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Harrisonburg = Mountain Biking Mecca

November 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Harrisonburg is an IMBA Ride Center (Photo Courtesy of HarrisonburgTourism.com)

Mountain biking in the Harrisonburg area continues to be recognized, most recently by the International Mountain Biking Association identifying Harrisonburg as just one of seven Ride Centers® in the WORLD! (OK, there’s only one city not in the USA, but we call it the World Series in baseball, don’t we?).

Specifically about Harrisonburg, IMBA says there is a diversity of trails for every type of rider.

“Want to take a novice rider for a spin in the center of town? Head for the Rocktown Trails at Hillendale Park and follow the green loops. Step things up with the blue- and red-blazed trails and you’ll find more gnar than you’d expect in a city park; it’s the embodiment of IMBA’s “stacked loop” approach to providing progressive levels of challenge in a small area. Continue exploring in and around town and you’ll access everything from two full-on Epic trails (the Southern Traverse and Spruce Knob) to flow trails at Massanutten Resort. Not interested in buying a resort pass? If you’re willing to join the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and log 8 or more hours of volunteer trail building time, you can ride for free.” Source

According to the IMBA Ride Center website, “The Ride Center® designation represents IMBA’s Model Trail recognition for large-scale mountain bike facilities that offer something for every rider. Bring your full arsenal of bikes to these destination-worthy areas. From backcountry adventures to shuttle-served gravity trails, and from expert-only to family-friendly, you’ll encounter the best the sport has to offer.”

Visit #26 Mountain Biking for more information about local mountain biking resources in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Virginia.org has an overview of mountain biking options here.  The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition is probably the best resource for learning more about all the biking opportunities the area has to offer.  You can also go into the bike shop in downtown Harrisonburg, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, as well as others in the area for terrific assistance in finding a trail that suits your experience.

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#52: Dog Costume Contest at Halloween on the Square

October 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Last time, we highlighted Staunton’s Halloween Parade, and today we feature Harrisonburg’s “Halloween on the Square” event. There’s kids costume contest and parade, a DJ, arts and craft – and the Digico Dog Costume Contest!

Here are some snapshots from last year and more information, from the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s website:

Halloween on the Square
Harrisonburg Court Square
Saturday, October 30th
10am-2pm

Wander down Main Street on a crisp autumn afternoon with your little goblins when downtown merchants open their doors to trick-or-treaters. Then enjoy music from a live DJ, free carnival games, crafts and costume contests on the square. Vendors will also offer pumpkin painting and other spooky goodies!

Schedule of Events

10 am-2 pm: Trick or Treat

DJ Music and Games
Face Painting by Kappa Pi Art Fraternity
Witches Slime and Wizard Tricks
$3 pumpkin painting at Harrisonburg Farmers Market
Make it and take it Arts and Crafts at Oasis Gallery
“The Great Gatsby” big read finale at Massanutten Regional Library with 1920′s games and crafts by the Harrisonburg’s Childrens Museum

1 pm
Kids costume contest and mini parade on Court Square

2 pm Digico Dog Costume Contest


Filed Under: 365 Things To Do in the Shenandoah Valley Tagged With: , , , , ,

#50: Children’s Harvest Festival

October 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Looking for some family fun this weekend?  The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is offering a combination of activities kids this Saturday from 1-5pm, including carriage rides, poetry, dance, cloggers, and live music – sounds like fun!

Here is the information from the event webpage:  [Read more...]

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#49: Climb the Woodstock Tower

October 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

 

Picture shared by Monroe on Panoramio: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1671715

View from the Woodstock Tower

 

MariAnne Woehrle sent in a great suggestion for a Thing To Do in the Shenandoah Valley: climb the Woodstock Tower.  I hadn’t heard of it until she suggested it, so thanks for the tip!

The Forest Service website has some basic information:

Standing sentinel over the far flung northern ranges of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, this tower, located on one of the highest peaks of the Massanutten Range reveals, from its elevation of 2000 feet, an expansive panorama of Northern Virginia.

In every direction you can see forests, towns and mountain ranges, the seven bends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, and acres of national forest lands.

According to HikingUpward.com, “The hike up to Woodstock Tower is an easy 2.0 mile out/back walk suitable for most people, and the 360° panoramic view from the top of the tower is one of the best in the Massanutten range. The views west are of the north fork of the Shenandoah River, and to the east you look back through Woodstock Gap to the Shenandoah National Park.”

And, Michelle at VirginiaWind.com shares an account of a hike up to the top here: 

When most people think of spectacular mountain views in Virginia, they immediately think of Skyline Drive. However, for those of us willing to take the road less traveled (and put in a little extra footwork), a view that rivals any you would see elsewhere in Virginia awaits you at Woodstock Tower, in the George Washington National Forest located in Woodstock, VA. Like most trips, the joy is more than the mere destination. It is the entire journey and the road to Woodstock Tower is no exception. [Full post]

There’s even a hang-glider launch point!

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#45: Natural Chimneys Regional Park and Campgrounds

September 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

“It’s hard to believe, but the Shenandoah Valley was once a floor of a great inland sea.  Centuries ago, as that sea receded, the forces of Nature carefully etched out an awe-inspiring formation of solid rock.  The Natural Chimneys tower as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, offering onlookers a sight unrivaled in majesty.  Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley.  Take a few steps, though, and the chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle.  But Natural Chimneys Regional Park and Campground offers more than simply the splendor of towering limestone formations.   Both day and overnight visitors find plenty of room for relaxation and opportunities for recreational activities.” Source: Natural Chimneys Regional Park and Campgrounds

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#42: Camping

September 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The fall weather brings to mind packing up a tent, some sleeping bags, and ingredients for s’mores – it’s camping time!  With the George Washington National Forest and the Shenandoah National Park, among other government and privately owned parks, the Shenandoah Valley has an awesome combination of places to go camping.

Here is a list of campsites in the George Washington National Forest, and here‘s the list for the Shenandoah National Park.

And below is a list of camping options from ShenandoahValleyWeb.com:

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#36: See the Natural Bridge

August 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Natural Bridge is a popular attraction for many people traveling through and living in the Shenandoah Valley. The sight of a 20-story rock bridge is certainly impressive!

Tickets can be purchased to see the bridge up close, and a number of other attractions have developed nearby, including a Toy Museum, Wax Museum, and the Cedar Creek Trail.  In the evening, there is also the Drama of Creation, which features symphonic music in the ancient Blue Ridge Mountain walls and, choreographed lighting that creates a rainbow canopy in the stone archway.

Wikipedia has some interesting historic facts about this geologic wonder that can’t be seen just looking at it from afar:

  • The Natural Bridge was a sacred site of the Native American Monacan tribe, who believed it to be the site of a major victory over pursuing Powhatans centuries before the arrival of whites in Virginia.
  • Some believe George Washington came to the site in 1750 as a young surveyor on behalf of Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.
  • Thomas Jefferson purchased 157 acres of land including the Natural Bridge from King George III of England for 20 shillings in 1774. He called it “the most Sublime of nature’s works”. Jefferson built a two-room log cabin, with one room reserved for guests, beginning its use as a retreat.

See the official website for more information.


View Larger Map

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#27 Moonlit Carriage Rides in JMU Arboretum

August 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I posted about the carp feeding frenzy at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens earlier this week, but this activity is perhaps a bit more romantic: an evening, moonlit carriage ride through the woodland and botanical gardens.  You can go tonight!  See how they explain it the luxurious ride:

Carriage Rides in the Woodland Gardens of the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

For the cost of a movie, make a memory of a lifetime.

Not merely a carriage ride, but a twilight summer evening or moonlight carriage ride in a woodland garden setting! Create an occasion that goes beyond ordinary to surprising, even exceptional in the beauty of the EJC Arboretum, voted Harrisonburg and the region’s favorite place to relax, to bring out-of-town guests, and favorite place for marriage proposals.

In a luxurious vis-à-vis carriage, riders are drawn through the woods by beautiful Belgium horses and an experienced coachman. Your carriage ride celebration by moonlight Saturday, August 21st, 7-11:00 pm, can help make any whimsical or romantic dream come true. $10 for adults, $7 children 7 years and younger. Carriage seats six. Private carriage $58.

turnbugl [at] jmu.edu, 568-3194 to reserve.

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#26: Mountain Biking

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There are many mountain biking opportunities on the mountain sides that enclose the Shenandoah Valley, as well as on Massanutten Mountain.  Next Sunday, Sept 5, the 12th Annual Shenandoah Mountain 100 will take place, coordinated by Shenandoah Mountain Touring.

Virginia.org has an overview of mountain biking options here.  The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition is the best resource for learning more about all the biking opportunities the area has to offer.  You can also go into the bike shop in downtown Harrisonburg, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, as well as others in the area for terrific assistance in finding a trail that suits your experience.

On this SVBC trails webpage, there is an action-packed video showing the Ravine Trail on Massanutten Mountain.  Check it out:

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#25: Feed the Carp at JMU’s Arboretum

August 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Carp fight for food at the JMU Arboretum

JMU maintains a jewel of flora at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, and I’ll post about the wonderful plants in the future.  For today, I wanted to highlight a favorite activity for anyone who has spent $0.25 for a handful of pellets to throw into the water just below the footbridge over the stream feeding the pond: seeing massive carp emerge by the dozens to fight for the food!

It’s a fun activity for people of all ages.  Head over to the arboretum, bring a quarter, and see the show!  You’ll likely see one or two of the water turtles sunning themselves on a nearby stone.

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