Saturday breakfast
Kick off your weekend with a vibrant breakfast at Broad Porch Coffee Company. Try the Road Runner Toast, featuring beet hummus, watermelon radishes, pickled red onions, beet-pickled eggs and bull’s blood microgreens. Pair it with a latte for a supercharged start to your day.
After breakfast, drive to a local apple orchard that’s ripe for the picking this fall. Whether you’re after a bag of freshly picked apples, a jug of apple cider or some apple cider donuts, this is the perfect time to enjoy the season’s bounty.
Saturday lunch
For lunch, head to Thai Cafe, Harrisonburg’s first Thai restaurant, and enjoy its fresh, flavorful dishes. Start with shrimp spring rolls and chicken skewers, then savor vermicelli noodles served over shredded lettuce and carrots, topped with lime, crushed peanuts and a tangy Thai dressing. Wash it all down with a sweet Thai iced tea.
Saturday cocktails
You may have spotted local artist Tyler Kauffman’s Space Cowboy mural on the side of Billy Jack’s Shack while exploring downtown. Look for the red-lit door to the mural’s right, and you’ve found Jack’s Hideaway. Treat yourself to an expertly crafted old-fashioned cocktail as a reward for your successful detective work.
Saturday early dinner
If you’re catching an evening JMU football game at Bridgeforth Stadium, stop by The Golden Pony for an early dinner. Indulge in $10 Smash Burgers, like the Pony Boy with lettuce, tomato jam, candied bacon and pimento cheese, or the Golden Lasso with candied bacon, crispy onion strings, cheddar and barbecue sauce. Don’t forget to squeeze in a quick game of pinball before heading out!
Saturday dessert
Before the game, you might also treat yourself to a scoop of Kline’s Dairy Bar fresh-made ice cream. With staple flavors like vanilla and chocolate, plus new flavors every Wednesday, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Sunday breakfast
Start your Sunday with brunch at Magpie Diner. The line starts queuing up before 9 a.m., so send someone ahead to secure your spot. While you wait, sip a mimosa at Rootstock Wine Bar & Provisions across the street or browse the shops at Liberty St. Mercantile. Once seated, enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a pillowy waffle topped with seasonal fruit.
Sunday morning
After brunch, it’s time to hit the trails and enjoy the stunning mountains surrounding the Shenandoah Valley. Drive an hour northeast to the Stony Man trailhead for a somewhat flat hike with a big payoff — one of the most beautiful vistas in the Valley. The 3.7-mile round trip takes about three hours. If you prefer a shorter, slightly more challenging hike, drive 30 minutes west to the High Knob Fire Tower trail. This 2.9-mile hike takes about two hours and leads to a historic fire tower lookout offering breathtaking views of Virginia and West Virginia.
Sunday lunch
After your hike, refuel at Mexi Deli, a family-owned Mexican restaurant tucked inside an Exxon station. Treat yourself to their delicious gorditas and fresh ceviche — a satisfying end to your adventure-packed weekend in the ’Burg.
