It’s March in New Hampshire. The grey sky threatens snow that will inevitably fall in a few hours. Despite this wintery omen, the buzz of spring is in the air and it takes the form of maple syrup. It’s Maple Madness, New Hampshire maple syrup season.

The entire state embraces the madness of maple sugaring season – typically from mid-February to mid-April, and with a choose-your-own-adventure New Hampshire maple syrup tour, you’ll immerse yourself completely. Winding roads overlooking scenic mountain views will lead you to cities and one-street towns alike, met by friendly locals and a lot of sugar in its various maple forms to power you through.

A quick drive from Manchester to North Woodstock is the perfect place to start your New Hampshire maple syrup voyage.

The Best of New Hampshire Maple Syrup

On the main drag of North Woodstock is a yellow, nondescript building, easy to overlook, but despite its simple appearance, it’s a must stop on your New Hampshire maple syrup tour. Inside of Fadden’s General Store & Maple Sugarhouse lie the secrets of sugaring passed on through the Fadden family for no less than five generations.

Fadden’s maple syrup is an award-winning sugarhouse, having won six Carlisle Awards from the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association and a Governor’s Cup for the best maple syrup in all of North America.

James Fadden, the current sugar master, believes that his sugarhouse excels over others due much in part to his attention to cleanliness. He cleans his equipment every single day. Further, he processes his sap daily, not leaving it to sit for any length of time in tanks. Fresh and clean wins it all.

Down on the New Hampshire Maple Syrup Farms

Tucked even further into the majestic White Mountains is The Rocks, a sprawling estate in Bethlehem that boasts hiking trails and a Christmas tree farm, making it a year-round destination. However, since this trip is for all things maple, early spring is when you’ll want to visit to get the full New Hampshire maple syrup experience – learn the history of sugaring, help tap a tree and, of course, taste a sample or two. You may even get the VIP treatment with a horse-drawn carriage ride.

If all of that New Hampshire maple syrup talk is giving you the hankering for something a little more savory, mosey across the street to Adair Country Inn & Restaurant where you’ll be greeted by roaring fires, friendly faces, delicious food and drinks that pay homage to the ongoing maple festivities and a warm bed should you need a place to rest your head for the evening.

Drink in the Sweetness

If live music is your thing, visit Contoocook Cider Company. They’ll lure you in with their seasonal Fireside Maple Cider and whatever local band is taking the stage when you stop by.

Masters of the Sap

Whoever the sugar master, wherever the trees, making maple syrup follows the same process that it has for hundreds of years. Historically, sugar makers collected sap by hanging metal buckets from maple trees and emptying the buckets daily. Today, rubber tubing carries sap to a central repository where it’s boiled. The water evaporates, the sugar concentrates to 66.9% and it’s officially deemed maple syrup. As you drive from town to town, you’ll see tubing draped throughout the countryside, along roads and in backyards.

New Hampshire doesn’t party alone; Vermont and Canada boast similar festivities. Vermont celebrates the first crop of the season with Maple Open House Weekend March 25th-26th and April 1st-2nd, 2023. If you can’t make it out that early in the spring, St. Albans holds its Vermont Maple Festival at the end of the season from April 28th-30th.  

Cross the border into Canada, where from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, getting your fix is always a short drive away. Whether you’re partial to New Hampshire maple syrup, or that from Canada, Vermont or elsewhere, there is no fundamental difference between syrup from one locale over another since the sugar content is standardized. What everyone can agree on is that maple syrup is delicious!

What’s your favorite way to use maple syrup? Pancakes? Over oatmeal? Tell us in the comments.

Plan your next vacation with AAA Travel.

What could be better than browsing through some of the most unique small bookstores in the Northeast? Finding that special book and then continuing your day by exploring some of the most charming towns in the area.

Prefer an audio summary of this post? Click below to listen to this article.

Island Bound Bookstore

Block Island, R.I.

Located next door to the Block Island post office, the Island Bound Bookstore is open year-round. Owner Susan Bush capitalized on this prime location, selling books for day trippers to take to the beach or pick up to pass the time on a rainy day. Discover the extensive collection of books, including those about the history of the island and plenty of books for children vacationing with their family.

Island Bound Book store has hosted several famous visitors including Frank McCourt and the great Walter Cronkite. Surround yourself with the fresh sea air and enjoy your book.

Northshire Book Store

Manchester, Vt.

Located in the heart of the Green Mountains in a town that looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, you will find the Northshire Book Store.

The book shop is in a building that was the Colburn House Hotel for over 100 years. “Our store is full of nooks and crannies, making your search for just the right book a charming adventure,” said co-owner Nicole Ihasz.

 Between the in-house books and their extensive online collection, the booksellers at Northshire have access to over 10 million titles. After finding the perfect book, check out their amazing array of gifts including art supplies, Mount Mansfield maple products and the interesting Angry Goat Pepper Co.

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Titcomb’s Bookshop

Sandwich, Mass.

Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, home to the Heritage Museum and Gardens, the world-famous Sandwich Glass Museum and Titcomb’s Bookshop.

Titcomb’s features three floors of unique books and gifts. The main floor has a mix of today’s bestselling books; the top floor has used books, a remarkable collection of antiquarian books and old Life magazines; and the basement is packed with enough toys to fill Santa’s workshop.

Over the years, Titcomb’s has hosted visits by many celebrity authors including Jeff Kinney, Jodi Picoult and, the “Fonz” himself, Henry Winkler.

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The Book Barn

Niantic, Conn.

The Book Barn is unusual in the best way. Here you can wander around tiny gardens and a series of buildings that look like sheds stuffed with an inventory of 400,000 used books.

“We have regular visitors from Japan, Norway, France and India, which just shows how far people will go to get a bargain,” said Glen Shea, who has been selling books for over 20 years.

The Book Barn buys used books. Park your car, fill up a cart with your old books and strike a deal with one of the booksellers. Summer is the busiest season, when they sometimes purchase between 10,000 and 15,000 books a week, according to Shea.

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River Run Bookstore

Portsmouth, N.H.

River Run has the distinction of not only being a novel bookstore, but it will also help you with the tools to write your own book. In addition to books, owner Tom Holbrook sells used typewriters.

Customers bring in their battered old typewriters, and Holbrook repairs and sells them in his store. “Strange as it may seem, young people are the biggest buyers of the typewriters,” he said. “I had one 10-year-old girl who saved her own money to buy a typewriter.”

About a third of River Run’s books are used, with the balance being new titles. While searching the shelves, you pass through an arch made of old discarded books. It’s a special shop enjoyed by the residents and visitors to the seaside town of Portsmouth.  

Brattle Book Shop

Boston

When it comes to describing the contents of Boston’s Brattle Book Shop, bookseller Zach Marconi said it best: “Here you can buy 10,000 books for as little as $1 each or buy one book that costs t$10,000.”

In a tiny plaza outside the bookstore are bins stuffed with used books at bargain prices. Upon entering the store, you can continue your browsing on three floors. The first two floors are filled with used books, and the top floor offers rare books for your library at home. The stock changes every day so you never know what you can find.

“I have customers who come into the store every day,” said owner Ken Gloss. “If somebody is home sick, they will call and find out what new books are in. When it comes to books, they don’t want to miss anything.”

Willis Monie Books

Cooperstown, N.Y.

In Cooperstown, you will find plenty of books about baseball. But at Willis Monie Books, you will find the largest stock of out-of-print baseball books in the country.  Although customers come to this small bookstore searching for all types of books, including Americana, art, history, fiction and thousands of mystery titles.

The business sells used books only. Monie and his son, Willis Monie Jr., are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. And if you can’t find that special book you’re looking for, Monie has over 100,000 books listed online that he can search for you.

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Mockingbird Bookshop

Bath, Maine

Bath is known for its shipyard, which produced destroyers for World War II in as little as 17 days. Today Bath draws tourists to its Maritime Museum and unique shops like the Mockingbird Bookshop.

The cozy store offers a very diverse collection of books, greeting cards and stickers. “We get a great deal of business from tourists in the summer looking for that special gift,” said owner Terri Schultz. “We have all styles of literary gifts, art supplies and handcrafted gifts.”

One of the special services is offered by Schultz’s 8-year-old daughter, Olivia, who said: “I love hanging out in the back of the shop making bookmarks to sell at our store,.” Is there a better gift than a bookmark crafted by the child of a bookseller?

If you like books, you’ll love these literature-themed road trips in the Northeast.

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel.

What is your favorite small bookstore? Tell us in the comments.

Back in my college days, I had a 45-minute (each way) commute to school. Being in my 20s, I spent my car-bound jaunts mostly listening to ’90s alternative radio and (shudder) cassette tapes from my favorite bands. How I wish iPhones and podcasts had been around back then. I would have tapped into the best news podcasts and learned so much about art, news, history, politics, etc., instead of amassing a near-encyclopedic knowledge of bands like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and the Counting Crows.

For you lucky souls who now get to make long commutes with smartphones at the ready, here are some of the smartest and best news podcasts that will make your journeys worthwhile and keep you caught up on what’s happening in the world, from breaking news to new-to-you.

The Best News Podcasts

“The World“

Host Marco Werman fleshes out news and human interest stories from around the globe – with cool tunes thrown in – in this weekday podcast. Recent shows touched on fast fashion entering the secondhand market, a radioactive capsule that went missing in Australia, the resilient Odesa Opera and more.

“NPR News Now” Hourly News Summary

No more waiting for the top or half of every hour; now you can get your news whenever you want it from NPR, in handy five-minute chunks. It’s updated hourly, every day and every night. Yes – if you’re dying to find out what’s new at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday, NPR will sate your newsy appetite.

NPR’s “Up First“

Just need to know the major news to start your day? The hosts of “Up First” are awake in the wee hours of the morning to collect the three biggest news stories that you need to know about – in an an episode that’s just around 10 to 15 minutes!

“Left, Right & Center“

Los Angeles-based KCRW hosts this weekly roundtable discussion, which features – you guessed it – a guest from the liberal side of the political spectrum, a centrist and a guest with a more conservative bent. It’s one of the best news podcasts for gaining a well-rounded knowledge of current events, without the self-imposed digital news and politics bubble so many of us find ourselves immersed in these days. During the lively debates you’ll learn how all sides feel about hot current events.

“The Daily“

True to its name, “The Daily” is a daily podcast from The New York Times. Every weekday, you can load up an episode and find out what’s going on in the world. Listeners can also enjoy the Sunday Read, a special type of episode that airs every Sunday and features a recent New York Times article in full. It’s a daily conversation with some of the best journalists in the business.

“Global News Podcast“

Looking for a more global perspective? “Global News Podcast” is a daily podcast that features the top stories from BBC News, about the biggest things that are happening all around the world.

“The Journal.“

If you want to know how the news is affecting the business world, this is the podcast for you. “The Journal.” from The Wall Street Journal covers all the latest news through the prism of what it means for business and the economy. In their words, it’s a podcast about “money, business and power.”

More Interesting Podcasts for Your Commute

“Stuff You Missed in History Class“

This weekly podcast makes learning fun again. On any given day, you might hear cohosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey talking about ghost ships, the latest in technology, the history of baking in America or the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe.

“Sidedoor“

This podcast from the Smithsonian brings stories about technology, art and history to life. The anecdotes are pulled from the hallowed institution’s 154 million treasures, including comedian Phyllis Diller’s joke file – a cabinet that held 50,000 typewritten jokes that she’d perform during her standup routines – to the days when it was legal to send a baby through the mail. Check out the “Artist in Dissidence” episode, which chronicles the career of provocative Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

“The Modern Art Notes Podcast“

From John Singleton Copley to avant-garde multimedia artist Pipilotti Rist (whose 1997 work is strikingly similar to Beyonce’s car window-thrashing “Hold Up” video), host Tyler Green (a historian and award-winning critic) explores all manner of art in his weekly one-hour show. Recent episodes have explored the works of Italian artist Medardo Rosso and the portraits of Gustav Klimt.

“Freakonomics Radio“

Hosts Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt – the duo behind the best-selling “Freakonomics” books – spin yarns about politics, talent, technology and fascinating phenomena in this podcast. For example, some episodes have delved into the psychology behind bad decisions, why we still use cash in a debit card-laden society and 10 ideas to make politics “less rotten.” Ha!

“Gastropod“

Food, food, glorious food. Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley discuss everything from flexitarian diets to the growing problems facing cacao cultivation to how and when the first restaurant was invented. They even look into the popularity of seltzer. (Seriously – everyone is drinking it! Is there something I’m missing?) Episodes air every two weeks, and even if you’re not a gourmand you’ll find yourself fascinated with the topics.

What do you think is the best news podcast? Let us know in the comments. 

The rolling green hills and towering ancient castles of Ireland and Scotland are waiting for you.

Whether visiting one or both of these Celtic nations, a guided tour ensures a carefree and well-rounded experience. On a tour, your accommodations, transportation and activities are taken care of, so all you have to focus on is enjoying your vacation. And with a trusted Travel Director at your side, you get fascinating insights and culture-connecting opportunities every step of the way.

Here’s a small taste of what you can expect on a guided tour of this extraordinary part of the world.

Ireland

You’ll be sure to receive a hundred thousand welcomes in the Emerald Isle.

From exploring the cities of Dublin, Belfast and Galway to kissing the Blarney Stone, a guided tour through Ireland, such as those offered by Brendan Vacations, plans special moments in bucket list destinations, accompanied by expert storytelling.

Other adventures may include driving along the scenic Ring of Kerry, seeing murals from the Troubles in Derry, traveling to the mystical Giant’s Causeway and more.

Scotland

During your journey in Scotland, your tour can take you to Glasgow, the historic streets of Edinburgh or to a whisky distillery for a taste of the country’s most famous libation. The breathtaking Isle of Skye, majestic Scottish Highlands and banks of Loch Ness are also popular highlights.

If you’re thinking of traveling to Ireland, Scotland or both, let Brendan Vacations lead the way. With unique experiences, customizable travel options and a commitment to sustainable tourism, they make it easy to find a guided tour that’s right for you.

Start planning your Celtic tour with AAA Travel and Brendan Vacations.

Each year, millions of spectators head to speedways across the country to see NASCAR events. Millions more tune in to watch the action on television. It’s a far stretch from when dozens of viewers lined the beaches of Florida to catch a glimpse of early NASCAR races and shows just how far the sport of stock car racing has come.

As the racing circuit celebrates its 75^th anniversary in 2023, let’s take a look back at the history of NASCAR.

NASCAR Is Born

The history of NASCAR begins with a man named Bill France, Sr. A mechanic by trade, France owned an auto repair shop in Washington, D.C., until moving to Daytona Beach, Fla. in the 1930s. The area had a well-known racing scene that France joined as both a competitor and promoter. There was just one problem – these early races had no rules or regulations. France believed there needed to be a governing body. He organized a meeting at the Streamline Hotel in December 1947, and this was where the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) was born. France would go on to become NASCAR’s first president and was instrumental in the sport’s early growth.

NASCAR was officially incorporated the following year and held its first race on the Daytona Beach Road Course in February 1948. Drivers in these early races used the same cars you’d find on the street. Future Hall-of-Famer Red Byron took the inaugural checkered flag. He also won the first NASCAR season championship the following year.

NASCAR held its first Strictly Stock competition (known today as the NASCAR Cup Series) at the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway in June 1949. The most notable entrant was female driver Sara Christian, who became the first woman to race in NASCAR’s premier division.

The Daytona 500

As the sport continued to gain popularity, France quickly came to realize that the sandy beaches of Florida were not suitable venues for racing. They could not handle the growing crowds nor the increasingly powerful cars.

In 1954, France signed a contract with the City of Daytona Beach to build a proper racing track. The Daytona International opened five years later. The 2.5-mile track featured 31-degree highbanks, allowing the cars to reach higher speeds and giving fans a better view of the race. Speaking of fans, 41,000 of them packed themselves into the new venue to watch the inaugural Daytona 500. In a race that featured both hardtops and convertibles, Lee Petty was declared the winner 61 hours later, when officials watched a news clip of him eking out a 2-foot victory over his nearest competition.

NASCAR Goes National

In 1972, France handed over the NASCAR reins to his son, Bill France, Jr., who became the organization’s second president. Over the proceeding years, the younger France oversaw the next chapter in the history of NASCAR, one that saw the racing circuit evolve from a regional attraction in the Southeast to a popular sport across the country.

A major milestone in that process occurred when CBS aired the 1979 Daytona 500. It marked the first live, flag-to-flag broadcast of a 500-mile NASCAR event. Also helping the sport’s popularity was the emergence of star drivers. To this day, few, if any, drivers have come close to matching the greatness of Richard Petty. The son of Lee Petty, Richard first entered a NASCAR race in 1958. Over the next 34 years, he would collect a staggering number of records that still stand today, including most wins (200), most wins in a season (27), most Daytona 500 wins (7) and a tie for most championships (7).

Petty’s last race was the 1992 season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which coincidentally was the first NASCAR race for future Hall-of-Famer Jeff Gordon. Equally talented and charismatic, Gordon took the sport by storm in the 1990s and helped bring NASCAR further into the mainstream in the 2000s. He became the first NASCAR driver to host “Saturday Night Live,” and by the time he retired in 2016, had racked up 93 career wins, which remains the third-most in the history of NASCAR.

Recent Milestones in NASCAR History

• 2010: The inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class is inducted. It features Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr., Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Junior Johnson.
• 2013: Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win the pole in NASCAR premier series, accomplishing the feat at the Daytona 500.
• 2016: Jimmie Johnson captures his seventh NASCAR premier series title, tying him with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most championships in the history of NASCAR racing.
• 2021: Bubba Wallace wins his NASCAR Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway, becoming the first Black driver to win a race since Wendell Scott in 1963.

For more stories like this, visit our auto history page.

Are you ready for your close-up? Turns out, you were!

You got eye-to-eye with tiny insects and into the intricate details of flower petals, bird feathers and more for this Photo Session.

Thank You for Participating! (Session Closed)

Browse through the photos we received for the January/February close-up themed Photo Session in the slideshow below, and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be sharing some of our favorites. Select photos may also appear in an upcoming issue of Your AAA magazine.

Inspired?

This macrophotography guide from Masterclass gets into the basics for beginners. If you’re serious about getting better close-ups, you will need a special lens for your camera. For those just starting out, a macro lens with a focal length of 100mm to 150mm is recommended.

Of course, you can also take some impressive close-ups with your phone with no special equipment needed. Smartphone cameras get better with every model, but if you don’t have the latest and greatest, a clip-on macro lens for your phone can help.

Get more photography tips.

Even though it feels like the Christmas/New Year’s vacation just ended, most schools have another week-long recess in February around President’s Day. If you’re not heading out of town for the week, you might be struggling to think of fun things to do with kids over winter break, but don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered.

Depending on the weather, the stir-craziness of your kids and the jealousy of watching your friends jet off to Disney or Universal, school breaks can be long and arduous.

You need all the ideas you can get. So, check out our list of ways to keep the kids busy this winter break. You got this!

Fun Things to Do With Kids Out of the House

Go stargazing (during the day and indoors!)

There’s nothing better on a long vacation home with the kids than to go to a planetarium and be reminded of the infinite cosmos and your tiny place in it. It can bring some much-needed perspective if the kids are getting a little restless. And you can even pat yourself on the back for finding a real educational experience on a non-school day.

Check out the planetarium shows at these museums:

• Museum of Natural History & Planetarium (Rhode Island)
• Charles Hayden Planetarium in the Museum of Science (Boston)
• Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History (NYC)
• Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum and Planetarium (Long Island)

Go to another town’s library

Even if you head just one town over, the books, toys and programs could be vastly different. Especially if it’s late in the winter and you’ve already played with every toy in your neighborhood library. Be nice to the librarians and be honest that you are an out-of-towner. Friendliness can go a long way.

Check out a children’s workshop at a hardware store

If you want the kids to get their hands dirty and learn the fine art of making stuff, check out your local big-box hardware store on the Saturday of your winter break. Home Depot, in particular, has free workshops on Saturday mornings for kids. For that matter, ask if they offer anything during the week. You might get lucky.

Climb in an appropriate setting

Those with boys probably know this feeling better than most. When your kids are almost literally climbing the walls, why not bring them to a place where it’s actually appropriate to do so? Check out indoor rock climbing locations in Rhode Island, Boston, Manhattan and Long Island.

Things to Do With Kids at Home

Build up arts & crafts skills

Get creative. The beauty of art projects with toddlers is that skills aren’t required. Who cares if you can even draw a stick figure or not? The point is just to have fun and let your young ones explore their artistic abilities.

Don’t throw out those cardboard boxes

No one can find more uses for an empty cardboard box like a 4-year-old bored with his or her toys. It can be a spaceship, a log cabin, a boat, a transmogrifier (for those Calvin & Hobbes devotees) or anything else you and your kids can dream up. Plus, you can use some of your newfound art skills to gussy up the box.

Rotate your toys

On the topic of kids bored by an abundance of colorful plastic, have you ever noticed that the youngsters can get awfully overwhelmed by too many toy choices? Heck, your kids probably can’t even remember what they got for Christmas.

Take the opportunity to pack up a few storage bins of older toys and games and stick them in the basement or a closet. Wait a few months, break them out again, and your kids will be amazed with their forgotten playthings.

Drop things through a paper towel holder

Seriously, this simple activity could bring you a few precious hours of peace with little ones. Take an old cardboard paper towel holder, tape it to a doorjamb and put a plastic container underneath. Gather up all sorts of little Legos, doodads and game pieces and have the kids drop them through your makeshift slide. Obviously, the younger the kids, the longer this will fascinate them. If that’s too lame for you, check out this Pinterest page on paper towel roll ideas and go nuts.

Can’t stand the thought of being stuck at home again for the next school break? Book a trip with AAA Travel. 

All along the Eastern Seaboard, historic hotels bring new life to old buildings. Along with great amenities they also have fascinating stories to tell about their past lives. Check in and check them out!

The Beekman Hotel

New York City

The Beekman is housed in lower Manhattan’s historic landmark Temple Court skyscraper, originally constructed in 1883. Edgar Allan Poe penned some of his work here during the 19^th century, when it was the site of the Mercantile Library Association and a theater. This AAA Four Diamond-Designated historic hotel features exquisite architectural details, including a stunning nine-story Victorian atrium, as well as restaurants by celebrity chefs Tom Colicchio and Daniel Boulud. The Beekman is also close to downtown attractions like the One World Trade Center Observatory.

The Liberty Hotel

Boston

Housed in Boston’s former Charles Street Jail, built in 1851, the Liberty Hotel is a light-filled AAA Four Diamond-Designated hotel with a 90-foot-high atrium and soaring red brick walls. Check out the historic hotel’s details, like metal walkways and the courtyard that was the jail’s exercise yard. You won’t want to break out of the Liberty; its lux amenities include a lounge for hotel guests only, perched atop one of the catwalks. The hotel also hosts live jazz and blues music, art exhibitions, fashion shows and top DJs.

The Langham

Boston

The grand 1920s building that was formerly Boston’s Federal Reserve Bank is now the AAA Four Diamond-Designated Langham Hotel. Close to popular Boston attractions like Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail, the hotel boasts the Bond restaurant and lounge, with impressive 25-foot-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, as well as an indoor pool and a spa.

Ocean House

Westerly, R.I.

This AAA Five Diamond-Designated historic hotel (and home to Rhode Island’s only Five Diamond restaurant) has hosted celebrities and bigwigs since it opened in 1868 as an oceanfront summer retreat. There’s plenty for guests to enjoy including a spa, food and wine classes, croquet, shuffleboard, a putting green and a private white-sand beach.

Hotel Providence

Providence, R.I.

Another AAA Four Diamond luxury boutique hotel, Hotel Providence comprises two historic 19^th-century buildings in Rhode Island’s lively theater district. One part of the hotel, the Lederer Building, was built in 1897 and housed the offices of musicians, clothing designer and artists, while the hotel’s Westminster Building once served as a dormitory for Johnson & Wales University students.

Lokal Hotel

Philadelphia

A boutique hotel in Philadelphia’s Old City, Lokal Hotel is situated in an historic building where soldiers’ hats were made during the Civil War. The hotel has six units and is designed for people who like privacy and exploring on their own, with no front desk. It’s smack dab in the middle of all the coolness that is the Old City, with boutiques, cafes and restaurants galore nearby.

The Sagamore Pendry

Baltimore

This historic hotel opened in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood in 2017 in the renovated Recreation Pier building, built in 1914. Once one of the busiest points of entry for immigrants in the U.S., the building also served as the set for movies and TV shows. The hotel is decked out with cool modern art by local artists, and boasts an outdoor waterfront pool, an Italian restaurant and a whiskey bar.

The Line

Washington, D.C.

Looking for historic hotels with awesome architecture in the nation’s capital? In D.C.’s Adams Morgan Neighborhood, The Line occupies a 110-year-old neoclassical building, formerly the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The hotel showcases live music five nights a week, a live radio show broadcasting from the lobby and 3,000 works of art by women. Three restaurants serving a local and multicultural range of dishes, a coffee shop and two bars round out the offerings in this gorgeous historic building, which features vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows.

The Kimpton Cardinal

Winston-Salem, N.C.

One of the coolest historic hotels in the Southeast, the Kimpton Cardinal occupies an art deco skyscraper that was once the headquarters of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and the architectural inspiration for New York City’s Empire State Building. While visiting this AAA Four Diamond-Designated hotel, check out the historic details, like the gilded tobacco leaf motif on the ceiling in the lobby and the art deco designs on the elevator doors. On the lower level you’ll find a modern recreation area with basketball courts, a bowling alley, shuffleboard, pingpong and pool tables and a tube slide.

Graylyn International Conference Center

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Built in the 1930s as the estate of Bowman Gray, former president of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Graylyn International Conference Center feels like your own private castle on lush, sprawling grounds. Be sure to search out the hotel’s elaborate Persian card room, and the library’s hand-carved 300-year-old oak paneling that once covered the walls in King Edward VII’s Paris office. Look for the bullet hole in the paneling that a spurned girlfriend is said to have created when she shot at the king and missed him. There’s also a fantastic indoor art deco pool, and an ice cream room on every floor where guests can indulge in free frozen treats any time of the day or night.

Have you ever stayed at a historic hotel? Tell us about it in the comments.

Plan and book your next getaway with AAA. 

Featured image: The Beekman Hotel, New York City

Caroline Goggin has been in good health her whole life. She exercises regularly, practices proper nutrition and in other ways makes wellness part of her lifestyle. So why, at only 27 years old, did she suffer a stroke in October 2019?

She struggles with that question, too.

“I have no prior history, no family history,” Goggin said. “I’m so mad at my body.”

She is fully recovered physically. Emotional healing has been more difficult.

“I fear every day that I will have another one. I worry if I wake up and my arm is numb because I slept on it,” she said. She’s returned to the hospital a few times because of these concerns.

Her doctors are still monitoring potential factors and believe a medication she was taking at the time was the main cause. She faults herself for not understanding the possible side effects of that drug. It’s one of the most important lessons she wants to impart to others.

Goggin considers herself lucky. Her husband, Travis, recognized the symptoms and called for medical help immediately. “He doesn’t give himself enough credit. He says he did what anyone would do, but not everyone would know what to do,” Goggin said.

And not all strokes exhibit the same. Hers had the tell-tale signs. She lost her vision, had slurred speech, her hands were shaking and the left side of her face drooped.

She was treated at Norwood Hospital in Massachusetts and then Boston Medical Center. She returned home within a week. That same day she decided to use her story to spread awareness, starting with posts from her professional social media accounts.

As a news anchor for a New England TV station, she was able to reach a sizeable audience.

“The feedback was overwhelming,” she said. “I did not expect how wonderful people in this world could be,” Caroline said.

She was surprised to hear from other young stroke survivors. “So many of them go through this and don’t say anything because they are embarrassed, as if they did something wrong,” Goggin said.

They suffer the emotional effects in silence. She is their voice.

“I really want people to know that the emotional pain lingers long after you go through a stroke,” Goggin said.

She is committed to her cause, supporting any effort that increases awareness and prevention or assists stroke survivors and their families. The American Stroke Association, an arm of the American Heart Association, leads many of those efforts.

In February 2020, the association honored Goggin and other brave heart disease and stroke survivors at its Providence, R.I., Go Red for Women luncheon. About 700 people attended.

In April 2022, Caroline and her husband ran the Boston Marathon on behalf of Tedy’s Team, a major supporter of the American Heart Association. Former NFL linebacker Tedy Bruschi and his wife, Heidi, founded Tedy’s Team in 2005 when Bruschi suffered a stroke shortly after winning a third championship title with the New England Patriots and participating in the Pro Bowl.

At AAA Northeast, we recognize that Goggin is not our only member affected in some way by heart and brain issues. We encourage all of our members to come along with us to the Southern New England Heart Walk on June 10 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., or in other ways support the efforts of the American Heart Association.

It’s time for a family vacation! But before the fun, there’s the planning. Of course, planning can be fun too if you take it step-by-step.

And you don’t have to go it alone. A travel advisor can help you book, score the best deals and answer all your questions along the way.

To ensure you don’t spin your wheels, here are our best tips simplify your family vacation planning.

1. Figure Out the When and Where

It’s a big, wide world out there, and there’s only 52 weeks in a year. Working around school and work schedules, lessons, practices and special events helps to narrow down your options, but remember, dates impact pricing.

The amount of time you can spend on vacation can also help to inform how far you’re willing to travel. For example, a family in New York is less likely to spend a narrow four-night window on a six-hour flight to Los Cabos with a two-hour transfer to their resort in Tulum. On the other hand, if they have seven nights at their disposal, Hawaii can (and ought to be!) in the cards.

2. Find Family-Friendly Resort Brands

Once you have a destination and time frame in mind, you’ll want to thinking about hotel brands. Do your research. You don’t want to fall in love with a property only to find out it’s adults-only. Some resort chains are more family-friendly than others with amenities tailored toward specific age groups. If you have teens and tweens, you’ll probably want to look for age-restricted lounges and plenty of activities. If your kids are younger, you may want included daycare options and amenities like stepstools, mini robes, children’s menus and a splash pool.

3. Check for Special Promotions

Having a set list of hotel brands you’re interested in can help you refine your search for deals. Family-friendly resorts often launch promotions where children up to a certain age can stay – and sometimes even eat and play – for free, except for possibly taxes and fees. Some resorts may also have limited-time offers for adjoining or connecting rooms or sales on family suites. Look for these deals to get the most space for your rate!

4. Define Your Budget and Prioritize Vacation Value

Determine a budget range that works for your family’s wants and needs. A range will account for any fluctuations that you can expect to encounter for factors such as airfare, destination and time of year.

It’s also important to remember the value of your family vacation is determined by the memories you make, not the price you pay. Think about the items you want to save on, as well as where you’re willing to splurge. Small enhancements like room upgrades and dining experiences can make a trip.

5. Work With a Travel Advisor

We saved the best for last. By enlisting the help of a professional licensed travel advisor, you can keep the travel-planning legwork to a minimum. They’ll do all the research for you, plus fill in any gaps for questions you might not even think to ask. A travel advisor will:

• Recommend the best time to travel to certain destinations.
• Let you know about upcoming promotions, instant credits, airfare patterns, hotel policies and added values.
• Book affordable and reputable airport transfers, so you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi to your hotel.
• Choose from pre-vetted companies to make sure your tours and excursions are safe in every way.
• Keep you up-to-date on the latest health protocols, guidelines and policies.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with a AAA travel advisor and starting planning your family vacation today.

What you want from your life insurance policy will likely change as you get older. Here’s a look at how your life insurance needs might evolve through every decade.

Life Insurance During Your 20s

As you might imagine, life insurance rates are lowest when you’re young. After all, you’re far less likely to be burdened with medical problems and don’t have a pressing need for coverage just yet. That all changes when you begin to accumulate assets and dependents.

Young adults in their 20s often have lots of affordable options that they will probably never have access to again. It’s highly encouraged to start looking into life insurance at this age, even if you don’t invest very much in it upfront. The fact that you have an established policy at these lower rates will go a long way toward laying the groundwork for your financial future.

During Your 30s

The need to have a financial safety net in place increases as you reach your 30s. By this point, more people have begun to start families and purchase homes, leaving more on the line if tragedy were to occur. Now is the time to begin or expand your policy according to your specific finances, taking into account lost income, expenses, debts and all future financial burdens.

While rates won’t be as low as in previous years, this is still a perfectly respectable time to start a policy. If you already have one, you might choose to add a second plan now or convert your term policy to whole. One popular philosophy dictates that you should buy at least 10 times the coverage of your annual income. Consider sticking as closely to this guideline as possible to fortify your family’s protection.

During Your 40s

This is the period in your life when having a life insurance policy starts to become a true necessity. In your 40s, most people have already begun to amass significant assets, and you’re still not too old to perhaps qualify for some decent rates. If you already have a plan, here’s when you definitely want to step it up according to your finances.

Therefore, how much you invest depends largely on your personal financial situation. Calculate the minimum amount of life insurance you should have by identifying the difference between your current resources and your expected financial needs.

In other words, your policy should equal whatever the amount of remaining funds you need to cover your income, expenses and debts (both current and anticipated). Just be sure to include a sizable margin of error.

During Your 50s and Beyond

Once you reach your 50s and beyond, your needs dramatically shift. As you enter the realm of senior citizenship, rates tend to skyrocket. Having a life insurance policy, of course, still provides the peace of mind you’ll especially crave as you get older, and in the short term, your policy could help provide coverage in the face of any lingering debts. Yet, because your life insurance policy is bound to be more costly now, you may need to adjust your plan accordingly.

If this is the case, you could opt for a term plan to find an affordable balance that can keep your policy active without harshly cutting into your resources. While they tend to be more expensive as you age, your life insurance plan could even be used to fund a trust or plan your estate’s future.

Looking to the Future

No matter how old you are, a life insurance policy is a worthwhile investment. Knowing your family’s finances will remain secure in your absence will more than justify the time, energy and money you put into it.

The value in getting started as early as possible can’t be stressed enough. Yet, even if you’re already in your later years, the benefits of having a robust life insurance plan are clear.

AAA insurance agents are happy to help with your life insurance needs. Reach out today. 

When did you decide it was time to get a life insurance policy? Tell us in the comments. 

Are you looking forward to retirement, but wondering what in the world you’re going to do with all that free time? Finding a hobby you love is one way to feel fulfilled after your working years. Hobbies can help you stay physically active, keep your mind sharp and connect you to new friends.

There are so many possibilities to choose from. You can finally get into the hobby you’ve been itching to do for years but never had time for, or check out an exciting activity that’s totally new to you.

Not sure where to start? Get your wheels turning with these eight hobbies to do in retirement.

Writing

Have you always dreamed of writing a book? There are tons of how-to guides that can help you finally get started on that novel, memoir, cookbook or children’s book idea you’ve been procrastinating on for years. You could even try blogging about interests or experiences.

And one of the great things about writing is that it’s portable. From the comfort of a cozy chair, your favorite coffee shop, your neighborhood park or even a hammock at the beach, you can take your hobby with you wherever you go and gather inspiration from your surroundings.

Gardening

Whether growing fresh veggies, transforming your backyard into a tranquil Zen garden or vying for a blue ribbon with your gorgeous roses, gardening is one of the hobbies to do in retirement that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s creative and inexpensive, promotes relaxation, physical exercise and connection with nature, and you can do it alone or with others. Plus, your friends will be more than happy to share your summertime bounty of tomatoes and zucchini.

The internet is full of resources and kits for first-time gardeners, like mini herb gardens, beginner tool kits, unique vegetable kits and bonsai starters.

Fitness or Sports

When deciding on hobbies to do in retirement that could help your overall wellness, the answer could lie in your morning workout or favorite sport.

If you love golf, basketball, softball or tennis, you could join a club or community league to make friends and have fun playing your favorite sport.

When it comes to staying physically active, there’s so much to choose from, from yoga to tai chi, to swimming or Zumba. Just remember to always ease into any new physical activity and consult with your physician to reduce the risk of injury.

Crafting

There’s something so satisfying – and therapeutic – about making things with your hands, especially after a career that involves sitting at a desk.

Whether you’re interested in woodworking, pottery, knitting, scrapbooking, water colors or jewelry making, there are endless ways to get in touch with your creative side and make items that are useful, beautiful or both. Design tiles for your new garden, knit scarves for your grandkids, sew blankets for people in need or build the perfect dining table.

You can also try learning something new with a kit that comes with instructions and all the materials you need, like this crochet kit.

Learn To Play an Instrument

Maybe you played piano when you were young but had to give it up, or you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar but never had time.

It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, and studies have found the process can improve your memory, boost concentration and reduce stress.

Sign up for one-on-one lessons, tune in to instructors on YouTube or check out a how-to guide for your instrument of choice. For a fun way to practice, make music with friends at a weekly jam session or join a community orchestra.

Dancing

Dancing is a wonderful way to meet new friends and stay active in your retirement. You can try swing dancing, waltz, contra, salsa or country line dancing; there are so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your physical ability and musical taste.

Look for free community dance lessons offered by your local civic association or recreation center, or build your confidence with formal lessons at a dance studio (spangly costumes not required!).

Travel

Whether you’re planning the ultimate cross-country road trip in an RV or want to sip wine at a Parisian cafe, with your newly flexible schedule, retirement is the perfect time to travel.

Let a AAA travel agent help you plan your next trip.

Photography

If you’ve always dreamed of getting into photography, there are plenty of affordable, entry-level digital cameras to start with. Try an online tutorial or enroll in a photography class to learn about all those funky manual camera settings and hone your craft.

Through taking photos, you can explore your city, engage with nature, document your travels and capture moments with your family. You’ll gain technical skills, develop your artistic side and create something special to share with others.

What are your favorite hobbies to do in retirement? Tell us in the comments below!

Kim Dolan has been active her whole life. Running, swimming, biking – she competed in a few triathlons, even an Ironman.

She jokes that it was to counter her occupational hazard as a pastry chef instructor at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I.

The longtime AAA member also participates in the Southern New England Heart Walk, not for the exercise of the 3-mile route but to support the American Heart Association. If not for its groundbreaking research, she’s not sure she’d be here today.

So, she will volunteer for any project she can, and will tell her story to anyone to raise awareness about heart disease and the great work of the Heart Association.

‘I Couldn’t Catch My Breath’

Late in 2016, Dolan was struggling to catch her breath while exercising. She couldn’t finish a lap at her regular swim session or on her weekly 2-mile neighborhood jog with her husband.

She was just tired, she reasoned. It was the holiday season, and she was busy with work, shopping and preparing for the traditional Christmas meal with her son, Maddison, and daughter, Maggie, coming in from out of state. Or maybe she was depressed – she had lost her father and her mother-in-law that year.

“I didn’t think anything of it until my husband and I were walking across the street and I couldn’t get across without stopping. I couldn’t catch my breath,” she said, “It’s hard to convince yourself you’re sick when you’re healthy in every other way. But there can be underlying things. You really have to listen to your body.”

Her husband, Mark, was so concerned he wouldn’t let her go on an after-Christmas family ski trip to New Hampshire until she had a medical checkup. Plus, he had witnessed her struggling to breathe during the night in a strange – and scary – interrupted sleep.

She drove herself to Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., that morning. But she didn’t make it on the ski trip.

“My heart rate was 170. They put me in triage and a doctor came in right away. She did an ultrasound and found I had fluid around my heart,” Dolan said.

‘You’ve Got the Wrong Patient’

They called in a specialist from Rhode Island Hospital who ran more tests, then told her she was in heart failure and would likely need a transplant to survive.

“My whole family was there, and they were all like ‘what are you even talking about? You’ve got the wrong patient. You’ve got the wrong chart,’” she recalled.

She was transferred to Tufts Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Center in Boston where they confirmed the diagnosis, a rare genetic condition called non-compaction cardiomyopathy. It was a fairly new medical discovery, researched for only about 20 years.

They also determined she needed a new heart.

She was placed on the transplant list in February 2017 and sent home with a catheter in her arm to deliver medicine from a machine she wore in a purse over her shoulder. And she felt good enough to get on a treadmill and spin on a bike at the gym, until three months later, when she began feeling tired and weak again.

“So we went back to Tufts, and sure enough, my heart wasn’t doing well,” she said.

Because she was failing, she moved up on the transplant list. She was in the hospital for five weeks awaiting a heart donation, but no matches became available.

“My heart basically gave out. I had to have an emergency LVAD, which is a left ventricular assisted device. It keeps the blood flowing and pumping. That was a 10-hour surgery, and when I woke up, it was really hard,” Dolan said.

She went home again with tubes coming out of her abdomen and a battery pack the size of a laptop to keep the machine running.

‘We Have a Heart’

In late August 2017, at 2:30 a.m., she got a call from the hospital telling her a heart was available.

“So, my husband and I got in the car, and we were excited. We talked all the way to Boston – which took about 40 minutes – about all the things we were going to do, all the vacations we were going to go on, because I hadn’t been able to leave home. I had to be available within three hours if there was a heart.”

She was prepped for surgery and given anesthesia, but when she woke up, she was still attached to the LVAD. The doctor had determined that the heart was not good enough to be transplanted. After the bad news was delivered, she had to spend another five days at the hospital.

“And that was the hardest five days of the whole ordeal. I was so sad and disappointed,” she said.

In late October, she developed an infection and was back at Tufts for three days of antibiotics, then given intravenous antibiotics for home.

“All of a sudden by cardiologist walks in and says, ‘we have a heart for you,’” Dolan said.

She was also told she had the right to refuse it, because the donor had died from a drug overdose. Although the body had tested negative for HIV and hepatitis C, there was a 0.01 % chance that those diseases could be in incubation.

“He said about 35% of organ donations are coming from overdose victims because the opioid crisis is so terrible, but the organs are still viable, and those diseases can be controlled with medication,” Dolan said. “My husband asked ‘what would you do if it was someone in your family?’ And my cardiologist said ‘I’d take the heart in a second.’”

The surgery lasted 12 hours. And when she woke up, there was no LVAD. “There was just one little IV attached to me. I was able to sit up that same morning, and I was only in ICU for two days. I felt so good,” she said.

Now, she’s back on an exercise regime.

“They had me go to cardiac rehab, but I lasted just one day. I said ‘I can do better than this.’ So, I just started walking everywhere and all the time. Then I started adding things to it,” she said.

She returned to yoga and began doing Lagree, strength exercises that she prefers over cardio these days. Running isn’t appealing anymore. She’s also back to biking hard core and competed in the Transplant Games of America last summer.

And she’s thankful every day – for the heart she received from a 45-year-old woman and her family who upheld her wishes to be an organ donor. She met them two years after her transplant, and they stay in touch through Facebook.

‘What If’

Dolan now wonders about her family’s genetic history. Her father died of congestive heart failure, and his own father and mother, her grandparents, died of heart attacks.

“Did they have something similar to what I had? Maybe, if there had been more research, they wouldn’t have died at such a young age,” Dolan said.

She also wonders if she would have survived had this happened to her in college, before non-compaction cardiomyopathy was a known disease.

Her children have been tested. Her daughter carries the gene, and her son does not.

“I don’t think my condition would have been so readily diagnosed had it not been for the support of the American Heart Association. And if we didn’t have that research, we wouldn’t know that one of my children carries the gene,” she said. “She already has a cardiologist at Tufts, and it may never get to the point where it got with me. She may live forever with this.”

At AAA Northeast, we recognize that Dolan is not our only member affected in some way by heart and brain issues. We encourage all of our members to come along with us to the Southern New England Heart Walk on June 10 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., or in other ways support the efforts of the American Heart Association.

While there is a time and place for grand gestures of love and romance, not every date has to involve champagne and red roses. Here are 10 ideas for date night on a budget to keep you entertained, laughing and learning together, all while staying on track financially. Talk about couple’s goals!

Volunteer Together

The couple that volunteers together, stays together. Plan a charitable outing with your boo doing something you’re both passionate about. Can’t agree? Switch off with your partner on choosing these date nights once a month. Whether it’s walking adorable dogs at a shelter, playing games with the elderly at a nursing home or picking up trash on the beach, you can easily get to know someone better with this date night on a budget.

Mix it Up!

Play bartenders and recreate your favorite restaurant cocktails at home. Because let’s be honest, paying for drinks at a restaurant adds up quickly. If you’re feeling fancy, try the Le Fizz or get cozy with this Fireside cocktail. Both recipes have five or less ingredients, making them cost effective and easy to make over date night conversation. Don’t drink alcohol? Try a mocktail instead.

Get Physical

Heat up date night (literally) with a partner workout. You can motivate each other as you reach your health goals together. Plus, exercise releases those feel-good chemicals.

AAA members can choose from thousands of fitness centers and guided workout videos for just $25 a month with the Active&Fit Direct program.

Dream Together

Goal setting may not sound like the most romantic date night, but give it a chance. Simply write down your goals for the month, year or even for five years down the line. This is a great way to open up with each other and learn about your better half, whether it’s a new relationship or you’ve been married for years. Chat about your lists over a fun board game, or get outside and discuss while stargazing.

Take a Tour

What do you and your partner appreciate and want to learn more about? Think outside the box. Go on a pizza tour or movie location tour (either professional or self-guided), or take an informational walk through a nearby garden, historical house, library or farm. Some tours are completely free and many others offer discounts.

Save on tours with AAA tickets.

Food Kits

If you like learning new skills in the kitchen, consider trying your hand at cheese or pickle making. These DIY kits range from $30-$40 and will leave you and your companion hungry to try another recipe soon.

Get Crafty

By now you probably know that you can learn almost anything on YouTube, but it could also help you put together a creative date night on a budget. Set up an at-home paint and sip with a guided video tutorial. Whether it’s painting, sculpting or origami, making something together could be a great bonding experience, and craft supplies are relatively inexpensive.

Dance Class

Two words: “Dirty Dancing.” What can be more romantic than learning how to dance with your partner? Search “free dance class near me” online right now and see what pops up near you. From tango to salsa, it’s a surefire way to spice up date night!

Say “Cheese”!

Plan a fun bike riding date or hop on a free ferry and take photos with your cell phone or a Polaroid camera. There is something old-school romantic about using a Polaroid and printing your cute couple’s photos instantly. Make a scrapbook with your snaps or try one of these creative ways to display them.

Laugh a Little

Laughing together is always a good idea. Go roller skating, stop into a show at a local comedy club or pretend you’re kids for an hour at Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park with locations throughout the Northeast. You’ll both be cracking up in no time.

Search AAA Discounts for savings on your next date night.

Share your favorite date night on a budget in the comments below!

Carol Conley is a survivor.

She fought off colon cancer 18 years ago. So, she wasn’t about to let a heart attack and stroke five years ago take away her new lease on life.

“Having cancer was a great gift. It really made me see what’s important. You have to enjoy yourself,” said Conley, a AAA member from Rhode Island. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I enjoy it too much to let it go so easily.”

Conley has a job she loves at the Rhode Island Film and Television Office and a boss she couldn’t live without – literally. Like many women, she didn’t recognize the signs of her heart attack, but he knew something wasn’t right.

They had gone out to lunch in April 2017 to celebrate his work anniversary. She wasn’t in the mood to eat – the first clue. She mentioned that she was not feeling well and would like to go home to lie down afterward instead of returning to the office – another clue. She told him she would call her primary care physician in the morning. That wasn’t soon enough for him.

Two Choices

Her boss didn’t like the way she looked and wanted her to go to the emergency room. She insisted she just wanted to go home.

“He said ‘I’ll give you two choices: I will take you to the emergency room or I will call an ambulance,’” she recalls. She chose the former to avoid the embarrassment of having an ambulance show up at the restaurant.

At the emergency room, Conley still insisted she was fine, but tests showed otherwise. She was having a heart attack, and it had caused a small stroke.

“It was kind of simultaneously. They told my boss that if he had let me go home and lie down, I might not have woken up,” Conley said.

She had seen her primary care physician just the week before and got a clean bill of health. He even did an electrocardiogram, and everything was fine.

She had none of the telltale signs of a heart attack – no chest pain, arm pain, jaw pain or shortness of breath. However, the previous night, she had a headache that wouldn’t quit and blurry vision. She also has diabetes and attributed it to that. But they were symptoms of the stroke.

“If it wasn’t for the stroke, I might not have ever gone to the hospital. I might not have ever thought that there was anything wrong,” Conley said.

At the hospital, they found a blockage. She was transferred to another hospital for a catheterization and stent placement.

Storytelling

Conley became involved with the American Heart Association in 2019 as one of its storytellers.

The organization was looking for women to share their heart attack and stroke survival stories as part of an awareness campaign. Conley was paired up with a woman who had a stroke when she was just 12 years old and another who was a heart-transplant survivor.

“These were incredible women. We just had a connection from the get-go, and we had a wonderful experience telling our stories and recording them for the Go Red for Women luncheon that year,” Conley said. “We are still fast friends.”

In telling their stories, they hope to convey the message that heart and brain illnesses can happen to anyone at any time, so pay attention to your body.

“If you don’t feel good, and you can’t put a finger on it, get it checked out,” Conley urges. “Don’t go home and lie down.”

Since then, she has done some media interviews for the Heart Association and volunteers for other projects when she can.

“The Heart Association has wonderful programs. They have a great support system. They do wonderful research, and what they’re doing can help prevent what happened to me from happening to other women. So, it’s definitely worth contributing to and getting involved.”

At AAA Northeast, we recognize that Conley is not our only member affected in some way by heart and brain issues. We encourage all of our members to come along with us to the Southern New England Heart Walk on June 10 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., or in other ways support the efforts of the American Heart Association.

Have you always dreamed of installing a pool in your backyard or finally adding that guest bedroom but simply don’t have the funds on hand? Maybe, instead, you simply need to get out from underneath debt or finance an unexpected expense. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are just the tools for these situations. Both allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they own in their house and use the funds however they like.

You may have also heard that the interest you pay on home equity loans and credit lines is tax deductible. While this may be true in some situations, it’s not the case in all.

Is home equity loan interest tax deductible?

Whether the interest is tax deductible primarily comes down to how the funds are used. You will need to consult a tax professional for advice regarding your situation and a definitive response to this question. According to the IRS, interest on home equity loans and lines of credit is deductible only if the taxpayer who secures the loan uses the borrowed funds to buy, build or substantially improve their home.

While the IRS hasn’t defined what “substantially improve” means, it is generally considered to include anything that increases the value of your home. Think replacing a roof, adding a bedroom, remodeling a bathroom and such.

On the other hand, if you take out a home equity loan to pay off another debt or finance an emergency expense, for example, the interest is not tax deductible.

The same tax rules regarding home equity loan interest apply to home equity credit line interest.

Is there a cap on how much interest you can deduct from a home equity loan or credit line?

You can only deduct interest on up to $750,000 worth of mortgage debt ($375,000, if filing separately). This includes both the original mortgage used to purchase your house and the home equity loan or credit line.

How do I claim a home equity interest tax deduction?

Interest on home equity loans and credit lines can be deducted only if you itemize your tax return. If the total interest paid in one tax year is less than the standard deduction, you may be better off foregoing the itemized deduction. Consult your tax and/or financial advisor.

To claim your tax deduction, you’ll first need to gather the proper documents. You should receive IRS Form 1098 from your lender prior to tax season. This document shows how much interest you paid on your home equity loan or credit line the previous year.

You will also need to prove in the form of receipts and invoices that the funds went toward home improvements. This can include payments for materials, labor and permits, among other expenses.

AAA Northeast is not a professional tax service, nor does it provide tax advice. You should always consult a tax and/or financial advisor for guidance on your specific financial situation and tax obligations.

Interested in learning more about home equity loans? Let your home work for you with AAA!

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and that may very well be true. Whether homemade or in the dimly lit dining room of the ritziest restaurant in town, many people can attest to falling in love with someone over a romantic meal.

Of course, romance is subjective. While candlelight and linen tablecloths may epitomize great date night restaurants for some, eating just about anywhere could be romantic depending on who’s sitting across the table.

From the food and overall vibe to AAA Diamond Designations, these are a few of our favorite restaurants for date night in the Northeast. All that’s missing is a table for two reserved just for you and your favorite person.

New York

La Grenouille 
Manhattan

La Grenouille is a luxurious French restaurant that opened in the mid-60s. There just aren’t French restaurants like this in New York City anymore. Its old-fashioned dedication to style and class adds an air of romance to everything beyond its doors. The restaurant is filled with giant bouquets of fresh flowers, which are said to be collected and arranged by the owner himself. Waiters in ties and white suit jackets tend to your every need. For men, jackets are required to enter the dining room. But don’t worry if you’ve forgotten yours; they have jackets that you can borrow. Once you get there, make sure to order a souffle – they’re the house specialty.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea 
Manhattan

Formerly a carriage house used by Aaron Burr, One if by Land, Two if by Sea is among the all-time great date night restaurants in New York City. A nod to it’s Revolutionary past, the Greenwich Village landmark is named after a line from Henry W. Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The setting is elegant and historic, featuring brick walls, stained glass, chandeliers, fireplaces and arched windows looking out into a lush garden. Like many other Colonial structures, it’s rumored to be haunted, which makes the space all the more captivating.

The View Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn 
Lake Placid

Take in the beauty of Lake Placid at this romantic restaurant located within the scenic AAA Four Diamond Mirror Lake Inn. In cold weather you see the snowflakes falling just outside, while the warmer months bring gorgeous lake views. Highlights of the modern American menu include dishes such as Hudson Valley foie gras, ricotta gnocchi and prime beef filet, and the wine list has won numerous awards.

Massachusetts

80 Thoreau
Concord

Located in the historic town of Concord, 80 Thoreau is sure to leave a lasting impression. Reflected in both design and menu, the AAA Four Diamond restaurant takes on a straightforward, fresh and refined approach, pairing high-quality fine dining without pretension. The cuisine is contemporary American, using the area’s best locally sourced and regional ingredients. For a truly unforgettable experience, make a reservation for chef tasting menu dinners, offered on a limited basis.

Miel 
Boston

For date night in Boston, try this Provence-themed French brasserie at the InterContinental Boston hotel. “Miel” is French for “honey,” and Miel delivers on that sweet promise with an organically sourced menu. Dine in their elegant yet rustic dining room or out on the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the water. If you want to get your date off to an early start, you could drop in for the luxurious Sunday brunch. On any other day of the week, try out their Provincetown cioppino, roasted Hudson Valley duck breast, vegan ratatouille and the specialty, creme brulee.

The Old Inn on the Green
New Marlborough

Eat fireside in a dining room lit by candles in this beautiful and historic country inn. The Old Inn on the Green’s three-course, prix fixe menu is served Wednesday through Sunday for $75 per person. Decor including the iron chandeliers and wall sconces date back to the Inn’s early history and provide the perfect date night ambiance. During the summer months, dining moves outdoors so that you may enjoy your delicious dinner on the shaded garden terrace.

Rhode Island

Al Forno
Providence

In a city filled with legendary restaurants, Al Forno is perhaps one of the most well-known, gracing the banks of the Providence River since 1980. Local legend has it that grilled pizza was invented at this stalwart eatery, where you can now get one topped with crispy calamari, pea green pesto, mushrooms, pepperoni or margarita-style with pomodoro sauce, cheese, fresh herbs and olive oil. The restaurant is also known for its twist on Italian favorites like veal cutlets, short ribs, chicken and baked pasta dishes. In warmer weather, sit outside in the airy courtyard for an al fresco treat. But be forewarned: Al Forno only takes reservations for parties of six or more, so be prepared to wait if you go on a weekend night or on a special occasion.

Bouchard Inn & Restaurant
Newport

Located in the heart of Newport and just steps from the harbor and shopping, this great date night restaurant offers lighter and more modern takes on French classics such as rack of lamb, roasted squab, Dover sole in sorrel sauce and featured specials inspired by what’s fresh from the local markets or straight from docks. The intimate setting makes for a great night out. Book a room at the inn for an extended stay. 

Gracie’s
Providence

Prepare to be pampered at Gracie’s. The food, service and ambiance at this AAA Four Diamond restaurant are sublime. The farm-to-table menu changes with the seasons, with five-, seven- and nine-course tasting menus, a prix fixe menu and an a la carte menu available. There’s even a three-course dessert menu that should not be missed, as all the desserts are made in-house.

Connecticut

Millwright’s
Simsbury

This rustic-meets-romantic option is a prime choice for treating your better half. The dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook stunning views of a waterfall, setting the tone for executive chef Ashley Flagg’s menu, featuring dishes such as foie gras mousse and venison loin. Plus, you can even get Johnny cakes as a side dish. Try the chef’s tasting menu for a little bit of everything ($85 per person) or a carefully selected beverage pairing ($55 per person.)

New Jersey

Rat’s Restaurant
Hamilton

Part of the sculpture garden Grounds for Sculpture, Rat’s was designed to make guests feel as though they’re dining in Claude Monet’s beloved town of Giverny, France. Specializing in French country cuisine, Rat’s is striking both inside and out, but the patio overlooking the living recreation of Monet’s “Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies” is especially breathtaking. Try the burgundy-braised short ribs. And be sure to explore the gardens surrounding the restaurant after your meal – there’s art around every corner.

What’s your go-to restaurant for date night? Let us know in the comments.

Hungry for more? Find AAA-approved restaurants near you.

The future of self-driving cars is a hot topic in the automotive industry, and rightfully so. In theory, unmanned vehicles have the ability to revolutionize transportation.

A widespread use of autonomous vehicles could have dramatic societal effects including the reduction of traffic fatalities (94% of which are caused by human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a dramatic improvement in traffic flow and providing mobility to the elderly and disabled.

Although the public has yet to fully embrace the idea of riding in a car without a human driver, technology companies and car manufacturers have been focused on getting these vehicles on the road. But where are we today and what does the future of autonomous vehicles hold?

Courtesy of Waymo

Levels of Autonomy

To understand where self-driving car technology stands now and where it may get to in the future, we first need to establish what exactly makes a car autonomous. As defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers and adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are six levels of driving automation ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous).

Level 0 (No Driving Automation)

These cars are manually controlled without any automation.

Level 1 (Driver Assistance)

The lowest level of automation is defined as a vehicle that features at least one driver-assistance system. An example of this is cruise control, which keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you by using radars and/or cameras. A feature like this falls under the driver assistance umbrella and not automation because it still requires a human to control other aspects of driving, such as steering.

Level 2 (Partial Driving Automation)

Level 2 consists of a vehicle that has combined automated functions, such as steering and acceleration. A common example is autopilot, which controls the speed of the car and can also detect lane markings to keep the car in the proper lane. This level still requires a driver that monitors the environment at all times.

Level 3 (Conditional Driving Automation)

The jump to level 3 is when we start to get to vehicles that are truly automated – meaning they can essentially make their own decisions. Level 3 cars have what are known as environmental detection capabilities. They take in information through a system of cameras and radars and can then perform most driving tasks. Human drivers are still required and must be ready to take control of the car.

Level 4 (High Driving Automation)

Level 4 vehicles are able to perform all driving functions but only in certain conditions. These cars are usually unable to operate autonomously in un-mapped areas or in severe weather conditions.

Level 5 (Full Driving Automation)

These vehicles will be able to perform all driving tasks under all conditions.

The Current State of Self-Driving Cars

The technology behind autonomous vehicles has come a long way in short amount of time. Level 2 and 3 autonomy are becoming widely available in cars today. Tesla’s Autopilot and Cadillac’s Super Cruise are considered two leaders of such technology.

More and more states are allowing self-driving cars on public roads. This has led to leading an increasing number of companies entering the space, including May Mobility, Optimus Ride and Argo AI. Other industries currently employing AVs include senior citizen facilities and food and package delivery companies.

The most notable players in self-driving cars, however, may be ride sharing services. Lyft has partnered with Google parent company Alphabet’s self-driving car unit Waymo to offer self-driving rides in some parts of the country. Uber has done the same.

The Future of Self-Driving Cars

Although many major manufacturers have invested heavily in autonomous vehicles, don’t expect to find self-driving cars at the dealership any time soon. According to the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems, the majority of industry experts predict level 4 AVs to be available around 2030.

There are a host of technological, safety and legislative hurdles that still need to be cleared. Currently, there are no national standards or guidelines for self-driving cars. Additionally, new concerns have been raised recently over cyber security. It has been found that autonomous vehicles can be susceptible to malicious software. So, while self-driving technology has progressed significantly of late, it’s a very real possibility that we will never see level 5, fully automated cars.

How do you feel about self-driving cars on the road? Concerned? Excited? Let us know in the comments below.

Properly washing your car on a regular basis has many benefits that reach far beyond pure aesthetics: it prevents exterior damage, enhances the vehicle’s resale value, makes driving safer and even improves your health.

While you should be washing your car throughout the year, it’s particularly important to do so in the winter. The season’s harsh weather conditions – as well as the salt, sand and ice-melting chemicals used to clear the roads – can take a toll on your vehicle. Washing your car in the winter can help prevent these substances from causing rust and corrosion, which not only are eyesores but can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.

How To Wash Your Car in the Winter

If you have a heated garage, move your car inside. This will save you from the frigid temperatures and prevent any water from turning to ice if it’s below freezing outside. The last thing you want is your doors freezing shut.

No garage? No problem. When washing your car outside during the winter, your best bet is to wait for a relatively mild day or until midday when temperatures are at their warmest. If you’re worried about the water freezing you could always opt for waterless car wash products, which work well if your vehicle doesn’t have too much grit and grime on it.

Make sure to warm up your car before you begin washing. Once you’re ready to get scrubbing, use the same two-bucket method you would when washing your car in warm weather. One bucket will hold the soap, the other contains the rinse water. Speaking of water, make sure to use warm, not hot, water. Hot water on a cold windshield can cause the glass to crack (as can cold water on a hot windshield).

Work your way around your car, focusing on one section at a time. Make sure to pay attention to the wheels and undercarriage: These areas bear the brunt of the road’s harsh conditions.

You may need to dig your car out before you can get to washing it. Here’s how to do it properly.

Drying and Finishing

Once the car is clean, wipe it down with soft cloths to dry the water before it freezes. Also, and most importantly, wipe down the door seals and spray the rubber gaskets with a silicone spray to prevent the doors from freezing shut. It’s a good idea to lubricate the door locks and hinges as well.

Applying a coat of wax to your car after it is cleaned can add another layer of protection against the season’s harsh conditions. However, make sure to only do this if the weather is warm enough. If the wax gets too cold, it will essentially become unusable.

Don’t Forget the Interior

While your car’s exterior will likely – and rightfully – get the lion’s share of your attention, don’t forget about the inside. Stepping into your vehicle after walking on snow, ice, salt and sand brings all those messy substances into the vehicle’s cabin.

The easiest way to keep your car’s interior clean during the winter is to replace cloth floor mats with rubber ones, which can better handle moisture. Remove the carpet mats and install the rubber mats. Don’t stack them, as they could slide and get stuck under the pedals.

All-weather floor mats could be a wise investment if you don’t already own some. Either way, make sure to wipe down and vacuum your floor mats and seats regularly.

How Often To Wash Your Car in the Winter

You should wash your car at least once a month throughout the year, but you may need to do so more often in the winter. It’s a good idea to wash your car after any big snowstorm, or when you believe your vehicle was exposed to salt, sand or other chemicals used to clean the road.

Learn more about keeping your car in tip-top shape in winter. Have a question we haven’t answered? Leave it in the comments below.

Every year, automakers send another batch of vehicles off into the abyss. This year is no different. In total, more than a dozen models from the major manufacturers will join the growing list of discontinued cars.

From the once-cheapest new car on the market to a pair of 30-year-old sedans with a number of compact SUVs in between, here are some of the notable discontinued cars of 2023.

Buick Encore

With a turbocharged engine, upscale look and affordable price tag, the Buick Encore was a surprising success when it debuted a decade ago. But years of declining sales, including a nearly 50% drop in 2022, have led to its demise.

In a way, it’s surprising the subcompact SUV survived as long as it did. Buick unveiled the slightly larger Encore GX in 2020. It only made sense to trim its lineup of two similarly sized crossovers. The Encore GX will now serve as Buick’s entry-level vehicle.

Chevrolet Spark

Bargain hunters will grieve the demise of the Spark. The hatchback’s sub-$15,000 starting price (the last of its kind) made it the cheapest new car available in the United States until now. But alas, people simply aren’t buying small cars anymore, opting instead for small SUVs more and more. “Customers seeking comfort, function, and style at an approachable price still have strong options within Chevrolet’s family of compact SUVs,” a Chevy spokesperson said when the news dropped.

The Spark’s 10-year run officially came to an end in August. Chevrolet said that there are no plans to introduce a replacement model.

Ford EcoSport

Ford’s cheapest and smallest SUV is no more. It was a short run for the subcompact crossover, which debuted in 2017. Sales of the EcoSport, however, have been declining since 2019.

The EcoSport never truly caught on with the American public (it will still be sold in Europe). The tiny SUV had plenty of faults: woeful engine output, poor fuel efficiency and crowded interiors, to name a few. All this made its relatively high price tag unjustifiable to many consumers, who likely veered toward one of the many competitive models available on the market.

Honda Insight

The Honda Insight checked off many of the boxes the typical driver looks for in a new car: affordable, reliable, fuel efficient. That made it one of the top-selling compact hybrid vehicles in the country, with 70,000 units sold since its 2018 arrival. But ultimately, the sedan bared too many resemblances to the Honda Civic to warrant its existence.

The Insight’s departure makes way for the arrival of the Civic Hybrid, as Honda continues to hybridize its core models, including the CR-V and Accord.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai is getting rid of a few models, including the gas-powered Ioniq and Veloster N. It’s the Accent’s demise, however, that is noteworthy due to the car’s price tag. Like the Chevrolet Spark, the subcompact sedan was one of the cheapest cars on the market. And like the Spark, the Accent is going by the wayside to make room for bigger vehicles. Hyundai stated that the sedan was, “discontinued due to an expanded SUV lineup.” The Venue, a subcompact SUV, is now the automaker’s cheapest vehicle.

Toyota Avalon

The Avalon has been in Toyota’s portfolio for nearly 30 years, but became vulnerable to the chopping blocks following several down years in sales.

The sedan also faced in-house competition. The Avalon has always been a slightly larger option than the popular Toyota Camry. But the latter’s next generation model is set to be bigger in size itself, thus making the Avalon expendable. It is being replaced by the all-new, hybrid-only Toyota Crown.

Volkswagen Passat

The curtain falls on the Passat for good in 2023. The Volkswagen model was, for all intents and purposes, discontinued last year. As a swan song, the German automaker offered the Passat as a limited-edition model that included subtle nods to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it has been manufactured for the last decade. That limited run has now come to a close.

The Passat’s departure, which comes more than 30 years after its debut, leaves Volkswagen with only two sedans in its lineup: the Jetta and Arteon.

Other notable discontinued cars of 2023: Acura ILX, Ford GT, Infiniti Q60, Lexus RX L, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Nissan Rogue Sport.

If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure to check out our car reviews and learn how AAA can help finance your purchase.

Do you own one of these discontinued cars? Are you sad to see it go? Let us know in the comments below!