Life at James Madison University

Citizens of the Shenandoah Valley need look no further than their own backyard for some quality food and drinks. Downtown Harrisonburg is a culinary hotspot for foodies, which is evident by the nickname its residents have given it: Restaurant Row.

If you don't feel like trekking it all the way downtown, there are a handful of chains and a few locally owned places right off campus, with many offering discounts for JMU students. And luckily, many of the most popular places to eat also become great nighttime joints. Kill two birds with one stone and hang out in one place all night! Here are a few of our favorite places:

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Clementine Cafe
Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack
Local Chop & Grill House
The Artful Dodger

Outdoors/Recreation

If you're looking to take in some natural beauty, Harrisonburg has you covered. The city and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley are so picturesque that even the highways double as outdoor tourist attractions. The 105-mile Skyline Drive is a popular destination, and you can even stop at Shenandoah National Park for some camping, hiking, and horseback riding along the way.

Similarly, if you want to get involved on campus and would prefer to do it outside, check out the Outdoor Adventure Club, JMU's self-described "hiking, camping, and anything else outdoors club."

Things to Do In Harrisonburg, VA

When they're not hitting the books, students at JMU students like to make the most out their campus and the surrounding area. The Quad seems to be a popular meet-up space, where you can usually find groups of people throwing around footballs, catching some sun, or just enjoying time with their friends. Similarly, students often head downtown on the weekends to attend sporting events and take advantage of the unlimited outdoor potential that Harrisonburg has to offer.

Highlights Include:

Hanging out on the Quad
Catching a movie at the Grafton Theater
Cheering on the Dukes at a JMU football game
Visiting the beloved "Puppy Farm" near campus