Located right at the beginning of Downtown Harrisonburg, built into the visitor’s center is one of the most cozy and homey, French inspired bakeries you’ll ever find. The Heritage Bakery is owned and operated by a JMU alumnus named Isabelle who graduated in 2012 with a Degree in Health Sciences. Back in Pennsylvania, Isabelle’s father owned a French restaurant that she, her mom, and siblings worked at when they were growing up. She said opening a French inspired bakery had always been something she wanted to do, so when she heard a place opened in Downtown Harrisonburg she saw it as the perfect opportunity! Isabelle works alongside her mom, creating delicious treats, breakfasts, and lunches for all of Harrisonburg to enjoy.

      Having JMU around the bakery has definitely had a positive impact on the bakery’s success. Many JMU students come into the bakery often to study. When you dine in you are given fancy plates and mugs as Isabelle, her mom, and employees bake treats right before your eyes. The kitchen is in an open space right behind the counter so you almost feel like you’re in your own home. This feeling of being in your own home becomes stronger as you notice how friendly and welcoming Isabelle, her mom, and her staff is. The Heritage Bakery features a wide variety of baked goods that they like to “switch up a lot” from day to day. Some great treats to try include the chocolate banana bread, peanut butter cookies, macaroons, chocolate espresso muffins, chocolate croissants, lemon poppy seed scones, pound cake cupcakes, and many, many others! They also specialize in making a lot of gluten free pastries (that don’t even taste gluten free). Alongside of their bakery items are breakfast and lunch items that you can check out on their website!