Nat'l Geographic did a documentary on the Luray Caverns several years ago and there is a reason this cave was chosen. It plainly has some of the most spectacular caverns in the US. The pic at left is a reflection of stalagtytes hanging over the water below. The water seeps in so slowly it doesn't make any ripples so the reflections are like looking into a mirror.
These are called drapery stalagtytes because of they look like hanging drapes. The cave has the largest display of a stalagtyte and stalagmyte side by side in the world, each at 40' tall and are called the bride and groom as well as the largest single cavern with an organ which has selinoids that strike the stalagtyes and each are perfectly tuned to the keys of the organ. 
Cadets from VMI (Virginia Military Institute) prepare for a Labor Day parade in New Market. The event is an annual ritual because VMI cadets fought in a major battle in New Market against the Union in 1863. We counted 14 buses of cadets and got out of town quickly before they closed the road and missed getting to Harrisonburg. The road between New Market and Harrisonburg was one of the first toll roads in the US dating back to the 1700's. After the Revolutionary War the states were short on cash so they authorized a state level approval of toll roads or Pikes. The term "pike" is a mid-evil term for wood spikes/gates used on toll roads. As one story goes, Sheridan's Union troops came through a toll gate but refused to pay so the attendant made a notch in a stick for every 10 soldiers to keep count of those passing and after the war sent a bill to Washington and was reimbursed $200.00................and the journey continues
Yes, I agree to you. The sightseeing of this cavern is really gorgeous. I occasionally go there and taking lunch at any good shenandoah bed and breakfast.
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