Oh Shenandoah, we're glad to visit you, across the rolling rivers!
Shenandoah National Park in Luray, VA is a beautiful area to explore, showcasing God's majestic handywork. Traveling along The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive makes for a drive filled with spectacular views. Around every bend and curve is a new stop to make for a new picture to take. With welcoming trails to hike and picnic areas for resting, it's a trip worth taking and allowing for plenty of time. Our furbaby, Layla (lovingly known as Layla the Great), can attest to the awesome walking trails. We visited in summer, but we are certainly looking forward to going again in the fall. Scenery of bright, colorful trees filling the mountains and lining the twists and turns along the roads will surely be a display of autumn beauty.
Other attractions for visitors, such as Luray Caverns, Heritage Village, and a slew of shops and restaurants allow for plenty to do. When we visited, we stayed in a quaint cabin, tucked away in the mountains of nearby New Market. Our stay consisted of 3 days, but honestly, it would take at least a full week to just scratch the surface of exploring this wonderful area.
The story behind the spectacular Luray Caverns is quite amazing! This telling, straight from Luray Cavern's website is quite insightful! "The caverns are the largest caverns in the Eastern United States and were discovered August 13, 1878. Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins were walking in a field and felt a rush of cold air coming from a limestone sinkhole which was unusual on a hot summer day. And so, the discovery was on! Andrew, three other men, and his 13-year-old nephew, Quint, began exploring the area searching for a cave. They dug away loose rocks and sticks for hours before Andrew and Quint slid down by a rope into the cave with candles in hand. When they got down there, they could hardly believe their eyes. The men had just discovered Luray Caverns!"
Our adventure!
"The Great Stalacpipe Organ is the world’s largest musical instrument. It literally makes stalactites sing by gently tapping them throughout three acres of the caverns." - Informative fact from Luray Caverns' Website.
Along with exploring the immaculate Luray Caverns and its many unearthly-like wonders, we also spent time taking in the charming sites inside Shenandoah Heritage Village and Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. These are two of the other attractions that come with purchasing tickets for Luray Caverns.
Another great aspect of traveling is trying out new restaurants, new to the travelers anyway! We came across one that, not only, had delicious options, but that also had outdoor seating on a beautiful wrap-around porch. The Chop House Bistro hit the mark for taste and presentation! They have healthy options (such as a perfectly cooked salmon and fresh salad I enjoyed), yet delectable, share-size desserts to satisfy a sweet-tooth! Their Berries-N-Cream is a scrumptious combination of lemon cake and macerated berries, topped with mascarpone whipped cream. Served with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, this perfectly paired treat definitely hit the spot!
There truly is more to see and experience in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia ... more than I have put in this one simple article. We look forward to returning and sharing more, the next time we head to, "Oh, Shenandoah!"
Before you go!
Be sure to check out our Shop to find great items like our custom hoodies, other custom designed products such as this P.S He Loves You travel cup, a beautiful butterfly lightweight jacket, and a fun bucket hat in our Witness Wear collections. Plus, you will find a fun hoodie featuring our fur baby 'Layla the Great', and other items that will bless you and others.
As always, thank you for your support of Coalesce Ministries! Blessings!
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