If you love U.S. travel and you enjoy history (especially local history), here’s an unusual suggestion for you: when you are in the state’s capital city, visit the state house.
Every state has one — the building where state government takes place. The exteriors and interiors are as varied as the states themselves, reflecting regional history and culture. Some have rich and ornate legislative chambers. Others maintain an austere and dignified atmosphere.
State houses often contain small museums or displays about the state’s history. At times, they will have special artistic or cultural exhibits. They may give guided tours or provide brochures to let you tour on your own.
Best of all, they often have free admission and are usually uncrowded by tourists. When John and I were in Hawaii in the 1990’s, for example, we got a private tour of the building by a delightful state employee who was very proud of his state’s seat of government (with good reason — it was gorgeous). I even got to sit in the governor’s chair!
Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know that I typically end these travel posts with a comment about how the place we visited influenced John and my fantasy books. In this case, the connection is pretty easy to spot — just take a look at the town hall in Starwatch with its magnificent rotunda.
-Susan 6/6/2025
P.S. Here’s another recommendation: If you are in Canada, Province Houses are also well worth a visit. I haven’t seen all of them (yet), but I’ve really enjoyed the ones I toured.
Susan and John Ruff, Fantasy Authors 
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