What’s in Store for Downtown Harrisonburg?

What new businesses will open in 2010?

Any word on when the sidewalks will be completed?

How much did private developers invest in downtown this year?

Hey, can I have some of those stuffed mushrooms?

All these questions, plus more will be answered at Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s annual Celebration & Reception — and you’re invited. Please join us Monday, October 26 from 5 to 7pm at Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Co. We’ll toast another year of downtown success, enjoy refreshments and a cash bar, and hear exciting plans for the future. No RSVP required.

Also, if you sign up or renew your HDR membership during the event, you can enter to win one of many great doorprizes donated by downtown businesses!

Map for Oct. 2 Museum and Gallery Walk

Time again for the Museum and Gallery Walk! The fall 2009 event will take place from  5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 2 and everyone is invited to enjoy free art, music, dance and more. Highlights of this fall’s walk include Block Party in the ‘Burg battle of the bands and several stops at new downtown establishments including Madison Interiors, The Gaines Group, Harrisonburg League of Therapists, and Zion Gate Center for Positive Living. Download the map here, or keep reading for the list of exhibits and links to artists.

Taste of Downtown Returns August 18-20

See why downtown has earned the nickname “Restaurant Row.” Come one day (or all three!) for amazing meals at wallet-friendly prices. View the menu and prices below.

First Urban Exchange Residents Move In

The Urban Exchange is posting pictures and videos as residents move into the Urban Exchange today! Follow on http://www.liveue.com/index_movein.php. A video of an employee with an “on-site update” doesn’t appear to be working yet, but there is a neat vid of Mike Comfort, co-owner of Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Company. The brewery has offered free growers growlers to each new tenant. Welcome to downtown!

HDR Members Pay Member Price for Statewide Downtown Housing Workshops

The Virginia Downtown Development Association and Virginia Main Street have chosen Harrisonburg as the site for their annual workshop, “Downtown Housing: Options & Opportunities.”

VMS will be hosting “Lessons for a Livable Downtown” on Wednesday, May 27, with VDDA hosting “Downtown Housing: Options & Opportunities” on Thursday, May 28, 2009. Both events will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cally’s Restaurant & Brewing Co. banquet room. Additional events include a Wednesday evening microbrewery sampling (small additional fee), tour of downtown Harrisonburg and welcome reception with cash bar.

AIA/CES learning units can be earned for the programs, and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance members qualify for a reduced member rate of $75 for the VDDA workshop (cost is $110 for both VDDA and VMS workshops).

For more information on registering for the workshops, call 434-238-0986 or email admin@downtownvirginia.org.

For information on becoming an HDR member, see the “Get Involved Downtown” box in the right column.

“Taste of Downtown” Offers Major Discounts to Favorite Restaurants

THE week to eat out is next Tuesday through Thursday, August 12-14.  The first-ever “Taste of Downtown”  showcases Harrisonburg’s favorite restaurants with reduced prices on prix fixe dinners.  Complete menus are available at downtownharrisonburg.org.

All these great dinners are offered only in the evening and no reservations are required (unless otherwise noted). Please note that taxes and tips are not included.

The Artful Dodger
Choose one of three summer special entrées, dessert and signature cocktail. ($15)

Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine
Entrée, dessert, and one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. ($15)

Cally’s Restaurant and Brewing Co.
Sampler meal of appetizer, entrée items, desserts, and microbrews. ($25)

Clementine
“Chef select” appetizer, entrée, and glass of wine. ($20)

Dave’s Downtown Taverna
Salad, Greek sampler entrée, and dessert. ($14.75)

Downtown 56
Appetizer, entrée, and dessert. (Vegetarian option $27.56, regular menu $42.56)

Finnigan’s Cove
Seafood appetizer and entrée with dessert. ($19.99)

Joshua Wilton House
3-course meal featuring locally-grown produce and glass of wine. (reservations requested; $35)

Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room
(3:00 to 5:00pm only)
Afternoon Tea. ($10)

For more information, contact Alexis at 540.432.8922, or alexism@harrisonburgva.gov

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!