Cycling enthusiasts, Harrisonburg has you covered on and off the trails! Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, this IMBA Bronze Level Ride Center and Bike Friendly Community is a true basecamp for outdoor adventure. The town’s diverse trails cater to every type of rider, from scenic gravel roads winding through rolling hills and picturesque farms to the thrilling climb up Reddish Knob, offering breathtaking views and a descent to the serene Hone Quarry Recreation Area. Harrisonburg’s bike-friendly streets, including the Friendly City Trail, Bluestone Trail, and Northend Greenway, make urban riding a pleasure, while the downtown’s public art adds a colorful touch to your cycling adventures. Off the trails, cyclists can enjoy a vibrant community with knowledgeable outfitters, a delicious culinary scene featuring over 40 locally owned restaurants, craft breweries with live music, and a lively nightlife.
Harrisonburg Bike Shops
Harrisonburg is home to three knowledgeable bike shops that cater to cyclists’ every need. Bluestone Bike & Run, just south of downtown near the Friendly City Trail, offers a full selection of gear and a full-service shop, proudly servicing bikes of all brands—you’ll often be greeted by their friendly pups as you receive top-notch customer service. Rocktown Bicycles, known for its bike maintenance clinics and lively cookouts throughout the year, fosters community and supports budding bicyclists. Shenandoah Bicycle Company, located in the heart of downtown, provides a laid-back, inviting environment for cyclists to gather. With PULP: The Açaí bowl and smoothie cafe located in the shop, you can enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl while your bike gets worked on, making it a true hub for the local biking community.
Culinary Scene
After a day on the trails, unwind by exploring Harrisonburg’s culinary delights in the First Culinary District of Virginia. With a focus on farm-to-table fare and bold international flavors, the downtown area boasts over 40 unique, locally owned restaurants ready to satisfy any craving you worked up on the trails. Whether you’re drawn to rooftop dining, a cozy patio, the charm of a historic building, or the vibrant atmosphere of a local food truck, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind. Grab brunch at Magpie Diner after an early morning on the trails, savoring dishes like Southern Poutine or the vibrant Rainbow Bowl, bursting with fresh veggies, tri-color quinoa, and beet hummus. Later, grab a mouthwatering burger made with 100% American Wagyu beef on Jack Brown’s patio or sit back and relax on Jimmy Madison’s rooftop, toasting to your trail conquests with one of their delicious craft cocktails. Don’t miss the flavorful Korean fusion at Mashita or the savory craft sandwiches at Lola’s Delicatessen—each bite a testament to Harrisonburg’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
Craft Breweries
Kick your feet up at one of Harrisonburg’s five locally owned breweries or cidery, where friendly service, exciting events, and award-winning libations await. Sip, sit back, and relax at The Friendly Fermenter, a cozy nanobrewery with an intimate gathering space that feels like home. Settle into a sofa by the fireplace at Pale Fire Brewing Company, where you can browse their lending library or savor crispy Detroit-style pizzas. Try inventive releases at Restless Moons Brewing and enjoy live bands playing under sparkling string lights. Explore the work of local artists at Three Notch’d Valley Collab House, and don’t miss their special events, like the Rocktown Roller-Rama, a lively competition to see who has the fastest leg speed around! Gather with friends at Brothers Craft Brewing, where festivals and limited-edition releases are cause for celebration. Enjoy a flagship beer like The Great Outdoors, a “Virginia” pale ale that captures the essence of the Shenandoah Wilderness. Make sure to stop by Harrisonburg’s only cidery, Sage Bird Ciderworks to enjoy a flight of hard apple cider, made exclusively from Virginia-grown apples and locally sourced fruit.
Nightlife
Looking for something to do once the sun goes down? Harrisonburg is a music lover’s paradise, where harmonious rhythms fill the night. From intimate venues like Clementine Cafe, showcasing both local talent and well-known artists, to university theaters like the Forbes Center for Performing Arts at JMU, known for its impressive acoustics, the music scene here is a testament to the town’s rich cultural diversity and love for the arts. Other downtown spots, like The Golden Pony—famous for live touring music and DJ sets—and Court Square Theater, which hosts plays, films, and comedy, add to the vibrant nightlife, creating a tapestry of sounds that make Harrisonburg truly special. To top it off, our local breweries and cidery often feature live music on the weekends, offering yet another way to enjoy the town’s lively and diverse music scene.
