Reading our guide book, there are lots of caverns in the Shenandoah Valley area. The guide book said Luray Caverns was one of the best, so we chose to go there. This Carillon tower is in the center of the small town, just in front of the cavern entrance.
This is an entertainment complex, there are lots of other components besides the caverns.
The caverns were discovered in 1878. It is not the ecologically pristine environment that Kartchner Cavern's has, but it is amazing! There are rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. There is amazing formations, lakes that are shallow, but so still they perfectly reflect the formations. There is a stalacpipe organ, that they use to make music. Weddings are sometimes held down here.
The tour was 1.5 hours long, there are nicely built paths throughout.
Just lots of photos! Enjoy.
Lake and reflection
Stalacpipe organ.
This pool is used as a wishing well. The water is bluish form the copper in the coins in the water.
They call these the fried eggs, they are from formations that were accidently broken off during work on the cave.
We were able to go to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. I came once before about 15 years ago. Again it was foggy. We weren't allowed to take photos inside the house. It's a worthwhile stop. The family history alone is fascinating.
In addition there are lots of interesting details regarding the architecture and technical innovations that Jefferson implemented.
Slave cabins at Monticello. I bought a book that I have been reading regarding the relationships between Jefferson and the families there.
Textile mill building at Monticello. There is also a museum and several exhibits there.
At the bottom of the hill where Monticello is located, is the Michie Tavern (pronounced Mickey tavern). The tavern was built in 1784 by Michie who was with George Washington at Valley Forge. The tavern was moved to this location several years later by a woman who made the building into an antique store.
It currently has a restaurant that serves traditional southern food. It was quite good! And then we toured the original tavern building where folks stayed.
Our tour guide.
This is the horn that was used to announce the stage's imminent arrival.
It was interesting that if you arrived at the tavern, a bed was not guaranteed. You were expected to share the bed with strangers. This was men only. Women had to stay with their spouse in the private room upstairs if it was available.
Family room
The family room opened right onto this ballroom area and you had no control over the noise and activity in this area.
This gun was used in the American revolution at Valley Forge.
