Our 1 Year Anniversary Adventure

Luke and I celebrated our one year anniversary last weekend! Living in the valley, there are so many day trips that we have wanted to do forever...so we felt like our anniversary would be the perfect chance to do just that. When driving on 81 (which, unfortunately, we do a lot) we always see signs for all kinds of "caverns," and we heard they were beautiful. We did some research and decided on Luray Caverns about 45 minutes from here.

So picture this: A romantic walk in the caves, holding hands, pointing out beautiful rock features, and falling more and more in love....

yea, thats what I thought it would be too. But, let me tell you...Luray Caverns was the exact opposite (those fliers tricked us big time). It was more like Disney World for Rednecks. There were people from EVERYWHERE there taking their families in RVs on a cheap vacation to the mountains of VA. People from West Virginia, Florida, Maryland, New York, NC, New Jersey, etc...lets put the emphasis on West Virginia, if you know what I mean? And what I thought would be a romantic journey in the caves was more like them pushing thousands of people through as quickly as possible (which was not so quick). I felt like I was waiting in a line for Space Mountain at Disney World, only there was no exciting ride at the end.

Some of the stampede we were with in the caverns...

but, the caverns were beautiful nonetheless

Now, some couples might have seen this trip as a failure considering it was probably the least romantic thing we could probably do on a Saturday; however, Luke and I totally embraced it. We laughed constantly, and Luke entertained himself by "crop dusting" several times in the caves which was RANCID, but hilarious! We checked out some of the surrounding attractions like the tiny town of Luray's museum and Carriage and Automobile museum next door. We even dropped in a few stores in downtown Luray, which was a sweet little town.


So the first part of our anniversary was more like a honeymoon for those on "My Redneck Wedding," however; our dinner would be a dream even for the Real Housewives of NY. I mean, it was unreal. We were so blessed to have a gift certificate to the one and only Joshua Wilton House from Lisa and Brandon- which without it we never would have been able to afford (thanks guys!). It was recently featured in Southern Living and now we know why.

This place used to be a fraternity house before becoming an inn!

First, we went to clementines to have my favorite drink (Skinny Pink) and then headed to the restaurant for the best meal of both of our lives, and yes I took pictures of every course (too good not to document)...check it out:

Quail for appetizer

all local food and veggies for you advocates out there

words just don't do it justice...

Soft Shell Crab that made Luke go crazy

We tried to keep our manners and not lick the bowl...

Thats right, we had quail for an appetizer, followed by delicious salads, and our entrees. Luke got soft shell crab and I had the most mouth-watering fillet of all time. Even this one beat Dad's (which has never happened before in history). And of course we had to end with some creme brulee...made especially for us! Luke's quote at the end of the night: " I am so glad I didn't die a virgin or without eating at the Joshua Wilton House."

After an orgasmic experience eating...we headed home to watch our wedding video--which gets better and better every time we see it! If you have not seen it, you have to--it is hilarious--and really sweet and romantic too :)

Here's to one year and many more to come! I love you Luke!