Travel into the Shenandoah Valley and visit Luray Caverns, eastern America's largest cavern system. Explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also hear the haunting sounds of the world's largest musical instrument The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Next a short journey brings you into Shenandoah National Park. The historic Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway, leads to your lodging for the next two nights Skyland Resort, providing a legacy that began in 1888. Dinner this evening is available in the Pollack Dining Room, followed by traditional Appalachian entertainment in the Mountain Taproom.
Following breakfast on the second day, depart for Charlottesville continuing through the central section of Shenandoah National Park. This area of Skyline Drive traverses the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains among 60 mountain peaks with the highest elevations in the Park. Just outside Charlottesville visit one of America's most fascinating homes, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. View many of our 3rd President's inventions and original furnishings in this architectural masterpiece. Designed by Jefferson, he continued to rework the mansion through much of his presidency to include design elements popular in late 18th-century Lunch at nearby Michie Tavern will capture 18th century life in the Ordinary where food and drink has been provided for more than 200 years. A late afternoon drive back to Skyland provides the beautiful scenery of Shenandoah. Native wildlife is abundant among the forests and flowered meadows and 75 overlooks afford views of the green and gold farm fields of the Shenandoah Valley 4,000 feet below. More regional dishes and entertainment await.
On the third day after breakfast with another beautiful view, continue north on Skyline Drive or travel back into Valley for several views of the Shenandoah River while enroute to Winchester, the oldest town west of the Blue Ridge. Visit a regional history museum complex that includes the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Glen Burnie Historic House and six acres of spectacular gardens. The museum interprets the Shenandoah Valley's story through fine art, impressive antiques and an amazing collection of furnished miniature houses. In early afternoon depart this fabled Valley with memories of the history, scenic beauty and natural wonders of Virginia.
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Last Updated: 01/20/2016
