Sometimes home is not a house or where we were born; instead, it becomes a place we create far from what was once familiar to us. In November of 2005, James Carter, along with his then wife, Angela, and toddler, Atlas, left his birthplace in the World Heritage Site and historical city of Bath, England, to create a home in the Shenandoah Valley. After visiting the area in years prior, the couple agreed that The Friendly City was a place they could build a life together. With only ten boxes of belongings, no housing, no transportation or solid job offers, James Carter took a risk which would ultimately result in him achieving The American Dream. Prior to moving to Harrisonburg, VA, the Carters initiated an online business for the sole purpose of funding their overseas move. The business, Parentbaby.com, sold pregnancy and baby products — the same products Angela, purchased during her pregnancy while visiting her home of southern Virginia. These products were not easily found in the UK, and was James’ first instance in discovering his love for entrepreneurship and online marketing. This venture was the beginning of Carter’s passion for marketing, and would eventually lead to him opening his own full-service downtown Harrisonburg marketing agency, Digital Minerva. more
These local businesses and people are the backbone of the downtown Harrisonburg community. Read about their contributions to our city and why they received this well-deserved recognition at this year's Celebration & Reception. more
Located along downtown Harrisonburg’s Water Street Parking Deck, Elk Run Mining Co.’s colorful, shimmering displays of silver jewelry, pendants, and gemstones, along with his loyal Shih Tzu shop assistant, Leah, are enough to draw in individuals from all walks of life more
It's no surprise that many people in our community share a passion for food. After all, downtown is Virginia’s First Culinary District, a designation that is celebrated in the Rocktown Food Book. The book shares the stories behind many of the people who help make Harrisonburg a culinary destination. One of these people is Regina Hissong, a co-owner of Rocktown Bites Food Tours. "The Rocktown Food book was a great collaboration between three friends that I respect very much--Kirsten Moore, Brandy Sommers and Lynda Bostrom. They did such a thorough job of getting glimpses into the food scene all over Harrisonburg--not just at the diverse downtown establishments but in the homes of Harrisonburg people that show their love of people through their food. Harrisonburg is a culinary district because of the art, fun, events and people that revolve around the food scene. I used the book like a yearbook of sorts for our city and had many restauranteurs, managers and business owners sign my copy so that it can sit on my coffee table and be an everpresent springboard for discussions about food," shares Regina. more
Chance Ebersold, the owner of Black Sheep Coffee and Miranda, the owner of The Yellow Button share a lot more than a wall in the Harrisonburg Icehouse. They share a marriage, an adorable little boy, another baby on the way, and a love for downtown! more
With the 14th annual Valley Fourth celebration in the books, our summer department intern Ryan Winfree recently sat down with the DuPont Community Credit Union team to talk about their experience as the title sponsor of one of Harrisonburg’s largest festivals. more
You probably know that Friendly City Food Co-op strives to bring local products from a variety of local growers, bakers and producers to downtown Harrisonburg. Their collaboration with local vendors means there are local items in every single aisle and every department of the co-op grocery store. more