Let the rest of the world say “Virginia is for lovers”.
Here at Travel Off Path, we’re saying Virginia is for explorers — and if they happen to be lovers — that’s okay too.
You may know Virginia Beach, Arlington, and the trendy coastal oasis of Norfolk, but there’s another under-hyped city that Southern Living recently revealed that caught our eye.
Make that eyes. Plural. I’m not a pirate.
With summer just around the corner, you’d think this would be prime time for just about every destination.
However, this one considers summer as their shoulder season, yet still boasts astounding nature, a friendly small-town vibe, and mild weather unlike much of the country.
Move Over Asheville! Harrisonburg Should Be Your Summer Escape
Even though Asheville had a downturn after Mother Nature left her mark, it’s one of the most sought-after mountain towns in the South.
But Harrisonburg, Virginia is one of the best alternatives, especially since places like Asheville can feel like a sauna at the peak of summer.
Virginia’s best-kept secret rarely sees highs in the 90s, averaging about 85 degrees, while the rest of the South will be sweltering.
Not only does Harrisonburg offer splendid weather this time of year, but it’s also one of the state’s prettiest hideaways, as it’s sitting smack dab in the Shenandoah Valley with Blue Ridge mountain views in the distance.
Plus, it’s a college town, home to James Madison University. You know the beer is flowing just as much as Asheville — the perfect way to cap off a fun day exploring.
With hiking trails, scenic drives, the wonders of Shenandoah National Park, and nearby Massanutten all within easy reach, Harrisonburg gives you plenty of ways to earn a post-adventure pint.
“The Friendly City”
In the day and age of overtourism, where even some of America’s icons are losing their luster, it’s always nice to know you’re welcome when it comes time to cash in your PTO.
Harrisonburg is dubbed “The Friendly City”, and with good reason.
Virginia may be at the tip-top of the South, which seems like a borderline oxymoron, but quintessential southern hospitality is alive and well here.
This moniker dates back to at least 1930, and it’s holding on strong for almost a full century.
H-Burg backs it up with the kind of small-town warmth travelers hope to find when they’re tired of overpriced mountain towns that have started acting too cool for their own good (ahem, Aspen).
It’s also far more worldly than your average mountain town, shaped by refugee communities, Mennonite traditions, and local schools where dozens of languages are spoken — giving “The Friendly City” nickname a lot more merit than a catchy welcome sign.
In other words, Harrisonburg takes a come-one, come-all approach even with tourism. You’ll fit right in now matter your vibe and what brings you into town.
Why Summer Is The Perfect Time To Visit
Taking my Al Roker hat off for a moment, it’s not just the weather that’s a draw — it’s the lack of crowds.
You see, not that Harrisonburg specifically becomes a raging hotspot come fall, but Virginia’s countryside in general becomes a real-life postcard for leaf-peepers who love hitting the backroads with a warm PSL in hand.
While summer is still beautiful here, those same backroads feel even more open as those in the know about this town typically wait ’til fall.
That gives summer travelers the sweet spot: mountain views without the bumper-to-bumper scenic overlooks, patio weather without peak-season pricing, and easy access to Shenandoah Valley adventures before the autumn crowds roll in.
How Safe Is Harrisonburg?
Surely ‘friendly’ and safe go hand in hand, right?
Harrisonburg still meets the criteria to be called a hidden gem, therefore it didn’t make the cut for our Safety Index tool yet.
That said, we found an insightful local report suggesting Harrisonburg largely lives up to its “Friendly City” nickname — at least when it comes to feeling safe.
Violent crime is described as “low overall,” with the bigger concerns being property crime, car break-ins, and the occasional college-town shenanigans.
Basically, visitors shouldn’t feel on edge roaming around town, but don’t treat it like Mayberry either.
Plus, does anyone whistle anymore anyway?
