After 18 years in the Burg, there’s a lot we’ve come to love about Shenandoah Bicycle Company: the well-apportioned showroom filled with neat rows of bikes and accessories, the upbeat and helpful staff who will answer any question, keep you informed of local cycling events, or simply engage in a friendly conversation, and the fast and competent service for whatever’s ailing your bike. We’ve also come to love the simple fact that they’re still there, one of just a few businesses who have weathered two decades of changes to our ever-growing downtown. Co-owners Tim Richardson and Thomas Jenkins opened SBC in 2000, after working in a bike shop together in the early nineties. more
Cowbells? Effects pedals? Dueling harpsichords? Yes, all that and more is coming to this year’s Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. If you think the Bach Festival is an “EMU thing,” think again! This year the Festival will have a bigger downtown Harrisonburg presence than ever before, and you’ll hear sounds you never thought you’d hear from classical musicians! more
With summer quickly approaching, kids all over the Valley are getting excited for summer camps, pool parties, the beach, and hanging out with their pals! Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love summer? more
We're just a few days out from HDR's brand new event, the Downtown Dinner Party, which is taking the place of Renaissance Night. For HDR's 15th Anniversary, we've decided to team up with the Sub Rosa Supper Club event team for a festive and food-filled night in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. The event will feature an elegantly transformed Turner Pavilion with 15 curated bar and tasting stations from downtown restaurants like you've never seen them before and 15 incredible experiences to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Plus, there will be music by DJ Ryan Clark, The Rosy Co. vintage photo booth trailer, craft cocktails and more! more
We’re a month into our second Friendly City Fortune raffle fundraiser and we wanted to continue building excitement by sharing the projects that last year’s raffle is funding. Raffle proceeds contribute towards projects that directly benefit Harrisonburg; align with community values expressed in surveys, Idea Pop Ups, and focus groups; and create a downtown that we all love. Here’s exactly how: more
With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend the day with your mother, stepmother, grandmother, or your mother figure. Because let’s be honest, your mom does a LOT. Luckily, downtown Harrisonburg is filled with independent retailers and restaurants that are guaranteed to offer your mom the perfect experience on Sunday. more
As this is National Small Business Week, it’s only fitting that downtown businesses should be rewarded for their hard work. We at HDR are thrilled to celebrate by making $36,700 in grant awards to local businesses along with four of our economic development partners. more
It’s been over a year since Agora Downtown Market opened downtown. Business owners love the shared space, customer sharing, and working with the other entrepreneurs in the space. But, what’s more interesting is their unique stories and what brought them to Agora. For some, Agora is their second location. For others, Agora presented a great opportunity for two JMU grads to start up their dream business. more
With opening day less than a week away, HDR got a sneak peek of Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center today. And, of course, we want to share it with you! more
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