From Lansdowne to Luray in a Day!

The weather was really spectacular today, and we decided to forsake pulling out the summer annuals from our flower beds and take a leisurely drive westward for some pure sightseeing.  So after a quick run to Home Depot and a stop to check out a new piano school for Simone, we headed to Luray Caverns.  But first I'll share this awesome "thought of the day" that I noticed in the deli as we picked up a picnic lunch...  We all know this feeling. LOL!!

And then we hit the road, we couldn't have asked for a better Indian summer day...

A shot along the Blue Ridge mountain range.

Along the way, we stopped in Washington, VA.  And how could we resist this place?  Wine AND chocolate?  what's not to love?

Mommy and daddy did the wine and chocolate tasting, and Simone got to make up her own box of truffles from the truffle bar. Sampled a GREAT port, and made sure to grab a bottle to take home--upcoming visitors will surely get a taste!

Simone and daddy in front of the Inn at Little Washington.

 Next stop... Luray.  The caverns were great.  Simone had never been to a cavern before, and this one's not too shabby for being in our own backyard.  We ate a quick picnic lunch and then spent over an hour exploring.

We all enjoyed the caverns, and then made a quick stop for some pumpkins and gourds (in anticipation of next weekend's fall yard work).  Finally, we wrapped up the day with dinner at Dan's Steak House -- a local joint. 

The leaves along the way were only just starting to turn colors so we hope to take another day trip in a few weeks to soak in some more autumn scenery.  I'll be sure to post when we do.