In 1878, two men and a boy were looking for caves to explore when one felt a cool breeze coming up from a hole. For four hours, they moved the loose rocks and dug. Once the opening was large enough, they slid down a rope into the cave. Much to their surprise, they discovered the largest series of caverns in the Eastern U.S.
About an hour and a half west of DC is Luray Caverns, the most non-earthly place in the area. Spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites, some reaching over 35 feet are part of the 1.5 mile tour that descends down to 160 feet below the surface. The temperature is a comfortable and constant (mid-50s), which is a nice change from the 90 degree summer heat of the Shenendoah Valley.
The tour winds through some of nature's most interesting and breath taking underground caverns. Along with way you'll experience some massive chambers, including the 10-story tall Giant's Hall and dozens of smaller ones. The formations are still growing, at a rate of about one inch every hundred years or so. Bring your camera and an extra battery but don't expect your little flash to capture much beyond about 15 feet. But even close up, you can find some great photo ops. The tour ends with a short pipe organ recital on The Great Stalacpipe Organ.
The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum next door (admission included) has a small but nice collection of 18th and 19th century wagons, carriages, as well as antique cars, including Rudolph Valentino's 1925 Rolls Royce, a couple Ford Model Ts and As, a 1913 Stanley Steamer and other older classics.
The facility is a true tourist attraction, including a half-mile twisting pathway garden maze ($6.00 adults, $5.00 for kids), the Luray Singing Tower - a carillon of 47 bells that play a different times on weekend and several gift shops and places to eat.
Luray Caverns
970 W. Main Street
Luray, VA 22835-1060
Dates and Times - Guided tours lasting about 75-90 minutes run from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. through Labor Day. The caverns close earlier during other seasons.
Tickets - Adults - $18.00 kids 6-12 - $9.00, Seniors - $16.00 and are available onsite
Parking - free parking is provided
Note: This tour requires walking and has several staircases and is not wheelchair accessible.