Blog

To explore all that Harrisonburg has to offer, get the scoop from locals. Our blog is carefully crafted to provide a variety of relevant information about Harrisonburg: from trip ideas, to upcoming events, local college information, activity guides, insight on town happenings, and more. Find relevant information here to make the most out of your trip to Harrisonburg. Our blog provides ideas on how to spend your time when you are in the area. If you are looking for outdoor excursions, take a look at our hiking blog for favorite local spots. Want to know about the night-life you can find that here as well. Visiting James Madison University (JMU) or Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) or Bridgewater College you can learn how to make the most of your visit. Harrisonburg is Friendly By Nature!

Ways to Play in Harrisonburg, VA

Looking for fun, engaging activities for your family to enjoy this holiday season? Gather together at one of Harrisonburg’s bowling alleys, arcades, or sports venues for a memorable bonding experience. From cosmic bowling to classic arcade games, to nerf wars and...

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African American Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg’s African American community has a long and rich history. Today there are numerous sites that bear witness to this history and the contributions of African Americans past and present, from the Lucy Simms Center to the Ralph Sampson Park, to The 150...

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A Guide For Things to Do in Harrisonburg, Virginia

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful place to visit, filled with charming small towns, friendly folks, farm-to-table eateries, and sensational scenery. I’m ashamed to admit that I lived in neighboring West Virginia for over 40 years and never once made it to see the majestic Shenandoah Valley and its Blue Ridge Mountains. That all changed when my travels brought me on a whirlwind tour of the area, starting with Harrisonburg.

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Live Music In Harrisonburg

It’s a Feast! Listening to Live Music in Harrisonburg When you think of music in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, you may think first of Country or Americana, and you’d be right. You will find some of the best Americana music here in the city that was the starting...

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Bringing Back The Craft House

The Hardesty-Higgins House has been repurposed and remodeled many times since 1848, when Mr. Hardesty, the city’s first mayor, moved his family into one of the finest homes in Harrisonburg.  Later, the Pollack family expanded the four-over-four room plan and ran an...

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A Half Century of Love in Harrisonburg

In 1969 you could fly from Harrisonburg to D.C. for $10.00 plus tax. Led Zeppelin’s newest LP cost $2.99 at The Discount Record Shop. Midnight Cowboy, the “hit of 1969!” according to The Breeze, was playing at the Virginia Theater downtown, while Rosemary’s Baby played on Madison College’s campus. You could shop for “Funky Outfits” at Madison Square or for “Unusual Merchandise“ at Glen’s Fair Price Store. You might run into Francis Ford Coppola’s crew downtown filming part of his movie, The Rain People, with Robert Duval and James Caan! Whatever you chose to do in Harrisonburg, we knew you would love it! Because, starting in 1969, Virginia Is For Lovers!

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Free Things to Do in Harrisonburg

Within driving distance of Washington, D.C., Harrisonburg, Virginia, invites overnight visitors and federal workers to enjoy the Shenandoah Valley during the federal government shutdown. While many major D.C. attractions and our National Parks are closed, there is still plenty to explore in Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley.

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For more information on news in Downtown Harrisonburg, check out Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance news page.