Determine what records found in Rockingham might also be available to you at home. Some U.S. Census records are on the Internet, or at your local library, and many books are available via inter-library loan. If you have a FHC close, you can order in many county records on microfilm to search through there. By eliminating these sources that can be searched close to home, you can concentrate on records that are available only by going to the locality. Finally, check out the times the different facilities are open.
Accommodations There are many motels in the area, and most major motel chains are represented.
Since I haven't stayed in any of them, I can't recommend one to you. I would recommend making reservations, because if you happen to pick a week or weekend when there is a major function going on at James Madison University, you could find yourself traveling as far as Winchester to find a room. There are other collections at the libraries of the local colleges and universities , but those I would probably reserve for a second trip. The Rockingham County Clerk's Office is located on the first floor of the Rockingham County Court House. There are a few parking spaces around the court square and parking there is currently free for 2 hours.