Best Of Award

Best Capitol Idea

Reopening the Dome

After being closed since 9/11, this year the State Capitol dome finally reopened to the public. Although you now must sign up for a tour (free, but only available Monday through Friday) and still have to climb 99 steps to the top, your efforts are rewarded with a great view from the pinnacle of political power. And while the final steps leading to the outdoor balcony are still off-limits, that loss is more than made up for by the addition of Mr. Brown's Attic, a museum packed with Capitol memorabilia that's named after the man who donated land for the Statehouse.