What to do in Fargo? Ask Icebreaker James Bergman!
A local Fargo advocate, James Bergman, tells us his FM favorites!
Speech-Language Pathologist/Early Interventionist, Pediatric Partners
Hi, my name is James Bergman. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist/Early Interventionist at Pediatric Partners in Fargo. When I am not doing that, I am also an Intuitive Songwriter who specializes in Custom Collaborative Songwriting. I moved to the FM area in 2006 to study Speech Pathology at MSUM and fell in love with this community (and my now wife). I love learning about all the amazing people doing incredible things right here in Fargo. I have written several songs about Fargo and the people who make this place everything it is. I enjoy going to thrift stores, connecting with community members, and exploring everything that Fargo-Moorhead has to offer. Some of my favorite events are StartupBREW, Creative Mornings, as well as Pride events and Giving Hearts Day. You’ll find me out at events, meeting with new people or reconnecting with old friends. When I am not doing that, I love spending time with my wife and kids and writing about the world we live in and the one that we are all actively creating.
Connect!Why be an Icebreaker?
“I want to help newcomers feel comfortable finding the people and places in Fargo-Moorhead where they can be their authentic selves. Helping people connect with the local community resources that will support them has always been a passion of mine. When I was asked to join the Icebreakers, I was grateful for a chance to highlight all the good that is being done in our community and to be a part of doing even more.” – James Bergman
James’ typical day inn Fargo…
Coffee and/or breakfast?
“I love Luna on University. I will usually get a cappuccino and a spank bar (scotcheroo with a custard layer) to share with someone.”
Need creative juices flowing?
“Moon Rise Café downtown. Seeing familiar faces and visiting with people always gets my mind going and I often find something inspiring to explore. And, getting an amazing coffee and snack always helps, too.”
It’s lunchtime and you’re hungry.
“I love going to the buffet at Himalayan Yak. They have an amazing selection and absolutely delicious dishes. I always have to try a bit of everything.”
You need to blow off steam?
“Yoga or meditation or a networking event through one of the FM Wellness Collective’s incredible practitioners would be a first choice, but usually I would just hop on my bike and see where it takes me.”
It’s late in the evening, but you can’t sit at home?
“If there is an open mic night (music or comedy), poetry reading, or another event happening, I love to attend those as a chance to wind down.”
James' Top 6 Can't-miss things in the FM area!
In no particular order…
1. Dinner and Drinks at Mezzaluna—This place has an amazing atmosphere, an incredible menu, and absolutely delicious food. It has a formal feel, but in a way that is comfortable and not pretentious. You will see some people dressed up and celebrating date night, and some just wearing a t-shirt and shorts. It feels like a perfect slice of Fargo where everyone is welcome and can feel at home.
2. Mystic Moth Studio—Recently moved from West Fargo to downtown, this spot has a great selection of different crystals, decor, books, tarot and oracle cards, and so much more. The staff are so wonderful and welcoming.
3. River Paths—The biking/walking paths that are beside the river are beautiful. While less than five minutes from downtown, you will have the chance to see deer, foxes, woodchucks, and more. Pedestrian bridges make it easy to customize your walk to be as short or long as you want.
4. Northern Plains Botanical Garden—This park keeps getting better. There is great space to walk around and explore the edible forest, fairy garden, and more.
5: Parachigo—This “third-space” provides a venue for all ages shows, but is also an incredible community hub that is finding its place in downtown Fargo.
6. Maven Collective—Book a tour because this is a place you have to see. Created as a co-working space, it is so much more. From their website: “We strive to create a supportive, collaborative, and creative environment for the women and children in our community. Maven Collective is passionate about creating a life where we get to prioritize ourselves, our families and our careers.”
Where are you going for local food?
BernBaum’s—This feels like something you might not expect from Fargo, but it’s here and it’s amazing.
Rhombus Guys—For unique and delicious pizza, this is the spot.
Brew Bird—The gluten free options are pretty great. This restaurant is yet another gem here in Fargo.
Where are you going for local shopping?
Revolver and Carmine & Hayworth’s—Vintage stuff at great prices? Yes, please! Both of these spots have their own downtown charm that is worth getting a taste of. Unglued—Supporting local artists and businesses and finding something to remember Fargo.
Where are you going for local nature?
Lindenwood and Island Park—I love how nature seems built into this community.
Where are you going for local community spaces?
Brewhalla, Broadway Square, Scribble Lady, and even West Acres—There are so many places to connect and see all the amazing shops and event spaces that we have in our community.
Where are you going for local networking?
StartupBREW or Creative Mornings are some of my favorite networking event—Being able to hear local folks talk about what they are doing is so amazing and having the chance to connect with other interesting people is always so invigorating.
Where are you going for the Fargo YOU know and love?
I love Fargo and being able to take someone to Parachigo, Front Street Taproom, Junkyard or another venue for some local music and to see all we have to offer is always so much fun!
Q&A with Icebreaker James
Q: What and why do you enjoy living, working, and playing here?
A: I love the size of this community. It is big enough that I keep learning about amazing new things that are happening here. At the same time, it is small enough that if you want to get involved with what is going on, you can and you can make connections and make it happen.
Q: What is on your “Fargo-Moorhead Bucket List?” What haven’t you done or where haven’t you been that you’d like to go?
A: I haven’t yet gotten involved in the snow sculpting at Frostival. This is something I love to do (as an amateur) and I would love to see what the process is like for people who know what they are doing.
Q: If you moved here from somewhere else—what was your perception of this area before? And, how has that developed or changed since living here?
A: I moved here after finishing my undergraduate degree in Winnipeg and looked at Fargo-Moorhead as a smaller community that is very homogenous. Since then, I have been able to see and appreciate the diversity of Fargo. There are so many different groups and individuals that make this place all that it is.
Connect with James on Instagram and Facebook!
Facebook | /artistjamesbergman
Instagram | @artistjamesbergman
Published October 22, 2024
