Massanutten Resort is conveniently situated in the Shenandoah Valley. Skyline Drive is within an hour as well as caverns and vineyards. Since Jason and I have driven parts of Skyline Drive when we went camping before kids, we opted to try out some of the other picturesque places.
Luray Caverns
My only recollection of cavern viewing was in youth group. I recall being scared while riding a boat over bottomless water through a chilly, dark cave. I am pretty sure it wasn't a dream... or maybe it was? Anyhoo, I was happy there were no boats, no water deeper than 2 inches, and well lit solid paths to walk on. Since the weather was eh, there were a lot of people there. Instead of walking at our own pace, we had a group tour which lasted 1 hour. That's a bit long for 3 kids... and 5 adults chasing after them/taking them in and out of strollers/carrying them/trying to keep them quiet/making sure they didn't destroy 200 year old stalagmite.
 |
Definitely the coolest part of the cavern. The top part is real.
The bottom is a perfect reflection in 2 inches of absolutely still water |
 |
Same place. It looked like there was a deep cavern, but it was the
reflection of the top. Serious eye games. |
 |
| The "easy" one is started to lose it :) |
Crosskeys Vineyard
Back in the day, we spent many tipsy afternoons tasting wine at various vineyards throughout the area with Dave and Jill. I think working in a tasting room must be the best job out there- who isn't happy tasting wine?! (well, if you don't like wine, then don't go... you ruin the peaceful atmosphere for the rest of us) A glass of wine, a beautiful view, Brie, and time with just Jason was exactly what this mama needed!
White Oak Lavendar Farm
On our way to and from Crosskeys, I noticed this farm. I instantly thought back to our trip with Aubrey to the lavender fields in the Cotswolds. The petting zoo at the resort looked dirty and for $4 cheaper, why not check out this one that also had lavender fields?
Best $3/person spent on vacation
Luke and Evie (Braylen stayed back at the condo and napped) had a blast. AND Evie wasn't scared of the animals here. Go figure.
 |
We could get in the "rabbitat". This bunny looks like it has
a tumor on its neck. White rabbits with red eyes are creepy!
|
 |
A petting zoo is a huge risk for a thumb sucker.
I told Evie to put her hands in her pockets to
save her from "swine flu". It worked. |
 |
| Goats and sheep. |
 |
Are you laughing yet at her hands in her pockets?
The roosters were very chatty |
 |
| I never got the full story on the "National Turkey" |
 |
| Luke chased the ducks, Evie laughed |
 |
| "horsies" |
 |
The poor ducks had green stained beaks from the highly
tinted water. |
 |
| Following orders :) |
The ground were beautifully maintained. The lavender fields weren't very vibrant. I think we were a little late for the main bloom. A few tidbits on lavender- as an essential oil, it can calm nerves and anxiety, soothe headaches, aid in restful sleep, relax muscles, and heal burnt skin. You bet I bought a bottle. Maybe I should try inhaling lavender instead of eating dark chocolate all day to calm my nerves.
 |
| Stop and smell the lavender |
 |
| Look how calm she is- must be working. |
I normally take Evie to these types of places, so I encouraged Daddy and MeMa to take her there without me. It sounded like she had a blast
 |
| She milked that cow, but nothing came out |
 |
The ice cream was magnetized and so was the scoop. A
preview of her first job in 14 years |
 |
| The real life ambulance was her favorite. |
\
 |
| This girl can change a tire better than me! |
 |
| Step aside Jerry, we have a new mechanic |
 |
| Give us the news, Evie |
Lots of fun excursions over our 5 days of vacation
1 comment:
The lavender aromas must have soothed Evie to such an extent that the animals weren't scary. Petting zoos plus lavender fields seem like a winning combination to me. They are on to something there...
The hands in pockets KILLED me! So hilarious!
Post a Comment