D.C. Day 2 - Natural History & Air / Space Museums

Before I get to the DC part, I have to show you the place we stayed at in Luray.  WOW - it's like we were transported back to the 1970s (and not necessarily in a good way).  It was special, but super cheap and clean.  Notice the beautiful tile work in the bathroom - looks just like something my granddaddy PA would have laid.  Also note that there is no shower head.  Again, it was cheap.

 And, the view from the balcony was gorgeous.

First thing after checking into our hotel (yes, more than one floor) we headed to the Natural History Museum.  After all, if I'm going to be in D.C., I'm going to see me some gems.  I know Chris must love me a lot because he patiently walked around with me as I looked and read about every single gemstone in the museum.  I was in heaven!  It made me want to go jewelry shopping.

 Hope Diamond

 From Hiddenite, NC

 Reminds me of the movie, Night at the Museum

 National Archives Building - we went to see the Constitution & Declaration

 Smithsonian Castle

 Washington Monument

Next we headed over to the Air & Space Museum which was more Chris's interest.  It was super neat.

 View of the Capitol Building

Finally, after a very, very hot and tiring day, we found this awesome restaurant called Red, Hot, & Blue BBQ a block from our hotel.  First thing the waitress did was bring tea to Chris.  Yes, it was a pitcher - just Chris's size.  Plus, the food was fabulous!  

Tomorrow, we're taking the Amtrak Train to Delaware to see my cousins and go canoeing.

Day 1 - Monticellio & Luray Caverns

Today was the first day of our child-free vacation.  First we visited Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello.  While it was nice and interesting, I think visiting Biltmore Estate in Asheville spoiled us because it seemed small and plain by comparison. 

It was so hot and of course the house was not air conditioned.  No pictures were allowed in the house, but we could take them on the grounds.  

 Out house

 Ice house

 Kitchen

 Smoke house

 Front View

A statue of the great Thomas Jefferson

After our very HOT visit, we headed north to Luray Caverns.  Luray Caverns were discovered in the late 1800s.  It is full of beautiful and interesting stalagmites and stalactites, and best of all, it was 55 degrees.

 This was my favorite, the part you see on the bottom is actually a reflection of the top part on a perfectly still lake.

 Like every smart business enterprise, you exit straight into the gift shop.  Chris and I discovered this funny shirt from a local winery. 

Also on the grounds was a one-room school house from Hamburg, VA.  It was neat.

 View of the Shenandoah Valley

 Tomorrow, we're heading to D.C. and going to the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian to see all the gems.  I will be in HEAVEN!!!