A Self-Care Getaway to Harrisonburg, VA

A Self-Care Getaway to Harrisonburg, VA Featuring WithSimplicity

I often tell entrepreneurs that it’s important to stop and celebrate their successes. It adds punctuation to our work life that we don’t often get without the 9-to-5 office rhythm. There are no annual reviews where you can outline your successes, no bonuses from your boss at the end of the year, and no fight for that PTO. A solo self-care getaway is a perfect way to work these important rituals into your life. A recent trip to Harrisonburg was full of rejuvenation, indulgence, and I didn’t totally have to put my “Out of Office” message away on my email.

The art-filled streets of Harrisonburg were a welcome respite from my standard inner-city hustle, though still teeming with possibilities and inpsiration. The local food scene is vibrant while the shopping was full of treasures seemingly handpicked for me. I planned my entire getaway around a visit to WithSimplicity, a clean beauty brand based in Harrisonburg that how offers European-style skincare services. I returned refreshed and loaded with new knowledge and skincare products that will carry me through spring.

Come along with me on this self-care getaway in Harrisonburg, VA…

Where to Stay

When I was planning my visit to With Simplicity, locals quickly recommended I stay at Hotel Madison. I was able to park my car and leave it for my 2.5-day getaway. Everything I needed was in walking distance. My hotel suite had mountain views, a full kitchen, and plenty of room to turn the space into my office and self-care lounge. I ate at the breakfast buffet every morning and caught up on emails at the Grace + Main Coffee Shop. I could see hotel guests and locals walking in and out of the local coffee shop ordering up fresh pastries and speciality coffee drinks, which is always a good sign. The salt water pool and gym were excellent options to lean in to fitness or lean back into relaxation.

The Main Event: A Eurpean Spa Visit to WithSimplicity

I’ve been using several beauty and skincare products from WithSimplicity for a few years now. Founder Irina began developing natural and organic beauty products after realizing her children may be ingensitng harmful chemicals from her daily makeup. She didn’t find what she was looking for, so she created her own beauty line! From the Tri Stick line to the face masks, I’ve always found the products to be hardworking and luxurious. I’m especially a fan on the Blue Dew Moisturizer.

I was so excited to hear WithSimplicty expanded its storefront and opened it up for European-style spa services. I signed myself up for a wS Signature Facial, Buccal Facial Massage, and Sugaring.

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with herbal tea and a relaxing vibe. I went over some of my skincare concerns and challenges so they could create a custom facial experience for me. As you know from reading my beauty articles, I have dry sensitive skin from my eczema. Irina whipped up a curated collection of products, infusions, and targeted treatments. As those ingredients sank in, we started my very first Buccal Massage experience.

Buccal Massage is an intra-oral facial massage that works the muscles, ligaments, and lymph from inside and outside the mouth to help lift and sculpt the face. I could feel the tension melting away, especially around my jawline where I’m starting to struggle with TMJ. This service is hard to find in Central Virginia and you want to be sure someone offering it is certified. You’ll begin to see it more frequently as the stars share more about this beauty secret many swear by. For now, WithSimplicity is your go-to option!

We ended the service with an exfoliating face mask as a jade mask rested on my eyes. Afterwards, my entire face was lifted and wrinkles had faded away. I made sure to try out some makeup products to feel polished after this immersive experience.

I also tried a new-to-me hair removal service called sugaring. Sugaring is a natural form of waxing that uses a natural paste made of sugar, lemon, and water. It removes hair all the way down to its roots. We went for an area I don’t wax or shave often but could benefit from the long-term benefits of sugaring. It was a very exfoliating service, which you could tell by the change in the wax color by the end–dead skin and hair turned it from a clear yellow to an opaque off-white! Beyond the hair removal benefits, exfoliation is so important to remove dead skin buildup and stimulate new cell growth, which can help your legs look smoother and more polished.

See all services offered by WithSimplicity.

Where to Shop in Harrisonburg

For me, self-care is shopping! After a lovely spa experience, It was time to cruise some shops in Downtown Harrisonburg and build my spring wardrobe.

My first stop was the Yellow Button. I’ve shopped here quite a few times, actually! My friend went to graduate school at JMU and this was a staple for us. The store carries brands like French Connection and Free People, all styled and organized alongside locally made jewelry and accessories. I stepped away with this Blank NYC crochet denim jacket.

Inside of Agora Market, you’ll find a few fashion hubs including Charlee Rose and Heartworn Vintage. You’ll also discover new self care and home decor finds from Great.Full Goods, Boujie Hippe Apothecary, and Lineage. There’s a cute coffee shop called Broad Porch Coffee einside where you can refuel, post-up for some work, or load up on fresh grinds to bring home.

Nearby, The Lady Jane surprised me with wall-to-wall specialty home goods, jewelry, decor, and gifts handmade by local artisans. I went hoe with a new ring and earrings!

I also stopped into Dart Resale & Trade and walked away with a gorgeous silk dress that reminds me of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve also visited Bluetique a couple times and went home with affordable rompers, funky shades, flirty dresses and more.

Explore more Harrisonburg shopping here.

Where to Eat in Harrisonburg

When I met up with Tourism Manager Jennifer Bell, she said there were 200+ eateries in Harrisonburg and even more when you count all of the coffee shops! While the town feels small, you can find big city flavor and truly unique experiences.

I’ll start with the stand-out Mashita, which features an ever-changing menu of bright, exciting, and rich Korean-inspired dishes. Once a food truck, the downtown restaurant is infused with art, an arcade, and even offers cooking classes. Order up regular items like the Kimchi Fries and always opt for something from the creative specials menu.

As you know, I gravitate toward music, especially when it comes with a side of food. Clementine always has music on the calendar and a menu full of fresh southern-inspired creations. During one visit, I ate shrimp and grits and grilled salmon to the tune of the Judy Chops, a soul and country-infused folk band. Definitely reach for a specialty drink, too. The bartender’s gin cocktail was just what the doctor ordered.

For a working lunch, I settled into Black Sheep Coffee, which is located inside of Ice House where you can discover many other local businesses. I ordered up a gluten free sandwich and coffee–both of which were delicious and just what I was looking for. The coffee shop also carries hemp-infused beverages and homemade pastries.

Other spots in town to try include Billy Jacks for wings and burgers, the Joshua Wilton House for fine dining, and Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza. See a full list of Harrisonburg restaurants here.

Winery Visits Count As Self-Care

I knew this self-care getaway was going to include a visit to Purple Wolf Vineyards. I last visited many years ago when the winery had just opened as a part of White Oak Lavender Farm. The owners of White Oak have created paradise just 10-15 minutes outside of Harrisonburg. It’s the perfect place to stop on the way in or out of town. The lavender farm’s fields produce essential oils, candles, chocolates, room sprays, facial oil, lotion, cooking oils, and so much more available on-site, throughout the region, and the world. I took myself on a self-guided tasting of all 12 wines to pick out the perfect lavender-infused options to bring home.

See a full list of Harrisonburg-area vineyards here.