Miracle Mindset

 Photos and Story By: Ken Hulsey Back in 2020, during our whirlwind trip to Los Angeles and Hollywood, we packed up the family into a rental SUV and traversed the winding roads out of Griffith Park to the historical Griffith Observatory. When Terri and I lived in California, we often traveled up to the observatory to soak in the history and enjoy the amazing vantage point where you have an unprecedented view of downtown Los Angeles as well as the famous Hollywood sign.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Have you ever been leisurely driving down a remote highway when all of a sudden you spot something so unusual that you immediately stop and make a U-turn to try and figure out exactly what you thought you saw?

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey When we lived in California, one of the things that my wife and I loved to do on a Saturday afternoon was to pack up a picnic lunch and travel up into the San Bernardino Mountains for a hike around Big Bear Lake. The mild temperatures were a relief from the hot temperatures down below in the Mojave Desert. The trails that follow the rim of the lake are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of scenic places to stop and enjoy that packed lunch. On this particular outing, my wife and I picked up a bucket of fried chicken on the way to eat.

 From Visit Anaheim If you’re dreaming of your perfect summer getaway, look no further than the beautiful beaches of Orange County, California ! Whether you want to ride the waves, unwind on golden sands, or wander through charming coastal towns, there's a slice of paradise waiting for you. From the iconic Huntington Beach Pier , alive with surf culture, to the serene coves of Laguna Beach , you'll find that SoCal's beach vibes are the perfect escape this summer.  

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In its heyday, Route 66 was a literal haven of roadside attractions and souvenir emporiums. Some of these landmarks were rather interesting, while the others truly deserved the title 'tourist trap'. Indeed, the 2,448-mile highway that spanned from Chicago to Los Angeles was a thing of wonder for anyone who pulled over from time to time as well as anyone who simply spent the hours staring out the window.

 Last week my travels brought me to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Over the past few years, I have been through St. Francisville a handful of times, and I have to say that the town is one of my favorite locations here in Louisiana. The town is quiet, charming, and filled with history. From the nearby John James Audubon Bridge. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville Historic District, to the preserved Illinois Central Railroad Caboose, the town provides the visitor the perfect place to spend a day just exploring. Located just over 30 minutes north of the State Capitol of Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is easy to get to and should be considered a must-see location for anyone visiting the region.

 Photos and Story By: Ken Hulsey I have to share that I truly miss being just a three-hour drive from the incredible attractions of the Las Vegas Strip. There’s really nothing quite like it anywhere in the world! The beauty of the Strip is that you don’t even have to place a bet or catch a show to find entertainment. I remember spending an entire evening simply strolling along the Strip, taking in the breathtaking sights and observing the vibrant crowd. It was hours filled with joy and amusement, all without spending a single dollar!  

 Galveston: An Island Apart From Tour Texas As summer approaches and the temperature rises, many of us begin searching for the perfect getaway that blends relaxation, adventure, and a touch of history. Galveston Island, located along the stunning Gulf Coast of Texas, presents a unique opportunity to enjoy a multifaceted vacation. With 32 miles of sun-kissed shoreline and a rich tapestry of history and culture, Galveston is the ideal summer destination.

 Information from the City of Victorville. Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Victorville, California  Get ready to mark an extraordinary milestone in American history! Victorville, California, is preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable event on July 4, 2026, at Silverado High School’s Hawk Stadium. 

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Recently, Terri and I decided to take the day off and travel up Monroe for a day of antiquing and sightseeing. After we had taken in all the wonderful shops in West Monroe, we decided to travel across the river and check out the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. A local friend of ours highly recommended it, so we thought that we couldn't pass it up.

 Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey This past Friday, our family decided to head west into Texas and revisit the town of Lufkin. On our trip there last year, we had lunch at Ray's Drive In, visited the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, and popped into the History Center in nearby Diboll. This time around, we brought our granddaughter along to share in the fun. The town of Lufkin has many family-friendly locations to enjoy, so many that we actually didn't get to them all in one day, so a return visit will have to be made in the near future.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Our family has cherished our time hiking around Silverwood Lake for years, so I knew a day spent in nature would be a hit for everyone. This beautiful area has been a favorite of ours, offering fantastic opportunities for hiking (just remember to stay on the trails), fishing, boating, and camping. What’s great about Silverwood Lake is its ability to feel serene, even though it's conveniently located near the bustling areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County. Unlike nearby Big Bear Lake, which often gets crowded on weekends, Silverwood Lake allows you to enjoy a peaceful day if that’s what you’re after. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey It was a warm but comfortable summer night when the little lady and I pulled into the town of Williams, Arizona. Williams has always been one of my favorite destinations because it is the home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which is one of the best tourist railroads in America. I also have a soft spot for Williams because in the early 90s, my car broke down just outside of town, and I ended up being marooned there for almost a week. Despite not having any wheels, I spent my time walking around the town, eating in every single restaurant, watching the trains depart and arrive every day, and basically soaking in the atmosphere. Most people would have been very put out by the whole experience, but to tell the truth, it ended up being one of the best vacations of my life. I guess that in some way, I feel like I actually lived in Williams, if only for a week.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  A great deal of my life has centered around traveling on or living near Route 66. In the early 70s, my family traveled the famed highway at least twice a year, traveling from California to Texas to visit family. For thirteen years, I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the old highway cuts the city down the middle, and then several years later, I would find myself in Victorville, California, where again Route 66 was once the lifeblood of the town. 

 Story and Photos By: Ken Hulsey Winston-Salem is a charming small city with excellent dining and a vibrant downtown district. The area is also rich in history, exemplified by the wonderfully preserved colonial-style village and museum of Old Salem. Visitors should be sure to explore the historic dwellings, streets, and sidewalks of this captivating destination, where treasures of the past await around every corner.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Since Monday was Memorial Day and I had some free time, I decided to head to the Fort Buhlow Recreation Area for a morning hike. I have been working on taking better care of myself and getting more exercise lately, so the cool morning air—without the usual humidity—provided a great opportunity to enjoy some of Louisiana's beautiful scenery.

  Get Your Kicks on Route 66 and Dive into Santa Fe's Exciting June Events! This June, Santa Fe invites you to celebrate the Centennial of the original Route 66. As you take a nostalgic trip along this iconic highway, don’t forget to revel in its 10-mile journey through Santa Fe, where the old meets the new. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious newcomer, Route 66 offers a unique glimpse into the past and the evolution of this charming city. Be sure to grab a commemorative pin from participating hotels and Visitor Centers to commemorate your visit!

  Exploring Texas Route 66: A Journey Through History and Charm Get ready to hit the open road and experience the vibrant tapestry that is Texas Route 66, a vital stretch of America’s most iconic highway. With its quirky roadside attractions, historic diners, and small-town charm, the Texas section of Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey that combines stunning landscapes with rich history.

 Photos By Ken Hulsey / Story By Terri Hulsey Victorville is on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert. Established in 1895, the downtown area grew around historic Route 66 (now 7th Street). The town soon became known as a prime location for shooting westerns in the 40s and 50s but Victorville was also a memorable setting during the Hollywood heyday of space sagas. Infamous director Jack Arnold (“Creature from the Black Lagoon,” "This Island Earth,” “The Incredible Shrinking Man”) shot the opening scene of “It Came from Outer Space” (1953) here. The UFO flew over the rocks on the east side of the Narrows, near the Rainbow Bridge, and crashed in Old Town Victorville.  

Discovering Albuquerque’s Revitalized Route 66 Motels From: Visit Albuquerque If you’re looking for a nostalgic travel experience with a modern twist, consider booking a night at one of Albuquerque’s revitalized Route 66 motels. This iconic roadway has long been synonymous with American road trips, and its heart beats through the vibrant hospitality scene of Albuquerque . By the 1960s, Central Avenue, which traces the historic path of Route 66 , was lined with over 100 motels, many of which have been transformed into stylish hospitality options that pay homage to their storied past while providing modern amenities.