The Best Staycation in Every State

Fargo, North Dakota

Courtesy of Visit Fargo

ADDRESS
Fargo, ND, USA

 

With a rich history as a pioneer town, visitors might be surprised that quaint Fargo is loaded with great art and even haute cuisine.

 

Celebrating the city’s first hotelier, the forthcoming 125-room Jasper Hotel speaks to Fargo's past while also looking forward—the hotel’s restaurant, Rosewild, is a nod to traditional Nordic cooking techniques from foraging to fermentation across its shareable dishes.

 

Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Café (featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" just last month!) is the place to go for breakfast while the 25th Street Market offers a cluster of shops that feature Pride of Dakota products alongside Thai and Himalayan restaurants. Happy hour is a great time to check out Maxwell’s or Cork N’ Cleaver.

 

For some culture on the high plains, the art deco Fargo Theatre is a downtown icon that’s currently offering virtual cinema options, while the Plains Art Museum, the largest in the state, is free to visit and celebrates local art, including Native American art. Definitely don’t miss the infamous wood chipper from the "Fargo" movie—signed by the Coen brothers!—at the Visitors Center. —Cinnamon Janzer

Columbus, Ohio

David Shvartsman / Getty Images

ADDRESS
Columbus, OH, USA

WEB :Visit website

In the mood for a trendy city break to dispel the monotony of the pandemic? One of the fastest-growing cities in America, Columbus, Ohio, delivers the metropolitan adventure you’re craving.

 

To make up for months in quarantine, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Hotel Leveque. Splurge on a suite overlooking the picturesque Scioto River Mile and, later, spend a socially-distanced afternoon exploring the riverfront’s parks, trails, and bike paths. Can’t leave Fido at home? Book a canine-friendly room at the DogHouse where, thanks to the on-site brewery, you can snag a Punk IPA or Elvis Juice from the beer fridge in the bathroom to sip while you shower.

 

At the new tri-level Budd Dairy Food Hall, chow down on tacos, poke bowls, and Filipino street food. For the city's best views, grab a pre-game cocktail at the rooftop bar before catching a match at the new Columbus Crew stadium. Soccer not your style? Burn off those pork belly skewers with a self-led street art tour. For a touch of Paris in the heart of the Midwest, don’t miss the Columbus take on the Mona Lisa that is way bigger (and less crowded) than the original at the Louvre. —Alex Wittman