The Stanley Hotel – Iconic Estes Park, Colorado Hotel

Stanley Hotel - FrontWhen people mention or think of the Stanley Hotel their first thoughts might be “The Shining”. There is a reason for that I will get to it in a bit. For now however, I’d like to share a little bit about the hotel, where it’s located, etc. The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado about five miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This 140 room Colonial Revival hotel also includes a restaurant and spa with panoramic views of Lakes Estes, the Rockies, and Longs Peak. It is in a very beautiful location. Btw, I have been there many times with different family and friends that have been here in Colorado to visit so these pictures are from multiple visits through the last 15 or so years. They are in no particular order.

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Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta – The Peach State

Georgia State Capitol - FrontWhile in Atlanta, June of 2012, we had a great time touring the Word of Coke, seeing Stone Mountain, and spending a few hours at Centennial Olympic Park. However, on our continued quest to visit all the 50 state capitols, we also toured the Georgia State Capitol while in the area. Yes, 2012 was a while ago, but I still remember our visit fondly, as well as their amazing staircase. I think it was the highlight of the building. Of course, that is just my opinion, but I really liked it. Continue reading “Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta – The Peach State”

Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge – The Pelican State

Louisiana State Capitol - FrontAfter spending New Year’s Eve in New Orleans in December of 2018, I can happily say we checked off two more states’ capitols while in the area. We toured the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, as well as the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson.  Both were interesting, but the capitol in Louisiana was absolutely amazing.  Granted it was still all decorated for the Christmas season, but it would be incredible without them.  Continue reading “Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge – The Pelican State”

The Casements & Rockefeller Gardens – Ormond Beach, Florida

Casements FrontWe recently returned from a trip to the hot and humid state of Florida. It was June of 2017 and way too muggy for me, lol. Other than that, we had a really nice time, especially in the Daytona area. One day while in Ormond Beach checking out the Ormond Memorial Art and Gardens, we were able to do a tour of The Casements and Gardens. Sadly I admit that I had not heard of this place until doing research for our trip, however, I am so glad we visited it while in the area in June of 2017. Continue reading “The Casements & Rockefeller Gardens – Ormond Beach, Florida”

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market – Boston, Massachusetts

Faneuil Hall-BldgThis time last year I was preparing for a crazy end of September. We spent a week in St. Louis exploring some amazing places as the Laumier Sculpture Garden and their Botanical Gardens. As soon as that trip was over, I was heading to Boston, Massachusetts for a business trip. I was thrilled to check out the beautiful Public Gardens and the busy Harbor and Long Wharf Pier. While at the pier, I walked across the way to check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market. Both are very unique and have a lot of history. Continue reading “Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market – Boston, Massachusetts”

Florida State Capitol Building – The Sunshine State

Florida State Capitol - FrontA wonderful trip to Pensacola in May of 2011 lead us to stop in Tallahassee to tour the Florida State Capitol. It is an architecturally and historically significant building, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What we found interesting is that there are actually two buildings. We eagerly decided to tour both, if we could. When we arrived, we found out that they do have guided tours, but we missed the last one for the day, but were able to pick up a self-guided tour brochure and found our way around this amazing capitol building. Continue reading “Florida State Capitol Building – The Sunshine State”

Scotts Bluff National Monument – Gering, Nebraska

Scotts Bluff - Sign1

On a trip to see the Iowa State Capitol and the Nebraska State Capitol, we decided to spend part of a day at Scotts Bluff in western Nebraska. It was very interesting and full of history, but quite dry. Our dog wasn’t too happy about that, but she got over it  🙂 Even though it was quite a warm day in May of 2010 when we visited, we had a nice time exploring the area. Continue reading “Scotts Bluff National Monument – Gering, Nebraska”

Middleton Place Plantation – Charleston, South Carolina

Middleton Place - HouseLast New Year’s we were in Hilton Head, SC, and had an amazing time. After the new year celebration was over, we headed to Charleston to visit one of my high school friends. We had been to South Carolina before to see the state capitol, but had never really explored the area. I have to say, it is absolutely gorgeous. Our hosts showed us a great time and were wonderful tour guides. J One of the places that they took us was to see the Middleton Place Plantation. We had been to Monticello in Virginia before, so I had a small idea of what to expect, but this place was way more than I was expecting. Continue reading “Middleton Place Plantation – Charleston, South Carolina”

Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery – The Yellowhammer State

Alabama State Capitol-FrontIn May of 2011, we found ourselves in Florida to see the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Florida State Capitol, The Budweiser Brewery, and a few other attractions. While there we took a couple of extra days and went up to Montgomery Alabama. We met up with some friends that live in Tennessee (read my post about our visit to the Jack Daniels Distillery), and toured the Alabama State Capitol Building. Continue reading “Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery – The Yellowhammer State”