Harrisonburg offers fantastic shopping, dining, and recreational activities for tourists; there’s something for everyone! History buffs will find plenty to enjoy up and down the Valley; or, you could simply enjoy the views with some delicious local cuisine. Here you’ll find a compilation of fantastic restaurants, breweries, vineyards, hiking trails, and more to enhance your stay in Harrisonburg.
This page is divided into:
City of Harrisonburg Website links
General History & Info
Food & Drink
Music & Entertainment
Outdoors
History & Information:
Close walking distance from the JWH, the Hardesty Higgins-House is has been converted into a Visitors Center, museum, gift shop, and has an attached café. You’ll find maps of Harrisonburg, souvenirs for loved ones, a treasure trove of historical information, and friendly staff that are more than happy to chat about our town! Stop by the Hardesty-Higgins House for your introduction to Harrisonburg.
The small building rented by the Cultural Center was opened in 1908 as an annex to a one room school for children which was built by a local church in 1899. The main part of the schoolhouse was dismantled and move to Augusta County but the portion which houses the Cultural Center was used as a “practice teacher center” for students by the State Normal and Industrial School for women at Harrisonburg which later became James Madison University. Visitors to the Center will see a Harriet Tubman timeline, and information and displays about a local slave safe house. Videos are also available in the center on topics including plantation life. Visitors can visit “Freedom Trail” markers on the property which include topics: The Hideout, The Auction Block, and Slave Patrols. An evening tour is given at 5 p.m. most First Fridays on the property. The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center began in 2010.
Admission is $10 for adults and free for students 12 and under. Visits are by appointment only. To make an appointment or for more information call (540)578-6389.
Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center
Born enslaved in 1856, Lucy F. Simms went on to receive her degree from Virginia’s Hampton Institute, and eventually settled in Harrisonburg to teach over 1,800 students from three generations of families. This exhibit, spanning 150 years of history, tells the story of the school in terms of its place at the heart of local community life. The exhibit opened on April 25, 2016, and is permanently housed in the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center.
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm
For more information on Lucy Simms, visit this link or visit Harrisonburg’s website here.
Located just south of Harrisonburg in Dayton, The Research Library and Archive collections provide extensive resources for local history and genealogy research. The Joshua Wilton House has used these archives many times to research Wilton’s significance in the area, his family, and his long-lasting influence. The large gallery spaces feature distinctive Valley folk art; early crafts and trades; memories and maneuvers of the Civil War, WWI, and WWII; and the growth of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community.
Rocktown History serves as the official tourist information center for Historic Dayton. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm at 382 High Street, Dayton, VA 22821. (540) 879-2681 or visit their website here.
Woodbine Cemetery
A short walk from JWH, the Woodbine Cemetery was developed as the town’s main cemetery, and the need for gravesites for fallen Civil War soldiers became apparent early in the conflict. The nearby action where General Turner Ashby was killed and the battles at Port Republic and Cross Keys added additional burials, as did fatalities at Harrisonburg’s Confederate General Hospital. A one-acre lot was then donated by Harrisonburg merchant Samuel Shacklett for a “Soldiers’ Cemetery.” In June 1868 women from the town formed a Ladies Memorial Association, led by Mrs. Juliet Lyle Strayer. The Memorial Association provided care and maintenance for the graves of fallen Confederates buried there. The Wiltons also have a large, above ground crypt which houses Joshua’s immediate family. Say “hi” to the Wiltons and enjoy a calm, sunny stroll through time. More information can be found on Harrisonburg’s website here, or directly at Woodbine’s website here.
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
The Valley is full of wine! Enjoy stunning views of the Blueridge Mountains while sipping a delicious Cab Franc or Petit Verdot. Here are some of our favorites:
- Bluestone Vineyard - 8.6 miles from JWH
- Crosskeys Vineyards - 11 miles from JWH
- Brix & Columns - 11 miles from JWH
- The Purple Wolf Vineyard - 5.9 miles from JWH
Breweries/Cideries
Harrisonburg plays host to many micro breweries and tap rooms, many of which are within walking distance of JWH. Here are some of our favorites:
- Pale Fire Brewery - 0.2 miles from JWH
- 2 Notch’d Valley Collab House - 0.3 miles from JWH
- Restless Moons Brewing Co. - 0.5 miles from JWH
-Sage Bird Ciderworks - 0.5 miles from JWH
- Brothers Craft Brewing - 0.9 miles from JWH
Joshua Wilton House
In addition to our historic Inn, the Joshua Wilton House also doubles as a fine dining restaurant in the heart of Downtown Harrisonburg. We offer farm-to-table freshness, prepared by exceptional chefs! Our bartenders create craft cocktails as wells a classic cocktails based around the history of our home (prohibition era cocktails). Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer and cocktail, or a full blown dinner with wine pairings, we have you covered! Visit our menus here for more information, or to make your reservation.
Local Chop & Grill House
“The Chop House”, as it’s locally known, is a massive building just north of Downtown Harrisonburg, Like the JWH, they source fresh ingredients from local farms, and offer a wide variety of local beer and wine. Their expansive bar has its own cozy wing of the building, while the dining room offers a more romantic atmosphere. 0.6 miles from JWH
Visit their website here for more information.
Bella Luna
Bella Luna features hand-crafted, farm-fresh food in a warm and inviting environment. Located in the historic Livery Building in downtown Harrisonburg, Bella Luna offers wood-fired pizzas, hand-made pastas, fresh seasonal salads and sandwiches, and delectable desserts. The bar boasts a wide selection of local microbrews and hard ciders on tap, hand-selected wines and artisan cocktails. 0.3 miles from JWH
Visit their website here for more information.
Mashita
Delicious Korean inspired dishes, utilizing local ingredients, and prepared in approachable and unique ways. What began as a food truck is now one of Harrisonburg’s most popular restaurants and catering service. Mashita offers something for everyone, and also offers games, local artwork, and quite a large bar for guests to enjoy. 0.4 miles from JWH
Visit their website here for more information.
Cuban Burger
Located in heart of Downtown Harrisonburg this Cuban-American cuisine is a food lover’s paradise. The menu offers a variety of options: fritas, tapas, Cuban sandwiches, and a full bar which includes Hand Crafted Cuban cocktails. The decor and atmosphere offer its patrons to step into the past and experience Hemingway’s Havana. 0.2 miles from JWH.
Visit their website here for more information
Heritage Bakery & Café
This charming bakery & café is cherished by locals and is perfect for visitors to Harrisonburg. Connected to the Hardesty-Higgins Visitor Center & Museum, Heritage Café offers light lunch fair, delicious sweets, and custom made cakes for every occasion. Located 700ft from JWH’s front door!
Visit their website here for more information
Bella Gelato
Situated across the street from Bella Luna, you'll find bread baked daily to grace your dinner table, an espresso and coffee bar featuring locally roasted beans, a pastry case full of croissants and other tasty treats, and of course thier award-winning gelato. Both the desserts and breads for Bella Luna are prepared in the bakery, and the gelato is made by hand on site, using local milk from Mount Crawford Creamery. Located 0.2 miles from JWH.
Visit their website here for more information.
Music & Entertainment
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts - JMU
Experience the excitement of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, featuring five remarkable venues, each unique and acoustically designed to perfection. The Forbes Center will captivate your spirit with its soaring floor-to-ceiling glass lobbies, comfortable seating with ample legroom and upgraded audience amenities. Park for free just steps away from the entrance and be seated in minutes, ready to enjoy extraordinary dance, theatre and music performances by critically acclaimed guest artists and JMU's award-winning faculty members, students and alumni. Engage in pre- and post-show dialogues with visiting composers, choreographers, world-renowned guest artists and distinguished faculty and students. Located 0.5 miles from JWH.
Visit their website here for more information
Court Square Theater
Court Square Theater was once the home of Rockingham Motor Company (RMC), one of the premier car dealers in Downtown Harrisonburg from the 1920s through 1970s. When downtown revitalization began in 1998, Court Square Theater (originally called The Rockingham Theater) was carved out of the existing building along with three other businesses. The architecture of the old RMC was kept intact, with outside RMC crests preserved - and duplicated inside of the theater. The ticket box office came from the historic Kavanaugh hotel, lending another note of history. Located 0.3 miles from JWH.
Visit their website here for more information
Clementine’s & Ruby’s Lounge
Owner Clay Clark’s vision for this restaurant was an innovative space that focused not only on food, but also music and art. This concept is infused into every part of the business, from the changing menus and art-lined walls to the band line-up. Clementine always tops the list of great places to see music in town. With two stages for live music performances – upstairs or downstairs at Ruby’s Lounge – they bring in local bands and bigger names on a regular basis.
Shopping
Lady Jane
Lady Jane is a boutique shop owned by the effervescent Sarah! She supports local artisans, and features over 50 creators from across the valley. If you’re looking for charming, one of a kind gifts while visiting Harrisonburg, this is a must! From local artwork to houseware necessities, Lady Jane has you covered!
Oasis Art Gallery
Oasis exhibits and sells the work of about 35 Shenandoah Valley area artists and artisans. There's always something new at OASIS. Visitors are delighted by the quality, price and diversity of work. Oasis is open 7 days a week, in the heart of Harrisonburg’s historic downtown and its Arts & Cultural District.