things to do

Exploring Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley

A guide for family members and guests joining us for BidWrangler Thrive

At the Hotel

Grace+Main Cafe — Hotel Madison, 710 S Main St.
Your on-site coffee shop. Good for a quick morning coffee before heading out for the day. Also offering Neapolitan pizza, subs and salads during lunch hours.

Monty's Restaurant and Bar— Hotel Madison, 710 S Main St.
The hotel's full-service restaurant. Open for a breakfast buffet, closed for lunch, then open again for happy hour and dinner. Convenient if you want to stay close to home base.

Coffee

Broad Porch Coffee and Cafe — 47 Court Square
Great drinks, food, and a big outdoor porch.

Black Sheep Coffee — 80 E Market St.
A downtown staple with solid espresso and a good atmosphere for working or hanging out.

Coffee Hound — 64 S Mason St, Ste 100
A dog-friendly, bright and cheery coffee shop. 

Restaurants

Heritage Bakery & Cafe — 212 S Main St.
One of the most beloved spots in Harrisonburg. Exceptional baked goods, great breakfast and lunch, and a beautiful atmosphere.

Magpie Diner — 85 W Gay St.
A beloved downtown breakfast and lunch spot known for creative dishes and excellent baked goods.

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint  — 80 S Main St.
Creative, over-the-top burgers with a great outdoor patio right on Main Street. A Harrisonburg staple with a fun, casual vibe and an impressive beer list. Try Middle Bar or Billy Jack’s too if you have the time! Same owner, same great food. 

Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza — 80 W Water St.
Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza made with fresh, organic ingredients. Great for a relaxed dinner.

Beyond Restaurant & Lounge — 50 W Water St.
Sushi, Asian fusion, poke bowls, and more. Consistently one of the most popular restaurants downtown with great service and generous portions.

Cuban Burger— 70 W Water St.
Cuban classics with a modern twist! Cuban-style burgers and sandwiches are the specialities at this unfussy nook with a relaxed ambiance.

Rocktown Kitchen — 217 S Liberty St.
Upscale-casual American with a focus on local ingredients. Great for dinner out. (*takes reservations)

Local Chop & Grill House — 56 W Gay St.
The go-to for a nicer dinner in Harrisonburg. Steaks, scallops, seasonal cocktails, and a great wine list. (*takes reservations)

Illyria Mediterranean — 231 S Liberty St.
Newer spot with an excellent Mediterranean menu and a lively downtown atmosphere. (*takes reservations)

The Ridge Room - 1884 Evelyn Byrd Ave.
Small plates and creative cocktails with an amazing rooftop and view of the mountains. (*takes reservations)

Night Life

Pale Fire Brewing Co. — 217 S Liberty St. (our Welcome Party venue!)
Craft beer and food right downtown. If you didn't make it Monday night, it's worth a stop on your own.

Restless Moons Brewing— 120 W Wolfe St.
Cozy taproom with a beer garden out back. Laid-back vibe.

Ruby's Arcade — 165 S Main St.
Arcade games (including duckpin bowling, darts, skee-ball, pool tables, and more), wood-fired pizza, and a full bar all under one roof downtown.  

Rootstock Wine Bar — 86 W Gay St.
Your neighborhood wine bar nestled in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg.

Sage Bird Ciderworks — 325 N Liberty St.
Laid-back taproom featuring hard cider made with local apples, plus sandwiches.

Nearby Wineries

CrossKeys Vineyards — Mt Crawford (about 20 min south)
Beautiful mountain views, a full kitchen, and a great patio. One of the more polished winery experiences in the area. (*takes reservations)

White Oak Lavender Farm & Purple Wolf Vineyard— Cross Keys Rd (about 20 min south)
Lavender farm, vineyard, animals, wine slushies, and a gift shop. Very family-friendly.

Bluestone Vineyard— Bridgewater (about 20 min west)
A beautiful, relaxed vineyard with rolling hill views and a European-style tasting experience. Bring your own food and settle in.

Brix & Columns Vineyards — McGaheysville (about 25 min southeast)
Gorgeous mountain views and a relaxed tasting room. Dog-friendly.

Golf

Heritage Oaks Golf Course — 680 Garbers Church Rd (about 10 min away)
A well-maintained public course. Good rates and a straightforward, enjoyable round.

Lakeview Golf Club — 4101 Shen Lake Dr (about 15 min south)
A 27-hole public course with mountain and lake views. One of the better-kept courses in the valley.

Other Attractions

Massanutten Resort— McGaheysville (about 20 min east)
A full four-season resort tucked into the mountains. In May you'll find mountain biking, mini golf, outdoor pools, hiking trails, and the indoor waterpark. A great option for a full-day family outing outside of town.

Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive (about 45 min east)
The most scenic drive in Virginia. Stop at overlooks, hike a trail, or just take it slow. The Swift Run Gap entrance is closest from Harrisonburg.

Luray Caverns(about 45 min northeast)
One of the most impressive natural attractions on the East Coast. Well worth the drive, especially with kids.

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum— JMU Campus
Free, beautiful, and right in town. A great morning walk, and May is a wonderful time to visit.

Explore More Discovery Museum— 150 S Main St
Hands-on children's museum downtown. A great option if you have little ones in tow.

Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center— 212 S Main St
The Shenandoah Valley was one of the most contested corridors of the Civil War, and Harrisonburg sits right in the middle of it. The staff here can point you toward local history, self-guided tours, and Civil War sites throughout the Valley. 

Hillandale Park
A well-maintained city park with walking trails, playgrounds, and open space. Good options for getting outside without leaving town.