You’ve probably noticed Pink Ambition Dance & Fitness on East Market Street — with its bright pink sign, blacked-out windows decorated with colorful class schedules, and door sign boasting “Women Only,” it’s hard to miss. But what you can’t see from the street is the heart and soul inside — a community full of women from all kinds of backgrounds, coming together to support, uplift, and love each other as they embark on their dance journey together. I recently sat down with Pink Ambition owner Karen McIntyre and instructor Anna Williford to talk pole fitness, overcoming fear and preconceived notions, what to expect from classes, and the power of the pole community. more
By Kyle Kirby — Chris Howdyshell unlocked the door to the Agora Downtown Market with a smile and a fresh beverage from Broad Porch Coffee. Though Agora is closed on Mondays, the inside was still bustling with entrepreneurs; prepping and cleaning their shops for tomorrow’s customers. more
Evolution is an essential part of every business’ daily life, and Glen’s Fair Price owners (and siblings), Gary Stiteler and Melinda Bare, are no strangers to this. Often referred to as “Harrisonburg’s Most Unusual Store” and “The Halloween Store,” this extraordinary shop offers the nostalgia many of us travel hundreds of miles to experience and relive. more
If you have ever walked from Turner Pavilion to Court Square you have probably used the alleyway between Finnegan's Cove and Beyond. This is a main gateway to downtown from the heavily used Water Street parking deck. more
You'll already be downtown for Friendly City Fourth — don't let the fun stop there! Plenty of downtown businesses will also be open on the 4th of July. So when it's time to get out of the sun, head downtown and shop or dine at one of your favorite establishments: more
If you’ve lived in the Valley for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of Blue Ridge Architects. And if the name isn’t familiar, you’ve definitely experienced their work. A long-time Downtown Harrisonburg resident, Blue Ridge Architects — recently rebranded as “Blueline” — was founded 15 years ago and has had a hand in designing and building such prominent Downtown fixtures as Turner Pavilion, the Friendly City Food Co-Op, and the JMU wing of the Ice House building. I recently sat down with founder and owner Randy Seitz to talk their newly announced rebranding, their 15-year anniversary, and how the values and culture of Harrisonburg make them successful even as they expand into the national market. more