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See life through rosé colored glasses

April 25th 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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Just like a good Beaujolais, the Greater Grand Forks Art & Wine Walk keeps getting better with age.  The first glass of wine was poured back in 2006, when the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and North Valley Arts Council (NoVAC) joined forces to host one of the most popular annual events our community has ever known.  A few years back, the CVB handed over its duties to the Downtown Development Association (DDA) who now partner with the Public Arts Commission (PAC) to ensure Art & Wine Walk remains as SimplyGrand as ever!   Traditionally, this event has been a monthly summer-only occurrence.  However, organizers have now decided to hold Walks throughout the year, with the next one scheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 1 to 5 PM.  Art & Wine Walk offers regional artists a chance to display their talents and wares at several downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks venues.  A sample of wine will be available, at specified sites, for those 21 years of age and older.  Some locations may also choose to serve nonalcoholic beverages and appetizers, along with featuring live music.   On the day of the event, a wristband and map listing participating …

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SimplyGrand values for our valued visitors

April 2nd 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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During times when the economy/exchange rate may not be so great, we realize how you spend your money is more important than ever.  When you visit Greater Grand Forks, you’ll find a variety of top-notch accommodations, dining, shopping and entertainment options at unbelievably low prices.   Should our community have the privilege of hosting you, either for a weeklong vacation or weekend getaway, the Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau will assist in any way possible to help find the best deals out there.  Our website Discounts page will have lots of awesome new offers going live April 1!  You’ll also wanna make sure to stop in the Visitor Center (4251 Gateway Drive, I-29 Exit 141) to pick up a hot-off-the-press 2018-19 SimplyGrand $avings Coupon Book.  It includes great discounts at over 60 local businesses including: Holiday Inn Express; Staybridge Suites; Caribou Coffee; Mexican Village; Paola’s Pastries; Up North Pizza Pub; Cost Cutters; Kittsona; Maurices; King’s Walk Golf Course and Northern Air Family Fun Center.  We also have copies of Best of the Forks that will provide lots more coupons to use.   Even though we offer a grand getaway, it definitely won’t cost you a grand.  Moreover, as our …

Posted in: Arts & Culture, Dining, Entertainment, Events, Lodging, Shopping, shows and concerts, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism, Uncategorized
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Concerts, productions & shows worthy of standing O’s

March 14th 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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Want to experience the Grand Ole Opry without ever leaving good ole Grand Forks?  Or perhaps enjoy a taste of Broadway on DeMers Avenue downtown?  Within the next few months alone, our many amazing venues will be offering up a plethora of entertaining events to satisfy a variety of tastes!   March 15-17 & 22-24 – “Melancholy Play” at Empire Arts Center March 15-18, 22-25 & 29-31 – “Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None” at Fire Hall Theater March 17 – The Breakers Tour: Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves & Midland at Ralph Engelstad Arena March 17 – North Dakota Ballet Company presents “Snow White” at Empire Arts Center March 21 – The Illusionists: Live from Broadway at Chester Fritz Auditorium March 25 – Telegraph Quartet at North Dakota Museum of Art March 30 – “Run Like Hell: A Pink Floyd Show” at Empire Arts Center April 4 – Foreigner & the Dave Eggar Orchestra at Chester Fritz Auditorium April 24 – UND Wind Ensemble & University Band at Chester Fritz Auditorium May 3 – Thomas Rhett at Alerus Center May 6 – Symphony Sunday: The Music of Brazil at Empire Arts Center May 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26 – …

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SimplyGrand times for grown-ups

March 2nd 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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If you’re looking for some fun after the sun goes down, our two towns are one hot ticket!  With everything from live music and karaoke to bar bingo and trivia takeovers, we’ve got plenty of ways to entertain you.   Listed below is just a sampling of all the different places to play around after 5 PM and beyond:   Bar Bingo/Bargo – Up North Pizza Pub (Tuesday at 7 PM); Ground Round (Thursday at 8 PM) Karaoke – Brick & Barley (Tuesday at 10:30 PM); Rhombus Guys Pizza (Wednesday at 10 PM); O’Really’s Irish Pub (Wednesday & Friday at 10 PM); Diamond Lounge (every other Thursday at 7:30 PM); El Roco Bar & Grill (Thursday at 9 PM) Live Music – The Ember (Thursday Bluegrass Jam); Diamond Lounge (Weekends at 9 PM); Half Brothers Brewing Company (every night, times vary); Long Haul Saloon (Weekends at 9 PM); Shotgun Sally’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Saloon (Weekends at 9 PM); Southgate Bar & Grill (Weekends at 9 PM) Pool & Foosball – El Roco Bar & Grill; The Loft; TJ’s Sports Bar, Up North Pizza Pub Trivia – Bonzer’s (Monday at 8 PM); The Diamond (Tuesday at 7 PM); Rhombus Guys Pizza …

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Great things are springing up at Alerus Center

February 25th 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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No need for April showers…the Alerus Center is already blooming with simply grand events before, during and after that time!  With new General Manager Anna Rosburg at the helm, Grand Forks’ premiere entertainment and convention facility will be hopping, more than ever before, with a variety of different events.   March 2-3: 2018 First Robotics Competition March 20-22: 25th Annual ArtWise Elementary Art Show March 23-25: Home Design & Garden Show 2018 March 31: 16th Annual Kids Easter Egg Scramble April 13-15: Jurassic Quest April 14: GF Horticultural Society presents Gardening Saturday 2018 April 21: Toughest Monster Truck Tour Championship Weekend April 21-22: Red River Valley Motorcyclists 2018 Motorcycle Show May 3: Thomas Rhett w/special guests Brett Young & Russell Dickerson May 20: Five Finger Death Punch & Shinedown w/special guests Starset & Bad Wolves   For more information, including ticket/admission prices, go to www.aleruscenter.com.   If you’d like to grab a bite or enjoy some cocktails before or after your event, there are several awesome spots nearby to indulge and imbibe.  Just some of them include: Aalto’s, Tavern United and l’Bistro in Canad Inns Destination Center; Crooked Pint Ale House; Grand Junction Subs; Ramada Aroma Café & Dreamers Lounge; …

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Rockin’ the Ralph & Betty too

February 9th 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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Everyone knows about all the exciting happenings that take place at the awesome Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA).  However, the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center (BESC) right next door has got it goin’ on, as well!   Since its completion, the Betty has welcomed many great events and is best known as the host facility for the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference University of North Dakota Women’s Basketball, Volleyball and Men’s Basketball teams.  Prior to their Division I transition, it was even voted the best Division II women’s basketball facility in the nation.   Of course, the Ralph is home to eight-time Division I National Champion University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey.  Some of the other things held there include concerts by a variety of award-winning musicians and nationally popular stand-up comedians, Disney productions and an array of professional sporting events.   Both facilities feature beautiful granite floor lobbies, large concessions and lounge areas and hall of fame sections for their respective sports.  For a nominal fee, you may join one of the guided tours taking place every Monday through Friday, at 1:30 PM, beginning and ending in the Ralph’s Sioux Shop.  This 90-minute trek tours guests through the entire $100+ …

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Wooing your Valentine in #SimplyGrand style

February 1st 2018 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  Don’t have any plans yet with your significant other?  Well then, you best read on!  Luckily, Greater Grand Forks has lots of great date options and here are my Top 5:   LOVE ON THE EAST SIDE. Drive your date to downtown East Grand Forks for a romantic movie and some ‘heart’y food.  Start out the evening with an earlier showing at River Cinema 15, perhaps in one of the theaters with new heated recliner seating.  Afterward, journey down the Riverwalk Centre hallway and canoodle over noodles at Mamma Maria’s.  Just some of the divine dishes to try are the classic homemade lasagna, chicken milano, lobster ravioli and cranberry tortellini.  And of course, a nice bottle of vino is a must.   UPSCALE AFFAIR. The Toasted Frog is the best place around to get pickled.  By that, I mean their martinis and deep-fried cheesy pickles are so amazing, they’ll make your head spin!  Upon exiting the Frog, grab your date’s hand, then stroll down 3rd Street, over and up to Sky’s on the 2nd floor of 322 DeMers.  Treat your 5-star sweetie to a 5-star dinner that includes classic cocktails, crab cakes, a king or …

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Have one fine auld lang syne

December 26th 2017 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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No plans yet for New Year’s Eve? Ring in 2018 with your family and friends in Greater Grand Forks!  Our two towns provide residents and visitors lots of opportunities to have a great time in the great outdoors. Whether you want to pretend you’re legendary like Sidney Crosby or Kristi Yamaguchi, both the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Park Districts offer scheduled times for open skating. If you’d rather do circle eights Downtown, the Town Square Ice Rink is just your cup of tea (or hot chocolate)! The whole family can also take in a day of sledding or cross-country skiing in Lincoln Drive Park.   If it’s blustery outside, then give bowling a try at one of two alleys. The kids would definitely enjoy splashing around in our water parks: Canad Inns Destination Center and Choice Health & Fitness. Open from 7:30 AM till 8 PM, Choice also features basketball, racquetball and tennis courts, fitness classes and a Kids Zone interactive play area. Northern Air Family Fun Center will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM and features a trampoline park, laser tag, plus lots of inflatables. And don’t forget to take a spin through Lincoln Drive …

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Building blocks of fun in Greater Grand Forks

December 6th 2017 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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If you build it, they will come.  That’s what the staff of HB Sound & Light believed back in 2015…and they were correct.  The 3rd Annual Holiday LEGO Display, December 8-26, 2017, is backand better than ever!   This free, family-friendly event features thousands of toy blocks being used to re-create Grand Forks blocks.  Numerous iconic buildings and landmarks, such as Widman’s Candy Shop and the Smiley water tower, come alive in a magical miniature LEGO-inspired wonderland.  It all takes place Downtown, in the HB Warehouse, at 101 North 8th Street.  Business hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM.   Even though that would be totally awesome on its own, they didn’t stop there!  In addition to the simply grand displays, there will also be several special Open House happenings:    December 8, 5 to 8 PM (21+ ONLY): Tickets may be purchased online or at the door for $20 and include three drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres by North Dakota Museum of Art Cafe, live music, plus the chance to win a limited-edition Whisky by Far North Spirits and LEGO Architecture set. Alcohol may be purchased at the event from …

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Go Grand for the holidays

November 30th 2017 | Posted by julier | 0 Comments

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Not really in the spirit of the season yet?  I know what will put the jingle in everyone’s bells and the jolly in their holly, as well!  If you’re looking for activities to create a festive frame of mind, Greater Grand Forks is definitely the place.  We have seasonal celebrations, concerts and sparkling events galore.   Following is a list of holiday happenings that are sure to get you feeling very merry. Through Dec. 24: Visit & Pictures with Santa at Columbia Mall Through Dec. 31: Christmas in the Park Holiday Lights Tour at Lincoln Drive Park Nov. 28-30 & Dec. 1-3: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Empire Arts Center Nov. 30-Dec. 3: Muddy Waters Winter Showcase at Muddy Waters Clay Center Dec. 2: Heritage Christmas Festival 2017 at Heritage Village Dec. 2: Winter wUNDerland Concert at Chester Fritz Auditorium Dec. 2-3: Holiday Home Tour 2017 at All Season’s Garden Center Dec. 3: Thursday Music Club Annual Christmas Musicale at Calvary Lutheran Church Dec. 6: GF Historical Society presents A Rock & Roll Christmas Party at Ramada Grand Forks Dec. 7-10: “A Christmas Carol” Radio Play at Fire Hall Theatre Dec. 7-10 & 14-17: Santa’s Village 2017 at Lincoln Park …

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