A Quick History of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Christmas is right around the corner, and the staff here at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks is excited for the opportunity to spread holiday joy. One of our favorite holiday traditions is shopping for our annual Christmas tree. We've taken everything we've learned through the years and put together this guide to help you get the most out of your Christmas tree farm experience. Although shopping for your Christmas tree can be a fun experience, if you've never done it before, it may also feel overwhelming. The good news is that shopping for your next Christmas tree doesn't have to be stressful. Keep these tips in mind and you can have all the fun with none of the worries: more Find the Right Farm Image via Flickr by nightthree | CC by 2.0 The first step in any Christmas tree hunt is finding the right farm to shop at. As a proud member of the Grand Forks community, we highly recommend visiting the Ring Family Ranch for your Christmas tree needs. They have an excellent selection of trees to choose from and by shopping locally in nearby Thompson, you help support the Grand Forks County community. Clear Out Before You Go Heading out the door to buy your next Christmas tree is exciting, but it's important not to get ahead of yourself. Before you drive to the farm to find your tree, take time to clear out the space for it in advance. This allows you to bring your tree directly inside when you get home, without the need to clean up. This minimizes how long your tree remains wrapped and allows it to spread to its full size more easily. Get Out Early There's no such thing as being too late to get and decorate a Christmas tree, but that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute. Shopping for your Christmas tree early isn't only about maximizing how long you get to enjoy it before the big day. Most Christmas tree farms make their trees available in yearly groups, so the earlier you get to the farm, the higher number of trees available for you to choose from. This increases your chances of finding a tree that is just right for your needs and tastes. Bring Your Own Saw Most Christmas tree farms provide saws for you to use but it can be beneficial to bring your own. This allows you to know the quality of the saw you are using to avoid any frustration from a dull set of teeth. This also ensures that the saw you use has only been in your possession, as opposed to sharing a saw which others have used, which is a good practice for hygienic purposes. Don't Forget a Tarp If you're planning to load your Christmas tree onto the top of your car after you cut it, make sure that you bring a tarp or blanket with you. Laying down a tarp underneath your tree helps you protect your vehicle from any scratches or nicks from the needles and branches of the tree. It can also make it easier to unload and carry the tree inside, as you and your helpers can hold the edges of the tarp to carry the tree, as opposed to trying to carry it by the branches. Know Your Space There's no such thing as finding the best Christmas tree, as the perfect Christmas tree for your home may not be the perfect Christmas tree for another. Instead, it's important to find the tree on the lot which you feel best fits within your space and with your taste. Knowing how much room you have, both vertically and horizontally, allows you to plan more effectively at the Christmas tree farm and find your best option. See It From All Sides Another important consideration that learning about the space for your tree provides is understanding the directions from which you and others will see it. While the tree may look great from the front, if you intend to place it in a location where you and others may view it from all sides, it's important to walk around the tree and examine it from all sides. This ensures there are no spots with a surprising lack of needle coverage. Do the Shake Test One of the most important considerations when shopping for your Christmas tree is how fresh it is. A fresher tree will last longer, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season more fully. A simple way to test the condition of a tree is to shake one of its branches and check for falling needles. Although some falling is normal, if it drops a significant amount of needles, this may mean the tree is drying out and may not look its best by the time Christmas arrives. Bend a Branch Another effective way to check the freshness of your potential Christmas tree is to bend one of the branches. A lively tree can bend somewhat without breaking. A tree with brittle branches which break as soon as you apply pressure may be a sign that the tree is dying and is no longer fresh, and you may be better suited to finding a different option. Recut the Trunk Not every Christmas tree shopping adventure needs to end with cutting your own tree. Shopping for a pre-cut tree can be an excellent way to find a Christmas tree quickly and affordably. When doing so, ask about the option to have the bottom of the tree re-cut, or consider doing so yourself before placing it into your tree stand. A fresh cut on the base of your tree can help it absorb water and nutrients more effectively when in its stand, helping it last longer. As Grand Forks' #1 new and used car dealership, Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks loves our opportunities to share our advice with the Grand Forks community. What do you think of our guide to Christmas tree shopping? Are there any important tips we missed out on? You can let us know in the comments or contact us about it. And remember, if you have any automotive needs this holiday season, make sure to stop by Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks to see how we can help.

While the Grand Forks area has a ton to offer during the warmer months, winters in North Dakota also provide opportunities for several outdoor winter sports, such as sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating. Whether you enjoy ice skating indoors or outdoors, The Forks is home to a multitude of ice skating venues, from small local outdoor rinks to large indoor arenas. The team at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks has created this list of five different ice skating settings that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. more Blue Line Club Arena The Blue Line Club Arena is actually comprised of two arenas — the Eagles Arena and Blue Line Club Arena. They are connected to each other by a concession stand. Along with freestyle ice skating, these arenas also host youth hockey, adult hockey, figure skating, and high school hockey teams. With two sheets of ice and eight locker rooms, you can bring a large group to enjoy an afternoon of ice skating. You can also let the kids ice skate while you snack on a treat or two at the concession stand. ICON Sports Center This 91,500-square-foot state-of-the-art youth ice arena was developed in 2014 and boasts several amenities for those who absolutely love to ice skate. The ICON Sports Center features two official USA Hockey sanctioned size rinks. There's plenty of room for everyone who wishes to glide across the ice. With 10 locker rooms, space for over 600 spectators at each rink, and a community room for special events and activities, you can bring along anyone who wishes to skate and those who simply want to enjoy being spectators. Constructed in 2014, the ICON Sports Center has become a central location for both Canadians and Minnesotans to share in some ice skating, hockey, and other sports-related activities. Each rink has enough space for more than 400 spectators as well as a viewing deck above each seating area. Many local, regional, national, and even international tournaments and competitions have taken place here. No worries about hearing what's going on in the other rink as there's a sound barrier placed between the two arenas. Don't forget about the two concession stands — one on the upper level and one on the lower level. No matter which floor you're on, there are snacks and drinks readily available. Lincoln Drive Park Image via Pexels by @pavel-danilyuk Did you know that Lincoln Drive Park used to be a neighborhood? That's right, before the Red River flood of 1997, this area was a growing community in Grand Forks. Now, Lincoln Drive Park is a year-round place for families to enjoy the great outdoors, regardless of the weather. During winter, residents of Grand Forks can ice skate to their heart's content. Plus, there's a community room that doubles as a warming house, so you can warm up for a spell and then get right back out there on the ice. Each Christmas, the Lyons Club uses the park as a drive-through holiday light display which raises money for their club. Along with ice skating, there's also a cross-country ski trail and a sledding hill. During the rest of the year, you can take your dog for a walk, play a game of frisbee golf, share a picnic with friends, walk or bike along the trails, and so much more. Riverside Park Riverside Park was also once a devastated area of the 1997 Red River Flood. The City of Grand Forks has taken some preventive countermeasures in order to protect this area should a major water event like this occur again. The park is surrounded by a flood wall and a dike protection system has also been installed in order to protect the area from spring floods. For winter enthusiasts, Riverside Park is home to an outdoor hockey rink that's available for public ice skating. There's a community room that becomes a warming house during the winter months. No reason to stay in the freezing cold the whole time you're ice skating. You can plan on ice skating for hours while stopping once in a while to shake off winter's chill in the warming house. If you are planning an afternoon of ice skating, there are other amenities you can enjoy too. Concessions, ice fishing, playground equipment, and of course, restrooms are available. East Grand Forks Civic Center Located in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and built-in 1974, the East Grand Forks Civic Center hosts a wide range of youth and high school hockey games, competitions, and tournaments. It has also hosted a few synchronized skating competitions. The Civic Center is known as a community event center in East Grand Forks, drawing in visitors and spectators from both Minnesota and North Dakota. Events that have taken place here include musical concerts, arts and crafts shows, and other special fairs and exhibits. Ice season at the Civic Center begins on October 30 and is open to all members of the public. If you're bringing your children and their friends, or simply enjoying an hour of ice skating on your own, take advantage of the multitude of amenities. There are six locker rooms for changing if needed, as well as two concession stands when you need to give your feet a rest from ice skating. There are also three restrooms available and plenty of seating if you are supervising your children as they're enjoying the ice. We've just shared five ice-skating locales that you and your family or friends can enjoy together. When you find yourself bored in the middle of winter, consider visiting one of these ice skating rinks for an afternoon or two. Which one of these indoor or outdoor arenas would you choose to stop by first? Do you prefer ice skating indoors where it's nice and warm, or outside where you can appreciate the frosty winter weather? Do you have a favorite ice skating rink, arena, or venue? If you'd like, we'd be happy to add it to our list. We're always looking for local recommendations from our customers and friends. Simply contact us and let us know.

After a hard work week, a potent drink can be just the thing to help you relax. Grand Forks, North Dakota, is home to some of the most well-loved watering holes in the state. See what they have to offer below. more Bonzer's Sandwich Pub Image via Flickr by _Fidelio_ CC by 2.0 Since its opening in 1983, Bonzer's Sandwich Pub has been a hub of relaxation and recreation in Grand Forks. It's famous for three things: drinks, sandwiches, and a love for the Schooners. If you like the idea of enjoying frosty-cold beverages in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, this is the pub for you. Local regulars can't get enough of Bonzer's super-strong Long Island Iced Teas and Special Mystery Shots. Bonzer's has a long list of beer options, both on tap and in the bottle, focusing on locally brewed brands. This pub has a team of well-trained bartenders, so if you have a favorite mixed drink, rest assured they can make it. Bonzer's offers hot, cold, and sub sandwiches that are sure to hit the spot. The Gasp Sub is a local favorite, containing every kind of meat Bonzer's carries and all the trimmings. The Turkey Tremendous cold sandwich is also much-loved by regulars. It comes with a large helping of turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on an onion bun. Vegetarians love the Meatless Monster cold sandwich. It comes on marble rye with Swiss, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses, tomato, onions, lettuce, green peppers, mustard, and mayonnaise. If you want something unique, try the taco sausage dog with your choice of Polish sausage, bratwurst, or hot dog, smothered with taco meat and topped with shredded cheese and onion. It comes with tortilla chips and salsa. Visit Bonzer's Sandwich Pub at 420 Demers Avenue. JL Beers If you want to try a range of interesting beers from local, national, and international sources, stop by JL Beers at 2531 South Columbia Road in Grand Forks. The impressive number of beers on tap includes Black Butte from Oregon, Cold Press Black Nitro from Minnesota, Guinness Draught from Ireland, Narwhal from California, and Stone's Throw from North Dakota. Beer lovers who enjoy hoppy flavors will love Berry Milkshake from Alaska, Greenway IPA from North Dakota, and King Sue from Iowa. JL Beers' list of classic and unique mixed drinks has something for everyone. If you like your mixed drinks sweet, try the Chocolate Apple, which combines chocolate stout with hard cider. If you're old school and like a good mixed beer, try the Black and Tan combination of stout and lager. If you need a drink that will fill you up and get you going, try the Michelada, which is a domestic light beer with Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce with a Cajun-seasoned rim and a lime slice. JL Beers also has a full menu featuring primarily burgers and chicken sandwiches. The Loft Grab your favorite drink, order a meal, and play a couple of games of pool at The Loft, located at 308 Demers Avenue in downtown Grand Forks. The Loft has daily drink specials, so show up when your favorite beverage is on offer at a lower price. Mondays are for Margaritas, Tuesdays are for Teas and Titos, Wednesdays are for wings and domestic on-tap beers, Thursdays are for collectible mugs of beer, Fridays and Saturdays are for vodka, rum, whiskey, and gin, and Sundays are for collectible mugs with Bloody Mary drinks. The Loft offers buffalo wings by the half-dozen and dozen with mild, hot, honey barbecue, and parmesan garlic sauces or Cajun or lemon pepper dry rubs. The bar burger menu includes a classic half-pound hamburger, its cheeseburger counterpart, a bacon cheeseburger, and the double cheeseburger. Beer-battered fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, southern chicken tenders, nacho fries, and cheesy garlic bread are also available. The Loft holds After School Specials Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. These specials include a grilled cheese plate, the standard burger, domestic tap beers, white claws, and rail drinks at reduced prices. Brick & Barley Bar & Restaurant At 9 North 3rd Street in Grand Forks, you'll find a bar and restaurant with an industrial-chic style, sidewalk seating, and live music. Brick & Barley Bar & Restaurant boasts a massive menu of magnificent beers. Lagers, ales, strong ales, wheat beers, fruit beers, porters, stouts, sours, ciders, and meads are all on offer to pleasure your taste buds and sate your thirst. Pizzas, burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, po'boys, seafood, and steak plates, and several varieties of macaroni and cheese are available on the food menu. If you want something light to balance out your beer consumption, Brick & Barley Bar & Restaurant has 20 appetizer options, including crab cakes, salads, wings, baguettes, fry baskets, and nachos. Patrons adore the establishment's mixed drinks. The bartenders are particularly talented, offering a variety of margaritas, mimosas, hard lemonade mixes, vodkas, Moscow Mules, and rum punches. The most popular martinis include the Grasshopper, comprising crème de menthe, crème de cacao, cream, and chocolate, and the Orange Dreamsicle, which has Dr. McGillicuddy's Vanilla, orange juice, and cream. Merlot, pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and champagne are available for wine lovers. The Boardwalk Bar and Grill Enjoy the combination of relaxed boardwalk atmosphere and an exceptional menu at the Boardwalk Bar and Grill by the Boardwalk Riverdeck at 415 2nd Street Northwest in East Grand Forks. Here you can enjoy your food next to a toasty fire pit on a screened deck. The bar and grill's menu features a rare section dedicated to lavish, which is a large thin cracker topped with cheese and served with savory meats and veggies. Choose from seafood, chicken bacon ranch, veggie, Philly cheese, Hawaiian, and ragin' Cajun lavish plates. The grill's bartenders are well-known for making exceptional classic mixed drinks such as Old Fashioneds, Cosmopolitans, Moscow Mules, a range of martinis, Cuban mojitos, and whiskey sours. The popular sidecars include cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. Each of these great Grand Forks bars and pubs has all you need to tackle even the strongest hunger and thirst. If we missed a favorite spot of yours, let us know. We'll add it to our list.