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