"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
A Tale of Two Capitals! 🏛️✨
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Hartford is world-famous as the "Insurance Capital of the World," but its political history is even more fascinating. Did you know it wasn't always the sole seat of power? For over 170 years, Connecticut had two capitals: Hartford and New Haven! 😲⚖️ Starting in 1701, the state legislature played a long-running game of "musical chairs." To keep both major hubs happy, the government rotated between the two cities. One year, the politicians would meet in Hartford, and the next, they’d pack up their quills and parchment and head to New Haven. While it was a unique compromise, it was also a logistical nightmare for the 1800s! 🐎📜 The "tug-of-war" finally ended in 1875 when Hartford was named the permanent, sole capital. To celebrate its victory, the city constructed the stunning Connecticut State Capitol. With its shimmering gold leaf dome and Victorian Gothic architecture, it remains one of the most beautiful state houses in the country. 🏛️🌟 Beyond politics, Hartford is a treasure trove of history, home to the Mark Twain House and deep colonial roots. It’s a city that proves sometimes you have to stop rotating to truly find your place in history. 🖋️🌳 Although you could probably cover all six New England states in one day, Don’t Do It! There is much to see in every state! “Just Google It!” Stay historic, The Driveby Tourist Team ✌️🗺️ "What wouldn’t have happened to me if I hadn’t ended up in Hartford, CT!” – Peter Falk Classic Rock song: "We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters (from Connecticut) Please email me about a visit you made to Connecticut, or why you want to go there! Here is the Premium Subscription page: You will get early access to new blog posts, one extra weekly newsletter, and access to all past newsletters. And occasionally, I'll ask for votes on content! Stan Featured Post: I passed through Connecticut (staying one night in Hartford) on this trip (link here). “Someday,” I’ll write a post about the state! |
Stan Wiebe
"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
If you’re looking for the most historic spot in South Carolina, look no further than the center of Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter National Historical Park isn’t just a landmark; it’s the hallowed (?) ground where the American Civil War began. 🏛️💥 On the morning of April 12, 1861, the first shots of the conflict were fired here, igniting a four-year struggle that would forever reshape the United States. Today, the only way to reach this iconic fortress is by ferry, offering a scenic but...
Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, Trenton, New Jersey, is a city where American history was quite literally forged. While many know it as the state capital, Trenton’s legacy stretches back to the nation's very birth. 🛶❄️ Most famously, Trenton was the site of George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776. This bold move led to a pivotal victory in the Battle of Trenton, a turning point that breathed new life into the American Revolution. Today,...
If you’re in Seward, Alaska, on July 4th, don't expect a standard road race. If you are visiting Alaska for any reason, why not see this race? Whether you are here because it’s Alaska, or if you are on a 50-state quest, or you just love Alaska, check it out! The legendary Mount Marathon Race 🏔️is one of the oldest and most grueling traditions in the U.S., but there’s a catch: it isn’t actually a marathon! While a traditional marathon is 26.2 miles, this race is only 3.1 to 3.5 miles. However,...