10 Cute Date Ideas To Try Around JMU

Not only is JMU surrounded by beautiful mountains, it is also surrounded by different small towns that are full of things to do. Whether you have been dating for years or you’re just starting out, these destinations are sure to offer a fun atmosphere at relatively cheap prices! Keep reading for great examples of ten cute date ideas to try around JMU!

1. Spend the day hiking!

This is a pretty obvious choice, but it is a fun one nonetheless. There are many hiking trails, both easy and more advance options, that you and your date can spend the day trekking.

2. Take a stroll under Natural Bridge.

I personally love this place, and it is definitely something you need to go see whether it’s on a date or not. It is about an hour from JMU, and it costs $20 a person. You can pay an extra $8 to see the bridge and the caverns (which are super cool).

3. Stargaze at night on the Quad.

This is a totally cost efficient option. What’s better than having a date night on the Quad? Besides snuggling up during the night, you and your date can stargaze to see what constellations you can find.

4. Zip line at Massanutten.

If you and your date are in a daring mood, this is a perfect option for you. Massanutten is about 20 minutes East of Harrisonburg. It has many different things to do, but in the summer and winter, and zip lining is only $15 per person. There are clothing requirements, so make sure you check the Massanutten website before going.

5. Go to New Market Historical State Park.

If you’re a history buff, this is the date site for you. This is located in New Market which is about 25 minutes from JMU. It has a battleground and a museum dedicated to the Civil War. Admissions is $10 a person.

6. Try out Rope Adventure Park!

Among a long list of other attractions, Luray Caverns offers a Rope Adventure Park that costs $9 per person. There are two different levels of difficult you and your date can choose from. Luray is about a 40-minute drive from Harrisonburg.

7. Visit the unique Camera Heritage Museum.

Anyone who appreciates vintage things or art should go here. There are hundreds of cameras from throughout the years kept here. The museum is about 35 minutes from JMU. You can also donate to the museum to help ensure the preservation of the wonderful cameras and accessories they are housing.

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8. Spend a day at the Luray Zoo.

The zoo is located in Luray, VA which is about 40-minutes away from Harrisonburg, and admission to the zoo is $10. This zoo is different from typical zoos because they have rescued a lot of the animals that they have. They also house retired animals from other zoos.

9. Enjoy a picnic in the Arboretum.

This is another fairly cheap date option, and you don’t have to travel far to get there. You and your date can take a stroll to enjoy the scenery in the Arboretum on JMU’s campus then enjoy some sandwiches under a nice shade tree.

10. Give wine tasting a try at the gorgeous CrossKeys Vineyard.

Of course to do this, you have to be 21 or over. CrossKeys Vineyard is about 20 minutes from JMU. You can take a 30-minute tour of the grounds for $5 dollars a person then you go sample wine for $15 dollars a person (a cheese plate is also included in this price).