Day 27: Providence, Rhode Island, The Breakers, Butler Flats Lighthouse

 One of my favorite things we've done is the state capitol building tours.  They are a wonderful way to get a feel for the state and are free! Today we toured the statehouse in Providence, Rhode Island.  Its defining feature is the amount of white marble from Georgia that covers the building from the steps to the walls.  It cost about 2.5 million dollars to build in the late 1800s.  If it were built today, with the same materials, it would cost over a billion, because of the scarcity of marble.  The mural at the top of the dome is of Roger Williams forming a contract with the local native populations when founding Rhode Island.
 Interesting fact: the artist who painted the corner virtues used his wife as a model!


 This was one of the most simplistic senate chambers that we have seen.  Interestingly, if you see a chandelier with exposed lightbulbs, it was intentional.  This was one of the first electric lit buildings, and they were proud of it so wanted to display the lights!




 I loved the spiral staircases in the library!

 The eyes and pointed toe of George Washington in this painting will follow you from side to side in the room!





 The capitol policeman here was so friendly.  He told us about a cafe across the street that was very reasonable lol (We already had our lunch packed, so didn't go).

 We made a quick stop to see where Aunt Bethel lived as a little girl!
 Then on to the Newport mansions for a tour of The Breakers.  This was Vanderbilt's summer home, but he actually only spent on healthy summer there before he died.  Although we had a substantial amount of resistance from the kids to start, they actually all really enjoyed the audio tour and loved the grounds surrounding the property.  Joey was super excited about his head phone set.















 This was the children's playhouse outside the mansion!





 The last stop of the day was the Butler Flats Lighthouse in New Bedford.  The lighthouse is in the distance.  Pepe painted a beautiful painting of this lighthouse many years ago, so we wanted to see it in person!  The kids loved a few minutes of running on the giant rocks and collecting seashells at the beach.








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