Checking in

Hotel Donaldson gets the most buzz for its 17 boutique rooms with original artwork. Ask for a third-floor room if you're sensitive to beeping of walk signs ($179-$330; 101 N. Broadway; 1-888-478-8768; www.hoteldonaldson.com).

With 151 rooms, the Fargo Radisson is the best bet for lodging during the film festival as the "HoDo" fills quickly. It's just as close for walking downtown and has convenient parking ($129-$269; 201 5th St. N.; 1-701-232-7363; www.radisson.com).

Nichole's Fine Pastry creates such artfully crafted desserts that they could be culinary cover girls. On a cold day, customers warm up with steamy soups or hot sandwiches (13 S. 8th St.; 1-701-232-6430; www.nicholesfine pastry.com).

Chic and grown-up, Monte's draws a following before or after a show. The restaurant serves Swedish meatballs, rack of lamb and macadamia-crusted halibut with plum sauce, as well as late-night plates (220 N. Broadway; 1-701-526-0149; www.montesdowntown).

Usher's House grabs attention with its historic stone building and in-the-park location near the Hjemkomst Center in Moorehead. Inside, the front is pub-cozy with gleaming woodwork and hearty meals such as lamb and oatmeal stout stew, bangers and mash, and elk burgers. The glassed-in dining area looks out onto the river. There you can try a crabby BLT, tapas or freshly rolled sushi on Monday nights (700 1st Av. N., Moorhead; 1-218-287-0080; www.ushershouse.com).

Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau: 1-800-235-7654 and www.fargomoorhead.org.

LISA MEYERS MCCLINTICK