Breathtaking beauty & culturally rich
Bridgewater’s backyard is one of the most scenic areas in the nation. The Shenandoah Valley. Expansive farmland with a backdrop of mountains on both sides—the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.
When you feel like stepping away from campus, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for recreation, arts and culture, historical sites and shopping. The town of Bridgewater and the city of Harrisonburg—located just eight minutes away—offer a variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, fairs and festivals.
While you’re here, we encourage you to venture away from campus every now and then. Take a road trip with your friends. You’ll find so much to love in the Shenandoah Valley.
Outdoor Adventures
You’ll find an outdoor activity for every season. Skiing, tubing and water park fun at nearby Massanutten Resort. Hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in the Shenandoah or George Washington national forests. Canoeing, kayaking or white-water rafting in the Shenandoah River. It’s all here. And Bridgewater’s Outdoor Program can set you up with tents, canoes and other gear you’ll need.
Arts, Culture and History
You’ll learn so much when you explore the arts, cultural events and museums scattered throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Revisit early American history at the Frontier Culture Museum or a nearby Civil War battlefield. Take in a show at Staunton’s Blackfriars Playhouse—the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater.
Nearby Metropolitan Areas
If you want to explore the big city, several metropolitan areas are close enough for day trips. Charlottesville is just a 45-minute drive to the east. Richmond is just two hours in the same direction. Washington, D.C., to the northeast, is just a two-hour drive away.
For more information, check out:
- About Harrisonburg
- About Staunton
- About Charlottesville
- About the greater Shenandoah Valley
- About Washington, D.C.
- About Richmond
Questions? Contact us!
Department of Student Life
540-828-5380
studentlife@bridgewater.edu
