A North Dakota Bucket List

Bucket list fail.

A friend of ours was recently inspired after attending a freelance writer’s conference to create her own North Dakota Bucket List. We created a bucket list once, but we think we may not have understood the concept at the time.

She, much like many of our Ambassadors, loves North Dakota and was shocked by how many times she hears about new places to go and visit even after living in the state her entire life. We liked the list so much we thought we’d encourage you to think about your North Dakota bucket list. Check out her list below and for the full skinny – and we mean skinny, as she is normally a fitness and healthy food blogger – visit her at www.donteatcrapblog.com.  

North Dakota Bucket List ala Brianna Strahm (AKA @donteatcrap)

1. Drive through Teddy Roosevelt National Park to pet the buffalo and experience the Medora Musical (again!) (Editor’s Note: We strongly advise against petting buffalo.)
2. Bike or Hike “part” of the 100 mile Maah Daah Hey Trail
3. Go sailing on Lake Sakakawea
4. Kayaking or canoeing on the Pembina River
5. Catch a walleye in Devils Lake
6. Go to a UND Hockey Game at the Ralph Engelstad
7. Take a picture with the Worlds Largest Buffalo (again!)
8. Drive down the Enchanted Highway
9. Visit the Rock Museum in Parshall
10. Visit the Wood Chipper in Fargo
11. Walk across the Fairview Bridge
12. Visit Prairie Fire Pottery in Beach
13. Eat at the Pitchfork Fondue in Medora
14. Eat Juneberry Pie at Lunds Landing in Ray
15. Sample a dessert from Nicole’s Fine Pastry in Fargo
16. Eat Chippers from Widmans in Grand Forks (again!)
17. Visit the Albino Buffalo in Jamestown (sorta again!)
18. Ride a sled being pulled by an ATV at Papa’s Polar Patch
19. Stay at the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo
20. Experience Norsk Hostfest in Minot
21. Participate in a grape stomp at the Red Trail Vineyard in Buffalo

Now for the BIG question … what would you add to the list?

An April Full of Entertainment

The winter-that-kind-of-wasn’t in North Dakota has allowed, even, encouraged us to play outdoors. To prove North Dakota still has plenty to do indoors, we’re challenging you to take a break from hiking, biking and fishing this April to experience a few indoor events guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

The Blue Man Group will be performing at the Fargodome on Tuesday, April 3. If you aren’t familiar with this wildly popular group, they are well-known for their combination of comedy, music, technology and starkly blue faces. The Blue Man Group show has been described as intensely exciting, outrageous, and one that leaves the audience in a blissful, euphoric state. And, who doesn’t love euphoria?! With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all languages, and cultures.

Crafters and art fans unite! The 21st annual Minot Spring Show will be held April 13-14 at the North Dakota State Fair and includes more than 250 booths showcasing products hand-made from across the U.S. If you can’t make it to Minot, head to Hazen for their Art Show April 28-29. The weekend will be filled with demonstrations, entertainment and viewing of artwork in a variety of categories and hosted by the Hazen Arts and Crafts Association.

 Ready to rev up those engines? Grand Forks is the place to be April 14 – 15 for both motorcycle and car enthusiasts. The Red River Valley Motorcycle Show held at the Alerus Center is one of the region’s largest gatherings of motorcycles and will showcase some of the best classic and modern bikes. You also have a chance to win a custom 2012 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle! For the car lovers, the 30^th annual Prime Steel Car Show will be on tap at the Purpur/Gambucci Arenas featuring some amazing classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars & antiques.

 Love opera? Then head to Fargo to experience Beethoven’s one and only opera, Fidelio premiering April 13 and 15 at Festival Concert Hall at NDSU. Hear and see the story of mistaken identity, love that conquers all and a final chorus that never fails to bring the audience to its feet. Wrapping up the list for those enjoying musical entertainment is the “Big Sing” in Jamestown April 28-29. This annual gathering of over 300 men from 12 choruses is sure to get toes tapping.