Heart Healthy Downtown Harrisonburg (May 2008)

Dear Eddie: With the arrival of spring, what downtown businesses specialize in fitness, health, and relaxation needs?

EB: Downtown has a wide variety of shops which focus on fitness, health and relaxation. For cycling, running and workout enthusiasts we have Shenandoah Bicycle Company, The Runners’ Corner and Harrisonburg Fitness Center. Dance lessons are available at Dancing With Karen, Dance & Company and Dancing Feet. Shenandoah Yoga offers yoga classes, and Pilates and yoga classes can be taken at The Center. For massage therapy contact The Healing Path or Sage and Sandalwood.

The Next Step Downtown (April 2008)

Dear Eddie: How can I find out more about the upcoming streetscape plan for downtown?

EB: The first phase of the downtown streetscape plan will be implemented this year along the east side of Main Street from Bruce to Elizabeth Streets. A contract has been signed with Linco of Waynesboro to provide the work, and a public open house meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, April 10 in the Main Meeting Room at the Massanutten Regional Library. People are invited to stop by anytime between 4:00 and 8:00 PM to meet the contractor, design firm and engineering firm, as well as city and HDR representatives. This is your chance to see drawings, to receive information about timing an appearance, and to ask questions. A joint city/HDR Streetscape Task Force has been formed to promote communication with the community and business owners/residents about this project. We hope you can attend. (Update: visit our page on The Next Step Downtown to view design plans and photos and get up-to-date streetscape news.)

Eightyone Readers Heap Praise on Downtown Restaurants (March 2008)

Dear Eddie: Why are downtown Harrisonburg restaurants so popular?

EB: The simple answer is because local people and tourists like what the downtown restaurants have to offer. Our restaurants have unique menus, interesting architecture, great service, local ownership and outstanding food. Eightyone magazine readers rated The Joshua Wilton House – the Best Fine Dining, Downtown 56 – tied for Best Rookie, The Little Grill Collective – the Best Breakfast, Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Co. – the Best Bar, Earth & Tea Cafe – the Best Cozy Cafe, The Artful Dodger – the Best Coffee Shop, Dave’s Downtown Taverna – the Best French Fries, Jess’ Lunch – the Best Hot Dog, L&S Diner – the Best Diner, Shank’s Bakery – the Best Bakery, and Downtown Wine & Gourmet – the Best Wine Shop. Several restaurants received multiple awards (not mentioned here). The competition included the remainder of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton. Congratulations to the winners!

Movin’ On Up: Welcoming Urban Exchange Mixed-Use Development Project (February 2008)

Dear Eddie: What will the new $25 million Urban Exchange mixed-use construction project mean for downtown?

EB: One of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s highest priorities is to promote the creation of additional downtown residential options, particularly downtown housing. Just in the last two years more than 50 units have been added, primarily through the renovation of historic buildings and conversion of the upper floors above retail businesses. According to Virginia Main Street data, each new resident spends between $7,500 and $14,000 annually in their downtown neighborhood. The impact of the Urban Exchange project will be huge, with 190 upscale residential units housing approximately 400 people. Not only will this project bring significant additional business to the existing businesses in downtown, but add 12,000 square feet of on-site retail space. Demolition has begun and the project is scheduled for completion in 2009.

New Restaurants for the New Year (January 2008)

Dear Eddie: I hear we’re getting several new restaurants downtown. How soon can we expect them to open?

EB: We are delighted to have three confirmed restaurants opening in 2008. Most likely the first to open will be Clementine in early February, located on South Main Street in the former Main Street Bar & Grill. The restaurant will offer everything from salads and sandwiches to gourmet dinner entrees. The chic, cosmopolitan atmostphere will be a great venue for live entertainment, with meeting space on the lower level. Expected to open shortly after Clementine is Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine. Located in the renovated Walton Hotel building on North Main Street, the restaurant will have a lower level lounge with live music. Finally, renovations should begin soon for Pennybackers on East Water Street (the former location of Laughing Dog). The restaurant hopes to open in Summer 2008, complete with rooftop dining. Those who miss the old Spanky’s will enjoy Pennybacker’s menu with a broad selection of sandwiches in a family-friendly atmosphere. (Update: Clementine and Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine are now open for business. Delays have pushed back renovations on Pennybackers, but check back soon for the latest news.)