2026 The Love that Downtown Built
Downtown Harrisonburg is more than just a place. It's where memories are made, connections are forged, and love stories unfold. From first dates at cozy restaurants to proposals in beloved local spots, our downtown has been the backdrop for countless romantic journeys. Here are the beautiful stories shared by couples who found love in the heart of the Friendly City.
Stories from Our Community
A Casual Beginning, A Lasting Love
When Alyssa and Tony met at CSB in 2018, gym sessions with coworkers turned into something more. Tony asked her to Jack Brown's for their first date, then to LOCAL Chop & Grill House for Valentine's Day. By spring, they were official. Through years of long distance, they stayed committed to each other and to Harrisonburg. Now back in the area, they still enjoy downtown together—bingo nights, pizza, co-op trips. "Harrisonburg will always be our origin story," says Alyssa.
- Alyssa & Tony
A Downtown Love Story 15 Years in the Making
In 2010, Matt and Erin lived just blocks apart downtown, yet they met online. Their first date at Cally's (which is where Capital Ale House is now) on February 1st sparked something special. Matt walked Erin home that night, and their downtown journey began. He proposed downtown with a ring from James McHone. They married at the County Courthouse on December 20, 2011, celebrating at Union Station with Cocolicious cupcakes. They lived downtown until 2019, becoming founding member-owners of the Friendly City Food Co-op. Though they've moved outside the district, they still return regularly. "Downtown has always held a special place in our hearts because it is where everything began for us."
An Unexpected Downtown Encounter
Early in their relationship, Sianna was downtown with friends when her phone buzzed. Berkeley told her to turn around, there he was, right behind her with his parents! Though they hadn't met yet and Sianna and Berkeley were still in the early stages, she already knew how much she cared about him. Berkeley spotted her from far away by her signature red Converse. What started as an ordinary downtown day became the first time she met his parents. Almost a year later, they still return downtown for meals together, a place that keeps bringing their story full circle.
From First Date to Forever in Harrisonburg
Their first date was at Magnolias—well, first at the parking garage where Chris thought Tiffany was a no-show because she was fashionably late! Over tacos they began their journey. Through numerous dates around Harrisonburg, including a favorite picnic, their love grew. When COVID hit, they moved into their first apartment together. After six years, they tied the knot in Lexington. Now both working in Harrisonburg, you can catch them at local Mexican restaurants or coffee shops. "It's a beautiful place to fall in love!" says Tiffany.
Credit Photo by : BRC Photography
Four Decades of Downtown Love
This year marks 40 years of marriage, but their story started long before. Born at the same hospital, attending the same high school and college, Phyllis and Michael's connection to Harrisonburg runs deep. Their first dinner was at Village Pub (now Agora Downtown Market). Phyllis remembers the "Thomas Burger." Their second was at Spanky's (now Beyond), and their first movie was "Airport '77" at the Virginia Theater (now a parking lot). They've lived and worked downtown their entire adult lives, raising two children and introducing four grandchildren to all downtown has to offer. "Through all of the changes, ups and downs, we love downtown and each other."
Credit Photo by : Mrs. Bolton, beloved band mom.
A Downtown Scavenger Hunt to Forever
Chris showed up to help Priscilla move into her Ice House apartment in late 2023. Less than three years later, they're married. Their first date was at Pale Fire, he asked her to be his girlfriend at Chop House, and when it came time to propose, he created a scavenger hunt through their favorite spots—Ruby's Arcade, Beyond, Blue Ridge Dog, Shirley's Popcorn, With Simplicity, Liberty Park, Court Square Theatre, Agora Downtown Market,culminating on the Capital Ale House rooftop where he got down on one knee. In June 2025, they married at Turner Pavilion. They've blended their families and moved to the county, but return for dates and events like Adult Prom, Sip & Stroll, Levitt Amp, and Winter Wonderfest. "We will always have the most special place in our hearts for Harrisonburg, Virginia!"
Credit Photo by : Ameigh Fellows Media (@ameighfellowsmedia)
A Soul Connection Built Downtown
Sara and Ittaty met through Any Given Child's lip sync battle, but quickly formed a soul connection spending time downtown. Their first hangout at Sage Bird turned into many Friday nights of karaoke duets. They've hosted pajama crawls through downtown for the holidays, celebrated at Levitt concerts, and shared hundreds of meals at downtown eateries. "We love downtown and all the laughs, smiles, and memories we all build here!" they share.
“Thank you to all the couples who shared their beautiful stories with us. Your love adds to the vibrant tapestry of downtown Harrisonburg, and we’re honored to share these moments with our community.”