Calling all problem solving fanatics–do you have what it takes to solve the puzzle that makes up downtown’s popular new attraction? Downtown Harrisonburg is ecstatic to welcome Escapism Escape Rooms into our community! Sam Lambert and Suzanne have put together their efforts to make multiple unique and interactive rooms–each room combining technology and storytelling to fully immerse the guest in an adventurous experience! more
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
In the location many once associated with the family-owned store Horizons Gifts, a new dog is in town–or should I say cat? Opening this fall, Harrisonburg is welcoming its very first cat café, Aristocat Café! more
And that’s a wrap! Downtown Harrisonburg’s annual Downtown Dinner Party was a huge success! After a couple years away, our community was eager to come together once again in a beautiful celebration of our cities' various culinary expertise and wow–what a beautiful sight it was! With more than a dozen delicious different tasting centers, partygoers were able to get a glimpse into the vast array of options downtown Harrisonburg has to offer as Virginia’s first culinary district! more
Like many of you, HDR learned about James Madison University’s demolition of its 1880 historic Haas home at 741 S. Main Street from the DNR article “JMU To Tear Down Historic South Main Street House.” We are deeply disappointed about this loss and believe it should have been approached differently but can’t help but feel like it’s time for our community to choose if we want to continue lamenting the loss of historic buildings or if we want to finally put local protections in place so this pattern can finally be broken. more
Looking for fun ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in the Friendly City? Look no further than this year's Valentine's round-up featuring gift ideas, local restaurant specials, sales, and events happening all weekend long! Don't miss out on planning the perfect date night or celebrating your galentine's and loved ones! more
This year has gone by in a blur and when we look back at what we accomplished this year, it's easy to see why! Our small but mighty team at HDR had a different focus each season adjusting to a "new normal" and keeping our community members engaged with downtown and our locally owned businesses. Let's take a look back at how we celebrated and contributed to the Downtown Harrisonburg community in 2021 and see what is on the horizon for the new year! more
Are you ready to count down to 2022? Usher in the start of the new year with family, friends, and community in Downtown Harrisonburg! Some of your favorite Downtown businesses are offering up special events, promotions, and extended hours, check out the roundup below to plan your festive weekend. 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