for volunteers to help with local competitions, recruitment, fundraising and more to name a few. I’m excited to continue giving back to the organization that has tremendously impacted my professional development and growth as a young woman."

5. THE ARTS

"The arts are vibrant and alive throughout our community! The FM Symphony, Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company, FMChoral Artists, Plains Art Museum, NDSU, Concordia, MSUM, M State and local high school performances… there are productions and events happening weekly that you can attend. Or, if you want to become involved more directly and audition or volunteer, that’s an option too! Check out the Arts Partnership’s event calendar to see more."

6.

Letter Writing

"It saddens me to think that the art of writing letters could be dying. I have friends who have told me that they just don’t know what to write; well, you won’t know until you put the pen down onto the paper! It could be as simple as a postcard. Find your favorite landscape photos from the past year and turn them into postcards and write an inspirational quote or a few words of encouragement.

It’s no secret that writing a letter is not convenient. Of all the forms of communication, sitting down with a pen and paper, finding an envelope, purchasing a stamp and then proceeding to bring that parcel of paper to the nearest post office (or mailbox) is not exactly the pinnacle of easy communication. But, perhaps that’s not the point and is in fact the true beauty of doing it: because it takes time, it feels intentional. It’s because of the effort it takes that makes letter writing feels more impactful and meaningful. And let’s be honest, when we receive a letter in the mail from a friend, does it not brighten your day? In the past, I’ve received letters that have not only brightened my day, but made my entire week and have reminded me of the power of being intentional.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved writing letters. And to be honest, I wholeheartedly believe it has sustained some of my long

Did you know?

Passage to India was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Driveins and Dives in 2021!

distance relationships, especially before social media was a part of everyday life. However, even now in the digital age that we live in, I continue to hold the perspective that letter writing can have the potential to nurture, sustain and solidify relationships— regardless of distance and time. I recently had a friend who returned from living abroad for four months and during that time, she and her boyfriend only communicated through letters. Although they could have easily called one another, because they only communicated via letters each letter received was that much more sweet and full of anticipation. Upon her arrival back in the states, he asked her to marry him to which she wholeheartedly said yes!

In my own letters, I like to reflect on my life and then ask questions of the person to whom I’m writing. I might even draw a little doodle or include a recent favorite quote. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just intentional. And I promise, whoever you're sending that letter to won’t forget it—because there is power in pausing to use words that feel intentional. "

7.

READ

"I have a random list of roughly twenty books that I’m slowly trying to get through, but the top of the list includes:

1. "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah

2. "Spare" by Prince Harry

3. "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

I’m also a fan of “coffee table books” that include big vibrant photos and tales that inspire me, so, currently, on my living room table I have “Gastro Obscura | A Food Adventurer’s Guide” and “The Hidden Tracks | Wanderlust off the Beaten Path” which have both been fun and fascinating to page through with a cup of coffee in hand on my slow Saturday mornings."

1. Passage to India

"I recently had lunch with a friend at Passage to India and my goodness, while dining in I was reminded of the deliciousness of Indian food. My order included garlic naan, Tikka Masala and a Mango Lassi, and they all absolutely hit the spot!

A few of my other favorite local eats include ordering the Nordic Lamb sandwich from Bernbaum’s and the Yellow Curry (with chicken) from Sirirath Thai House. I think the reason why I especially love these restaurants and dishes is because they’re meals that I have yet to be able to replicate at home! The service is also exceptional."

2. Lole Lilly Bag

"The best everything bag! I use this as my gym bag but it can be used for so much more."

3. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

HEALTH,

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

4. Nichole's Cafe

"I struggle to list just one. I love Nichole’s Cafe; every time I dine in, I order one of their loose-leaf teas steamed with milk and pretend that I’m actually in France at an artisan bakery. I’m also a big fan of Thunder Coffee (for their big south-facing windows, kindness, and delicious and unique seasonal specials. Red River Coffee Company, Steep Me a Cup of Tea, and The Grove Coffee and Wine also make my Top 5 Best F-M Meet-Up Spots."