We had taken a couple of rainy days off sightseeing to catch up on laundry, dog baths and seminar presentations while enjoying full hook-ups at the Harrisburg East RV Park. But with Saturday being our final day, Valerie drug George away from the computer for a 1:00 p.m. tour of the State Capitol Building.
Parking was not friendly, but we finally located a spot with an automated parking meter charging $3.00 per hour. As it turned out there was a gathering hosted by a motorcycle group called the Guardian Knights in support of our troops on the steps of the Capitol with two fire trucks across the street holding up a gigantic American flag. 
Security was also unfriendly, but the tour was phenomenal! We've visited many capitols and this one, we agreed, was the best we'd seen. This $13 million structure was dedicated by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906 after having been re-located from first Philadelphia and then Lancaster.
The Capitol dome was designed after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and rises 272 feet above the Moravian tile floor which depict the state's history. 
Our tour guide took us through the Supreme Court, (with its spectacular stained-glass dome), and the Senate and House Chambers as well. The guilded bronze statue atop the dome is named Commonwealth and represents a female figure. We only regret we did not have enough time to visit the grounds in more depth, but Valerie caught a shot of the other side of the building from the car mirror on the way out.
As we descended the front stairs the spires of cathedrals captured our eye and we added more time to our meter and went for a walk. The United Methodist Church was gorgeous on the exterior but we found the doors locked. Next door was the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. We entered and took some photographs, which we have shared here.
The parking meter began to text George's phone, letting us know it was time to move on or pay for more time. Two cameras captured a few interesting sights (including United Methodist Church) on the way back to the car.
We decided we couldn't leave Harrisburg without one last visit to the Capitol Diner, just up the street from the campground. The Capitol Breakfast again proved more than Valerie could eat, which was quite alright with the dogs. And George had to confess that he was glad we did not miss this opportunity to see these wonderful sights.
That Diner is the best I have ever been too. I am glad it worked out well for you both.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin, for the recommendation. LOVED that country fried steak :-)
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