50 things to do around JMU
Posted by Brent Finnegan on November 9th, 2007
A group of JMU students, led by new Student Body President, Lee Brooks, are putting together a booklet with “50 things to do at JMU” that will include things to do in and around Harrisonburg as an alternative to drinking. It seems the administration, as well as a number of students, wants to do something to change their reputation as a “party school.”
UPB webmaster and jMubilee President, Drew Richard, is helping compile the list. He’s looking for suggestions from hburgnews readers. In an email, he wrote:
What I would like for locals to provide is a list of places that are really special to this area. Things that they think students need to go to in their time in the area or would really enjoy going to. Ideally, these would be things that students would enjoy doing and would do instead of drinking. It would also be cool if they were unique to the Valley, but that’s not a requirement.
Some examples would be skydive orange, blue hole, UPB Grafton movies, and reddish knob. We will have a small description of each place/acitivity and a $,$$,$$$,$$$$ rating system along with some other information such as location. They will be on-campus, and off-campus activities probably within 30 minutes to an hour away. It will be available to give to prospective and current students and anyone else who wants it.
You can contact Drew at richards@jmu.edu, or leave a comment on this post.
Thanks Roger for commenting again/ responding and not getting scared away by everyone. (You are obviously not a 20 year old as I first interpreted from you previous post.)
I have often thought about how to get JMU students and faculty out of the black hole or JMU Bubble that some of us have described. I’m not sure how to do it. I had a cousin who just graduated from JMU last Spring, and even I couldn’t get him to join me on my adventures – between a girlfriend, going home to his parents seemingly every other weekend, homework, projects, and hanging out with his own friends, I only saw him a handful of times last year. (We’re pretty close too; we grew up together.) I guess our schedules didn’t really mesh… or maybe what is needed to get one student out and about is to convince not just him, but his friends too that it could be fun leaving the JMU bubble. Have them do it together.
I think that it is unfortunate that JMU does not advertise its events more/ better to the community surrounding it. I know of a number of “locals” who support JMU’s arts and events (both by attending and through donations), but I think JMU can get more support if they advertised better and thought about the community surrounding them. And the community would see JMU as a greater value and source of new activities. When I was growing up in Northern Virginia, even as a high school student I remember seeing many ads and information on concerts, plays, art shows, musical performances, etc happening at George Mason University. GMU definately engages their surrounding community. Getting the Hburg community involved and attending JMU events is not the answer, but it could be a start.
And I know that the DNR is not the best paper, but give it another read. Its free online, so you don’t have to waste 35 cents (or whatever it costs). Although I find myself often not agreeing with its editorials, and sometimes also becoming frustrated, the rest of the paper can be utilized as a great resource in finding out what’s going on and happening outside of JMU. And also to realize that the community out there isn’t as different as you might think. hburgnews is a good resource too!
And that preacher. I don’t know what to say about him. I remember him from when I was attending JMU, and he’s just plain crazy. And honestly, there are crazies everywhere, not just in Harrisonburg.
Roger says: “I’m just throwing out ideas here but maybe there is a perception of the local community by JMU students that needs to addressed.” I agree that is something that should be addressed, but so is the reverse. There are locals out there that should open up or at least try to understand the JMU community too and not perceive all students as crazy irresponsible drunks who also need to start riding the buses or walk because they make too much traffic. I’m not sure how all that can be addressed, but at least there are a number of us thinking about it, and hopefully someone will discover some way or a number of ways.
Another activity that I just thought of: Artful Dodger’s Thursday Salsa Night. They offer free salsa lessons before everyone gets a chance to let loose. And I think that you can be under 21 to enter, but I might be mistaken. I’ve seen Dodger ID people and put wristbands on them, which makes me think that people under 21 can enter. Its something that students (and anyone) can return to every week.
A question for everyone: What do college students in other major cities or other “interesting” places do for fun at night instead of drinking? I remember visiting friends when I was under 21 in other college towns and we ended up drinking at apartment parties (because we couldn’t enter bars, and we didn’t have fake IDs), and if it wasn’t drinking at someones home, it was going out to a “club” where they allowed 18 year olds to enter (but I stopped doing that because it wasn’t my scene).
As far as getting students to stop binge drinking and getting ridiculously drunk, so many things run through my mind as needing to be addressed or maybe should be change related to our laws, culture, etc (I still drink at over 21, but my peers and I don’t drink like we used to anymore, why is that?)… maybe I’ll visit that conversation at a later time.
Peter,
I won’t stay off topic too long but I did want to give some history as to where my opinions come from. I grew up hiking, biking, skiing, and boating in various parts of the north from the northern Appalachian Mts to the Rockies. It is hard for me to mention Massanutten in the same breath as Vail, Steamboat Springs, the Bridger Bowl, or Killington, VT.
I’ve been to most of the larger National Parks in the US, and while I do think think that the Park Service does a good job with SNP, hiking the trails of SNP isn’t quite comparable to a view of the Grand Tetons, camping in grizzly country in Glacier National Park, or being stared down by a 1,200 lb Buffalo in Yellowstone, or waking up at sunrise to watch the sun spread across the Atlantic in Acadia.
Recently I was in a town, about the size of Harrisonburg (maybe smaller) in the northwest and it was loaded with bike shops, cafes, specialty shops and eateries. Many more than here, and the whole community supports them. You could spend the better part of a day meandering safely up and down downtown, and many do. It seemed like eveyone was outdoors and too busy enjoying life to try to force their religious beliefs on me, I like that.
Recently a national study ranked the healthiest states in which to live. They looked at infant mortality, access to medical care, death rates, obesity rates, etc., and the top 10 healthiest states all are from New England and the west. The worst 10? ALL are from the bible-belt south (VA was 22nd).
Similar trends can be seen when specifically looking at obesity rates and exercise, education, and finding the “best places to raise a family.”
It has also been my experience that many of these other states and cities put a high premium on important issues like the environment and healthcare, and much less effort on irrelevant issues like “Marriage Ammendments.” Again, I like that.
I mention these things in a thread about what to do in H-burg because I believe that how a community spends its leisure time is a good indicator as to that communites priorites and beliefs, and vice versa.
As for my travels, I dare say that I’ve traveled more than many. I’ve have the fortunate experience to have visited dozens of countries and cities from the french riviera and most of western Europe, to Israel and Australia. I’ve been to most of the Caribbean Islands including Cuba, as well Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. I’ve climbed mountains in Yugoslavia, travelled through muslim nations, and have been to several central and south american countries.
As for the US, I’ve been to all of our states except 5, many multiple times, and have actually lived (e.g. set up residencies) in 8 of them.
It is exactly because of my travels and experiences that I have such strong opinions. I want Harrisonburg to succeed and be as popular as so many other small cities.
It can be very difficult sometimes to not sound arrogant when defending or clarifying your position. This post was not meant to be condecending, but to explain and defend some points that others brought up.
As for the biking, I admit that I was too harsh. I do need to spend more time at Shen. Bike Co. Sorry.
As for WV? I’ve swum with sharks and barracudas, camped in grizzly country, fallen of a cliff, skiied in avalanche territory, stared down a bison and many other things that I’m sure I’ve repressed……and yes I’m scared of WV! :-)
Great post Thanh! When I posted earlier about scuba and flying, these activites were subsidized by clubs on campus. The flying club actually had a plane and a flight instructor. The scuba club owned the equipment and rented the bus for trips. The ourdoor club had a camping, biking or hiking trip planned on most weekends.
Does JMU do this? Or have other programs to encourage student interaction with the comunity? I know that there is “Greater Madison” which is supposed to integrate local businesses/leaders with JMU, but I know of no other such program.
It really gets tiresome hearing how Harrisonburg isn’t like other places from out of towner’s. Harrisonburg is a mixture of the close minded to the open minded, and the makeup of the town reflects that.
MF: I agree, it can get old, but Roger’s concerns are pretty common. I work with lots of young professionals (20-30somethings, post-college) and nearly everyone complains about the lack of stuff to do, and perhaps even more troublesome, the difficulty they have meeting people. This social/romantic relationship void causes many to view Harrisonburg as a temporary home, probably discouraging some from taking an active role in making things better.
Thanks to Drew for submitting this request to hburgnews readers!
I’m interested in seeing what people like Roger are looking for in Harrisonburg. I’ve lived here my whole life and have never had trouble finding things to do. Its not like this place is devoid of fun.
Josh, I really think that you’re onto something. College students and young professionals need places to get together, with other, similarly aged individuals to unwind and socialize. Georgetown and Caimbridge,MA are great because of their old towne feel with shops, cafes and clubs. You can stop in at a restaurant and eat cajun and listen to reggae, cross the street for jazz and sushi, cross the street again for ribs and blues. Many of these places are a short trip or walk fom campus.
Many of these bistro’s and clubs have been their for years and taken on legacy of their own. Alum come back to recall memories of their old haunts.
These social places serve a purpose by creating an environment free of parents and authority for these folk to unwind, to see and be seen, to refine social skills and otherwise ignore the crazy reality that we live in, if just for a few hours.
These gatherings, over time, bond people to their surroundings. Some of my best memories of the cities that I have lived in is meeting friends in a downtown pub to hang out. It was more about the friends and the setting, and less about the drinks.
I think that the social scene on campus does a great job of bonding JMU students to JMU, but there is a social disconnect between JMU and HB.
In reading through some of the responses I’m finding that there is more to do in the burg than even I know of as someone who has always lived here. It’s funny, because when I read through your last post Roger, I think all of the things you’re looking for are here. Are there other places in the country that are more exciting? Sure there are! It sounds like you’ve been to some of those places, but I’m still not sure why you think WV is so scary and why you think the crazy “preacher” is indicative of the people of this area. Crazy is crazy and its everywhere in different forms. I actually think we have a lot less crazy than other areas. I guess it all comes down to what you really want out of a place. I personally like JMU and realize what this town would be without it. I admit that travel is a bit easier when they aren’t here, but if it bothered me that much I could move. I love it here and I plan on staying. I guess its good that not all JMU students fall in love with the burg or we’d have a few too many people here after a while! But, in reading this thread its clear that perception is reality. If you think this town is boring, then it is.
Oh, and one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is church. My church has an enormous amount of college students every Sunday (heck its held in a JMU building) so that’s an option for meeting new people. You don’t even have to dress up.
Wow…let me start by saying THANK YOU! I checked this around lunchtime of Friday and was happy and now I check it and it takes me an hour to read through… I spent most of Saturday (also my 21st bday) at W&M watching the football game, GO DUKES!!! so I couldn’t check it. I’ve been reading this blog for a long time and this is one of the reasons why. I grew up in Bridgewater and am a senior at JMU. My freshmen year I got involved with a new organization called jMubilee that holds festivals to bring JMU students and Harrisonburg residents together for a day of fun. My hope is in the future that this (now officially recognized) organization will help to interlink community organizations with campus groups, but we need more man (or woman) power… I also tried to start a JMU/Harrisonburg myths (aka “townies” are all farmers or all JMU students are drunks with no respect), but I didn’t have time to do the research and find the actual answers and I couldn’t get anybody else interested enough to take it over (if you’re interested I can send you the ideas I had). But there is an effort by some students to get both groups more involved. It seems the biggest problem is that JMU students think all Harrisonburg residents don’t like them and Harrisonburg residents think pretty lowly of JMU students (broad generalizations) so getting over that is the first step. So now I’ll try to respond to some things that stuck out to me as needing responses:
Kai: First, I saw your speech for 1787 Convocation (hoping this is the same Kai) this year…amazing…between that and the Be the Change video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7418185117680644595) I was basically in tears. There are some students trying to change things, hopefully we’re making an impact.
Christa: These “nightclubs” for lack of a better term actually help (to a point). Students are going to drink. period. (I personally don’t, and a surprising number of others don’t considering the perception, but a lot do, only the best things will get them to resist that simple temptation) Some students are trying to get a bus to run between the Pub and Highlawn (or I guess Rocktown Grill) and the main apartment complexes to cut down on having to drive. If students can prevent driving they will and they are more likely to get a DD or call a cab if they’re going someplace like one of these nightclubs than just going to their friend’s place for a couple hours to have some drinks. JMU organizations like SafeRides are also trying to cut down on this number.
Thanh: Thank you! You’ve given a lot of great ideas and helped so much!
Roger: Thank you for your perspective. To all those other readers out there, this is probably the majority perception of JMU students, at least the younger ones. By the time they get to be seniors most realize that going camping is tons of fun and they explore a little more, but it takes a couple years for this to happen (and a lot are pretty scared of WV haha). And I don’t know who you’re talking to, but I don’t know anyone who thought that crazy preacher was from the local area. And I’m sorry your main source of info about JMU may be the Breeze…ughh… So let’s settle on this, if we can convince Roger there are even 20 fun things for him to do, this project will be a success :)
Roger and others: Do you know how difficult it is to advertise to Harrisonburg? It’s also kind of an unknown. Advertising in the DNR is just ridiculously expensive and Rocktown is also pretty pricey. Other than that it’s kind of difficult. Plus that means spending extra time on advertising that I usually don’t have, that what I get for being way too overinvolved haha. Advertising in all of JMU’s mediums is time-consuming enough. Another note: I’m on the UPB exec board as finnegan mentioned and since our main focus is on the students (and our budget comes from their tuition) we serve them first and have to focus on them. I would love to do more community stuff for UPB, but we can’t. That said we do offer most things to the community including our movies every Wednesday-Saturday nights and some acts like Josh Gracin on Nov28 (shameless plug) though we do have to charge a little more for the bigger performances if you aren’t a student.
So thank you to everyone that’s posted so far, keep it up! I’ll keep you updated on the status of this project. If you have any questions again please feel free to email me or post on here!
Shameless plug here for advertising in eightyone (where the Mickey Rooney show was advertised and the Desmond Tutu speech got heavy editorial play):
http://www.eightyone.info/?page_id=12
Our rates are beyond reasonable and include great ad design. We reach do-ers, not couch potatoes. AND non-profits don’t have to sign a contract to get our lowest rate.
Roger,
To be scared of WV is just plain ignorant. The views in and around Seneca Rocks are the some of the best in the country. Germany Valley, Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley and some of the other great places in WV are absolutely stunning.
The people can be a bit stand off-ish, but they are hardworking honest and friendly folks if you take the time to actually talk to them.
For other cheap outdoor activities:
Whitegrass in Davis serves up some of the finest snow, best views and greatest XC skiing in the east! Less than $30 will get you rentals and a trail pass for the day. You won’t pass any one on the trails that doesn’t say “Hi” and have a beaming smile on their face. Only 2 hours(or less from H-burg). A lot of people go over every weekend to ski, so catching a ride or car-pooling is easy.
Drop in to SBC, talk to Thomas, Tim or any of the other great people down there. They’ll set you straight on some great biking or hiking… the short list:
Kennedy’s peak
Braley’s
SMT
Chestnut Ridge
Grooms Ridge
Whetstone Ridge
Douthat State Park
Hearthstone/Big Hollow
Big Schloss (fantastic views)
The Shenandaoh Bicycle Club has several weekly rides, from road to Mountain for all abilities. Meetings are the third Tuesday of the month, 8 PM upstairs Dave’s Taverna. Great group of folks who are active in the community and the area. Lots of social activities all year round.
Been to any of the local waterfalls?
Way back up in Hone Quarry.
St. Mary’s Wilderness
Lost River State Park, Mathias, WV
Rip Rap Falls
and many more.
Local hikes are plenty.. as you seem to know, but not limited to just the park. Find the Gnarly North Fork trail above Franklin, WV and follow it north, absolutely spectacular.
To say you like the outdoors, and are bored with the hiking doesn’t cut it in my book. You need to look a little farther afield, and change your views. Town may not be hip and happening, but there is always plenty going on within an hours drive.
Hey Roger -
Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. I can’t help but re-emphasize Dave’s point that it is the person not the town. When I visited other schools (in other states even) everyone complained about their towns and went and drank at the same bars or house parties each week. I had the same feelings you did while at JMU – I don’t feel the same way just three years removed.
I am a 26 year old JMU grad that grew up in the D.C. area. For some perspective – I have lived in London, England, spent months in Ireland, traveled to Italy, France and Germany. I have been up and down the east coast and hit major cities like Seattle and San Fran on the west. I was actually in Cambridge, MA a month ago and had a good time there, got to catch a Sox game in Fenway. I have lived in Harrisonburg since I graduated in Dec. ’04 and really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t think twice about moving to any of those places.
There is definitely a disconnect between JMU and HB, but a lot of people on both sides are working to change that. In fact the biggest reason my technology company is in town is because the director of ROTC at JMU and the mayor of Harrisonburg (at that time) were working together to keep a young company of JMU grads in the city.
As for Tutu, I agree most are poorly done, but I thought that event was well advertised. I believe I saw an ad in the Rocktown Weekly and my business received a flier in the Chamber of Commerce monthly package (several hundred local business members). Many local business owners were talking about it at networking events days before and several were present for the event (myself included).
I also check back on the JMU site from time-to-time – that’s how I was able to catch the Divided We Fall documentary at Grafton last week. I thought that event was very poorly advertised. It was sad to see that JMU couldn’t fill the venue on such an important topic. JMU is the least involved school for the United Way of the various colleges in the area (EMU is the largest giver). There are people working to change that as well.
The JMU Service Fraternity has over 100 students and they visit several area non-profits in need. That might be a good way to get plugged in. I help out at the little grill every Monday at 12 with their soup kitchen. JMU students always come down to help out, you are always welcome to go there. A few JMU students helped at Community Mennonite Church this past Saturday morning – putting up insulation and helping with a few projects for them. None of us were members of the church or even Mennonite. I know of several needs in the community so feel free to contact me if you’re interested.
All: in regards to the preacher if it is the same guy as when I was a student (three years ago) not only is he not indicative of Harrisonburg, he’s not from here nor am I even sure if he is Christian. He travels around to several colleges on the east coast hoping to incite someone to an act of violence so that he can sue them. You can look it up, someone created a website and people have posted pictures from several schools. I haven’t been able to track it down again, but we found it when I was a student.
This weekend there is a UFC fight at the Fairgrounds and you’re welcome to join us for a pickup soccer game at Oakdale Park – every Sundays at 2pm. We had 16 players yesterday about half-JMU and half-local.
Feel free to send me an e-mail, I’d be glad to talk more.
Funny thing about the “preacher”. My preacher was at JMU that day to speak with the FCA. He said he stopped there for a moment and listened to him and said he hoped that the small crowd watching that man didn’t think that was representative of this town.
The soup kitchen is a great place to help out. Volunteering always leads to meeting people and finding other things to do. Our church is giving out food bags this Saturday at Lineweaver apartments downtown and at Mosby Court. We do it the third Saturday of every month and would welcome any willing hands.
Also if you stay here in the summer and like to play softball there are tons of teams all over the place that would be happy to have you.
As a student, I personally always found that guy amusing more than offensive.
E-mail me Emmy. I’d like to find out more about the food bags. I work with group of high school students that help with a service project each month. I can talk to the students and see if they can help.
In my eight years of catching wind of that hate-preacher being on JMU’s campus – and seeing him myself as an undergrad and grad student – I never came across anyone thinking he is representative of people in the area. That doesn’t mean there aren’t people who make that association, or even that he’s not representative, but I’ve just never heard that conclusion presented by students, staff, or faculty.
Take flying lessons. Get your ratings from Fly the Valley at New Market Airport.