A poignant and forgotten plea from North Dakota's tourism board to the late, great Anthony Bourdain has resurfaced online, capturing the hearts of millions and offering a bittersweet glimpse into what might have been.
The tweet, originally sent from the @NorthDakota account in 2012, simply read: "@NoReservations Hey Anthony, we'd love for you to experience North Dakota. We've got bison, beer and lots of space. Let us know!"
For years, the message remained unanswered, a digital relic of a missed opportunity. Its recent rediscovery has sent it viral, amassing thousands of likes, retweets, and sorrowful comments.
A Bittersweet Rediscovery
The tweet was unearthed by a Twitter user who stumbled upon it, prompting an outpouring of emotion from Bourdain's devoted fanbase. Many expressed profound sadness, imagining the incredible episode of Parts Unknown that never was.
One user poignantly replied, "This one hurts my heart. He would have done North Dakota right." Another added, "He would've found the beauty in it that no one else could. What a loss."
More Than Just a Travel Pitch
The resurfaced tweet has transcended its original purpose as a tourism pitch. It has become a symbolic touchstone for fans still grieving the loss of the iconic storyteller, who took his own life in June 2018.
It highlights Bourdain's unique talent for finding profound human stories in the most unexpected places, transforming overlooked regions into compelling destinations through his empathetic lens.
In the wake of the tweet's revival, many have also used the moment to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources, honouring Bourdain's memory by encouraging open conversations.
