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Let the rest of the world say, “Virginia is for lovers.”
Here at Travel Off Path we say Virginia is for explorers – and if they’re lovers – that’s fine too.
You may know about Virginia Beach, Arlington and the trendy coastal oasis of Norfolk, but there’s another underrated city that Southern life recently revealed that caught our attention.
Make those eyes. Plural. I’m not a pirate.
With summer just around the corner, you’d think this would be prime time for just about any destination.
However, these regard summer as their shoulder seasonbut still boasts amazing nature, a friendly small-town atmosphere and mild weather unlike much of the country.
Move over Asheville! Harrisonburg should be your summer getaway
Although Asheville experienced a recession after Mother Nature left her mark, it is one of the most desirable mountain towns in the South.
But Harrisonburg, Virginia is one of the best alternativesespecially since places like Asheville can feel like a sauna at the height of summer.
Virginia’s best-kept secret rarely sees highs in the 90s, averaging around 85 degrees, while the rest of the South will be sweltering.
Not only does Harrisonburg offer beautiful weather this time of year, but it is also one of the most beautiful shelters in the state, while it sits right in the Shenandoah Valley with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
Plus, it’s a college town, home to James Madison University. You know the beer is flowing just like Asheville – the perfect way to end a fun day of exploring.
With hiking trails, scenic drives, the wonders of Shenandoah National Parkand close Massanutten all at your fingertips, Harrisonburg offers you plenty of ways to earn a post-adventure pint.
“The friendly city”
In the age of overtourism, when even some American icons are losing their luster, it’s always nice to know you’ll be welcome when it’s time to cash in your PTO.
Harrisonburg is also called “The Friendly City,” and for good reason.
Virginia may be located at the tip of the South, which seems like a contradiction in terms, but quintessential Southern hospitality is alive and well here.
This name dates back to at least 1930 and has endured for almost a full century.
H-Burg backs this up with the kind of warmth travelers hope to find when they’re fed up with expensive mountain towns that start acting too cool for their own good (ahem, Aspen).
It’s also much more worldly than your average mountain town, shaped by refugee communities, Mennonite traditions and local schools where dozens of languages are spoken – giving the nickname “The Friendly Town” far more merit than a catchy welcome sign.
In other words, Harrisonburg takes a come-one, come-all approach, even when it comes to tourism. You will now fit right in, regardless of your vibe and what you bring to the city.
Why summer is the perfect time to visit
Take off my Al Roker hat for a moment: it’s not just the weather that’s so appealing, it’s also the lack of crowd.
See, not that Harrisonburg specifically becomes a raging hot spot in the fall, but The Virginia countryside generally becomes a lifelike postcard for leaf peepers who love to hit the back roads with a warm PSL in hand.
While summer is still beautiful here, those same back roads feel even more open as those who know this city typically wait until fall.
That puts summer travelers in a sweet spot: mountain views without the bumper-to-bumper scenic views, patio weather without peak-season prices, and easy access to Shenandoah Valley adventures before the fall crowds roll in.
How safe is Harrisonburg?
‘Friendly’ and safe go hand in hand, right?
Harrisonburg still meets the criteria to be called a Hidden Gem and therefore has not yet qualified for our Safety Index tool.
That said, we’ve found an insightful local report showing that Harrisonburg largely lives up to its “Friendly City” moniker — at least when it comes to feelings of safety.
Violent crime is described as ‘low’ overall, with the biggest concerns being property crime, car burglaries and the occasional college town shenanigans.
In short, visitors shouldn’t feel rushed as they wander through the city, but don’t treat it like Mayberry either.
And does anyone even whistle anymore?
