Classes in Harrisonburg

In 2002, Mike Southard took a leap of faith worthy of The Dukes of Hazzard. He left a career in the elevator industry and decided to pursue his true passion: stock-car driving. Southard launched Try It Racing and On Track Racing Experience, determined to share with others the thrill he had felt many times in the victory lane of late-model stock-car races. His business has grown from a few humble events and clients each year to a fully packed schedule at some of the country's longest running and most renowned racetracks. Some things haven't changed, however—you can still find Southard behind the wheel of the two-seat ride-along car, taking patrons around curves and straightaways at top speed. Adrenaline fiends satisfy their cravings while driving or riding around tracks such as Orange County Speedway, where industry legends Jeff Gordon and Scott Riggs have burned their share of rubber. A professional photographer and in-car video cameras can capture the excitement at each event, memorializing guests' wide-open eyes, exhilarated smiles, and high-intensity games of I Spy.

Racks of free weights, rows of treadmills, and a forest of fitness machines help exercisers shed fat and get shredded inside Gold's Gym. Over 50 fitness classes offered weekly give visitors options ranging from aqua aerobics to kettlebells and fitness boxing.

Learn to create your own painting in one 2-3 hour sitting while you chat with friends, munch on food, sip a drink, and listen to music. We hold art parties in our Nelson County location or can bring the party to your home or office! This isn't just art instruction, it's art entertainment.

Most popular offering: Fused glass art and dish ware Reservations/Appointments: Optional Walk-ins Welcome: Yes Good for Kids: Yes Established: 2004 Staff Size: 2?10 people Parking: Parking lot Handicap Accessible: Yes Pro Tip: Browse our website for ideas and inspiration. We recommend reservations for groups of 5 or more. Q&A with Cara, Owner What sets your business apart from your competition? We are the only make-it-yourself glass studio in the Charlottesville area, and we offer a wider variety of projects and classes than any other in our vicinity. The glass art experience offers a hands-on exploration of glass art and allows complete creativity of design. What was the inspiration for starting this business? Mother-daughter team Maria and Cara started The Glass Palette nearly ten years ago. Maria has over 25 years in various glass art mediums, and Cara earned her BFA in Fine arts. The two discussed starting an art-related business for years until finally the inspiration for the Glass Palette hit them. With this studio, they could provide people of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to walk in and create something beautiful. They also offer classes for those wanting to learn advanced techniques and group parties and events for children and adults. What is the best reaction you?ve ever gotten from a customer? My favorite moment happened a couple of years ago, and I can still picture the little girl's face. Her mother brought her in for her first visit and they each decided to make a fused glass sun-catcher. As she was finishing her project she looked up and exclaimed, "Mommy, Thank you. This is the most fun I have had in my whole life. This is way better than painting pottery." She and her mom became regular customers. What?s your favorite part about your job? I am constantly inspired by the creativity I see in each individual project. So many of our customers walk in and say that they are not creative, or immediately put themselves down about their level of "talent." I love encouraging them to play and reassuring them that with the glass, one cannot go wrong. Some of the projects that get produced are really wonderful, and most importantly the customers had a great time making them. Almost every person is very pleasantly surprised to see how their project has come out once it has been fired in the kiln. Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover? Everyone that comes in to make a glass project has access to a rainbow of colors to use when creating their designs, and the color and design choices are completely their own. We do not work from patterns or predetermined designs. Everyone at least 8 years old can use glass cutting tools to manipulate the glass pieces. We show each person the tools and techniques they need to create something wonderful.

Signature service: Brain Training Established: 2010 Reservations/Appointments: Required Staff Size: 11?25 people Average Duration of Services: 1?2 hours Pro Tip: Bring a positive attitude and a desire to improve your brain.