Exploring Luray Caverns
Honestly, I didn’t want to go here. There were a handful of reasons. Being in an enclosed cave with potential crowds during Covid. The fact that it appeared to be a huge tourist trap, and we tend to prefer more authentic experiences. The price tag along with the fear that we’d be disappointed. And I’m so very glad we did it anyway, we enjoyed it so much we ended up spending a portion of 2 days there.
We arrived on a weekday right when they opened, and it was worth it because there were only about 7 other people in the whole cave. No line to get in, despite the Disney-style ropes snaking back and forth, threatening of formidable lines. I also loved the fact that they did away with tours and we could just go through the cave at our own pace. These are the second caves the kids have experienced (the first were 2 years ago). Luray Caverns were massive though - dropping 154 feet below ground level, criss-crossing back and forth to highlight all of the unique formations. We were there for about an hour, maybe more. Wade began to fear the stalactites would collapse on his head about 30 minutes in, so we moved at a quicker pace after that.
My plan was to cave it then head home. But they really wanted to see ALL the other things Luray had to offer. They wanted to try the mining trays, so I caved (haha) and bought them each a bag - Amelia got gemstones and Wade got fossils. This was honestly some of the best $25 I’ve spent so far on this trip. Each bag contained so many fun treasures, and its about the happiest I’ve ever seen the kids as they “discovered” them.
They also begged to try the rope obstacle course, and when we arrived the next morning there were no other people on the crazy apparatus, so we were game. Sometimes your kids really surprise you. I was sure my daughter, who claims she has a fear of heights, was going to get off pretty quick. She was a rockstar though, and may have had more fun than Wade.
We popped into the car museum then decided we needed to return with Aaron. The toy museum was a room filled with nostalgic toys that brought back some fun stories to share. Last but not least the hedge maze - which was another unexpected hit. Man, they loved being tricked into going into dead-ends, and using their sleuthing skills to get us out.
So yeah, glad I gave in and followed the kid’s lead on this one.
