From Champagne toasts to shining plaques, spring 2019 has been a season of sparkling celebration as AAA Northeast hosted the best-of-the-best in hospitality at AAA Four and Five Diamond Award luncheons throughout the region.

Established to help members find quality places to sleep and eat while on the road, hotel and restaurant inspections have been a AAA tradition since 1937. AAA Four and Five Diamonds Awards denote properties of the highest caliber, based on the standards set by AAA’s rigorous and always-evolving inspection process.

“This is a very important program to us nationwide and one we are very committed to and will stay committed to for the long term,” said President and CEO of AAA Northeast, John Galvin at the New York City event.

Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings.

At this year’s award ceremonies in Providence, Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Lenox, Mass., the hosts became the hosted. Gathered with their peers, local hotel and restaurant managers, chefs and other industry professionals were given the time to share a meal, talk shop and recognize their accomplishments.

For several establishments, it was their first time being named as Four or Five Diamond. All other recipients are perennial. Earning your spot among the top takes work, but maintaining it – especially on the Five Diamond level – is a true example of dedication and diligence.

New York City Five Diamond Awards

The Five Diamond is an elite and hard-earned designation. Five Diamond hotels make up only .4 percent of 27,000 hotels inspected yearly. Restaurants that hold the title represent just .2 percent of 32,000 inspections.

Notable but not surprising, New York City has the highest concentration of Five Diamond properties in the country.

This year’s luncheon was hosted by the Four Seasons New York in their stunning Fifty7 West ballroom. The city’s longest-standing Five Diamond hotel, they have been taking home the award since 1994.

If you have the opportunity to walk through the IM Pei-designed space surrounded by its signature limestone or are fortunate enough to stay in one of the hotel’s rooms (all suites), it’s not hard to see why. It’s simple, calming elegance and amenities, including an on-site spa, set the bar in luxury and exemplify the Five Diamond standard.

“We are very proud to carry the Five Diamond Award for 25 years. It’s always wonderful to meet and be able to congratulate other industry leaders as well as accept the award for the hotel,” said Michal Dedera, Four Seasons New York’s hotel manager.

Two hotel newcomers, Baccarat Hotel New York and The Dominick Hotel, both impressively accomplished Five Diamond status for their first year in operation.

In the restaurant category, Atera’s intimate setting, carefully-crafted, two-hour plus tasting menu and dazzling presentations earned it its first Five Diamond Award. As noted in the AAA inspector’s rating, the courses are “visually unlike anything else in town.”

Long-esteemed Daniel celebrated 20 years of Five Diamond excellence.

Diamond Awards in Providence, Boston and Beyond!

At the AAA Four Diamond Rated Hotel Providence – one of 12 Four Diamond hotels in Rhode Island – Diamond designees including Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, Watch Hill Inn and Four Diamond favorite restaurant Gracie’s, raised their glasses to continued success.

Rhode Island’s only Five Diamond Rated hotel, Ocean House, continues to hold onto its rating since 2011, but its restaurant COAST earned its first Five Diamond Rating this year. Both picked up their awards at the Boston ceremony at the Five Diamond Rated Mandarin Oriental, Boston.

Other standouts in the region include Four Diamond Rated Italian seafood restaurant Due Mari in New Brunswick, N.J., and Winvian Farm and its adjoining restaurant continue to represent Five Diamond luxury in Morris, Conn. since 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Four and Five Diamond Award recipients!

See this year’s full list of Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants.

It’s not actually always sunny in Philadelphia, but it can feel that way when you take a culinary tour of the city. Cheesesteaks, Tastykakes and flavored sodas all got their start in the City of Brotherly Love. Here, yummy goodies like stromboli, water ice and roast pork sandwiches collide with Pennsylvania Dutch treats like soft pretzels, bologna and shoofly pies. There’s even a Philadelphia pepper pot (made with something called tripe) for adventurous eaters.

Wake up your taste buds for this journey to the best food destinations in Philly.

Cheesesteaks

The battle for cheesesteak supremacy dates back to this sandwich’s invention in the 1930s. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks have beef – literally – and because they are located across the street from each other, they duke it out for the cheesesteak crown 24/7. Other favorites include John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s and Ralph & Rickey’s, but whichever you choose, ask for “cheese whiz wit onions” for the true Philly cheesesteak experience.

Roast Pork Sandwiches

No trip to Philly is complete without a stop at the Reading Terminal Market. While you’re there, stop by DiNic’s Roast Pork for its flagship roast pork sandwich, voted Best Sandwich in America in 2012. This other staple in the sandwich paradise that is Philadelphia is stuffed with roast pork, broccoli rabe and provolone cheese. It’s an incredibly savory sandwich that truly gives the cheesesteak a run for its money.

Tomato Pie

If you like cold pizza, you’ll love tomato pie. This South Philly staple is made like a square Sicilian pizza without cheese and served cold or at room temperature. It’s often loaded with oregano and Parmesan cheese, which definitely gives it a strong flavor. This regional delight can be found at old-school Italian bakeries like Marchiano’s Bakery and specialty restaurants like Gaeta’s Tomato Pie and Tony’s Famous Tomato Pie.

Pepper Pot Soup

Stew on this: Philly pepper pot soup has a history. It originated in the 18th century and was used to feed hungry soldiers during the American Revolution. Philly chefs have perfected this stew of vegetables, pepper and tripe, which is the edible lining of sheep stomachs. If you haven’t already skipped to the next topic, you can try this American classic where the founding fathers did, at City Tavern Restaurant in the Old Town District of the city.

Stromboli

Stromboli was purportedly invented in the 1950s in Essington, Pa., just outside of Philly. It’s a rolled pizza dough stuffed with delicious Italian meats like pepperoni, capicola and salami, cheese and sometimes veggies. It is NOT a calzone, which is made by folding the dough (and thus totally different). Stogie Joe’s gets a ton of love for its stromboli, as does Cacia’s Bakery, which also has a world-class tomato pie. And on that note…

Hoagies

While many cities claim to be the inventor of the submarine sandwich, Philly has a proud origin story for its take, the hoagie. According to legend, Italian workers made the sandwich – an Italian roll topped with sliced meats, cheese and lettuce – while working on Hog Island, the nickname for a World War I-era shipyard in Philly. The Hog Island sandwich was branded the hoagie and was named the official sandwich of Philadelphia in 1992.

Water Ice

Italian influence on Philly foods is strong, and water ice is a Philly version of Italian ice, the sweetened frozen dessert made from fruit, sugar and water. One main difference is that it water ice is looser than Italian ice – that and it’s pronounced “wooder ice.” Cool down with traditional flavors at Tranzilli’s Real Italian Water Ice, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1969 or visit Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice for flavors like strawberry coconut and kiwi.

Soda

Popular soda brands like Hires Root Beer got their start in Philly, and there are several old-timey diners and ice cream parlors that keep the city’s soda tradition alive. Nifty Fifty’s claims to have the world’s largest soda fountain with more than 100 handcrafted flavors, including pineapple cheesecake and chocolate marshmallow. The Franklin Fountain is another sure bet, with its hot milkshakes, hot sodas and fresh baked goods.

Soft Pretzels

Warm, soft pretzels were the street hot dog of early 1900s Philly. Today, you can still grab one at a downtown food cart, but you’re better off heading to a specialty bakery. Center City Soft Pretzel Co.uses three ingredients to make its delicious twists, plus it opens at 4 a.m. for a perfect late-night snack. Of course, you really can’t go wrong with anything on this list of stops in this underrated food city.

For more delicious local eats, check out our Northeast food guide.

Plan your next trip (food themed or otherwise) with AAA.

Misleading product names can cause all sorts of confusion for consumers. When those issues transfer to the roadways, however, the repercussions are much more serious. Yet consumer misunderstanding of specific automotive technologies is a growing problem across the country.

According to a new AAA survey, 40 percent of Americans believe that partially-automated driving systems have the ability to drive the car by itself. This idea is confounded by the names of these systems, including Autopilot, ProPILOT and Pilot Assist.

“With today’s exciting advances in vehicle technology, there is a greater need for naming that clearly signals to a driver what the system does,” said John Paul, AAA Northeast Senior Manager of Traffic Safety. “Vague or confusing terminology may lead someone to overestimate a system’s capability, unintentionally placing the driver and others on the road at risk.”

Automated driving systems are not intended to take over the task of driving. In fact, AAA found that these systems can be significantly challenged by every day, real-world conditions such as poor lane markings, unusual traffic patterns and stationary vehicles.

In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA tested four vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that combine technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to help maintain lane position, forward speed and following distance in relation to a lead vehicle. During typical driving situations, the technology generally functioned as expected. However, AAA found test vehicles faltered in scenarios that included moderate traffic, curved roadways and streets with busy intersections. Researchers noted instances where the test vehicle experienced issues like lane departures, hugging lane markers, “ping-ponging” within the lane, inadequate braking, unexpected speed changes and inappropriate following distances.

As this automated driving technology becomes more prevalent in cars, standardized naming across vehicles that clearly reflects how technology functions will be necessary. Greater consistency across the industry will help consumers understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems.

What’s your opinion on AV? Share in the comments!

Read more about AV and other traffic safety concerns with The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Check out the latest AAA-related news and studies. 

The New York International Auto Show rolls into town from April 19-28. The annual event attracts more than one million attendees each year who peruse the approximately 1,000 cars on display.

We were fortunate enough to get a preview of said cars and they did not disappoint.

Click through the slideshow below to discover some of the lust-worthy automobiles on display at the New York Auto Show 2019.

This year’s New York auto show is sure to impress. Do you plan on going? Have you ever been to the New York International Auto Show before? Tell us about your experience in the comments. 

If looking at these beautiful cars inspired you to get behind the wheel of a new ride yourself, we’re here to help. Learn more about how AAA can help can you in your dream car.

My nana loved a good bargain. She’d shop the sales, cut the coupons and dive head first into the clearance bin to get the best deals.

With the evolution of technology, grocery shopping isn’t your grandma’s game anymore; anyone with a smartphone can gain access to apps that find the deals, download the coupons and even help you make lists and meal plans. Here are some of our favorites.

Apps to Save You Money

Favado (Free for iOS and Android)

This app allows users to select their favorite stores and then searches for and compares deals found at each. It’s a great way to find sale items and premium bargains at over 65,000 stores nationwide. The app also automatically uploads the sale items users select into a shopping list, separated by store for convenience.

Flipp (Free for iOS and Android)

Forget running to the store every Sunday morning for a newspaper just to get the circulars. Flipp offers digitized ads featured by over 1000 stores, making it easy to sort through and find the best deals. The app also has a coupon feature which can automatically upload coupons to your store loyalty cards. Shoppers will love discovering new sales near them on desired items and can use the shopping list feature to organize before heading out to the store.

Ibotta (Free for iOS and Android)

Ibotta is one of my favorite money saving apps with an awesome concept: it pays you to shop. Check out the app for featured deals before you go shopping and add them to your list. Then head out and buy your items and snap a picture of the receipt or link your store loyalty card to the app and voila! Money in your pocket that can be redeemed through PayPal, Venmo or various gift cards. It’s like getting a rebate on items you’re already buying!

Krazy Coupon Lady (Free for iOS and Android)

The Krazy Coupon Lady will teach you how to coupon like a pro – she taught me! The app developers research and break down which stores are offering what deals and how to make the most of them, for example, how to combine a coupon with a store sale with an Ibotta offer. If you’ve never couponed before and want to learn the basics, the app also includes video tutorials that will have you clipping and shopping like an expert in no time.

Apps for Meal Planning

Mealime (Free for iOS and Android)

Mealime combines the conveniences of meal planning and shopping list into one app. The app offers recipes, many of which can be prepared in 30 minutes or less and for various diets including paleo, keto, vegetarian and vegan. Many recipes also feature and track nutritional information. When you create your meal plan for the week, a grocery list is accordingly uploaded making shopping quick and easy.

BigOven (Free for iOS and Android)

This recipe organization allows users to upload their own recipes or add them from websites or blogs. The meal plan feature lets users pre-pick their recipes for the week and create a grocery list based on the necessary items. Also cool is the “use up leftovers” feature which finds recipes based on ingredients already in your fridge or pantry.

Yummly (Free for iOS and Android)

Yummly is an awesome recipe app that features over two million guided recipes, many approved by Yummly’s own test kitchen. Users can enter their dietary preferences and the app will present recipes that match. The app organizes shopping lists by category and grocery store aisle to make trips to the grocery store easier and quicker.

Apps for Creating the Best Shopping Lists

Out of Milk (Free for iOS and Android)

Out of Milk is a simple, direct app that allows users to use three major functions: create shopping lists of items they need to purchase, create pantry lists of items they already have and utilize a to-do list for other necessary tasks of the day. Items can be scanned by barcode to enter into lists and grouped by category for convenience.

Bring! (Free for iOS and Android)

What’s cool about this shopping list app is its sharable feature. It allows users to share their shopping lists with friends and family, or maybe a group of people all going to the same picnic. The app also allows users to sync their loyalty cards and offers recipe links from popular food sites and blogs.

AnyList (Free for iOS and Android)

AnyList organizes lists, collects recipes and offers a list sharing feature. Items can be crossed off as you go and organized by category or location within the grocery store. The recipe feature allows users to store their favorite recipes and upload ingredients from the recipes to their shopping list simply. The calendar feature allows for easy meal planning.

Apps That Offer Convenience

KeyRing (Free for iOS and Android)

KeyRing’s main feature is that it allows users to upload their loyalty cards so that they’re all held in one place. No more clunky key rings! The app also features coupons and circulars so users can take advantage of the best possible deals as well as incorporates a shopping list feature.

What are your favorite apps for simplifying your grocery shopping experience? Tell us in the comments!

A day at a theme park can be hard on your body, especially if you aren’t as young as you used to be. Sure, you’re having fun, but you’re also going through long hours of walking and standing and baking under the sun. Not to mention, you’re not sure if that last roller coaster agreed with your stomach.

A comfortable theme park outfit is a part of staying safe and having a good time. The most important way to stay comfortable is to listen to your body. If the novelty headband or glasses you bought are giving you a headache, take them off. If you’re tired, take a break. It might be tempting to tough it out and power through, but it will only wind up ruining your day.

Keep these smart theme park outfit ideas in mind for your next family vacation.

Theme park outfit ideas that will keep your feet happy

Comfortable shoes are the most important part of any theme park outfit. Remember, your feet are going to carry you throughout your theme park vacation. I recommend running shoes with comfortable socks. Wear them to the airport as well. You might take a moment longer at security, but the reduced stress on your feet is worth the wait. Sandals are perhaps the worst types of shoes to wear at a theme park since they leave your toes exposed, can slip off easily and provide little support.

If your feet are starting to feel a little tender after a few days of walking and waiting in line, pay attention to them. Stretch and massage your feet and legs at the end of the day, and before you go out in the morning, tend to your foot’s problem areas. Apply blister cream and bandages to developing blisters, and apply moleskin to areas of your foot that undergo the most stress. Moleskin is a slim, adhesive layer of canvas and gauze designed to cushion and protect your feet. It can be cut into whatever shape you desire, or slapped on whole-cloth. It sounds gross, but it’s a lifesaver.

Theme park outfits that keep you cool

Most theme parks are in warmer climates or are most popular during summer, so you’ll have to get creative if you want to stay comfortable and cool.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap to keep the sun off of your face. This will keep you cool, and has the added benefit of getting the sun out of your eyes. Just make sure not to lose your hat on the tilt-a-whirl.

In addition to the hat, make sure to apply and reapply sunblock throughout the day. If you’re fair-skinned, you don’t want to get a painful sunburn. If your skin is darker, it still needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Speaking of staying cool… 

The best way to stay cool is to stay hydrated. A frozen bottle of water is the smartest theme park outfit accessory; it will melt throughout the day while staying frosty and refreshing. If you want to travel lighter, you can usually get water for free at the theme park’s quick-service restaurants. Or seek out a fan-and-mister combo to spray yourself and your (only slightly annoyed) loved ones.

Another great way to stay cool is to seek out indoor rides and shows. Waiting in line seems a lot nicer when you’re waiting in air conditioning. And there’s no shame in going back to your hotel during the hottest hours of the day. When it’s hotter than the surface of the sun, the smartest move is to go to the park in the morning, siesta at the hotel around midday, then return to the park afterward. This is also a good move for parties with small children who may get tired and cranky. Some younger kids need a midday nap to keep up their theme park energy.

When it comes to keeping up your energy, there are tons of foods and snacks waiting for you within the theme park gates. Many people allow themselves to go off their diets at theme parks, where funnel cakes and turkey legs are the local cuisine. But if you’re not used to eating all that sugar and fat at once, you should pace yourself. One deep-fried Oreo could be the difference between a fun ride on the merry-go-round and losing your lunch on horseback.

Keep these tips in mind for a safe and comfortable theme park vacation. And maybe you’ll even be able to walk when you get back home.

Have any other tips to add? Tell us your theme park outfit ideas in the comments. 

Save on your next theme park vacation by booking with AAA.

Would you pay $25 to take a nap? What if you really needed it? What if your house was a 40-minute drive or train ride away? Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take a nap in the middle of the workday? A nap pod is a place for you to grab a little cat nap when you’re out and about – a home away from home where you can snooze in peace.

While some offices provide their employees with nap pods, the vast majority of workplaces do not. Busy New Yorkers in search of a snooze must then look to outside businesses offering places to nap, like Nap York (currently under renovation), YeloSpa and even JFK International Airport. To see what all the nap pod buzz was about, I took a trip to the Casper Dreamery, located just a short walk away from Washington Square Park.

The Dreamery is owned by Casper, a mattress company, and it exists in the gray area between a service and an advertisement. Casper is a primarily internet-based business, which means that customers are often ordering their mattresses without ever having touched one (let alone laid down on one). At the Dreamery, you can order a private, 45-minute nap on a full-sized Casper mattress for just $25. That’s around 55 cents a minute.

I made a reservation on the Dreamery’s website a few days before my nap, and was advised to arrive 15 minutes early to my “class” so that I could have time to settle in.

As soon as I walked into the Casper Dreamery, I was met with their specific brand of sleepy whimsy. The entrance to the Dreamery is an arched, blue hallway dotted with pinpricks of light representing stars. After you make your way through the tiny galaxy, you find yourself in the lobby, which includes a lounge filled with comfy chairs, refreshments and “boring” reading material (think medical textbooks and the history of Maltese dogs).

In contrast to the busy city streets outside, the lobby was shockingly quiet. I felt for a moment like I was in a library (or a funeral home). It looked like there were no other customers there, but I wasn’t sure. I tiptoed up to the man at the front desk and whispered, “I have an appointment.”

I was greeted in a whisper-voice as well, and I was given a handful of tiny, complementary Sunday Riley bath products. The man then offered me a pair of Sleepy Jones pajamas to borrow. Everything in the Dreamery is a brand deal. Of course, I took the pajamas.

I was directed to a series of booths in which to get ready – they’re like dressing rooms, but with sinks. I was a little nervous, because my nap was only 45 minutes and I thought I was on the clock. In record time, I changed into my pajamas and rubbed what I think was face lotion all over my hands. I stored my street clothes and my purse in a nearby locker.

Finally, I was ready to enter my nap pod. A second employee appeared (did I mention they all wear stylish dressing gowns?) and led me to a room filled with giant, blonde wood hoops. I was led to my hoop, which had a mattress, pillow and duvet suspended in the middle.

“Is this your first time napping?” She asked, like it was a normal thing to say.

“Uh… yes?” I replied.

“Turn the light off when you’re ready to sleep, that will start the timer,” the employee told me, “Then when your time is up, the light will gradually come back on to wake you up.”

I stepped inside the hoop, and she closed the thick, beige curtains. It was the moment of truth. I settled down into the bed and pulled the duvet over myself (Casper assures its guests that the Dreamery’s sheets are laundered after every visit). I had to admit, it was comfortable – warm and cool at the same time, with a mattress that wasn’t too soft or too hard. I had reached peak Goldilocks, and I turned off the light.

I didn’t fall asleep, but I hadn’t really expected to. I have a strict sleep schedule, and it’s difficult for me to fall asleep outside of it. But I hadn’t expected to feel so relaxed either. I slipped into a sort of meditation as I was cradled in my sleep-hoop. I felt for once like I had my own little private pocket of Manhattan, where I could let my guard down and just rest. I was comfortable and snug, my thoughts turning away from worry and toward the kind of milkshake I was going to buy in Penn Station. Before I knew it, the light was coming back on.

I don’t know if nap pods are the sleep wave of the future, or if they’re just a fad. But when I stepped out of the Dreamery and back onto the loud, busy streets of NYC, I totally understood their appeal.

Would you like to try napping in a nap pod? Have you done it already? Let us know in the comments below!

Located 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Bimini is a tropical retreat unlike any other, with crystal clear waters and acres of forests and mangroves. So tranquil and stunning is the Bahamian location, in fact, that it served as a home for Ernest Hemingway and inspired some of his greatest works. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the island in 1964 to write his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

There’s no better place to enjoy this majestic land than Resorts World Bimini. The 305-room luxury oasis is situated on 750 acres, with miles of pristine beaches, infinity pools, diverse restaurants and a world-class casino. Here is a sampling of things to do at Resorts World Bimini.

Water Sports

Bimini is one of the best fishing spots in the world. Located on the edge of the Gulf Stream and the western edge of the Bahamas, Bimini is the perfect location to access the tropical north-flowing current of warm waters, replete with fish of all varieties. Plus, fishing conditions in Bimini are perfect year-round.

Resorts World Bimini offer daily full-day and half-day fishing charters for offshore, inshore and bottom fishing. From here, you’ll be able to reel in a wide variety of fish including trigger fish, bonefish, snapper, grouper, marlin, swordfish, tuna, wahoo, tarpon, barracuda, amberjack, permit, mackerel and kingfish.

The resort also provides plenty of other water toys to float your boat, including glass-bottom kayaks, which provide a look into Bimini’s vast underwater world. Other items available assorted watercraft, banana boats, kayaks, paddleboats, water bikes and water hammocks.

Underwater Activities

You’ll find another Bimini paradise – and many more adventures – when you dive below sea level. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are a treasure trove of exploration.

Resorts World Bimini’s full-service water sports center is a certified dive center that can plan dives – from 15- to 130-feet deep – for you and your guests. From there, you’ll get a front-row view of Bimini’s unparalleled sea life, including preserved coral reefs, colorful vegetation, stingrays, manta rays, a large variety of fish, and up to 45 different species of sharks.

If you’d like some added adventure to your dive, try the Sapona shipwreck snorkeling excursion. Sitting in only 15 feet of water, the Sapona was originally built as a U.S. World War I era concrete ship. It later served as a rumrunner’s vessel during Prohibition before running aground 90 years ago. Guests can snorkel through the boat’s remains, which have become home to a colorful spectrum of marine life. Other excursions offered by the resort include the opportunity to swim with Bimini’s resident population of Atlantic spotted dolphins in the wild, and – for the brave of heart – with a community of Caribbean reef and nurse sharks in their natural habitat, free of cages.

Casino

The great outdoors isn’t the only site of enjoyment at the resort – a whole other world of excitement awaits you inside in the form of the Resorts World Casino. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering beautiful views of the resort’s Mega Yacht Marina, it may just be the most picturesque casino in the world.

Take your pick from a variety of live-action table games including poker, roulette, craps, baccarat and blackjack. You can also raise the stakes in the VIP gaming area. If that’s too rich for your blood, the 10,000-square-foot casino is home to more than 160 slot machines with denominations ranging from 1 cent to $100.

Food

If there’s one thing you can be certain of during your visit to Resorts World Bimini, it’s that you’ll never go hungry. The resort has 10 restaurants, cafes and bars that serve a vast array of cuisines in various dining settings.

The Tides offers a breakfast buffet, where you can try an authentic local dish such as Bimini bread French toast, which utilizes the island’s decadent Bimini bread dough, drizzled with a raspberry coulis. The menu for lunch and dinner features new and innovative options such as fresh seafood linguine and herbed roasted chicken, to marinated conch salad and lobster truffle mac & cheese.

The Sushi Bar offers a more intimate dining experience. The 24-seat venue has an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch their dishes being prepared. The menu was created by “Top Chef” winner Hung Huynh and features a selection of specialty sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, handmade dumplings and savory noodle dishes.

For casual fare, the casino’s sports bar Hemingway’s serves up gourmet burgers and flavorful wings to go along with innovative cocktails. If you’re in too blissful a state to leave the pool, try Monkey Business by the adults-only rooftop infinity pool. It offers panoramic views of Bimini Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and a tempting menu of innovative cocktails, kabobs, burgers and salads. You don’t even have to leave the water at the ground floor lagoon pool to satisfy your craving. Oasis, the swim-up bar, delivers tropical favorites like pina coladas, specialty cocktails, and a variety of light bites including salads, burgers and kabobs.

Spa

When it comes time for the requisite rest-and-relaxation portion of your vacation, you’ll quickly realize you have come to the perfect destination. The Serenity Spa and Salon’s sweeping translucent curtains, shades of blue, and floor-to-ceiling windows with striking views of the Caribbean Sea will put you in a blissful peace of mind even before the talented specialists customize your treatment. The spa offers every luxurious service you can imagine, including body massages, body wraps, hair and makeup styling and nail services.

Fisherman’s Village

Just steps from the resort’s main lobby is Fisherman’s Village. Visitors can wander through an array of restaurants, stores and chic boutiques. The village even has a fitness center. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Amicci’s, offering fresh paninis, salads, pizzas, pastries and coffee.

From NBC’s “Today” Show to “The Rachael Ray Show” to The Weather Channel, you have likely seen Katie Linendoll on TV talking about must-have travel gadgets. The Your AAA Network recently spoke with her to learn about her favorite accessories.

Click the audio player below to listen. The text that follows is a transcript of the conversation.

Your AAA: Thank you for clicking on. You are listening to the Your AAA Network and today we’re joined by an Emmy winner, a tech expert, avid traveler, TV personality, and all around social and tech influencer. None other than Katie Linendoll. She is going to walk us through some of the hottest travel gadgets, but first, let’s set the stage for our listeners. How often are you on the road?

Katie Linendoll: It’s well over 250 days. I did a calculation year over year. It spans the globe, which is pretty exciting; 250-plus days ranging from the Faroe Islands to just recently Alaska and Iceland. This next four weeks will have me in Boston, to New Orleans, back to Iceland, back to the Faroes and then to Kenya –all just in a matter of one month. It’s incredible. I call it a true blessing. I love being on the road and I learned so much. It just builds your character.

Your AAA: No doubt about that. That amount of travel is unbelievable. I know even my own travel has ramped up to maybe once or twice a month at this point and I find it hard to hold it together. So, well done. Hat tip!

Katie: It’s funny, my friends will ask me, so what are you doing in June? I’m like, dude, I don’t know what I’m having for breakfast and/or what state I’m going to be in tomorrow, so just hold tight. Pump the brakes. I don’t know what my summer plans are yet.

Your AAA: Out of curiosity so far, have you hit every state in the U.S.?

Katie: My sister and I were just talking about this. Alaska was missing until the recent trip where we were chasing the northern lights – which was epic unto itself, but right now if I’m correct, I think I’m missing North Dakota and South Dakota.

Your AAA: So aside from evolving into a big-time traveler, I know you jumped into technology at a pretty early age, so what got you started on that path?

Katie: Yeah, my background in technology, it started when I was young.  I guess you could say coding was my main foray into IT; I started when I was about 12 or 13, which sounds very young, but I laugh now because I have a 9-year-old niece that is just incredible on the computer. She is on-point with robotics and engineering. And now there are so many STEM gadgets, so it’s so cool to see how things have changed over the years. But my interest in tech as I noted was at 12 or 13, getting into coding. I got my networking certifications while I was still in high school and then I went on to get my degree in information technology and new media from Rochester Institute of Technology. Through and through, tech was always a huge passion of mine and it’s just remained that way.

I never foresaw going into a television direction. I was building websites as a freelance job when I was like 17, 18 and 19, in and out of college breaks, so I never saw going into this TV direction, but it’s a perfect fit for me right now. People’s interest in technology and consumer products – whether it is the latest iPhone or the latest STEM products – is only growing. So I think it’s a really good fit.

Your AAA: That is a perfect segue to talk about some of the travel gadgets on the market today that AAA members might want to check out.

A post shared by myCharge (@mycharge) on Mar 23, 2018 at 5:28am PDT

Katie: First off, myCharge devices. They come in a range of sizes. I have the MyCharge hub and it gives about nine plus hours of extra battery life and it also has the built-in micro USB and lightning cable. I carry that pretty much every single day whether I’m on the road or not and people are always knowing that I have it on me. So whether their tablet or their smartphone or whatever they’re using needs to be charged up, it is a must-have accessory, especially while you’re on the road.

A post shared by Matador (@matador.up) on Apr 25, 2018 at 8:38am PDT

Also, just to give you a few of my other key items, I love Matador bags. They are these really lightweight, durable bags. They fold up to the size of almost a baseball. They’re super tiny. And when I travel, if I’m going to really cool places, I always come back with more and more stuff. So I have these really great durable, water-resistant bags that are so tiny that I throw them in my luggage, but then I can also fill them up with so much stuff.  They come in a variety of sizes. I always go to the 24-liter size. They’re backpacks and there’s also a duffel bag. They’re just really cool to carry with you when you’re bringing more stuff back.

A post shared by Eagle Creek (@eaglecreek) on Apr 28, 2018 at 2:01pm PDT

I have my own production company, so we filmed lots of different places for the likes of The Weather Channel and a number of other national outlets. Really good luggage is obviously key – 0ne that also has a lot of compartments and one that’s not going to tear, and be weather resistant. Eagle Creek luggage is my absolute go-to after trying many different types of luggage out.

I think one thing on the travel side that everybody needs to know that is kind of a hidden tip and trick is the Wi-Fi at rental car companies now. Well, first off, people don’t know about the travel pass on your smartphone. When I am internationally on location for a majority of the places that I visit, it’s only $10 extra a day to have a full-on travel pass as opposed to like, you know, $2 a minute, which can quickly add up. I know people who have seen their bill and they freak out. I think people need to take more advantage of their monthly service of just adding that on when they are traveling internationally or overseas. Wi-Fi hotspots that you can rent at rental car companies are also something a lot of people don’t realize are out there … they are about 10 bucks a day and it not only gives you Wi-Fi access in your car, but you don’t have to rent a GPS which can be super expensive per day at the rental car company. Now you can use your phone but you can also use a Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere you’re traveling in that country. So I think that is a really great tip and trick for anyone that’s going to be on the road this summer.

Your AAA: That’s awesome. I had no idea that something like that was offered. So going back real quick to the luggage, have you tested out any of that ride-on luggage that’s out there?

Katie: Personally, I think it’s gotten so crazy in terms of the media press and I just don’t think it’s practical.

Your AAA: I feel like there’s a line where there’s just too much technology and this just kind of crosses it, right?

Katie: There is totally a line! Plus I can run faster than that and I run a lot in airports. I hear my name way too often over the loudspeaker. One thing that I’m adamant about with what I test and what I stand behind in terms of technologies is practical tech.

Your AAA: So any good travel gadgets for families with young kids?

Katie:  One thing I’m so keen on – I have lots of nieces and nephews is  MiFOLD – it’s this little booster seat. Unless you’re a parent with a little one will this really hit home, but it’s super lightweight and it’s portable. If you have to bring a booster seat when you are traveling, it’s not great for airlines. It’s not approved, but it is good for when you are renting a car so you don’t have to pay for that extra booster seat. My niece always travels over to her friend’s house and actually takes that booster seat with her and it folds up right in her hand. It looks like nothing. Imagine a booster seat compacting down all the way to like a piece of paper. It’s amazing what the technology has come and done for that particular gadget, so parents will love that one.

A post shared by Puro Sound Labs (@purosoundlabs) on Jan 14, 2018 at 10:49am PST

And then, also of course, it’s not telling you anything you don’t know, I love the tablet side of things, whether it’s an iPad or the Kindle Kids Fire edition is just an awesome travel gadget. My nieces and nephews love it and are always watching the latest, whether on PBS or the Disney channel, they’re always staying tuned on. I’ve also  hooked them up with Puro headphones. The decibel level on the headphones only goes to a certain level so it keeps their ears protected and it’s really good sound quality. So I think that’s a cool accessory for parents that are looking for really great pair of headphones.

Your AAA: I know when I’m sitting next to a kid on a plane, I can’t wait for them to break out the tablet with the headphones. Use it the whole flight, please.

Katie: Your fingers are crossed for it!

Your AAA: Getting back to travel now, let’s go into our rapid-fire questions. Sand or snow?

Katie: Snow. Said no one ever. I grew up in Erie. It was the most snow accumulation in 2017. I am a snow girl through and through.

Your AAA: Best childhood vacation memory.

Katie: There were six people in my family and we had a Ford Taurus and that we would pack in and go on road trips. Just being with my family was awesome.

Your AAA: Bucket list destination.

Katie: You know what? I’m going to actually go with a revisit because I feel like no matter where you go on the globe, it’s the people in the environment that make all the difference. It could be the coolest place but with the worst people and it’s going to change your whole attitude towards it. I just had one of the best travel experiences of my life in Fairbanks, Alaska. I think it’s dubbed as the golden heart of Alaska and they’re known for their people being so awesome and warm, and just cool people. Just because of the environment there and the people and the culture, I’d like to revisit it.

Your AAA: Favorite travel spot in the Northeast.

Katie: I love the Boston area. I hope to be buying a home there.

Your AAA: Finally, what is one piece of travel advice you’d like to leave our AAA members with?

Katie: Preparation and organization, and all the right gadgets. You kind of have to split the difference. I prepare and I organize for my trips but I also leave room for the “let it happen.” I  just came back from a trip to Disney and you can tell where the kids have just had it because they try to jam so much into one day. Sometimes you’ve just got to ride out the adventure and see whatever comes your way. Go with it. I think you’ve got to split the difference in terms of being organized and having a plan, and being ready to go off the grid.

Your AAA: I have no doubt that this conversation is going to leave AAA members wanting more from you, Katie. So where’s the best place folks can find you online?

Katie: Totally. I’m at Katie Linendoll on social across the board and I love connecting with new people. I always try to be good about it, responding, helping you with any travel gadgets or tech tips. So yeah, that’s where you can find me.

Your AAA: Awesome. Thanks for a great conversation. Be sure you head on over to katielinendoll.com and be sure to stick with the Your AAA Network for more travel and lifestyle content. I’m Andrew Rosen. Thanks for clicking on.

Follow Katie Linendoll on Twitter and Instagram.

This post was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated.

More people die from lung cancer each year than any other form of cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to educate yourself on the risk factors, warning signs and screening options. And there’s no better time to start than right now. You can make a difference simply by learning the facts and spreading lung cancer awareness.

Lung cancer stats

Every 2.2 minutes, someone in the country is diagnosed with lung cancer. That equates to 234,000 new diagnoses annually. Not only is lung cancer prevalent, it is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about 25 percent of all cancer deaths. Each day, 422 American die of lung cancer. Each year, it takes more lives than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

There is a common misconception that lung cancer mostly affects smokers. However, 60 to 65 percent of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.

Lung cancer awareness is critical to developing potentially life-saving treatment. Only six percent of federal government dollars spent on cancer research are spent on lung cancer research. The lack of research, in part, is the cause of such a high mortality rate.

Symptoms and warning signs

According to the American Cancer Society, most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they spread. However, some people with early lung cancer do begin to suffer certain symptoms. The most common lung cancer symptoms include an enduring cough or one that gets worse, coughing up blood, chest pain that is often worse when breathing deeply, trouble breathing or respiratory infections, hoarseness, and exhaustion or weakness.

Although most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by another illness, it is vital to see medical attention immediately if you are suffering from any of these conditions. If you do have lung cancer, you can be diagnosed earlier, which greatly increases the likelihood of treatment being effective.

Prevention

Lung cancer cannot always be prevented. However, certain precautions can lower your risk of developing the disease. Most notable of these is to not smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke. Even if you have been a smoker in the past, once you cease the habit, your damaged lung tissue will gradually repair itself. Regardless of your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will lower your risk of developing lung cancer.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil in rocks. Outdoors, there is not enough radon for it to be harmful. Indoors, however, it can become more concentrated. Homes and buildings throughout the country can have high levels of radon, particularly in basements. The problem is you can’t see, taste or smell it. Instead, you’ll need to get your home tested and, if needed, treated professionally.

Other tips to help prevent lung cancer include avoiding other carcinogens like asbestos and certain chemicals, and limiting exposure to air pollution. Also, maintaining a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of developing several forms of cancer.

Screening

Certain individuals are at an elevated risk for developing cancer. If you are between the ages of 55-80, a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years, and have a 30 pack-year history, you are part of the high-risk population. (Pack year is a way to measure smoking history over an extended period of time. It is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.)

If you meet these criteria, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting screened annually for lung cancer. A screening is done with a low dose CT scan.

There are other factors that may require individuals to undergo annual screenings, such as previous lung cancer diagnoses. If you believe you may be at risk of developing lung cancer, consult your physician to get a full assessment.

What are you doing to help protect yourself or your loved ones from lung cancer? Tell us in the comments below. And read more about keeping your body healthy at AAA.com/healthfitness.

AAA can help patients pay for health care costs with Medicare Supplement insurance from AAA. Learn more. 

Do you love history? Or did you fall asleep in your high school history class? Whether you’re a history buff or not, the best history podcasts are sure to get you hooked on stories of ancient revolutions, little-known heroes, royal love triangles and so much more.

There are a lot of history podcasts out there – since history makes great podcast fodder. Here are my personal favorites, to get you started on your own historic journey.

Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History”

Journalist Dan Carlin isn’t joking around. On his podcast, “Hardcore History,” he can explore a historical subject for hours. His episodes usually average about four hours each – some of them even have multiple parts. These deep dives are completely engrossing, even if it can take a few days to finish listening to them. Carlin’s exhaustive research, combined with his compelling, dramatic delivery, make “Hardcore History” a must-listen.

Recommended episodes: Show 61 – (Blitz) Painfotainment, Show 60 – The Celtic Holocaust, Show 50 – Blueprint for Armageddon I

“Stuff You Missed in History Class”

“Stuff You Missed in History Class” was the first podcast I ever listened to, more than ten years ago. Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey of HowStuffWorks investigate the forgotten corners and obscure characters in the margins of history. “Stuff You Missed in History Class” has a HUGE back catalog to trawl through – with inside jokes that have lasted for years (like the fact that their subjects keep getting exhumed). Wilson and Frey meticulously research each episode, and their joint method of reporting these forgotten stories make each episode effortlessly enjoyable.

Recommended episodes: Alvin York, Lady Anne Blunt Part I, Christine de Pizan and the Book of the City of Ladies, A Condensed History of Air Conditioning, The Georgia Gold Rush

“You Must Remember This”

“You Must Remember This” is a podcast about the golden age of the silver screen – the secrets and stories of Hollywood’s first century. Creator Karina Longworth narrates her fantastic research with dulcet, calming tones and she incorporates guest actors to voice the historical figures and Hollywood icons that populate the episodes. Longworth is a film journalist, but “You Must Remember This” has transformed over time into one of the most well-loved history podcasts around. Though you’re less likely to hear about Cleopatra than about Elizabeth Taylor, “You Must Remember This” has earned its spot as one of the best history podcasts.

Recommended episodes: Fake News: Fact-Checking Hollywood Babylon Episode 1, Bela and Boris Episode 1: Where the Monsters Came From, Marilyn Monroe: The Beginning (Dead Blondes Flashback), Charles Manson’s Hollywood Part 1

“Revisionist History”

Malcom Gladwell hosts “Revisionist History,” which is all about going back into historical stories, examining them through different lenses and reinterpreting what they mean to us today. “Revisionist History” reexamines everything from the far past to recent history with an emphasis on the malleability of memory, the unreliability of even primary resources and the inherent imperfections in the stories that we cling to the most.

Recommended episodes: The Imaginary Crimes of Margit Hamosh, Free Brian Williams, The Basement Tapes, McDonald’s Broke My Heart, The Satire Paradox, Blame Game

“Our Fake History”

“Our Fake History’s” tag line is “historical myths relished and ruined” – and that’s exactly what they do. History is littered with fake and apocryphal stories that we’ve been telling each other for eons. Did Pocahontas really save John Smith? Was Robin Hood real? Did Nero play violin while Rome burned? Did Shakespeare write any of his own plays? Educator and storyteller Sebastian Major tackles common historical myths and legends, revels in them, then attempts to separate fact from fiction.

Recommended episodes: Episode #5 – Did Shakespeare Write the Plays?, Episode #15 – Was There a Real Trojan War? Part I, Episode #28 – Who Killed Rasputin? Part I, Episode #49 – Was There a Real Robin Hood? Part I, Episode #61 – What’s the Problem with Socrates?

“The Dollop”

Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds host “The Dollop,” a tongue-in-cheek history podcast. Every other week, Anthony tells Reynolds a little-known story from American history and Reynolds, hearing the story for the first time, reacts to it with his own comic flair. This charming matchup of history and comedy can’t be beat – and that’s why it’s run for over 300 episodes.

Recommended episodes: 336 – Women and Transportation, 334 – Andrew Jackson, 332 – The Divorce Colony, 310 – Levittown: The Whitest Suburb, 294 – Blackbeard (Live in Charlotte, NC)

Looking for some more podcasts? Check out my Podcast Pulse articles about shows for new listeners, the best comedy podcasts and ways to find the perfect show for you.

While there are plenty of beautiful woodland campsites nearby, camping out on the beach is definitely something you have to try at least once. If sleeping beneath the stars near a beach side bonfire sounds like an ideal situation to you, consider Montauk camping.

Camping is available at Montauk County Park and Hither Hills State Park.

It’s probably been a while since you last decided to abandon your television, tablet and smartphone screens to rough it in the great outdoors for a day or two. From health improvement and positive relationship building to developing important life skills, there is a list of benefits that camping can provide. So pack up your tent and head outdoors for a Montauk camping adventure.

For more nearby campsites, check out our Northeast camping guide. 

Montauk County Park

Montauk County Park provides campers with the full on-the-beach Montauk camping experience. If you’ve always wanted to catch a fish, roast it over a campfire and eat it, you can do just that here. The park allows all campers access to salt and freshwater fishing. Shagwong Point is a particular favorite among surfcasters looking for striped bass and bluefish; if you’re bringing an RV this is the area where you would set up.

You can also visit Big Reed Pond, a 128-acre freshwater pond and National Natural Landmark that also includes brackish marshland and natural sand dunes.

While you’re living the simple life, take a trip back to simpler times at these historical sites.

Third House – This residence was built in the 18th century for cattle keepers who brought their cattle to Montauk each summer. Open seasonally, it also houses the Third House Nature Center, which hosts nature programs, hikes and activities for all ages. If you’re looking to spend some time with fellow campers while you’re on the grounds, be sure to swing by.

Montaukett Village – This is the home and burial ground of the Montaukett tribe, which includes the grave of member Stephen Talkhouse.

Deep Hollow Ranch – Built and established in 1658, Deep Hollow Ranch is the first and oldest cattle ranch in the United States. Stop by the ranch for an opportunity to enjoy the cinematic experience of riding a horse to and along the beach. If you prefer to ride along in something that has wheels, there are also wagon rides that will take you around the ranch and park.

Camp Wikoff – Take a look at where Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders rested after the battle of San Juan Hill during the 1898 Spanish-American War.

Hither Hills State Park

This popular park offers a rich 189-site campground on the beach, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers can enjoy fireplaces, sport fishing, playing fields and more. Stroll through the eastern boundary of the park, which has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. You can also hike along the Walking Dunes trail of Napeague Harbor, a highlight of the park.

The park’s amenities include an accessible picnic area, playground, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball and tetherball courts. If you forget an important camping item, you can stop in the camp store and find what you need. There’s also the park office and centrally located phones, should you need assistance at any point during your stay. No need to bring your smartphone!

For fun activities where you can explore the campgrounds, you can enjoy biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and hiking year-round and cross-country skiing in the wintertime. During the summer, bond with the family on the campgrounds over movies, folk and line dancing, magic shows and more recreation programs. Children can also enjoy several performances during the park’s children’s summer theater program.

Check out the weekly sand castle contest during the summer months. If you enter, you have the chance to win in several categories, including best sculptors and best castles.

Let “The End” be the beginning of a great adventure. Whether you choose the historic Montauk County Park or the popular and gorgeous Hither Hills for your Montauk camping adventure and getaway, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience that you and your fellow camping companions will talk about fondly for years to come.

Is Montauk camping on your list of things to do? Have you been to either of these parks for a camping trip before? Tell us in the comments. 

Need help planning your next camping trip? Let AAA help.

In the days leading up to the U.S. Civil War, fugitive slaves headed north from the slave-holding states of the U.S. South on their way to liberty in Canada. As many as 100,000 freedom-seekers used the Underground Railroad, a network of people that assisted escaped slaves along their journey and gave them a place to stay until it was safe to continue to the next “station.”

Many passed through New York, notably Montgomery County and the surrounding region of Central New York State. The area’s many waterways, including the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal, provided stealthy transport for the northbound travelers under the cover of night. Furthermore, the religious faith of the area’s residents led to the growth of a strong abolitionist movement and word got out that this was a welcoming community to stop in during the long trek to the Canadian border.

Visitors to this region can trace the journeys of those who traveled along the Underground Railroad and learn about the work of the citizens who helped them on their way to liberation.

Though initially the lands north of Pennsylvania were considered relatively safe for escaped slaves because of widespread support for the abolitionist movement, the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in September 1850 forced those who worked along the Underground Railroad to persevere in secret.

The act required that all escaped slaves, whether apprehended in southern slave-holding states or in the free north, be returned to their owners. Though it was eventually repealed in 1864, its enactment only strengthened the resolve of abolitionists in the northern states. The penalty for helping runaway slaves was steep – up to a $1,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment – but the people believed strongly enough in freedom for all humans that they took the chance to live up to their beliefs.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, which straddles the Mohawk River, was home to numerous stationmasters for the Underground Railroad. Ellis Clizbe was an abolitionist and a founding member of the anti-slavery societies of both Amsterdam and Montgomery County. Known to shelter escaped slaves on his farm in the Rockton section of the city, Clizbe’s determined work lead to Amsterdam’s reputation as an “abolition hole” and a stronghold of the movement in New York State.

Another prominent city businessman, Chandler Bartlett, provided shelter for those seeking freedom in his shoe store on Main Street.

Take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s 41-acre Green Hill Cemetery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it contains the graves of many residents of Amsterdam, both white and black, who fought against slavery.

Canajoharie

Twenty-two miles west along the Mohawk River sits the town of Canajoharie, another important locale for abolitionism in Montgomery County. The county historian created a self-guided walking tour of the abolitionist movement in the town that points out places of note still standing, as well as the locations of homes and businesses that are lost to time.

One historic home is that of Chester “Bromley” and Elizabeth Phillips Hoke. Descendants of grandparents who had been locally enslaved, it stands to represent the role that African Americans played in developing the economic and social development of the Mohawk Valley. Chester served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the nation’s first blacks troops to fight in the Civil War.

The Canajoharie Academy, once located on Otsego Street, is best known for its former headmistress, a powerhouse in the history of reform movements in the United States, Susan B. Anthony. Another notable piece of history in the town is the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. A group of five African American men had purchased a plot of land on Cliff Street and incorporated the church in 1857, though it is not known whether a physical building was ever constructed. A former slave, the Reverend Richard Eastup, oversaw the church, whose denomination was commonly affiliated with such leaders of the movement as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

Western Montgomery County

In the village of Ames, Dr. James Mereness participated and organized anti-slavery meetings for the western part of Montgomery County for many years prior to the Civil War. Reports indicate that fugitive slaves seeking freedom from their lives in servitude sought shelter in Mereness’ home as part of the Underground Railroad network. Dr. Mereness died in 1872 but continued his interests in improving the lives of African Americans through bequests to educate them.

In the village of St. Johnsville where the picturesque Timmerman Creek runs into the Mohawk River, Daniel Leonard and his partner built a grist mill just north of the Mohawk Turnpike. Local lore has it that freedom seekers escaping slavery, hid in rooms below the mill. When water to the thirty-foot water wheel was shut off at night, the freedom seekers could make their way via a tunnel to the creek and continue their journey north and westward to freedom.

Today the mill operates as the Inn by the Mill bed-and-breakfast, where the owners happily show off the rooms where the freedom seekers waited to continue their journey to freedom.

Oneida County

The abolitionist movement was also strong to the west of Montgomery County in Oneida County, with 17 anti-slavery societies existing in the mid- to late 19th century. Today, visitors can see one of the few remaining landmarks of this time, the former Mechanics Hall, on the corner of Hotel and Liberty Streets. In this building, abolitionists held anti-slavery events and rallies, including one in 1857 that was attended by William Lloyd Garrison and Susan B. Anthony.

More Information

Maps of both the self-guided walk in Canajoharie and the Green Hill Cemetery, as well as descriptions of the famous plots found there. A full Underground Railroad itinerary is available through the Montgomery website.

Lodging in Montgomery County ranges from country inns to B&Bs to several hotel and motel chains.

This summer marks 50 years since the “three days of peace and music” that gave us some of the most iconic moments in music history, like Richie Havens improvising “Freedom” and Jimi Hendrix reinventing the national anthem. At the site of the Woodstock festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts keeps the spirit of creativity and self-expression alive. It is celebrating the golden anniversary with programs including special exhibits and the opening of the restored Bindy Bazaar trails.

Bindy Bazaar Trails

Over 400,000 concert-goers attended the 1969 festival in Bethel, New York, and on their way between two of the main grounds, they traveled on a network of trails that served as a marketplace featuring exotic goods, crafts and clothing. As one of its main preservation projects, Bethel Woods recreated the Bindy Bazaar trails through the wooded area west of the festival field. For the first time, guests can experience the trails restored to their original state and see historic evidence of the market, which included 20 vendor booths.

The first phase of the restoration will open May 4. Visitors that journey through the trails can imagine being swept up in the vibe of peace, love and music or reflect on the ideals of the 1960s, which are a focus of The Museum at Bethel Woods. Since the nonprofit cultural center stewards both the land and legacy of Woodstock, either would be in keeping with its mission.  Museum exhibits are aimed at encouraging new generations to find their own way of changing the world through positive social engagement and music.

Special Exhibits

When The Museum reopens for the season on March 30, visitors can explore the vision the youth of 1969 had for their world and consider their own today. We Are Golden: Reflections on the 50^th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival and Aspirations for a Peaceful Future encourages new generations to examine their efforts to promote social change and peaceful civic dialogue.

With roots in the 1960s, movements for the LGBTQ community, women’s rights, environmental protection and social justice issues are among those in which youth have played a role. Looking back further in time, concerts such as Farm Aid and the Concert for Bangladesh were inspired by Woodstock and the way its music unified attendees. These events reflected a shared vision of a better world.  As Joan Baez declared at Live Aid, the 1985 benefit concert for famine relief in Ethiopia, “This is your Woodstock.”

While there is a psychedelic bus and plenty of memorabilia including posters and jewelry in the museum’s permanent collection, the artifacts are intended to inspire more than nostalgia. Film footage and period photographs put visitors of all ages in the heart of the Woodstock experience, while We are Golden takes them further into the social context of the three-day festival where singer-songwriters like Joan Baez championed social change as much as creative expression.

Certainly, some found Woodstock to be strictly a music experience, albeit a legendary one, with performers including Janis Joplin, Santana and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.  Others remember an event typified by massive puddles of mud and even more massive traffic jams. Though Arlo Guthrie’s announcement that “the New York State Thruway is closed, man” wasn’t true, as only a few exits were closed, miles of traffic through Catskills towns made it feel that way.

In conveying the significance of Woodstock, Bethel Woods celebrates both the music and the cultural impact of the iconic gathering with aims to rekindle its spirit in the present. Located 90 miles northwest of New York City on the very spot where the event took place, it has a special role interpreting this anniversary. The site has officially been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its importance to American History.

Through a special exhibit entitled We Are Stardust, Bethel Woods puts Woodstock in the context of other landmark 1969 movements. Those who attended the festival lived through a tumultuous decade in which the Vietnam War, Stonewall riots, Watts riots and the assassinations of both President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. occurred.  These pivotal events and others led to a call for change and a push toward peace and unity.

Also contributing to the tension of the times was the Cold War space race between the U.S.S.R. and U.S., which was lagging behind the Soviet superpower.  On July 20, 1969, just weeks before the Woodstock festival, that was all about to change. With the landing of Apollo 11, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin marked the fulfillment of President Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the moon. In less than ten years, the U.S. skyrocketed ahead of its competition, satisfying and sparking yet even more “moon mania” in Americans who were fascinated with the limitless frontier of space.

We Are Stardust features objects and interpretation of the events leading up to the lunar landing, encouraging Bethel Woods visitors to delve into the historical significance of this pivotal 1969 event and its impact on those who would make up the festival crowd. The exhibit will be held from March 30 to December 31 in the Crossroads Exhibit Gallery. During the Lunar Weekend from May 17 to 19, Bethel Woods will be offering films, hands-on activities, speakers and activities focused on the profound impact of the lunar landing on American culture.

Throughout the 2019 season, Bethel Woods also will host a series of live discussions and workshops entitled Vibrations, in which artists and change-makers will reflect on what the spirit of Woodstock means to us today. These shared experiences are intended to promote open conversations about the future and reignite a commitment to peace and civility.

At the very spot in the Catskills where Woodstock took place, there may be no better place to find inspiration in its legacy.

For a full schedule of events including performances and film screenings, visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.

Having the right long flight essentials can turn a basic plane ride into a pleasurable trip that you can almost look forward to (hey, I said almost!) So, track down the neck pillow that will help you sleep better or prepare a healthy snack for your in-flight cravings. If you’re planning on spending many hours in the air, it’s worth taking the time to factor in comfort when prepping for the trip ahead.

Whether you’re flying across the United States or jetting all the way around the world, consider these long-haul flight must-haves. From carry-ons and comfy socks to the best headphones and TSA-approved beauty and grooming necessities.

Carry-ons

A long flight doesn’t always warrant a large suitcase that you have to check. I’m a fan of carrying on the Away suitcase because it’s well-designed with spaces for everything you may need; it even comes with a built-in phone charger. For a smaller carrier that fits under your seat and will hold all your long-haul flight essentials, I recommend this United by Blue genius bag that can convert from a backpack to shoulder bag. It’s light and has zippered compartments to safely stow your things.

Comfort

The airplane pillow is a highly debated topic among frequent travelers and for good reason. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; we all come in different sizes and shapes and have our own sleeping patterns.

The Infinity Pillow is a versatile pillow that can twist and wrap to transform and fit the needs of the space you’re in. The pillows by Ostrich look a little bizarre. But in the name of comfort, do you really care? If you’re stuck in the middle seat, opt for the Trtl. It’s a neck wrap that gives you support so you can rest in a comfortable position. And if carrying a large travel pillow discourages you from bringing one, try Travelrest’s inflatable pillow for a compact cure.

A footrest is for serious flyers that want to transform their seat into a cozy space. It attaches onto your tray table, allowing you to have a place to rest your feet. Make sure to buy one that separates your feet, or it can get uncomfortable. And don’t forget a good eye mask; it’s is a game changer when your neighbor has a reading light on.

Clothing

What you wear is one of the easiest ways to achieve comfort on a long flight. Your outfit should be a mixture of comfort and practicality. The “airplane mode” cozy sweatshirt and pants by The Laundry Room are a cozy and quirky option.

Layers are also a good idea to prepare for fluctuations in cabin temperature. Bring a big scarf; not only can you use it as a blanket, but it’s also a great stand-in for a pillow. The Crane & Lion wrap sweater is another long flight essential because it can morph into many different styles to fit your airplane needs.

Compression socks are a must if you have swollen ankles or just like comfy socks, like these by United by Blue.

Technology

A lot of planes either don’t have outlets for plugs or they are broken when you’re in dire need of a charge, so traveling with the portable myCharge charger is a must. It comes with a built-in cord to juice up your phone and a USB port.

These Sony noise-canceling headphones will save you from loud airplanes, screaming children and chatty neighbors when you’re trying to snooze.

And this may not be a tech recommendation, but don’t forget a pen! You’d be surprised by how many people don’t travel with this necessity.

Self-care

There’s nothing wrong with a little self-care in the air! Break out your TSA-friendly beauty and grooming products that are 3.4 ounces or less and keep your skin hydrated and protected from germs, dry cabin air and the sun’s rays (UV light still affects your skin through that tiny airplane window).

Use a face mist like this one from Caudalie to keep your skin fresh, and seal it with Tata Harper’s Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil, which will act as a barrier for your skin from the air on the airplane. Don’t forget lip balm, moisturizer, SPF, hand sanitizer, deodorant and toothbrush. You can also travel with a small tube of pure coconut oil. An all-in-one product that can stand in as a moisturizer, lip balm and more.

Sitting in one place on a plane can wreak havoc on your body. T-Spheres are travel-size aromatherapy massage balls you can use for pain and to increase circulation, and the Gaiam Finger Massager is the perfect tool to help with swollen hands from traveling.

Food

While airplanes offer meals and snacks on the plane, bringing your own nibbles will ensure you’ll actually enjoy them. I prefer to make snacks like roasted almonds or chickpeas if I have time before traveling.

Bring a Klean Kanteen water bottle and fill it up at the airport to avoid having to buy expensive plastic bottles. It’s light and will keep your water cold for hours.

A few more smart items to bring on the plane: a reusable spork and a bandana, so you won’t have to ask the flight attendant for utensils or a napkin, and you can reuse them throughout your entire trip.

Click here for more travel must-haves!

Tell us your long flights essentials in the comments!

Plan and book your next vacation with AAA.

Summer is just around the corner and there’s no better vacation retreat in the Northeast than the Pocono Mountains. One of the area’s main attractions is Pocono Raceway, which hosts two NASCAR races and one IndyCar race during the summer. Whether you’re a motorsports fan or not, there’s more than enough fun to spread around to people of all ages at Pocono Raceway.

The Raceway

Pocono Raceway is one of the most unique racing venues in the country. The track, known as “The Tricky Triangle,” has three turns – all different angles – and contains the longest front stretch in motorsports.

Behind the grandstand is Fan Fair. This ticketed area features interactive sponsor display areas, merchandise locations, kids’ areas and more. It also hosts driver appearances.

When hunger strikes, dive into the countless food options the venue offers such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, BBQ, pizza, London broil and sausage sandwiches, to name a few. There are beverage carts located all around the track serving both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. If you choose, you can also bring in outside drinks; the venue allows coolers filled with the beverage of your choice in the grandstand.

The Races

Pocono Raceway holds three motorsports event weekends each year. Each weekend has three days of racing, leading up to the main event on Sunday. The Pocono 400 takes places on June 2. The race is part of the NASCAR Cup Series. The following month, Pocono Raceway hosts another NASCAR Cup event when the Gander RV 400 rolls into town on July 28. The Poconos racing season culminates with the ABC Supply 500 IndyCar Series on August 18.

Racing Experiences

Watching a race from the stands is one thing, whipping around the track yourself is another. If you’ve got the need for speed, Pocono Raceway has you covered. The Stock Car Racing Experience allows guests to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR style stock car and travel up to 160 mph around the famous 2.5-mile raceway. The experience includes a one-hour training session and all necessary safety equipment. Guests can also choose to get the experience from the passenger seat by catching a ride with a professional instructor.

Pocono Raceway also offers Pro Kart racing, Exotic Car driving experiences and rentals of three-wheel Polaris Slingshots.

The Pocono Raceway Air Show

Motorsport races aren’t the only big-ticket event during the summer. Be sure to mark your calendars for the weekend of August 24-25 when The Great Pocono Raceway Air Show flies into town. The event will feature four hours of aerobatic entertainment and re-enactments. Numerous pilots will showcase their dazzling skills, as will the U.S. Army Golden Knights, one of only three Department of Defense-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams. Guests can watch the Golden Knights parachute from the sky in precise formation.

The event features other entertainment for all ages with multiple displays and vendors in Fan Fair, kid-friendly activities, helicopter rides, exotic car rides and more. Tickets start at $15. Children six and under are admitted for free, and tickets for children between the ages of seven and 12 are half price.

Fun for the Kids

There’s more than enough fun to be had for kids during race weekends. What’s even better is that it’s all free. Children 12 and under receive free admission tickets to the 100 and 200 levels of the grandstand for all Friday, Saturday and Sunday events during NASCAR and IndyCar event weekends. They also receive free entry to Fan Fair, which includes the Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital Kids Zone.

Poconos Raceway will also host the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Kids Day on July 27. The family-friendly day features numerous activities including face painting, bounce houses, clowns, photo booths, a book mobile and more. There will also be displays from the Crayola Experience, Sky Zone, Legoland Discovery Center of Philadelphia, Monroe County Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and many other organizations. All activities are free for kids ages 12 and under as well as adults who have gate admission to that day’s race.

The raceway is also home to the The #PoconoMtns Inclusive Playground, a 5,000-square-foot playground designed for children of all ages and abilities to play together. The playground is open to the public throughout the spring, summer and fall, free of charge.

Fun for Everyone

The fun doesn’t stop when the races are over. The Infield Block Party is home to a live concert stage, whiffle ball field, kid’s activities, food, beverages and so much more. The block party is open Friday and Saturday nights during NASCAR race weekends, with live bands playing from 6:00 pm to midnight. In addition, Poconos Raceway hosts fireworks shows on Saturday nights. The Infield Block Party is open to all camping guests free of charge on Friday and Saturday, and to the public on Saturday for a $10 donation per vehicle. The proceeds go to the local fire company.

Even pets are invited to get in on the fun. Pocono Raceway’s Bark Park is the first dog park located inside a NASCAR and IndyCar track. The park is within a fenced-in area on the infield and includes obstacles and plenty of room for dogs to roam.

Check out all the fun things there are to do in the Pocono Mountains all year round.

With three theme parks,  a growing portfolio of hotels and countless attractions, Universal Orlando Resort brings Hollywood-level star power to beautiful central Florida.

Whether you plan to stay for one day or four, you’re going to want to do everything you can to make the most of your time – and money – in the parks. Here are 12 ways to get the most bang for your buck when visiting Universal Orlando.

1. Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel

Staying at one of the resort’s hotels has perks beyond the impressive accommodations. When you do, you get free transportation to and from the resort’s three theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay) plus you get an hour of early access before other guests are let in. Some of the hotels even provide free Universal Express Unlimited passes, which let you and every guest on your reservation bypass long lines at most rides.

Universal’s new Aventura Hotel stands out with its sleek, modern design, rooftop Bar 17 Bistro a state-of-the-art virtual reality game room. The destination’s first Value hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, will be opening soon in July 2019, and its sister hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, is set to open in 2020. Learn more about the pros of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel.

2. Use Single Rider Lines

Nobody likes to wait in line, but with single rider lines you can board some of the best – like Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida and The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man at Islands of Adventure – in way less time.

3. Pick Rides With Fun Queues

Single rider lines are not always an option, but in many cases, the line is part of the experience. Universal Orlando does an amazing job at making the lines fun, with storytelling and interactive elements throughout. Transformers: The Ride 3D and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey do a great job at this.

4. Make Use of Virtual Lines

Some rides, like the Fast & Furious: Supercharged have a virtual line that gives you the option of returning at a set time to get on. This can greatly cut down on the amount of time you spend waiting – although you’re going to want to make time to see the 15 authentic Fast & Furious cars in the ride queue.

5. Buy a Universal Express Pass

If you don’t get the free pass with your stay at one of the three resort hotels that offer it, you may want to consider adding them to your park tickets. There are different levels, including the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the line once per attraction, and the Universal Express Unlimited pass, which lets you skip the lines as many times as you’d like at each attraction.

6. Use the App

The official Universal Orlando Resort app has a handful of handy features like the ability to map a route through a park, read up on restaurants and keep an eye on reservations and queue times. You can even use it to buy tickets and dining plans, make a favorites list, find restrooms and order food to go.

7. Take Advantage of Specials

Universal Orlando is known for providing great deals and specials throughout the year. You can sign up for their email list to be among the first to know when a new deal goes live.

8. Purchase Strategically

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty busy at the parks. If you can, try to visit during the week for shorter lines. Similarly, buying lunch later in the day can help you get back to the rides quickly.

9. Bust a Move During the Parade

Get down with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora and Diego and the Minions as they march through the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Superstar Parade. The park becomes a giant stage with music, confetti, floats and street performers. There’s even a recreation of some of the best moments from the hit movie “The Secret Lives of Pets.” It’s a great way to meet the stars Universal is known for all in one place.

10. Go All in for Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the crown jewel of Universal Orlando; its magnificent Hogwarts Castle and replicated London streets create a truly immersive experience. The Harry Potter-themed area spans two parks (Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure) so the Park to Park ticket is a must if you have any Potterheads in your party.

Plus, with a multi-park pass, you can ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station (the ride is different depending on which direction you take it, so be sure to do both!). The two lands tend to get crowded, so go early and get on the rides – like Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts – as soon as you can. (This is where the early park access comes in handy!)

Interactive magic wands are also available for purchase in both lands. Cast a spell with proper wand gestures at special areas throughout the parks and watch the magic unfold. Plus, on select dates, come back for the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle for a dazzling spectacle of music and illumination.

11. Stick Around for CityWalk

Universal’s CityWalk is more than just the gateway to the three parks – it’s a lively downtown-type area full of amazing restaurants, street performers, shopping and more. Carve out some time during your stay to visit its Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and/or the Hot Dog Hall of Fame. You can even catch a performance from the world-famous Blue Man Group.

12. Watch a Show

On a hot day, you may need a break from the heat, or you might just want to get off your feet for a little while. The shows at Universal Orlando are spectacular, with the Wantilan Luau, Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom and the Caribbean Carnival Dinner show among the many must-see performances.

Now get out there and start making memories!

Save time and money when you book a Universal Orlando Resort vacation with AAA.

AAA Northeast officials were happy to host Gov. Charlie Baker at AAA Boston in March to show support for his proposed road safety legislation.

“We are extremely gratified to see that Governor Baker is making traffic safety a priority for this administration,” said AAA President and CEO Galvin. “For many years, our mission at AAA Northeast has been to make our roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and those who work at the roadside.”

Called An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth, the legislation is on point with AAA efforts to strengthen traffic laws and give authorities greater ability to enforce them.

“Ensuring the safety of travelers throughout Massachusetts is very important, and we are proud to have the support of stakeholders like AAA and MADD on this commonsense legislation,” said Governor Baker. “Our roadway safety legislation targets several areas which will have a real impact on improving safety for the traveling public, including imposing greater sanctions for operating under the influence and establishing requirements for newly emerging transportation options.”

Here are some highlights.

Hands-free: The use of electronic devices by drivers would be restricted to “hands-free” mode only. Anyone operating a motor vehicle would not be allowed to touch or hold a mobile electronic device, “except to perform a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate, or initiate hands-free mode.” The bill would permit talking, texting and other tasks to be completed by voice commands and would allow law enforcement officers to better enforce distraction laws.

Seat Belt Enforcement: Law enforcement officials would be allowed to stop motorists who are not wearing seat belts.

Drunken Driving: First-time offenders who apply for hardship licenses would be required to use an ignition interlock device for a minimum of six months. It also clarifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles’ ability to penalize those who attempt to drive after drinking alcohol, even with a device, and those who tamper with the interlock device.

AAA also supports all of the governor’s other road safety proposals, which include the following.

Work Zone Safety: MassDOT would be allowed to establish mandatory lower speed limits in construction zones that would double fines when workers are present. Currently, lower speed limits in construction zones are only suggestions and law enforcement cannot enforce them.

Side Guards and Additional Mirrors: The proposal would require all commonwealth-owned and operated vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have side guards, convex mirrors and cross-over mirrors after Jan. 1, 2020. Contractors for the state and municipalities would be required to have these devices by Jan. 1, 2022. Some exemptions would be allowed.

New Technology: Electric scooters and other low-speed mobility devices, such as electric bicycles, currently lack a specific vehicle classification. The proposal treats these new technology items the same as bicycles, according to existing Massachusetts General Law.

Read the full news release here.

Read the full bill and check its progress here.

Find out more. AAA.com/MassRoads

Changing up the look of your home always helps you to appreciate it in new ways.

Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or refreshing your living room, put your own spin on these home decor trends for a space that reflects your distinct style.

Maximalism

Designers have been shifting away from minimalist styles and Scandinavian-inspired rooms, taking us in the direction of maximalism. Sure, you’ll want to maintain the uncluttered approach that makes a space livable, but a shift toward bold art, texture and furniture means the graphic wallpaper or floral print sofa you’ve been eyeing is completely on-trend.

Vertical Gardens

With Pinterest users throughout the world posting their decorating tips, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found on social media. According to Pinterest’s top 100 trend report for 2019, we will continue to see vertical gardens popping up in our social media feeds. This space-saving living art works in just about any indoor or outdoor area since it doesn’t take away square footage.

Bold Colors

Neutrals never go out of style, but this year bolder colors are showing up everywhere from walls to patio furniture upholstery. Pantone selected Living Coral as its color of the year, and the pink and orange hues of this shade exude pure warmth. Those who prefer the cooler end of the spectrum will also find ways to apply bold color, such as the deep emerald kitchen islands noted in Houzz’s 2019 trend report.

Natural Finishes

If an emerald island is too bold for your taste, you might want to choose a rustic wood cabinet finish for your kitchen renovation.

Clean styling in an organic palette of natural wood tones remains a popular aesthetic choice for every room, not just the kitchen. Spaces that feel connected to the environment promote a sense of calm and reflect an appreciation of the natural world.

Before you redo an entire room based on a trend, however, consider testing it out in small ways, such as boldly colored throw pillows. If you find that the trend suits your style, move on to more extensive decorating projects.

Find more home decor inspiration. AAA.com/HomeGuide

There are many perks to staying at Walt Disney World resorts during your Disney vacation. Guests who are staying on property have access to the Disney Dining Plan, free transportation, Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks and more. And because of their wide price range, you don’t have to break the bank to stay at Disney World resorts. Whether you’re looking for a deal or dreaming of a luxury getaway, there’s a Disney resort for you.

Budget

Stay: Any of Disney’s value resorts will be a great place to crash at the end of a long day. These resorts, like Pop Century and the All-Star collection, have everything one could need, from a cafeteria to a huge pool. Art of Animation is Disney’s newest value resort, and it has the most transporting theme – Disney animation. Rooms are modeled after different Disney movies, like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.” Everything is new and fresh and delightfully colorful. It’s the perfect place for a young family to stay.

Do: Enjoy sculptures of iconic moments from Disney movies, like Simba, Timon and Pumbaa singing “Hakuna Matata” while walking across a gigantic log. Want to cool off? Play in the largest hotel pool of any Disney resort – the Big Blue Pool, inspired by “Finding Nemo.”

Dine: Landscape of Flavors is the best budget cafeteria at any Disney resort, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner amid a colorful atmosphere of Disney concept art.

Mid-Range

Stay: The moderate Disney World resorts offer a step-up from their value offerings. The theming here is more realistic, less plasticky and technicolor. The Port Orleans Resort (split into two parts: Riverside and French Quarter) is the perfect place to stay on a moderate budget. Lush, Louisiana-inspired decor will transport you and your family straight to New Orleans.

Do: There’s always something to do at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, play in one of the many pools or go to a Cajun campfire at nightfall. Take part in the paint classes, offered every Wednesday by a Disney instructor.

Dine: At the French Quarter you can enjoy live jazz in Scat Cat’s Club and Bar. At Riverside, you and your family can get a good meal at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, which serves Louisiana comfort food like jambalaya, catfish, grits and slow-roasted prime rib. Afterward, head on over to River Roost Lounge for a rollicking cabaret act and after-dinner drinks.

Luxury

Stay: There’s never a shortage of luxury experiences at Walt Disney World. You can’t go wrong when choosing a Disney deluxe resort – they’re all excellent. My personal favorite deluxe resort is the Wilderness Lodge, which is a great stay for the whole family. The cavernous lobby sports exposed log beams, giant totem poles and an indoor geyser. The Magic Kingdom is a short (and picturesque) boat ride away. In 2017, the resort completed a long refurbishment, so everything looks brand-new.

However, I would be remiss to exclude the Grand Floridian, which is undoubtedly Disney’s most beautiful and luxurious hotel. The Grand Floridian is a plush resort across the lagoon, with beautiful Victorian finishes and a glut of deluxe amenities. Unlike the Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian is on the Magic Kingdom monorail circuit – so the journey to and from the park is as painless as the rest of your visit.

Do: Both resorts offer boat rentals and fishing in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Both have unique pools and great views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The Grand Floridian offers a suite of specialty cruises, like a fireworks cruise and a pirate adventure cruise for kids aged 4 to 12.

The Grand Floridian is home to Disney’s Senses Spa – a full spa that offers facials, full body massages, wraps, baths, manicures and pedicures. No matter where you’re staying, Senses is worth a visit.

Dine: Both resorts offer many dining experiences – so here’s just a taste. At the Wilderness Lodge, you can find fine dining at the Artist’s Palate. But if you’re looking for something a little bit wilder, head on down to the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the lobby. It’s a rollicking, Old West-themed eatery with literal buckets of food (it’s all-you-care-to-eat). The waiters at the cafe are known for ribbing their guests and initiating hobby horse races in the middle of a meal.

The Grand Floridian’s claim to fame is Victoria and Albert’s, a date-night destination for parents who want to have a slice of their vacation to themselves. It’s the only AAA Five Diamond Rated Disney restaurant, and it has the menu to match. If you’re really splurging, go for the Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table – an opportunity to dine in the heart of the kitchen, with a bespoke menu and one-on-one attention from the head chef. The Grand Floridian is also home to 1900 Park Fare, a restaurant that specializes in character dining experiences. You could be sharing a meal with Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and more!

Have you ever stayed at any Disney World resorts? Which one is your favorite? 

Click here for more information on Walt Disney vacations and Disney Parks discounts with AAA.