Top things to do on your next trip to Virginia

The caves with the most intriguing history of all! Back in 1884, when the Southern Railway line was being built through Shenandoah County, Virginia, a local farmer Abraham Neff agreed to let the railway quarry limestone from his property, located alongside the railroad. One afternoon, when Jeff's sons were playing around the area, they felt cool air rising from a hole in the ground. They arranged for ropes and candles to slide beneath the ground, only to discover a grand room with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The family, further explored the cave which led to the discovery of the grand caverns. It was finally opened for public access in May 1922.

These caves are also the only ones in Virginia with elevators which makes them one of the easier ones to be accessed on wheelchair.

The entry to the caverns costs ~$30 per adult and a guided tour of the cave takes around 1 hour.

There are breathtaking patterns and rock formations throughout the cave with some more eye catching than the others like the Capital Dome and Rainbow Lake

Luray caverns were discovered in 1878, when three folks walking in a field felt a rush of cold air from a limestone sinkhole. Being the most extensive cavern system in the eastern US, these caves give you an immersive experience through their enormous 10-stories high chambers filled with towering stone formations, translucent calcite and crystal clear pools that create the perfect optical illusion.

The entry to the caverns cost about $31 per adult and is also inclusive of 'Car and Carriage Caravan' and 'Garden Maze'. The guided tour takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Similar to the Shenandoah caverns, Luray also has a bunch of remarkable spots like Dream Lake, Titania's Veil but the true highlight of the cave is the Great Stalacpipe Organ that sits in the heart of the cavern and was build by Leland Sprinkle in 1954. This musical instrument, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest musical instrument in the world, gently taps stalactites through the caverns which produce hauntingly beautiful music. Today, the organ is played by activating an automated system which works in a manner like a child's music box. The organ, although, is fully capable of being played manually, as Leland Sprinkle did for many years.

This beginner trail is hardly 11miles away from the Luray caverns. The out-and-back trail, with a beautiful wooden paved path leading to the scenic overlook of Blue Ridge mountains, takes an average of 14mins to complete and is great for someone looking for a quick walk and some great valley views.

This hike in the Lost River State Park, WV has my heart. Marked as a moderately challenged hike for elevation gains, it takes approximately 2 hours 14 mins to complete. The two mile trail leads to an 'Instagram Worthy' overlook with a picturesque stone shelter and an 'Almost Heaven' signboard and swing, that just adds to the location's charm. At 2,877 feet above sea level, this spectacular vista gives you 270 degree view of the Appalachian mountain, stretched for miles.

Big Schloss is about 4.4 mile out-and-back trail near Lost City, West Virginia. Considered to be moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2.5hrs to complete. The first half mile or so, is super steep but levels out for the rest of the trail. Pack a full lunch on this trek because you would want to linger at the Big Schloss rock, the rocky outcrop resembling a 'castle' and the one that the hike was named after, and soak in the rewarding view of the valley.

Less than a mile from Shenandoah caverns and about 20miles away from Luray caverns is this kettle-cooked potato chips factory that gives you a sneak peek into the manufacturing unit of their delicious recipes of potato chips. You can tour through the unit and try out free samples of chips before finalizing on your favorite picks.

Tucked in Allegheny mountains, these sister towns of Thomas and Davis in West Virginia are an epitome of small town vibes with attractive storefront, unique antique boutiques and eclectic restaurants. We spent most of our time in Thomas visiting the famous Douglas falls and restaurant hopping on the main street.