The New New: 11 New Things to Try in Greater Grand Forks

Maybe you’ve lived here for a while and want to shake off your Friday night routine. Or maybe you just moved to greater Grand Forks and want to try out something that’s even newer than you are. Below, we compiled some hot fresh spots that opened (or expanded) in the last year. Go show these local businesses some support and tell them Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler than You Think! says hi.

Perhaps you’ve already taken a big bite of a chorizo, potato, and egg breakfast burrito after popping into the Town Square Farmer’s market this summer and visiting Melissa’s Mobile Cocina food truck. Good news! The Tex-Mex deliciousness can now be consumed year-round at Melissa’s brand new permanent location found in Grand Cities Mall. Visit for lunch to find staples of South American cuisine like flautas, tacos, and the best birria you’ve ever eaten. Or stop in on the weekends during breakfast hours for tres leches pancakes, huevos rancheros, or chorizo and potato bowls.

Stepping through the doors of Wild Bergamot transports you into a vibey world full of curiosities and the chaotic relaxation that can only be found in maximalist design. The new Grand Forks boutique found in the south end strip mall nearest to Menards has curated collections of neo-vintage goods, along with handmade gifts and attire that would make all the cottagecore girlies swoon.

What if you could earn industry certifications while you were still in high school? What if you could explore careers instead of blindly jumping into a college degree course? Students throughout Grand Forks County now have that opportunity thanks to the 50,000 square foot Career Impact Academy which just opened its doors to its first semester of high schoolers. With programs in building trades, culinary arts, automotive, aviation and uncrewed systems, engineering, computer science, and health careers, the future for the next generation of Grand Forksians looks pretty bright.

Since North Dakota was officially named the hardest-working state for the third year in a row, there’s no doubt that we need a healthy dose of caffeine to jump start our Midwestern days. Two new coffee shops just opened on 32^nd Ave in the south end. Warm up fireside in Meg-A-Latte’s cozy corners with a hot cocoa or steamy vanilla latte. The mid-century mod design creates the perfect space for a meetup with friends or a study sesh. If pure positivity is your vibe, check out 7 Brew Coffee. This chain marks their cups with uplifting sayings and even pays it back to their local patrons by giving away $500 and a free year of coffee to community heroes every month. Now that’s what we call a caffeine high.

They say laughter is the best medicine, but even if you’re not sick you should check out the brand new troupe of improv comedy professionals taking center stage at the Fire Hall Theatre. If you fancy yourself a comedian, the crew also offers improv jam sessions, which are performances where the whole audience can get on stage and participate in pre-planned games. Led by Halloweentown star J. Paul Zimmerman, this crew of uproarious jokesters will leave you in stitches. (Hmm… maybe laughter is not the best medicine after all?). For show times, follow the Fire Hall Theatre’s Facebook page.

The Gilby Grind in Gilby, ND always played host to the Murder Mystery Mavens mystery dinner parties. Think three course dinners and tons of amateur detective work, complete with full themed costumes. While you can still make the short trek to the Gilby community center, you can now also book the Murder Mystery Mavens to host a party right in your own home!

Dreaming of a day spent getting a facial, followed by a massage, followed by a fresh ‘do? Oh, sorry that might just be me (all day, every day). If you’re in the need for some self-care, stop by Avant Salon and Spa’s new downtown location in the Franklin on 4^th building. Deep rich greens and golds and upscale finishings make the new location a breath of luxe air from the minute you step foot in the building. With a whole array of skincare services, massage offerings, and haircare, this is my new one-stop shop for all things glow up.

Ready to look like you stepped straight out of the pages of a fashion magazine? Pretty B’s new location on the corner of Kittson and 3^rd Street will have you looking like a model in no time if you wear sizes XS-L. Filled with dreamy natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows, this is the perfect boutique to buy a new, fashion-forward outfit and take a sunshine-filled, insta-worthy selfie.

Oooh and aaah over art pieces created by local artists in ArtWise’s new gallery space located in the Grand Cities Mall. Find the perfect piece to spruce up your home or office in their gallery or gift shop. If you’re feeling like getting a little artsy yourself, put on an apron and join one of the many workshops they host for adults or kids. From pottery to painting to gel plate printing, there’s always something colorful happening.

If a rose by any other name doth smell as sweet, a new location by the same name should also bring about the same great feeling. If you’ve walked around downtown Grand Forks this fall and been greeted by sidewalk stands of build-your-own bouquets, you can thank Jalen Nicole, floral designer extraordinaire. Her fresh new space on 3^rd Street blooms with life and flowers of all varieties. Consider stopping by and talking about your next big event or ordering a monthly flower subscription.

Whew. So there’s the list of all the new things you have to explore. Grab your besties or your hot date and hit the town for some community exploration. We’re sure if you just look around your calendars will be full in no time.