Which Northeast States Are Adopting the CDC’s Mask Guidelines?
Most Northeast states are following the CDC’s updated guidance allowing fully vaccinated people to ditch their masks, but there's one outlier that might surprise you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its public health guidelines,saying that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19don’t have to wear masks or observe social-distancing guidelines in any setting.
But at least one state in the Northeast – New Jersey – has opted not to adopt the guidance, instead requiring people to continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces.
Masks will still be required on planes, trains, buses and other public transportation and transportation hubs,and where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local businesses and workplaces. Masks are also mandatory in most health care settings, including doctors’ offices, hospitals and nursing homes.
The CDC recommends unvaccinated people still wear masks in most situations and to observe social-distancing measures.
Most Northeast states are following the CDC’s guidance, except for New Jersey. You can find links to all the states’ requirements below.
There’s little arguing that electric vehicles are the cars of the future. In fact, between automakers pledging to transition to all zero-emission lineups and states banning gas-powered cars, it’s looking more and more like EVs will soon be car owners’ only option. With that in mind, it’s becoming imperative to better understand how to operate these green vehicles – particularly, how to charge them. Since most charging is done at home, this means understanding how EV home charging stations work.
Although EV home charging can be as simple as plugging your car’s battery in an outlet, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration, including charging efficiency, installation and cost.
EV Home Charging
Most electric vehicle owners charge their cars at home. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 80% of EV charging is done at an owner’s residence. This is obviously the most convenient option – you can charge the car when you’re sleeping and it’s ready to go in the morning – and it’s also the cheapest. Single-family homes generally have low and stable electricity rates.
Charging your EV at home certainly isn’t free but it costs substantially less than paying for gas and is usually cheaper than using a public charging station. The Department of Energy estimates that fully charging an all-electric vehicle with a 100-mile range would cost the equivalent of running air conditioning for six hours. Because they have smaller batteries, plug-in hybrid EVs would cost even less.
When you compare this to the cost of gasoline, you can see how the savings pile up. Over the past few years, gas prices have fluctuated between $1.50 and $4, meaning a person could be spending as much as $1,500 per car each year.
Charging Levels
There are two levels of charging available to you when using your home’s electricity: level 1 and level 2.
If you plug your vehicle into a standard 120-volt wall outlet, you’re using level 1. This is the simplest charging method but also the least efficient. Level 1 charging takes time, adding roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. If you don’t usually drive long distances, this may be more than enough.
Some drivers, however, need to get more miles out of their vehicles on a regular basis. That’s why many EV owners opt to upgrade to level 2, which delivers 240 volts and, depending on the amperage or electrical current, can add anywhere from 10 to 60 miles of range in one hour. The typical level 2 charging station can fully charge an EV overnight.
EV Charging Station Installation Cost
Level 2 charging isn’t a matter of flipping a switch or purchasing a different power cord. Instead, special charging equipment must be installed in your house. These units, known electric vehicle supply equipment, can range in price from a few hundred dollars for an EV charging cable that plugs into a 240-volt, 20-amp outlet to a couple thousand for hard-wired internet-connected smart charger.
You will need to get an electrician to install the charging station or power to supply the station, which will also cost money. A typical installation could cost as little as $300, but there are several factors that could bump up the price, including if your house needs an electrical upgrade or a remodel to allow the unit to connect to the house’s electrical supply. Some states offer charging station rebates and incentives to help defer cost.
Outdoor Home EV Charging
Most owners charge their EVs from the garage, but both level 1 and 2 charging can also be done outside. The only consideration with outdoor level 1 is the length of the power cord. Most EVs come with their own cord but you may need to invest in a longer one that can reach from your home to the vehicle.
You can follow the same process with outdoor level 2 charging, simply running an extended power from your vehicle to the indoor charging station. However, you can also install the charging station itself outside. If you choose this option, install the unit in a location where the wires can be run safely. You’ll also want to choose your charging station wisely. Some are better suited to deal with outdoor elements than others.
Every proper Long Island wine tour includes a stop at Bedell Cellars, Paumanok, Pindar, Duck Walk or Wölffer Estate. If you’ve ever traveled through the East End and its many vineyard-lined streets, chances are you’ve at least heard of one of them. Grand in size, quality and popularity, these top Long Island wineries have each played a part in shaping the island’s wine industry and vineyard experience.
Bedell Cellars 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY 631-734-7537
Bedell Cellars is known for making some of the finest wines on the East Coast of Long Island. As one of the most well-established Long Island wineries, they have received much critical acclaim and recognition, including having their wine served at the 2013 U.S. Presidential Inauguration.
Pioneers in the Long Island wine industry, Kip and Susan Bedell planted their grapes on the North Fork in 1980, only several years after Hargrave Vineyards (now Castello di Borghese) launched the wine industry in the area. Kip, a self-taught winemaker, focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, eventually earning a name for the winery as one of the top red wine producers in the region and himself the nickname of “Mr. Merlot” by Wine Spectator magazine.
In 2000, Kip sold the winery to film executive Michael Lynne, president of New Line Cinema, but the focus remains on quality. Bedell Cellers continues to hand-craft their wines in small batches as they have always done and are certified sustainable by Long Island Sustainable Winemaking.
The tasting room rests within a refurbished historic barn that was built in 1919. While you are there you must try their famous Merlot for a taste of some of Long Island’s best, although all of their varieties are well-received by critics. If you like bubbles, pop a bottle of Blanc de Blancs. And be sure to take note of their artist series bottles, which feature works of renowned contemporary artists.
Fittingly named for the Native American word used to describe Long Island, Paumanok wines are an excellent representation of the quality that the land is capable of producing. In fact, their wines have been representing the region quiet prominently, recently earning them the distinction of “Winery of the Year” at the 2015 New York Wine & Food Classic; it is the second time they have won the honor.
Charles and Ursula Massoud founded Paumanok Vineyards in 1983. The 127-acre former potato farm is entirely owned and managed by the couple and their three sons. Only state-grown grapes are used to make their wines, which are grown using traditional dense planting, resulting in more concentrated fruit. The quality grown in the vineyard is maintained in the bottle by limiting production to fewer than 12,000 cases a year.
Try a glass or two during a visit to their winery and tasting room in Aquebogue. Summer and fall are great times to enjoy the scenic vineyard view out on the deck.
Pindar 37645 Main Road (Route 25), Peconic, NY 631-734-6200
Late Pindar founder Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos was a big player among those who helped to form Long Island wine country into what it is today. From the early 1980’s he worked with his family to make Pindar one of the largest and most recognizable wine labels on Long Island. With over 500 acres of land, Pindar produces 70,000 cases a year of about 23 different varietals and blends.
Over the years, the Damianos name has made its mark on the East End at Pindar and beyond. Dr. Dan’s sons Alexander and Jason own and operate nearby Duck Walk Vineyards (more on that below) and Jason’s Vineyard respectively, while his son Pindar manages the vines at the vineyard of his namesake.
Inside the Pindar tasting room, artwork and Tiffany-style lamps surround a tasting bar where the wine is always flowing. During the warmer months, the covered deck out back is an ideal spot to take in the view and live music (weekends). U-pick sunflowers are also available while in season.
During your visit, be sure to try the Sunflower Field and Peacock Chardonnays, one of their popular sparkling wines, or the palate-pleasing red blend, Pythagoras, named “Best U.S. Red Blend” by the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago. For a quieter experience, visit Pindar’s Port Jefferson Wine Store, which also has a full tasting bar.
Duck Walk Duck Walk North: 44535 Main Road, Southold, NY / 631-765-3500 Duck Walk South: 231 Montauk Highway (Route 27), Water Mill, NY / 631-726-7555 x4
Pindar’s cousin winery, Duck Walk was founded by Dr. Dan Damianos and his son Alexander in 1994. Like Pindar, it has become one of the best-known Long Island wineries. Altogether, their vineyard encompasses 140 acres and produces about 35,000 cases of wine a year.
Duck Walk has two beautiful locations. In addition to their impressive flagship winery, housed within a Normandy Chateau-style building in Southampton, they claimed their spot along the wine trail on the North Fork in 2007, which quickly rose in popularity. Designed to accommodate large groups, both tasting rooms are large and airy with scenic outdoor areas to enjoy live music and wine and cheese pairings. Leashed dogs are also welcome.
Duck Walk wines are consistently recognized in national competitions. Tastings not to be missed include the Vidal Ice Wine dessert wine, made from grapes frozen on the vine, and Blueberry Port, made from wild Maine blueberries (served with a piece of chocolate).
The stylish Wölffer Estate Vineyard is a European escape in the Hamptons. Once a potato farm, the beautiful South Fork winery was the vision of late Hamburg-born businessman Christian Wölffer, who transformed the land and founded the vineyard in 1987. It also doubles as an equestrian center with the largest indoor riding ring on the East Coast.
Visiting the tasting room at Wölffer Estate is like going to a friend’s home who loves to entertain (and has a really nice house). The elevated Tuscan-style building offers pristine views of the vines and features old-world European accents including a hand-crafted bar made from reclaimed wood, stained glass doors and a stone terrace. It is the heart of the vineyard’s many events such as their Twilight Thursdays in the spring and fall and Candlelight Fridays in the winter, both of which feature live music and wines by the glass. Their nearby wine stand is also a hot spot for tastings and Sunset Fridays and Saturdays in the summer.
Winemaker and partner Roman Roth produces a diverse array of wines with food pairing and longevity in mind. All of the wines are made from estate grown and sustainably farmed grapes from Wölffer’s 55 acre vineyard and from locally-sourced fruit. They are certified sustainable by Long Island Sustainable Winemaking.
Must-taste wines: Grapes of Roth Merlot and Riesling; Summer in a Bottle rosé and white, which exactly as the name implies, are fruity sippers that capture the spirit of Long Island in the summer; and their dry white and rosé ciders, made exclusively from New York State apples. Try them at the tasting room or with dinner at Wölffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor or Amagansett, the first winery-owned restaurant in the Hamptons.
I came to the U.S. from India when I was 9 and for my parents, the decision was largely driven by education.
My father looked at what it would take to put me and my three siblings through college in India, based on the salary of his government job. And he knew that if he stayed in India, he would come up short.
He thought, if I go to the U.S., there will be better opportunities for my career, and for my children to get educated. Otherwise, he’d have been forced to make the painful choice of which of us went to college and which didn’t.
My father had a degree in horticulture and at the time, there weren’t a lot of people in America with his expertise. So he always worked. But that doesn’t mean anything came easily for him or my mom. Or their four children for that matter.
To say that the move from New Delhi, India, to Queens, N.Y., was a culture shock would be a huge understatement.
I didn’t speak the language. I looked different than most of the people in my class – in my entire graduating class, I could count the number of brown people on one hand. There weren’t any Asian-Americans that looked like me.
If you wanted anything Indian, there were two shops on Main Street in Flushing, Queens, that were your only go-tos back then. Now there are dozens!
So as a child of the 1980s, my goal was just to quickly fit in, to adopt the American holidays and assimilate. Basically, I didn’t want to stand out.
It may sound odd but when I was growing up my parents never really celebrated Indian holidays with us.
My father and mother worked all time, six or seven days a week; my mother had never worked like that until she came to America. And my siblings and I all started working the moment we were old enough to do so because we understood that everybody had to chip in. College is expensive.
There were no family vacations or traveling to fancy destinations; everybody worked. My father was 15 and my mother was 12 when they were married, and my mother didn’t have much education. They never really had a childhood themselves.
So for them, the goal from day one was our education. No matter how hard they had to work to make it a reality, they would see all four of their children through college.
And college is where my culture opened up to me. I didn’t start to own my heritage until I was an undergrad at Baruch College, studying for my bachelor’s in business administration. In every class, I met people from all over the world, all ages, all of this cultural diversity. I remember reading that there were more than 150 different nationalities represented by the student body there. It was a real wake-up moment.
I wound up taking an Indian history course as an undergrad because I wanted to educate myself about the culture I’d been disconnected from since my early years. And it was around then that I traveled back to India for the first time, reconnecting with my extended family. Soon after returning from that that trip, I met my wife who had emigrated from India much later in life and helped me learn so much more about my heritage.
The last year has been another type of wake-up call for me, as anti-Asian sentiments entered the national stage. It’s not as though this kind of discrimination is a new thing. I faced it growing up. And there are times — like explaining to my 10-year-old son why a group of teenagers called him a derogatory name because of the color of his skin — that make you think, ‘Maybe things haven’t changed that much.’”
But in other ways, things have changed a lot. Today, I love introducing my children to our culture. We recently celebrated Holi, an ancient Hindu springtime festival characterized by people throwing colored chalk on each other, and they loved it and wanted to know all about it.
Now, when an Indian holiday comes, we’ll take the day off, make sure we dress up and exchange gifts. It gets them curious, and that’s how you discover your heritage.
And now that my parents are retired, they love nothing more than spending time with their grandkids, especially during all of those holidays that they never had a chance to celebrate once upon a time.
Rahul Chand is vice president of membership marketing at AAA Northeast.
When planning a trip or vacation to China around food, remember that China is a big country. Food can vary noticeably from village to village, but there are eight major Chinese food regions to remember: Cantonese, Sichuan, Anhui, Shandong, Fujian, Jiangsu, Hunan and Zhejiang.
Each of these Chinese regional cuisines is steeped in a history that plays a role in how they are prepared, with geography and available resources deeply impacting the final results, but they are all delicious in their own right.
Looking to plan your next vacation? Be sure to consult a knowledgeable AAA travel agent to help guide you through the rapidly changing travel landscape.
Cantonese
When you think of authentic Chinese food – which is vastly different than American-Chinese food – you’re probably thinking of Cantonese cuisine. In general, chefs trained in Cantonese kitchens can find work throughout China and abroad.
The flavors of Cantonese food are balanced, relying heavily on ingredients selected and used at peak freshness. Despite the reliance on freshness, fresh herbs are rarely used in the dishes, though exceptions are made for garlic, chives and coriander leaves.
Beef, pork, chicken and seafood are staples in Cantonese cuisine. Both Guangdong Province and Hong Kong are home to excellent Cantonese seafood dishes served with rice. If you’re enjoying an Asian holiday in this region, don’t be surprised to find chicken feet, offal, duck’s tongue, snail, anteater or snake in your dish as well.
A number of sauces are popular in the region, such as plum sauce (sweet and sour), hoisin (sweet and salty) and oyster sauce (sweet, salty and a little “oystery”).
Sichuan
Even if you’ve never been to China, the name Sichuan probably rings a bell. Known for its hot and spicy flavors, this Chinese food region has a reputation for variation in seasoning and cooking methods.
The intense flavors from Sichuan Province – in contrast to Cantonese cuisine – rely on Sichuan pepper, black pepper, chili, broad bean chili paste, shallots, ginger and garlic.
Some of the most famous dishes are Kung Pao chicken, diced chicken with dry red pepper and peanuts; Fuqi feipian, thinly sliced beef seasoned with chili oil; and Sichuan hot pot, a tongue-numbing spicy dish. If you get the hot pot, be prepared to sample sea cucumber and unusual meats.
Anhui
The landlocked province of Anhui provides the wildest of Chinese regional cuisine, as locals forage the mountainsides for herbs, berries, fungi and game. Anyone whose Asia vacation takes them to this region will notice the lack of frying and stir-frying, as locals tend to favor stews and braised meats.
Local farms produce bayberry, tea leaves, bamboo shoots and dates, while wild mountain herbs are selected and added to dishes for both aroma and medicinal effects.
If you’re feeling bold or in need of protein, steamed stone frog is one of the several famous regional dishes. For those lighter of heart, there is Luzhou roast duck, Li Hongzhang stew and egg dumplings.
Fujian stir fried rice.
Shandon
Found along the northeast coast of China, Shandon cuisine, also known as Lu cuisine, is characterized by flash-fried seafood and vegetable dishes that aren’t too oily.
Like in Cantonese cooking, Shandon chefs focus on using spices and herbs to add subtle complexity to flavors rather than dominate the dish. Green onions, garlic, ginger and a dash of red pepper are often found in these dishes.
Shandon does not use some of the heavier sauces found in Cantonese cuisine, relying instead on vinegar and lots of salt.
Fujian
This Chinese food region is another that relies heavily on local delicacies, such as fish, turtles, indigenous mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Also known as Min cuisine or Hokkien cuisine, these dishes are often prepared to emphasize umami – the tantalizing fifth flavor for our palates.
If you’re a soup person, this province is a must-visit. Fresh seafood soups gain richness with exotic, wild ingredients brought down from the mountains.
Jiangsu
A wealthier region of China, Jiangsu errs on the side of gourmet, rather than partaking in the tradition of the hearty mountain peasant food you’ll find in Anhui province. Chefs create richly aromatic and refined meals with a heavy focus on presentation.
As a coastal province, it’s no surprise that seafood and sea vegetables play heavily into the region’s cuisine.
Hunan
Food from Hunan province is perhaps even hotter than Sichuan cuisine, but a little less so because they don’t incorporate the Sichuan peppercorns.
If you like Sichuan, it’s safe to say you’ll probably like Hunan cuisine. However, a mix of vinegar-chili and locally produced citrus allows dishes to evolve beyond simply spicy.
Zhejiang
Once home to the capital of the southern Song Dynasty, this region serves up elegant, refined dishes that feature quality ingredients. The cuisine shares a philosophy with Japanese food as they both incorporate raw or almost-raw ingredients.
There are three styles of Zhejiang cuisine: Ningbo is known for salty seafood dishes, fully utilizing brines during preparation; inland, Shaoxing uses less seafood, focusing instead on poultry and freshwater fish; and Hangzhou seems to include bamboo shoots in nearly every other dish.
Did we forget your favorite Chinese regional cuisine or dish? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Podcasts wouldn’t exist without the internet, and many podcasts are produced by extremely online people. These top podcasts about the internet prove that some of the most interesting stories can come from the far-reaching corners of the wild World Wide Web. Be warned, though, just like the internet, some of these podcasts can get a little strange.
“ICYMI,” which is internet slang for “in case you missed it,” is a Slate podcast hosted by writers Madison Malone Kircher and Rachelle Hampton. Like the title would suggest, this twice-weekly podcast is all about what you might have missed on the internet lately. News moves fast online, and it’s easy to fall behind. Kircher and Hampton make sure that you’re updated on all the latest memes, callouts, meltdowns and cringe content. Even if you’re not as online as the hosts, you’re sure to enjoy their hilarious analysis.
If you’re on the internet or even know people who are on the internet, you’ve probably heard of cancel culture. But what even is cancel culture? Is it even real? On “Cancel Me, Daddy,” journalists Katelyn Burns and Oliver-Ash Kleine deconstruct recent “cancellations,” public outcries, bad takes and free speech squabbles. It’s one of the most interesting new podcasts about the internet out there, as Burns and Kleine try to navigate the changing mores of the online world (and how that affects the offline world).
“Rabbit Hole” is a podcast from the New York Times chronicling how the internet can change people’s minds and lives – sometimes for the worse. From algorithms that point people toward more and more polarizing content to forums that stoke conspiracy theories, “Rabbit Hole” is true to its name. The podcast asks, “What is the internet doing to us?” Columnist Kevin Reese tries to find out. Whether you’re an internet expert or an online newbie, “Rabbit Hole” will shock you.
Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.
“Reply All” is a podcast about the bizarre things that happen when internet culture intersects with real life. It has episodes about things like rat-based performance art, inmates posting from behind bars, websites listening through phone microphones, conspiracy theories and public shaming. Recently, after their controversial series The Test Kitchen was abandoned after two episodes, “Reply All” has undergone some behind-the-scenes changes. We won’t know how these changes will effect the show until they start posting episodes regularly again, but it will certainly be interesting to see their transformation.
Comedian Emily Heller and cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt are on a mission to know everything, and they have decided to learn it from increasingly obscure Wikipedia pages. From strange internet articles, to guest experts, to updates from Martha Stewart’s Instagram, “Baby Geniuses” has everything you never knew you needed. Heller and Hanawalt’s friendship makes the irreverent and bizarre podcast feel like a series of secret handshakes and inside jokes (like Lisa Hanawalt’s childhood as a horse girl). Though they both have a similar sense of humor, the hosts bring two completely different energies to the podcast – from Heller’s brash, stand-up style to Hanawalt’s soft-spoken, arty absurdism.
What if the most widely-accepted version of the story, the story you’ve been hearing your whole life, just isn’t true? “You’re Wrong About” is a podcast about common misconceptions and the way stories get warped in the public eye. Hosts Michael Hobbs and Sarah Marshall take turns telling each other about things like the satanic panic, Y2K, anti-vaxxers, stranger danger and so much more. They’ve currently also started doing multi-episode deep dives on books covering infamous celebrities and events. “You’re Wrong About” is not specifically about the internet, but the nature of online misinformation has led to them covering many internet-related stories.
Only 57% of American adults are financially literate, according to a survey by Standard & Poor’s. Without a basic understanding of financial concepts, people are far more likely to make poor decisions regarding their money.
This knowledge is arguably more valuable than ever, as tools and products that can significantly improve your financial situation are so easily accessible. Yet without a proper understanding of how they work, let alone that they exist, they’re rather useless.
To gauge your knowledge of all things money, we put together a quiz that asks: What is your financial IQ?
Between securing a loan, buying a car, saving for retirement, and much more, AAA is here to help you with all your financial needs. Learn more about all the products and services available to members.
So, what is your financial IQ? Share your quiz results in the comments.
The COVID-19 pandemic made many Americans reconsider the importance of family, work-life balance and the comforts of home. A buzzed-about trend of 2020 focused on people leaving overpopulated cites for more rural and suburban areas, opting for larger homes with more breathing room.
How much of an impact did the migrations trends of last year have? Which states are now the most and least populated? See how regional populations have changed, according to the latest U.S. Census, including the fastest- and slowest-growing states.
U.S. Population Shifts
As a whole, the country saw a decent population increase over the past decade.
In 2020, the resident population of the United States was 331,449,281, an increase of 7.4% over the 2010 Census, according to the United States Census Bureau. Although the overall population has increased, population growth can vary greatly from state to state, as Americans favor certain locations over others.
The Big Population “Winners”
From 2010 to 2020, a handful of states saw an increase in population twice the average U.S. percent change. These states included Utah (+18.4%), Idaho (+17.3%) Texas (+15.9%), North Dakota (+15.8%) and Nevada (+15%).
Places like Colorado (+14.8%), Florida (+14.6%), Washington (+14.6%) and the District of Columbia (+14.6%) all saw decent increases as well.
Overall, the fastest growing state is Utah, followed by Idaho and Texas.
Populations in the Northeast
The Northeast area – from Maine (+2.6%), Vermont (+2.8%) and New Hampshire (+4.6%), to Massachusetts (+7.4%), Connecticut (+0.9%), Rhode Island (+4.3%) New York (+4.2%) and New Jersey (+5.7) – saw slight resident population increases.
New York still has the highest population in the Northeast, with a resident population of over 20.2 million, but it ranks as the fourth most populated state in the country. More people call California (39.5 million), Texas (29 million) and Florida (21.5 million) home.
The Population “Losers”
From 2010 to 2020, populations dropped the most in West Virginia (-3.2%), Mississippi (-0.2%) and Illinois (-0.1%). Puerto Rico saw the largest drop in resident population at -11.8%.
The slowest-growing states are Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, Wyoming and Pennsylvania, according the the Census Bureau.
Wyoming is also home to the least amount of people (576,851) in the country, followed by Vermont (643,077) and Alaska (733,391).
What’s the Significance?
Knowing which states’ populations are growing, along with the overall state population count, can help you decide where you might want to move.
What’s more, population shifts affect each state’s allotment in the U.S. House of Representatives. After each census, the results are used to calculate the number of House seats to which each state is entitled. Each state is entitled to at least one seat.
Seven House seats will shift due to the results of the latest numbers. Texas will gain two seats, while Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon will each gain one. States losing a seat include New York, California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
What do you think about the U.S. population changes? Tell us in the comments.
Though it’s beautiful and worth a visit year-round, there’s something to be said about traveling to North Central Massachusetts in the summer. This is the time of year when its freshwater beaches, ponds and lakes truly shine. Perfect for fishing, swimming and fun water sports like canoeing and kayaking with the family, freshwater provides a quiet, relaxing calm that’s different than the ocean.
Check out this list of lakes and freshwater beaches in North Central Massachusetts and start planning your trip today.
Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.
Lake Dennison
1366 Main Street, Winchendon, Mass.
Part of the Lake Dennison State Recreation Area, this transit-friendly spot is home to 150 campsites and a family-friendly beach. Lake Dennison Beach is open from late-May to early-September, Sunday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. No dogs are allowed on the beach.
You can swim in the lake, drop a fishing line or hop in a canoe, kayak or non-motorized boat. Visitors also have access to grills, a (car top) boat ramp, pavilion, picnic areas, restrooms, showers and trailer/RV dumping. There are also 50 miles of surrounding trails and an annual triathlon.
Camping at Lake Dennison is $17 per night for Massachusetts residents and $54 per night for non-residents. Residency is determined by the vehicle’s license plate.
Barret Park
40 Barrett Pkwy, Leominster, Mass.
Barret Park’s 8.9-acre pond is great for fishing, as it’s seasonally stocked with trout for fishing. There are also paddle boat rentals in the summer. Swimming is not allowed due to water turbidity.
The pond is surrounded by 2.9 miles of public trails that you can hike or mountain bike. Other attractions include an area with playground equipment for children ages 5 to 12, a picnic area and a pavilion.
Dunn Pond (Photo: John Burk)
Dunn Pond
289 Pearl Street, Gardner, Mass.
Part of Dunn State Park, Dunn pond is a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. Use the boat ramp and take a canoe, kayak or non-motorized boat out on Dunn Pond and fish from your boat or the shoreline.
Visitors will also find a beach, fishing piers, pavilions (which can be rented/reserved), a picnic area and restrooms – all of which are wheelchair accessible. There’s also two small playgrounds.
Then you can hit the trails, like the .75-mile Woodland Trail designed for wheelchair accessibility and/or the 1.1-mile Dunn Pond State Park Loop. Keep an eye out for wildlife like ducks, gulls and turtles around the pond and birds, chipmunks and squirrels in wooded areas. Dogs are welcome but must be on-leash.
Although it begins in New Hampshire, the southern half of the Nashua River stretches across North Central Massachusetts – Groton and Pepperell, to be exact.
For some exciting river fun, check out the Nashoba Paddler in Groton, Mass. Old Town canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available from May 1 through October. Phone reservations are required this season.
Otter River State Forest is home to 70+ campsites, including cabins, four yurts and three group sites available for reservation.
Popular activities include camping (accessible camping available), fishing, hiking, mountain biking and swimming in Beaman Pond. Swimming is allowed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional facilities include an athletic field, pavilion (reservations cost $65), picnic area, restrooms, showers and grills.
If you’d like a nice hike, Wilder-Mckenzie Nature Trail is an easy, 2.5-mile trail. If you’re an experienced paddler, there’s the Otter River Paddle. Its distance is 5.5 miles and difficulty is moderate.
Only one vehicle may be parked at each campsite, and so there’s an overflow lot located near Contact Station. Walk-in campsite reservations are allowed, but calling ahead is recommended to check availability.
This 1,000-acre park is lush with pine trees. Visitors can enjoy biking, camping and hiking along with fishing and swimming in Pearl Hill Brook Pond.
There are 50 campsites, which are served by a bathhouse, along with the moderately difficult, 2.5-mile Friends’ Pearl Hill Loop trail.
Visitors will also find grills, a group day-use area, picnic areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers. You can reserve a group picnic area for $50. Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Leominster State Forest, from horseback riding, non-motorized boating and swimming to mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking.
The Rocky Pond hike is 2.5 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. Forest Road Loop is 3.8 miles long but easier. Experienced cyclists will like Leominster’s Rocky ride; difficulty is strenuous and the distance varies.
After you’ve worked up a sweat, cool down with a dip in Crow Hill Pond, which – despite its name – is actually a swimmable lake. For those who like fishing, Crow Hill Pond is stocked with trout by Mass Fisheries and Wildlife. There’s also Paradise Pond, which is not swimmable, but that makes it a great spot for warm water fishing.
There are also grills and a scenic viewing area for visitors to enjoy.
Spanning an impressive 2,597 acres, Willard Brook State Forest is a great location for camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and swimming.
For experienced hikers, there’s the Friends Trail (Orange Loop), which is 5.2 miles in length and connects Willard Brook with Pearl Hill State Park. Hikers should plan for at least a 3-hour trek.
Those looking to chill for the day can enjoy picnic views and outdoor grills along with access to restrooms. The campgrounds include accessible camping in the form of a yurt with a ramp. Dogs are not allowed at yurt campsites but are allowed elsewhere as long as they remain on-leash.
Before You Go
Massachusetts state parks are typically open from sunrise to sunset but swim and office times vary. Parking generally costs $8 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Look into individual locations for rules on parking, whether pets are allowed, etc.
In Massachusetts, bike riders ages 16 and under must wear a helmet. If you choose to go boating, a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or life preserver must be worn by boaters age 12 and under as well as canoeists and kayakers from Sept. 15 to May 15.
Which of North Central Massachusetts’ freshwater beaches would you like to visit? Tell us in the comments.
Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
Bumper stickers. Some people love them, some people loathe them. But nobody can argue that they’re everywhere.
So how did these ubiquitous pieces of advertising come about? And how have they managed to last the test of time? Let’s take a look.
The Bumper
The idea of using a vehicle for advertisement was around before the automobile was even invented. In the horse-and-buggy days, it was common for people to adorn horsefly nets with advertising slogans.
The trend continued when automobiles came around. But almost all early cars lacked bumpers. The safety feature wasn’t widely adopted until 1927, when Ford released the Model A. Drivers decorated their bumpers with homemade signs. But these were usually made of cardboard or metal and attached using wire. Needless to say, they didn’t last very long.
The Sticker
The bumper sticker as we know it today can be traced back to a screen printer in Kansas City, Mo. named Forrest P. Gill. In the 1940s, Gill found himself with a surplus of two wartime technologies: adhesive-backed paper and fluorescent paint. He combined the two and the bumper sticker was born. His new creation was a significant improvement over handmade signs that fell off cars or easily wore down.
The first early adopters of bumper stickers were tourist sites. Instead of having a single sign on the side of the road, destinations now had countless ads traveling across the country. Gill’s first large volume request was 25,000 bumper stickers for Marine Gardens in Clearwater, Fl. (The company Gill founded is still around today and still selling bumper stickers.)
The popularity of bumper stickers took a major step forward during the 1952 presidential election between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. It was the first election to include the use of bumper stickers as advertising materials. They have since been used in every U.S. presidential election. To this day, political advertising remains a mainstay use of bumper stickers.
Bumper Stickers Today
Bumper stickers have evolved over the years to include decals and placards. The most famous of the latter is the “Baby on Board” sign. Interestingly enough, the ubiquitous sign was developed and sold by a man without children.
In 1984, Massachusetts businessman Michael Lerner was asked by a friend for advice on how to market the signs. Lerner wasn’t a father but he had recently endured a harrowing experience driving his young nephew. “People were tailgating me and cutting me off,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “For the first time, I felt like a parent feels when they have a kid in the car.”
Lerner tweaked the design, creating the now-famous black-and-yellow diamond sign. “Baby on Board” was an immediate hit. Less than a year after hitting the market, Lerner had sold 3 million signs.
“Baby on Board” isn’t the only popular sign or sticker to last the test of time. Others are religious (the ichthys, “Coexist”), familial (“My Child is an Honor Student,” the stick figure family), and safety related (“Slow Down, Move Over,” “School’s Open – Drive Carefully”).
As innocent as bumper stickers can be, they have not been without their fair share of controversy. In fact, in 1991, they were the topic of a legal case that reached the Georgia Supreme Court.
In Cunningham v. the State, a Georgia resident had been caught having a bumper sticker on his car that contained an expletive. He was charged with violating a state law that prohibited car owners from attaching “any sticker, decal, emblem, or other device containing profane or lewd words.” The owner argued this law was unconstitutional. The court agreed, stating that the law violated the 1st and 14th Amendments. Thus, the humble bumper sticker became protected by freedom of speech.
A 2008 study by Colorado State University found that car owners with bumper stickers or window decals tend to be more aggressive drivers. Researchers also discovered the message of the sticker was irrelevant. A driver with a “Peace and Love” sticker was as likely to be an aggressive driver than one with a more hostile sticker.
Which bumper stickers do you see most often? Which ones do you like and which are you tired of? Let us know in the comments below!
I had been looking forward to visiting Kyoto during my entire tour of Japan.
The former imperial capital of Japan is now considered the country’s cultural capital. Throughout the years, Kyoto has tried to preserve its incredible historical heritage while, at the same time, growing into a modern and vibrant city. I was ready to explore that contrast – the balance between the modern and the historical – as soon as I stepped off the train.
Kyoto is bright, clean and inviting, like almost every location in Japan. It looks very much like Tokyo, even if the buildings don’t reach quite as high into the sky. Our tour manager told us that just under the surface ancient tradition could be found, and so I set out to find it.
Looking to plan your next vacation? Be sure to consult a knowledgeable AAA travel agent to help guide you through the rapidly changing travel landscape.
Nijo Castle
The first stop was Nijo Castle. Not only is this sprawling fortress the home of the first shogun, it’s also one of 17 historic monuments of ancient Kyoto. All are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means they are regarded as special places in the world and therefore carefully protected and preserved. Nijo is unique because it is the only castle among them; the rest are shrines and temples.
It’s also unique because of its nightingale floors, the legendary architectural marvel that kept the shogun safe while he slept. You can’t cross the floors without making the floorboards squeak, or sing like a nightingale, and so no one could sneak up on the sleeping shogun, whose bed was squarely in the center of the wide floor.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
After Nijo Castle, we left the city for a temple. Growing up in New England, I thought I knew the beauty of autumn since I had seen so many crisp, colorful falls. Standing on the wooden deck of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, looking out over Kyoto, I realized how wrong I was. I felt like I had never seen reds, yellows and oranges this vibrant in all my life.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple sits atop a hill, and from its balconies you can see over the colorful sea of treetops and take in all of Kyoto at once. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, magnified by the shimmering colors of the changing leaves.
“Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine” by john.gillespie is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
We left Kiyomizu for the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. There, I found something vibrant enough to rival the fiery oranges of the autumn leaves: the crimson-colored torii gates that line the path through the forest to the inner temple. Stone fox statues crouched everywhere around the shrine. We found out later that foxes were thought to be messengers for the gods.
Walking through the mountain paths, under the torii gates, I discovered a smaller shrine. This was a sub-shrine, I found out later, and there were three more scattered across the mountain. Some were so far away that the hike there would have taken two hours, and the sun was already dipping down behind the trees. I decided heading to the base of the mountain was the smartest course of action.
Hiroshima
The next morning, I took a train to Hiroshima and explored the Peace Memorial Museum before returning to Kyoto. After the modern ride in a bullet train to Hiroshima and back, coming back to Kyoto felt like traveling in time. The city is so quiet, filled with shrines and temples and gardens, that you can’t help but let the tranquility wash over you. It’s easy to find a bench and watch the falling Japanese maple leaves swirl in the wind.
Noodles and dumplings in Kyoto
I had the evening free, so I decided to just walk the streets of Kyoto and simply follow wherever my feet took me. I thought I was following my feet, but I ended up following my nose, instead. The savory scent of ramen led me into a small noddle shop, where I sat and ate delicious pork and noodles in broth, along with some tasty dumplings. It was a crisp, cool evening, and the steaming ramen warmed me up.
“The backstreets of the Gion district (Kyoto, Japan)” by THINKGlobalSchool is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Gion District and geisha
The Gion District was magical, watching traditionally dressed geisha meander down the cobblestone streets under paper lanterns. Every narrow alleyway seemed to hold a secret teahouse, and every park seemed to hold an ancient shrine. There was a weight of history, tradition and culture everywhere.
The geisha that walked the streets, however, weren’t geisha at all. Some were maiko, geisha-in-training who are learning the craft of being one of the elite entertainers. Some are simply women in costumes, posing with tourists. Kyoto has the highest concentration of geisha in Japan, but there are less than 100 in the whole city, and they almost never walk the streets. Instead, they play instruments and sing in quiet, personal ceremonies.
The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival
As night fell, I heard drumming and shouting. The 300-year-old Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival had begun, with torch-bearing men marching down the street, singing and chanting to the beat of drums. As it got darker, I saw the lantern floats: huge wooden structures lit with hundreds of paper lamps that slowly sailed down the streets as the drums thundered on. The floats spun as dancers jumped wildly atop them. I watched in awe as the party – one of Japan’s largest lantern festivals – continued into the night.
Japan Through the Seasons
Each season in Japan has a special flair all its own. In fall, the vivid landscape and cooler temperatures beckon. You can watch the snow fall gently outside while taking part in a tea ceremony in the winter, or walk through the parks in spring as cherry blossoms swirl and blanket the ground in a pink-hued carpet. In the summer, you can catch the world-famous parade of the Gion Matsuri Festival as people pack the sunny streets.
There’s always something to do in the Land of the Rising Sun. I was already mentally planning for my next trip to Japan, and I hadn’t even left yet.
Start planning your Japan vacation with AAA Travel.
This story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be about breakfast in bed and lounging around the house. What better way to spend time with the mom on your list than with a road trip? Well, OK, breakfast in bed and then a road trip. This collection of local sites and attractions will help you plan the perfect Mother’s Day trip.
Before you go anywhere with Mom, remember to save with AAA Tickets. You can get savings of up to 40% at concerts, theme parks, virtual events, museums, attractions and more!
Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.
Kids
Kids and moms alike will love local zoos and aquariums like Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, R.I.), Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Conn.), the Bronx Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, Mass.) and Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, Conn.). The kids will love seeing how the animals are celebrating Mother’s Day with their mamas, from the possums with babies on their backs to little elephants clinging onto their moms’ tails.
If the zoo isn’t for you, head to a children’s museum instead. One of the best children’s museums in the Northeast is The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play. It’s also the second-largest children’s museum in the country.
Kids might also enjoy the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, New York. You may need them to rescue you from a burning building one day, and they need all the training they can get. Also, kids like firetrucks.
If that macaroni card isn’t cutting it for you, put the kids to work in the Herkimer Diamond Mines instead in Herkimer, N.Y. Herkimer diamonds are actually double-terminated quartz crystals, some of which are millions of years old. Visitors can explore the mines and find crystals. Make sure to bring safety goggles and chisels of your own, though!
Teens
Peel your teen off the couch this Mother’s Day for their own road trip with mom. Not even teenagers are too cool for the Northeast’s many natural wonders.
At Niagara Falls, you can take the Cave of the Winds Tour and get up close and personal with nature on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Or go to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It’s the highest peak in the Northeast, with breathtaking panoramic views. Take the 30-40-minute drive up to the summit via the Mount Washington Auto Road, or hop on the Cog. Just be sure to bring a winter jacket – it’s cold up there (and often snowing)!
Adventurous teens will also like Sky High Adventure Park in Ellicottville, N.Y., which features an aerial park, a climbing forest and a mountain coaster. Afterward, you can all go to Sky High Adventure Park’s Oasis Spa to unwind. A little something for them, and a little something for you – everybody wins. Teens might also enjoy the Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic path that follows the Newport, R.I., shoreline. While most of the trail is easily walkable, there are a few sections that will test your limits (and your fear of heights).
Some teenagers prefer the strange and unusual to the adventurous – and they deserve a road trip with Mom too! Goth and quirky teens will love places like the Batsto Village Ghost Town in New Jersey, an abandoned company town in the middle of the Wharton State Forest pine barrens. Batsto is spooky, but it’s also incredibly preserved, and makes for a fascinating history tour.
Another quirky Northeast landmark is the Museum of Everyday Life, a “self-service museum” in a dilapidated white barn on the side of the road in Glover, Vt. The museum is really an ongoing art piece celebrating the mundanities of everyday life, complete with interactive exhibits on things like dust, pencils, matches, safety pins and toothbrushes.
Grown-ups
You might be a mother looking for something to do with your grown children, or an adult child looking for something to do with your mother. Either way, these destinations make for a great road trip. One easy way to celebrate Mother’s Day is by going to a local city, like New York or Boston. Even smaller cities like Portland, Maine, will have fun Mother’s Day things to do.
Rather than heading to the city, you might want to go to a charming small town together. Mystic, Conn., is a picturesque seaside town complete with museums, B&Bs, restaurants and lots of adorable boutiques and shops. Down in Pennsylvania is Lancaster County, the home of Amish Country. You’ll be able to tour wineries, breweries and charming covered bridges. You can learn about the Amish way of life and even purchase one of their hand crafted or hand grown goods.
Another great way to spend Mother’s Day is out east in Long Island’s wine country. Check out the Long Island Wine Trail for a selection of wineries and vineyards to visit. You could also go from one vineyard to another by bike on tours like East End Bike Tours and Pour & Pedal.
There’s no gift better than a shared experience. Make this a road trip with mom that you’ll never forget.
If you’re a seasoned internet surfer, chances are you have more online passwords than you can keep track of. We create accounts for business, social media, email, online banking, shopping, gaming, streaming music and so on, each requiring a password.
Are your passwords strong enough to guard from hackers?
Now more than ever, people are relying on online shopping and services to get the things they need. Don’t put your identity at risk. Keep your info secure with these password tips.
Rookie Mistakes
Reusing Passwords
Keeping track of every password can be difficult but avoid the temptation to assign the same password to multiple accounts. If a hacker discovers your password for one account, your other accounts become vulnerable to breaches as well. It’s best to use different passwords for every account that you create to keep a leg up against those seeking to steal information.
Simple Passwords
While simple passwords may not require a lot of brain power to create and remember, avoid common combinations like “123456,” “qwerty” and the often joked about “password.” These are easy for hackers to guess and aren’t strong enough to securely protect your information. Also avoid using personal information. Birthdays, names of family members and nicknames are usually easy to find on websites like Facebook and Twitter. Avoiding patterns and creating more complicated passwords will help keep hackers at bay. The more complex, the better.
Saving Passwords to Computer Browsers
After logging into an account your browser may show you a pop up window asking if you would like the browser to remember your username and password every time you visit the site. While convenient, this feature also makes your information vulnerable. Anyone with remote or in-person access to your device can visit a website and access your information.
Building a Better Password
A strong, well-crafted password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Cybersecurity company McAfee recommends using at least eight characters in your passwords, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. The more characters there are, the harder it is for hackers to guess.
Here’s a good password tip: Consider playing around with different character options to create short phrases. For example, a phrase like “I love my car” can be changed into a secure password with a few changes like “i<3mYCaR!” Play around with different letters and try some nonsensical sentences for your next password. You can also use password generators like LastPass for secure randomly generated passwords or to rate the strength of your own passwords.
Keeping Your Smartphone Secure
Setting passcodes and PIN numbers for your smartphone is just as important as creating strong passwords for online accounts. With a weak passcode, your contacts, apps, financial information and more are at risk of being stolen if you lose your phone.
Choose a passcode that is difficult to guess. Avoid using common sequences like “123456” or “246810” and repetitive numbers like “111111.” Never use birthdays or digits of your phone number. More recent devices offer fingerprint identification from the lock screen, and some even utilize facial recognition.
Be sure to download software and app updates often to avoid data breaches. It’s a password tip that often goes overlooked but putting off updates can lead to system vulnerabilities, inviting hackers in. Turning on the automatic updates setting on your smartphone ensures that software will be updated as soon as a new version is released. And never download apps from third party app stores, and stick to stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store to avoid data breaches and malware downloads.
For additional security, use two-factor authentication whenever you can. After entering a password, you’ll receive a code via text to enter for access to your account. Although the extra step may seem tedious, it will make all the difference in protecting your information.
Using a Password Manager
If you’re worried about remembering all of your passwords, try a password manager. With this tool, you can collect and store every password and sort them according to their respective accounts.
As mentioned earlier, password managers can also generate secure passwords for you at random to ensure your information isn’t hacked. These systems also keep track of three-digit CVV codes, PIN numbers, answers to security questions, credit card numbers and more. They are completely secure, utilizing password encryption and multi-factor login on every visit to keep your information safe.
Here are some of the most popular password managers, all with free trials available.
As with all password managers, you only need to memorize one password to access all of your other information, hence the system’s well-fitting name. Passwords are stored in password vaults for optimal security from hackers and cyber thieves. Vaults are unlocked with a special encryption key that lives on your personal device. No one without access to your device can unlock your information and no data can be decrypted without the encryption key.
With LastPass, you can a login to any website requiring a password with the system’s autofill function. It can automatically save your account credentials for any recently created account. LastPass also has the ability to autofill online forms to make your experience more efficient. With fingerprint identification and facial recognition, you can count on this system’s security.
Like 1Password, Keeper stores your passwords in an encrypted vault to protect them from cybercriminals. The system allows you to log into websites and mobile apps with facial recognition and fingerprint authentication as well. The KeeperFill function acts as a password generator, producing strong passwords for you to use in new account creation and autofilling them each time you visit the website. The system also allows you to register an emergency contact to activate your information in case of an emergency.
Did you find these password tips helpful? Let us know in the comments.
On Thursday, April 29, Disney unveiled the first look at the Disney Wish. Setting sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., in summer 2022, the Disney Wish promises a wide variety of adventures and delights for the whole family.
From Captain Minnie at the helm to a golden Cinderella statue in the Grand Hall, the whole ship is packed with Disney magic. On the upper deck, you can experience the first ever Disney attraction at sea – the AquaMouse. With show scenes, lighting and special effects, you and your family can enter the Mickey Mouse cartoon “Scuba Scramble.” This water attraction spans 760 feet around the upper deck, and is sure to be a family favorite.
That’s not the only thing the kids will love, though. The Disney Wish features a reimagined Disney’s Oceaneer Club, with a secret slide for kids to enter from the Grand Hall. In the Oceaneer Club, kids can discover their powers at the Marvel Super Hero Academy, flex their creative muscles at Fairytale Hall and become inventors at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab.
The Disney Wish also features brand new experiences for grown-ups, like the immersive Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, where you can order drinks while gazing at views from a galaxy far, far away. Grown-ups will also love the trio of Beauty and the Beast themed dining experiences: the Rose lounge, the Cogsworth-themed Palo Steakhouse, and the Lumiere-themed Enchante.
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure features Elsa and Anna from “Frozen.”
Kids get hungry too, though, and there are plenty of experiences for a family to choose from. The Disney Wish offers three new family restaurants. 1923 is a restaurant inspired by old Hollywood, featuring California-inspired foods and decorated with animation pencil sketches. At Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, you can dine on a menu infused with Nordic influences while being serenaded by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and even Olaf. At Worlds of Marvel, you and your family will experience an immersive, cinematic dining adventure inspired by the Marvel universe.
We’ve only gotten a sneak peek at all the new experiences waiting aboard the Disney Wish, but it’s already enough to be excited about. Want to make sure you can sail with Captain Minnie in 2022? Bookings open on May 27, 2021.
Snakes on a plane? Yup. Chainsaws, too. The TSA's humorous Instagram account proves there's no limit to what passengers will try to sneak onto a flight.
Since its founding in 2001, the Transportation Security Administration has become known for its agents finding bizarre items during the screening process. To better inform the public, the TSA created an Instagram account in 2013, which recently reached 1 million followers. The page features personal accounts of unusual experiences and hilarious pictures. Many of these wild stories and photos have surfaced on the internet in recent years.
For your enjoyment, we compiled a list of the 10 craziest TSA stories.
Those who plan to travel with an inflatable item can learn a lesson or two from this story. The TSA agents at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport had to screen the large pink object with a great deal of care. According to TSA, this particular flamingo was not traveling. It was on its way to work at a display in one of the concourses.
Snakes on a Plane
It doesn’t just happen in the movies. The TSA has HAD IT with people trying to smuggle exotic pets on planes. In 2011, a Brazil-bound man was apprehended at Miami International Airport with some unusual baggage. The passenger attempted to go through security with seven exotic snakes and three tortoises held in nylon bags that were concealed under his pants. Thanks to the latest technology, the TSA agents caught the man who was later arrested and charged with violating the Lacey Act, which deals with imports of exotic animals.
“While snakes and tortoises may not pose a threat to aviation, non-metallic weapons and explosives concealed beneath clothing remain a concern for security personnel and this discovery demonstrates again the effectiveness of advanced imaging technology,” said TSA spokesman Jon Allen.
Animals have a history of passing through airports in extremely strange ways. During a routine screening at the Los Angeles International Airport in 2011, a TSA agent discovered a woman had taped two birds wrapped in socks to her leg and chest. She was apparently attempting to take them to China. Instead, the woman was arrested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on suspicion of smuggling endangered animals out of the country. Thankfully, the birds made it out alive.
“It was just one of those weird things that happens at our checkpoints,” a TSA spokesperson said.
No Seahorses Allowed
Bringing a bottle of alcohol through security is a bad idea – it will quickly be confiscated. Passengers routinely attempt this, but TSA agents at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport were surprised to find five endangered seahorses in an oversized brandy bottle back in 2012. They were spotted in a traveler’s carry-on bag. The passenger was later arrested and the seahorses (which, sadly, did not make it) were handed over to Michigan wildlife officials.
A great way to ruin a delicious batch of enchiladas is by hiding a large knife in it, especially while traveling through airport security. In 2014, a passenger flying out of Sonoma County Airport left TSA in disbelief after officials found an 8-inch long knife inside an enchilada in her carry-on bag. The woman, who was on her way to catch an Alaska Airlines flight, admitted she forgot about the knife.
She was cleared after officials learned she just wanted to eat her meal on the plane. “There’s no word on if the enchilada made the trip,” said a TSA spokesperson.
Chainsaw-Free Zone
Most air travelers know that knives, guns and other weapons are strictly prohibited. A traveler in 2014 tried to test the rules by bringing a chainsaw through the checkpoint at the Albany International Airport. The chainsaw was ultimately surrendered from the passenger’s carry-on. TSA posted a photo online with a caption stating chainsaws must be packed as a checked item as long as there’s no trace of fuel or fumes.
TSA officials were in for quite a surprise when they stopped an unexpected passenger traveling through Logan International Airport in Boston. A 20-pound live lobster tucked inside a checked bag caught agents’ attention during the screening process. According to TSA’s online security screening guide, “A live lobster is allowed through security and must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.”
Dying to Get on a Flight
TSA agents at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia had caused quite the scare when Nubbins, a movie prop corpse from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2,” went through the line. Luckily for Nubbins, the realistic-looking corpse didn’t have to take off his shoes during screening. Hopefully no one was stuck sitting next to him on the flight.
When Ducks Fly
Service animals have long been a topic of discussion among the flying public. After the TSA shared a photo of a mallard going through security at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, the debate of allowing animals on board resurfaced online. According to the TSA, the duck was a passenger’s service animal, flying with its owner aboard a recent flight.
A giant pair of ceremonial ribbon-cutting scissors was found at the Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. Unfortunately for the passenger, the scissors were not allowed on the flight. According to TSA guidelines, “If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.”
Have you ever seen anything unusual at the TSA checkpoint? Were you ever stopped for trying to bring something out of the ordinary onto a plane? Tell us your craziest TSA stories in the comments below.
When the weather gets warmer, meals tend to get lighter. As we head into summer, our preferences begin to shift to healthier, refreshing and more energizing foods. And with a bounty of fruit and vegetables at their peak, it’s hard not to be inspired by the season’s fresh and colorful ingredients.
Whether you are calorie- or carb-conscious, want to be more sensible about sodium, are trying to cut down on saturated fat or are just looking to get into healthier eating habits, Home Chef meal kits make it easier to reach your goals. Each week you can choose from 30 delicious, dietician-approved recipes, featuring steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian options and more, delivered straight to your home.
Home Chef’s menu plans help you to ease into balanced eating habits with approachable, good-for-you meals like these, making the most of the foods you love and what’s seasonally available.
Looking for a healthy hot meal that’s ready in no time? Home Chef’s Oven-Ready kits arrive with pre-chopped ingredients and cook in an included oven-safe tin. The chicken teriyaki dish pictured above is just one of the meals you can expect to choose from that’s low-carb, low-fat and low-calorie but high on flavor.
Topped with pickled vegetables and lime crema, these carb-conscious tacos are the perfect patio meal for a summer night. The sofrito base is a great way to enhance the steak and incorporate vine-fresh, end-of-season tomatoes. Also available with Impossible plant-based substitute.
Healthy Entrée Salad
Home cooks that are on the move can drive right past the drive-through and straight home to their Home Chef delivery. No-prep, no-mess entrée salads like this spinach option come with fresh greens and pre-portioned ingredients. Top it with your choice of steak, chicken, shrimp or Impossible Burger.
May and June are when asparagus truly shines – and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan doesn’t hurt it either. While it sounds like it could be on a restaurant menu, you can whip up this 504-calorie chicken dish in just 15 minutes.
Bring the spirit of New Orleans into your kitchen with this jambalaya-inspired meal. Green peppers, onions, Cajun seasonings and cheddar cheese take it to the next level.
What’s your favorite light summer meal? Tell us in the comments.
Learn more about how AAA members can save on Home Chef. Get cooking.
Traveling abroad brings an abundance of excitement and an equal amount of preparation. We all know what sits at the top of the to-do list: book flight, reserve accommodations, pack bags, etc.
But one aspect that can easily be overlooked is how you’ll get around your destination once you are there. Renting a car overseas may prove to be the easiest and most convenient form of transportation. However, the process isn’t quite as straightforward as it is in the United States. There are a number of preparations you should take well before leaving the country.
Do Your Homework
If you’re planning on renting a car abroad, spend plenty of time researching the rates and services of different rental dealerships. This will allow you to get the best price and the proper car for your trip. Always book your car in advance of your trip. Cars are almost always more expensive when you book at the counter. Plus, you’ll avoid possible last-minute problems that can arise with exchange rates, language barriers, unfamiliar rental requirements and many other components of the car renting process.
When it comes to price, local companies may offer less expensive options, but choosing a company you’re familiar with might be easier. Hertz has more than 1,300 international airport locations in more than 150 countries and regions around the world. In addition, all Hertz international locations offer English-speaking personnel to assist customers.
Check Your License
While some countries will recognize a U.S. Driver’s License, many do not. It is best to make sure beforehand. The U.S. Department of State recommends checking with your country’s local embassy. If you are unable to drive legally with a U.S. license, you will need to obtain an international driving permit. An IDP is a valid form of identification that translates your information into 10 languages. It remains valid for one year.
This process can also be done by mail. However, make sure to start the process early to give yourself enough time. You must receive the permit prior to leaving. An IDP can only be issued by your home country.
Learn the Rules of the Roads
Driving on the left side of the road is just one of the many possible changes you’ll have to get used to when driving in a new country. Make sure to brush up on the local driving laws long before you get behind the wheel of your car rental. (Hint: You can’t turn right on red in many foreign countries.)
When renting a car abroad, you will want to ensure your vehicle is equipped with a GPS unit that can be set to English (unless you’re fluent in the country’s native language). Don’t rely on your cellphone to guide you around town. Cellular charges can get very expensive overseas and service in remote parts of the world are unreliable.
At participating locations in Europe, the Hertz Connect device can provide you with navigation services, complimentary Wi-Fi, unlimited data, internet access, unlimited 4G hotspot across Europe, 30 minutes/day of international calling, use it inside and outside the car, and it works on up to 5 devices. The device is free to Gold Plus Rewards members whose rental spend is $250 USD or more.
You will also want to learn about any areas or roads that should be avoided, and any hazardous or dangerous road conditions. This information can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Budget for Extra Costs
When renting a car abroad, be prepared to build into your budget some room for extra costs. Check your auto insurance policy to see if you are covered while driving overseas. If you are covered, make sure that your coverage meets the country’s minimum requirements. If you are not covered, be prepared to purchase insurance from the rental company.
Remember that most European cars are manual. Cars with automatic transmission may be more expensive as foreign rental car dealerships generally have fewer in stock. (This is also another reason to reserve your car as early as possible.) Even if you have driven a manual before, keep in mind that depending on where you’re traveling, the driver seat may be on the right side of the car, in which case you’ll be shifting with your left hand. Make sure you’re comfortable with this before reserving a car.
And don’t forget about gas. Gas is often significantly more expensive in foreign countries. Research these prices beforehand so you can set an appropriate budget.
Practicing mindfulness in today’s hectic world can be challenging, but the emotional, mental and physical benefits of meditation are worth the effort for many. Discover apps that help meditators of all levels achieve peace of mind and deal with issues concerning sleep, relationships and fitness.
Many of these apps have a free initial download; however, users will have to pay to unlock special features and programs.
Great for beginners, this app is structured, friendly and easy, offering classes for stress, sleep and pain management. It features meditations of different lengths along with exercises for anxiety, better rest and personal growth. There are meditations catered to children of different ages, as well as SOS sessions to help restore calm for those who experience panic and anxiety.
Calm is a good choice for more experienced meditators. The app offers a plethora of ambient music, instructional videos and individual exercises. Sessions offer something for everyone, ranging from focus and concentration to breaking habits, forgiveness and self-esteem. Calm’s Sleep Stories provides over 100 guided imagery bedtime stories, some read by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Bob Ross. AAA members can save $40 on a one-year subscription.
Breethe help users gain quality sleep with special music, breathing exercises, nature soundscapes, readings and hypnotherapy. Meditations range in subject matter, length and desired outcome. Beginners can start with a 12-week program that teaches the ins and outs of meditation as they progress. The gentle alarm clock and morning meditations help users make the most of their morning routine. Perhaps the most unique feature is the mindfulness program for kids and teens.
This app asks users to check in with how they’re feeling, recommending certain meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored to their emotional state. Features include guided mediations, journaling, yoga and acupressure videos. The app lets users track their check-ins and map their feelings, stressors and emotions. Recommended for new and experienced meditators.
The magic of Buddhify is that users don’t have to schedule their meditation; they do it when it’s convenient for them, whether they’re taking a break at work, walking, eating or traveling. With meditations ranging from 3-40 minutes, there’s something for every availability and meditation level, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Omvana is a meditation app with guided meditations led by experts. It allows users to link with the HealthKit program to help identify stress levels and recommends certain meditations based on your mood. Users can also choose their own background music to further customize the experience.
This app is based on the book by the same name by news anchor Dan Harris, who famously had a panic attack on the air. Harris narrates the app, taking listeners on a guide through his learnings on meditation, which helped him manage his emotions. Self-described as “designed for skeptics,” the app uses videos and guided meditations to make meditation easy and accessible. There’s information on relating mindfulness to everyday activities and interactions, such as relationships and work, as well as exercises of different lengths to help fit meditation into a busy day.
Gain access to 500+ guided meditations led by 50 knowledgeable instructors ranging from monks to life coaches with this app. Meditations cover a variety of topics, including sleep and stress, and are customized for both new and experienced meditators. What’s cool about this app is that it features meditations catered toward different social groups, including kids, moms, entrepreneurs and even veterans.
This free meditation app provides users access to guided meditations, advice from experts and discussion groups to expand their meditation communities. Users can practice different types of meditation, including Zen and Buddhist mindfulness, and join groups with other members centered on topics like atheism, Christianity and even poetry. If desired, Insight Timer will also provide a gentle reminder when it’s time for your daily meditation.
Glo focuses on yoga, Pilates and meditation exercises, having users adopt exercised-based mindfulness. Classes follow a program where users start with the basics of a topic, for example, emotional health or strength, and work their way toward more advanced classes as they grow. With professional instructors, it’s all the benefits of a yoga or Pilates studio from the comfort of home.
MINDBODY blends mindfulness and fitness into one. Users can search fitness classes like Pilates, yoga, barre and cycling, as well as wellness services, including meditation, massage, acupuncture and nutrition. The idea is to heal the entire body through customizable fitness class searches and services.
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway – and a Broadway show is the perfect compliment to any trip to the Big Apple. With Broadway set to return this September, it’s time to brush up on the ins and outs of the Great White Way. These New York City theater tips can help you find affordable tickets, discern the best seats in the house and figure out theater etiquette.
Where to Get Affordable Tickets
“God, I hope I get it! I hope I get it!” – A Chorus Line
Other than distance, the main barrier to entry on Broadway is cost. Sure, ticket scalping inflates the prices drastically – but even buying tickets straight from the theater itself can stress your wallet. Here’s some theater tips on how you can get more affordable tickets to Broadway shows.
TDF
TDF, or the Theatre Development Fund, operates a few “TKTS” booths throughout the city. At these booths you can purchase same-day discounted tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows. You can spot the TKTS booth in Times Square by the iconic red steps that serve as its roof.
You won’t be able to find mega-blockbusters like Hamilton or The Book of Mormon at a TKTS booth (since shows like these don’t have any extra tickets laying around). I’ve used TKTS for most of my theater-going life, and their generous discounts have enabled me to see many of my favorite Broadway shows. If you’re not in the mood for a musical, make sure to take advantage of the Times Square TKTS’s much shorter “express” line for plays.
Don’t want to wait on line? You don’t have to! You can snag tickets at deep discounts on TodayTix. This handy app lets you purchase tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows on your phone. On the day of your show, a TodayTix employee will meet you in front of the theater and give you your tickets. TodayTix can be a little bit of a gamble, since they choose the seats for you – although they try to get you the best seats possible.
There are other ways to get discounted tickets, too, like Broadway Roulette and show-specific lotteries. If you are a student, many Broadway shows offer discounted student rush tickets for people with a college or high school ID.
Which Seats Are Best?
“Join us, sit where everybody can see!” – Pippin
Most Broadway theaters have a proscenium set-up, like the layout of your high school auditorium. The stage is on one side and the audience is on another. The Circle in the Square Theater’s layout changes, but it’s usually thrust (the stage sticks out into the audience) or in the round (the audience circles the stage).
Many people think that the closer you are to the stage, the better. In a traditional proscenium theater, that’s not really true. Front-row seats are not bad, but you’ll have to crane your neck to see the whole stage (and the actors might spit on you by accident). You’re really too close to see and appreciate all of the action.
The actual best seats are about 8 or 10 rows back from the stage, in the center orchestra. You’re still super close to the stage, but you have enough perspective to appreciate what’s going on. It’s almost obscene how good these seats are.
Another fantastic option is the front row of the mezzanine. Sure, you’re lofted up above the orchestra, but you also have a panoramic (and completely unobstructed) view of the stage.
Box seats will not give you a good view – sorry! You’ll essentially only be able to see half of the stage. Usually, they are only available for purchase in-person at the box office. Back rows of the orchestra can also be rough, since the overhanging mezzanine cuts off the top half of the stage. Usually there’s not a lot of action going on in that space, but it still makes the show feel very claustrophobic.
Theater Etiquette
“First, some dos and don’ts. Mostly don’ts.” – The Frogs
In live theater, suspension of disbelief is very delicate. That’s why many theater etiquette rules revolve around minimizing distractions (to both the audience and the actors). Here are some theater tips that can help everyone in the audience have a good theater-going experience.
Turn it off. Leaving your cell phone on vibrate isn’t good enough, since the buzzing still makes noise. Either keep your cell phone on silent without vibrate or turn your phone off completely. Do not text during the show – the light disturbs the people around you.
Mr. Cellophane. If you have any candies or snacks, make sure to unwrap them before the show starts (or at least refrain from unwrapping them during a serious, silent moment).
Unexpected song. Do not sing along with the show – or even hum. It can be hard, but it’s the right thing to do.
I feel pretty. You don’t have to be in your Sunday finest to go to a Broadway show – but you shouldn’t look like you’re at home eating bonbons either. Dress in clean, comfortable clothes. Jeans and a nice shirt should be just fine (though you can certainly dress up more if you’d like to).
Happy talk. Feel free to chat away with your seatmates before the show, but when the overture starts you should quiet down. Save any of your thoughts and feelings for intermission or after the final curtain.
For decades, mechanical car keys used to start an automobile were standard. Now those jagged pieces of metal are nearly extinct. The history of car keys has a story to tell.
What connotations come to mind with the words “car keys?” Bad thoughts, like frantically ransacking your house, bags and pockets in search of them? Good thoughts, like being handed them for the first time at a dealership or flicking your wrist and hearing the engine come alive?
Either way, these experiences are likely to soon be stowed-away memories of a different time: The truth is, the history of car keys as we know them is quickly coming to a close.
Just about every other aspect of automotive technology has drastically evolved over the past century, and the keys we use to open and start our cars are no different. But car key history is unique in that instead of simply improving the feature, current technology has rendered traditional car keys obsolete, sending them the way of the dodo, car ashtrays and crank windows.
That renders the age-old question: How did we get here? Let’s take a look back.
Photo: Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart/Germany, Corporate Archives
The History of Car Keys Begins
Car key history can be traced back to 1910, but these early versions didn’t start the engine or ignition. Instead, the first car keys controlled the ignition’s electrical circuit. Using the key, car owners could switch off the flow of electrical current, making it impossible to start the vehicle. Once the switch was on, the ignition could be activated, although drivers still had to then crank up the engine.
Soon after, keys that could lock and unlock both the electrical circuit and the ignition became more common.
Because it was still impossible to start the engine without a key, car theft was not a concern, and “locking” a car wasn’t a practice. In fact, most early automobiles were roofless and some were even door-less.
Mid-Century Car Keys
A major milestone in car key history occurred in 1949 when Chrysler unveiled the first car key that could start a vehicle’s engine all on its own. It was able to do so through the use of an ignition tumbler, or ignition lock cylinder.
In 1965, Ford became the first manufacturer to introduce double-sided keys that could be inserted into the tumbler either way. While seemingly elementary by today’s standards, these types of car keys remained the norm for decades.
This was also around the same the time the dual key, which could both start the car and unlock the doors, took hold. Prior to the 1960s, some vehicles still required two separate car keys.
Car Keys Meet Technology
Car key evolution was mostly dormant for the next quarter century but took some momentous leaps in the 1990s. It was this decade that saw the rise of the now ubiquitous key fob.
Remote keyless entry fobs allowed car owners to lock and unlock vehicle doors from afar by emitting a coded signal through radio waves to a receiver in the car. As technology developed, key fobs gained more functions, such as opening the trunk or sliding doors and starting the engine remotely.
(If you’re curious about the strange name, according to The Atlantic, “fob” may come from the word “fuppe,” which means “pocket” in the low German dialect.)
Car fobs are very expensive to replace. Make sure you’re protected with AAA’s Tire & Wheel Program, which covers lost keys and key fobs up to $5,000.
Car Keys Today
The traditional, mechanical car key is quickly becoming a thing of the past – if it’s not already a relic of automotive history. Almost all of today’s new vehicles have some version of a keyless entry and push-button start system. In fact, according to consumer auto research firm Edmunds, 91% of 2019 model-year vehicles had keyless ignitions. That’s up from 72% in 2014.
We’ve come a long way from having to carry one key for the engine and one key for the doors. But apparently one key is still one too many: Drivers can now store a digital car key on – where else – their phones.
Apple’s Wallet app includes a feature to add your car key. In order to do this, you need to have a compatible car as well as an iPhone or Apple Watch. Once installed, a user simply places their phone or watch next to the car’s door handle to unlock the vehicle. To start the car, they just place the phone or watch in the car’s key reader and press the start button. When an owner wants to share their key, they can simply send an iMessage to that user, which tells them how to add and use the car key.
Tesla owners can use the company’s smartphone app to do many of the same things. The app can track a driver’s smartphone from up to 30 feet away and automatically unlock the doors by the time they reach the car. But the electric automaker isn’t alone. About 31 brand marques, including BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai and Lincoln offer digital car keys, making the trend’s rise seem more assured and imminent.
What are your thoughts on car keys today? Do you like the idea of a digital key on your phone or would rather have a tangible key you can hold? Let us know in the comments below?
