The Best fun Things to Do in Harrisonburg, Virginia include activities and destinations for every age in this historic college town with a relaxed vibe. Enjoy downtown arts and shopping; outdoor fun and adventure; and tasty dining, wineries, and craft beer. Surrounding Rockingham County offers excellent biking, hiking, and scenic drives. Whether your goal is an adult getaway or a family trip, you’ll find plenty to do in Harrisonburg’s historic downtown and beyond. A mixture of the natural scenic beauty with the modern chaotic nightlife, Harrisonburg has some of the best spots for you to check out.
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Learn more about gemstones at the Mineral Museum
Inside the James Madison University campus here in Harrisonburg- there are a lot of hidden gems. And, in the case of the Mineral Museum- there are gems literally! Yes, there are over 600 variants of different gemstones that have been procured from all over the world and are kept here.
Are you interested in the different rocks and the precious value they hold? We got some news for you- the Mineral Museum allows public tours. They will tell you everything about the gem- its backstory, how the crystallization took place, the different components, its market value! Geeks fall in love with the place. And, overall the place is extremely pretty too.
Discover Grand Caverns
The Grand Caverns are among the closest caverns near Harrisonburg, VA. Guided by experienced instructors, the tour takes about 70 minutes and covers one mile. More adventurous travelers can tour the Fountain Cave, a sister cave to the Grand Caverns, during the summer months. This expedition is more strenuous and involves difficult physical activity. Anyone interested in caving should consider signing up for the tour.
When visitors stay in this area of the Shenandoah Valley, they often debate between visiting Skyline Caverns vs. Luray Caverns. These two underground attractions are also close things to do near Harrisonburg, VA. While many people decide to visit just one if you have extra time you could try to see both spectacular sights.
Spend some time in town shopping
As our beautiful Virginia town continues to grow, so does the opportunity for shopping in Harrisonburg VA. Don’t forget to check out the quaint stores ranging from boutique clothing shops to rare bookstores. When heading back to town after a day of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, spend some time in town perusing the shops in downtown Harrisonburg is a wonderful way to unwind.
Get some fresh products at the Farmers Market
Farmer’s Market is the destination! Here you do not only get some of the freshest produce that the farmers grow organically, but some customers even remark about the beautiful vintage earrings they got their hands on last time.
Don’t come here after breakfast for the smell will drive you crazy. The smell of the freshly baked goods is always mesmerizing, but wait till you bite in that bread! Fruits and vegetables find their way in this market straight from the trees. Everything you see is organic and of top quality as well.
Mix some coffee and beer at the Shenandoah Joe
This coffee shop is nothing like the others. Yes, in Shenandoah Joe, you get a unique blend of coffee. And, have you ever heard a shop that specializes in coffee sells beers? Well, guess what? Everything is possible here in Harrisonburg.
Also, the coffee is aromatic and innovative at the same time. And, no one ever complains about the beer either. In Shenandoah Joe, the beans are hand-roasted and the craft beers are not like anything you get at bars.
Enjoy Fall Foliage Bike Festival
This annual event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Suited for a wide range of cyclists from experienced competitors to families with small children, the well-marked Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival courses will take you through some of the best places to witness the Virginia fall foliage. Ride at your leisure, stop to take in the views, and enjoy plenty of festival events. One of The Best fun Things to Do in Harrisonburg you should try.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
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.
