A Girls Getaway to Harrisonburg
Girls just want to have fun! Enjoy a fun weekend out with the girls in Harrisonburg’s charming, historic downtown shopping district, where you can find darling boutiques selling fashionable clothing, custom jewelry, natural beauty products, and gourmet popcorn. After a full day of shopping, dine al fresco under shaded garden patios and sip on handcrafted cocktails and fresh, flavorful cuisine. Pamper yourself at a relaxing day spa, or enjoy world class entertainment at one of the city’s many performance venues. Venture into the countryside to sample award-winning wines and pick your own flowers.
Day One: Shop, Dine, and Unwind Downtown
Peruse unique vintage pieces, specialty gifts, and items from over 30 local vendors and artisans at The Lady Jane Shop. Then, visit The Yellow Button and Charlee Rose Boutique, where you will find a carefully curated selection of size-inclusive styles that are always on trend. Nearby, withSimplicity is a purveyor of natural beauty products made from only the finest of ingredients. Call ahead for a mini-makeover or to reserve a facial party for you and your girls.
Continue your day with a tranquil trip to Cedar Stone Spa or The Beauty Spa, set in an historic home. These day spas offer a variety of services, including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, scrubs, and soaks. Cedar Stone Spa also offers specially-priced group event packages, which are perfect for your girls getaway.
At lunch, dine al fresco under shaded garden patios and sparkling string lights at Heritage Bakery and Café or Clementine Café. Heritage Bakery will delight you with their loose-leaf teas, beautifully decorated pastries, and light fare served on served dainty tea sets, while Clementine Cafés inventive, vegan-friendly fare and handcrafted cocktails are sure to be palate pleasers.
For dinner, take the girls to Rocktown Kitchen. This farm-to-table restaurant offering a wide-ranging selection of wine and local craft beers. If you’re seeking dishes that are full of fresh, local ingredients, look no further! If you have room for dessert, take a short walk to Bella Gelato & Pastries. Everything is prepared fresh daily, with their homemade gelato being made exclusively from local milk from Mount Crawford Creamery.
In the evening, head to the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts or the Court Square Theater for world class entertainment, comical skits, and dazzling musical performances. For a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy live music at one of the city’s craft breweries or cidery.
Day Two: Brunch, Sip and Sample from Scenic Viewpoints
Begin your second day with brunch in Harrisonburg’s arts and culinary district, offering mouthwatering flavors and inventive cuisine. For traditional brunch served with flaky European-style pastries, head to Magpie Diner in Harrisonburg’s north end. For locally sourced fare and an expansive menu, try Capitol Ale House or Montpelier Restaurant. For lighter fare, visit Cinnamon Bear Bakery and Deli.
Then, stroll over to the Harrisonburg Farmers Market where a bounty of seasonal produce, handmade artisan goods, and fresh flowers abound. Pick up a bouquet of pink peonies, organic dark chocolate, or freshly baked bread. Browse through samples of artists’ work and listen as live music fills the upbeat, lively atmosphere of the Farmers Market.
Take your farm market finds and a graze box from Vito’s Italian Market to the Edith J Carrier Arboretum, where you can relax on the lawn amidst blooming wildflowers or by the side of a peaceful pond. Inside your graze box you’ll find an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and spreads, as well as marinated olives and roasted red peppers.
Venture out from the city into the countryside where you’ll find five award-winning wineries and pick-your-own lavender and flower farms. At the White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard, take a seat by the side of lush lavender fields and indulge in all things lavender in their tasting room. The farm’s gift shop is full of lavender inspired items, from to dried lavender wands, to candles, to skin care and essential oils.
As your day draws to a close, unwind with creative cocktails at The Ridge Room, a rooftop tavern overlooking the majestic Blue Ride Mountains. Take in the views from en plein air on the terrace, or lounge on plush armchairs next to a cozy fireplace. The tavern’s locally sourced small plates and charcuterie boards can be enjoyed individually or shared with friends.