<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3HepbP_0vkaAxVx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3HepbP_0vkaAxVx00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Located across from the Bluestone area, Newman Lake is one of the most picturesque spots on campus. Kailey Garner | The Breeze</figcaption></figure><p>Amid the Family Weekend chaos, a tour around campus is exactly what a JMU family needs to immerse themselves in the ’Burg and envision their Duke engrossed in university life.</p><p>While strolls to the Quad and bookstore visits are a must, showing off your favorite lesser-known spots allows siblings, parents and other relatives to see what makes Harrisonburg so special to you. Here’s a list of hidden gems to guide your family through.</p><h2>Duke Hall/Sculpture Garden</h2><p>Beginning on the outskirts of main campus, Duke Hall is the perfect kick-off for an intimate look at campus. Embedded in the modernly sculpted building is the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art, which is currently showcasing “dlo a rasin” — a solo art exhibition by artist Minia Biabiany exploring the links between Hopewell, VA and Biabiany’s home island of Guadeloupe.</p><p>The Duke Hall Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After checking out the exhibition, families can view the artwork cascaded across the academic halls and venture out into the front lawn to see the Duke Sculpture Garden. Currently, the garden features a light pavilion on loan to JMU, provided by two alumni. The sculpture was designed by Edwin Baruch (’13) and fabricated by Michael Draeger (’13).</p><h2>John C. Wells Planetarium</h2><p>Next to Duke Hall and connected to Miller Hall is the John C. Wells Planetarium. Completed with an Evans &amp; Sutherland Digistar system and Goto CHRONOS opto-mechanical star projection system, the planetarium displays full dome videos for its visitors. Whether for a show or a quick look around the facility, bringing your family here will leave an impression.</p><p>On Family Weekend Saturday, the planetarium will present “One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for younger children. At 2:15 and 3 p.m., “Black Holes: To Infinity and Beyond” is presented for older visitors.</p><h2>grace+main cafe</h2><p>If the prior two attractions have your family in need of a caffeine boost, you can find your fix at grace+main cafe, located inside of Hotel Madison. With a multitude of coffee options in Harrisonburg, this spot maintains a campus feeling whilst being a step above a routine Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. After grabbing a sweet treat and sipping down a selection from an assortment of beverage options, you can sit at a window and watch students travel to and fro.</p><p>n worth peeking into, especially with live music events featuring Josh Davidson and the Ben Scott Trio planned for Family Weekend. If your family was lucky enough to secure a room for their Harrisonburg excursion, grace+main is worth making into a morning routine.</p><h2>Newman Lake</h2><p>Across the Bluestone area and through the Bridgeforth Stadium Breezeway lies one of the most picturesque spots on campus: Newman Lake. The roughly 10-acre body of water is an ideal spot to lay beneath the shadiness of trees and observe wildlife as a grand fountain spouts down in the distance. While swimming is prohibited, any enthusiastic fisher family member can try their luck — with the proper licensing, of course.</p><p>If your family is looking for a picnic spot halfway through your tour, grabbing Chick-fil-A from the bottom floor of D-Hall or Panera from the ground floor of Dukes Dining and sitting by the water is an essential JMU move. Complete with views of Bridgeforth, this campus gem is great for secluding from the crowds and slipping into serenity.</p><h2>ISAT Patio</h2><p>Once trekking from one end of main campus to the other, you can continue your ascension across the bridge to east campus and King Hall. After grabbing a quick photo opportunity with Big Jimmy, you’ll reach the inside of King hall. While an academic building might not sound like the most exciting stop on your hidden gems tour, upon the third floor of the building rests the ISAT Patio, a small oasis among the modern architecture of east campus.</p><p>A true jewel, the spot is home to a garden tended to by faculty and features 50 types of plants. Tables are also set for a rest from the tour and to field more questions from family. When making the transition into east campus, this spot is a must hit to show your student insight.</p><h2>Edith J. Carrier Arboretum</h2><p>Truly going from one end of campus to the next, the final destination at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is the grand finale. Located near the Atlantic Union Bank Center and Paul Jennings Residence Hall, the arboretum provides a forest escape whilst still being on JMU’s campus. The grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk and inhabit trails throughout the entire property. Apart from trails is a pond and labeled foliage throughout the arboretum.</p><p>Currently, The Frances Plecker Education Center, open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and near the pond, is presenting photography from Virginia-based photographer Caitlin Garvey. Throughout the weekend, the arboretum is also hosting a Fall Plant &amp; Bulb sale. After a few trail loops, your family is sure to be leaving with a better insight into university life.</p></div></body>

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Opinion | Campus hidden gems worth showing off for Family Weekend

Amid the Family Weekend chaos, a tour around campus is exactly what a JMU family needs to immerse themselves in the ’Burg and envision their Duke engrossed in university life. While strolls to the Quad and bookstore visits are a must, showing off your favorite lesser-known spots allows siblings,...