Dubbed the Friendly City, Harrisonburg, Virginia, has all the makings of a storybook fall getaway.
I ended up with a pair of earrings and a stack of greeting cards.
I walk around downtown now and cant believe the amount of art I come across.
Credit:Cedric Angeles
None of that existed when they got started.
Next door,Lineagefocuses on handmade waxed-canvas and leather bags in a variety of classic styles.
Carrier Arboretum, or stroll the paved 2-mile-long Friendly City Trail greenway.
Hike or drive to Reddish Knob, the highest peak in Northern Virginia, to see autumnal color.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Theres something for everyone: forests, sandstone cliffs, and a waterfall.
Get To Know The Friendly City
Harrisonburg takes its title as the Friendly City seriously.
At Harrisonburg City Public Schools, students speak over 55 languages.
Paintings by Bahir al Badry and other creatives abound at Oasis Fine Art & Craft.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Harrisonburg welcomes everyone and then makes it hard to leave, but that wasnt always the case.
When I was in college here, there was nothing to do, says local Kirsten Moore.
Everyone was like, Im not staying.
Allie Motyka and Kathy Hurst have curated a quirky collection at Heartworn Vintage.Credit:Cedric Angeles
How soon can I get out?
But now it has become a town where folks want to stick around.
Treat yourself to a pastry or two from the adjoining bakery counter.
Wood-fired pizzas are baked in a 900-degree oven at Bella Luna.Credit:Cedric Angeles
The rye shortbread cookie is a salty, sweet triumph with hints of orange and cardamom.
Become Familiar With Korean Fusion Cuisine
Mikey Reisenberg is another resident enlivening the citys culinary scene.
The community here already embraced patronizing local businesses, notes Amberlee.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests are popular with hikers.Credit:Cedric Angeles
That mentality is very much built into the culture, but COVID made folks double down on it.
We felt that support; it was palpable.
I dont think the average person knows much about cider, Zach says.
Stop by Magpie for their sourdough du jour.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Most probably couldnt name 10 apple varieties, but there are thousands.
We are showing off different types like wine does with grapes.
November is a big month for Sage Bird.
Order traditional bibimbap and fusion bites at Mashita.Credit:Cedric Angeles
They moved to the city in 2018 so Becca could take a position as a dietitian.
At 24 and 26 years old, they were some of the youngest innkeepers in the country.
Its a really crazy storyand nothing we would have ever dreamed of accomplishing, says Becca.
Amberlee and Zach Carlson opened Sage Bird Ciderworks downtown in the fall of 2020.Credit:Cedric Angeles
But we love this town.
The accommodations and the owners have a warm, inviting air that appeals to all.
During our stay, we were quick to make ourselves comfortable.
Becca and Joel Graham own the Friendly City Inn.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Harvest apples at Showalter’s Orchard from around mid-July to November.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Heritage Bakery & Cafe offers afternoon tea.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Get a bird’s-eye view at High Knob Fire Tower, an observation deck located on the Virginia-West Virginia state line.Credit:Cedric Angeles
