Topeka, KS

Hello, Kansas! Sadly the statehouse was under construction, but we made up for it with crazy enthusiasm.

I was joined by two O'Connells for a heartland adventure. Topeka was our first heartland stop after flying into Kansas City, Missouri. Three girls, watch out.

As we strolled around downtown to find a lunch spot, we noticed a few signs in the windows saying that guns were no allowed inside places like libraries, state police office, Board of Education. Wow, Kansas, wow. Way to limit those rights!

Regardless of our fears for personal safety, we had fun strolling around the capital and around town. We found a Mexican restaurant, that despite using oregano rather that cilantro, redeemed itself with its gratuitous use of crashed ice. 

 

Next stop for this blog on this middle American road trip... Lincoln, NE

Olympia, WA

Two years ago, my parents semi-retired to Bellingham, Washington. I finally got a chance to visit and, of course, squeezed in a tirp to the capital, Olympia. Mom and dad scooped me up from the airport, grabbed some lunch, and made our way south. I think I fell asleep in the car... and then, like an outdoorsy fairytale, I woke up in pretty town.


The entire state is beautiful! Olympia is gorgeous too! The main street is speckled with coffee shops and benches. It seems like every inch of the state is covered in green. The grounds were the nicest grounds I have seen. and the capitol has an unbelievable view of the water.

Behold the beauty of the legislative building

Well, now what?

Annapolis, MD

Coming soon

Dover, DE

Coming soon

Columbus, OH

I am back up to my old tricks again. This time, I brought myself (actually my sister drove) to Columbus, Ohio via a trip to Pittsburgh to visit my sister (aka driver). After a short, flat drive, we arrived in a very friendly and unexpectedly hip town.

Ohio has the MOST extensive museum in the basement I have ever seen...




























It was quite a shock. I learned a little about Ohio government and the biographies of a few of its governors. I believe I have also since forgotten everything I learned. We skipped the gift shop and the formal tour and stomped around the grounds outside.

The state house is tucked in the middle of a business district and dwarfed by large high rises. My favorite view was of the tall mirror building reflecting the state house and McKinley.

Big tall building... little tiny reflection...

... and now off to Short North for shopping.

Augusta, ME

First, I heart Maine. Could it be more quaint with hardy folks? Augusta and its neighboring towns that I got lost in are super cute. Every toll booth worker (in Maine only) asked me how my day was and wished me a safe trip. Thanks, Maine, my heart pitter patters for you.

And then, there was the state house... According to the state website, Maine's capitol deteriorated with age and has been rehabbed over the years.












It's looks great. They must have done a ton of work. Although it is an old building modeled after Boston's capital, it seems pretty modern with the changes.












There is a capitol park across the street. To my surprise, I arrived on day when they were hosting a dog show in the park. Many, many dogs with lots of accessories and attentive owners were about. Oh my. I would have snapped some pictures, but I thought it best to keep my distance from these Mainers. I spook easily.

After hanging around Augusta for a bit, I drove an hour south to hike in Bradbury Mountain State Park. I had a lot of fun exploring Augusta and the park. If you haven't been to Maine yet, GO. It is a beautiful state.

Baton Rouge, LA

Woohoo, what an amazing capitol!

It is huge - 34 stories. It was built during the Depression (a big thanks to super corrupt, politically rich, and assassinated, Gov. Huey Long). When I saw this, it reminded me how fun it is to see what each state does to show its governing dominance. Way to go, Louisiana!





Also, a big thanks to my traveling companions - Lisa, Beth, and Chris - for humoring me as I took a gazillions pictures. I don't usually drag a crowd with me. I'm sure they feel like the lucky ones; right, y'all?


For reference, this is the old capitol. It is a little shorter, but still distinctive. You can't see it in the picture, but the old lady that stopped me on the street really thought the best feature was the rod iron fencing that was being replaced. I could give you the history... yawn.. that she gave me... but... zzz... snore... zzz