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!!!