Museums & Attractions
Arts Council of the Valley -- Performing arts and visual arts in Downtown Harrisonburg at the historic Smith House and Court Square Theater. Admission to the Smith House and it’s Darrin-McHone fine arts gallery is free! The Arts Council presents a variety of cultural programs, such as live music and theater, and foreign and independent films. Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM. Visit the website for show and ticket information.
www.valleyarts.org
Cross Keys Vineyards -- As one of Virginia’s newest wineries, Cross Keys Vineyards are set in a beautiful location in the Shenandaoh Valley. Taste delicious wines, host a special occasion, or simply enjoy the estate on your own. You can even order wines and gifts online. Open year round! Located southeast of Harrisonburg off of Cross Keys Road.
www.crosskeysvineyards.com
Dayton Farmers Market -- Explore the charm of the Shenandoah Valley while shopping in over 20 stores under one roof. Gifts of every type are abundant -- from beef jerky to handmade oak furniture. A great way to spend a weekend afternoon. Open Thursday through Saturday, 9 AM - 6 PM. Between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, open daily (except Sunday), 9 AM - 6 PM.
540-879-2402
www.daytonfarmersmarket.com
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum -- Located on University Boulevard across from JMU. This beautiful location offers forests, streams, and a pond throughout the year. Bring a book or picnic lunch and enjoy.
540-568-3194
www.jmu.edu/arboretum
Explore More Discovery Museum -- Do you have or know a child age 2 to 12? Then you definitely won’t want to miss the opportunity to take them to the Explore More Discovery Museum! This museum offers fun interactive, hands-on activities throughout. Children are sure to learn a lot about science, technology, culture, and so much more. Located in Downtown Harrisonburg.
540-442-8900
www.hcmuseum.org
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts -- Featuring five remarkable venues, each unique and acoustically designed to perfection. The Forbes Center will captivate your spirit with its soaring floor-to-ceiling glass lobbies, comfortable seating with ample legroom, and upgraded audience amenities. Park just steps away from the entrance and be seated in minutes, ready to enjoy extraordinary dance, theatre and music performances by critically acclaimed guest artists and JMU's award-winning faculty members, students and alumni. Engage in pre- and post-show dialogues with visiting composers, choreographers, world-renowned guest artists, and distinguished faculty and students. Located at 800 South Main Street.
540-568-6211
www.jmu.edu/performingartscenter
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests -- These two gorgeous forests stretch from one end of Virginia to the other, as well as running into West Virginia, along the Appalachians. Hiking, fishing, mountain bicycling and camping, hawk watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, orienteering, and nature photography are available.
540-740-8310
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj/index.shtml
Harrisonburg Farmers Market -- Located in the parking lot behind the Municipal Building just south of Downtown. Shoppers can purchase fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods in an outdoor market (under a covered pavilion). Operating Tuesday and Saturday mornings, April through November. Check the website for special holiday and winter hours.
540-433-1676
www.harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com
Luray Caverns -- An opportunity to visit Eastern America’s most popular caverns are virtually at your doorstep. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Featuring a Stalacpipe Organ and historic Car & Carriage Museum.
540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
Massanutten Water Park -- Enjoy this water park year round! As one of the largest water parks on the East Coast, this event is not to be missed! Fun for families and/or large groups. Relish in the many indoor and outdoor features this park has to offer, and don’t forget to try out the tasty food! Check the website for specific hours and rates.
www.massresort.com
New Market Battlefield Historical Park -- The New Market Battlefield is full of Civil War history! Tour the 300-acre park to learn about how the cadets from VMI (Virginia Military Institute) engaged in a pitched battle and helped to win a victory for the Confederate Army. Pack a picnic lunch and check out the museum, explore the historic 19th century farm, enjoy scenic views of the Shenandoah River, and take a walk on some beautiful trails.
540-740-3101
www.4.vmi.edu/museum/nm/index.html
Shenandoah Heritage Farmers Market -- Boasted as one of the areas largest, this farmers market will satisfy any visitor or local with its relaxing water gardens, tasty treats, antiques, Civil War books, and more. There is even a produce barn, kettle korn stand, and garden nursery in front of the market to top off the experience! Located on Route 11 South.
540-433-3929
http://www.shenandoahmarket.com/
Shenandoah National Park -- With over 500 miles of trails and the historic Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park offers opportunities to hikers, campers, fishers, horseback riders and drivers.
540-999-3500
www.nps.gov/shen/home.htm
Virginia Quilt Museum -- Visit the Virginia Quilt Museum in Downtown Harrisonburg to learn about the role of quilting in our society. You will love seeing the detailed quilts from artisans of our history and today. Interested in quilting? Take a class at the museum!
540-433-3818
www.vaquiltmuseum.org
White Oak Lavender Farm -- A family-owned lavender farm just east of Harrisonburg. Not only does this farm offer gorgeous mountain views, but also a u-pick field during summer and fall months, and a plethora of gifts and household items featuring their very own lavender. Another plus? Bring the kids! They’ll enjoy the sheep, miniature horses, and other friendly farm animals.
www.whiteoaklavender.com
