The Go Trenton! electric car initiative sounds like the antithesis of the capital city which offers a stagnant condition that connects more with a No Trenton! experience.

Amazingly, as New Jersey cities such as Camden, New Brunswick, Hoboken and Jersey City experience an uptick in revitalization, Trenton faces a sluggish existence.

Trenton, topped only by Philadelphia for history that connects to the U.S. Revolutionary War, and gifted with myriad other positive resources, rates as an underachiever.

And without legislators going to bat for Trenton, delivering strong swings in support of our city, expect strikeouts that leave residents with less joy than Mudville supporters.

Still, Trenton possesses positive aspects that could produce a winning formula. So, read this list of attractions and interests then come back on Friday for a personal plan that transforms Trenton into a bustling capital.

N.J. State Planetarium — Soar through the skies in the Museum’s spacious Planetarium, featuring precision projection of more than 6000 stars. The largest planetarium in New Jersey, it seats 150 visitors in specially-designed reclining seats that transport an audience to any astronomical destination. Now featuring state-of-the-art Full Dome Video, visitors will feel the sensation of zooming through the Solar System and beyond.

NJ State Museum — The museum’s collections include natural history specimens, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, and cultural history and fine art objects. Exhibitions, educational activities, research programs, and lectures are also offered.

NJ State Library — The New Jersey State Library, based in Trenton, New Jersey, was established in 1796 to serve the information needs of New Jersey’s Governor, Legislature and Judiciary. The State Library is also responsible to assist in the provision of library and information services to all New Jersey residents. The N.J. State Library maintains a mission to lead in the provision, promotion and support of high quality library service to all Garden State residents.

Old Barracks Museum — Located at 101 Barracks St., this city destination highlights Trenton’s place in U. S. history. Built in 1758 to house soldiers of the British Army, it is the only remaining colonial barracks in the state. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1971 and listed as a National Historic Landmark on November 28, 1972, for its significance in military history. The state-run historic site and museum rates as a must-see for history buffs.

War Memorial Building/Patriots Theater — Seating 1,807 in a setting of Italian Renaissance Revival splendor, the grand auditorium of the War Memorial, known as Patriots Theatre has attracted world-class artists and entertainers. Sinatra and Springsteen sang here. Paul Robeson played Othello other appearances were made by American Ballet Theater, Marian Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Leonard Bernstein, the Cleveland Orchestra, Bill Cosby, Duke Ellington, Patti LaBelle, Bob Hope, Peter, Paul & Mary and many others. At least 13 New Jersey governors took the oath of office in the auditorium. And, it’s right next to the shuttered hotel.

Battle Monument — This 148-foot triumphal column marks the high ground where Washington’s artillery fired upon the Hessians during the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776. The relatively small victory registered large on the Revolutionary field. (Please, reinstall the elevator).

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion — A model museum working to keep the arts, culture, and history of the community alive and relevant and, as a result, helps redefine the perception of the city of Trenton. Just for kicks — what’s your perception of this capital city.

New Jersey State House — Built in 1792 by Jonathan Doane this masterpiece has served as the workplace for state senators, Assembly members and governors. It’s seen numerous renovations, including one following a March 1885 fire. This tourist attraction includes a dome covered with 48,000 pieces of gold leaf. Each gold leaf cost $1.00 paid for with money raised by state school students via a “Dimes for the Dome” program.

Delaware River — There’s 5.5 miles of shoreline along the famous Delaware River. Waterfront reclamation has been discussed for decades with no successful movement. Still, a walk along the Delaware to the famous Shaky Bridge delivers adventure. On Friday, the mighty Delaware plays a major role in the city’s resurgence.

Delaware Raritan Canal — The D&R Canal trail is a popular recreational destination. The 77-mile trail is made up of three segments that transverse three counties: a canal towpath from New Brunswick to Trenton; a canal towpath/rail trail from Trenton to Bull’s Island; and a rail trail from Bull’s Island to Frenchtown.

Assunpink Creek — This small tributary meanders through portions of Trenton and empties into the Delaware River. A Greenway and Park Plan proposes a 99-acre greenway adjacent to the Assunpink Creek running through the City of Trenton to the Delaware River. The open space anticipates environmental upgrades for residents.

Trenton Thunder Park — Former home of the Yankees Double AA team. Located on the banks of the Delaware River, this stadium seats 6,500. If not baseball, then soccer, concerts and any other suggestions.

CURE Insurance Arena — The arena seated 7,605 for hockey and other ice escapades, 8,600 for basketball and up to 10,500 for concerts, family shows, and other events which makes it the largest arena in Central Jersey. The arena is located next to, and served by, the Hamilton Station on NJ Transit’s River Line and Route 129.

Cadwalader Park — Designed and constructed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this 100 acres green space gem is Trenton’s oldest park. It is named for Thomas Cadwalader, who lived for a while near Trenton where he became the chief burgess in 1746. This under-used space needs imagination.

South River Walk Park — A 6.5 acre historic interpretive area, illustrating the history of Trenton and its connection to the Delaware River in five different 100-year sections.  The park sits atop the cut-and-cover South Trenton Tunnel and features lawns, park paths, three pavilions, benches, a waterside pedestrian esplanade, two playgrounds and an open space for public events.

Mill Hill Playhouse/Passage Theater — A church built in 1873 and remodeled into a theatre after a fire in 1977, this Playhouse is small with just 100-seats but potent as Passage is committed to creating and producing socially relevant new plays and arts programming that deeply resonate with and reflect the Trenton community.

Masonic Temple —  Constructed in 1927 to house five meeting lodges this site lists as the last Grand Masonic Lodge facility in the State.  Designed by Trenton architect Harry A. Hill and decorated by Chicago designer Gustav Brand, the interior features elaborate stenciling, painting, plastering and murals.

Trenton Transit Center —  All Aboard! Rebuilt and reopened in July 2008, this station straddles the rails of the Northeast Corridor with seven working tracks and several storage tracks. In addition to Amtrak, the facility is served by NJ TRANSIT and SEPTA commuter trains and NJ TRANSIT buses; the NJ TRANSIT River Line light rail is also a short block away.

Carver Center — The two-story colonial revival-style brick building and was the prominent social gathering place for Trenton’s African American community from 1922 to 1975. It was constructed by the Sunlight Elks Lodge, a black fraternal organization, during the high point of the great migration. What’s happening here? Not much.

Trenton Makes The World Takes Bridge — This two-lane truss bridge crosses over the Delaware River between Trenton, NJ and Morrisville, Pa. but it’s the signage that highlights the capital city. The sign on the south side of the bridge was installed in 1935 and first replaced in 1981. The slogan was originally “The World Takes, Trenton Makes” and came from a contest sponsored by the Trenton Chamber of Commerce in 1910. S. Roy Heath, the former Heath Lumber founder and New Jersey State senator, coined the phrase.

Trenton-Mercer Airport — County-owned, joint civil–military, public airport located four miles northwest of Trenton in the West Trenton section of Ewing Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Formerly known as Mercer County Airport, the airport serves one scheduled airline (Frontier) plus general and corporate aviation.

Many other destinations and popular places exist in Trenton. No doubt readers have some they would add to this list. Added space would have included Roebling Works/Mansion, World War II Memorial, and others. Oh, yes, the Battle of Trenton will factor in this Trenton revolution, just as it did in December 1776.

What’s missing? The one addition that could connect with all items on this list? A vibrant hotel. It’s the hotel stupid.

See you on Friday for a plan that will change the course of this capital city, a plan that will add jobs, attract visitors and turn this humdrum place into a powerful capital city.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.