There’s a lot to think about when planning a wedding. Beyond the venue, the dress and tux fittings, the cake tastings and bachelor/bachelorette parties, there’s your life together as a married couple.

This wedding planning guide will help kickstart your plans for the big day and beyond with tips on saving money, insurance considerations and more.

Getting Started

Start by making a good old-fashioned list. Brainstorm what you and your spouse want on your special day and jot it down. Include the over-the-top requests you’ve been dreaming of since you were a kid like a castle honeymoon or writing your own vows. You’ll be surprised at how much easier your vision will come together when all your ideas are in one place.

Get yourself a wedding planning notebook if it helps. Think about things like the time of year you want to get married, how many people you want to invite, if you want a destination wedding and the big one – what is your budget?

Establishing a Wedding Budget

It wouldn’t be a proper wedding planning guide without a section on budget.

Nailing down a budget can seem like the most unromantic part of planning a wedding, but setting your monetary limits and goals as soon as possible will help you to prioritize and allocate your finances wisely. You don’t want to start your life together financially struggling ever after.

Some of the largest wedding costs include the reception venue (which may include food and beverage), the band/DJ, florist, photographers and plane tickets for a destination wedding/honeymoon. Weigh these expenses and decide what is worth saving and splurging on. If venue prices are a little too crazy, you may want to opt for a wedding in your parents’ backyard instead. If you can’t find a photographer within your price range, maybe there’s a friend that’s willing to volunteer.

Wedding Money-Saving Tips

Once you have an idea of the type of wedding you want to have and where you’d like to honeymoon, you can start putting money aside.

Shaun McGee, vice president of financial services for AAA Northeast, suggests opening a dedicated savings account. “Covering such a large expense can seem like a dauntless task, but it is achievable. Opening a high-yield, online savings account and contributing to it through payroll deduction is a great way to reach your goal,” he said.

Here are a few more simple tips to keep in mind to save and stay within your set budget.

• A longer engagement could mean more time to save. We know you can hardly wait to tie the knot but having an extended period to save could make it easier to make all your wedding dreams come true. Break down how many months you have until your wedding and decide on a weekly or monthly savings goal. Implement this with simple changes like skipping your daily $5 latte or cooking at home more.
• Use tools. There are lots of convenient money saving apps that can help you track your spending and saving. Keep each other accountable and have fun with it.
• Have your wedding cake and eat it too. You can skip a few luxuries here and there without sacrificing your overall vision. While all the upsells will be tempting, your wedding will still be amazing without the ice cream sundae station. You can still have your dream Ireland castle honeymoon, too, you just may need to shave off a few days or opt for three- or four-star accommodations instead of an extravagant resort.

Wedding and Honeymoon Money Spending Tips

Ask all your wedding purveyors how you can cut costs. They know that everyone’s budget is different and will work with you. For example, the date you choose could make a huge difference in price as weekdays are generally less in demand and less expensive. Also, the type of reception. If the cost per plate is too much for a sit-down dinner, you may want to consider having a cocktail party or a brunch instead.

Planning your honeymoon flights on certain days can also significantly cut the cost of your tickets, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Do your research and be sure to compare different dates when booking. Keeping your trip domestic will also be less expensive.

AAA travel advisors that specialize in destination weddings and honeymoons are available to assist with all the details and find you as many savings as possible. Find your Agent of Honor today.

Another smart spending tip for your wedding is to rent instead of buying your jewelry, tux or wedding dress. Sample sales can also save you some big bucks. If you’re buying a wedding dress, buy it well in advance (at least 8-10 months ahead) to avoid rush fees on shipping and alterations.

Overall, it’s pretty easy to find deals and sales on almost all things wedding and honeymoon-related. Sign up for newsletters for brands you like, follow their social media accounts and grab all the latest wedding and honeymoon magazines.

Protecting Your Wedding 

When you’re planning for the best day, you don’t want to have to think about the worst, but life and the weather are unpredictable. If something happens that is out of your control – like a snowstorm or hurricane – that forces you to cancel or postpone your wedding, event insurance can be a life safer. It can also protect you from financial losses if one of your vendors calls out sick or if someone gets hurt.

You hopefully won’t need to use your event insurance, but at least you can have peace of mind knowing that it’s there. Start by requesting a quote.

You may want to consider travel insurance for your honeymoon or group travel insurance if you’re planning a destination wedding. Your travel agent can help you get a plan in place.

And don’t forget about your rings! Wedding ring insurance is also a good idea to protect your bands from loss, left or damage. AAA Insurance can help you find the right jewelry insurance policy. Get a quote today.

After the Big Day …

Time to do some adulting! Marriage is a major life event that merits a review and update of your insurance policies.

“One way newlyweds can save money on their insurance is to combine auto policies,” says Emily Buckley, AAA Northeast senior insurance agent. “Most of the time this means going from a single- to multi-vehicle policy, which allows you to qualify for a multi-car discount.”

This may be also good time to look into an umbrella policy. This liability insurance provides coverage above and beyond the limits of your car and property policies. “When you and your spouse combine policies, it’s important to understand that you’re also combining your funds,” Buckley said. “The perfect policy to protect your lifestyle? An umbrella!” Umbrella insurance covers the policyholder and members of the family/household, making it especially practical for homeowners and married couples.

And of course, life insurance. While you are combining your finances, take a look at your life insurance policies. If you already have a term plan, this is an opportunity to convert it to a whole plan. And if you don’t have a policy yet, now is a good time to look into one.

Get in touch with a AAA Insurance agent to learn more about your insurance options.

Congratulations! As you prepare for this milestone event, remember to keep your budget in mind, take an organized and thoughtful approach to planning and don’t get too caught up in the details. Most importantly, enjoy this exciting time.

In the Northeast, you don’t have to go that far before you run into history. And the Northeast is full of historic sites that celebrate Black stories and culture.

The Amistad

The Amistad, which sails up and down the Long Island Sound between New Haven, Bridgeport and New London, Connecticut, is a replica of the original Spanish schooner La Amistad where the 1839 uprising took place. In the winter months, you can find it docked on the wharf at the Mystic Seaport Museum. The floating classroom outlines the slave rebellion, the landmark Supreme Court case that followed and the history of the civil rights movement from 1841 to the present.

While you’re in the area, you can check out other sites that played a role in the case, like the Austin F. Williams Carriagehouse and House, the First Church of Christ and the New Haven Green. There’s also an Amistad memorial in New Haven, which depicts uprising leader Sengbe Pieh (also known as Joseph Cinque) and honors the brave African people who took part in the rebellion.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

After spending about a decade in Ontario, Canada, former slave turned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman moved back to the U.S. and settled in Auburn, New York, with her family. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park consists of Harriet Tubman’s home, the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, the Tubman Home for the Aged and the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

The Tubman Home for the Aged was a home for elderly African Americans that Tubman herself opened, and where she lived from 1911 until her death in 1913. The Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was the church she attended while living in Auburn.

While you’re in Auburn you can also visit the Fort Hill Cemetery, where Tubman is buried, and pay your respects.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

New York is full of sites that played important roles in the Underground Railroad. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is located near the former International Suspension Bridge, a route used by many on the Underground Railroad who sought freedom in Canada.

The Heritage Center tells the story of these freedom seekers, as well as free African American residents, abolitionists and others who helped them along the way. For many, this represented the last leg of the journey, the last river to cross before they were free. At the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, their stories live on.

Museum of African American History and Boston Black Heritage Trail

The Museum of African American History, which has locations in Boston and Nantucket, is New England’s largest museum dedicated to the history, culture and contributions of African Americans. Here, you can discover over 3,000 historic objects, including rare photographs, prints and artifacts.

After your visit, consider a stroll through historic buildings on the museum’s Boston Black Heritage Trail. The trail is a walking tour of pre-Civil War sites important to Beacon Hill’s free African American community. On this free guided or self-guided walking tour, you can visit sites like the Charles Street Meeting House, the George Middleton House, the Abiel Smith School and more.

W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site

Author and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois’s familial and childhood home is memorialized at the W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Though the home is no longer standing, the 5-acre site offers a self-guided interpretive trail, a commemorative boulder and the original foundations of the house. You can also take the self-guided Great Barrington Walking Tour, which identifies sites around Great Barrington that were important or influential to W.E.B. Du Bois.

Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum

Inspired by his mother’s original collection of artifacts related to African American history, Jeffrey Fletcher opened the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum in Stratford, Connecticut in 2021. At the museum, visitors can see a wide collection of historic artifacts ranging from the period of slavery all the way up through the civil rights movement.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Founded in 1976, the African American Museum in Philadelphia was the first museum built by a major U.S. city dedicated to the life and work of African Americans. The museum tracks the art, culture and history of African Americans from the pre-Colonial era to the present day. The exhibits are constantly being rotated and updated, so it’s a great museum for multiple visits. The museum focuses both on local history and the wider scope of the Black experience in America.

Have you ever been to one of these historic sites or museums? Are there any sites that we forgot to mention on our list? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured image: “Museum of African American History – Nantucket” by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Restaurants throughout the Northeast will be celebrating Lunar New Year with traditions, family and delicious cuisine. Superstitions, symbolism and festivities are at the forefront of one of the most popular Asian holidays around the world, and it all starts with food.

The lunar calendar is represented by 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac; 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes change, new opportunity and vitality.

This year, the holiday starts on Feb. 10 and runs for two weeks.

Connecticut

Chef Jiang

New Haven

Gather friends and family to enjoy the Lunar New Year package at Chef Jiang where you’ll be treated to traditional Chinese dishes like whole peking duck, chicken and pork soup, eight treasure sweet gluntinous rice, conch slice in XO sauce, pumpkin cookies, sesame balls and so much more. Packages range in price from 8-9 guests or 10-12 guests. Book in advance.

Massachusetts

Myers + Chang

Boston

Myers + Chang, in Boston’s South End, has one of the most popular dim sum brunches. The eatery has a hip diner feel to it with a menu made up of Asian-infused comfort foods. With items like tea-smoked spareribs and crispy marinated tofu bao, this is a perfect Lunar New Year restaurant. They’ll be offering takeout and delivery, in addition to indoor dining.

New Hampshire

Lilac Blossom

Nashua

In business for over 40 years, Lilac Blossom is an old-school Chinese restaurant with two locations in Nashua. Run by husband-and-wife team Harry and Sophia Ku, Lilac Blossom’s popular dishes include General Tso’s chicken and Hunan spicy beef. Preordering your celebratory meal is encouraged.

New Jersey

Hunan Taste

Montclair and Denville

Enjoy your Lunar New Year feast at this local favorite. Family-owned since 1986, the menus at both Hunan Taste locations are similar, but the decor at the Montclair location is more modern compared to Denville’s traditional red and gold dragons and lanterns.

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New York

MO Lounge

Mandarin Oriental New York

The AAA Five Diamond Designated Mandarin Oriental is ringing in the Year of the Dragon with a curated booking package that includes late checkout, complimentary breakfast and a unique welcome gift. Dine at the hotel’s MO Lounge during your stay for a stunning view overlooking Central Park.

The MaLa Project

Manhattan

The MaLa Project, a Chinese restaurant and hotspot in midtown Manhattan, will be offering a special menu to celebrate the Lunar New Year that includes dragon prawns, peppercorn fish and tofu soup and shredded pork and chives.

Leland Eating and Drinking House

Brooklyn

Usually offering Mediterranean cuisine and fresh baked bread, Leland will be overhauling its entire menu during the week of Feb. 12 to 18 for Lunar New Year. Owner Randi Lee and Chef Delfin Jaranilla have curated a menu that features Asian dishes inspired by their childhood, like long noodles, chicken jook porridge and char siu pork shoulder. The in-house bakery Leland Baking House will be churning out favorites like almond cookies, steamed bao and sesame balls. At the end of the meal, guests can expect to receive lai see (red envelopes), a gift that symbolizes good luck and health and keeps the bad spirits away.

Rhode Island

Y Noodle and Bar

Providence

If you’d like to celebrate the New Year with lucky noodles, then Y Noodle and Bar is the right spot. It is said that noodles symbolize long life – the longer your noodle, the better. Order the classic ramen noodles and juicy soup dumplings with decadent add-ons like wagyu beef or truffles. One of the restaurant’s most buzzed-about dishes is its pork belly with cotton candy; braised for 12 hours, the dish is served with hot braising liquid on the side, so you can pour it over the cotton candy and watch it melt.

Cheng Du Taste

Providence

In the mood for something spicy? Cheng Du Taste specializes in Sichuan cuisine, which is known for its heat. The menu has a spice level scale of one to three next to each spicy dish. If you want to go bold, get the whole spicy fish, a three on the spice scale and a symbol of prosperity for the new year. For a milder option, try the shredded pork with garlic sauce.

Share your Lunar New Year traditions in the comments below.

Your engagement story is one that will be retold for years to come, so you’ll want to make it as special as possible. That includes picking the perfect location to drop to one knee. Fortunately, there are spectacular locations throughout the Northeast to choose from. Here are 12 spots perfect for a marriage proposal.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen, N.Y.

If magical is what you’re aiming for, you’ll need an otherworldly setting. Watkins Glen State Park is just the place. The glen’s stream descends 400 feet, creating 19 different waterfalls along its course. The result is breathtaking scenery. The gorge path winds over and under these waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. There are also rim trails that overlook the gorge.

Central Park

New York, N.Y.

Central Park may not be the most original proposal site, but there’s a reason it’s so popular – there’s not a bad patch in the entire 843 acres. You can choose to pop the question in one of its wide-open settings such as Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn, or opt for a particularly romantic attraction like the Bethesda Terrace Arcade, Bow Bridge or Belvedere Castle.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn, N.Y.

To get jaw-dropping views of New York City’s skyline, you may be tempted to search for the highest skyscraper perch. But to get the best sight of Manhattan, you should hop over to the other side of the East River. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers visitors sweeping views of the harbor, the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Letchworth State Park

Castile, N.Y.

Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is the hidden treasure of Western New York. The sweeping vistas, dramatic plunges and dreamlike waterfalls have to be seen to be believed. For an extra romantic proposal, book a hot air balloon ride over the park. It’s the perfect place to pop the question.

The Knob

Woods Hole, Mass.

This Cape Cod peninsula was established as a nature preserve more than 40 years ago. Yet it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem. The 12-acre property contains numerous trails that provide sights of Buzzards Bay and Quissett Harbor. The main attraction is the outermost stretch of ground, where the land elevates to provide spectacular, far-reaching waterfront views – a picture-perfect spot to get down on one knee.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Boston, Mass.

Want your proposal photos to really impress? The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is an art museum that also features breathtaking gardens and unforgettable architecture. The Courtyard is the main attraction, but there are beautiful proposal spots all around the property.

Mount Washington

Coos County, N.H.

On a clear day, views from Mount Washington’s 6,288-foot summit can reach as far as Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking the mountain is no easy feat though. It takes an average of five hours each way and should only be done if you’re an experienced hiker. Fortunately, there are much easier ways to reach the top. The Mount Washington Auto Road allows you to drive to the top as you pass through four distinct climate zones. If you’re looking for something a little more charming, try the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Cliff Walk

Newport, R.I.

If your significant other is a history buff, the Cliff Walk may be the best proposal site. This 3.5-mile trail wraps around Newport’s shore. The path is famous for combining the natural beauty of the Easton Bay with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. You’ll walk past the numerous mansions that make up this National Historic District.

Acadia National Park

Hancock & Knox counties, Maine

U.S. National Parks contain some of the country’s most beautiful settings, and Acadia is no different. The park includes seven peaks above 1,000 feet, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads with 16 stone bridges. But for a truly unique setting try Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the eastern coast of the United States. Between October and March, Cadillac is the first spot in the country to see the sunrise. See our Acadia National Park guide.

Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens

Stamford, Conn.

Strolling through the Bartlett is like being transported directly into a Robert Frost poem. The destination’s miles of trails take visitors past immaculate gardens, majestic trees, colonial stonewalls and pristine wetlands. With more than 90 acres to explore, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to pop the question.

Lighthouse Point Park

New Haven, Conn.

The eponymous lighthouse is a postcard-worthy sight. However, the park’s most famous attraction is its carousel. Built in the early 1900s, the carousel is one of less than 100 of its kind in use today. It’s housed in a building on the beach shores, providing a picturesque setting overlooking the Long Island Sound.

Trapp Family Lodge

Stowe, Vt.

The hills are alive at this famous Austrian-style lodge ran by the real-life von Trapp family. It’s an amazing proposal spot if your partner is a fan of “The Sound of Music,” but it’s also an extremely photogenic location, nestled in the rolling hills and lush mountains of Stowe.

Let the wedding planning begin! Check out these tips before you walk down the aisle. And don’t forget to insure your engagement ring. Get a quote now.

Talk to a AAA travel advisor to plan your destination wedding or dream honeymoon. Find your Agent of Honor today.

Tell us your marriage proposal story. Where did you (or your significant other) pop the question? Let us know in the comments!

Sometimes you just need to get away, and since one is the loneliest number, a romantic road trip with your significant other could prove to be the perfect mini vacation.

Romantic tastes vary, but you can’t go wrong with sunsets, ocean views and time spent in nature, coupled with delectable meals and cozy retreats. Fortunately, the Northeast has an abundance of regions that check all of these boxes and more.

From the northern coastline of Maine to the southern tip of New Jersey, here are some of the most swoon-worthy romantic road trips in the Northeast.

Nantucket

You’d go to the ends of the earth for your loved one, but you don’t need to go quite that far for this romantic road trip. Just get to the end of Massachusetts, then jump on a ferry and set sail for an island vacation, Northeast style. Nantucket may not be as well-known Martha’s Vineyard, but this neighboring plot of land has all the appeal but a fraction of the crowds. Take a romantic stroll along Sconset Bluff Walk, dig in to a toes-in-the-sand dinner at Galley Beach or enjoy a sunset cruise around the island.

The Hudson Valley

There are few Northeast locations more picturesque than New York’s Hudson Valley, a region stretching 150 miles along the Hudson Valley from Westchester to Albany. Nearly every turn brings breathtaking views, but some of the best are had at elevated perches, such as Poughkeepsie’s Walkway Over the Hudson or the top of Breakneck Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Closer to sea level, the Innisfree Garden and Poets’ Walk Park are perfect spots for a romantic stroll. If the way to your heart is through your stomach, reserve a table at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. The farm-to-table eatery is also the state’s only Michelin-starred restaurant outside of New York City.

Coastal Connecticut

Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking a romantic road trip back to a simpler time. Connecticut’s coastline is dotted with quaint, historic towns perfect for a quiet getaway. Mystic, Old Saybrook, Guilford, Madison and Old Lyme are just a few of the charming villages nestled along the Long Island Sound. Each is home to enough attractions to keep you and your significant other busy for a day. The area is also teeming with romantic bed-and-breakfasts should you want to extend your stay.

Newport and Narragansett, Rhode Island

If it’s a seaside stroll you and your significant other are after, you’ll find none better than the Cliff Walk in Newport. Not only does the 3.5-mile paved path give you a front-row seat to the coast’s crashing waves, it also guides you past the historic Gilded Age Mansions Newport is so well-known for. But that’s just the start of this waterfront destination’s appeal. There are museums, wineries and much, much more.

When you’re done touring the city, take a quick drive over the Newport Bridge and down Route 1A to the town of Narragansett. Here you’ll find beaches aplenty, along with porched-lined bed-and-breakfast spots where you can put your feet up and allow the ocean breeze to wash over you.

Maine’s Coastline

Wave-splashed cliffs, historical lighthouses, panoramic ocean views – every inch of Maine’s coastline looks like it was pulled from the canvas of a painting. The seaside towns dotted along the way, from Kennebunkport and Portland to Freeport and Camden, are just as charming and filled with countless attractions to keep you busy. (Don’t forget to stop for a lobster roll or two.)

Wander up the coastline until you and your one and only reach the Northeast’s one and only National Park. Not only does Acadia contain some of the country’s most scenic drives, its home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. Wake up early and trek to the summit for a particularly special experience: From October 7 to March 6, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the country you can see the sun rise.

Cape May, New Jersey

At the southern tip of New Jersey, you’ll find picturesque Cape May. The town has been a popular seaside destination for visitors dating back to the 18^th century, so you know there’s something special about it. Cape May is a perfect year-round vacation spot for couples, as it offers something for everyone (or every pair). There are outdoor activities like parasailing and whale watching, luxurious spas to relax and unwind, and museums, galleries and live theater for the art aficionados. One particularly popular – and romantic – thing to do is take a ferry cruise along New Jersey’s southern coastline.

Looking for more road trip ideas? We have you covered.

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When it comes to 25^th wedding anniversary celebrations, not much can top a 13-day tour of Italy with family, and Paramus, N.J., resident Franca Eleftheriades could hardly wait to experience the sights, cuisine and culture.

She wanted to add one more event to the packed guided tour – she told AAA Travel Counselor Claudete Fujikawa in the Hackensack, N.J., office that she and her husband Anthony wanted to renew their wedding vows in a church in Italy.

“I figured there was no better place; my parents were born, raised and married in Italy before they came to the U.S.,” Eleftheriades said.

The Right Choice

This was the first time Eleftheriades arranged a trip through AAA, when she stopped in at the AAA branch next to her gym. “I met Claudete, we just hit it off, and she helped me with all of it,” she said. “She is easy to work with, patient, knowledgeable and went out of her way. I was a little nervous; we don’t travel much, and she helped with transfers and she helped reassure us. She took the extra step.” 

The family booked the AAA Member Choice Vacations Italy’s Treasures: Art, Food and Wine of Italy for July. Squeezing a church service into a tight tour schedule sounded challenging, but Fujikawa did not hesitate to start planning. “I researched what day and time would be best to attend services at a local church,” she said. “Everything had to be coordinated with the itinerary as they were on an escorted tour. I advised the family to bring nice outfits to suit the occasion, such as a white summer dress.”  

A travel advisor for 27 years, Fujikawa personifies what it means to go above and beyond.  While all the trips she plans are special to her, “this was really one of the top,” she said.

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From Hope to Reality

Eleftheriades mentioned in a pre-trip email to tour manager Giulio Passariello that she and her husband wanted to renew their vows during the tour but understood the complex logistics involved.

“She told me any day during the vacation would work, and only if it was possible. She wasn’t expecting anything exceptional,” Passariello said in an email. “If not, she said, ‘absolutely no problem.’ It was simply her dream, but she understood they were traveling with a group. I replied that I would try to do my best, very sincerely!” 

With no firm plans when the trip began, Passariello went to work, and he came up with the perfect event.

Creating a Memory

“Considering the itinerary, pacing and timing, I planned to organize something in the evening, before dinner, while staying at the Hotel Villa Lecchi, a beautiful Tuscan villa immersed in the Tuscan countryside. That would give time to everyone to get prepared for the function and then go to dinner in the garden of the villa,” said Passariello. “The idea came to me not only because of the beauty of the place but also because in the park of the villa itself. Adjacent to the entrance, there is also an old chapel that is still consecrated that belongs to the villa itself. All the ancient noble families had a private chapel and a family priest in their summer residences and villas.”

The owner of the villa is a longtime friend, added Passariello, and he was willing to let the group use the chapel. He also knew an English-speaking priest in a nearby town.

A number of tour members joined the couple, along with their 24-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter, for the ceremony, and then for dinner at the villa. A woman from the villa even assembled a bouquet of herbs from the garden for Franca Eleftheriades. The finishing touch was musical accompaniment from a traveling choir that also was staying at the villa. It performed during the service and serenaded the Eleftheriades and guests during dinner.

“It was just meant to be,” Eleftheriades said of the impromptu celebration, adding she was grateful to all involved. She already has recommended AAA Travel to other friends planning trips.

A Lifelong Connection

Passariello and the Eleftheriades have remained in touch. “I have wonderful memories of the sensations I felt seeing and realizing that we managed to make their dream come true,” Passariello said. “I was also in tears, along with the entire group who cooperated as if we were one family. It all went well and even more … like when everything aligns perfectly, even exceeding expectations. It seemed like a fairy tale.” 

The couple visited the AAA branch after they returned to show Fujikawa pictures. “She told me stories and I remember how she was all smiles,” said Fujikawa.

“And they booked another vacation.”

She encourages her clients to share with her any special reason for the vacation they are planning. “Based on the occasion, I try my best to make it memorable, whenever possible.” 

Talk to a AAA travel advisor to plan your destination wedding or dream honeymoon. Find your Agent of Honor today.

What is your dream vacation? Tell us in the comments.

Ready for a sugar rush?

Whether you’re craving truffles or turtles, barks or brittle, gummies or Gibralters (find out what those are below!), these Northeast candy stores are sure to satisfy.

Ready to take a sweet road trip but need a ride? Click here to rent a car.

Longest Candy Counter

Chutters General Store

Littleton, N.H.

Stuffed with jelly beans, gummy worms, candy corn and licorice, Chutters holds the distinction of having the longest candy counter in the world. It could take all day to browse the 500 different types of sweets stored in big glass jars, but don’t pass up the assortment of M&Ms before you start filling your bag. Save room for the gourmet chocolates and fudge! Chutters also has locations in Lincoln and Bretton Woods, N.H.

All in the Family

Granite State Candy Shoppe

Concord and Manchester, N.H.

Some folks know not to mess with success, keeping beloved recipes in the family for generations. And so it goes at this shop, in business since 1927, where you’ll find luscious creams, fudge, chocolate cherries and even a dark chocolate-dipped Twinkie! Select chocolate by the pound from behind a glass case or grab a bag and fill it with your favorite hard candies and gummies.

Sea Creatures and Flip-Flops?

Sweenor’s Chocolates

Wakefield and Cranston, R.I.

Find Rhode Island-themed chocolate novelties, such as sea creatures, flip-flops, even chocolate seashells at Sweenor’s. In business since the ’40s, the fourth generation is still making many of its chocolate treats by hand, including clusters, barks and brittles.  

For Kids (and Kids at Heart) in a Candy Shop

Pearl’s Candy and Nuts

North Smithfield, R.I.

You can spot this third-generation shop by its bright red and white striped roof. Once inside, you won’t know where to look first, because Pearl’s is loaded with nostalgic treats such as Dots, Pixy Stix, Laffy Taffy and Bit-O-Honey. Then there are peanut butter cups and caramels next to jelly beans and rock candy. Pearl’s is also known for its nuts.

Sweets and Suites

Middlebury Sweets

Middlebury, Vt.

Reportedly Vermont’s largest candy store – offering some 1,500 varieties – Middlebury Sweets is actually located in the middle of its namesake motel, which features candy-themed rooms. The shop sells handmade peanut butter cups, peanut butter and banana Elvis bark, Tiger Paws (also known as turtles) and novelty candy items. And if you need to crash after your sugar high, you won’t have far to fall.

Hold the Nuts

Vermont Nut Free Candy

Colchester, Vt.

This shop, and its online site, is a mecca for chocolate lovers who have peanut or nut allergies. Stocked with boxed chocolates, bunnies and chocolate-covered pretzels, owners Gail and Mark Elvidge began the company in 1998 after they couldn’t find a safe chocolate product for their young son, who had a life-threatening peanut allergy. Find additional retailers on their website.

For the Vegan in Your Life

Lagusta’s Luscious

New Paltz, N.Y.

Everything made here is fair trade, organic and fully vegan – and seriously unique, from the legendary salted Galapagos turtles to caramels infused with cardamon, violet, rosemary sea salt and chile. The shop also sells its full chocolate collection, plus baked goods, at Confectionary! in New York City.

Sexiest Candy Store

Samuel’s Sweet Shop

Rhinebeck, N.Y.

Aside from their Clodhoppers (peanut butter, pretzel and graham cracker covered in milk chocolate), another treat is finding Paul Rudd behind the counter. Rudd, known for roles in “Ant-Man,” and “Only Murders in the Building,” and, of course, for being voted People’s Sexiest Man of the Year in 2021, co-owns this adorable shop with “Walking Dead” actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Buy packaged goodies, chocolate by the pound or novelty items such as chocolate mac ‘n cheese and unbearably hot cinnamon bears.

Swiss Mix

L.A. Burdick

New York City, Walpole, N.H; Boston and Cambridge, Mass.

Using a Swiss technique for crafting chocolate, Larry Burdick began his eponymous shop in 1987. Today, with four locations in the Northeast, the chocolate, including signature chocolate mice, is still made by hand. Burdick offers boxes for weddings, holidays and even drinking chocolates. No wonder it has been named best chocolate by Food & Wine and other publications.

Oldest Candy Store

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie

Salem and North Andover, Mass.

According to its history, this candy biz dates to the 1800s when Mary Spencer sold hard sugar candies known as Gibralters. Today, find them along with molasses-flavored Black Jacks (a stick candy), penuche brown sugar fudge, nostalgic apple rings, butterscotch drops and nonpareils. Modern appetites will appreciate the assortment of chocolates, barks and patties, and in the summer months, lots of licorice.

Seasonal Treat

Orne’s Candy Store

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Orne’s, which opened in 1884 and is still family run, is a must-stop for its signature fudge – don’t miss the chocolate walnut! – mint julep truffles and saltwater taffy. Some of its more unique sweets include pebbles, which are hard candies with a soft inner surprise, and gravel, milk chocolate inside a candy stone. A summer staple, Orne’s closes during the winter. It reopens in April 2024.

Big Store for a Big State

Sweetz & More

Wiscasset, Maine

If you’ve ever stopped at a big box store, you’ll get the appeal of this expansive space – it bills itself as Maine’s largest candy store – with some 8,000 square feet of everything sweet, from its own brands of candy and chocolate to sodas, ice cream and Maine-made products. Smaller Sweetz & More candy stores are also located throughout New Hampshire; see website for details.

Try Before You Buy

Fascia’s Chocolates

Waterbury, Conn.

Before you gobble up a pound of their caramels, meltaways and truffles, find out how they’re made by booking one of Fascia’s popular chocolate experiences, which include a demo and the chance to make your own chocolate bar.

Dandy Candy

Munson’s Chocolates

Various locations in Connecticut

Munson’s was known as the Dandy Candy Company when a young couple began making and selling wafers and ribbon candy from their garage in 1946. Today, Munsons is still family owned and has expanded to eight locations in Connecticut, where you can find its caramels, fudge, brittles and truffles, along with seasonal treats and UConn Husky bars.

Which of these candy stores will you go to satisfy your sweet tooth? Do you have another favorite candy shop that we forgot to mention? Tell us in the comments.

Can’t get enough sweets? Send someone you love (or yourself) a chocolate gift from Simply Chocolate. You can save 20% when shopping online with your AAA discount.

Check out our shopping guide for Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Whether you’re a solo traveler hoping to join like-minded people on your next vacation or a couple eager to explore with friends, a small group tour might be the perfect choice for your next trip.

AAA Member Choice Vacations (MCV) Explorations specializes in small group tours with an average of 16 travelers, so you can get to know the places you are visiting on a different level. Experienced tour managers plan the day with a mix of exciting experiences and plenty of free time to explore on your own or with new friends from your group.

Listen to Our Podcast

Get tips for a smart, safe and fulfilling solo trip. Listen to Episode 13 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Traveling Solo.

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A few of our favorite things about small group tours:

• You can leave the logistics to the pros and still enjoy a personalized experience. No evenings and weekends spent researching hotels, reading restaurant reviews or comparison shopping for tickets and tour guides.
• Deeper cultural immersion. Want to have lunch with a local? Fancy a tour of an iconic landmark without the crowds? Or do you want the chance to get to know your local guide by sharing meals and train rides together? These things aren’t often possible on larger tours.
• Forging new friendships. With a small group tour, you’re not just a face in the crowd. These tight-knit groups offer a chance to get to know your fellow travelers and local guides.

There are many small group tours designed to suit various interests, from culture and history to wildlife and nature. Here’s a peek at just a few exciting AAA MCV Explorations tours.

Italy: Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside

A journey through Italy’s quintessential rolling hills and vineyards feels like stepping into a postcard. This small group trip kicks off with a day in Rome before taking you to Umbria to explore the historic streets of Orvieto, a majestic clifftop town. You’re sure to form new friendships and fall in love with new Italian foods (sheep cheese, anyone?) and small hilltop villages on this classic 10-day trip through two of Italy’s most beautiful, breathtaking regions.

Japan: Past & Present

Japan is a bucket-list destination for many American travelers. It’s a land of contrasts. Deep cultural traditions such as tea ceremonies and geisha entertainment coexist with the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, where you’re just as likely to enjoy dinner at a conveyor belt sushi joint as a traditional Japanese bar (izakaya) hidden in one of Shinjuku’s labyrinthine alleys. On this small group tour, you and your fellow travelers will experience it all: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, all connected by Japan’s famous bullet trains and led by a local guide.

Small Groups, Big Adventures

Take the road less traveled – the journey is unforgettable.

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Scotland: Islands of Lore & Legend

You and your group will spend 12 days and 11 nights discovering the legends and history of this wild northern portion of the United Kingdom. Along the way, you can sip local whisky, learn the history of Scottish clans and enjoy the spectacular coastal views from a cozy hotel in windswept Loch Melfort. Last stop? Edinburgh, where the tour officially ends, but you and your crew will have the option to stay another night exploring.

Icelandic Adventure

Known as “the land of fire and ice,” Iceland is perfect for adventurers, nature lovers and landscape photographers of all skill levels. Prepare to forge new friendships as you visit the Langjökull glacier, go whale-watching, see wild Icelandic horses and take a dip in the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon with a dozen or so fellow travelers. This trip is 10 straight days of breathtaking landscapes and incredible new experiences, all planned out for you and led by friendly local guides.

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

Are you dreaming of an adventure in Africa but don’t know where to start? This incredible small group journey perfectly balances cultural immersion, wildlife sightings and jaw-dropping scenery. You can forget the logistics and simply enjoy the trip as you take a deep dive into southern Africa. Get ready for eight safari drives, a memorable starlit bush dinner, a home-hosted lunch near Victoria Falls, South African winery visits and so much more. You’ll never forget this 15-day vacation with a small group of fellow adventurers and guides.

These five itineraries are just the tip of the iceberg. AAA Member Choice Vacations has dozens of small group Explorations tours in exciting places, including Machu Picchu and India’s Golden Triangle. Most tours also offer optional extensions for diving even deeper before or after the main trip. Learn more.

A typical consumer spends around 14 hours on their car buying journey, including researching and shopping online, according to a recent report by Cox Automotive. But at the end of the day, how and where you spend your time learning about a vehicle could impact your overall satisfaction with your purchase. One of the best ways to get to know a car is to take it for a test drive.

The average test drive at the dealership gives you only limited information. It takes hours – not just a few minutes – to decide whether the seats are comfortable enough or if the handling leaves something to be desired. Renting a car for an extended test drive, on the other hand, provides plenty of time to learn about all the bells and whistles. And it’s the most fun you’ll have conducting car-buying research.

Car Rental Savings

Save up to 20% on the base rate of your next car rental.*

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Rent Before You Buy

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, consider spending some quality time with your favorite vehicles, perhaps on a road trip or two. One of the most effective ways to do this is by renting. This may cost you some money upfront, but it could save you from buying a car that won’t meet your needs in the long run.

This could be an especially beneficial step if you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle, giving you extra time to learn about things like range and charging.

Even if the specific trim level is different in the rental compared to the car you want to buy, you can still experience how the vehicle handles and performs for different types of driving. Details like color, fabric vs. leather seats and other optional features, don’t matter on a test drive. Focus on what the car delivers in terms of comfort and performance.

If your weekday and weekend driving habits are different, make sure your rental time includes both types of days.

Things to Consider During an Extended Test Drive

On a standard test drive, you only have enough time to decide if the car handles well under limited circumstances. An extended test drive allows you to dive deeper into the car’s features. Create a checklist of things that are important to you and evaluate those features in each car.

Some important things to consider include:

• Noise: Listen for the level of road noise in the car while driving. Does road noise make it difficult to carry on a conversation with others in the car or to hear the radio? Even at low speeds, is the engine too loud for you?
• Adjustability: Can you customize settings to make the seats and other features comfortable? Take into consideration the seat angle and height, cup holder and armrest positioning, as well as the fit of the seat belt. A long drive can reveal design features that could move a vehicle to the top or bottom of your list.
• Safety: Do you feel secure in the car? Does the vehicle feel solid with smooth movement, particularly at cruising speed on the highway? It’s essential that you feel safe in your car. Checking safety ratings is important, but you also need to feel personally secure in the vehicle.
• Power: The trick is to get enough power to do the job but not so much that you feel out of control or burn fuel needlessly. Does the vehicle make it up steep hills without feeling like it’s struggling? Some drivers are content with 140 horsepower, while others would never consider anything less than 200. If you don’t have a preference, then factor in fuel efficiency, and choose the smallest engine that effectively handles the job.
• Gadgets: Play with the interface of the entertainment system, assessing the placement and ease of use of the controls for features like cruise control and the stereo.

As you spend more time driving your rental, you’ll develop a better idea of how well the vehicle suits you. This will help you determine whether the car in question is suitable for your lifestyle and driving demands. After all, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a car that struggles to meet your needs.

Rent with Hertz and save with AAA.

Have you ever done an extended test drive by renting a car before buying it? Tell us about it in the comments.

Originally published on Hertz.com.

We’ve all heard the phrase “you can’t burn the candle at both ends” to symbolize what happens if we overextend ourselves by working too much without rest. But in an increasingly stressful world where Americans are working more than ever, it seems that lots of candles are already totally burnt out.

This unique type of stress has a name: burnout, or occupational burnout. It is an all-encompassing state of physical and emotional exhaustion induced by chronic workplace stress. Sound familiar? You bet. Employee stress has been increasing for over a decade and remained at a record high in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Gallup.

So, we’re all stressed. What now?

Burnout Symptoms

Identifying burnout is the first step in addressing it. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is categorized by, “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.”

What Causes Burnout

Several factors contribute to these feelings, often stemming from a combination of professional and personal circumstances. Professionally, high work demands, lack of control, insufficient support and unclear expectations can create a perfect storm for burnout to rear its head. Individual traits like perfectionism and an inability to say ‘no’ can also increase the likelihood of burnout occurring.  

Dealing With Burnout

Studies have shown that employees who experience workplace burnout have a 180% greater risk of developing depressive disorders, making it even more important to know how to decrease its effects.

When it comes to beating burnout at work, prioritizing self-care is a must to replenish physical and emotional energy. Establish a routine that includes plenty of sleep, nutritious meals and regular exercise. Taking breaks throughout the day can also prevent burnout by allowing moments of relaxation to create space between stressful tasks.

Learning to set clear boundaries between work and personal life can help, too. Establishing limits on the amount of time and energy dedicated to work-related tasks prevents work from pooling into other areas of your life and creating a false sense of urgency.

Of course, reaching out for support when you need it is never a bad idea. Discussing your feelings with friends, family or a mental health professional can provide valuable insights and coping strategies to help you manage and overcome the feelings of burnout.

How to Prevent Burnout

Experiencing burnout once is more than enough. To avoid feeling its effects again, there are a few things you can do. First, regularly assess your stress levels and overall well-being. Incorporating self-reflection into your routine, like performing daily check-ins on how you feel, can identify potential stressors before they escalate. Overcommitting to tasks, assignments and projects can lead to overwhelming stress, so be selective about the tasks and responsibilities you take on by developing the ability to say ‘no’ when necessary.

Burnout is a real and prevalent challenge in our fast-paced world. Recognizing its signs, addressing its root causes and adopting a proactive approach to well-being can help in navigating and preventing burnout once and for all.

Have you ever experienced burnout? How did you resolve it? Tell us in the comments.

The big game is on the horizon and you’re getting ready to host friends and family to cheer on your favorite team. You’ve wiped the fingerprints from your television screen, gone shopping for snacks and started working on your three-bean dip. But have you thought about safety?

If you’re having a game day party at your house this year, keep these home insurance tips in mind.

Keep an eye on your guests.  

If you’re planning to serve alcohol to your guests, keep an eye on how much they’re drinking. It is of the utmost importance that no one who has overindulged winds up behind the wheel. If someone does overdo it, make sure that they go home with a designated driver, call a taxi or hire a ride-sharing service to get them home safely.

Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.

Keep the food prep safe.

Watch open flames on the stove and grill, and make sure they’re clean from residue before you start cooking. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case things get out of control.

Make sure you’re storing and cooking foods at the appropriate temperatures to minimize the risk of food poisoning, and always wash your hands before and after handling food.

Ask guests beforehand if they have any serious food allergies. If so, you might want to rethink the bowl of peanuts.

Minimize falling hazards.

Before the party, make sure that the paths leading up to your house are clear of ice and other debris, so that even in the dark they can be traversed safely. Inside the house, clean up any spills as soon as possible so that nobody slips and falls.

Whenever hosting a large event, you might want to consider event insurance.

Look into umbrella coverage.

While your existing homeowners insurance policy will protect you from liability losses in some situations, you might need some additional coverage. Umbrella coverage, also known as a personal liability policy, provides extra protection for the big game and beyond.

Learn more about your homeowners insurance coverage options.

In the Northeast, the colder season is traditionally a time for hunkering down with a good book, bracing for bitter temperatures and trying to stick to those vexing New Year’s Resolutions. But is it the best time of year to buy a house? For house-hunters willing to brave the elements and choose from a slimmer inventory of homes, the experts say yes.

According to the national online real estate database at Zillow, the best time to sell a house is March. In addition to spring bringing a rose-colored hue to real estate, families typically like to purchase closer to the summer months and avoid uprooting the kids during the school year.

As a result, the inventory of houses on the market tends to be highest during these peak late spring/early summer selling months. A seller’s market is great for those trying to unload real estate, and higher inventory certainly gives home buyers more properties to choose from, but competition from other buyers is also likely to peak during this period, driving prices higher.

Buying a house in the winter, however, puts the buyer back into the driver’s seat. Yes, there are usually a much smaller number of homes on the market, but there are also fewer buyers to compete with, and sellers might be much more motivated to get a deal done, providing buyers with critical bargaining leverage.

“Sellers are much more motivated in the winter,” says Alan Wood, a broker with RE/MAX Plus in Rochester, New York “We like to say winter sellers aren’t just in the market, they are on the market, and really want to sell, and buyers can often get a little better price because of the lack of competition.”

Of course, not everything about winter makes it the best time to buy a house. Accumulated ice and snow can make it difficult for buyers to carefully evaluate the exterior of the home and the quality or quantity of the landscaping. “From a buyer’s standpoint, it is difficult to evaluate a home when everything is covered in snow,” says AAA mortgage consultant Louis Alfaia. “Be sure to visit your possible new home when the roof and yard is clear to avoid any nasty surprises.”

Wood agrees and says there’s nothing wrong with asking to see summer photos of the yard or taking some extra time for a more thorough inspection of things that are easily hidden by snow, including roof issues, grading issues, and damage to sidewalk, driveway and patio pavement.

A little extra due diligence aside, wintertime house hunters can expect a bevy of advantages over spring and summer buyers, including extended rate locks and discounts on everything from interest rates to moving company fees. “We move 80% more people in the summer than in the winter,” says Lior Rachmany founder and CEO of Dumbo Moving, the largest moving company in New York City. “As a result, winter moves, on average, cost 25% less than summer moves.”

And like purchasing a home at any time of year, patience and timing are key to finding a great deal on a house during the winter months. “Except in extreme cases, winter sellers still typically wait to negotiate until the house has been on the market for awhile. Even if winter is the best time of the year to buy a house, sellers will still usually work their offers until the 30-day mark, and then begin looking to either negotiate or revisit their listing price.”

Wintertime house-hunters are likely to be well-positioned for increased inventory to hit the market over the next two decades, too. According to Zillow, more than a quarter (27.4%) of the nation’s owner-occupied homes will be sold as a “Silver Tsunami” of Baby Boomers vacate their houses for retirement communities and assisted living facilities. Since this critical demographic has already raised their children, sellers won’t have to worry about matching the market to their kids’ academic calendar.

And don’t be surprised if you run into some lingering holiday spirit. According to Alfaia, sellers will often keep decorations up to give buyers a cozy, nostalgic feeling. “It can be a great time to see a house if it is decorated,” he says. “If you can tolerate the elements, and exercise some patience, winter just might be the best time to buy a house.”

Learn more about how AAA can help you with mortgages.

During what time of year did you buy your house?

Like nearly any other aspect of America’s past, countless names have been lost or forgotten through the years of the automotive industry’s history. More often than not, those names belong to people of color. Black pioneers have made innumerable contributions to the car world. Here are six trailblazers that steered the industry – and society as a whole – in the right direction.

Garrett Morgan

Invented the three-position traffic signal. 

Born in Kentucky in 1877, Garrett Morgan would go on to become one of the great inventors of his time. By the 1920s he already had several inventions under his belt, including hair refiner and an early version of the gas mask.

Morgan’s success allowed him to own an automobile (reportedly the first African American in Cleveland to do so). After witnessing a terrible accident at an intersection, an idea was sparked.

Traffic signals had already been invented but they only consisted of two signals: “Go” and “Stop.” The problem was that drivers never knew when the signal was going to switch. This caused cars to stop abruptly or still be in the intersection when vehicles traveling in other directions began to move.

To solve this, Morgan invented a T-shaped traffic signal that had a third, “caution” signal, essentially a yellow light. When the “caution” signal was on, traffic in all directions stopped and intersections would clear. On Nov. 20, 1923, Morgan was awarded a patent for a three-position traffic signal. His original traffic signal prototype is on display at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History.

Aside from his technical contributions to society, Morgan was a pillar in Cleveland’s African American community. He founded the Cleveland Call, one of the most important African American newspapers in the country, and was a leader in the city’s NAACP chapter.

C.R. Patterson

Founded a company that would become the first African American-owned automobile manufacturer.

C.R. Patterson was born a slave in Virginia in 1833 but later escaped to settle in Ohio.

Patterson learned blacksmithing and worked for a carriage maker before co-founding his own business in 1873. For the next 20 years, the company ran a successful business making expertly crafted horse-drawn carriages.

In 1893, Patterson bought out his partner and formed C.R. Patterson & Sons. When he died in 1910, his son Fredrick took over the flourishing business as the transportation business was revolutionizing. The younger Patterson began noticing an influx of “horseless carriages” on the roads and knew that automobiles were the future. C.R. Patterson & Sons produced its first car in 1915. Known as the Patterson-Greenfield automobile, it sold for $850.

Patterson & Sons quickly established itself as legitimate auto manufacturer. According to the Historic Vehicle Association, the Patterson-Greenfield model was comparable in quality and workmanship to the Ford Model T.

There are no known Patterson-Greenfield automobiles in existence today, but several C.R. Patterson & Sons Company carriages have survived. The National Museum of African American History & Culture states that Patterson & Sons remains the only African American-owned automobile company in United States history,

Charlie Wiggins

Became one of the country’s great race car drivers, despite being barred from the Indy 500.

Born in 1897, Charlie Wiggins became an expert mechanic after apprenticing at a local automobile repair shop in his native Evansville, Ind. In 1922, he moved to Indianapolis, opened his own shop and built a race car out of nothing but junkyard parts. Nicknamed the “Wiggins Special,” it was his dream to drive the car in racing’s greatest event: the Indianapolis 500. But Wiggins was denied entry because of his skin color.

Undeterred, he and several other African American drivers formed their own racing league called the Colored Speedway Association. Wiggins’ exceptional driving and top-notch cars lead him to many victories, earning the nickname the “Negro Speed King.”

The highlight of the Colored Speedway Association circuit was the annual 100-mileGold and Glory Sweepstakes. According to the Historic Vehicle Association, the race’s 1924 debut drew a crowd of 12,000 – the largest sporting event held for African Americans up to that point. Over the next decade, Wiggins would win three sweepstakes championships.

In 1934, driver Bill Cummings hired Wiggins to tune his car for the Indy 500. Road & Track states that Wiggins posed as a janitor in order to elude Jim Crow laws. Thanks to Wiggins, Cummings won the Indianapolis 500 and set a track record.

Wendell Scott

Broke NASCAR’s color barrier.

Wendell Oliver Scott was born in Danville, Va., in 1921. He learned about cars from his auto-mechanic father. His first job was driving a taxi before he started running moonshine whiskey, which required him to drive fast in order to evade the police.

At the time, Danville’s racing scene was struggling with attendance. Owners thought recruiting an African American driver would help fill seats. They asked the local police for the fastest driver in town and in 1952, Scott became the first African American to compete in an official stock car race. He would go on to win 120 races in lower divisions, while continually being denied entry into NASCAR because of his race.

Then, in 1961, Scott was able to take over the auto-racing license of white NASCAR driver Mike Poston. He was officially a member of NASCAR’s top-level Grand National circuit – the first African American to do so. Just two years later, Scott became the first Black driver to win a NASCAR premier series event with a victory at the 100-mile race at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

By the end of career in 1973, Scott had accumulated 20 top-five finishes. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, into which Scott was inducted in 2015, lists his 495 starts 32^nd on the all-time list.

Scott passed away in 1990. It would be another 23 years before a second African American, Bubba Wallace, won a NASCAR race, a full half-century after Scott accomplished the feat.

Leonard Miller

The first African American team owner to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500 and win a race in NASCAR. 

Growing up outside of Philadelphia in the 1930s, Leonard Miller was introduced to automobiles at a young age through his mother, who worked as a housekeeper. “All of these rich, white families had all these rare cars that were beautiful and sounded good,” Miller told Smithsonian Magazine. “So, I said that was for me. And that’s what started me off to a lifetime of races.”

He would go on to pave the way for African Americans in the world of auto racing. It began when he formed Miller Brothers Racing, which won dozens of races throughout the Northeast from 1969 to 1971.

In 1972, he became the first African American owner to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Miller’s team was also the first Black professional race team to have a national sponsorship and to enter a Black driver in competition in England.

During this time, Miller also created the Black American Racers Association with, among others, Wendell Scott. The group promoted driver development and honored African Americans in auto racing. At its height, it included 5,000 members from 20 states and several racing disciplines.

With the help of his son, the automotive pioneer later founded NASCAR’s Miller Racing Group. The team won many races through the 1990s and early aughts. In fact, the father-son duo became the first African American team owners to win a track championship in NASCAR history with a victory at Virginia’s Old Dominion Speedway in 2005.

Miller was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in 1973. Many of his awards, trophies and other memorabilia are currently housed at the Smithsonian Institute.

Homer B. Roberts

The first Black car dealer. 

Homer B. Roberts was the first African American car dealer in the country but his greatest achievement occurred far away from the dealership. A veteran of World War I, Roberts was the first Black man to attain the rank of lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps.

Following the war, Roberts moved back to his native Kansas City and began selling cars. He specifically targeted selling to the African American community. In 1919, he put his first ad, for seven used cars, in the Kansas City Star, the prominent local Black newspaper. By the end of the year, he had secured 60 sales – all to Black drivers.

In the following years, business continued to grow. Roberts opened offices and showrooms and hired salesmen. In 1923, he opened a brand-new dealership named Roberts Company Motor Mart. Smaller automobile manufacturers saw potential in the African American market and backed his business. This helped Roberts land franchises with Hupmobile, Rickenbacker and Oldsmobile.

Hit hard by the Depression, the dealership closed in 1929 – but not before Roberts had etched his name in history.

McKinley Thompson Jr.

Ford’s first Black automobile designer

One day in 1934, while walking home from school in his hometown of Queens, N.Y., McKinley Thompson Jr. spotted a silver-grey Chrysler DeSoto Airflow. Although he was just 12 years old at the time, Thompson’s life was forever changed. “There were patchy clouds in the sky, and it just so happened that the clouds opened up for the sunshine to come through. It lit that car up like a searchlight,” he later told the Henry Ford Museum. “I was never so impressed with anything in all my life. I knew [then] that that’s what I wanted to do in life—I want[ed] to be an automobile designer.”

In the early 1950s, after serving in the Army Signal Corps in World War II, Thompson entered and won a design contest in Motor Trend magazine. His prize was a scholarship to the ArtCenter College of Design. After school, he went to work for Ford’s advanced design studio in Dearborn, MI. With that, Thompson made history by becoming the first African American automobile designer.

One of Thompson’s first projects was contributing sketches for the Ford Mustang. His most notable contribution, however, came in 1963 when he and other Ford designers conceptualized the Ford Bronco. According to the automaker, Thompson’s work “influenced the design language that would become iconic attributes of the first-generation Bronco.

“McKinley was a man who followed his dreams and wound up making history,” said Ford Bronco interior designer Christopher Young. “He not only broke through the color barrier in the world of automotive design, he helped create some of the most iconic consumer products ever – from the Ford Mustang, Thunderbird and Bronco – designs that are not only timeless but have been studied by generations of designers.”

What other Black pioneers in the automotive do you know about? Tell us in the comments below!

It’s a great time to book a trip to Hawaii, and Pleasant Holidays has everything you need to make it perfect.

Making memorable Hawaii vacations for more than 60 years, Pleasant Holidays has been voted Best Tour Operator to Hawaii by travel industry insiders for 19 consecutive years. You and your AAA travel advisor can trust Pleasant Holidays to provide experience, expertise, an extensive product line and exceptional value for your travel dollar.

From five-star luxurious beachfront hotels for an elegant escape to budget-friendly condo-style accommodations perfect for family getaways, there are options for all travel styles. Island experts are available in Hawaii, ready to provide onsite assistance, insights and a touch of the aloha spirit.

Aloha Days Are Here!

Receive $175 off per booking on Hawaii vacations at participating hotels.

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Pleasant Holidays offers the best vacation deals, including exclusive packages loaded with extra value. Only available from Pleasant Holidays, these deals feature special hotel rates, daily breakfast or food and beverage credits, spa discounts and more, providing unmatchable value and savings for your dream vacation. Exclusive rates and added values are available at five hotels on three major islands: ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and The Twin Fin on Oahu, Aston Kaanapali Shores and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali on Maui and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Island of Hawaii.

Ask your AAA Travel Agent about Pleasant Holidays’ Zero Brand Change Fees and complete vacation packages, including convenient flights, exciting activities and cancel-for-any-reason travel protection coverage beginning at $49 per person.

As a AAA Member, receive a $50 per booking activity voucher valid toward a variety of select activities when you book a Pleasant Holidays Hawaii vacation. Use that voucher to round out your vacation experience by immersing yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s best to book tours and activities in advance, all in one place, with Pleasant Holidays.

Schedule a lei greeting for your arrival to set the mood, reserve your rental car for the freedom to explore at your own pace, book a private tour or snorkeling outing and enjoy a relaxing kayak journey. And don’t forget the luaus! Pleasant Holidays can help you with admission to the most unforgettable luaus, including premium seating options for a great view of the action.

Pleasant Holidays also offers the most competitive fares on major airlines serving Hawaii, as well as inter-island flights for multi-island itineraries. Major airlines are adding new flights for summer, so it’s more convenient than ever to get to the islands.

During Aloha Days, available through AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays, receive $175 off per booking. Aloha Days offers are valid on new bookings made March 1 to April 30, 2024 for travel through December 14, 2024. Roundtrip airfare and a minimum five-night stay at a participating resort are required.

Trust the Hawaii experts at AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays for the ultimate Hawaii vacation experience.

Contact your AAA Travel Agent and plan your Hawaiian getaway today!