We each have our preference of staying warm when it’s cold or playing outside when it’s cold. Luckily, we have destinations like Rockingham County where there’re plenty of winter activities for indoor or outdoor experiences (sometimes at the same place!). There’s something fun to find in each of the seven small towns and the one big city that make up the 853-square-mile Shenandoah Valley county. These tips and highlights will help you plan an adventure best suited to your preferred temperature.
Bring on the Cold!
Snow lovers know there’s nowhere else to be than a ski resort, and Massanutten Resort is the go-to. Fourteen trails are at the ready for all the adrenaline you have to throw at them, even at night. Boarders, skiiers, and tubers are all welcome.
Ice skaters, rejoice! Rinks await at both Massanutten and Bridgewater’s Generations Park. Rentals are available at both.
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You may be warmer below ground than on it, but it’s still chilly in Grand Caverns. Located in Grottoes, Grand Caverns is the oldest continually operating show cave in the country, and as such, is on the National Natural Landmark Registry. If you plan to visit sooner than later, aim for a special event like Caroling in the Caverns on December 13 or catch one of the movies showing during Subterranean Cinema, a cool (pun intended) family movie experience. Bring your own camp chair and blanket (and toboggan and gloves and …) to gather ’round for a film underground. On December 14 at 4 and 6 p.m. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is showing. On the 15th, it’s The Polar Express at 4 and 6 pm. Tickets are required.
Brrr! I’m Staying Inside.
Let the kids roam and find their fun at Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg. Everything is interactive and encourages pretend play. Join their world and imagination as a family!
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More family fun comes in the way of seeing the stars … but inside. The John C. Wells Planetarium at James Madison University in Harrisonburg offers free Saturday Shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when school is in session.
Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, films, and other entertainment year ’round. Of note this winter season are musical acts like Nothin’ Fancy, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Trent Wagler of the Steel Wheels, and The Kody Norris Show.
The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University in Harrisonburg has an exciting winter line-up as well.
- December 12: Lúnasa
- January 23: Pirate School: Sea Dreams
- January 26: Percussion All Stars
- January 31: Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra
- February 5: The Spirit of Harriet Tubman
- February 8-9: Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid
- February 14: Time for Three
- February 22: The Steel Wheels
- February 25-March 2: Big Fish
- March 2: Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents New Orleans Songbook
- March 7: The Vanishing Elephant
- March 25-26: Houston Ballet II
Let Me Mix It Up
If you’re outdoorsy like drinking on the patio outdoorsy, here’s your hook-up: Bluestone Vineyard in Bridgewater, Elkton Brewing Co. in Elkton, and Cave Hill Farms Brewery in McGaheysville have fire pits. Choose your beverage from the taproom and then share a fire pit with friends.
The aforementioned Massanutten Resort is a great place to do both hot and cold activities. After you skate or glide the slopes, head to the spa or the indoor waterpark to warm up. The hot tubs are excellent for post-slope warming!
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Cheers to your winter adventures in Rockingham County, Virginia!
Header Image: Massanutten Resort