Once you arrive at your favorite destination, you need a way to get around town. A rental car is the perfect solution as it allows for the convenience of going where you want, when you want. There are lots of different styles of cars to choose from and a wide range of prices to fit your vacation and budget. So, how do you get the best deal on a rental car? Here are a few tips and tricks.

Use Your Memberships

There are lots of discounts available when it comes time to rent a car, but they’re not always widely advertised by the rental companies. The good news is that you can simply ask about current car rental deals at the counter or even online when you’re making a reservation.

At the top of the list is your AAA membership. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals. Always inquire about which member discounts are available and use the one that gets you the best rate.

Keep It to One Driver

Unless it’s absolutely necessary to have multiple drivers on your rental, keep it to just one person. Most rental companies charge an extra fee for each additional driver. It’s usually not a flat fee, but a daily fee, so if you have a rental car for a week, that cost is going to add up fast.

If you have a large crew of potential drivers, pick one person as your chauffeur for the week. If it’s a longer trip, then plan a few extra breaks so they get some time to stretch and grab something to drink, which is a good idea for everyone.

Book the Right Size Car for Your Needs

The bigger the car, the more you’ll pay for your rental. If possible, go with an economy car since those are the most affordable. Only opt for a large sedan or SUV if you truly need one, like if you have a large family to accommodate or lots of luggage. Otherwise, smaller is better when it comes to saving money. Getting a smaller car also helps reduce your fuel cost, which is especially important if you’re going on a long-distance trip.

Ask About Free Upgrades

Often, there are free upgrades available for the asking when you show up at the rental counter. These include premium cars in the same class as the vehicle you reserved or even larger cars, all available at the same price as the original car you booked.

If an upgrade isn’t offered, then ask. While they may not have anything, if they do, you could find yourself travelling in more comfort than you expected without having to pay any extra for the experience.

Avoid the Add-Ons

There are all sorts of things you can add on to your rental, such as navigation and car seats, both of which you can avoid by using your own. You can even bring your own toll transponder if it’s valid in the location to which you’re traveling.

Insurance also falls in this category. Check with your insurance company and chances are good they have you covered while you’re in a rental car. Many credit card companies also automatically provide insurance when you use their card to rent a car. Do a little research ahead of time and don’t feel pressured into adding unnecessary insurance at the counter.

Return With a Full Tank of Gas

You will need to return the car with a full tank of gas, except in rare situations. The agent at the counter will offer several options for filling up the tank. You can prepay for a full tank, which is one rate, or they will charge you by the gallon for just the amount you need, which is another rate. You can also just fill-up on your own at a gas station near the drop-off location. Filling it yourself is almost always the cheapest option. You can search out the nearest gas stations online in advance of your trip or just find the cheapest station on your AAA mobile app. This can make a huge difference in how much you pay for your rental, so don’t automatically have the car rental company fill it up for you just for convenience.

Use your AAA membership for even more savings on Hertz rental cars. Members can add an additional driver for free, reserve a free car seat and get 10% off prepaid gas and 50% off satellite radio.

Paying a visit to the Constitution State, but don’t want to break your budget? Worry not; there are plenty of things to do in Connecticut for free that will immerse you in the state’s rich cultural, industrial, scientific and athletic histories.

From reading rare British books at Yale to walking along a former railway trail to keeping up with the Huskies at the University of Connecticut, we’ve set out to prove that a trip to Connecticut doesn’t have to be expensive.

Museum of Connecticut History

Hartford

The mission of the Museum of Connecticut History is threefold: It aims to preserve the history and honor the role Connecticut played in the evolution of U.S. government, military and industrial power. The museum has plenty of items in its multiple collections to keep you curious and exploring all day, including vintage toasters, an early 20th century voting booth, coins, clocks and the Colt firearms collection.

Here you can also view original Connecticut government documents from the 1700s and see portraits of former Connecticut governors. Be sure to see the exhibit honoring Connecticut soldiers in the military section. If you need some direction, download the scavenger hunt from the museum’s website before you go.

Airline State Park Trail

Eastern Connecticut

The Airline State Park Trail travels 50 miles across 11 towns in eastern Connecticut, stretching from Thompson in the north to East Hampton in the south. The trail is a former railway dating to the 1870s. Similar to New York City’s High Line, the tracks have since been removed and the remaining throughway serves as a path for walking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

The south section of the trail runs 22 miles from East Hampton to Windham and passes along parks, state forests and two viaducts. The north section travels about 28 miles from Windham to Thompson and includes mostly gravel paths. There are various access points to the trails in the towns it passes through (with parking).

Connecticut State Capitol Tour

Hartford

Those interested in Connecticut’s government should pay a visit to the Connecticut State Capitol. Visitors are welcome to engage in self-guided tours all day. Brochures for the Capitol, Capitol sanctuary and legislative office building are available online. One-hour guided tours are also offered on weekday mornings by reservation only.

Erected in the 1870s, the capitol is a National Historic Landmark worth over $200 billion and made from New England-sourced marble and granite with a gold leaf dome. Visitors will see statues of state heroes Nathan Hale and Prudence Crandall as well as Civil War Gov. William Buckingham. Don’t miss the Hall of Flags, featuring various flags carried by soldiers from Connecticut during wars.

Yale University Art Gallery

New Haven

Visiting the Yale University Art Gallery is arguably one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking things to do in Connecticut for free. The oldest university art museum in the United States, it showcases nearly 300,000 objects in its impressive collection since opening in 1832. Here you can explore art exhibitions from around the world including historical, modern and contemporary pieces from Africa, Europe, Asia and the ancient Americas.

Connecticut College Arboretum

New London

The Connecticut College Arboretum spans 750 acres and contains plant collections ranging from the exotic to those native to southern New England. Stroll along the walking trails that cross the arboretum with a trail map downloadable from the arboretum’s website. Or register for a docent-led tour held on the first or second Sunday of the month May through October. The native plant collection includes flowers, trees, bushes and woody vines, some wild and some cultivated. Head to the Caroline Black Garden for a Japanese vibe or to the azalea garden to see the impressive flowering shrubs in spring.

J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum

Storrs

Are you a big UConn Husky fan? You’re not alone. Athletics are so popular at the state university there is a museum on the main Storrs campus honoring the athletes and coaches who have led the teams to victory time and time again.

The Huskey Heritage Sports Museum chronicles the history of UConn sports since the 1890s and features artifacts throughout, including jerseys, basketballs, baseball gloves, field hockey sticks, NCAA Championship trophies and a statue of the school mascot, a Husky named Jonathan. See photos of UConn’s All-American athletes and life-size cutouts of basketball superstars Ray Allen and Rebecca Lobo.

Westport Astronomical Society

Westport

Head to the Westport Astronomical Society on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. for free stargazing experiences held in the dome observatory and on the property’s lawn, if the skies are clear. The Westport Astronomical Society is home to one of the largest telescopes in Connecticut and it also has a special solar telescope for viewing the sun. Stargazers might see galaxies, stars, planets and nebulas on their visit with specialists on hand to tell them all about the items in the night sky they are discovering. Also featured are monthly talks with experts from other observatories and planetariums.

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel.

And for more things to do in the Northeast, check out Budget-Wise.

What are some of your favorite free things to do in Connecticut? Share them in the comments below.

We know because we’ve been: “Out There” is a series of inspiring travel spotlights from AAA travel advisors and employees.

The islands of the Bahamas have been a supremely popular destination with AAA members. With 16 diverse islands, 100,000 square miles of crystal blue oceans, bountiful relaxation and adventure to be had, there is no shortage of reasons why the Bahamas make a great destination for travelers.

Recently, a group of AAA Travel team members got the chance to visit the Bahamas, tour a variety of top-tier destinations and stay at the all-inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna.

Here is what one of those team members, Brooke Vergona, had to say about her visit.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am the manager of strategic partnerships here at AAA Northeast. I grew up an avid beach goer. Any season, you can find me at the beach reading, running or just listening to the water. Growing up along the Jersey Shore I was spoiled with having the ocean less than 2 miles from my front door, which is what lead me to move to Rhode Island, the Ocean State!

What is your background in travel?

Prior to working in the travel industry, I was not a huge traveler. Not because I didn’t want to be, I just never saw the need or never found the time. I had been on one cruise out of Florida and that was the extent of my travel experience growing up.

What type of traveler are you?

In my current role at AAA I am lucky enough to be on the road an incredible amount. With an extremely weak travel background, I am still learning what type of traveler I am! I haven’t had a bad experience yet.

Tell us about your trip to the Bahamas.

We stayed on the island for about five days and did everything from relaxing by the pool to riding ATVs through the forest. It was an amazing experience and I truly stepped out of my comfort zone.

We really got off the beaten path doing excursions that are more locally known, even going to local restaurants where the community gathers and has dance-offs!

Compared to other islands, I think Grand Bahama has a lot to offer because it isn’t as built up as some of the others. It is rustic and you are truly immersed in the destination while you are there.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

My favorite part of the trip was swimming with lemon sharks on a remote island off the coast of Grand Bahama. There were also huge stingrays! My colleagues enjoyed the pool and the food experience.

What surprised you the most?

It surprised me how welcoming the Bahamians were from the very first day. At the first dinner, they were all line dancing and made sure to teach all of us how to dance with them and cheered us on when we somewhat got the hang of it all!

What was one thing you learned on this trip?

I learned to always go out there with an open mind. Even if you are frightened to do something, take a step back and think to yourself, “I may never have the opportunity to do this again.” Just go for it!

What was something you wish you did differently?

I wish I saw the sunrise more each morning.

What was your favorite dining experience?

My favorite dish on the island was the conch. I had everything conch – fried, grilled, raw! It was amazing.

What is your advice to other travelers? 

Try and get out there as often as possible. If there is one thing I learned from the pandemic, it’s that something as simple as travel can be taken away from you so easily. Never miss out on the opportunity to see the world and experience the way other people live their day-to-day lives.

Start planning your next trip with AAA Travel.

Whether you’re headed out for a couple’s getaway, family trip or solo jaunt, there’s plenty of fun, free things to do in New Jersey. From exploring arboretums to perusing art museums to visiting the lions at the zoo, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State, and you don’t have to spend a penny.

Rutgers Gardens

New Brunswick

Head to Rutgers Gardens to be immersed in 180 acres of gardens, natural habitats and a student-run farm, or just go to pay a visit to the robust farmers market. Students, staff and faculty of Rutgers University study in the gardens, but they’re also open to the public to peruse for free.

Take a walk through the Helyar Woods or enjoy over a dozen gardens including an Asian garden with a bamboo grove, collections of holly bushes, an ornamental tree collection, rhododendron and azalea gardens and a succulent garden.

Check the website before you go to download children’s activities designed to get them involved and excited to learn about nature.

Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel

Located in Holmdel Park, the Historic Longstreet Farm is a living history farm featuring interpretive costumed reenactments of what life was like on a New Jersey farm in the 1890s. Visitors watch as the farmers go about their daily activities, including working in the fields and tending to the animals.

On site is a farmhouse and the original home of the Hylin family, owners of Longstreet Farm, now used as offices. The farm hosts events including demonstrations on blacksmithing, cooking, cider making, harvesting corn and even playing the accordion.

Cape May County Park and Zoo

Cape May

The Cape May County Park zoo is home to 550 animals representing 250 species, including African lions, a bald eagle, best friend alpacas Stanley and Norman, Marty and Walter the camels and multiple snow leopards. If you’re interested, you can pay for private animal encounters with giraffes and capybaras, or for private tours.

The park itself features an 18-hole disc golf course, carousel and bike paths that converge with the Middle Township Bike Path, which runs through Cape May on a former railroad line.

Both the park and zoo are open year-round, making a visit here one of the best free things to do in New Jersey.

Drumthwacket

Princeton

Drumthwacket is the official home of the governor of New Jersey, and on Wednesdays, the property opens its doors for free public tours of the architecturally inspiring early 1800s building.

Tours run 45 minutes to one hour and take visitors through six of the residence’s rooms, which are used by the governor for meetings and receptions. Learn about the history of the building as well as the fine art and antiques throughout. Holiday tours are given in December. Registration is required for all tours.

Princeton University Art Museum

Princeton

The Princeton University Art Museum consists of various gallery spaces in downtown Princeton. Collections include works centered around African art, Chinese paintings, magazine photographs and sculpture. Be sure to check out some of the engaging children’s activities designed to immerse youngsters in the works featured in the various galleries.

A visit to the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the free things to do in New Jersey that’s great for the whole family.

Allaire State Park

Wall Township and Howell

The biggest attraction at Allaire State Park is the 19th century Historic Allaire Village, a living history museum centered around life in a once self-sufficient industrial era iron production town.

Buildings in the village include a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, church and a workers’ row house, now converted into the village’s visitor center and museum. The museum hosts exhibits on the iron industry and the original owner of the village’s iron business, James P. Allaire.

Allaire State Park is also home to the Pine Creek Railroad, which offers diesel narrow-gauge train rides in the park. Additionally, there are trails throughout the park for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking; a nature center, open seasonally; and great trout fishing and deer hunting.

Noyes Museum of Art

Hammonton and Atlantic City

The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University has two sites: The Noyes Art Garage in Atlantic City and the Noyes Galleries at Kramer Hall in Hammonton. Exhibits at the museums change regularly, but include works of photography, ceramics, painting and sculpture by significant U.S. artists, New Jersey artists and Stockton University faculty and students.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Morristown

Set on 127 acres along the Whippany River in the north-central part of the state, Frelinghuysen Arboretum is one of the best free things to do in New Jersey.

The property features a variety of habitats to explore including gardens, woodlands and meadows. During your visit you’ll find a rose garden, gazebo, water fountain features, a fern garden, vegetable garden, rock garden and even a labyrinth. It’s all set around the arboretum’s Colonial Revival mansion, which is the headquarters of the Morris County Park Commission. Deer hunting is allowed in fall and winter.

All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey

Bridgeton

Sports fans should pay a visit to the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey, which pays tribute to athletes, coaches and sports announcers from southern New Jersey who have made an impact in the sports world. On display are vintage helmets, jerseys, baseball gloves and other sporting equipment, and a plethora of photographs celebrating athletic achievements.

Hall of Fame inductees have included pro baseball player Goose Goslin, tennis coach James Breech, Emmy Award-winning sports announcer Michael Barkann and bowler James Campani.

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel.

And for more things to do in the Northeast, check out Budget-Wise.

What are some of your favorite free things to do in New Jersey? Share them in the comments below.

Featured image: “Early autumn at Rutgers Gardens” by Billtacular is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

Is it time for an upgrade? Whether you need a new phone, a bigger TV, a faster computer or more powerful home appliances, AAA members have access to exclusive discounts to save on tech.

Samsung

You can get premium gadgets and appliances without breaking the bank by utilizing Samsung’s special discount for AAA members. At the exclusive online store for AAA members, your discount will automatically be applied as you shop, and you’ll be able to see all your deals in one place. You’ll also get access to limited-time offers on phones, TVs, computers and home appliances.

Start shopping and saving.

HP

Looking for the latest in printers, PCs and computer accessories? HP helps AAA members save on tech. Unlock exclusive offers, upfront discounted pricing (no promo codes required!) and automatically-applied savings when you sign up for HP’s exclusive savings program.

Register today and get up to 35% off select HP products with free shipping and dedicated support.

Dell

Dell’s line of top-quality products includes desktops, laptops, tablets, TVs, printers and electronics accessories.

Save an additional 10% off Dell products by going to their exclusive online store for AAA members.

Lenovo

Lenovo has the electronics you need for work, home and play. Their selection of products includes laptops, PCs, software, smart devices, office chairs and even gaming essentials.

AAA members can access Gold level pricing and save up to 70% on clearance products.

Logitech

Logitech is your one-stop shop for computer accessories, including keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, microphones, speakers, earbuds and VR devices. They also offer specialized tech and software solutions for businesses and creators.

Save 25% on select products.

Norton 360

Your privacy and personal information are more valuable than all the tech gadgets in the world. Protect yourself against viruses, malware and privacy breaches with Norton 360, which offers a password manager, real-time threat protection, cloud backups for your information, a secure VPN, dark web monitoring and more.

AAA members can save on a Norton 360 subscription.

T-Mobile

Your wireless carrier can make or break your day (or your wallet). T-Mobile provides fast and reliable wireless connectivity with simplified rate plans that won’t break the bank.

Thinking of switching over? AAA members who switch to T-Mobile can get up to $100 via a virtual prepaid Mastercard.

Discover more AAA Discounts.

When you get acquainted with your local food vendors, you get closer to your food. Our communities are enriched by the diversity of choices, the craftspeople and growers who have a specialized knowledge of the items they are producing and the close-knit ties between producers and consumers.

But, as we all well know, modern consumerism is all about convenience and speed. With the press of an icon on a phone application, you can have almost any item you desire shipped directly to your doorstep within days. Whole industries have had to transform to meet the changing technological advancements and the desires for convenience – to have things now.

Even the grocery business is seeing its share of new automation as Amazon rolls outs Amazon Fresh stores in the Northeast, offering a contactless option where patrons can skip the checkout lane and get in and out faster than ever before.

We often lose out on quality when our only options are mass produced in industrial quantities. When it comes to food, this can mean sacrificing all-natural ingredients for fillers, additives and preservatives. And while large grocery stores have always been about one-stop convenience, stocking items regardless of where they are produced or if they are currently in season, the venture into automated grocery shopping could feel even more disconnecting.

Taking the time to learn how your food was grown and produced allows you to make choices that match your ethics and your health requirements. Your neighborhood butcher, baker, fishmonger or farmer, can provide that knowledge, expertise and passion.

Meat and Poultry

A whole-animal butcher shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y., The Meat Hook sources meat and grocery items from small, family-run farms in New York. Their beef is 100% grass fed and finished, and their pork, poultry and lamb come from pasture-raised animals. They also have specialty meats like rabbits, geese and Cornish hens.

The Meat Hook’s products showcase a quality unmatched by what you’ll find in your average large grocery store. The beef is a rich, red color when unwrapped from its butcher paper – a far cry from sad grocery store cuts graying under plastic packaging.

But there are two items that will have you completely sold on The Meat Hook. The first is their weekly lineup of handmade sausages, which often includes beautiful, vibrant flavors like green Chorizo, currywurst, and lamb tzatziki. The second is the pate en croute. The ingredients can vary, but this loaf-shaped amalgamation of delicious flavors has, at times, included, pork, chicken, duck, pistachio, whiskey-soaked prunes, tomatoes aspic and butter/schmaltz crust. While certainly not new or even entirely unique, pate en croute represents the butchers’ desire to feed shoppers the good stuff and to push them out of their culinary comfort zones.

It may not be saving any lives, but if we could swap out a pate en croute for the mystery meat in a child’s Lunchables in every school cafeteria, it may just make for a better world.

If you are interested in the art of butchery, The Meat Hook also offers regular classes. For most of us used to purchasing beef already shrink wrapped and labeled, learning these skills is a way to become less detached from the process of obtaining meat.

Bread and Baked Goods

There are certain places, once visited, from which there is no turning back.

Take one step into La Bicyclette Bakery in Brooklyn, and you will be transformed. From your first step into the bake shop, the aroma of baked treats is intoxicating. Fresh baguettes baked daily will make you question how you ever bought bread off a supermarket shelf.

Grab a coffee and a fresh, flaky ham and cheese croissant, walk down to nearby Domino Park adjacent to the East River, and all will be right in the universe. At least for a little while.

Fruits and Vegetables

Whenever possible, support your local farmers and consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture program. CSA offers consumers the chance to become a member through a pledge, much like a subscription service, for the year’s harvest. If you don’t live close enough to a farm to join a CSA, look for local greenmarket options or support groceries that are sourced from the closest available farms.

Local farms offer us the ability to speak with growers to learn about issues like genetically modified organisms and pesticides, and to make the choices we feel most comfortable with.

Holcomb Farm in West Granby, Conn., has a CSA program as well as a local farm store selling their own produce and products from local businesses and producers.

Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, N.Y., offers a CSA as well as a fantastic cafe and market. This is a beautiful farm to visit on your way out to the East End.

Blue Moon Acres in Pennington, N.J., believes in sustainability and soil health. Unlike many other local farms, it grows rice using Korean farming techniques.

Seafood

Every summer, throngs of party-going city dwellers flock to the East End of Long Island, N.Y., to swim, tan and dance until the early morning hours in the local watering holes in Montauk and the Hamptons. For a more relaxed vibe, come after Labor Day when the crowds have died down.

Any time you’re this close to the ocean, is easy to start dreaming of fresh seafood, oysters floating in their own delicious brine and the sweet flesh burrowed deep into the pockets of a lobster claw. And you’ll be happy to find all that at Montauk Seafood Company.

Owners Wesley Peterson and Douglas Davidson grew up in the waters off the East End. Their decades of fishing and relationships with other local fishermen give them a keen knowledge of the best of the Atlantic Ocean’s offerings. Ask them what’s fresh on the day you arrive, and you may just be fortunate enough to come across a beautiful rarity like pumpkin swordfish.

Before leaving town, make sure you stop at the seaside food truck Ditch Witch, that has been feeding locals and surfers for years.

Independent/International Grocery:

There are many independent, specialty groceries in our communities that offer regional ingredients and products that serve immigrants and expats. They serve a vital role in providing these communities with a connection to home. For Americans born in the U.S., they offer a taste of new flavors and an education into the culinary culture of countries around the world.

Tong Dee Asian Market in Woonsocket, R.I., has a wonderful variety of sauces from Southeast Asia, packaged noodles, coffees and teas, even fresh bahn mi sandwiches. It carries many items used in Lao cooking, which deserves its place in popular food culture.

Russell’s General is in the small, upstate New York town of Bovina. There are very few businesses in Bovina, and Russell’s is a must visit, stocking goods like fish sauce and pho mix. Stop by Russell’s and make sure you have dinner at Brushland Eating House before leaving Bovina.

Pinoy Republic and Sons is a Filipino grocery in Worcester, Mass. Even if you have limited knowledge of Filipino cuisine, or especially if you do, you need to shop here for the beautiful ingredients and flavors of the Philippines. Go on a hot summer day and order halo halo, the classic Filipino desert of ube (purple yam) ice cream, evaporated milk, red beans, flan, shaved ice, tapioca and whatever other sugary sweet items the proprietor wants to add to this magical concoction.

Local food businesses are an endangered species. In exchange for speed and convenience, get to know your food and support your community when you can.

Tell us about your favorite local food businesses in the comments below.

Featured image: The first course at Brushland Eating House: dried meats and eggs. (Tim Vetter)

Road trips are a great way to explore the country with lots of opportunities to see new places, meet new people and enjoy beautiful views. Mountains provide some of the most spectacular views you can find on a road trip. Even if you’re not the hiking type, driving through the mountains and up the winding roads that lead to these towering peaks is not to be missed.

New Hampshire is the place to be if you want reach the highest points in the Northeast, but there are plenty more highly enjoyable options throughout the region.

Mount Washington

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire White Mountains, named for their snow-covered peaks, are full of trails and roadways with beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for the highest spot, then you want to check out Mount Washington, part of the Presidential Mountain Range. At 6,288 feet, this mountain is tallest in the entire Northeast.

It’s easily accessible during the summer months by the Mount Washington Auto Road, so you can drive to the top rather than making the hike. At the summit, you’ll find the Mount Washington Observatory along with a café where you can get a little snack and take refuge if the weather turns. Even if you’re driving to the top, check out the weather first as a beautiful warm day at the base doesn’t erase the possibility of cold rain and high winds at the summit.

Mount Adams

New Hampshire

The Presidential Mountain Range has no shortage of towering mountains, with five that top 5,000-feet. This makes the Granite State the place to visit if you want the best mountain views. The second-highest peak in New Hampshire is also the second-highest peak in the Northeast. Mount Adams comes in just below 5,800 feet in elevation. Climbing to the top of this one is a challenge, but there are easier trails around the mountain that will let you get out and explore without having to be a hardcore hiker. The White Mountains are a popular vacation destination, so there’s no shortage of outdoor activities.

Mount Katahdin

Maine

The seventh-highest peak in the Northeast at 5,267 feet is found in the state of Maine. Mount Katahdin sits in Baxter State Park, which is part of the Maine Highlands. This mountain is about 25 miles away from the town of Millinocket and marks the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. There are numerous hiking trails, but climbing this one is not for beginners. Be sure you’re prepared before you head out for the day and if a strenuous hike isn’t to your liking, there’s still plenty to explore throughout the rest of Baxter State Park.

Mount Marcy

New York

Located in the beautiful Adirondacks, Mount Marcy is the highest peak in New York State at 5,344 feet, sitting just ahead of 5,114-foot-tall Algonquin Peak. These are the only two peaks in the state that exceed 5,000 feet. This one isn’t easy to get to and its varied terrain can be tricky for inexperienced hikers. If you do scale Mount Marcy, when the weather is clear, the view extends all the way to Mont Royal in Montreal. Its location in the Adirondacks means there’s lots to do in the area with kayaking, boating, hiking and towns to explore. Expect snow from October to May if you’re looking for a winter road trip destination.

Mount Mansfield

Vermont

Mount Mansfield State Forest is home to 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in the Vermont. The forest covers 44,444 acres of state-owned land, an expansive state forest that provides lots of opportunities for nature lovers to explore.

Mount Mansfield’s summit ridge is unique for being one of only three mountains in the state where alpine tundra survived the ice age. The area is also home to several notches with a federal scenic-by-way that runs from Stowe Mountain Resort to Smugglers’ Notch Resort along Route 108. There are also numerous hiking trails suited for everything from a leisurely stroll to rock climbing. If you choose to visit during the winter months, you can even experience ice climbing.

Mount Greylock

Massachusetts

The highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet is Mount Greylock. On a clear day, the view from the top lets you see 90 miles away and is simply breathtaking. This mountain has an auto road that can easily get you to that view and is open from late May through the end of October depending on the weather. The area has enough to keep you busy no matter the time of year. There are hiking trails from easy to difficult along with spots for camping. Visit during the winter months, and you can snowmobile the trails up to the summit.

Bear Mountain

Connecticut

As you move south the highest peaks in the northeast get a little shorter. In Connecticut, Bear Mountain is the highest peak at roughly 2,300-feet tall. Located in Mount Riga State Park in the town of Salisbury, this peak is a strenuous climb that leads to incredible views. There are also more family-friendly trails in the area that lead to their own spectacular views if you’re not up for a rigorous hike. Note that if you want the highest spot in the state, rather than the highest peak, then you have to look for Mount Frissell. While the 2,454-foot peak of Mount Frissell is in Massachusetts, its southern slope is in Connecticut, which makes it the highest spot in the state.

Travel to new heights in style. AAA members can save up to on Hertz rentals.

Today’s cars come with features galore, most of which are tried and true, positive additions to any motor vehicle. Navigation systems, smartphone compatibility, remote start, heated seats – the list goes on and on. But over the century-plus history of the automobile, not every new feature has hit the mark.

Whether strangely obscure, especially useless or astonishingly bizarre, here are some of the strangest car features ever offered.

Chrysler Highway Hi-Fi Record Player

In a major milestone in the evolution of car audio systems, Chrysler unveiled a custom record player in several of its 1956 models. The intention was pure, the execution muddled. Despite working well in high-end models, poor suspension systems in lower-tier vehicles caused records to skip. Additionally, Highway Hi-Fi could play only proprietary 7-inch records, forcing owners to go out and repurchase albums just to play in their car.

Toyota Van Ice Maker

It’s fair to say that this vehicle was not the most thought-out model Toyota ever produced. The company did, after all, name it “the van.” Then, there was the optional feature available in the LE trim: a shoebox-size freezer. The compartment was cooled by air-conditioning lines and came equipped with ice trays. This strange feature was surely a hit at tailgate parties, but otherwise, we’re not entirely clear on why anyone would need it.

Subaru BRAT Jump Seats

This strange car feature doesn’t even pass the eye test. One look at these rear-facing, open-air seats in the vehicle’s cargo bed seem to have “safety hazard” written all over them. And, indeed, passengers did get injured while riding in the back of the BRAT. Making matters worse, the seats were added only to save Subaru money. During the years the BRAT was being manufactured, the U.S. “chicken tax” imposed a 25% tariff on any trucks being imported into the country. By adding the ill-fated jump seats, Subaru could classify the BRAT as a passenger vehicle and save millions of dollars in taxes.

Honda Motocompo

The Motocompo holds the distinction of being the smallest scooter Honda has ever built. So small, in fact, it could fit into the trunk of the automaker’s subcompact cars, which is precisely what it was designed to do. The handlebars and seat folded into the toy-sized bike’s body to form a roughly 4-by-2-foot rectangle.

Some pose that the Motocompo was Honda’s attempt to promote itself as a manufacturer of both two- and four-wheeled vehicles. Unfortunately, no one could seem to rationalize why you would need a secondary mode of transportation within your primary mode of transportation. Introduced in 1981, the Motocompo was out of commission by 1983.

Fiat 500L Espresso Machine

In an attempt to make the morning commute less chaotic and more caffeinated, Fiat offered an optional espresso coffee machine in its 2013 500L model. The machine, developed in tandem with Italy’s Lavazza coffee company, was fully integrated into the passenger’s dashboard. It even came with accessories, including spoons and sugar holders. For safety and practical reasons, the machine worked only when the car was off. For safety and practical reason, the machine is no longer available. In fact, the 500L was discontinued itself several years back.

Water Bumpers

Water balloon bumper sounds like something out of a Moe, Larry and Curly skit. But believe it or not, these safety devices were real and nearly made their way onto commercially available vehicles.

The idea behind Hi-Dro Cushion cells, as they were known, was simple: the water could absorb the force of a collision, then redirect that energy by shooting through vinyl water chambers behind the bumper’s metal facing. In the end, the two colliding bodies would be cushioned, significantly reducing the chance of damage and injury.

Water bumpers never reached mass-produced vehicles, but they were constructed onto taxicabs in New York, San Francisco and other cities, where the most interesting thing about them came to light: they worked. Initial testing on taxis found accident repair costs and accident claim payments decreased more than 50%. But alas, between the extra weight, water turning into ice during the winter, and rather comical site of water balloons popping after a collision, water bumpers never caught on.

Cadillac Eldorade Brougham Drink Tumblers

At more than $120,000 in modern money, the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was the most expensive production car in the world at the time it rolled off the assembly line. Although they paid handsomely for it, owners certainly got a lot for their money. The Cadillac came equipped with power seats, power windows, automatic locks, electronic trunk opener and air suspension, all premium midcentury amenities that have become commonplace today. But the Brougham’s most unique feature, and one you certainly won’t find in your next car, was in the glove box – six stainless steel drinking glasses held down by magnets.

Rolls-Royce Vignale Champagne Cooler

When American businessman Joseph Maschuch commissioned renowned Italian car designer Alfredo Vignale to customize a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, he had several requirements. Everything under the hood was painted green, all visible pipes were chrome-plated, air conditioning was installed and a full bar was added to the rear compartment. The most distinctive feature however, was out of plain sight. Underneath the right rear passenger seat was a toilet complete with a gold seat. The receptacle came with a mechanism allowing you to dump the contents onto the ground below. Before your imagination runs amok, know that the owner claimed the feature was used only as a champagne cooler.

Head to our auto history page to learn more about cars of the past.

What do you think of the strangest car features on this list? Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.

It’s easy to overlook Bermuda – literally. The archipelago encompasses just 21 square miles in total. (For comparison, Rhode Island covers 1,214 square miles.) If Bermuda was a country, it’d be the fifth-smallest in the world. Instead, it has been a British territory since it was settled in the early 1600s.

Today, Bermuda is simply a small slice of paradise floating 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Packed within its small footprint is a culture and landscape you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You can experience all that Bermuda has to offer by booking a vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line, which sails to the island oasis throughout the year.

So, what exactly makes Bermuda so great?

The Weather

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Bermuda has some of the best weather in the world. Unlike the Caribbean islands to the south, Bermuda has a subtropical climate. This keeps temperatures between the mid-60s and mid-80s year-round. Additionally, Bermuda avoids the rainy seasons that typically impact island destinations.

The Food

Influenced by its geographical location and colonial history, Bermuda has a distinctly unique cuisine that takes inspiration from British, Caribbean, African, Native American and Portuguese cultures.

You’ll likely find a wide variety of menu items anywhere you choose to dine, from fish chowder to ribs to curry. Of course, no trip to Bermuda is complete with trying some of the locally caught fish.

The Transportation

Getting around Bermuda is a breeze. In fact, you can feel that breeze upon your face if you rent a scooter or bicycles, two popular forms of transportation. If you’re traveling along the roads, remember that Bermuda adheres to Britain’s rule of driving on the left side of the road. Also, the speed limit never exceeds 20 mph.

Buses and taxis are also widely available throughout the islands, but the most efficient way of getting from one end to the other is via ferries. While there are local operators that travel to different spots across Bermuda, Norwegian Cruise Line offers its passengers a complimentary ferry service from the Royal Navy Dock Yard on the western end to St. George on the eastern end.

The Attractions

For such a small country, Bermuda has ample attractions worth visiting. Whether you want to explore the region’s history and shop for handmade artisan crafts, or sit back at one of the many pristine beaches before grabbing an authentic Bermudan meal, there’s no limit to the adventures to be had.

The Royal Navy Dockyard

The dockyard, located just of the cruise ship pier, is an ideal place to spend an afternoon as it offers a little bit of everything. Those looking to indulge in a session of retail therapy can peruse the shops of the Clocktower Mall. Originally constructed in the 1850s as a warehouse for the British Navy, the building is now home to boutiques and shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, handmade crafts and more.

Just a stone’s throw away sits what will be the jewel of any history buff’s itinerary: the National Museum of Bermuda. Housed within the country’s largest fort, the museum tells the 500-year history of this resilient island territory. As an added bonus, visitors will get one-of-a-kind views from the site’s hilltop location.

Just below the said hill is Snorkel Park Beach, the area’s top family attraction. Guests can rent everything from float toys and snorkel gear to kayaks and jet skis, or simply opt to lounge on the beach underneath the perfectly blue sky.

Hamilton

As the region’s geographical, political and social epicenter, the city of Hamilton is as cosmopolitan a neighborhood as you’ll find in Bermuda. Centrally located, Hamilton serves as Bermuda’s capital city and a cultural hub filled with shops, museums, galleries and gardens. Among them are the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Bermuda Botanical Gardens, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, Fort Hamilton and the Cathedral of the Most Holy, where visitors can climb 155 steps to the top of the cathedral tower for panoramic views of the surroundings.

Hamilton may be at its best when the sun goes down. On Wednesdays during the summer, downtown Hamilton’s main road, Front Street, is shut down for the weekly Harbor Nights festival, complete with dancers, artisans, family activities and street food.

St. George

The town of St. George is situated on the eastern end of Bermuda. The country’s former capital and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. George holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied British settlement in the New World. That history is on full display to this day. A walk around the town’s centuries-old streets will lead you past colonial-style cottages and well-preserved historic sites. Most notable among the latter is St. Peter’s Church. Originally constructed in 1612, this place of worship is the oldest Anglican church outside of Britain.

There’s plenty of natural wonders to explore in and around St. George, as well. To the north sits Tobacco Bay Beach and its incredible limestone formations. Along the southern coastline, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is home to unique plant and wildlife you won’t find back home. But the east end’s most popular attraction may just be the Crystal Caves. Daily tours guide visitors down into these natural underground wonders to get a front-row look of a crystal-clear lake, stalagmite towers and white limestone icicles.

Shore Excursions

Those visiting Bermuda on a Norwegian Joy cruise can explore everything the island has to offer in unique and exciting ways through a variety of shore excursions. These include snorkeling through a protected coral reef, catching an epic sunset while sailing on a catamaran, cruising through nature preserves on an e-bike, exploring ancient shipwrecks, taking in a round at Belmont Hills Golf Course and touring the shoreline from boat or kayak.

These excursions are available to all Norwegian Joy passengers, so make sure to book your spot early!

Book your Norwegian Cruise today!

It always feels good to shop local – and it usually tastes good, too. While some farmers markets are open year-round, the best time of year to visit is often in the fall. It is harvest season, after all. Nothing will get you in the fall spirit like visiting a local farmers market. Northeast farmers markets are among the best in the country, and they’re full of autumn treats.

Here are seven Northeast farmers markets you can’t miss.

Union Square Greenmarket

New York City

This farmers market is nestled in Union Square Park, in the middle of bustling Manhattan. The Union Square Greenmarket is open year-round, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, giving you plenty of opportunities to visit. The market began in 1976, and it hosts up to 140 farmers, fishers, bakers and artisans during its peak season. Stop by the Union Square Greenmarket for fruits and veggies, heritage meats, farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, local wines and more.

Haymarket

Boston

Set on Blackstone Street in Boston’s historic downtown, Haymarket is one of America’s oldest farmers markets. It originally opened for business in 1820! This open-air market is open year-round, through rain or shine, every Friday and Saturday from dawn until dusk. Stop by to visit over 40 independent vendors providing fruits, vegetables, seafood, flowers and more. Haymarket is especially proud of its multicultural makeup, with over 20 nationalities featured among the vendors.

Portland Farmers Market

Portland, Maine

The Portland Farmers Market is even older than Haymarket, and it claims to trace back all the way to 1768! Northeast farmers markets are old! The location of the Portland Farmers Market bounces around the city depending on the day of the week or the time of year. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from late April to November, it can be found in Deering Oaks Park. On Saturdays from December to mid-April, it becomes the Winter Farmers Market, at 631 Stevens Avenue.

Plymouth Farmers Market

Plymouth, Mass.

The Plymouth Farmers Market takes place at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum about Plymouth Rock. It’s the perfect backdrop for a farmers market! While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the Wampanoag Homesite and the 17th-century English village. The Plymouth Farmers Market is open every Thursday, outdoors through October and indoors from November through May.

Hope Street Farmers Market

Providence, R.I.

The Hope Street Farmers Market is a farmer-run co-op created and managed by local farmers and artisans. The market runs from May through October on Saturdays in Lippitt Park on the East Side of Providence. At the Hope Street Farmers Market, you can find fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheeses, pastries, seafood and more. Along with being one of the best Northeast farmers markets, it was named one of the 10 best farmers markets in America by USA Today.

Burlington Farmers Market

Burlington, Vt.

Located on Pine Street in Burlington’s South End, the Burlington Farmers Market has been running since 1980. Visit the market every Saturday through the middle of October to shop from over 90 stands of local vendors, selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan goods, flowers, prepared foods and more. You can also catch some live music and entertainment while you’re shopping. In winter, the Burlington Farmers Market moves indoors – most recently to the Dudley Davis Center. That way, the locally-grown fun never has to stop!

Coventry Farmers Market

Coventry, Conn.

Coventry Farmers Market is relatively young for Northeast farmers markets, at around 16 years old. Still, it’s quickly become one of the largest farmers markets in Connecticut. The market takes place every Sunday from June through October on the Nathan Hale Homestead, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Coventry Farmers Market is usually chock-full of special events, like chef demonstrations, recipe and microbrew sampling, guest lecturers, visiting farm animals and even a pumpkin harvest in late October. It’s definitely not to be missed!

If you like to eat healthy, farmers markets are an excellent way to get inspired.

What are your favorite Northeast farmers markets? Tell us about it in the comments below!

If you are a frequent traveler you know that staying in the same types of rooms over and over again can get boring. A run-of-the-mill weekend hotel can look the same no matter where you go. Sometimes, to preserve the enchantment of travel, one must pursue weirder and more unique hotels in the USA.

Fortunately, America is in no shortage of unique hotels. From roadside oddities to AAA Diamond Designated luxury lodges, America’s weird hotels are unique, boutique – and unabashedly odd.

The Liberty Hotel, Massachusetts 

No list of unique hotels is complete without the Liberty Hotel. Nestled at the foot of Beacon Hill in Boston is a luxury hotel built out of the historic Charles Street Jail. You heard me right: the Liberty Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Designated establishment where guests can stay in jail. Well, not exactly jail. The accommodations are renovated, posh and roomy. In terms of decoration, the hotel has a running motif of antique keys, iron bars and exposed brick.

The property is replete with themed bars and restaurants. At Alibi, you can enjoy a cocktail in the prison’s former drunk tank, while at Clink., you can dine on fresh seafood, heirloom produce and weekend brunch from behind bars.

The Library Hotel, New York

The Library Hotel is a literary-themed establishment in New York City. It’s exactly what it says: a hotel that’s also a library. Floors are based on the Dewey Decimal System and rooms are based on different genres, complete with personal books curated for your rooms. The hotel’s reading lounges offer hundreds more books to choose from.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Florida

Take a dive – literally – into Jules’ Undersea Lodge. The lodge is a restaurant and hotel inspired by the work of Jules Verne. As a result, it’s five fathoms under the water at Key Largo Undersea Park. To get to the Lodge, you must scuba dive all the way down yourself. If you’re not certified, don’t worry. They have classes. As weird hotels go, it’s one of the weirdest. It claims to be the only underwater hotel in the world.

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” and the location for the 1997 miniseries adaptation of the book. Embracing its status as one of the spookiest unique hotels, The Stanley offers many King-related experiences, such as a hedge maze, paranormal tours and a ghost adventure package.

McMenamins Kennedy School, Oregon

The McMenamins Kennedy School invites you to “fall asleep in class” in every meaning of the phrase. The Kennedy School is an old elementary school that has been renovated into one of the most unique hotels. The rooms of the hotel are fashioned from old classrooms and other areas of the school. Some of them still have desks and chalkboards.

The hotel boasts multiple bars and restaurants riffing on the school theme and carved out of restored school rooms. Detention has been turned into a bar where you can drink and smoke cigars with the other rebels. Or you could drink with the nerds in the Honors Bar. The school’s old cafeteria has been transformed into the Courtyard Restaurant, which serves pub food instead of square pizza. Don’t tell the vice principal, but the girls bathroom has been turned into a brewery.

The Jane Hotel, New York

This historic hotel, which opened at the turn of the 20^th century, once served as temporary housing for survivors of the Titanic. Its slim rooms are reminiscent of sleeper cars on trains or cabins on ships. No bathrooms, though – they’re down the hall! The aesthetic of the hotel is grounded somewhere in the 1920s, with bellhops dressed in maroon suits and hats and maids dressed in black and white. It looks almost like a Wes Anderson-directed adaptation of the Tower of Terror. These are some of the cheapest and most stylish rooms you’ll find in the city.

Out’n’About Treehouse Treesort, Oregon

The Out’n’About Treesort is a vast network of treehouses strung together by bridges, zip lines and ladders. The treehouses are all different, with unique designs and interiors. Many of them have modern amenities, like running water, toilets and refrigerators. It is a family-run bed and breakfast, with no locks on the treehouse doors.

The Curtis Hotel, Colorado

This quirky and colorful hotel is filled with unique and specialized theme floors, designed with tongue-in-cheek. As you ride up on the elevator, the doors will play a different jingle with every floor they reach, like the “Ghostbusters” music, the “Star Trek” theme or “Margaritaville.” Spend the night in one of the ultra-decorated theme rooms, based on everything from “Talladega Nights” to “I Love Lucy” to knock-knock jokes. The lobby is filled with pop art by local and nationally renowned artists, adding to the technicolor aesthetic of the Curtis Hotel.

Wigwam Village Motel, Arizona

The Wigwam Village Motel in Arizona is one of three surviving “wigwam motels” in the United States. It is situated right off Route 66, providing a series of fake teepees to house weary travelers. This ring of concrete teepees (mistakenly referred to as “wigwams”) served as the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in the Pixar film “Cars.” There are also many vintage cars on display year-round in the parking lot.

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

The Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks, Alaska, was founded over 100 years ago. At Chena, you can enjoy hot springs and the aurora borealis. It’s also home to the largest year-round ice museum in the world, the Aurora Ice Museum and Ice Bar. Guests have many experiences to choose from, like dog sled rides, healing mineral waters, snow coach tours and skiing. It is a beautiful, remote location filled with Alaskan wildlife and breathtaking views.

Rainbow Ridge Bed and Breakfast, Wisconsin

The Rainbow Ridge B&B is actually a working farm with crops and livestock. As a guest you can help milk goats, feed baby animals, harvest from the garden and collect eggs. It even has a calendar tracking when the new babies are supposed to be born. At night you can lay your head down in one of the rooms of the 1880s farmhouse. You don’t even need to worry about setting your alarm; that’s the rooster’s job!

The Inn at Christmas Place, Tennessee

This unique hotel is straight out of a Hallmark movie. The Inn at Christmas Place is a AAA Three Diamond Designated hotel in Tennessee across the street from a Christmas-themed shopping center. The inn is open all year-round. It is a tall, formidable presence, with Bavarian architecture and multiple spires. In the lobby, there is a giant glockenspiel which goes off hourly from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. There is a nightly concert by Singing Santa, who has an acoustic guitar and sings Christmas carols. And finally, the crown jewel: Their phone number is 888-HOLY-NIGHT.

The Queen Mary, California

Once a world-class ocean liner, The Queen Mary is now docked permanently in Long Beach, California. This cruise ship, which last sailed in the 1960s, is the pinnacle of weird hotels. Enjoy the art deco architecture, luxury spas and nautical theme, but beware! The RMS Queen Mary is said to be one of the most haunted places in America. You won’t have to encounter the ghosts all alone, though. You can take one of the many paranormal walking tours.

Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Massachusetts 

Come stay at the grandfather of unique hotels! Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is the oldest continually operating inn in the United States. With three centuries under its belt, it’s older than America itself. The inn crossed paths with George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette and Henry David Thoreau. It wasn’t until Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a book based on the inn, entitled “Tales of a Wayside Inn,” that it cemented itself as an American landmark. In 1923, Henry Ford purchased the inn and transformed it into the first living history museum in the United States.

If you could visit any of the unique hotels in the USA, which would it be? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan and book your next getaway with AAA. 

Consider these home DIY projects if you’re looking to save money and make a big difference on your living space.

Give Your Mirrors Some Pizzazz

One of the simplest home DIY projects to make your home look more unique is to create interesting mirror frames. If the mirror is a square or rectangle, you can build a simple wooden frame around it to give it some personality. Keep it rustic or personalize it even more with your choice of stain or paint color.

Upgrade a circular mirror with a sunburst frame using wood shims and glue. You can also try using a charger plate for an elegant, Victorian look that’s even easier; all you need is an adhesive like hot glue to attach the mirror and you have a charming centerpiece for your bedroom or living room.

Add a Frame to Your TV

It’s not just mirrors that are great for framing. You can also frame your TV! If your TV is the focal point of a room, this will make it look more decorative. A prominent frame around your TV also helps to distract from any wires that might get in the way of your viewing experience.

Set up a Home DIY Canopy Bed

If you’d like to make your bedroom look a bit grander, one idea is to set up a DIY canopy bed. It’s easier than it sounds. With a little resourcefulness, you can make your canopy by hanging curtains from curtain rods or an embroidery hoop installed above the bed. Check out these 5 DIY canopy beds from Bob Villa.

While you’re at it, try using “balloon” drapery to decorate your windows. This just means hanging your drapes on a curved curtain rod to make your window look a bit bigger and more luxurious.

Build Your Own Headboard

One of the best home DIY ideas to make your bedroom look more interesting and picturesque is to make your own headboard for your bed. If you like to get creative, try polishing up an old door. For more of a farmhouse look, you can put together pieces of reclaimed hardwood.

DIY Shelving

Of course, what would home DIY be without a good shelving project? For a quick shelf that still looks great, rope shelving is a nautical-looking choice that requires very few materials.

Build a Nightstand

For a unique nightstand, cut an old table you don’t use anymore in half, paint over it with a new color and attach it to the wall. This two-legged nightstand will look great next your bed, and who doesn’t love a good upcycle?

Have you done any home DIY design projects? Share them in the comments.

Need a little extra cash for your DIY project? Learn more about a home equity loan from AAA! While you’re at it, learn about AAA’s homeowner and condo insurance.

Because sometimes you just want to pack up and head for the woods.

Shop our favorite camping supplies here and start exploring our crossword puzzle.

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

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

Getting rid of your old car isn’t always as easy as it seems. You might be able to trade it in and get some money back on your new car purchase. Maybe you can successfully resell it on your own. Either way, new cars depreciate precipitously, so it’s unlikely you’re going to get back a lot of money no matter how you unload your old vehicle. With that in mind, donating your car might prove to be the most rewarding option.

Donating your car has several benefits. First and foremost, you’re helping those in need. There are also financial and convenience advantages as well. Your donation will likely be tax-deductible and many charities will come pick up the vehicle, which is particularly helpful if it no longer runs.

Which charities accept car donations?

Many of the country’s major charities accept car donations, including Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, Make-A-Wish, the Salvation Army and the Ronald McDonald House, to name a few. If you’re curious if a smaller and/or local non-profit accepts car donations, reach out and ask. This also includes technical high schools and colleges that look for vehicles to teach with. They may be willing and able to even if it’s not advertised.

Regardless of the organization, it’s always a good idea to research the charity you’re giving to. This ensures your donation is used to support your intended cause.

What do charities do with the car?

Depending on the organization and the state of the car, charities will typically do one of two things with the donated vehicle. If it’s still running well, some may use it for their own operations or give it to a needy individual or family. Most often, however, charities will sell the cars at auction or for scrap and use the proceeds to fund their work.

Can you donate your car without a title?

It can still be possible to donate your car without a title, depending on the state where you live. If your state allows it, you will need to provide other paperwork that proves ownership. If you don’t have a title for your vehicle, contact your state’s DMV and/or the charitable organization to see if and how you can donate the car.

Can you claim a tax deduction from donating your car?

Charitable donations are only tax-deductible if they are made to non-profits that have received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS or meet 501(c)(3) requirements, such as religious organizations. You can use the Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool on the IRS website to learn if a particular organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.

How do you claim the deduction on your taxes?

First and foremost, you’ll have to itemize your deductions when filing taxes in order to receive the financial incentive for the car donation. If you claim the standard deduction, which most taxpayers do, you won’t receive a deduction for your donation.

For tax purposes, a donated car is only worth as much as the charity is able to sell it for. Even if you believe the vehicle has a higher value, your deduction is capped at the sale price.

Written Acknowledgment

A deduction claim of more than $250 but less than $500 requires written acknowledgment of the donation from the charity. This document must include the following:

• The name of the charity.
• A description (but not value) of your vehicle.
• And one of the following:
  • A statement that no goods or services were provided by the charity in return for the donation.
  • A description and good faith estimate of the value of goods or services, if any, that the charity provided in return for the donation.
  • A statement that goods or services provided by the charity consisted entirely of intangible religious benefits.

A deduction claim of more than $500 requires the written acknowledgment include the following:

• Your name and taxpayer identification number.
• The vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Date of donation.
• And one of the following:
  • A statement that no goods or services were provided by the charity in return for the donation.
  • A description and good faith estimate of the value of goods or services, if any, that the charity provided in return for the donation.
  • A statement that goods or services provided by the charity consisted entirely of intangible religious benefits.

If the charity is going to use the vehicle, the written acknowledgement should state so, and you can deduct the car’s fair market value. If the charity plans to sell the vehicle, the document must also include:

• A statement certifying that the vehicle was sold in an arm’s length transaction between unrelated parties.
• The date the vehicle was sold.
• The gross proceeds received from the sale.
• a statement that your deduction may not exceed the gross proceeds from the sale.

Tax Forms

You must obtain this written acknowledgment, which can be made through Form 1098-C, within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or the date of the donation. If you are claiming a deduction between $500 and $5,000, you must also complete Section A of Form 8283. If the deduction is more than $5,000, Section B must be completed and include the signature of an authorized charity. You may need to include a written appraisal from a qualified car appraiser.

Have you ever donated your car? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Get more automotive insight from Your AAA.

Road trips are a great way to have your own adventure across America’s roads. Take your expedition to the next level by making it an RV road trip.

Why an RV Road Trip?

Taking an RV road trip is almost completely different to taking one in your car.

First of all, you and your family will probably have a lot more room to spread out in an RV, alleviating the stresses of being in the same car with each other for hours on end. You don’t have to worry about scoping out hotels and motels along your route in advance – you already have a clean and safe space to sleep in your RV. You also don’t have to rely on rest stop food if you have your own little kitchen on wheels.

If you had already been planning on camping, RVs can make the experience a lot easier. You get to visit scenic sites across the country without the hassle of putting up a tent and taking it down when you’re finished.

There’s also a lot of camaraderie that comes with traveling in an RV. You’re bound to meet other road-trippers at RV parks, campsites and roadside attractions, and you can swap tips and tricks for how to make your trip one to remember. You can also find RV communities online if you want to connect after your road trip is over (or before your road trip to get some insider information).

Before heading out, review these RV safety and insurance tips. You can also directions plan your road trip with the help of AAA’s travel guides. 

Should You Rent an RV for a Road Trip? 

Have you decided you want to go RVing? Great! The second choice you need to make is whether you should rent an RV for a road trip, or buy one to keep. RVs are a hot commodity, spiking at the height of the pandemic. Around 11.2 million households now own an RV.

Before you rent or buy an RV, you should learn about the different styles and sizes that might fit you and your family best. There are many types of RVs, but here are the three that you’re most likely to encounter. They also don’t require the addition of a pickup truck.

• Class A: At 26-45 feet, it’s the biggest motorized RV, with top-shelf amenities like a bathroom, a kitchen, and lots of sleep and storage space. They’re limited on where they can drive due to their large size, and they have low fuel efficiency.

• Class B: Also called “camper vans,” Class B can be 17-23 feet. It’s the smallest of the three, with good fuel economy. It’s also easier for drivers who don’t have much experience with RVs, though it’s a little cramped inside.

• Class C: The mid-sized Class C is 20-30 feet, making it smaller than a Class A, but bigger than a Class B. It’s the best of both worlds, and usually comes with a bathroom, kitchenette and sleeping areas.

If you’re planning on taking frequent road trips, buying an RV might be more cost-effective for you.

Protect your RV with specialty insurance through AAA.

Have you ever taken an RV road trip? What was it like? Would you do it again? Tell us your story in the comments below!

If you’re a AAA Northeast member, you can save on everything from theme parks to fitness products. But did you know that your AAA membership can help you save on everyday items too? Here are 10 AAA discounts that can help you save on your day-to-day purchases.

Shell Fuel Rewards

No matter what gas prices are like, we’re always looking for more ways to save at the pump. With Shell Fuel Rewards, you can save $0.30 per gallon on your first fill-up, and at least $0.05 per gallon on every fill-up after that.

You can use your AAA membership to sign up for Shell Fuel Rewards here. The savings really add up!

Grubhub

Feeling hungry, but don’t want to go out? If you’re craving a burrito from your favorite restaurant, you can probably get it on Grubhub. Grubhub is the leading food ordering and delivery app, offering deliveries from almost every single restaurant in your area.

Save $9 on your first order of $15 or more.

The Dinner Daily

Well, what if you want to cook at home? It’s not always easy to know what to make, or how to make it. The Dinner Daily offers personal weekly meal plans based on your local grocery store’s sales and coupons, saving you time and money. The detailed shopping lists and delicious recipes will turn you into the ultimate home cook.

Save 20% on personalized weekly meal plans.

AMC Theatres

Movie buffs will love this discount to AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the world. Don’t let high ticket prices keep you away from the magic of the movies.

Get up to 40% off movie tickets, popcorn and beverages.

HelloFresh

HelloFresh is a subscription service that delivers the ingredients and recipes necessary for delicious weekly meals. With fresh, pre-portioned ingredients, seasonal recipes and over 30 fresh meals to choose from every week, you’ll never get tired of being in the kitchen. Try recipes like Szechuan beef noodles, onion crunch chicken, lobster ravioli and more.

AAA members can get $116 off the first six boxes.

The UPS Store

Need to send a package? AAA members can get 5% off UPS shipping and 15% off packing supplies. As a bonus, you also get up to 30% off online printing services and 15% off new mailboxes and in-store printing and copy services.

Start saving now.

The Parking Spot

Parking can be hard to find, especially at the airport. The Parking Spot offers full-service parking at 22 major airports across the country, with special features and car care options available at certain locations.

AAA members can save 20% on all airport parking reservations and 10% on near-airport parking reservations.

Thrive Market

Going organic doesn’t have to be expensive. If you buy organic or health-related products, you’ll love Thrive Market. Thrive Market is a subscription box that will deliver your favorite organic foods, snacks and household necessities straight to your doorstep.

Save 30% on your first order.

Magazine Advantage

If you love magazines, you could be saving a whole lot on most of your subscriptions. Magazine Advantage has so many subscriptions to choose from, including People, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Popular Mechanics and HGTV Magazine.

Save up to 90% on magazine subscriptions when subscribing online.

Do you have any tips or tricks for saving money on everyday items? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for even more ways to save? Head on over to AAA.com/Discounts.

The Northeast has a long history of superior oyster farming, well-known for the gems it yields.

A highlight of nearly every restaurant menu on the eastern seaboard, the rugged outer appearance and slimy inner meat of oysters may deter weary diners, but devotees of the bivalve mollusk are rewarded with a briny blend of freshness and flavor reminiscent of the sea.

A Brief Dive Into Northeast Oyster History

One of the earliest aquatic species domesticated by humans, the oyster has been a staple of indigenous diets in America long before European contact. When its industry came of age during the Civil War era, it spurred the Bloody Oyster Wars over harvest grounds in the Chesapeake Bay, which produced 14- to 20-million-bushel harvests. Since it was abundant, easy to harvest, inexpensive and nutritious, oyster demand outpaced supply in the wild and nearly collapsed the seemingly indestructible business in the 1900s.

Since the oyster life cycle takes as long as three years, oyster farming has filled in to maintain our insatiable appetite for this star of the raw bar. The floating bags used by oyster farmers for cultivation, buoys and bottom cages have sprouted along shorelines and inlets throughout the Northeast. These varied marine habitats, from Long Island Sound to Narragansett Bay and Cape Cod, determine everything about the oysters – from shape and size to flavor and brininess – and are responsible for making Northeast oysters among the best in the world.

A Superior Shellfish

Oysters command over half of total mollusk sales nationwide, according to Aquaculture North America. Sustainability and environmental benefits, along with flavor, have helped to catapult its popularity.

A crucial component to ocean health, oysters begin as free-floating larvae, attaching to rocks, docks or any submerged surface. They grow into a sustainable reef, promoting biodiversity and creating a habitat for other marine animals and plants. That reef provides a barrier during storms, preventing erosion and protecting vulnerable coastline.

One oyster filters up to 50 gallons of surrounding waters per day, which improves water quality, increases fish habitat and reduces nutrient influx from land.

Northeast Oyster Farming

Massachusetts

South Shore and Cape Cod oyster farming gives Massachusetts its street cred.

The muddy, windswept flat of Duxbury Bay, 40 miles south of Boston, is the prime spot to grow the brutally briny and fat Duxbury oyster, and Island Creek Oysters is the region’s inaugural farmer. Book a tour to see the aquaculture process directly from the source and slurp down a few oysters at their freshest.

Cotuit Oyster Company, in the Barnstable village of Cotuit on Cape Cod, is the oldest oyster farming business in the country, having raised Cotuit oysters since 1837. The clear and cold streams, estuaries and marshes here mean these oysters have a distinctly bright ocean taste. If you can’t enjoy in person, they harvest and ship fresh to your door within 24 hours, which is a service many oyster farms offer.

Rhode Island

It’s no surprise oysters were the most abundant shellfish in Rhode Island until the early 1900s. Its inlets and salt ponds are quintessential for cultivation.

Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown is a “pond to plate” operation, growing, harvesting and serving its prime Potter Pond oysters with a water view since 2002.

On the Sakonnet River in Narragansett Bay, Aquidneck Island Oyster Company launched its first-class bivalve operation in 2020. They are available at local restaurants including Midtown Oyster Bar, Coast Guard House and TwoTen Oyster Bar.

Connecticut

Designated Connecticut’s state shellfish in 1989, oysters have been a staple here since the colonial era, when fishermen harvested wild oysters almost to the brink of extinction.

In 1850, 250 schooners imported two million bushels of oysters to New Haven, and by the 1890s, the world’s largest fleet of oyster steamships operated here. The founder of Copps Island Oysters was part of that resuscitation, and remains a fourth-generation family-operated farm, with food truck and catering services. Based in Norwalk, or “Oyster Town,” they grow three varieties of deep cupped oysters on the natural sea floor, where shallow water, swift currents and sandy bottoms create a balance of brininess, sweetness and minerals.

Further up Long Island Sound in Niantic Bay, the Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm also offers plump, sweet and buttery oysters that take on the terroir of their native waters.

New York

Oysters thrived in New York’s brackish harbors, and in the early 1600s, 350 miles of reefs surrounded the island city, constituting half of the world’s oyster population. At its 19^th century zenith, residents ate one million oysters every day, but their shell disposal methods contaminated area waters and overharvesting led to the closure of New Yok City oyster beds in 1927.

Now sustainable farms cultivate fresh native oysters, including Widow’s Hole Oyster Farm in Greenport, Long Island, where visitors can tour the beds and learn a two-decade long practice. Peconic Pearls, also cultivated on Long Island, are grown in a modern marine hatchery before they are planted in Peconic Bay by the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative, leading to fresh, juicy morsels.

New Jersey

The intersection of the Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean was long considered the bellwether of oyster growth, with its cold, intertidal estuary helping oysters develop stronger flavor. Indigenous populations collected oysters here in dugout canoes for more than 2000 years, when miles of New Jersey coastline were girdled by mudflat channels and sand basins covered in eelgrass. It was the epitome of tide to table, until oyster production peaked in New Jersey from 1880 to 1930.

Today, Ocean City Oyster Company by G.E.I. Oyster Farm in Great Egg Harbor Bay floats bags atop the water’s surface, so the oysters rise and fall with the tide as they grow, instilling unique local flavor. Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm in Cape May hand harvests each deep-cupped shellfish for superior freshness, imparting a delicate burst of minerality, earthiness and crispness.

Where to you go to eat oysters? Tell us in the comments.

For more local delicacies, check out the recipes and chef tips from AAA-recommended restaurants in Diamond Dish.

From skylines to skyscrapers, your pictures captured the grit and glory of cities near and far.

Thank You For Participating! (Session Closed)

Browse through all the submissions we received during August’s cityscapes-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.

Check out past AAA Photo Sessions and stay tuned for the next one.

Looking for an awesome vantage point of New York City? You’ll find it at the Top of the Rock. AAA members can get up to $5 off tickets to the observation deck.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or to sell your current one, the first step is typically to contact a real estate agent. It sounds easy enough until you start to notice the various, sometimes fancy titles that some agents have. Dual agent? Broker? Transaction coordinator? What are all the different types of real estate agents?

To help you navigate these sometimes complicated and confusing terms, we’ve compiled a list of real estate agent titles to help you find a professional best-suited to your needs.

Types of Real Estate Agents

When you’re buying or selling property, you’re most likely going to work with an agent, also referred to as a real estate associate broker or simply a salesperson.

Real Estate Agent

In general, real estate agents monitor the market and look for housing trends in areas such as pricing, inventory, location and more. They can tell you about available houses that you can afford as well as take you on tours of prospective homes.

Buyer’s Agent

This type of real estate agent helps people that are looking to purchase a house with all aspects of the buying process from the home search to the closing. He or she can help you find the right property, deal with the mounds of paperwork, negotiate the offer and also recommend reliable home-related professionals, such as home inspectors, movers and more.

Seller’s Agent

If you’re selling your home, this agent, also sometimes called the listing agent, works with you step-by-step, from home marketing to closing, as you prepare to sell your home. Additionally, they list your home on the multiple listing service. If you’re buying a house, you deal primarily with the seller’s agent rather than with the seller directly.

Dual Agent

This type of real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. If a potential buyer doesn’t have a buying agent working with them, they can contact a seller’s real estate agent and tell him or her to submit an offer on their behalf.

Transaction Coordinator

The transaction coordinator or transaction agent helps the real estate agent or broker in processing administrative items for a real estate transaction. He or she manages deadlines, gathers the necessary paperwork, opens an escrow account and makes sure disclosures are properly signed and filled out. He or she simply maintains the transaction between the buyer and the seller and doesn’t represent either party.

Other Real Estate Titles

Realtor

People often use the term realtor and real estate agent interchangeably, but there’s a difference between the two. As mentioned before, a real estate agent is someone who has obtained a real estate license and can help you buy or sell a house. A realtor is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and adheres to the standards and code of ethics of the association. They can either be agents or brokers.

Real Estate Broker

A real estate broker is one step above a real estate agent. He or she has taken real estate education beyond the agent level and passed a broker’s license exam, meeting state requirements to own or manage a real estate company. They can either work alone, unlike a real estate agent, or hire agents to work for them. Some brokers also provide services for buyers and sellers. All agents hired to help buy or sell properties report to a broker.

The broker also handles earnest money deposits – money that the buyer puts down to buy a home and is delivered when the sales contract or purchase agreement is signed, and bears responsibility for the actions of real estate agents under his or her supervision. If you have any issues that can’t be resolved directly with the agent, the next step to take would be talk with the broker.

Real Estate Associate Broker

The associate broker is a real estate agent who has taken additional education classes and earned a broker’s license. He or she could work independently, but they choose to work for a broker or join a larger real estate network.

Did you know about these types of real estate agents? Let us know in the comments.

On the hunt for a house? Let AAA help you with your mortgage.

Fad diets come and go, but healthy eating remains the same. It should come as no surprise that focusing on good nutrition is one of the best things you can do to up the odds of living to 100. Do your best to increase the length and quality of your life by incorporating these foods for longevity into your diet.

How Food Affects Longevity

“We all want to live longer, but the key is living healthy for longer,” says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, writer, speaker and host of the “Nourishing Notes” podcast. She says research on the Blue Zones – places with a disproportionately high number of people who live past the age of 100 – shows that lifestyle factors impact healthy aging.

Of course, there is no magic food guaranteed to lengthen your life. But even during the COVID-19 pandemic, heart disease remained the leading cause of death in the United States. The good news is that you can choose foods that boost your heart health, dramatically improving your odds of a long, healthy life.

“Think of your body like a nice car and food like gas,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN and inclusive plant-based dietitian in Stamford, Conn. “You need to fuel your body with quality foods that help every aspect of health, from heart health to bone health and more.”

So, what are the best foods for longevity? Below, Gorin and Shanta Retelny recommend eight foods that help to keep your body running smoothly and ward off life-shortening diseases.  

Fatty Fish

Salmon, sardines and canned, light tuna all contain omega-3 fatty acids, good fats which Shanta Retelny says help “[fend] off inflammation in the brain and cardiovascular system.” In other words, eating fatty fish can reduce your risk of life-shortening heart disease, and possibly even dementia.

Pro tip: Shanta Retelny recommends aiming for at least two servings of fish per week.

Tofu

There are many health benefits to plant-based eating, according to Gorin. “Eating a vegetarian diet can help lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease,” she says.

But if you’re reducing meat consumption or eliminating it entirely, it’s essential to incorporate plant-based proteins. Gorin suggests tofu.

Pistachios

Nuts and seeds can also help fill your protein quota. Shanta Retelny says pistachios offer the most protein per serving.

“With aging, our bodies become less sensitive to insulin,” she adds. “Eating higher protein snacks like pistachios can help keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.

Arugula

Arugula is a food for longevity because it’s brimming with nitrates. Gorin says research suggests that eating one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables each day can “dramatically lower your risk of heart disease.”

Pro tip: Gorin recommends eating arugula in a salad, like this one with a vitamin C-rich citrus dressing.

Whole-Grain Oats

Are you worried about shortening your life because of high cholesterol? Eat more oatmeal!

Shanta Retelny says the fiber in whole-grain oats helps keep cholesterol in check and your heart healthy. “Oats have a number of beneficial compounds that can fend off inflammation and promote healthy aging,” she adds.

Berries

Both Gorin and Shanta Retelny promote eating berries for longevity. Healthy cholesterol levels help prevent heart disease, and people who regularly eat berries tend to have lower cholesterol.

Shanta Retelny says that wild blueberries pack an especially heart- and brain-healthy punch. “According to the MIND Diet, creating a berry habit at least twice a week can keep your brain healthy and functioning well in your older years,” she says.

Pro tip: Think of berries as more than just a snack. Gorin suggests incorporating them into everything from pancakes to homemade ice cream.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, which can “fend off damage from free radicals that cause our cells to age,” explains Shanta Retelny. They’re also tasty when pressed into juice – just be sure to get whole-pressed fruit juice for the full benefits.

Pro tip: Shanta Retelny suggested making a longevity-boosting spritzer by combining POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice with sparkling water.

Prunes

Research suggests eating five or six prunes per day can help prevent bone loss, and that’s great news for anyone hoping to live to 100.

“Bone health may be a surprising thing to think about when it comes to longevity, but think about hip fractures, for instance,” says Gorin. “Within the first year of injury, they can come with an increased risk of death.”

Pro tip: Gorin suggests boosting your daily intake by blending prunes into smoothies or adding chopped prunes to salads.

In general, cutting down on processed items and incorporating these foods for longevity into your regular eating habits will help you feel better, for longer. Your doctor or nutritionist can also help guide you in the right direction.

Which of these longevity foods do you love? Share your favorite ways to enjoy them in the comments below.