Vibrant vibes New boutique hotel in Fargo offers top-notch rooms, facilities and delectable dishes By: Jill Wilson Posted: 2:00 AM CDT Saturday, Jul. 13, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/07/2024 (826 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since I was in my 20s, I’ve been travelling to Minneapolis to catch concerts, usually at the city’s venerable First Avenue venue.

Thirty years ago, a lack of vacation time and money often necessitated a quick turnaround in the Twin Cities — on more than one occasion, friends and I would motor down to see a show, spend one night crammed into a single hotel room and drive home early the next morning, a straight shot right back to Winnipeg.

Oh, to have such stamina!

Nowadays, I’d rather take a more leisurely pace, stopping halfway home, and instead of looking for a budget-friendly Motel 6 I might splurge on the kind of hotel that’s a destination in and of itself.

So I was intrigued to hear about the Jasper, a newish boutique lodging in Fargo, N.D., located in the heart of downtown at 215 Broadway N.

I got my chance to check it out on a recent Minnesota road trip; I liked it so much, when I travelled to Fargo for a show later on in the year, I stayed there again, forgoing my previous favourite, the Hotel Donaldson.

Perhaps the most distinctive thing about the Jasper is the smell. As you walk through the large doors into the lobby/restaurant, you’re greeted with a fragrant, smoky scent like campfire, thanks to the massive wood-burning ovens in the open kitchen.

The decor is, in a word, handsome. It has a sparse Scandinavian woodsiness but it’s not spartan, with pops of rich, jewel-tone colour everywhere. The lounge (where breakfast/brunch are served in the morning) begs you to watch the world go by through the wall of windows that look out onto Broadway.

That esthetic extends to the ultra-comfortable rooms, which also feature floor-to-ceiling windows; while the view isn’t exactly the Manhattan skyline, Fargo does have plenty of interesting architecture and green space to look out over.

The minibar is stocked with delicacies that lean heavily on local products, including items from the only distillery in North Dakota, Proof Artisan Distillers. (Located at 414 4th Ave N., it’s worth a visit in itself; I’m a big fan of the spicy, citrusy Minions gin and, in keeping with the Scandinavian heritage of the region, they do a mean aquavit.)

How many times have you aspirationally packed your gym clothes for a trip? I almost always do, but rarely make use of them, often because the facilities on offer are cramped and dank, outfitted with a janky treadmill, a creaky exercise bike and a mouldering mat or two.

The Jasper’s gym is top-notch, a big, spotless space with skylights that offers a large selection of free weights, mats, two Peloton bikes, four treadmills, two elliptical machines, one rower, a seated leg press, a regular bike and a Captain’s chair leg raise.

Post-workout shower (there are private ones available), treat yourself to a relaxing Nordic sauna.

If you’re wanting to keep up the healthy-living facade, you can enjoy a sensible start of parfait — honey yogurt, granola and fresh berries — but if you feel the workout was virtuous enough, dive into the decadent Fargoan Croque, a breakfast sandwich on sourdough stuffed with ham and Grueyère, and topped with sausage gravy and an over-easy egg.

The breakfasts are divine, but the dinners are to die for. The hotel’s Rosewild restaurant prides itself on a farm-to-table philosophy, making the most of local produce and products; as such, the menu changes often to reflect what’s fresh and available.

Unfortunately the dish I fell in love with — seriously, I think about it quite frequently — is no longer on the menu; I’m hoping it might come back with the shift in seasons. A braised beef cavatelli with onion jam (US$22), it was unctuous and rich, but given a bright freshness thanks to fennel, leeks and peas. I could have eaten three bowls.

Luckily, I didn’t, because there was still dessert in store. I am not a sweets person by nature, so when I tell you these dishes were next-level delicious, that is high praise indeed — a perfect mix of textures and salty-sweet flavours.

My dining companion had the wood-fired hangar steak served with caramelized onion, whipped potatoes and beef jus (decadent) and we each had a cocktail (they’re also seasonal; I loved the Northern Nectar, made of bourbon, apricot, honey, lemon, ginger beer and bitters).

The Jasper’s location is perfect for exploring the city on foot. Fargo’s downtown faces the same issues as most urban populations and post-pandemic there are definitely more empty strorefronts than in the past.

But there’s a vibrant vibe here, a feeling that people are actively making it a destination. Right next to the Jasper is Broadway Square, a bustling green space and plaza that’s buzzing with activity at all hours. July 18-20 it hosts the Downtown Fargo Street Fair, featuring hundreds of vendors hawking wares and food from all over the country, and an array of local wines and beers, with music and entertainment.

I’m a big fan of many of the neighbouring shops and restaurants located on Broadway and 1st Avenue, but the Jasper is also easy walking distance to Fargo Brewing (610 N. University Dr.), which is not only a fun place to hang out, with good food and a wide array of craft beers, but also home to an excellent outdoor venue that hosts a season full of musical acts. (Coming up: Allman Bros. tribute act the Brothers Allmanac on July 27; North Dakota roots singer-songwriter Brennen Leigh on July 28; L.A.-based performer K. Flay of the Grammy-nominated hit Blood in the Cut on Aug. 24 and American hard rock/funk band Living Colour Sept. 19).

But you don’t need to paint the town red. If you’re just making a pitstop on your way back from Minneapolis, relax with a whisky at the bar and toast your decision to act like a grown-up.

Jill Wilson was provided a promotional stay at the Jasper Hotel in Fargo.

jill.wilson@winnipegfreepress.com

Twitter: @dedaumier