The Beautiful Details of the Montana State Capitol Building

When I was learning the state capitols in 5th grade, I remember wanting to travel to all 50 — even despite the knowledge that Sacramento was far from the most exciting city in California.

15 years later, and I’ve still only been to 5 state capitols.

Sacramento, California
Providence, Rhode Island
Boston, Massachusetts
Phoenix, Arizona
Denver, Colorado

Visiting my friend Kate in Helena, Montana this summer provided an excellent opportunity to add another capitol to my list — only 44 more to go!

While exploring Helena, I paid a special visit to the Montana State Capitol Building.

The first thing I noticed about the building was its intricate door knobs.

And this beautifully carved bench was in the ladies restroom of all places.

My favorite painting by E.S. Paxson in the building shows Sacajawea directing Lewis & Clark.

“Welcome to the House of Representatives”

If you look closely at C.M. Russell’s painting, you can see a wolf snarling just above the Speaker of the House’s podium.

My shoes matched the carpet.

Photography, Travel

Picture Perfect Breakfast in Montana

If there’s anything I love more than breakfast food, it’s my friend Kate’s pictures of breakfast food.

In her reluctant hometown of Helena, Montana, Kate has captured some of the most delectable pictures of dark diners I have ever encountered. For years I have lusted over her beautiful photographs — which you can find on her blog Ze Photographist — but it wasn’t until this summer’s road trip that I was finally able to experience her favorite haunts first hand.

Behold, No Sweat Cafe, with its handwritten menus, motown music and strict “no cell phones allowed” policy

This breakfast table was crowded with multiple cameras and good friends.

The most picturesque buttered toast I have ever seen.

Walking away from the cafe, Kate pointed out downtown Helena’s restored brick wall advertisements and the spot where the used bookstore leaves free romance novels out on the street.