This is the most friendly small town in Virginia – Worldatlas.com

Recently, I was fortunate enough to explore what was undoubtedly the best place to visit in Virginia and it didn’t take me long to understand why people call Harrisonburg the “friendly city”. This elevated title, I soon learned, is definitely deserved and stems largely from the warm welcome of the city and its inhabitants also extend to passengers, newcomers … and each other. I have certainly found that this is true during my visit, with all the local business owners of college students supporting this tradition of the southern hospitality.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Virginia Shenandoa Valley and only 130 miles southwest of the US capital, Harrisonburg serves as the seat of Rockingham County in an area that was first settled by settlers of European origin in the 1730s. This charming college city began to form in 1779, when Thomas Harrison defined land to build a courtroom. Officially called Harrisonburg in 1780, the community continues to grow around the current square of Court, a beautiful pedestrian landmark that dominates the city center.

Much of the early development of the city revolved around agriculture and trade, a focus that attracted different groups of people who contribute to different customs and ideas in the ever -evolving city. Over time, these influences helped to create a nearby community based on civil cooperation and mutual respect. Today, Harisonburg’s dedication to make visitors feel calm is a lot of proof, from its cultural events, its well -maintained public space region.

Community -based festivals and public spaces

More than luck, my visit at the end of October coincided with the home return of James Madison University, a one -week celebration that sees the city unfolding the red carpet for new and returning students, as well as visitors like me. Purple T -shirts from purple JMU greeted me as I went first in the city center, the excitement and enthusiasm of the locals and students who were contagious as they celebrated everything from their football team to the returning team Graduates and, of course, “of course, to be again in the most friendly city of the state.

While the JMU campus is about 40 minutes walk from the city center, I’m glad I dealt with it as I came across not only. I also met many friendly volunteers, all eager to help visitors and students and with instructions, sightseeing tips or water drinks to keep them hydrated.

My first planned stop was the Hardesty-Higgins House visit center on Main Street. Built in 1848, the friendly staff congratulated me and I was impressed with their professionalism (and enthusiasm) as they provided information about my next stop, Court Square. Lined with attractive old buildings that tell the history of Harrisonburg’s development, the current Rockingham County Court dates back to 1940 and replaced the larger vessels, the first of which was built shortly after Thomas Harrison donated the land in 1779.

After visiting the appropriately called Friendly Fermenter, a small brewery in which I tried a tasting flight (be sure to try my hometown of Hefeweizen and Rocktown IPA), I continued my walk along buildings such as the United Methodist Church in Asbi from the 30s of the 30s Century, United Methodist Church in Asbury since the 1930s, Asbury Asbury, Ann. An attractive structure with a red brick with a bell tower as I returned to the university for a slightly further study.

James Madison University

Founded in 1908 as a state normal and industrial school for women in Harrisonburg, JMU has since expanded to more than 700 acres focused around Quad, delightful green space surrounded by original limestone buildings dating back to the early 1900s and very decent Spot.

However, the focus for me was the Center for the performing arts forbes directly on the other side of the road from Quad. Ledged by the sound of trumpets, I followed a crowd through the underpass to the previous place where talented students put their instruments through their steps, making one of those unexpected magical moments that make the trip so useful.

Passing crowds celebrating the football game of the Dukes at the Bridgeforth Stadium (and yes, even the police are friendly here, stopping traffic to let go of myself and a swarm of purple crossing on the road), I went to Edith J. Norbor of the University, A 125 Acres of Forest Sanctuary and one of the most popular campus attractions. The highlights of this beautiful park include paved pedestrian paths, beautifully landscaped gardens and, as I somehow put it a proper, magical display of autumn colors.

Tips and Tactics

To help you make the most of your visit to Virginia’s most friendly city, here are some tips and tactics to guarantee a great experience:

Parking: While there are tons of parking in the campus, don’t even think about it on the day of the game. Instead, head in the city center, where street parking is not only plentiful and free, there is a very generous maximum 10-hour limit. Multi -storey parking is also available (for a fee) behind the Center for Perfes Performing Arts (it is free for the performance holders, however).

Where to eat and drink: In addition to the first -class friendly fermentator, Kline’s milk bar has served sweet treats since 1943 with friendly staff eager to share suggestions from its weekly rotation of ice cream aromas. Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza offers a menu of pizzas for gourmet and fresh pasta in a converted old hardware store.

Other remarkable events: Harrisonburg hosts several annual festivals that are worth planning a visit around, including the Harrisonburg International Festival at the end of September with its food and cultural experiences around the world; The Skeletal Festival, a family event for Halloween held in the center of the city center; And for adults, the Rocktown beer and music festival in April has live groups and craft breweries offering tastings.

Harrisonburg loves children: If you are traveling with children, you are lucky as Harrisonburg has many fun things to do. Focus on parks like Purcell Park, which, in addition to softball fields and tennis courts, has a great playground known locally as a “children’s castle”. Then it is the Museum to open more Discovery, an attraction in the city center, including fun practical displays and activities for children.

Where to stay: Just a few miles out of town, the scattered Massanutten resort is a great choice. Not only did I enjoy spectacular autumn colors on the slopes of Appalachi, but also the extremely useful (and friendly) staff from accommodation to a dining area on a scale of fire.

Learn more: For additional ideas about what to do and see in this friendly cities, see the Harrisonburg visit website. Visit Virginia’s website is another great source for advice and tactics for a memorable Harrisonburg escape.