Evening star., 1936-06-14
Lurays Beautiful Caverns Alluring to Motor Tourists
Journey From Capital Car.
ries One Through Rich
Virginia Section.
Route Simple to Follow With
Historic Shrines Lining
1t All Way.
By James Nevin Miller.


all the caves in the world
that are lighted by electricity
~ Luray Caverns are the largest
and the most beautiful. 1t is further
argued that the cave has more Wis
itors each year than all the other
caves in the United States combined.
But whether or not you imagine you
would enjoy an hour and half's walk
through an underground paradise,
which can only be described in ex-
travagant phraseology. is not so very
important. The undeniable fact is that
motor journey to Luray today or
any other day-weather conditions
permitting-is ideal from every con-
ceivable standpoint. The highway is in
good condition, the mountain scenery
MAGNIFICENT, the trip takes only about
three hours and it is the easiest thing
in the world to reach your destina-
ton without having to make single
inquiry en- route.
Simply glance at the strip map and
follow its instructions. In a word,
take Pennsylvania avenue over to
Rosslyn, get on the Lee Highway, head
straightway for Falls Church and then
remain on route 2l1.
An early start is recommended.
Eight o'clock in the morning is, per-
haps, the best time to avoid heavy
| traffic. Then you can figure on reach
ing Luray we'll before noon.
A picnic lunch is suggested. There
are plenty Of tables near the caverns
and an outdoor meal is lots Of fun
underneath fine shade trees, where
cool mountain breezes play practically
all day long. Or, if you prefer. you
can get good sandwiches down there
or visit one of the more than two
dozen tourists homes for regular
dinner of Virginia ham or fried
! chicken.
| Now, if you decide to visit the cave,
here is a friendly word of warning:
Be sure, ladies, to take with you a
fairly warm wrap because the under
ground temperature averages 81 de-
grees. While there is slight danger
of soiling your Sunday clothes, new
ertheless you are bound sooner or
later to be sprayed with at least a
couple of driblets of water from above.
It is wise idea, Furthermore, to take
a pair of old shoes with you rubber
heeled. since the footing is bit slip
perry at times) and also your second
best hat, for you may unwittingly
! Scrape against q wall.
MO OTHER preliminary informa-
ton is necessary. However, your
enjoyment of any trip into Virginia
can be enhanced a hundredfold If you
take along key booklet to the in
scriptions of Virginia highway his
torical markers. One is obtainable by
writing the State Commission on Con-
servation and Development, Rich
mond. The book works like this: If
you are passing through Fairfax Coun-
ty and see C-l, you don't have to stop
and read the sign. Simply turn to
C-1 in your guide book and you will
note that:
Near here Henry Clay and John
Randolph fought duel, April 8, 1926.
Randolph had called Clay 'blackleg
in speech. Both men we're unhurt,
but Randolph's coat was pierced by
a bullet"
But to get back to the trip. While
passing through Falls Church be on
the lookout for two or three warning
signs concerning rough roads. There
are short stretches here and there
which have been rather badly cut up
by last Winters severe ice conditions.
However, if you slow down to a reason
able speed and keep your eyes open,
you'll experience very little discomfort,
and very soon the highway becomes a