Funky's: We Just Want to Have Fun!

(Photo Courtesy of John Simpson)

Do not fret, I promise I am a trained roller-blading professional, as evidenced by the photograph above. As difficult as it is to believe, I was not always adept on inline skates. 

Sticking to the theme of cost-efficient forms of entertainment in the Harrisonburg area, Funky's grades out just fine. Funky's Skate Center is an indoor skating rink located at 100 Miller Circle, which is off of South Main Street and close to the restaurant El Charro. During the week, Funky's is open on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Fridays from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Funky's allows for private rental of their facility for those interested. On Saturdays, Funky's has varying hours and special events throughout the day. Sundays has open hours hours from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Rates for admission range from two dollars to seven dollars, depending on the day of the week and event taking place. Skate rentals are one dollar for regular skates and three dollars for a pair of fancy inline skates. If you are feeling lucky and skillful, pick the latter of the two!

Enough monotonous operational information, where does the fun begin? Straight ahead, but make sure you turn in time!

(Photo Courtesy of John Simpson)

The main rink within the building is in the shape of an oval, similar to many NASCAR tracks. Skaters are free to go at their own pace and can rest their legs on seats placed around the hardwood skating floor. Skating really is an art of sorts. There are many Harrisonburg locals who frequent Funky's and when they move around the rink, their legs swoop back and forth with a tremendous amount of agility and precision. On the other hand, there are many JMU students who attend and do not look as graceful on moving wheels.

Funky's provides a fun and low-cost option for people visiting the area, Harrisonburg locals and JMU students. It hosts special events of different varieties. These include roller derby tournaments, birthday parties and concerts. We The Kings, a pop-punk band from Florida, was featured in 2009 with a concert that took place at Funky's. 

Ding ding ding, we have a clear-cut winner! Special events, good times with friends and a snack bar, sounds like a perfect college hang out spot. But concerts featuring big name bands? You can call that the epitome of an added bonus.

(Photo Courtesy of Funky's website)

Funky's receives an A in my book. They are very people friendly, customer service is over the top, and the atmosphere suits individuals of all ages. 

JMU students should be spending time at Funky's on Friday and Saturday nights as there is nothing else in the area like it.

Local and Cozy Breakfast: The Little Grill Collective

{Photo taken by Taylor Hudson}

Are you looking to eat a home-cooked meal at an affordable price? Look no further than the Little Grill Collective.

Staycation Ratings:

Food: ★★★★★ (Homemade and delicious)

Price: ★★★★★ (Really cheap!)

Uniqueness: ★★★☆☆ (Many breakfast options around town, but they get creative with pancake recipes!)

Comfort: ★★★★★ (Cozy atmosphere)

Overall Experience: ★★★★☆ (Great service, but I wish I could have paid with debit or credit card)

What?

The Little Grill Collective is no ordinary restuarant. Since the 1940's, the Little Grill has been reincarnated into a local music scene, a soup kitchen, and a grocery store. Today, it is a full service restuarant that boasts local, healthy, and home-cooked meals. Prices are cheap; almost every item on the menu is under 10 dollars. They have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, but they are most well-known for their breakfast.


Why?

{Photo taken by Taylor Hudson}

Why is this restuarant worthy of your staycation? Well, the point of a vacation is to relax, right? You will not lack any relaxation here. The service is welcoming, and the atmosphere is extremely informal. Even if you have never visited before, the combination of mismatched furniture, random wall decorations, and home-style food will make you feel as if you are a regular customer.



Who?

{Photo courtesy of the Little Grill Collective}

As far as employees, every single worker essentailly "owns" the restaurant; hence, the "collective" part of the restaurant's name. Similar to a democracy, each employee has the potential to operate the restaurant as an owner, and therefore, each employee is dedicated to their job. Service is great!

As far as customers, there is something for everyone. If you are over 21, they serve alcohol focused on local brewers. If you need to entertain kids, there is a cheap kids menu.


When?

The restaurant is open every day of the week except Mondays. But, word of advice: check the hours before traveling because they are a little inconsistent. Visit their website here to see their hours of operation.

Also, if you are looking to add a little extra flare your staycation, they host local bands, open mic nights and speciality food nights. They have an entire list of events on their website


Where?

The Little Grill Collective is located in Downtown Harrisonburg, right across from Our Community Place. It is about a fifteen minute walk from JMU's campus. Their address is 621 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.


My Experience?

I had never been to the Little Grill Collective before. But, I have heard through many of my friends that it was delicious. I have been searching for a good breakfast place, other than iHop, and this restaurant is famous for it's monthly pancake special.

{Photo taken by Taylor Hudson}

I tried their pancake special for this month: Spiced Chai Pancakes. And, personally, I thought they were delicious. If you like cinnamon, these pancakes are definite must. Also, I ordered a side of "hot" fried potatoes at our waitress' suggestion. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were Old Bay potatoes, and since I am an avid Old Bay fan, I ate the entire thing.

{Photo taken by Taylor Hudson}

But fair warning to all: the Little Grill Collective does not take credit or debit cards. You can only pay via cash or check. I was unprepared, and had to have my friend help me out when it came time to pay. Also, because the restaurant is so small, the wait can get pretty long. I only had two people in my party, so the wait was only about 15 minutes. But be prepared to wait if you have a large party.