Fall delights: Fun outdoor adventures in Virginia and great food in Maryland
We have a varied ‘show’ for you today with a little of this and that. So let’s begin! And we’ll do so by heading south to Luray, Virginia with our first stop at the attraction that was millions of years in the making: Luray Caverns.
It was discovered quite by accident in 1878 by three men walking in the mountains. A flow of air from underground peaked their curiosity. One of the guys went down to have a look and you can imagine his surprise. Voila! There it was, those magnificent structures.
Today those caverns are open every day. They are listed as the 4th largest in the country (the one in Kentucky is the biggest). The caverns are privately owned, comprising about 64 acres (it’s actually larger but that’s the space within the touristy area). Your tour is 1.3 miles (you can pay a little extra for a guided tour). Adult admission is $36.00. The temperature year round is about 54 degrees. It is a National Landmark and is visited by about a half million people each year.
On the same property you’ll find a car museum, Toy Town Junction, a rope adventure, a garden maze, a cafe, and Heritage Village. By the time you are finished your visit you will actually know the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite. Impress your friends. 540-743-6551
Now let’s head back to Maryland, Columbia to be exact, and see what’s playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. There seems to be a lot of excitement going on inside. Oh I see. It’s a musical about the life of Donna Summer – The Donna Summer Musical.
Seems like a lot of Hot Stuff.
The musical tells the story of Summer’s life from her early years in Boston to her days as an international singing star. The good and the bad. Born in 1948 as Donna Adrian Gaines, she went on to be nominated for 18 Grammys and won five. She became known as ‘The Queen of Disco,” a name she did not like.
In the show, the role of Summer is played by three actors. Each depicts different stages in her life. All are very good. As are the entire cast and crew.
There are eight shows per week with matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. There is, not to be forgotten, a bountiful buffet, which is highlighted by a carving station, tilapia, garlic chicken thighs, veggies, fruit and ice cream bar.
Tickets range from $84 to $92 for adults. It runs through Nov 1. 410-730-8311
Tired yet? Don’t give up! We still have one more stop. We’re headed into Baltimore City, to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, which is located on the ground floor of the museum just a stones throw from Johns Hopkins University. 10 Art Museum Drive
It opened in 1998 and has a wonderful sculpture garden which is very popular during the warmer months. The chef (or at least one of them) and co-owner (along with John Gilligan) is John Shields. He is also a published author of delicious cookbooks. Actually the books aren’t delicious, it’s the recipes within.
It is closed on Monday & Tuesday. It has a bar (no TVs), is open year-round, and has some space for small private events. On Saturday & Sunday there is brunch, which serves locally-sourced farm-fresh food. Thursday is Lunch with Gertie (Shield’s grandmother), where you can get $20.00 dinner. The restaurant is praised by Food & Wine Magazine and Travel & Leisure. Entrées range from $20 to $60 and reservations are a good idea anytime. 410-889-3399
And there you have it! I don’t know about you? But I had a grand time. Happy Halloween!
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.