The Cboys' Favorite Stops Around The Lakes

Around the lakes area, everyone has their spots. The place you always stop for a bite, the stretch of road that feels like summer, the dock where the best conversations happen, or the local hangout that just feels like home. For the members of CboysTV, the lakes area is part of who they are.

Known for their high-energy videos, motorsports, and "Life Wide Open" mentality, the Cboys have built a following by sharing the kind of fun that feels familiar to anyone who grew up around lake life, small-town friends, and making the most of every season. In this issue of Meet Fargo, we caught up with members of CboysTV to hear about the local places they love most and what makes the lakes area so special to them.

CJ Lotzer's Favorites

Lakes Fika — "I like the family that owns it. They're just nice, good people, and they make amazing coffee. It's also quick, so you don't spend all day there. You can hop in, get what you want, and grab something good to eat, too, like an egg bake, panini, or pastry. It's just good quality from a good family. My go to is an iced vanilla latte, or a hot vanilla latte if it's cold out." (lakesfika.com | /EllaMariesCafeandCollectibles | @lakesfika)

Parallel 46 — "Parallel 46 has really good food, and their steak is great. It's one of those higher-end dining spots where, if you're going out with your fiancée for a special occasion, that's a place you would go. But even if you're just looking for a really good, high-quality meal, it's a great option. It's one of the nicest restaurants in the area. The steak is great. They've always had good desserts, too, and their drinks are really well done. They have really good bartenders, so even something like a Moscow mule or an old-fashioned is made really well. The presentation, the atmosphere, everything about it feels special." (parallel46mn.com | /Parallel46MN | @parallel46_mn)

The Cormorant Store — "The Cormorant Store is kind of your one-stop shop. You can buy a fishing rod there, get a hot lunch, grab fuel and snacks, and they have Sandy's Donuts there every morning, which is dangerous but good. I have a really bad habit of eating probably four donuts a week, so I almost don't want to say they have Sandy's Donuts there because then people might start getting into my stash. But they'll keep them stocked up. I'm not worried about it. They're great over there." (/cormorantstore)

Wildflower Golf Course — "I think it's the best golf course in the area, personally. It's in great condition, and I like the terrain. It has a great level of difficulty, but the staff there are also really nice. They treat you well and seem happy that you're there to golf. It's an easy course to hop on and play, especially during the week when it's not as busy. You can usually get on and play pretty much whenever. It's the perfect mix of high-end golf while still feeling welcoming. The course is awesome, it's in great shape, and it's fun to play. It's not too easy, but it's not too hard either." (wildflowergolfcourse.com | /WildflowerGolfCourse | @wildflowergolfcourse)

Lakes Sports Shop — "I go to the Lakes Sports Shop for guns, ammo, arrows, fishing equipment, golf balls, and pretty much anything sporting goods-related. If you need a surfboard, you can get that there, too. They have outdoor sporting goods, but also actual sports equipment. They have a lot up there. They're family-owned and friendly. The people there remember you after you've been in a couple of times, and they give you good direction. I think they're priced fairly, too." (lakessportshop.com | /lakessportshop | @lakessport)

Ryan Iwerks' Favorites

Wood Fire Pizza and Catering — "Wood Fire has the best pizza in the area. I love that they're trying to do something different. They cook the pizza in a wood-fired oven right in front of you, and they have this big outdoor area where people can hang out. They also have drinks on tap where you can fill up your own drinks at the bar instead of waiting to be served, which is really cool. They have big TVs for sporting events, and it's just a great place to hang out. Plus, they do takeout and delivery." (woodfirepizza.com | /WhereisWoodFire | @woodfire_dl)

Hi-Ho on the Lake — "They closed their Dilworth location and opened up in the old Swannie's building on Middle Cormorant. It's just an awesome spot on the lake, and they have some of the best burgers around. I really love their hangover burger." (Search "Hi-Ho on the Lake")

Zoo on 22 — "The Zoo on 22 is my favorite dive bar. It is our local hangout. They recently renovated, and now they have TVs everywhere. It looks out over Lake Maud, and it just has that perfect Cormorant Lakes area vibe. It's a great lake hangout spot." (zooon22.com | /zooon22)

Lakes Brew — "I started going to Lakes Brew out of convenience because it was right next to the gym. I went there maybe two times, and the lady already remembered my order, which was basically the largest iced caramel macchiato they could give me. Their bacon bagel sandwich is really good, too. It's normally quick, and everyone there is always happy to see you in the morning. It's just a really good coffee shop to swing through. It's a drive-through or walk-up spot, so I'll get a car wash, pop over to the coffee shop, and then head to work." (Search "Lakes Brew")

The Sandbar on Pelican Lake — "The Pelican Lake sandbar is an iconic hangout. Everybody pulls up with their boats, and it's shallow for hundreds of feet out in front of the Barry mansion. It's all sugar sand, so people pull up, hang out, and you're going to see everybody you know. Everyone is there to have a good time. We'll pull up in the boat, play music, and basically spend the whole day there. Then, most of the time, we'll end up leaving there and going to Zorbaz."

Dunton Locks Loop Trail — "Dunton Locks is over by my house. It's an area between Big Detroit Lake, Lake Sallie, and Lake Melissa. It's this cool bike trail that goes right along the river, and it's a nice asphalt trail. In the winter, it's a snowmobile trail. It's just a nice place to ride bike. I don't like to ride bike super far, so I like a spot like that. You don't have to worry about being on the road, and it's really pretty. There's a lot of wildlife back there, too."

Music on the Mountain — "I've been going to Music on the Mountain for probably the last five years. It's another one of those things where people from all over the area come out and hang out. You see everybody you haven't seen all summer, and everyone is there having a good time."

Micah Sandman's Favorites

The Cornfield Cafe — "The Cornfield Cafe is simply an unbeatable old-school small-town cafe with great breakfast." (cornfieldcafe.com | Search "The Cornfield Cafe")

Fair Hills Resort — "This is actually my favorite ice cream spot, and it's right on the shore of Pelican Lake." (fairhillsresort.com | /fairhillsresort | @fairhillsresort)

The Cormorant Pub & Boathouse — "The Cajun Salmon Salad at The Cormorant Pub & Boathouse is my favorite menu item in the lakes area. It's scrumptious!" (thecormorantpub.com | /cormorantpub)

The Long Bridge — "As far as public swimming spots go, this one is my favorite. Jumping off the bridge is a plus. And your friends can watch you from the dock."

The Roadhouse — "The Roadhouse is my favorite place for live music. It's loud and awesome, which always makes for a great party." (/TheRoadhouseCormorantMN)

Zorbaz — "I worked at Pelican Zorbaz for six summers and had a great time doing it. I have been going for 15+ years, and it's always been a great place to socialize with an authentic vibe." (zorbaz.com | /ZorbazontheLake | @zorbazonthelake)

Ben Roth's Favorites

Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park — "Ortenstone Gardens is the best 'park' in DL but it's so much more than just a park and it's growing and constantly changing so every year you go back, there's something new to see from all the sculptures and art like the massive trolls that people travel all around the world to come see, to the massive steel horse on top of the hill looking over the lake. There's one of one pieces of art scattered throughout the property you won't see anywhere else in the world." (ortenstonegardens.org | /ortenstonegardens)

Long Bridge Bar, Grill & Marina — "The wings at Long Bridge are a must have for anyone coming to Detroit Lakes. They hit even harder on the boat." (longbridgedl.com | /longbridgedl)

Lakeshirts — "Gotta hit the Lakeshirts beach shop for their tent sales and pick up some Lakeshirts hoodies for a steal." (lakeshirts.com | /lakeshirtsblue84 | @lakeshirts_)

Wildflower Golf Course — "Wildflower golf course is hands down the best course you can play in the lakes area. The people there could not be more welcoming and hospitable, and the course is always in amazing shape; it's our go-to spot as many nights a week as we can." (wildflowergolfcourse.com | /WildflowerGolfCourse | @wildflowergolfcourse)

The Fireside — "My fiancé and I love to boat to Fireside for date nights in the summer. There are so many good spots to eat on the lake, but Fireside offers a bit higher dining experience and feels special when we get to do it." (firesidedl.com | /FiresideDL | @thefiresidedl)

Detroit Mountain — "I love going out to Detroit Mountain. From the mountain bike trails, troll hunting, and events like Music on the Mountain, there's always something to do or going on out there. It's also the best view of Detroit Lakes and all the surrounding area from the top if you enjoy hiking!" (detroitmountain.com | /DMRAinc | @detroitmountain)

Ken Mathees' Favorites

Cormorant Pub & Boathouse — "Cormorant Pub is a great spot to get off the lake and enjoy some drinks and food with friends. My favorite menu item there is the Mac Daddy burger." (thecormorantpub.com | /cormorantpub)

Hotel Shoreham — "Hotel Shoreham has amazing food and a classic lake atmosphere." (hotelshoreham.com | /HotelShoreham)

Parallel 46 — "Parallel 46 recently started doing breakfast, and their culinary touch on breakfast staples is a welcome addition to the lakes area. Their weekly breakfast specials are always amazing, and the bartenders do a fantastic job with their unique cocktails." (parallel46mn.com | /Parallel46MN | @parallel46_mn)

Northside Bar — "Northside is one of the few remaining dive bars in the area. Also open for breakfast. Be aware it's cash only." (Search "Northside Bar")

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