The Talking Suitcase

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Harrisonburg VA Travel Guide: 15 Local Favorites + JMU, Food & Shenandoah Valley Sips

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

If you’re planning a Shenandoah Valley getaway, this Harrisonburg VA travel guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re visiting James Madison University, heading to the mountains, or just looking for a new weekend destination in Virginia, Harrisonburg is one of those places that truly surprises people.

Known as “The Friendly City,” Harrisonburg blends a lively college-town atmosphere with a strong local food scene, easy access to outdoor adventure, and a growing craft beverage culture. It’s the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, explore downtown in the afternoon, and end your day with cider or wine overlooking the mountains.

As a Mom to an upcoming JMU grad (it went by too fast!), I’ve spent a ton of time exploring Harrisonburg & the surrounding area. Plus I have all K’s tips from attending JMU for 4 years. Hopefully this guide helps you plan the perfect trip.

15 Things to Do in Harrisonburg, VA (Local Favorites)

1. Stroll Downtown Harrisonburg

Downtown Harrisonburg is the heart of the city and one of the first places you should explore. It’s incredibly walkable, filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and coffee spots. You’ll find everything from boutiques and bookstores to artisan goods and vintage finds.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the farmers market. It’s a great way to experience the local community. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours wandering, shopping, and grabbing a drink or snack along the way.

I do think nearby Staunton’s downtown is a bit cuter, but you’ll still find lots to do in Harrisonburg.

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48 Hours in Staunton, VA: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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There’s something irresistible about Staunton, Virginia. It’s one of those towns that quietly surprises you – full of mountain views, cozy cafés, Shakespeare plays, and boutique shops that make you say, “Okay, I could actually live here.” That’s what happened to my cousin!

If you read my 10 Fun Things to Do in Staunton, VA, you already know this little Shenandoah Valley town packs plenty of charm.

Now let’s turn that list into an actual 48 hour itinerary – the perfect way to spend a weekend in Staunton, from Friday evening to Sunday brunch.

48 Hour Staunton itinerary

Day 1 – Friday: Arrive & Ease Into Small-Town Charm

Afternoon / Early Evening:

Arrive in Staunton, check into your hotel, and stretch your legs downtown. If you stay central, everything you need is within a few beautiful blocks.

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10 Things to Do in Staunton, Virginia (That You’ll Actually Love)

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There’s something about small-town Virginia that just feels relaxing and Staunton captures it perfectly.

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this charming town blends history, art, good food, and mountain views into a getaway that’s easy to love.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or passing through on your way to Skyline Drive, here are 10 fun things to do in Staunton, VA. My big kid is currently at JMU and my cousin lives in Staunton, so I’ve visited quite often and wanted to share some of my favorite restaurants and local gems.

10 Things to do in Staunton, VA

1. Stroll the Historic Downtown

Staunton’s downtown is a postcard come to life. Cobbled streets, 19th-century buildings, and over 100 locally owned boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Wander along Beverley Street and pop into Latitudes Fair Trade Store, Design @ Nine or The Staunton Antiques Center.

Travel tip: Go slow. The joy is in browsing, people-watching, and stumbling upon treasures you didn’t know you needed.

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Top 25 Things to Do in Nice, France – Holiday on the Sunny French Riviera (2026 Edition)

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top-25-things-to-do-in-nice

Whether your visiting the French Riviera for an afternoon or a week, Nice should be high on your list of cities to explore.  In trying to come up with our top 25 things to do in Nice, we considered the typical tourist hotspots as well as some of our local favorites.   I hope this guide provides ideas for your next vacation along the Cote d’Azur.

Top 25 Things to Do in Nice, France

old-town-nice

The Old Town is the perfect spot to begin your journey in Nice. From the beautiful buildings to the fresh market in Cours Saleya to enticing shops and quaint restaurants, everyone enjoys strolling along these age-old streets.  As you wander around, stop for a visit at the Palais Lascaris, a great museum in the heart of Old Town.  The seventeenth-century aristocratic building, now houses a musical instrument museum. While seeing the collection of instruments is definitely interesting, it’s the building itself, with beautiful frescos and intricate tapestries, that we most enjoy.

Pop into the Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur de Nice on Rue du Jesus which was originally constructed in the 1600’s by the Jesuits. After the Jesuit Order was expelled by Pope Clement XIV, the church became a parish in 1801. The church is lit-up at night, so make sure to walk by if you’re in the area after dark.

Stop by Place Rosetti and visit the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. The Baroque cathedral has a gorgeous alter and incredible ceiling that is a work of art.

Traveler’s note: There is an LCL bank ATM machine in Place Rosetti. Look for bank ATMs (not Euronet) to avoid high fees.

Fresh fruits
Fresh fruits

Every morning, except for Monday, you can admire the stalls of the Cours Saleya Market.  Pick up fruits and vegetables for a picnic lunch, grab a souvenir for a friend or stop to smell the roses at the Marche aux Fleurs.  The brightly colored awnings will guide you through the market and out toward the Opéra de Nice Côte d’Azur on Rue Saint-François de Paule. If you choose, you could walk along the Quai des États-Unis to escape the crowds.

*Monday, the area becomes an antique market where vendors sell clothing, dishes, furniture, jewelry and more.

Place Massena is recognizable by the Fontaine du Soleil with its massive statue of Apollo.  Relax in the Jardin Albert I or the Promenade du Paillon.   You can also fit in some shopping on Rue France or enjoy some high-end, wallet emptying shopping on Avenue de Verdun. Follow the tram line toward the gare (train station) along Avenue Jean Medecin, stopping by Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice, where you continue with more shopping and sightseeing.

The Liberation market, a favorite of locals, can be found as you continue along Avenue Jean Medicine past the train station. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Nice.

Read more about shopping, eating and exploring around the Liberation Market.

st-nicholas-orthodox-cathedral-nice

The St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral should be high on your list when visiting Nice. I didn’t add this to my article on what to do with kids in Nice, but once the Cathedral came into view the kids and I said a collective “WOW”.   Sometimes my kids are a little bit more into architecture than other children.

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The Ultimate Expedition: Why an Antarctica Cruise is the Adventure of a Lifetime

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An Antarctica cruise isn’t your typical holiday. And it isn’t designed for passive sightseeing,
either! Instead, it requires commitment and a willingness to step outside of your comfort
zone. But what you get in return is totally worth it.

Travelling by expedition ship lets you move through the Antarctic continent slowly and with
more intention. It’s also a great way to gain a rare perspective on a destination that very few
people get to experience firsthand.

Why an Antarctica Cruise Is Different

When you travel to Antarctica, you should know that you won’t be following the “usual rules.”
There are no airports to arrive at and no cozy hotels to check into. But don’t worry! That
gives you all the more reason to experience it on an expedition cruise.

Of course, there is still an element of uncertainty (or, as we prefer to look at it, an element of
spontaneity). Rather than having a run-of-the-mill experience handed to you on a silver
platter, you have to earn your way to your destination, step by step.

What You Do on an Antarctica Cruise

Your days on an expedition ship will look very different from traditional days during a cruise.
For one, expeditions are more active and practical, which is part of their unique charm. Your
time will typically be split between on-board learning and small group excursions ashore.
Zodiac Landings and Shore Excursions

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