As the valley comes into its most frigid season of the year, fear not; there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun outside or inside a toasty building. If the stress of the end of the year is coming to a peak, consider giving a few of these suggestions a try.
Bridgewater Ice Skating Rink
For the past few years, Bridgewater has opened the doors of its ice skating rink when the weather takes a turn for the colder. It is easily found along the main street of the town, and generally has people in and out every night once it is open. There might be a bit of a crowd, but sessions with large groups are timed to ensure that everyone who comes has their turn at the ice.
For those whose skills are not quite as sharp as their skates, don’t worry; there are walkers you can lean on to ensure that you don’t take out everyone behind you after your inevitable tumble. The rink is open every day and is generally inexpensive with the highest pricing at $5, not including rental skates which are sold at $3 a session. It is fun, cheap, and a great way to gear up for hot chocolate.
Seasonal Ice Cream at Kline’s
Maybe this is not the best way to warm up during the winter, but it is a town specialty. Harrisonburg is known for Klines’ alternative flavors, and the winter flavors are no different. Peppermint and Eggnog homemade ice cream is a great treat to grab with friends and then sprint to the hopefully still-slightly warm car. These flavors are only around for a few weeks, so make sure to take the time to try them before heading out of town over Christmas break. Besides, you can always have hot chocolate later to warm up if ice cream is too cold for you.
Massanutten Resort
Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! The nearby Massanutten ski area provides an ample amount of slopes for all skill levels. Skiing and boarding isn’t your thing? The resort also features a tubing run that doesn’t even require you to stand up, for those who want to join in the winter fun. Now that is a sport I can appreciate! If none of these options sound good, and you are quite frankly already tired of this cold weather, you can enjoy some indoor fun at the resort ski lodge. Every Friday and Saturday night from December through March the lodge features fun events from live music to ugly sweater parties.
Christmas Parade
Grab some friends and head downtown to Harrisonburg’s Annual Christmas Parade. The parade features marching bands from local high schools and universities, colorful floats, and at least several very cute dogs— sometimes even wearing Christmas attire! Fair warning the crowds can get big, but on the bright side, you’ll keep warm huddling with the hundreds of other parade-goers on the sidewalk. This year’s parade tips off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 on South Main Street.
Holiday Art Market
Are you still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the special people in your life? For the DIY-challenged, just skip right to the end result and head over to the holiday art market at Larkin Arts in downtown Harrisonburg.
The market on Dec. 1 features 20 artist vendors selling a variety of crafts and art pieces in a variety of forms. Larkin Arts is located at 61 Court Square in Harrisonburg.
