Nothing rejuvenates the body, mind and an adventurous spirit quite like a trip to the great outdoors. From glaciers to mountain ranges and spectacular national parks, the world’s most magnificent natural wonders are waiting to be discovered.
But where to begin? Let these guided travel tours lead the way!
If glaciers are your thing, the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park tour is for you. This seven-night tour includes visits to Calgary, Banff, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier National Park and more. Ride in an open-air Jammer down Going-to-the-Sun Road, which leads across the Continental Divide and offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, you can brave a walk across a glass bridge to see the Sunwapta Valley below. Or you can take a ride across the huge Athabasca Glacier.
America is rich with beautiful natural landscapes that we can explore in our own backyard. The National Parks of America tour will take you out west to see five of our most majestic national parks. Travelers will get breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion and more. You can see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument, before learning more about the historical context of these sites from a Lakota guide. This 12-night tour is best for travelers looking for a moderate level of activity and a maximum level of natural beauty.
Caribou bull in Denali National Park in late Fall.
The remote grandeur of our biggest state awaits on the Alaska: America’s Last Frontier tour. On this eight-night trip, travelers can learn the art of gold panning, get up close and personal with dog sled riding, embark on a glacier cruise, ride in a domed railcar and more. The highlight of the trip is the full-day tundra wilderness tour through the majestic Denali National Park. As you travel through Alaska, you’ll meet the locals and get an insight into their way of life and indigenous culture. Not enough Alaska for you? You can opt into a “flightseeing” tour to get a bird’s-eye view of Denali National Park. You’ll even land on a glacier.
North America isn’t the only place with picturesque mountains! Head abroad for the 12-night Peaks of Europe: The Alps to the Dolomites tour, which winds through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. This storybook tour includes visits to Mont Blanc, the Bernese Oberland, the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the frosty Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe.” You’ll also journey into the Dolomites to visit ski towns, vineyards and lush landscapes. This tour is best for travelers who are ready to be active on their adventure. It’s also a small group tour, which makes for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Travel under the magical glow of the aurora on the seven-night Northern Lights of Finland tour, which features the best of everything Finland has to offer. You can tour Helsinki, adventure through Lapland, sleep in a glass igloo, go on a reindeer safari and even lead a dog sled team. Learn about the culture of the indigenous Sami people while taking in the natural beauty of snowy white grounds and night skies filled with the northern lights. Plus, don’t forget to hit the sauna before you head home. This small group tour is best for travelers who are open to being active and getting a little chilly.
The rolling hills and lush landscapes of New Zealand will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a fantasy novel. The epic, 18-night Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders tour features geothermal springs, grand fjords, ice fields, giant kauri trees and more. Travelers will see Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin and Queenstown. It’s an immensely thorough tour that completely immerses travelers in the country – you can even learn about Maori culture over an authentic Hangi dinner. At the end of the tour, your small group will feel almost like a fellowship.
Are you looking for a chance to explore the great outdoors? Contact your AAA travel advisor and plan your next getaway today!
What’s the best experience you’ve had when traveling out in nature? Tell us your story in the comments below.
Learning how to grow herbs is a great practice in sustainability, as it means less reliance on store-bought products which, in turn, reduces waste. It also means you’ll have an array of fresh-smelling herbs in your home to snip from and enhance your meals whenever you need!
You can start your herb garden any time of year – especially if you have a room or window that gets good sunlight – but it’s best to begin in the spring when more herbs are in season and readily available for purchase. The kind of herbs you select are up to you and your tastes, but basil and green onion are some of the easiest to propagate and a great place to start.
Step One: Buy A Plant From The Store
Growing herbs from seeds is totally doable, but purchasing an already budding plant from the grocery store will save you lots of time.
In some supermarkets, you can find starter basil plants in the produce or flower sections. These may look healthy at the time of purchase, but often there are numerous plants crowded into one pot, which creates a competition for nutrients and eventually leads to an unhappy plant that doesn’t produce much (if any) new growth. If you choose to buy a plant, we recommend taking it out of its pot, separating the plants and propagating from there.
Buying a package of fresh basil will work, too. Look for a container with long stems and leaves that are not yet yellowing. This is a good indicator that it will propagate, or start new growth, well.
Green onions (scallions) are even simpler because they come with their roots still attached; just grab a healthy-looking bunch from the produce section.
Step Two: Snip and Start Rooting
It’s important to know exactly where to cut to ensure your cuttings will take root and grow into their own new plant.
With basil (and rosemary, mint and sage, to name a few), look for part of the stem where two smaller shoots have grown on either side. Snip the stem just above the side shoots. Make sure to use clean garden pruners for this part. Then, drop your cuttings (snipped end down) into a small container with water.
If your basil isn’t taking root in water, try either using a store-bought rooting powder or, in a pinch, some cinnamon from your pantry. Snip about a centimeter off the end of the stem and dip the end into the rooting powder or cinnamon before placing the cutting into a pot with soil. This will stimulate the root process and hopefully help the cutting produce roots more quickly.
Green onions are just one single shoot, so no need to look for stems or nodes. Chop or snip off the green part of the plant all the way down until the color starts to fade into white, right above the rooted ends. Use an elastic band to bunch the onions together (the same way they are when you purchase them) and place them, roots down, into a small container with water.
For any of your cuttings, you can use a short glass, Mason jar, votive or whatever you’ve got lying around. Something see-through is preferable so you can easily check the status of the root growth.
Step Three: Wait, Then Plant
After a couple of days, the green onions will show signs of new growth. After a few weeks, they’ll be regrown and large enough to plant into soil. Select a growing pot that’s about 8-inches wide to give the roots lots of room to stretch their “legs.”
For the basil, roots will form in the water within 10 days, at which point you can separate each plant and pot them individually in good quality soil.
Set up your potted herbs either outside in a warm, sunny area or inside by a south-facing window for optimal light. Make sure to water regularly and keep up with snipping above the side shoots with basil, rosemary or mint to ensure the plants keep creating new shoots. This is how you maintain a steady harvest of herbs all year long!
Do you have an herb garden? Share your tips for how to grow herbs in the comments below.
If you haven’t heard of Portugal’s Madeira (the place, not the wine), don’t be surprised. Located off Africa’s northwest coast, it consists of four islands, only two of which are inhabited: Madeira and Porto Santo, which in 2024 was named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination by World Travel Awards. But, so far, it has been mostly off travelers’ radars.
Madeira Island offers stunning vistas, outdoor adventures, low tourist traffic, gourmet food and posh hotels. And getting there is easier than ever, so it’s a great time to plan a trip. SATA Azores Airlines is offering nonstop service from Boston’s Logan International Airport this summer and year-round nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. .
Travelers who have discovered Madeira enjoy a slower pace and fewer crowds than many other vacation destinations, as well as these top five attributes.
Five members of the AAA Northeast travel team recently went to the island of Madeira, gathering firsthand experience to help guide members interested in visiting. They all returned with rave reviews and unanimously praised the abundance of natural beauty.
“It’s a hidden gem,” said Nicole Ekholm, a travel project specialist who participated in the trip. Ekholm is of Portuguese descent and speaks Portuguese.
Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most visited places on the island of Madeira.
“I loved Madeira!” added travel advisor Jodi Abata. “I loved the diversity of things to do and the interesting topography … from the beautiful beaches and coastline to the picturesque hills filled with gardens and vineyards.”
Known for its variety of rare plants and flowers, one place not to miss is Madeira Natural Park, which was created in 1982 to preserve these natural treasures. Classified as a biogenetic reserve, the park is home to an enormous range of plant life.
Travel advisor Amy Orzechowski was amazed at the landscape. “I was not familiar with how beautiful and picturesque it really is.”
Formed by a volcano and known for its rocky terrain, the archipelago of Madeira is popular with hikers – especially thrill-seekers. The island’s network of 1,926 miles of levadas, which are irrigation trenches built into the mountains, attract daring hikers who follow paths adjacent to the trenches down the mountains. The levadas, some of which are 600 years old, provided water for drinking, farming, power and enabled a sugar cane industry to thrive for centuries.
Hiking in less treacherous forest locations is also popular, as is parasailing, off-roading, paragliding and swimming in natural pools. The island also has two man-made beaches and a waterfront.
Culture
For years, Madeira was known as a wellness retreat for the rich and famous. Winston Churchill was a regular visitor, as was Stephen Hawking, who went seeking rejuvenation.
Visitors can spend time in the islands’ capital city of Funchal on Madeira, cited for being accessible for people of all abilities. Tour the waterfront and continue to downtown, which besides several cathedrals, houses the Museum of Sacred Art. Plan a visit to the Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicrafts Institute, which preserves the island’s longtime tradition of embroidery and displays works that are more than 150 years old.
“I felt like I was in the Caribbean and Europe at the same time,” Abata said.
Wine
Don’t forget to schedule a tour of one or more vineyards to learn how delicious Madeira wine is made. Madeira is one of the few regions of the world that produces mountain wine.
Take time to sip a glass of Madeira or Poncha, the island’s favorite rum punch cocktail, while relaxing at an outdoor cafe.
Food
Not surprisingly, many of Madeira’s culinary specialties come from the sea. These include grilled limpets, a type of mollusk, and varieties of broiled fish. Steak skewers with cornmeal nuggets are another regional favorite, as are a variety of hearty soups.
Madeira is still being discovered by U.S. tourists, but that is rapidly changing, said Ekholm. “If you want a good combination of food, culture and activity, it can be a better value vacation than Hawaii or the Caribbean.”
Pleasant Holidays and its premium offering, Journese, are here for all your travel needs, from booking four- and five-star hotels to boutique and all-inclusive options, plus add-ons to make your trip as easy and memorable as possible. It’s world-class, one-stop travel planning at your service.
Hotels and Resorts
Looking for a penthouse suite at the finest island retreat? Or maybe you prefer a garden-view room in the city? The Pleasant Holidays family of brands has you covered. In Europe alone, there’s more than 1,100 different properties to choose from!
Reach out to your AAA travel advisor for choice accommodations and special deals that cover the range from all-inclusive arrangements to a la carte specialty services and little-known extra amenities.
Pleasant Holidays offers exclusive discounts, added values and even guaranteed lowest rates at five hotels on three islands in Hawaii.
For added savings, bundle your complete vacation travel package with your flights. Your travel advisor can help you find convenient first-class, business-class and premium-economy flights on major air carriers to more than 170 destinations in over 80 countries. When you book with Pleasant Holidays and Journese you get award-winning customer service and travel advisor support you can count on.
Curated Luxury Travel With Journese
Journese goes far and wide to curate memorable stays at select four- and five-star resorts and hotels around the globe, setting you up with the highest level of service, from white-glove treatment and plunge pools to floral welcome arrangements and other added values. Your travel advisor will also assist with travel arrangements and exciting activities at your preferred destination, along with support with visa expediting and airport lounge VIP treatment. You can sit back and enjoy the finer things while Journese handles even the smallest details.
Atlantis Paradise Lagoon, Bahamas
Pleasant Activities
Pleasant Activities provides ready access to tours and excursions that accentuate the highlights of your chosen destination and special privileges, like skipping the line for a private tour of the Louvre. Take advantage of guided city tours to see as many landmarks, architecture, natural wonders and cultural hotspots as you want. Get in touch with nature again by swimming with dolphins or turtles in Hawaii. Snorkel to see beautiful schools of tropical fish in the Caribbean. Or, if you’re the truly adventurous sort, take a zipline through the trees in a tropical locale.
Ocean and River Cruises
Pleasant Holidays’ newly expanded and growing portfolio of cruise lines ensures your seaward venture takes off in class and style. With a wide variety of cruise lines featuring different types of ships and itineraries traversing the globe, you can find the best cruise experience for you. Popular destinations include Alaska, Caribbean, Hawaii, Transoceanic voyages and more.
Explore Europe or Asia on a river cruise or have an adventure closer to home. Voyage the mighty Mississippi on a paddlewheel, evoking images of classical Samuel Clemens lore, or sail the Great Lakes on the ultimate pleasure cruise.
Royal Davui, Fiji Islands
Service at Your Chosen Destination
Arrange for rental cars, secure rail tickets and schedule transfers to your hotel or the airport. Pleasant Holidays and Journese inspire the confidence that your travel needs are taken care of from the booking process to your safe passage home.
Guided Tours
Pleasant Holidays and Journese offer guided vacations in Central and South America, so you can leave all the heavy lifting and itinerary planning to the experts. Consider a seven- or nine-day tour of beautiful Costa Rica or Belize. Guatemala, Pleasant Holidays’ newest destination, evokes grandeur and cultural significance, providing a portal into the past with visits to ancient ruins and architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization.
Travel Protection Plans
Add travel protection plans, including cancel-for-any-reason options, and your travel investment is covered even if your plans change. Travel protection must be added at the time of booking and comes in two forms: cash back or exchange for travel credit. Protection covers government-imposed travel restrictions and prepares your travel party for the unexpected, from lost luggage to missed connections. Ask for details on Travel Protection Plans when booking your dream vacation.
Group Travel
Planning a destination wedding? For occasions that call for group travel or boutique group travel, Pleasant Holidays and Journese can help for groups as small as five to ten rooms. Make arrangements for your social or work travel event, get added benefits and save precious time in the planning stage.
Member Benefits and More
Pleasant Holidays’ best price guarantee ensures that if you find a lower price on the same vacation package, they will match it. Ask your AAA travel advisor for details. And don’t forget to ask about AAA member benefits, as your membership is the key to exclusive added amenities, discounts and credit toward select services.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic beach getaway for two, a trip for the extended family or to explore new horizons with good friends, rely on the travel experts at Pleasant Holidays and Journese.
You may have never questioned it until now – is it illegal to drive in the left lane?
Most of the time, yes. Usually, the left lane is for passing, not driving.
So, if you enjoy life in the fast lane, you might want to think twice about spending too much time there.
The Left Lane Is for Passing
The restrictions and penalties for left-lane driving vary among the 50 states, but almost every state limits driving in the left lane to passing, merging or exiting. Fines for violations range from $50 to $500. Many states follow the Uniform Vehicle Code, which requires drivers to keep right if they are going slower than the normal speed of traffic.
Drivers in all states are permitted to use the left lane for passing when there is more than one car traveling in the same direction. Most states, though, don’t allow left lane access for slow moving vehicles that give no indication of passing or turning.
If you’re interested, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has compiled a list of “keep right” laws in each state.
The reasons behind limiting left-lane driving vary, but most have to do with safety and efficiency, as well as reducing aggressive driving. While not specifically taking a position on left-lane driving, AAA recommends slower traffic keep to the right and all motorists should drive at a speed consistent with the specified limit as well as roadway conditions.
“In general, when people travel slowly in the left lane, that can lead to frustration among drivers who might be lined up behind them,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast.
In one AAA study, drivers who rated their speed as faster than other drivers were more likely than others to report engaging in aggressive driving behavior.
If drivers populate the left lanes, faster drivers wind up changing lanes more frequently, weaving around them, which can be a safety hazard. Driver frustration can also lead to other risky behaviors, such as tailgating or passing a car on the right. Passing on the right can be extremely dangerous because of the traffic flow, blind spots and cars entering and exiting from the right side.
Stay in Your Lane
Chances are, during your daily travels, you’ll encounter people driving faster than you, even if they are not supposed to. Freeing up the left lane leaves room for emergency vehicles, avoids traffic backups and enables people to get to their destinations faster.
“We’re not looking for police to be writing lots of tickets for people traveling slowly in the left lane – we’re hoping that people will follow best practices,” said Slatky. “It’s also generally better if everyone follows the same standard – people pass on the left, rather than the right. When you behave in a way that others expect on the road, that lowers everybody’s risk.”
What are your thoughts on left-lane driving? Tell us in the comments.
Ah, spring! The time of life and renewal, sunshine and perfect weather. But for some, the spring is not so perfect. For many people, spring is also the time of runny noses and itchy eyes, crumpled tissues and crawling skin. Spring allergies are a bummer. You’re supposed to be out celebrating the change in weather, not huddled under a mountain of tissue boxes.
The main culprit of spring allergies is pollen, which wafts off of trees, plants, grasses – you name it. Spring allergy sufferers are basically trapped inside the reproductive cycle of plants. It’s not a pretty place to be. Although sometimes you can see yellow clumps or clouds of pollen, individual pollen motes are so tiny that they can only been seen under a microscope. Those little guys are causing you all that trouble? Outrageous.
Allergies caused by pollen often manifest with symptoms like a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, postnasal drip and blocked sinuses, among others. Unlike the common cold, allergy symptoms won’t go away in a few days; they’ll stick around as long as they’ve got allergens to react to.
But how to beat spring allergies? The best way is to avoid allergens in the first place.
How to Avoid Allergens
Limit Time Outside
The outside is the domain of springtime, and also the domain of pollen. The pollen count is highest in the morning, so be extra cautious during that time.
Wear Some Gear
Avoid itchy and watery eyes by keeping pollen out of them entirely. If you wear glasses, they should protect your eyes from these allergens. If you don’t, get a pair of stylish sunglasses instead. (AAA members can save at LensCrafters.)
When you’re outside doing yardwork like mowing the lawn, wear a protective face mask. This will limit the amount of pollen that you breathe in.
Close the Windows
Yes, we all want to feel that lovely spring breeze, but this is a sacrifice you’re going to have to make if you want to beat spring allergies. If you want a breeze, turn on the AC, not a fan. Fans draw in air and allergens from outside.
Keep the House Clean
Your shoes and pet’s paws track dust, dirt and pollen inside. Make sure your floors are vacuumed – preferably use one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter – and furniture is dusted so that no trace amounts linger. Many allergy sufferers take their shoes off when they enter the house to limit the amount of allergens they track in.
How to Beat Spring Allergies and Their Symptoms
It’s very difficult to avoid pollen forever, unless you’re living in a bubble or on top of a glacier. Here’s what you can do to save yourself from the sniffles.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
During springtime, drugstores are replete with antihistamines that can help alleviate or prevent the symptoms of allergies. You can get them as pills or, if you really need some relief, as nasal spray. Hit those allergens where it hurts: right in your nostrils.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
There are plenty of natural ways to alleviate some of your spring allergy symptoms. You can drink diluted organic apple cider vinegar, which is rich in potassium, to reduce a runny nose.
Clear Your Sinuses
You could also flush your sinuses with a neti pot – which is as soothing as it is completely disgusting. If you’ve never heard of a neti pot, it’s basically a teapot that you pour into one of your nostrils (while something unspeakable happens to the other nostril).
Another way to clear your sinuses is with steam, like the kind of steam you inhale during a hot shower. That same shower will also help rid you of any pollen that might be sticking to your skin or hair. A soothing vapor shower tablet can also help to enhance the benefits of the steam.
Eat and Drink the Stuffiness Away
Make sure you stay hydrated! Flush your system with water and your, ahem, mucus will be thinner and easier to handle. Eating spicy foods will also help drain your mucus. So just pile on that hot sauce and tell all your friends it’s for health reasons.
Go to the Doctor
If none of these measures work for you, or if you have especially wicked allergies, go to the doctor. That’s what they’re there for! They can set you up with a prescription-strength antihistamine or offer other ways to beat spring allergies.
Do you suffer with spring allergies? Tell us how you deal with them in the comments below.
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
No one invites a hurricane; sometimes it just shows up.
From fundraisers to weddings, summer is prime time for event plans. Unfortunately, it is also peak hurricane season in the Northeast.
While all you can do is hope for sunny days as you look ahead and start planning for the future, there are several steps you can take to protect your property and special events on the chance that a storm comes knocking at your door.
Protect Your Property With Homeowners Insurance
Review Your Homeowners Policy
Talk to your insurance agent about important elements like your hurricane deductible, which is how much you’ll pay before your insurance company pays your claim. A hurricane deductible is generally a percentage of the insured value of your home, with higher deductibles in areas prone to hurricanes.
Understand What’s Not Covered
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. However, flooding is typically not covered by a standard homeowners policy. If you are concerned about floods, you may want to consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy; depending on where you live, it may be required.
Create a Home Inventory
Create a video or list of your belongings and put it with any receipts to prove their value; save it with other important financial documents and emergency supplies that you’ll grab if you must evacuate. This will speed up the claims process.
Ready Your Home
When a storm is on the way, tie down outdoor furniture and remove weak branches. Consider long-term solutions like installing storm shutters and hurricane-proof doors.
In the worst-case scenario that severe weather forces you to cancel or postpone, you will be covered. It will also save you from financial losses if your DJ doesn’t show up or someone gets hurt. “You plan for everything to go right, but the last thing you need is out-of-pocket expenses if something goes wrong,” said Steven Holland, commercial insurance manager for AAA Northeast.
While you are thinking about coverage for your big day, don’t forget to insure your wedding and engagement rings. Learn how AAA can help you protect your jewelry.
Be the Host With the Most (Coverage)
As host of any social or sporting event, convention or fundraiser, you are responsible for expenses and liabilities. Don’t risk it.
Learn more about special event insurance through AAA.
If you’ve been longing to sit on a beach in Mexico with the sun shining, mariachi band playing and taco in hand, we can help you get one step closer: by making tacos! (Our AAA travel advisors can help with the Mexico part.)
Here in the Northeast, many of us are used to the Tex-Mex version of the taco. Often packaged as a kit in the grocery store, it’s usually ground beef in a hard shell, topped with chopped lettuce, diced tomato and a dollop of sour cream. While it’s not a bad choice, it does stray from more authentic street tacos you might find in Mexico or California.
So, exactly how do you make the “best” taco? However you like it! Give these tips a try on your next taco night.
Tortillas
Soft corn or flour tortillas are the way to go. But steer clear of heating them up in a microwave. Simply lay your tortilla over your grill or the flame on your gas stove. Have an induction range? No problem. Heating the tortilla in a pan over medium heat for a couple minutes works just as well; just watch your fingers and flip with a pair of tongs.
Fillings
Street tacos have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The small shell is just big enough to fit in your hand and – the best part – it allows you to have multiple servings and types of tacos in one meal.
Even though you’re making tacos at home, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a full menu of options. Just like your favorite restaurant, you can mix it up with chorizo, short ribs, steak, grilled chicken, brisket or veggies. Try one or try them all! Go for mahi mahi, shrimp or fried scallops to keep it light.
When you want something a little more traditional, marinate skirt steak with the juice of one orange and one lime, cilantro, garlic, onions and a dash of soy sauce to make homemade carne asada. Sauté pork that you’ve marinated in lemon and pineapple juice and you’ve got tacos al pastor.
Toppings
Here’s where it really gets fun. When making tacos you have all the freedom in the world (or in your fridge) to add whatever toppings you like. You can stick with white onion, lettuce, tomato and sour cream, or you can get a little more adventurous. Jicama slaw, red cabbage, queso, chopped cilantro, grilled pineapple and fresh mango are are all possibilities to mix and match.
To add some tang and crunch to your taco, add pickled veggies, such as carrots, jalapenos or radishes. Red onions are especially quick and easy to pickle at home. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, try pickled nopales, aka cactus.
Sauces and Salsas
Homemade sauces and salsas are also great ways to personalize your tacos. They are easier to make than you think, and healthier.
Chop up a bundle of cilantro with white onion and fresh tomatoes for a quick pico de gallo. Want something with more of a kick? Try mango salsa. Just add fresh jalapenos to diced mango and bell peppers and top with a squeeze of lime and cilantro.
The Defined Dish’s Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa is the perfect combination of light and bright with a kick of spice. But don’t add too much. One big faux pas of making tacos is overstuffing or over saucing. No one wants salsa running down their arm.
Taco Presentation
It’s been said that you eat with your eyes first. Now that you have some tips on how to make the best tacos, you can start planning how you’d like to to present them.
Start off with a festive table runner and a set of small bowls to hold all your different toppings. When it comes to plating, make use of a taco stand for less mess. Colorful glasses will also make your tablescape pop.
Finally, every taco-loving kitchen needs a mortar and pestle for making homemade guacamole. You don’t even need to transfer it to another bowl!
Picturing yourself on that beach in Mexico yet? Tell us your taco tips in the comments.
A scenic marvel of mountains, islands, forests and other natural wonders, there are many reasons why Acadia is one of the ten most-visited national parks in the county. And as the only national park in the Northeast, it’s a must-see destination for local nature lovers and explorers. Use this guide to Acadia National Park to help you plan your visit.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes, Acadia National Park is open all year. From mid-April to mid-October, the park’s visitor centers and other facilities are open; during the off-season (late October to early April) only the Park Headquarters is open for services.
Where is the park located?
Acadia National Park is located on Mountain Desert Island, Isle au Haut, and the Schoodic Peninsula on the east coast of Maine.
How big is the park?
The park covers approximately 49,000 acres.
How do I get around in the park?
Most visitors drive their own cars and campers into the park. In addition, the Island Explorer bus transports riders to and from various places on Mount Desert Island, including the airport, park destinations and the local communities. During peak season it’s smart to utilize the Island Explorer service, as parking can be hard to come by.
Also, keep in mind that vehicles must display a park entrance pass while in the park.
What activities are available?
Some of the popular activities in an Acadia National Park vacation package include:
Rock climbing: Acadia offers sea cliff climbing, which is not commonly found in other national parks. Privately run companies in the town of Bar Harbor, just outside the park, offer training and tours.
Hiking: The park contains over 130 miles of trails to explore. Whether visitors are seeking a short walk or a day hike, Acadia National Park offers a wide variety of experiences. Because backcountry camping is not permitted in the park, multiday hikes must be planned to include campgrounds.
Birdwatching: Several species of bird of prey and shore birds make their home in Acadia National Park. Many of the park’s trails offer great opportunities to see these creatures in action, and the park’s website has a list of the species known to live there.
Winter sports: When winter arrives, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on the forty-five miles of carriage roads throughout the park. Some roads are tracked by volunteers. Snowmobiles and fat-tire bicycles are permitted on unplowed roads only. Some winter camping is available as well.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are permitted in some campgrounds, on 100 miles of hiking trails, and forty-five miles of carriage roads. They are not allowed on beaches, in public buildings or on ranger-led activities.
Is the park accessible?
Several trails and carriage roads in Acadia National Park are accessible, as are some of the park’s main sites, such as Thunder Hole and Cadillac Mountain.
What accommodations are available?
While there are no lodging facilities within Acadia National Park itself, the neighboring communities have numerous accommodations ranging from high-end hotels to less expensive motels. The park does have several campgrounds with spaces for tents and RVs. The surrounding area also has multiple private campgrounds with varying facilities.
Are there restaurants in the park?
Acadia National Park has one dining facility, Jordan Pond House, which serves lunch and dinner from mid-May until late October. Numerous restaurants and grocery stores can be found in the towns outside the park.
What are the most popular areas of the park?
Cadillac Mountain: Rising to 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the park as well as the tallest mountain on the east coast of the United States. Visitors can drive up a three-and-a-half-mile road to the summit or hike up one of the trails. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac summit during select months (in addition to a park entrance pass).
Park Loop Road: This twenty-seven-mile road leads visitors throughout the park, offering views of the ocean shore, forests, and mountains. Most of the road is open from mid-April through November, though a short portion of the loop is open year-round.
Thunder Hole: This small inlet carved into rock demonstrates the ocean’s power. When an incoming wave hits the inlet, it displaces the air and water already there, creating a loud clap, much like thunder. Water shoots out of the top, sometimes as high as 40 feet, creating quite the display.
Isle au Haut: This small island off the coast of Stonington, south of Mount Desert Island, offers camping, hiking, and fishing in a tranquil environment, reminiscent of older times. Acadia National Park takes up half of the island, whereas the other half is privately owned land.
Sand Beach: Though this yellow-sand beach on the east side of Mount Desert island may look inviting, be prepared – the ocean water in Maine rarely gets above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so swimming can be a bracing experience.
Summer means baseball and hot dogs. But you don’t have to hit your local stadium to get a taste of frankfurter excellence.
These hot dog joints – the greatest of all time (or GOATs) in the sausage world, if you will – have been drawing crowds for decades, and in some cases, more than a century.
Whether you call them wieners, rippers, red hots, franks or dogs, these joints don’t mess with success. Original “secret” recipes are still being served at all of them. How’s that for a home run?
Prefer an audio summary of this post? Click below to listen to this article.
Fans beeline to this Cheshire hot dog joint for its unique hot pepper relish – a secret family recipe that has made it to the International Space Station! The peppers are picked locally and then bottled fresh and served as a topper for one of Blackie’s naturally cased pork and beef hot dogs, made exclusively for them by a local butcher. Its iconic red building has been maintained by the current generation, as are a few quirks: Blackie’s does not serve french fries – just potato chips – and is closed on Fridays.
Opened in 1890 and now run by the fourth generation of the same family, this classic 10-stool diner is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The menu is full of diner staples, but diehards come for the natural-cased franks, which are steamed and then served in a bun from Casey’s original 132-year-old copper bun steamer. Have yours “all-around,” which is served with mustard, relish and onions. Add a root beer float and you can’t get any more old-school than that.
The Garden State is known for its rippers – pork and beef hot dogs, deep-fried until they rip open. The late chef and author Anthony Bourdain got his rippers at this bustling spot, popular with locals and adventurous foodies alike, many of whom learned about Hiram’s from an episode of Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.” The dogs are large and plump, served on a toasted roll and delivered in a cardboard box. Order one well done, topped with cheese or smothered in chili with a side of excellent onion rings and a cold birch beer on tap. Cash only.
Rhode Islanders are fierce about their wieners (don’t call them hot dogs or ask for ketchup!). One of the best-known in the state is served at this family-owned spot, named a James Beard American Classic in 2014. Purists order theirs “all the way,” a beef, pork and veal wiener served off the grill in a steamed bun with mustard, onions, celery salt and Olneyville’s signature meat sauce. (You can buy the spice packet and make your own at home.) Wash ‘em down with another Rhode Island mainstay: coffee milk, a blend of coffee syrup and milk.
Fans line up in all seasons under the distinctive green pagoda at this nationally recognized 104-year-old hot spot, now run by the fourth generation of the Warrington family. They’re waiting for Walter’s beef, veal and pork dogs, split down the middle and grilled in a secret sauce, then served on a toasted bun. Get it plain or topped with the signature mustard – a blend of mustard seeds, spices and relish. But don’t get just one! Walter’s also sells ready-to-cook hot dogs and mustard on Goldbelly.
More of the Best Hot Dogs To Try
Heid’s of Liverpool– Heid’s has been serving up Hofmann hot dogs in Central New York since 1917 with an array of toppings including relish, chili, and even mushrooms. Bring home a jar of their proprietary Heid’s mustard.
Hot Dog Johnny’s – In business since 1948, this iconic roadside stop in Belvidere, N.J., serves up dogs fried in peanut oil that fans pair with a frosty mug of birch beer. Look for the giant hot dog on the roof.
Baba’s The Original New York System – It’s a toss-up on who has the better Rhode Island wiener, Olneyville or Baba’s, so let’s just say it’s eater’s choice. Opened in 1927, Baba’s is one of the state’s oldest wiener joints.
Who do you think makes the greatest hot dog of all time? Share your favorite hot dog joints in the comments.
You’ve been in a car crash. It wasn’t your fault. Your car is damaged, and you may need medical care. But, you’ve managed to come away in one piece. You feel grateful, until you find out the other driver has no insurance.
This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes in handy.
You’re probably asking, “What is uninsured motorist coverage?” Offered in addition to liability, collision or comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage offers you protection from an at-fault driver who has no automobile insurance coverage whatsoever.
Who drives without insurance?
In 2023, one in seven drivers were traveling on the road without any type of vehicle insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council (yikes.) If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance — or worse, you’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash — you get stuck with the bill for vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost time at work and a host of unexpected, accident-related expenses.
This can also happen when an at-fault driver is underinsured. Underinsured motorist coverage offers protection when an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance. It is sometimes bundled with uninsured motorist coverage. This varies by state.
“An uninsured motorist is a driver that does not currently carry liability insurance coverage,” said Jodi DeSantis, managing director of insurance sales at AAA Northeast. “An underinsured motorist is a driver that does not carry enough liability insurance to cover the expenses after an accident.”
Some states require that all drivers purchase uninsured motorist insurance. These states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New York and Maryland. In other states, such as Delaware, it is automatically included in drivers’ insurance policies, and dropping it requires that drivers reject the coverage in writing.
Vehicle insurance requirements vary broadly from state to state. But, here’s some food for thought: The Insurance Research Council reports that rates of uninsured motorists range from 4.5% in Maine to as high as 26.7% in Florida.
There are two types of uninsured and underinsured insurance: bodily injury and property damage.
“Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage protects you, your household members and passengers if you are injured by a driver without liability coverage,” DeSantis said. This type of insurance compensates you for out-of-pocket costs from medical bills, funerals and loss of income.
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if it is damaged by a driver without liability coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage also protects against bodily injury and property damage. “An underinsured driver may have liability coverage, but their limit may not be enough to cover expenses after an accident,” DeSantis said.
Should I purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage?
In some states, uninsured property damage insurance can overlap with collision coverage, which pays for damage to your car from an impact with an object or another vehicle. “If another motorist damages your vehicle, then collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle, minus your deductible, whether the other party is insured or not; however, you may benefit from a lower deductible under the uninsured property damage coverage if this has been purchased,” said DeSantis.
Typically, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage does not come with a deductible. However, a deductible may accompany your uninsured motorist property damage coverage. This varies by state.
Uninsured bodily injury coverage
Personal injury protection, or PIP, covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, including medications, surgery and rehabilitation. It also pays for lost wages and funeral costs. Drivers are required to have PIP coverage in no-fault states such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, where insurers cover certain accident costs, within limits, regardless of who is at fault. For this reason, PIP is often referred to as no-fault insurance.
Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, covers medical bills for you and your passengers. Like PIP, it covers medical expenses such as ambulance rides, surgery and medications, although it is typically less comprehensive than PIP. Regardless of who is at fault, MedPay works quickly to pay medical costs, and may even cover the cost of your health-insurance or PIP deductible. MedPay is optional in every state except Maine and New Hampshire, where it is required when drivers buy car insurance.
MedPay can be used to supplement your health insurance, which can sometimes leave you with costly gaps in coverage following an accident. It can also serve as added protection in the case you do not have PIP insurance.
Does PIP or MedPay eliminate the need for uninsured bodily injury coverage? Possibly. It depends on the level of coverage you have and what state you live in. Be sure to go over any questions you have with your insurer.
Drivers desiring faster commutes might want a higher speed limit, but it may not be the safest choice. What about the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and others?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that raising posted speed limits could lead to more crashes, injuries and deaths. Now, new research reveals that highway speeding can also impact surrounding communities.
Speed and Safety
Speeding contributes to more than a quarter of road fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it a significant safety concern. Still, many states have steadily raised their posted speed limits.
Since 2018, the AAA Foundation has conducted several studies examining the effect of posted speed limit changes on safety. In the first study, traffic engineers were asked how posted speed limits are set and what factors they consider in changing them. In the second phase, crash testing revealed that small speed increases have severe and potentially deadly effects on crash outcomes.
Finally, before-and-after assessments analyzing crash and speed data were collected from multiple sites where posted speed limits were changed (raised or lowered), to examine the differences. While raising posted highway speed limits was associated with increased crash frequencies in some situations, results varied.
The study also found that the likelihood of speed limit violations increased after lowering posted speed limits, suggesting the need for better public awareness education tied to these changes.
Changes in travel times were small in response to both raised and lowered speed limits.
The safety of any roadway depends on a range of factors. AAA recommends changes in posted speed limits consider the type of road, surrounding land use and historical crash data. AAA supports automated speed enforcement where appropriate, but programs must be carefully implemented to maintain community support, prioritize equity and consistently improve safety.
Speeding Spills Over
A new report by the AAA Foundation shows that spillover speeding from the highway can threaten neighborhoods near exits.
“When it comes to local roads used by drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike, responsible speeds are paramount to ensuring we all get home safely each day,” said Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “Unfortunately, in many neighborhoods near highways, local streets are treated like racetracks rather than places where people live and work.
Researchers investigated whether changes to posted speed limits on interstate highways could cause drivers to adopt risky speeding behaviors on local streets, looking at crash data before and after speed limit increases on interstates in Georgia, Michigan and Oregon. Hot spot analyses on roads within a one-mile radius of interstates revealed many instances where speed-related crashes increased on nearby roads following the interstate speed limit change, suggesting that drivers exiting the highway continued their faster tendencies.
“The findings serve as a reminder to drivers to curb their speeds when they exit a highway,” Schieldrop added.
The Road Ahead
While at least eight states were considering raising speed limits last year, the benefits are overrated, and the risks are understated. Increasing speed limits does not always yield the positive results envisioned by traffic planners.
“It is critical to consider the safety implications when local transportation authorities contemplate making changes to posted speed limits,” said Mary Maguire, Vice President Public Government Affairs at AAA Northeast.
AAA urges transportation officials to apply a holistic approach when setting or changing posted speed limits and prioritize safety over speed and capacity.
Share you thoughts on raising or lowering speed limits in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
New Jersey has many credits to its name, from being the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen to its iconic Jersey Shore, making it an exciting place to take a day trip, visit for a weekend or just do some light exploring. Seeing the Garden State doesn’t have to break the bank, though; there are plenty of cheap things to do in New Jersey that will keep your budget in check.
An homage to the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain who grew up in Leonia, N.J., this food trail is a collection of restaurants featured on his famed CNN show, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” Follow the itinerary to a T or pick and choose.
Since its debut in 1870, the Atlantic City boardwalk has made a name for itself as one of the state’s most iconic landmarks. Four miles of shops, rides, restaurants and, of course, beaches will keep you occupied all day long.
This extraordinary Hindu house of worship is the second largest in the world, spanning 185 acres and a height of 191 feet. Open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation, guests are welcome to respectfully take in the magnificence and enjoy the grounds.
If you’re looking for fun activities to do in New Jersey with kids, this free zoo is situated within the Cape May County Park and is home to amazing animals like African lions, cheetahs, American black bears and more. Get up close and personal with the adorable capybara, or maybe sign up for a meet and greet with Willy the pig through the zoo’s animal encounter opportunities. (Cape May is one of our favorite cozy small towns, by the way.)
As its name suggests, the Discovery Seashell Museum has lots of seashells on view – over 10,000 of them, to be exact. The unique museum has been open since 1960, and through the years, has acquired prehistoric fossils, sea glass and live aquatic animals. There’s even a megalodon jaw reconstruction out back.
DIY Sopranos Filming Locations Tour– Free
Grab your “gabagool” and head out for a tour of “The Sopranos” filming locations 🤌. Using this helpful list from The Hoboken Girl as a guide, you can see more than 10 locations where the award-winning show came to life, from the Soprano home to Satriale’s and many more.
Tour the stately and historic Drumthwacket, home to the Governor of New Jersey. Learn about the previous owners of the mansion, beginning in 1835 and including Charles Smith Olden and Moses Taylor Pyne. Don’t forget to walk through the Italianate gardens as well. Tours are free but prior registration is required.
Experience some real-life magic on the Fairy Trail located in Millburn. The half-mile route leads you to the doorstep of fairy homes – some of which you can even peek inside. Great for kids and adults alike.
Travel back in time to the year 1900 at the Howell Living History Farm, where you can see and experience what it was like to farm and live over 100 years ago. Weekend events include maple sugaring, workhorse rides, beekeeping and even a lambing day where you may see the birth of a lamb!
Encounter the majesty of wild wolves at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia. Guests are able to observe four packs of wolves from a safe distance while an expert guide explains the fascinating social dynamics of wolves as well as their habits and other behavior. The tour also includes foxes, a bobcat and a lynx.
With views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, visiting Liberty State Park is a favorite New Jersey activity for locals and visitors. Guests can enjoy the park in a number of ways, including a visit to the Liberty Science Center, Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area or a ferry ride to and from Ellis Island.
Originally built to attract visitors in the 1800s, Lucy the Elephant still has a flock of fans pining to see her in all her pachyderm glory. Guided tours give you an inside look (literally) into Lucy’s construction and the opportunity to take a peek out of her eyes and see the view from the riding carriage on her back.
Think you know Montclair? Test your knowledge by participating in the Montclair Mischief Makers’ Treasure Hunt that takes you on a journey to multiple locations throughout the town searching for your next clue through challenges, riddles and lots of fun.
Retro game lovers will have their work cut out for them at the Morristown Game Vault. Play over 110 arcade games and pinball machines from the classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to more modern themed plays like South Park.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at this botanical garden where you can take a leisurely stroll and learn about all the different plant species that reside here. Peruse the many different gardens, like the annual garden, lilac garden (over 100 varieties) and the Italianate gardens.
What began as a passion for wreck diving became Deb Whitcraft’s vision for a museum to display her collection of New Jersey maritime history and artifacts. Today, the New Jersey Maritime Museum holds an extensive collection including shipwreck treasures, photographs, model ships and more.
As the first national reserve in the nation, The Pinelands National Reserve is 1 million acres of dense forest, public parks, winding rivers, blueberry fields and so much more. So much, in fact, that it’s advised to take several days to experience it all.
Located in Essex County, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are a sight to see. At their peak in May, the property boasts over 1,500 varieties of irises resulting in 100,000 vibrant blooms of all colors – so many that locals refer to the gardens as “the rainbow on the hill.”
Go under the sea (figuratively) at Sea Life! With amazing exhibits – like the immersive tunnel that gives you panoramic views of the ocean life above – and over 1,000 creatures, including sharks, jellyfish and stingrays, choosing your favorite part is sure to be difficult. AAA members save 30%.
At Valley Shepherd Creamery, there’s something fun to do all year long. Take a wagon ride up the mountain for a farm tour, get a peek inside the cheese cave, hold a newborn lamb, sample a cheese tray – the list goes on.
For a Northeast staycation, you can’t beat New York City. There’s a never-ending list of fun activities in NYC, which is probably the hardest part of planning your visit. Here are just a few essential stops for your next day trip or weekend getaway, featuring art, oysters and, of course, a room with a view.
The 1 Hotel Central Park is a stylish eco-friendly AAA Four Diamond property just steps away from the park. Entering the lobby, it feels like you’re surrounded by nature. The design team successfully transported the forest indoors with natural materials – think cork, moss and reclaimed wood – and tons of plants everywhere.
Our City King room was a standard size for a Manhattan hotel and every inch was put to good use. We had a cool city view where we could people watch stories above the city in a quiet window nook. It was a great spot to enjoy room service or a HigherDose spa treatment, like the infrared sauna blankets that help you detox. The 1 Hotel is wellness-conscious and has a gym and personal training as well as yoga mats and foam rollers in every room.
After settling into my hotel room, I walked a few blocks to the Museum of Modern Art. With rotating art shows, this is one New York attraction where you’re guaranteed to see something new during each visit. When you’ve reached your fill of art, grab a power salad at the on-site cafe or check out the museum gift shop.
I used a Go City New York Explorer Pass with my AAA discount to purchase MoMA tickets. Member discounts are available at over 100 city sites and fun activities in NYC, like cruises and behind-the-scenes tours. Some popular options include walking food tours (hello, bagels) or taking in panoramic views of from the Empire State Building. The pass gives you access via an app to sightsee for up to 60 days at your own pace. Some activities require reservations, so check ahead.
Eat
Next up, I rode the subway a few stops to visit Grand Central Oyster Bar. The walk to the restaurant is the perfect opportunity to take in Grand Central Terminal’s architecture and the incredible starry mural on its ceiling, painted in 1913. The station is rich in history and has many secrets. There’s even a hidden bar called The Campbell Bar on the west balcony. Grab a drink before dinner, if you can find it.
The legendary Grand Central Oyster Bar is located on the lower level. It’s been around for over 100 years and has a huge menu of delicious seafood. Its red-checked tablecloths and arched tiled ceilings are iconic symbols of this landmark institution. Try a seafood tower for a sampling of the freshest catch, from Long Island oysters to Maine lobster. Post-dinner, peruse the storefronts in the station or take a long walk back to the hotel.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Big Apple? Tell us in the comments.
Washing your car is not just needed to make your car look better as you drive down the road. Regular washing can help maintain the vehicle and keep its value, thus saving you money now and earning you more money later should you try to resell it.
That said, washing your car incorrectly can do more harm than good. We asked our experts how to properly wash a car. Here’s how to do it.
Start With a Clean Base
First, make sure to move your vehicle to a proper location before washing. Never wash a hot car. The vehicle should be cool to the touch and out of direct sunlight.
Start by getting rid of any debris on your car (underneath the wiper blades is a good place to start). Clean any bug, bird droppings and tree sap stains. To do so, use denatured alcohol or a bug and tar removal product.
You can then get the vehicle good and wet to wash off any accumulated dirt. Rinse off the entire car prior to handwashing. Since you have the hose out, rinse under the vehicle as well as inside the wheel openings to wash off any accumulated dirt.
Do not use household cleaners such as hand or dish soap. These products can strip off the car’s protective wax. Instead, use a dedicated car wash soap. These products are milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.
When washing your car, use the two-bucket method. One bucket will have the clean, soapy water, the other is where you’ll drop the dirty water. Using only a single bucket requires you to repeatedly dip the sponge into dirty water, thus putting dirt right back on the car you’re trying to clean. Not only is it counterproductive, but the dirt could also damage the paint.
When you’re ready to begin washing, do so from top to bottom, focusing on one section at a time. Use lots of water and rinse off each section of the car as you move along. This will prevent the car from air drying. (More on that below).
PRO TIP: Wash the wheels with a special wheel-washing brush with soft bristles for the tires. This brush will enable you to get in all the nooks and crannies.
Drying the Car
Do not forget to hand dry your car. Allowing it to air dry will leave behind streaks and water marks. To properly dry the car, use a chamois or fluffy microfiber cloth.
This is a good time to use a quick detailer spray wax or paint sealant. It doesn’t replace hand waxing to help protect the paint but it is a quick and easy step.
Cleaning the Windows
Once the car is dry, it is time to clean the windows. To do so, use a high-quality window cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the windows and wipe down with paper towels. Remember to open the windows to get the top area that slides up into the door. Once the windows are clean go over them with a microfiber cloth to remove any extra cleaner spray.
PRO TIP: Use a few-weeks-old black and white newspaper to clean your windows rather than paper towels for the least amount of streaks.
Interior
Inside the car, wipe down all surfaces, dust the vents and clean the interior windows and steering wheel with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to use a cleaner that is made for car interiors, as harsh alcohol and ammonia-based sprays could cause damage. Professionals often recommend using a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water.
Cleaning seats properly depends on the type of material they are. Read our article on how to clean leather, vinyl and more. Then, vacuum and clean the mats and carpet. Don’t forget the crumbs in your center console and cup holders!
If you're recovering from a poor financial stretch or simply just beginning your credit history, there are a number of ways to build your credit score.
Few numbers play such a significant role in your life as your credit score. Just about every major milestone in your life – attending college, buying a car, purchasing a house – is affected by this three-digit number. Therefore, knowing how to start building up credit and maintaining a good credit score important.
If you’re recovering from a poor financial stretch or simply just beginning your credit history, no need to worry, there are still a number of ways to build your credit score. Negative marks on your credit report will diminish over time so the sooner you put these strategies into place, the sooner your credit score will improve.
A credit score is an appraisal of a consumer’s creditworthiness. Essentially, it tells financial institutions how likely a consumer is to pay their bills and repay their debts. The vast majority of lenders use Fair Isaac Corporation or FICO credit scores, which are determined by five factors: payment history (35%), credit usage (30%), age of credit accounts (15%), credit mix (10%) and new credit inquiries (10%).
FICO credit scores range from 300-850 and are categorized as excellent (800 to 850), very good (740 to 799), good (670 to 739), fair (580 to 669) and poor (300 to 579).
How to Start Building Your Credit
If you are just starting out, the first steps to establishing good credit include opening a bank account to prove you are good at saving, and of course getting a credit card that you will use – and pay back – frequently.
You may want to consider a rewards card like the AAA Visa Signature®credit card, which provides added incentives like cash back on everyday purchases, such as groceries and gas. If you are a frequent traveler, the AAA Travel Advantage card helps you earn more when you use your card to pay for expenses related to travel, dining and car rentals. Learn more.
If you have a friend or family member with a long track record of responsible credit card use, ask them if you can join one of their accounts as an authorized user. It’s a quick and easy way to build your credit score. An authorized credit card user is a secondary account holder who can, at the primary holder’s discretion, use the account to make purchases but is not responsible for making payments.
When you become an authorized user, a new account gets added to your credit report and the positive attributes of said account will boost your credit score. This strategy is particularly useful to help you start building your credit.
Pay Your Bills on Time
This may sound obvious but it cannot be overstated. Payment history makes up more than one-third of your credit score. You cannot build your credit score with a poor payment track record.
There are a few ways to improve your payment history. First, create an organized filing system, set due date alerts or automate payments to ensure bills don’t simply fall through the cracks.
If you miss a payment by 30 days, call your creditor immediately and arrange to submit payment. Some companies may even agree to stop reporting the late payment. If the creditor doesn’t, do what you can to get balanced on your account as soon as possible. Each delinquent month damages your score.
Keep Your Accounts Open
It might seem logical to close out any old credit accounts, but even if you’re not using them anymore, experts suggest keeping them open. This helps build your credit score in two ways. First, it increases the average age of accounts. The older the age, the higher the credit score.
Second, it helps lower your credit utilization, which is the percentage of your available credit that you use and is an important figure in determining your credit score. For example, let’s say you have two credit cards, each with a $10,000 limit. One card you put $5,000 on each month, the other you don’t use. With both accounts open, your credit utilization is 25%, but close your unused card and the figure jumps to 50%.
Limit Hard Inquiries
Does checking your credit score lower it? Soft inquiries, such as checking your own credit score or allowing potential employers to check your credit, will not affect it. However, financial institutions perform what’s known as a hard inquiry into your credit history whenever you apply for a credit card, mortgage or loan. These types of inquiries affect your credit score.
The occasional hard inquiry is not a problem, but many of them in a limited amount of time can hurt your credit score. Companies could view this as you needing to continually take out money in order to pay your bills. Furthermore, opening new accounts will decrease the average age of your accounts, another factor in determining your credit score. It’s best to only apply for new financing when you truly need it.
One caveat to the hard inquiry rule is searching for the best loan rates. Credit scoring models can recognize when consumers are shopping around and often ignore hard inquiries if they all occur in a short period of time. Yet another great reason to explore the low interest rates offered by AAA on auto, home and student loans.
Dispute Errors
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major national credit bureaus in the U.S. Consumers are granted one free copy of their credit report from each bureau each year.
It’s possible for mistakes to be made on your credit report. Request a copy of your report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Once you receive it, check to make sure all the information is correct. Some things to look for are payments being marked as late when they were made on time or negative information from years ago that should have been removed. (Most negative credit marks stay on your report for seven years.)
If you do catch an error, gather all the relevant documents and evidence that prove the mistake wrong and dispute it to the credit bureaus immediately. You can usually do so online, on the phone or by writing a letter. The bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days. It’s also a good idea to inform the company that provided the information of the mistake.
Whether it’s securing a loan, purchasing a car or saving for retirement, AAA is here to help you with all your financial needs. Learn more about all the products and services available to members.
Meeting characters is an essential part of the Walt Disney World experience. It’s incredible to see little eyes light up with the delight of meeting their favorite characters. And it’s fun for the adults, too. Even if you think you’re too cool to take a photo with Mickey Mouse – or, OK, too old – you won’t be able to resist the silly exuberance of interacting with Disney’s most magical imaginings in real life.
Lines in the parks to meet characters can be long, and not always worth the wait. The best way to meet them is character dining. There are restaurants all over the parks and hotels that offer uniquely themed culinary experiences, and you have the benefit of getting to sit down to a nice meal while characters come to your table. While most reservations fill up 60 days in advance, if you can’t get one, don’t fret – tables often open at the last minute, and most restaurants can take walk-up parties, especially at the beginning of service.
Hit: Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Picture this: You walk into an enchanted forest, the trees overhead glowing with twinkling fairy lights. Your server brings you your own magical tree, placing it in the center of the table, and every time it spins it reveals another woodland-inspired culinary delight. Every so often, a dwarf chances upon your table – and sometimes, a rosy cheeked maiden twirls past with a friendly greeting. But then, the crowd goes silent and the trees emanate a foreboding red. There is an Evil Queen in your midst.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is an enchanting experience. The three-course dinner menu is Bavarian-inspired (think wild mushroom bisque, hunter’s pie, beef stroganoff) and after you have desserts like “poison” apples, the server brings you one final treat: chocolate hearts, delivered in an ornate wooden box, just like the huntsman delivers to the queen in the fairytale.
Dopey, Grumpy and Snow White will visit you while you eat, and at some point during your meal, you will be allowed to have an audience with her evilness herself. It’s the only time you can meet a villain during character dining, and it’s as delightful as it sounds. At one point, my best friend was talking back to the Evil Queen. “Is she always like this?” the Queen asked me in her regal drawl. “Every. Day,” I responded. She crossed her arms. “My condolences then.”
This is a controversial take, but I think it’s the right one. While there’s an undeniable thrill going into Cinderella Castle, the experience inside at Cinderella’s Royal Table isn’t what it could be.
Downstairs before you enter the dining room, you’ll have a chance to meet Cinderella and have a Disney photographer take your photo. Upstairs, a rotating assortment of princesses like Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Tiana and Merida come to your table. The food is good but not great, and the interactions with the princesses are nice, but for the price ($69 per adult for breakfast and $84 per adult for lunch and dinner) you want better. What you’re really paying for is being able to experience the castle in a different way. Which, in fairness, is exciting.
If you want face time with the princesses, consider booking a table at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot instead. This less expensive restaurant in the Norway Pavilion offers a Scandinavian-inspired buffet and cocktails made with Norwegian spirits, and characters like Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Tiana, Mulan and Mary Poppins make the rounds.
If it’s the thrill of the castle that appeals to you, go with Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. You’ll only get to meet the Beast, but the immersive atmosphere is gorgeous, the food is better and each of the three dining rooms has different magical surprises in store.
Hit: Topolino’s Terrace
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort is Walt Disney World’s newest hotel, and there are luxury details everywhere, from the ornate “Tangled” and “Peter Pan” mosaics on the way to the Skyliner to the antique European Disney toys. Fun fact: Mickey Mouse is known as “Topolino” in Italy. The crown jewel is Topolino’s Terrace, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which is gorgeous at night for its Epcot fireworks views and equally as appealing for its French-Italian cuisine.
Every morning, the restaurant hosts Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends. Your meal starts with a paint bucket of pastries accompanied by Nutella, butter and jam that you can “paint” onto the muffins and croissants.
The setting is luxe and the food – like quiche gruyere, bread pudding brulee and wood-fired steak and eggs – is excellent, for less money than many other character breakfasts. What’s also iconic about this experience is the artistic Mediterranean outfits the characters wear. Mickey is a painter, complete with a paint-spattered apron. Minnie is a writer, wearing a dress of newsprint and carrying a notebook in her pocket. Donald is wearing quintessentially French navy-and-white stripes, and Daisy is wearing a chic high-fashion ensemble.
For another unique way to see characters, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe in Disney’s Beach Club Resort is an adorable option. Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy all appear in their best beach attire at this buffet breakfast.
Miss: Hollywood and Vine
Hollywood Studios
There are some enormous perks to eating at Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood and Vine inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios: It is one of only a few character meals open for lunch, and lunch is only one credit on the Disney Dining Plan (the food is the same for dinner but costs two credits). With that lunch or dinner, you get entry into reserved seating for that evening’s showing of “Fantasmic,” the unmissable nighttime show at the park.
Speak to one of our “Magic Makers” – AAA travel advisors who specialize in all things Disney – to learn more about the Dining Plan and if it’s worth it for you.
If you’re paying out of pocket, this one is a skip. After my $63 meal of mostly unimpressive food, plus soft drink and gratuity, I spent almost $90, while my friend on the dining plan spent nothing, even with a cocktail. Not even adorable interactions with old Hollywood-styled Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto could erase that sting.
For a bigger selection of similarly kid-friendly food and the same classic characters, go to Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort instead. You can still get face time with Mickey and Minnie at breakfast and dinner, but you’ve got the added entertainment of the Monorail rushing overhead. I’ve seen it a million times and it never gets old.
Hit: Tusker House Restaurant
Animal Kingdom
For a truly adventurous experience, embark on a journey to Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Here, you can meet Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Goofy in their safari finest while you eat African-inspired cuisine. For breakfast, the selection includes chocolate-swirled “zebra” coffee cake, guava cream cheese danish, Simba waffles and fruit salad with ginger syrup. If you’d like, you can wash it down with an African Bloody Mary made with berbere sauce and applewood-smoked bacon. For lunch and dinner, selections include tandoori chicken, za’atar braised beef and green curry shrimp with jollof rice. Don’t skip dessert, which includes baby flamingo cupcakes. (And later, when you ride the safari in Animal Kingdom, don’t miss the fact that the flamingos’ island is one giant hidden Mickey.)
Miss: Garden Grill
Epcot
If you love the Living with the Land ride in the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, you’ll love Garden Grill. The restaurant is built around the ride, and the whole thing rotates so you can see different parts of the ride as you eat. Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale, all in their farmer finery, make appearances as you eat. But just like the ride itself, the vibe is relaxed and low-key, which isn’t the most fun way to meet characters. The food is a novelty, though. A lot of what the restaurant serves is grown in the Land Pavilion, and the menu has significantly more plant-based options than most other Disney restaurants.
For less common characters in a more energetic environment, opt for Crystal Palace inside Magic Kingdom. Inside this light-filled, Victorian-inspired restaurant on Main Street, you can meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore, who are hosting a Friendship Day Celebration (which just so happens to be every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner). The restaurant is also one of the few places in Magic Kingdom where you can get an adult libation with your meal.
There are a few other character dining experiences, including Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals on Saturday mornings at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and 1900 Park Fare, which just recently reopened after renovations in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
These are my personal recommendations, but choosing the best places for character dining in Disney is subjective. It all comes down to which characters you and your family want to meet and the overall vibe and experience you prefer that will ultimately determine your hits and misses.
A dead battery can put a serious crimp in your plans for the day. You either need a jump-start from a friendly passerby or a call to AAA Roadside Assistance to get you back on the road. But there is a way to avoid that situation entirely. Rather than being surprised when your battery fails, practice good car battery maintenance.
When to Replace a Car Battery
The typical life of a battery in the Northeast is just under five years. If your car’s battery is more than 3 years old, have it professionally tested, and if it is 5 years old consider having it replaced.
Signs You Need a New Battery
Knowing when to replace a car battery begins with recognizing these signs.
Your car has trouble starting or slow engine cranking.
Your car can’t get going in cold weather or extreme heat. Cold weather especially can take a toll your battery.
You need frequent jump-starts.
Dashboard lights are flickering.
Dim headlights.
You notice a rotten egg smell.
The battery case is disfigured.
Basic Car Battery Maintenance
Just like changing your oil and staying on top of tire care, you should check your battery as part of regular car maintenance. Add it to your checklist today and save yourself the headache of a dead battery later.
While some like to DIY certain car tasks, others are more comfortable leaving it to the pros. We recommend having AAA mobile Car Battery Service check the condition of your battery. A technician will come to you, wherever you are, and will even replace your battery if needed. AAA members get a minimum of $25 off every car battery purchase. You can’t beat that kind of convenience.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to know about what’s going on with your car’s battery. Here are some car battery basics to be aware of.
Safety First
Ever had a battery leak inside of a plastic flashlight and had to toss the whole thing? It’s not pretty. Battery acid is caustic, so it’s not something you want to get in your eyes or on your hands. Before you do any kind of car battery maintenance, put on protective eyewear and a sturdy pair of gloves.
Clean the Cables
Open the hood and take a look at your battery to see if there is any visible corrosion. It’s a sort of crusty, white coating that you’ll find around the battery terminals. This can be easily cleaned with a simple mix of 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon baking soda, along with a small wire brush.
Start by disconnecting the battery cables – negative first, then the positive cable. Once the cables are disconnected, use the water and baking soda solution to clean off any corrosion. You should also clean off the battery terminals to remove any signs of corrosion there, too. You can purchase a battery terminal cleaning tool to make the job easier.
Once the terminals are clean, there’s one more step you should complete to keep them in good condition. Coat them with a dedicated battery terminal spray, to prevent corrosion. Using grease can attract dirt, and that combination can cause the battery to discharge over time.
If you notice a buildup on the terminals, that’s your cue that it’s time to give them a good cleaning.
Check the Electrolytes
Once your battery is clean, remove the covers from the battery cells to expose the fill holes. The covers are different depending on the battery. Sometimes it’s a single piece of plastic you simply pry off. Other times each hole has its own cover that you twist off individually. Some low-maintenance batteries may not have filler caps at all, which means that this step is one you need to skip for your battery.
If your battery does have removable fill caps, you should be able to see down inside of your battery once you’ve taken them off. The fluid in there is an acid and water mixture, and it should come up just to the bottom edge of the holes. If it’s any lower, then you need to add clean, distilled water to the mix.
Be careful not to overfill. The mixture inside your battery is caustic. If it spills out it will burn your hands and can damage the paint on your car. Fill only to the bottom edge of the holes. If you overfill the battery, wash everything off with plenty of fresh water.
Check the Voltage
You can test the voltage with a tool called a voltmeter to get an idea about the condition of your battery, although a voltmeter won’t give you the full picture. AAA battery service technicians and AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities have dedicated battery testing tools that are more thorough and show the overall condition of your battery. It’s a simple check and you can even ask to have it done when you’re getting an oil change or other repair work.
AAA Battery Replacement Service
AAA battery service professionals will test, clean or replace your battery on the spot. As part of AAA battery replacement, they will also make sure that your old battery is properly recycled.
Is battery maintenance on your car care checklist? Let us know in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
It’s the time of year when visitors flock to U.S. national parks. While there may be 63 to choose from, certain parks are more popular than others during summer. Want to see America’s beauty with fewer crowds? AAA travel advisor Lori Reilly has been assisting travelers for nearly 30 years. She says knowing when to visit the parks and where to stay makes a huge difference.
There seems to be an uptick in travel to national parks. Why the spike in interest?
It does seem that more people are flocking to our national parks. As a AAA travel advisor, I often hear people say they travel to unplug and unwind, and our national parks offer those opportunities. Many travelers tell me they want domestic vacations that offer breathtaking views. Young people love showcasing the stunning scenery on social media, like Instagram and TikTok. With several national park programs offering free or discounted entrance fees, as well as many of the reservation systems ending, visiting these national treasures is becoming easier.
In the western United States, Yellowstone in Wyoming and Yosemite in California are two of the most popular. Yosemite attracts many domestic and international visitors. Both parks offer iconic scenery, from the majestic Half Dome and waterfalls in Yosemite to Old Faithful and the bison in Yellowstone.
In the eastern U.S., Acadia National Park in Maine is popular and one of the spots where you’ll be the first to see the sun rise in the east! Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the North Carolina/Tennessee border offers some of the best fall colors and a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Acadia National Park
What are some lesser-known national parks for travelers who want to avoid big crowds?
North Cascades National Park in Washington is a beautiful, rugged park for those looking to get away from it all. It offers hiking and biking trails and opportunities for mountaineering and horseback riding.
For those really looking to disconnect, consider visiting Stehekin in North Cascades National Park in Washington. This lake community is only accessible by boat, foot or floatplane. Visitors can camp or stay at the Lodge at Stehekin, which offers beautiful rooms or private cabins.
Another lesser known, off-the-beaten-path park is Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Here you will find an array of activities from hiking, bird watching, fishing and stargazing. The park is home to Lehman Caves where you can take tours to view the stalagmites and stalactites. Great Basin also offers a number of astronomy events throughout the year.
What’s your advice for families visiting national parks with young kids?
Investigate the Junior Ranger program for the park you are planning to visit. Lot of parks have programs designed to enrich children’s experiences and kids can even earn patches and badges when completing tasks inside the park! Many of the programs have printable programs on their website that allow for planning in advance and increasing your child’s interest prior to arrival. Also, purchase your child a national parks passport to have stamped when traveling to the parks, especially if you have more than one park on your planned itinerary.
Another thing to consider: If you’re bringing snacks, be sure you have a way to pack your trash after you’re done eating. When walking on trails, garbage cans are not always readily available, so you may have to carry wrappers and other trash with you until you leave the park.
Where should people stay when they visit national parks?
While it is the most expensive option, I recommend visitors stay inside the national parks. It will save you time and maximize your visit to the park. People often only think about the distance from a hotel to the park entrance, but traffic is an issue as well. Lots of visitors trying to get in on the same day will cause your commute time to increase.
If staying inside the park is not an option, consider staying in an area that is not the main entrance of the park itself. For example, in Yellowstone, many travelers stay in Cody, just over an hour drive to the eastern entrance to the park. Another option is Jackson, just south of the Tetons National Park and approximately an hour and a half from the southern entrance to Yellowstone.
Glacier National Park
Most families travel during the summer because kids are off from school. But what are some other good times of the year to visit national parks?
Autumn is a lovely time to visit Acadia in Maine, Glacier in Montana, Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio and Shenandoah in Virginia for cooler weather and fall foliage. Winter is a great time for visitors interested in skiing and snowshoeing up north and for those looking for milder temperatures in the parks in the south.
What’s your favorite national park?
My favorite national park is Yosemite, especially in the fall when the trees are beginning to turn.
Yosemite offers so many incredible views, from the tunnel view as you first enter the park, to Glacier Point giving unparalleled views of Half Dome, a massive rock formation. We enjoy the trails that go out to Mirror Lake or the Mist Trail that takes you right next to Vernal Falls. We love the views of the Merced River and Phono Bridge, which reminds me of a bridge in a fairytale – you almost expect a troll to be living under it! Another great place to get views of Half Dome is from Stoneman Meadow, where in the early evening before sunset you may find deer eating. A visit close to sunset can make for some stunning photographs!
Ready to book? Browse national park tours and road trip ideas on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free online travel planning tool. Or contact a AAA travel advisor to find the perfect national park for you!
Mention vacation and Florida jumps to mind. But the Sunshine State is more than just beaches and theme parks, although, for some, those are enough for a perfect getaway. Many of Florida’s cities and towns are home to museums, music, sports, fine dining, nightlife and sunset celebrations.
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America,” boasts outdoor recreation, museums, dining, shopping and three historic districts. Visitors can get a taste of Europe with Riverfront Gondola Tours through the city’s canals. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale stretches for a mile and incorporates ten parks along the New River.
Art, history and specialty museums also beckon. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, part of Nova Southeastern University, has more than 7,500 works and an extensive collection of Latin American and Cuban art. At the Museum of Discovery & Science try tons of firsthand and educational activities and see live otters. Learn about the proud culture and history of LGBTQIA+ people and their contributions to American society at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, the biggest lending library of its kind in the country.
Speaking of the outdoors, Martin County has more than 77 parks –and the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern hemisphere, the St. Lucie Inlet.The area boasts deep sea fishing, and of course, beaches! Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach offers indoor fun. The town of Stuart is home to the Creek District, with artwork, music and restaurants. The Stuart Heritage Museum is filled with stories of the town’s past.
For glamour and glitz, head to the City of Miami with its trendy shops, restaurants and Little Havana neighborhood Calle Ocho, full of Cuban food, culture and music. Colorful murals adorn the Wynwood neighborhood, and clubs are alive with music and dancing day and night.
Coconut Grove, Miami’s original neighborhood, features specialty shops and restaurants and living history of the area, which was settled by Bahamian immigrants in the late 1800s. And yes, there are world-famous beaches.
What can you say about Orlando, the fun capital of the planet, with something for all ages? Spend packed days and nights at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
While at Universal, cool off at Volcano Bay, a South Sea oasis-themed water park featuring a volcano towering over a sunny beach and palm-tree-lined paths. Or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, part of Walt Disney World’s Resort. Ready for a change of scenery? Check out Aquatica, rated the number one outdoor water park by USA Today. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Orlando is known for fishing, birdwatching, kayaking and ecotourism.
The Breakers Palm Beach is a historic hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Farrell and Peter W. Cross)
The Palm Beaches
Whether it is ocean beaches, shopping, golf, gourmet food or music, the Palm Beaches don’t disappoint. With more than 160 golf courses, it is no wonder the area is known as Florida’s Golf Capital. For those who are not fans of golf, there are opportunities for hiking, croquet, tennis, mini-golf and other activities.
When you get off the links, drive through the “jungle” at Lion Country Safari and see prowling lions and towering giraffes. Then see animals from around the world at the Palm Beach Zoo and book time for a personal visit with some of the critters including a panther, flamingo and sloth.
Take in some of the area’s maritime history at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum and get a feel for the Gilded Age at the Flagler Museum, built in 1902 and once the estate of business magnate Henry Flagler, who built much of Florida’s infrastructure. Stroll through 16-acres of gardens at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and view a world-class bonsai display and galleries of Asian art.
In the state’s northwest region, Pensacola offers white sand beaches and walking tours through Historic Pensacola Village on America’s First Settlement Trail. This trail has 20 stops and more than 70 points of interest, some from as early as 1756. Shops and restaurants are plentiful, and accommodations are easy to find.
For “Top Gun” fans, Pensacola also is the home of the U.S. Navy aviation training station, the Blue Angels air acrobatic team and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
In the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, you’ll find miles of beaches for relaxing, as well as eclectic art museums. Contemporary glass art from around the world is on display at the Imagine Museum while the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg includes thousands of artifacts covering nearly 5,000 years of civilization. The Dalí Museum features one of the most extensive collections of the surreal artist’s work. More glass work is on display at the Chihuly Collection – Morean Arts Center.
When you are ready to spend more time outdoors, head to the St. Pete Pier for a leisurely walk and enjoy exhibits, food and drink. Nearby Fort De Soto Park has beach access and a 7-mile paved trail.
Celebrate days’ end at Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater. Enjoy nightly performances and artwork displays while waiting for the sun to drop below the horizon. Clearwater Marine Aquarium became world famous in 2007 when the nearby Hanger Clinic constructed a prosthetic tail for Winter, an injured dolphin. The story spawned a book and two movies; Winter lived at the rescue center until she died in 2021.
If outdoor sports are more to your liking, the Sunseeker Resort is scheduled to open in neighboring Port Charlotte December 15. Accessible from five airports, guests can enjoy golf, sunset cruises, fishing, biking and kayaking.
Moving on, Tampa Bay has something for everyone, including beaches, amusement parks, art, vibrant nightlife and scenic strolls.
Popular with tourists and locals alike is the 2.6-mile-long Riverwalk, a path along the Hillsborough River, which passes the Tampa Museum of Art, the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Looking for a day of thrilling rides, animal encounters and water park fun? Head for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay orAdventure Island water park, which is open seasonally from March through October.
Younger visitors will enjoy Glazer Children’s Museum, with hands-on exhibits about farming, banking, art, engineering and more.
Stop in for a drink, or spend the night at the Hotel Flor Tampa, formerly the Floridian Palace. The New York-style hotel built in 1926 is on the National Register of Historic Places and recently underwent extensive renovations. Dine in a Roaring ‘20s speakeasy atmosphere at The Dan, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, featuring a Gulf Coast and New Orleans infused menu. In the mood for a beverage and a snack? Check out the hotel’s Cass Street Coffee.
No trip to Tampa is complete without a visit to Ybor City, Tampa’s National Historic Landmark District. This is the birthplace of the industry that earned Tampa the nickname the Cigar City, built by Spanish, Cuban, Italian and Eastern European immigrants. Visitors can enjoy Ybor City Museum State Park, The Cuban Club, a former community club now available for events and the nearby Jose Marti Park, owned by the government of Cuba, and is considered the sole parcel of free Cuba in the world.
Tampa Bay’s restaurant scene satisfies with food and drink from every corner of the world. For example, Koya offers a tasting menu of Japanese delicacies. Italian eatery Rocca specializes in handmade pasta, tableside mozzarella, dry aged meats, exotic cocktails, and a long and varied Italian wine list. Ready to try authentic Himalayan food? Head to Gorkhali Kitchen where the menu includes goat dishes and Indian and Nepalese recipes.
