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Harrisonburg is a lively college city of about 51,000 people in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. Known as the Friendly City, it is the seat of Rockingham County and home to James Madison University, whose bluestone buildings and large student population give the city a youthful energy.
The historic downtown centers on Court Square and its 1890s Rockingham County Courthouse, surrounded by independent restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and the Court Square Theater. The Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center tells the story of the valley in the Civil War and the old Valley Turnpike. The city has a growing reputation for food, from the year-round farmers market to Kline's Dairy Bar, a local favorite since the 1940s.
Harrisonburg is also an excellent base for the outdoors. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are about 30 minutes east, the George Washington National Forest rises to the west, and the limestone towers of Natural Chimneys and the show cave at Grand Caverns are both an easy drive away.
The heart of downtown Harrisonburg, surrounding the stone 1890s Rockingham County Courthouse, with independent restaurants, breweries, cafes, shops and murals on the surrounding blocks. Summer brings outdoor concerts and events. Park in a public garage and explore on foot.
A restored 1850s home on Main Street that now holds the city's visitor center, a Civil War orientation exhibit on the Shenandoah Valley campaigns, and a small museum about the Valley Turnpike. It is the best first stop for maps and advice. Admission is free; check opening hours.
A 125-acre arboretum on the James Madison University campus with oak-hickory forest, a pond, wildflower and bulb gardens, and miles of walking paths. It is especially beautiful in spring bloom and fall color. Admission is free and it is open daily; park in the arboretum lot off University Boulevard.
Harrisonburg's largest city park, with wooded hills, walking and biking trails, picnic shelters, ball fields and a playground on the city's west side. It is a quick escape into nature without leaving town. Bring a picnic, and look for deer along the wooded paths early in the morning.
The historic heart of the JMU campus, a grassy quadrangle framed by buildings of local bluestone limestone, including Wilson Hall with its cupola. It is lively during the school year and peaceful in summer. Visitors are welcome to stroll; combine it with the arboretum and the Forbes Center.
JMU's modern performing arts complex, with a concert hall, theaters and recital spaces hosting student and professional music, dance and drama, plus touring artists. Ticket prices are often modest. Check the season calendar, and arrive early to find parking near the center.
A small nonprofit theater on Court Square that shows independent and classic films and hosts live music, comedy and community performances. It is a cozy way to spend an evening downtown. Pair a show with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants around the square.
A beloved local ice cream stand since the 1940s, known for its rich frozen custard-style soft serve made daily, with a weekly rotating special flavor. Expect a line on summer evenings, but it moves fast. Grab a cone and eat it outside at the picnic tables.
A producer-only market in the Turner Pavilion downtown, with Shenandoah Valley farmers, bakers and makers selling vegetables, meat, cheese, bread and crafts. It runs on Saturdays year-round and on weekdays in season. Come early for the best selection and grab a coffee nearby.
A regional park about 20 miles southwest of Harrisonburg with seven limestone towers rising up to about 120 feet from the valley floor, plus trails, a campground and a swimming pool in summer. It also hosts a historic jousting tournament each August. There is a small entry fee.
One of the oldest continuously operating show caves in the United States, open to visitors since 1806, in the town of Grottoes about 20 miles south. Guided tours lead through large chambers with rare shield formations. The cave stays cool year-round, so bring a light jacket.
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