10 healthy places to visit in Harrisonburg and The Shenandoah Valley

The Valley is full of lots of healthy options whether its food, exercising, or even just taking a stroll. Check out some of our favorite places below to incorporate into your lifestyle.

Healthy eating

Greens and Grains Cafe

Greens and Grains Cafe believes in a “eat fresh, support local” philosophy. The cafe is located near James Madison University on Port Republic Road and has a wide variety of menu options with a focus on cleaner eating. Their ingredients are sourced from local farms and vendors and also offer many gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

In addition to advocating a healthier lifestyle, Greens and Grains Cafe also believes in environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on reusable utensils and biodegradable straws.

The cafe has online ordering, as well as catering available.

Pulp Cafe

Pulp Cafe offers Japanese snack foods, organic açaí bowls, and smoothies. Located in Shenandoah Bicycle Co. in Downtown Harrisonburg, Pulp Cafe has a wide variety of foods for everyone.

An outdoor patio is also available to enjoy an adult beverage (beer and cider on tap as well as cans) and connect with your community!

Trails

Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park

Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park is a joint effort of volunteers and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The trail system offers three different levels of difficulty to appeal to a complete spectrum of runners, walkers and cyclists from novice to expert. Designed and developed in accordance with the IMBA guidelines for sustainable shared-use trails, it has a system of stacked loop trails with three levels of difficulty.

There are two entrances to the trails: (1) in the parking lot across from Shelter #11 in Hillandale Park for vehicular parking and (2) for pedestrian and cyclist users at the far west end of South Avenue where South Avenue intersects with South Dogwood Drive (no vehicular parking allowed).

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University

Described at the “College Woods”, the Arboretum at JMU has a winding path for strolling, walking, jogging, and running that will always show you something beautiful.

With plants blooming in every season, the Arboretum offers many different learning opportunities for all ages.

Grand Caverns Walking Tours

Grand Caverns walking tours are a great way to explore history and get a good exercise session in. The tour is a leisurely 70-minute stroll and covers approximately one mile of passages. It is recommended for ages 3 and up.

The Grand Caverns located in Grottoes was discovered in 1804 and is the oldest continuously operating show cave in the United States.

Exercise

Workout Anytime Harrisonburg

Workout Anytime Harrisonburg on South Main Street offers strength machines, cardio machines, hydro massages, infrared sauna, red light therapy, cryolounge, theraguns, and more for 24 hours a day for members.

Personal and group training opportunities are also available.

The Center: Yoga Collective

The Center Yoga Collective is Harrisonburg’s first dedicated Yoga and Pilates studio and located in Ice House Studios on South Liberty Street. You can schedule massage and sauna sessions, yoga therapy, Thai Yoga Bodywork, and attend classes and workshops of all kinds. Pilates and Barre classes are also available. And you can do it all under one roof.