Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center

The Space Shuttle Atlantis is one of the most iconic exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Housed in a dramatic, purpose-built facility, Atlantis is displayed as if in flight—tilted at a 43.21-degree angle with its payload bay doors open—giving visitors a rare and breathtaking view of the shuttle as it looked while orbiting Earth.

Space Shuttle Atlantis flew 33 missions between 1985 and 2011, traveling more than 126 million miles and playing a crucial role in the history of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. It delivered key components to the International Space Station (ISS), launched interplanetary probes like the Magellan mission to Venus and the Galileo mission to Jupiter, and was part of the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Its last mission, STS-135, marked the official end of the shuttle program in July 2011.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit opened in 2013 and does more than just display the orbiter—it tells the full story of the shuttle era. The experience begins with a cinematic presentation that builds up to a dramatic unveiling of the shuttle. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, simulators, and displays that highlight the shuttle's technology, the challenges of spaceflight, and the teamwork behind each mission.

One of the exhibit’s most moving elements is the Space Mirror Memorial, which honors astronauts who lost their lives in the line of duty. There’s also a full-scale replica of the Hubble Space Telescope and a Shuttle Launch Experience simulator that lets visitors feel what it’s like to blast into orbit. More than just a retired spacecraft, Atlantis stands as a powerful symbol of human achievement and the spirit of exploration. Its legacy continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Neon Sign

A few visuals of the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" neon sign in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Movie Colony Hotel in Palm Springs, California

There's nothing like staying at a unique, trendy and/or historic property to make any location more memorable. I found all of these things at the Movie Colony Hotel in Palm Springs, California. The property is located in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, named for the numerous homes of movie stars that used to live here in the 1930's to 1960's. Notable residents included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Cary Grant, Jack Benny, and Bing Crosby to name a few.

Designed in 1935 by famed modernist architect, Albert Frey, the Movie Colony Hotel is a prime example of Desert Modern architecture. It was one of Frey's first projects, and it only seemed to further fuel his love of the Palm Springs area. Among many other notable buildings, Frey also designed both the Aerial Tramway Station and the Palm Springs City Hall.  

The property went on to become a popular hangout for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. There's even a bit of folklore about Jim Morrison of The Doors leaping off of the balcony of townhouse #29 into the pool here. Today the Movie Colony is a 16 room boutique hotel, and for me, it was my hub for a week during travel shoots for my Roadside California series.

Architect Albert Frey