It is a special thing when you find that elusive blend of ideal travel conditions: gorgeous scenery perfect for your favorite recreational activities, a rich historic and cultural context, and a friendly and vibrant local populace. In Harrisonburg, Virginia, it's all there. Explore the scenic and cultural riches of the Shenandoah Valley from the comfort of one of our Harrisonburg, VA hotels. With so much going on, there is an abundance of exciting experiences to be had, but don't feel beholden to the activities you've read about online. Often, the most meaningful adventures can't be reconstructed; you simply must stumble upon them.

Visiting Harrisonburg

Settle into one of the hotels near Harrisonburg and make your way to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum on the James Madison University campus. Wander the John Clayton Trail through stands of oak and hickory and past flowering azaleas and rhododendrons. Pause on the bridge by the pond and scan the waters for ducks, turtles, and brilliant koi moving just beneath the surface. Take your time moving through the arboretum, for many beautiful moments are available only to those who pause and let the landscape speak to them. Crouch down and examine a budding wildflower; contemplate the wonder of such a tiny seed producing it.

If you have booked one of our Harrisonburg rental cars, it may be time to leave it behind for a moment or two and opt instead for a bicycle. Course through the historic downtown neighborhood or soar past vineyards and lavender farms. Let your spirit direct your route, and embrace the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Your journey need not end when you check out of one of our hotels in Harrisonburg, VA. If your volition pulls you toward Virginia's capital, follow it (though perhaps not by bicycle). Travelocity can find you great deals on Richmond hotels where you can rest your head after exploring Maymont or the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.