By Katie Mitchell / Photos by Philip Meador: Remember that Disney/Pixar movie Ratatouille, the one where a rat lives inside a chef’s hat and shows the chef how to cook? The idea of rodents anywhere near my food is repulsive, but somehow I found myself loving those little scoundrels by the end of the film. The best part, of course, is when the food critic Anton Ego finally relaxes and reveals a covert truth: “In the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.” He admits, at last, what renowned chef Auguste Gusteau stated at the beginning of the film, that “anyone can cook.” Those words are a distant shout to the ordinary guy who aspires to greatness, arriving only as a barely audible yet soul-stirring whisper: JUST TRY. So often a fear of failure or criticism keeps us from trying something new. But the creators of Harrisonburg’s Making Space sincerely believe anyone can create, and they invite you and everyone you know to check your fears at the door and enjoy a couple of hours of free, low-stakes art-making. more
Ahead of the upcoming Winter Wine Weekend at Hotel Madison February 21-23, we sat down with Bluestone Vineyard winemaker Lee Hartman to talk about his love for the process, why Virginia is the best place to make wine, and what he's most excited for at the Winter Wine Weekend (or, as he calls, it "a giant wine party")! 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
You'll already be downtown for Friendly City Fourth — don't let the fun stop there! Plenty of downtown businesses will also be open on the 4th of July. So when it's time to get out of the sun, head downtown and shop or dine at one of your favorite establishments: more
Returning for its ninth year, Rocktown Beer & Music Festival is back and better than ever with an incredible selection of food, beer, cider, and music. Presented by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, this festival is one of the most popular downtown events, bringing around 3,000 people to Turner Pavilion every spring. more
Easter is the best holiday for a heaping dose of community. If you're spending your Easter downtown with us this year, there are many ways to make this Easter one to cherish. Grab your family and friends and enjoy a tasty, adventurous, relaxing, and memorable weekend at all your favorite downtown spots! more