James August Warsing Jr., also known as TJ from “TJ’s Dermagraphics” here in downtown Harrisonburg, is excited to announce a change in his field of work. After over 50 years of working in the tattoo industry, he is teaming up alongside his wife Bernadette Moreno-Krause and friend Carson William Rinker to start their own specialized business in the memorial industry. more
Just a few months ago, the HDR office welcomed some new neighbors next door. A vibrant cultural hub home to many nonprofits and local businesses, the Ice House building is now also home to an organization advocating for a largely underrepresented community within our region. The Friendly City Safe Space (FCSS) aims to make downtown a destination where all LGBTQ+ people thrive through inclusivity, programming, and a unique space that celebrates community. more
It's official, Taste of Downtown 2022 has come to a close. Here at HDR, we had the opportunity to connect with many of the hardworking and passionate people who made all of this possible. Ranging from head chefs to line chefs, bakers to brewers, and managers to support staff, we had so many memorable conversations hearing their stories and seeing their passion first-hand. We encourage you to take the time to read these inspiring stories and get to know some of the people who make downtown dining so spectacular. more
Gravity Group is a full-service marketing agency located in Harrisonburg (107 E Water Street) that creates specialty branding to grow individual businesses and bring them more clientele. I had the privilege to sit down with Steve Gilman, President and Brand Strategist, and Lindsey Laughlin, Vice President and Marketing Strategist, to ask them more about Gravity and their time in Harrisonburg. more
One of the many great things about Harrisonburg is all the history. The downtown area alone is home to 100+ contributing historic structures, earning it its national historic district designation. In celebration of Veterans Day, we’re highlighting one historic structure in particular. more
Meet Berenice Rodriguez of El Paisano Bakery, "If you’ve never been to El Paisano Bakery, you’re missing out." more
Meet Kara Miller, Executive Director of Ten Thousand Villages in Downtown Harrisonburg. more
Intern Kate's Main Street America Instagram Takeover Recap more
Even during the pandemic, the friendly city of Harrisonburg has seen several stores open and flourish, one of which being Mary Yoder’s Dart Resale and Trade store located on South Liberty Street. Downtown, one can find a few secondhand clothing stores, but Dart is the first to really take off with the buy-sell-trade system Yoder utilizes. more
The Perch, formerly known as “The Hub,” is a co-working space above Magpie Diner where entrepreneurs and organizations come together to spark new ideas and concepts. An entrepreneur herself, Kirsten Moore, founder and owner of The Perch, is a Harrisonburg native who’s always had knowledge of what can best serve a community. She began The Hub about five years ago, after seeing how similar spaces were working in Richmond, Virginia. more