July 14, 2016, Harrisonburg, VA- The Spine of Virginia is replete with picturesque cities and towns, of various sizes, from sprawling Roanoke and bustling Charlottesville, to compact places like Dublin and Damascus. I decided to stop for lunch, and a stretch, in Harrisonburg, a city about the size of Prescott, and whose civic life is also centered on the area around its courthouse. Court Square, west of James Madison University, has a variety of eateries and clothing shops. I was drawn to Artful Dodger Coffeehouse and Cocktail Lounge. Being a teetotaler, I was a curiosity to the couple who tend bar and manage the place. I enjoyed my iced tea and tuna sandwich, regardless. Jaqie and Rob couldn’t have been nicer. It was pointed out to me that, if I stuck around until Friday night, I could get free Salsa Dance lessons. There but for fortune, go I, towards Florida, but maybe on my next pass.
Here are some scenes both inside and outside of Dodger:
The ethic of Artful Dodger, Harrisonburg, VA
Party Time, Harrisonburg, VA
Once I parked my car, I passed by the town’s Welcome Center, on the way to lunch.
Harrisonburg Welcome Center
Inside Artful Dodger, Jaqie and Rob were chatting with the regulars- about something going on Friday night, and I busied myself with the accouterments of the house, whilst waiting for my meal.
The sun shines within; Artful Dodger Coffeehouse, Harrisonburg
After a good forty-five minutes out of the heat, I set out for a brief exploration of Court Square.
Rockingham County Court House, Harrisonburg, VA
Fountains, in Court House Plaza, Harrisonburg
Small garden, Court House Plaza, Harrisonburg
Panels, Court House, Harrisonburg, VA
Unnamed building, southeast corner of Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA
I will regard this little town as another link in the chain of homes I seem to be building, whilst continuing to connect with friends and family. it is always about expanding the network.
NEXT: The Road Back to Florida
A Sagittarian Seeker 
Interesting how the old cities of the East are incorporating pieces of the old in their new buildings — I love the shot of the panels on the court house.
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It is certainly a recognition of the value of heritage. I see the same thing in certain cities in the West, also.
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My brother- and sister-in-law live in Harrisonburg. Both work at JMU. Cute little town. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit there.
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It is a nice place. I will check out JMU and more of downtown, the next time I pass through.
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I have been there when I was a child. It’s good to see that it’s a nice town still!
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The nature of a place reflects the spirit of its people. I have keen intuition about where to visit and when.
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It’s good to see that the journey continues. Harrisonburg looks like a relaxing place. At least it looks like you could slip away from the courthouse for a siesta.
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I probably could have kicked back in a corner at Artful Dodger. Rob, the owner, probably wouldn’t have minded.
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