Wonder what is around the corner?

The world can be divided into two groups where travel is concerned -- those who wonder what is just around the next corner and those who don't.

My wife Nancy and I are definitely among the former. That's why we travel so well together (admittedly, I am probably a bit higher on the "curiosity" scale than she is, but she is close).

That's why it didn't surprise me when she agreed with my suggestion that we should drive into downtown Frankfort, Ky., the other night and see the state capitol at night.

We were on our way back to our campground site on the Kentucky River after attending a concert in celebration of her birthday (I won't say which one, but it ends in a 0 and has a 6 in it).

A travel column notes that 49.5 percent of Americans think Lexington is the capital of Kentucky and 49.5 percent believe it is Louisville. The other one percent knows the correct answer -- Frankfort. The capital city is a nice small town located in between the state's two largest cities, somewhat closer to Lexington.

We were not disappointed in the side trip to see Kentucky's beautiful state capitol, as it sits majestically on a hill near the Kentucky River and is indeed well-lit at night.

Other nearby attractions include a landscaped clock with the word Kentucky on its face and a beautiful executive mansion right across the street from the capitol building. The latter also features brilliant lighting and a pair of impressive fountains in front.

The Kentucky capitol building certainly is similar to Arkansas', but that is not unusual in that all but 11 state capitols feature domes.

It is clear that the architecture and construction of state capitol buildings draws a lot of interest around the country. That is understandable, since so many of the structures are beautiful and fascinating.

Our own state capitol in Little Rock holds up very well in any comparisons, as it is a replica of the U.S. Capitol and is in very good condition. Its setting on a hill near the middle of the city also adds to the impressiveness of the structure and the grounds.

It was designed by one of America's foremost architects, Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Minnesota and West Virginia capitols. He also designed the Woolworth Building in New York City (the tallest in the world in 1913) and the U.S. Supreme Court building.

In looking at comments from various quarters, it is clear that certain structures generally are viewed as favorable, while others don't pass the test.

Among the state capitols that draw praise are Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Missouri and Virginia. Those generally considered on the other end of the scale are Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, Ohio, North Dakota, New Mexico and Florida.

Believe it or not, Texas' capitol building is the nation's largest. Its dome at 308 feet is taller than the U.S. Capitol's 289 feet. By comparison, Arkansas' reaches to 230 feet.

It would be a worthy goal of dedicated travelers to see each of the 50 state capitols in person. They are indeed some of the most beautiful buildings in the nation. Those who have not visited the U.S. Capitol should find a way to put in on their agenda -- it is magnificent.

As for us, it was great to see a new state capitol on a warm and clear night, its dome glowing in the dark -- it wouldn't have happened if we weren't among those always wondering what is just around the corner.