By Katie Mitchell / Photos by Philip Meador: If you ask a small child what they want to be when they grow up, they often have very creative answers, like “ice cream taste tester” or “ninja mermaid.” I once had a dream of being a backup singer for Pat Benatar. Usually, however, we don’t wind up doing what we dreamed of as a child. If we’re lucky, we can earn a decent living and once in a while, taste a new ice cream or find a karaoke joint. Sara Christensen, the fantastic human behind The Lady Jane on S. Main Street, dreamed as a child of owning a shop, even though she knew she’d be a school teacher. more
The Denton sign is a beacon to Harrisonburg locals and visitors alike, and now that the building’s future is uncertain, people are getting concerned. Last night, about 200 folks gathered to hear an informative presentation about the situation. Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance executive director Andrea Dono presided over the meeting, which also featured Dr. Carole Nash, associate professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, of James Madison University, who talked about how Court Square downtown has changed through the years. more
For several months, HDR has been working to separate fact from rumor in relation to the expansion of the court facilities downtown. Knowing that the Denton Building, which many recognize as the home of Larkin Arts, figures prominently into those rumors and that its demolition is likely if chosen as the expansion site, we have been very concerned. And, we are not alone in our concern; countless community members have asked us what is going on and what they can do. more
(Pictured: an artist rendering of the future Language of Love sculpture) more
Brothers Craft Brewing hosts their seventh annual Resolute Weekend this weekend, November 8-10—and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Supported in part by HDR’s Destination Downtown Grant, #TapintoResolute Weekend will be jam-packed with unique opportunities to shop till you drop, knock back a few brews, and celebrate well into the night with live music and entertainment. In fact, Brothers Craft Brewing has partnered with 30+ downtown businesses to offer exclusive discounts and promotions for Resolute Guide holders. more
The Veterans Parade is this Sunday, and many Downtown businesses are also running specials to thank those who have served! Here's where to go Veterans Day weekend and holiday: more
Written by Katie Mitchell, photos by Molly Whitmore — The morning sun burned through the last wisps of autumn fog and the promise of a new day unfolded with every curve on Runion’s Creek Road. I was on my way to meet Travis Coyle and Mark Lambert and learn about their Living Waters Farm Initiative, a space where veterans can congregate in the spirit of solidarity, hope, and healing. As I drove up the dirt path, the land was quiet; mountains loomed in the distance and trees displayed their fall flair. A couple of pot bellied pigs shared breakfast with some farm cats behind the house. Horses glistened in a neighboring pasture, and a white-tailed deer strode silently by. more
By Kyle Kirby — This weekend, a 17-year tradition in the Valley will be carried out once more, thanks to Karen and Rich Ruozzi, proprietors of Horizon Gifts. more