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Rise and shine, Harrisonburg!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: ArtVISION Youth Art Month show, Strite’s Donuts manager’s miracle return home, and Massanutten Meltdown pond skim + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Harrisonburg protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
Community creativity on vivid display: Smith House Galleries’ 10th annual artVISION Youth Art Month show is now open, showcasing 100 works by 100 RCPS students in Harrisonburg, and runs through March 27 — get all the details.
Community support and resilience: After 60-plus days at the VCU Burn Center, Harrisonburg’s Strite’s Donuts manager Andrea Dawn returned home. Her father calls it a miracle as new general manager keeps the shop running — read the full story.
Weather swings threaten vehicles: AAA says an early pothole season is expected in Virginia after a harsh winter. Harrisonburg drivers should watch for road damage, stay focused, and review insurance coverage for costly repairs — learn what to watch for.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Phở fix, unlocked: Whether you’re craving a steamy phở, crisp spring rolls, or a soothing bún bowl, Vietopia serves it simple, fresh, and decidedly Harrisonburg. Slot it into your weeknight rotation when cooking feels optional, yet you want dinner that tastes like someone actually fussed over it.
Fabric fix, fast: Ragtime Fabrics refreshes your stash with garment fabrics, quilting cottons, notions, trims, and buttons. Classes and open sew jump-start stalled projects. Friendly and local, it’s a dangerously inspiring spot for anyone who swears they’re just browsing.
Cozy, modern diner vibes: Housed in a revamped 1950s tire service station, Magpie Diner serves seasonal breakfasts, lunches, and pastries from its in-house bakery, with coffee roasted next door. Expect easygoing, neighborly comfort, plus a Friday twist with British pub nights.
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
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📆 Our favorite events this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📣 Developmental Disability Awareness/Acceptance Rally @ Rockingham County Courthouse, Clerk of Court Chaz W. Haywood | Wednesday (3/11) at 1:00 PM – Take a midweek pause at Court Square for a rally honoring neighbors with developmental disabilities, then a short, neighborly stroll down Main to the library. No chants required, just listening, learning, and showing up for a more inclusive, appreciative Harrisonburg. Comfortable shoes, open hearts.
🌿 Bonfire Botany Workshop @ Aristocat Cafe + Tea House | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – Whether your last houseplant survived or we don’t talk about that, this hands-on workshop has you building a staghorn fern terrarium, no green thumb required. Bonfire Botany keeps it step by step, foolproof, and fun. Every piece ends up one of a kind, yours included.
🍦 Waffles and Ice Cream @ Smiley’s Ice Cream (Bridgewater) | Saturday (3/14) at 7:30 AM – Saturday morning calls for waffles that behave like dessert. Choose homemade regular or double chocolate chip, with a gluten-free option, then pile on whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries, mini chocolate chips, syrup, butter, and yogurt parfaits. We’ll call it balance, you call it breakfast.
🏂 Massanutten Meltdown @ Massanutten Ski Slopes (McGaheysville) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Nothing caps ski season like watching grown adults pond-skim in helmets, take a rail jam lap, and call it cardio. Live DJ, three bands, and a Base Camp tap takeover seal it. Meet the snowmakers, ogle the groomers, and NUTT alumni ski free, family discounted.
☘ Saint Patrick’s Shenanigans @ The Cracked Pillar (Bridgewater) | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Pull out something green and meet me at The Cracked Pillar for St. Patrick’s shenanigans, with merry pints and music that ramps up as the night rolls. Jessi Pugh warms it up, then DJ Timmy’s karaoke takes over, plus food and drink specials.
⛰ Hike & Happy Hour @ Walkabout Outfitter 90 N. Main St, Harrisonburg, VA | Sunday (3/15) at 12:00 PM – An easy two-mile loop with a whopping 138 feet of glory, then a well-earned Sage Bird happy hour. Carpool if you like, meet at the trailhead if you must, bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes, and save the heroics for the bar stories.
👧 Celebrating Girls for 114 Years @ Weyers Cave Community Center | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – Birthday math says 114 candles require backup, so this Girl-led bash brings founder lore, Kim’s Game, a wooden scout, and an oyster-to-pearl necklace, plus snacks. Bring a birthday party item for Food Pantry boxes, and register at theSassyDoxies.com. $12 per participant includes a patch.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Harrisonburg report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 71°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
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