At the end of the summer, I finally had the opportunity to visit a few more state capitols…one of my favorite things to do for domestic travel. First up was Dover, Delaware.

Delaware is an awesome state. It may be small, but there’s a little something for everyone in this nook of the East Coast.

Being from Pennsylvania, I had no idea that the area of Delaware once belonged to PA. Delaware became the “First State” in 1787 when its delegates were the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern, a historic landmark.

As a small capital city, Dover has a lot to offer. Whether you are interested in the capitol building, the archives, or other museums like the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Biggs Museum of American Art, or the John Bell House (Dover’s oldest surviving wood-frame building), there is something to spark interest in everyone.

Dover has two capitol buildings. The Old State House, built in 1791, serves as a museum today. The tour is informative and describes how influences from England lingered in the process of criminal court proceedings. The building’s curved staircase was stately as it splits and curves around the front door, and must have been a show-stopper back in the day!

Replacing the Old State House in 1933 is called “Legislative Hall.” This is the current seat of government and has all the bells and whistles one would expect of a capitol building.

Dotted around the grounds of Legislative Hall are beautifully carved monuments. Inside the capitol and on the grounds outside are many references to the sacrifice and contributions of women in the military, which was so amazing to see. The Delaware Women Veterans Monument was one of my favorites for sure.

Annapolis, Maryland

About an hour and a half away from Dover is Annapolis, a sea-faring city that has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years. Once named for Princess Anne as “Anne Arundel’s Towne,” Annapolis solidified its current name in 1708 when Princess Anne became Queen and she chartered her colonial namesake as a city. This is why the city’s flag boasts her royal badge: a crown over the entwined thistle of Scotland and Tudor rose of England.

The world-famous United States Naval Academy is located here and we saw hundreds of students in their white uniforms roaming about for family weekend.

The capitol building, completed by 1779, remains the oldest such structure in the U.S. in daily use as a legislative building. The present dome is the largest wooden dome in the U.S. and is made of cypress means and wooden pegs.

The area directly in front of the building showcases beautiful sculptures of prominent historical figures in such a beautiful way.

The short walk from the capitol building to the seaport is quaint and charming. The area highlights multitudes of small businesses. Everything from art shops to cafes can be found in the blocks leading toward the water with something of interest for everyone.