Wednesday July 14th, 2021

When I arrived in Bismarck, North Dakota this past Monday, I was exhausted from the drive. I couldn’t imagine driving anywhere for longer unless it was the next State…yet clearly I just needed rest. Last night I decided to drive to Fargo today…first of all, hello, the REAL woodchipper is there and second, it’s on the back of my “Spread Kindness” T-Shirt- I’d look like a real idiot not going there. So I set my alarm, headed out before 7 am and thankfully it was a straight shot over on 95. A 3 hour shot, but at least it wasn’t on “Bob’s Road.”

On the way, I stopped at about the halfway point in Jamestown to see the “Largest Buffalo” which was located in a cute, little frontier village. Since I was there a little after 8 a.m., nobody was around, so I just walked around and took pictures.

Another 90 minutes later, I had arrived in Fargo and safely found parking in a garage. They were getting ready for a street festival this weekend, so the downtown was completely closed off to regular parking.  Normally finding where to put my car puts me into cardiac arrest in larger cities, but it wasn’t busy at all today, so I was proud I had a hold of my anxiety on it.  First couple of hours were free, I thought that was really kind of them.

I headed down Broadway and just walked…taking in all of the fun buildings and sights. It was still kind of early in the day, so not much was open. All of the vendors were starting to set up for the Festival, so I tried to just stay out of the way when exploring.  It is usually what I do in the big cities- just walk, breathe it in, stay safe, try not to look like a tourist too much although pulling a muppet out of a bag and taking it’s pic is sure to raise some eyebrows…all in all, I make it work. I just pretend I deserve to be there like they do.

I grabbed a sandwich and headed to my car, wanting to get to the Welcome Center that housed THE Woodchipper from the movie “Fargo.” On my quest for TV and Film Locations, I felt it would check that off for not only the movie prop, but the city itself. I found it right off the Interstate, looks like it’s in a huge barn, and it serves as the Fargo AND Moorhead Welcome Center. What’s Moorhead? A stone’s throw from where I was, yes….the Minnesota border. A bit of de je vu for me. I could have hopped over, but I thought “Man, I already did MN” LOL. I know, stupid, but this is what is rattling around my brain.  In the parking lot they have the stunt double of the woodchipper, because, ya know, every woodchipper needs a double. BUT the best is when you enter the Welcome Center…and there she is in all of her glory. Great pics, I even got the Fargo sticker with a woodchipper on it. Because it’s cool ok? Perfection is the fact that I just watched the movie in the hotel last week- score!

Walter and the Woodchipper…

The REAL Woodchipper from the movie “Fargo”

I then headed to “Riverside Cemetery” since has been noted in the Paranormal world as being severely haunted…the Mausoleum in particular. Well, I drove through, found it, and it was locked. I did play my ghost app visiting around the area, got a couple of hits, and even a last name. Definitely a creepy vibe to this one, must be very spooky at night. I know I would freak the frank out if I saw a TURKEY while walking during the dark…yes, TURKEYS roam in here. It was a new one!

As I headed out of Fargo, I stopped of at Bonanzaville, USA, another old town attraction. Old homes, post offices, etc… it was pretty cool. It was very quiet, so I just meandered from one building to another, chatting on the phone with a dear friend so I didn’t feel so alone.

The Courthouse was beautiful

After about an hour and a half here, I started the long trek back to the hotel.  Three hours later I was back in my room, nuking my dinner, and cozying up in my Mickey blanket I brought from home. VERY homesick today, struggled mentally, but I am still here.  I am fighting so many battles that people just don’t know about, so some days they find their way in and like to convince me that I can’t do this. I know I can. The brain is a bitch. See you tomorrow.

****Side note, thanks to EVERYONE who have donated to my hard work. This is what I do for a living, and it is a passion for me, so tossing me a couple bucks below helps me SO MUCH with everything needed. If you can’t, please consider subscribing to the blog, LIKING the blog post, and sharing any content you enjoy– it helps me out SOOOO much! I love being able to bring you all these amazing places so that YOU can do them as well. I work mostly on donations so thanks again.

Published by Amy Joy

Inspiring adventure and joy, one day at a time. View all posts by Amy Joy