Agora Downtown Market is a funky, indoor marketplace that brings 11 businesses under one roof to offer a unique shopping experience. What’s even more interesting is the collaboration that’s happening inside. Business owners appreciate being able to brainstorm creative product and marketing ideas with each other while working together to promote the space. Here's a glimpse of three businesses inside Agora that frequently share ideas and inspiration. more
Within the first few minutes of visiting Gitchell's Photography, several individuals pass by the business' large windows with only their smiling faces and waving hands showing over the front window displays of vintage cameras. It's as if each individual knows, from daily experience, that Christa Gitchell, her husband, Bruce, and her son, Jon, will be there to return their smile. As she and I sit down together to chat in the lobby area, it feels as though I'm back in Southern Virginia, having a glass of iced tea with a wise neighbor. Christa's nature is one which makes you forget that you might have only known her for minutes. She leans in when she talks to others; she calls people by their name and looks them straight in the eyes. "Integrity is everything," Christa says. She believes that every business, and individual, must possess this attribute in order to survive and thrive, especially in today's world. more
Not even one year old yet and Agora Downtown Market is already making its mark on downtown Harrisonburg. This open, indoor marketplace has cool vibes that is attracting locals, tourists, and students. Since opening in June 2017, Agora has expanded to include 11 businesses that range from clothing to coffee to candy and more - each business with its own story to tell. This blog is the first in a series that highlights the Isle Co and Create Downtown. more
Still celebrating their hallowed team’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, brothers Steve and Tommy Urglavitch make it clear with the hanging banners at their new location at 245 Water Street that Philadelphia is deeply rooted in their new business, Urgie’s Cheesesteaks. Growing up just outside of Philadelphia in Levittown, PA the Urglavitch’s experienced all that the City of Brotherly Love had to offer. This included the world-renowned cheesesteaks that Urgie’s will readily serve up in Downtown Harrisonburg as part of the ever-growing culinary district that continues to impress residents, tourists, and entrepreneurs seeking to start their own businesses. more
Harrisonburg has known for 96 years where to go for a juicy hot dog or a savory burger: Jess’ Quick Lunch. Since 1922, people have flocked to Jess’ for a quick, freshly made meal at an affordable price. Recent upgrades and additions to the beloved Harrisonburg fixture reflect its new name: Jess’ Downtown Restaurant. It’s not just for a quick lunch anymore. Don’t worry -- all the items you’ve loved for decades are still on the menu: burgers, hot dogs, and the BLT. But now they offer more options to appease everyone in your household. more
Inside the brewery, owner Jeffrey Moon is talking about new signage for his recently purchased business. Things are moving along, and Moon is eager to get to February 24th, the day Restless Moons will celebrate the Grand Reopening of the former brewery on Wolfe Street that was aptly named Wolfe Street Brewing Co. more
It's about that time of year...when most people have forgotten their New Year's resolutions that they so desperately wanted to stick to. In fact, according to Business Insider, 80% of people who made a resolution will fail by the second week of February. more
Last Saturday, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and Brothers Craft Brewing teamed up to celebrate both of our anniversaries at the brewery. more
“Time flies,” says Jason Shifflett of Brothers Craft Brewing. It’s hard for him to believe that five years have passed since the three Shifflett brothers first opened the brewery in December of 2012. Brothers Adam, Jason, and Tyler started the business as a way to collaborate on a shared passion, but the “brotherhood” has evolved to include a large and supportive community in Harrisonburg. And that’s what their 5th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, January 13 is all about. more
As Harrisonburg continues to receive accolades for the continued support and development of becoming a leading bike destination and Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, business owner Kyle Coleman has continued to find value in providing personalized service and customization for his clientele by expanding Bluestone Bike and Run to include a downtown location in Agora Downtown Market. Located at 165 S. Main Street next to Clementine, Ten Thousand Villages, and adjacent from the Massanutten Regional Library, Agora Downtown Market opened in June of 2017 featuring some of the most unique merchandise in the first collaborative retail space in Harrisonburg. more