Harrisonburg, VA: A Hidden Gem in the Shenandoah Valley

This is no hiking trail, this is a trail of craft breweries starting in Harrisonburg, VA, moving down into Staunton and Waynesboro, and finishing in Lexington. The trail covers three counties, but each brewery is conveniently located within one hour of each other. Each brewery is its own legend. Travel to any one of the breweries on the trail and discover great live music, excellent farm to table food, and chances to win prizes during their promotional programs.

Harrisonburg Tourism 212 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, Phone: 540-432-8935

The James Madison University at Harrisonburg, VA hosts the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum where everyone is invited to explore the Oak-Hickory Forest, the trails winding through the daffodils, sloped forests, the pond in the lowlands, and the tree-covered savannah that many of nature’s beautiful creatures call home. This arboretum is a place that educators and students may use as a natural classroom during business hours. But, it is also for anyone wanting to bask in the serenity of the arboretum. This research space provides safe preservation of native flora and fauna and inspires people with natural beauty.

780 University Blvd, MSC 3705, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, Phone: 540-568-3194

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Harrisonburg, VA is known for its old districts, and The Joshua Wilton House aspires to remain the center of travel among the old buildings in the downtown area. The inn features fine dining and comfortable stays for anyone to enjoy. Only fresh, local food is served at this restaurant and inn, where top-rated chefs prepare every meal. The Joshua Wilton House offers catering, reservation dining, reservation stays at the inn, reservations for parties, graduations, weddings, and other private events. As the seasons change, so does the menu, so going more than once is highly recommended.

412 South Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801, Phone: 540-434-4464

The Explore More Discovery Museum is a place for children to learn, explore, and discover all the things about our world in the past, present, and future. Children actively learn by getting hands-on, doing the activities, and having a ton of fun. The museum offers birthday parties, field trips, workshops, summer camps, and many more fun and exciting ways for children to learn and grow in an active environment. The workshops and programs the museum offers also help the parents teach their children at home. The museum is accommodating to any child who wishes to seek knowledge about their world.

150 South Main St. Harrisonburg, VA., Phone: 540-442-8900

The Mineral Museum is another one of James Madison University’s many wonders for people to come and gain knowledge about the world. It houses more than 600 gemstone and crystal specimens acquired from every corner of the globe. Every specimen is neatly classified and displayed with many types of data, including where the specimen was found, the crystal system classification, the elemental formula, and where that type of mineral can be found in the world, among other great facts about each specimen. The specimens are arranged by chemistry in the systematic collection, by locality in the Virginia minerals collection, and by fluorescence in the Fluorescent Mineral Display.

Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences MSC 6903 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA. 22807, Phone: 540-568-6421

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Held in the Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah Heritage Market is the largest county market in the area. The entire market consists of over 20 shops that sell all kinds of produce, canned goods, handmade furniture, crafts, quilts and blankets, antiques, history memorabilia, homemade candies, baked goods, bulk foods, western apparel, and of course, toys for the little ones. A large antique mall surrounds the market grounds, and there is ample parking for RVs and busses. There is a little something for everyone at this market, and it gives everyone a great chance to support local business in the Shenandoah Valley area.

121 Carpenter Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, Phone: 540-433-3929 or 800-296-2905

From local and seasonal produce to artisanal bread, from free-range meat products to rare cheese finds, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market has it all. The market has offering bringing farmers, artisans, and other vendors the unique opportunity to connect with the local community and sell high-quality products since the 1950s. Harrisonburg’s farmers market started with a local organic farmer, Clarence Dellinger, who started selling his produce in the police station's parking lot. In the later years, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market would eventually find its permanent home in 2008 at the Turner Pavilion. Popular with visitors and locals alike, there are tons of great deals and unique finds to snag at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market.

228 South Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801; Phone: 540-476-3377

This valley, located at the northern tip of Virginia, is a part of the Great Appalachian Valley and bears southwest down the state for a little over 200 miles. You can find mountains, parks, lands to use to hike, fish, bike, camp, or just take a nice scenic drive. Along the trail are prominent historic towns like Harrisonburg, Shenandoah, Winchester, Lexington, and many more. Every town in the Shenandoah Valley is filled with bustling culture, many different shops and restaurants, nightlife, kid’s activities, nature journeys, outdoor recreation, historic tours and landmarks, museums, architecture, and art. The Shenandoah Valley has something for everyone.

Everything you want in an orchard or greenhouse is everything that Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse is. At the orchard, you can pick from several types of peaches, over 25 types of apples, and various veggies. You are welcome to make an experience out of visiting the orchard and picking your fruit and vegetables yourself, or you can choose the produce already picked. The greenhouse is full of perennials both local and from elsewhere, annual flowers and plants, and brand-new varieties, which are hauled in often. You can also find great veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, herbs, and many other plants. Everything grown at Showalter’s is all natural.

17768 Honeyville Road, Timberville, VA 22853, Phone: 540-896-7582