Midway through Big Sky Country, between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, I took a little urban break in Helena. To me, the capital of Montana felt less urban than suburban. Strolling around this open, breathable city is a delight, from the pedestrian mall downtown to the spectacular Mansion District, one of the best historic districts in the United States, offering some memorable architectural surprises. Read about the top five buildings in Helena >
Tag Archives: United States
Architectural Stars in the North Star State
I’ve been to Minnesota three times—once on a lark in late autumn when an unexpected snowstorm necessitated purchases of gloves and hats, once on a quick business trip to do a press check at a former job, and once as a starting point for a two-week romp around the Dakotas. None of them were long enough to completely immerse myself in the 12th-largest state in the United States, yet they did afford me the opportunity to check out some of the state’s more than 10,000 lakes as well as its striking architecture. Read about the top five buildings in Minnesota >
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Holy Harrisburg!
Harrisburg was a one-day stopover on my drive between Indianapolis and my home in New York. I had always wanted to see the Pennsylvania state capitol, and after checking in to the wonderful Manor on Front, I strolled along the Susquehanna River to my destination. The capitol’s massive green dome is certainly impressive, but so is the surprising number of lovely churches packed into a relatively small downtown. Read about the top five churches in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania >
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Capital Ideas for a Great Time in Albany, New York
Even though I live only a few hours south of my state capital, I never got around to seeing it until I decided to go on an in-state vacation and check out some of what New York State offers north of the Bronx. My first stop was Albany, a city with more than 400 years of history behind it. That lengthy existence brings with it plenty of diversions and attractions, from shockingly beautiful churches to Hudson River views, from memorable meals and museums to tranquil parks. Read about the top five things to see and do in Albany >
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One Columbus Day
Columbus’ earliest structures are the burial mounds of the indigenous peoples. Things have certainly changed since they occupied this area smack in the middle of Ohio from 1000 B.C. to 1700. Since 1812, the population of the state capital has grown every decade, unlike other large Ohio cities like Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo. With a population of over 900,000, it’s the largest city in Ohio. That means it needs a lot of buildings to conduct its business and house its citizens, and I had the opportunity to check out many of them during my one day here. Read about the top five buildings in Columbus, Ohio >
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Gazebo Gazing
They come in many shapes, sizes, materials, and colors, but gazebos share lots of commonalities, all of which appeal to me. They offer shelter from rain or sizzling sunshine. They’re a pleasant place to rest. They often take advantage of dreamy or dramatic views. They can double as bandstands during outdoor parties and celebrations. And, well, they’re just plain pretty to look at. Read about the top five gazebos >
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Standing Tall: The World’s Best Columns
They’re Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, smooth or fluted, singular or clustered. Their capitals can resemble anything from acanthus leaves to volutes. And when they’re not supporting entire buildings, giving the appearance of such on a building’s façade, or forming an arcade, columns often sprout up as stand-alone structures. These engaging specimens of verticality, whether they’re slender or bold, have always caught my eye (whether or not I’m able to climb to their tops). Read about the world’s top five columns >
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Colorado’s Architectural Diversity
I was spending a lot of time outdoors in Colorado, hiking in the incomparable Rocky Mountains, driving up Pikes Peak Highway until I hit a wall of snow, and occasionally crossing paths with some animals roaming around, sniffing out lunch. When I emerged from nature into the state’s urban areas, I was equally captivated by Colorado’s architecture. From a hotel good enough for the Queen of Romania and the Beatles to a Venetian-style tower, from a Tajik teahouse to a Mayan-inspired theater, Colorado boasts an unexpected diversity in its architecture. Read about the top five buildings in Colorado >
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Riverfront Respite in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Rescued from the threat of demolition fewer than 20 years ago, a pair of next-door-neighbor mansions from the 1920s emerged in 2015 as the premier riverfront bed and breakfast along Front Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Manor on Front provides indulgent comforts (there are lots of cozy spaces for catnaps), outstanding breakfasts, and convivial hosts who ensure that your stay here is, just like mine, exceptional. Read about it >
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Lest We Forget, Indianapolis Makes Sure We Remember
In a city filled with historic memorials and monuments, the Indiana World War Memorial stands proudly in the heart of Indianapolis. This monumental structure, built to honor Indiana Hoosiers who served in the war to end all wars, is a crowning achievement of architecture, thoughtful detail, patriotism, history, and humanity. And it left me rather speechless from the moment I saw it. Read more about it >
Stephen Travels 