There are cars you start looking at when you get that big promotion at work. Then there are automobiles you buy immediately upon hearing you hit the lottery jackpot. The Lexus LS 500 falls into the latter category.

This full-size luxury sedan’s passenger cabin is notable because of its hushed ambiance. Life was good with my test car, thanks to furnishings covered in soft, quilted leather and genuine wood trim. Front seats adjust 28 ways and offer heating, cooling and massage, so if you can’t get comfortable here, maybe it’s time for a visit to the chiropractor.

There are plenty of other goodies to be had here as well, including an Executive Package that features power-reclining rear seats with shiatsu massage and a pop-up ottoman for Barcalounger-like comfort.

For a car with this level of complexity, everything works surprisingly intuitively. Add solid handling and a supple ride and you have a luxury sedan that says the driver’s ship has come in.

Sometimes you have to wonder what an automaker was thinking when they named a particular model. The BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is a good example.

Not only is it a crazy mouthful of a name, but it is inarguably a fine small sport sedan (i.e.: ignore the fact that “coupe” ordinarily means just two doors).

The version of this subcompact 2-Series I drove was equal parts sporty and luxurious. The first half of that equation is handled by a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of sending 228 horsepower to all four wheels. The car’s athletic nature means a less than cushy ride, though there’s no real harshness. Handling is also extremely good, making the 228i a pleasure to drive on a winding stretch of road.

On the luxury front, my test car came loaded with desirable options. Whether all those were worth the hefty price tag – the total came to $9,700 worth of extras – in an era where that same content can be had in much less expensive sedans is a personal decision.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

Toronto is a multicultural and sophisticated gem, a modern metropolis packed with museums, world-famous attractions, independent eateries and historic sites.

Canada’s most populated city – with more than 2.9 million residents – is also one of the world’s most diverse, boasting enclaves with names like Greektown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Koreatown and Chinatown.

In short, it’s a city that will appeal to all ages and family dynamics. Let’s explore, shall we?

Note: Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, please check official websites while planning to check for restrictions or closures.

Play

Start at Yonge-Dundas Square; it’s Toronto’s answer to Times Square, teeming with bright lights, shops and restaurants. For a dose of history and culture, check out the Royal Ontario Museum – there’s a reason it’s Canada’s most-visited museum (with more than 1 million guests annually). Other must-see sights include the CN Tower, The Gay Village (the city’s LGBTQ hub) and the Distillery District, a collection of shops, restaurants and art galleries set in the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery.

Stay

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. With an indoor-outdoor pool, jade-green gardens and even a waterfall, you’ll feel miles away from the city center. Families will feel right at home at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto, which pampers its younger guests with their very own check-in desk and gong they can ring upon checking in, a family-friendly pool (there’s an adults-only one as well), and a kids center and teen lounge. Trend-seekers will adore the sleek vibe of the Bond Place Hotel, with Yonge-Dundas Square located steps from the front door.

Dine

Satisfy your comfort-food cravings at Fran’s Restaurant, a Toronto institution that’s been around since 1940. The menu features homestyle classics and all-day breakfast, as well as burgers and apple pie made in-house daily. For authentic Japanese fare, try Sansotei Ramen, where Tonkotsu pork-broth ramen takes center stage. Don’t miss SOMA Chocolatemaker for small-batch artisan chocolates with flavors like roasted pear and walnut, blackcurrant and mango chili.

Craft your own Toronto adventure! Visit AAA.com/Travel.

A dead car battery means you’re going nowhere until you either replace it or get it jump-started. Jumping a car battery doesn’t have to be a scary process. If you don’t know how, then you can call for roadside assistance, but you can also do it yourself. Here’s how to jump a car battery safely so you can be on your way as soon as possible.

How to Jump a Car Battery – Step by Step

Safety First

Whenever you work on your car, you need to keep safety in mind. For jumping a car battery safely, this includes making sure that other vehicles are at a safe distance and that you’re in a spot that’s out of danger’s way. Even if you already know how to jump a car you should check your owner’s manual to be sure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have any doubts, call AAA Roadside Assistance for help with the process.

Tools

All you need are jumper cables. You should have these on-hand, tucked away for that inconvenient moment when your battery fails. They come in anywhere between 10 and 20 feet long with longer cables being easier to use. The extra length means less maneuvering to get the cables to reach from your car to the car providing the jump-start.

There are also jump starters, which are essentially the cables with a built-in battery pack so you don’t need another car to help with the process. These are a bit bulkier and shouldn’t be stored in a hot car.

Positioning the Vehicles

Ideally, you want both cars to face each other head-on about 18 inches apart. Depending on where the breakdown happens, this might not be possible. Do your best to get as close to head-on as possible without letting the vehicles touch. Err on the side of caution. Be careful of car doors if the positioning isn’t ideal. You don’t want to open the door and have the two cars accidentally touch.

Some batteries are located under the back seat or in the trunk; consult the owner’s manual if you have trouble finding it.

Once the cars are positioned, put both cars in park for an automatic transmission or neutral for a manual transmission. Set the parking brakes, turn off the ignition and remove the keys.

Attaching the Jumper Cables

This is the part about jumping a car battery safely that makes people nervous, but there is no need to worry. Start by opening the hoods of both cars and finding the battery terminals. Usually, the terminals on the battery are red or black and you will see a + (red) and – (black) sign on the top. Make sure you can clearly see these signs; if the terminals are dirty, use a rag or brush to knock off any dirt or debris.

Attach the red, positive cable clamp to the red, positive terminal of the dead battery. You want this connection to be secure so wiggle around the clamp to get a tight grip if it feels loose. Next, attach the opposite end of the red, positive cable to the working vehicle’s positive battery terminal.

Attach the black, negative clamp to the working car’s black, negative battery terminal but do not attach the negative clamp to the negative battery terminal of the dead battery. Instead, attach it to an unpainted metal part of the car like a bolt or the engine block. Dead batteries can produce hydrogen gas – if there’s a spark you want it away from the battery.

Starting the Car

Start the engine of the working car and let it run a minute or two before trying to start the dead car. If the car won’t turn over at first, wait a few more minutes and give it another try. Speeding up the idle for a minute or so can sometimes help.

If the car still doesn’t start, then you may need to call for roadside assistance. It could be a number of problems like battery corrosion, fuses or the starter. A professional can diagnose the problem and recommend a repair.

Disconnecting the Jumper Cables

There’s an order to disconnecting the cables, too. Remove the black, negative clamps and do not let them touch while the other cables are attached to the car. Next remove the red, positive clamps. Do not let the red and black cables touch. You can now close the hoods and stow your jumper cables. Once your car is running, take it to a local repair shop to have the battery fully charged and tested.

See, it’s easy to learn how to jump a car battery. With a set of jumper cables and the help of someone with a running car, you can do the job yourself in no time.

Do you have an interesting story about a time you needed a jump-start? Share it with us in the comments below. 

AAA Mobile Battery Service makes buying a new battery easy. Our technicians will even test your current battery and charging system at your home or job. 

Diamond Designation: Three Diamond (Trendy food skillfully presented in a remarkable setting. Learn more about AAA Diamonds.)

Location: 21 1/2 Lois St, Norwalk, Conn.

As described by a AAA inspector, it’s “house-made everything” at Sugar & Olives, a small restaurant dedicated to supporting local famers. From sourdough bagels and co­ffee on the run to hearty suppers, locally grown produce, livestock and meats are always on the menu.

The kale salad is the most popular item, even persuading the pickiest of eaters. “Everyone who tastes it becomes a loyal kale salad eater, even if they swore that they did not like kale before. They learn the recipe and make it at home,” said chef and owner Jennifer Balin.

The dressing keeps in the fridge for up to a month, so double it up if you’d like to use it on all your salads. Even better, the recipe is egg-, wheat- and dairy-free, so it easily accommodates those with food sensitivities.

Kale Ribbons with Miso-Maple Dressing

• ½ small shallot, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces white organic miso paste (non-GMO)
• ¼ cup local maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons sweet Sriracha
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1¼ cups neutral oil of your choice (non-GMO)
• Splash of water
• 1-2 bunches of lacinato (also known as dinosaur) kale

Using a blender, combine the shallots, miso, maple syrup, Sriracha and vinegar, and blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is running. It will form an emulsion and become very thick. With the blender running, add the water to thin out to a pourable consistency.

Kale is always in abundance at farmers markets and is enormous compared to what you’ll find at the grocery store. To prep the kale, wash and dry it. Then, holding the kale one stalk at a time and upside down, grab the leaf and pull downward to rip off the stalk. Once the kale is removed from the stalks, lay it in piles of 6-8 leaves directly on top of each other. Using a sharp knife, slice the kale (the short way) into ¼-inch strips or ribbons.

The kale will stay fresh for several days once cut; just be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing. Toss with the dressing when you are ready to eat.

Diamond Designation: Four Diamond (Upscale style and amenities with the right touch of service. Learn more about AAA Diamonds.)

Location: 77 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, N.Y.

In the hill country of Peru, N.Y., Curtiss Hemm teaches on the grounds of his 350-acre farm at the Carriage House Cooking School and leads regular cooking demos for both hotel guests and the public at the AAA Four Diamond Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid.

“Tartine,” French for toast, is a staple breakfast in many French homes. Often a simple ‘une tartine’ is a slice of sandwich-style bread, toasted, and topped with either butter, jam or a slice of cheese,” Hemm said. This version showcases local ingredients produced within miles of the cooking school, like Barkeater Buche, a soft goat cheese with a bloomy ash rind from Asgaard Farm in Essex County.

Hemm’s classes are designed for the home cook and celebrate the culinary landscape of the Adirondacks. “No matter where we are in the Northeast, we have access to amazing local bread, cheese and maple syrup,” he said. “This gives each of us a unique opportunity to showcase the terroir of our individual regions.”

Barkeater Tartine with Sourdough, Maple & Walnuts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices Red Oak Food Co. Boule
• 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 4 tablespoons thyme leaves
• 8 ounces Asgaard Farm Barkeater Buche
• 1 tablespoon Woods maple syrup
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper

Heat oven to 450 degrees. (With convection on if your stove has it.)

Drizzle the olive oil across a sheet tray. Take the bread slices and wipe them across the oil, making sure to coat both sides of the bread. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the sheet. Evenly top each slice with some walnuts, thyme, buche, maple syrup, salt and pepper.

Place the tartines in the oven and bake until the buches begin to bubble and brown and the edges of the tartine are crisp and crunchy with toasted edges and melted cheese. Remove the tartines from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

General Motors announced this week that it plans to stop producing gas-powered cars by 2035 as part of a larger goal to make its entire global production carbon neutral by 2040.

After 2035, the automaker will sell only battery electric or other zero-emissions vehicle. “General Motors is joining governments and companies around the globe working to establish a safer, greener and better world,” said Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO. “We encourage others to follow suit and make a significant impact on our industry and on the economy as a whole.”

The news comes on the heels of the announcement by some states banning the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. California did so in September of last year and Massachusetts did the same earlier this month. It’s important to note, however, that GM’s 2035 goal is an aspiration rather than a hard-and-fast deadline.

GM is the largest U.S. car manufacturer, so the news carries significant weight within the country’s auto industry, which has lagged global competitors in the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Currently, GM only has one zero emissions electric vehicle in its portfolio, the Chevrolet Bolt. The automaker has invested billions of dollars in several manufacturing plants in order to make assembly of all-electric vehicles easier.

General Motors owns four car brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac.

Visit AAA’s Electric Vehicle platform for more information on these cars of the future.

Just like the sumo wrestlers rings, the Ford Super Duty uses size to its advantage.

Of course, you expect that such heavy-duty pickups are going to be big machines. That said, the 21 feet of F-250 crew cab I tested felt bigger than most.

Powering this beast was Ford’s humongous new 7.3-liter gasoline V-8, which gives the truck a robust max towing capacity of 19,000 pounds. The available 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8 gives the F-250 enough grunt to handle another ton or so of trailer.

Size has its downsides, however. Without a load, the F-250’s ride is a tad too firm. Its height also makes handling rather ponderous and stopping this much truck can be a challenge.

My upscale Platinum test truck was filled with high-end amenities, like adaptive cruise control, wireless cellphone charging and an oversize power moonroof.

In the final measure, though, it’s less a luxury truck than it is a 3-ton bruiser made for moving sizable stuff.

Whether you need a pickup for work or want one to tow your boat, you may figure poor fuel economy is just the price you have to pay. One look at the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is likely to convince you otherwise, however.

What sets this version of Ram’s full-size, half-ton pickup apart is the spunky 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-6 under the hood. This impressively efficient powertrain makes it possible to go more than 1,000 miles between fill-ups with the available 33-gallon tank.

The Ram 1500’s car-like attributes extend to a surprisingly smooth ride, especially with the available four-corner air suspension, and it offers class-leading towing capabilities, with the ability to pull trailers up to 12,560 pounds.

Add some of the nicest interiors on four wheels and a wealth of available technology including a giant 12-inch reconfigurable center display and you have the nicest pickup on the road.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

Diamond Designation: Four Diamond (Distinctive fine dining, well-serviced amid upscale ambience. Learn more about AAA Diamonds.)

Location: 132 W. 44th St., New York, N.Y.

Craving steak? The flagship location of the global BLT brand, BLT Steak New York, has you covered with all the classics, from raw bar to a full variety of USDA Prime and naturally raised Black Angus steaks. And there’s no better introduction to your dinner than BLT Steak’s signature Gruyere popovers. Served straight from the oven, the warm popovers are placed on each guest’s table with butter and sea salt. Prepare this five-ingredient simple pleasure at home and get transported straight to the steakhouse whenever a craving strikes. Try not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense final product. You’ll also want to use a popover pan; the shape of the cup helps the popover take form and the nonstick coating makes it easier to turn out once they’re cooked. To help the popovers rise, be sure to get your pan extra hot by placing it in the oven for at least 30 minutes prior to baking.

BLT Popovers

• Popover pan
• 4 cups milk, warmed
• 8 eggs
• 4 cups flour
• 1½ heaping tablespoon salt
• 2¼ cups grated Gruyere cheese

Place the popover pan in the oven on a sheet tray. Heat the oven and pan to 350 degrees.

Gently warm the milk over low heat and set aside. Whisk the eggs until frothy and slowly whisk in the milk (so as not to cook the eggs). Set mixture aside.

Sift the flour with the salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and gently combine until mostly smooth. Once combined, remove the popover pan from the oven and spray with non-stick vegetable spray.

While the batter is still slightly warm or room temperature (not cool), fill each popover cup ¾ full. Top each popover with approximately 2½ tablespoons of the grated Gruyere.

Bake for 50 minutes, rotating pan half a turn after 15 minutes of baking. Remove from the oven. Remove popovers from the pan and serve immediately.

Makes 12.

Patience is a virtue, and that’s never more true than when you’re waiting on hold and getting the runaround on the phone by customer service. But if you knew how to negotiate a cable bill after sitting in a customer service queue, would it make the wait worth your time?

Customers aren’t aware that in most cases their cable bill is negotiable. You don’t have to settle for cable, internet and phone bill hikes. There’s an art to advocating for your consumer rights and bargaining for a cable bill that fits within your budget. We’ve gathered tips to help you learn when and how to negotiate a cable bill to save money.

And if you want to save even more, you may want to consider cutting the cord.

Understanding Your Cable Bill

Before you jump on the phone and play “Let’s Make A Deal” with your cable provider, do your homework. Research the market prices to understand the going rates offered by other cable providers. That means researching what competitors advertise for other bundles and single services. Also find out about any current promotional offers on the market.

Look over your bill to understand what you’re paying for cable, internet and phone service. The assumption is that by bundling all of your services together with one provider you’re saving cash. But are you? Some customers report that they find hidden fees on their bill for equipment that they’re not using. It never hurts to make sure you understand all of the charges on your bill.

Calculate what you would pay for single phone or internet service from the competitors and see if you’re actually saving money with your bundle. Once you’re armed with information, you are prepared to negotiate a cable bill.

How to Negotiate a Cable Bill: The Tools

To start with, let’s set grounds rules for how to negotiate a cable bill: be patient, pleasant and persistent. You will not get anywhere with a customer service representative by being pushy and angry. They’re accustomed to angry callers. Surprise customer service with your pleasant attitude. Also know that being a long-time customer who pays on time will give you bargaining chips. But that’s not to say that if you were late on a couple of payments you don’t have any negotiating power.

The best time to call and negotiate a cable bill is when your promotional deal is nearing the expiration date, or you see an advertisement for a competitor with a better price. It’s generally recommended that you negotiate your bill every six to 12 months. When calling, pick the automated option to go directly to the “cancel my service” choice or ask for the retention department. You’ll have the best luck negotiating with representatives in this department since they typically have more power to negotiate. Tell them your bill is too high and start from there.

As a warning, know that cable providers are hesitant of serial negotiators. But rarely is bargaining fruitless. You may be surprised by the kinds of perks or savings you could walk away with if you are brave enough to haggle a bit.

Plan to make several calls to your cable provider and expect to be on the phone for a while before you’re given a satisfactory deal. Know that cable providers will first try to appease you with free cable channels or other small perks before they offer cash savings. However, here’s where your research will pay off. If the competitors are providing a better deal, see if your cable provider will match that rate.

Don’t expect this experience to be easy.

Terms and Conditions

Suppose you follow these steps for how to negotiate a cable bill with your provider, and it works. What’s next? Be careful about deceptive bargains. You may pay less for a bundle, but will you be getting a slower internet service, less channels, or are you now locked into a contract for a set term? Signing onto a locked contract will limit your bargaining abilities in the future. Understand your cable bill contract terms and be sure to document the person you spoke with and their department. And don’t take their word that the deal is guaranteed. Call back and confirm that the new rate is reflected on your account.

If you aren’t able negotiate a cable bill, don’t be discouraged. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of speaking to the right person. Call back and try again. Be prepared to walk to another company or even consider cutting the cord on one of the services.

You can also save by switching from cable to services like fuboTV, which streams live sports, movies and TV shows to your computer, tablet or television. AAA members can save 25% on their first three months of fuboTV.

Have you succeeded in lowering your cable bill? Tell us how in the comments section. 

If you’re driving down the street in the near future and spot a DeLorean cruising along next to you, no need to adjust your calendar – the famous car is on its way back thanks to a new federal legislation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently established a new ruling that allows for the production and sale of a limited number of replica cars. This rule creates a less-burdensome regulatory process for the small businesses that manufacturer such vehicles. While the process has eased, the cars will still be subject to equipment standards, recalls and remedies, and have to register with the NHTSA, Environmental Protection Agency and if they wish to sell in California, the California Air Resources Board. Furthermore, the manufacturers will have to equip the vehicles with engines that meet current EPA standards.

NHTSA’s ruling allows for the sale of just 325 cars per year by each manufacturer and there’s no immediate timeline for when these cars could reach the market. However, this law was considered one of the final hurdles to getting these cars back in circulation. Now manufacturers like the new DeLorean Motor Company  and Superformance, maker of replica luxury race cars of the 1960’s, can get to work on production.

Get more automotive news. 

Setting fitness goals is easy. Sticking to them is the challenge.

Fitness is a state of well-being where you feel healthy, well-rested and can move through daily activities with relative ease. Whether you prefer working out at a gym or fitness center, at home with digital workout classes, in the great outdoors or are new to a regular exercise plan, there are a variety of methods and tools you can utilize to get there.

If you have plans to improve your overall wellness, check out these tips for setting, tracking and ultimately reaching your goals.

Setting Your Goals

The first step you should make when planning your fitness goals is to set yourself up for success. This means setting realistic goals. You know your routine, strengths and limits better than anyone, so plan workouts that fit your schedule and match your athletic ability.

If you are still spending a lot of time at home due to remote working and homeschooling, look for indoor workouts and try incorporating equipment you already own into your routine, like kettlebells, a jump rope or treadmill. Digital workouts are another great option. The Active&Fit Direct™ Program has thousands of digital workout videos to choose from.

If you’ve been largely sedentary the past year, start slow. Rather than planning daily workouts, aim for something more approachable, like exercising two to three times a week. You can always increase your goals as your stamina improves.

Remember Fitness Is Holistic

Going into a workout with the right mindset will help you stick to your goals. Be patient with yourself and remember that results won’t be immediate. Some days, you won’t feel like working out at all – and that’s okay.

When you’re feeling reluctant, start with something fun or easy, do a longer warmup and don’t worry so much about reaching a specific, numeric goal. The all-or-nothing mindset can increase the risk of quitting. Something is better than nothing when it comes to working out, so celebrate small wins, like your longest wall sit or plank or reducing your mile time by a minute.

Make sure you’re also prepping your body for workouts. While stretching is a bit of a no-brainer, remember to also put effort into eating right, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep to support your goals. Giving your body the fuel and rest it needs is vital to fitness.

Choosing Your Method(s)

It can be hard to stick with any task that becomes boring, and this is especially true for workouts. Keep things interesting by mixing up your exercises. Focus on strengthening various parts of your body, like your arms, legs or abs with different methods on different days. Try weight training one day, and then go for cardio workouts the next.

If you exercise at a gym or fitness center, use a variety of equipment. Or, change up your environment by heading outside to exercise. Walking, biking and hiking are all great options. If you don’t have a lot of spare time for exercising, consider high-intensity interval training. This strategy requires alternating short burst of intense exercise with recovery periods.

It’s infinitely easier to stick to your fitness goals when you actually enjoy working out. To avoid making fitness feel like a chore, incorporate plenty of fun workouts, like dancing, pilates, spinning, kickboxing or yoga.

Tools for Tracking Your Goals

From wearable activity trackers to fitness apps and the classic workout journal, there are tons of tools you can use to track your fitness and meet your goals.

Wearable Fitness Trackers

A smartwatch or activity/fitness tracker can be a useful tool when it comes to sticking to your fitness goals. There are many different fitness trackers on the market, and they do everything from monitoring your heart rate and counting your steps, to tracking your sleep and stress levels.

The Active&Fit Direct Connected!™ tool aggregates activity data from all your wearable trackers and apps to sync and track activity online. Compatible devices include Fitbit^®, MapMyFitness™, Garmin^™, Strava^™, Runkeeper™ and Withings^™.

Fitness Tracking Apps

If you have a smart device, you also have access to a plethora of fitness apps, many of which are free. Covering everything from walking and running, to yoga and no-equipment workouts, some apps even allow you to customize your routine.

Pedometer apps will track your steps and map your walks while digital fitness planners will help you organize your workout routine and goals. To improve your fitness inside and out, find some great meditation and mindfulness apps here.

Workout Journal

Some people prefer writing things down, and the sensation of manually checking things off a list can feel very rewarding. The best part is your handwritten workout journal is completely customizable.

Start with recording what you did during your workout – what kinds of stretches, how many reps, how much weight lifted – and for how long. Or, use a blood pressure monitor to track your heart health. You can also use a fitness tracker or app to count your steps/miles walked, calories burned, etc. Later, record any noticeable changes in your mood or energy level.

If you’re looking to track your progress, consider measuring your hips, thighs or biceps weekly, every other week or monthly. Muscle is denser than fat, so a scale isn’t always the best way to measure your fitness. Consider taking before and after photos and/or using clothing – like a pair of jeans or that dress you’ve been trying to fit into – to see your results.

Stay on top of your fitness goals with the Active&Fit Direct Program. 

Any new exercise routines should be approached with caution. Consider your physical limitations and always consult with your doctor first.

The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Active&Fit Direct, Active&Fit Direct logo(s) and Active&Fit Connected! are trademarks of ASH and used with permission herein. Not all services may be available in all areas and the program may be changed (including monthly and enrollment fees and/or the introductory period) or discontinued at anytime. Other names or logos may be trademarks of their respective owners.

It’s practically a given: We live in a world where green cars tend to be small, quirky-looking or both. Which makes the Toyota Avalon Hybrid stand out, precisely because it is neither.

While the Avalon Hybrid can be a downright classy ride in its luxury-oriented Limited guise, the XSE model I tested featured sportier styling details, including larger 18-inch, dark-painted wheels and unique blacked-out mesh grille.

My tester featured generous room for four adults, though tall passengers might wish for a little more rear-seat headroom. Pop the lid on the huge trunk and you’ll find the same 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space as the non-hybrid Avalon, with no bulky hybrid battery pack that often eats into the space.

Toyota’s long list of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert, also adds welcome peace-of-mind.

All this and 40-plus mpg? That’s a given we can get behind.

Over the years, gasoline-electric hybrids have developed an admittedly well-deserved reputation for exotic shapes that make them seem derived from crash-landed alien spacecraft. Well, the handsome new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid smashes that extraterrestrial stereotype with earthly panache.

For starters, this hybrid version of the Korean automaker’s midsize sedan boasts a remarkably sleek organic shape. Up top, note the cool optional rooftop solar panel that helps recharge the batteries.

Behind the wheel of the top Limited model I drove there was a definite upscale feeling, enhanced by surprisingly good ride and handling qualities and downright eager acceleration, something not all hybrids can claim. The fact that it can do it while returning outstanding Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates makes it all the more remarkable.

Put it all together and you have a hybrid sedan that’s firmly rooted on planet Earth.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

Visit AAA’s Electric Vehicle platform for more information on these cars of the future.

Diamond Designation: Four Diamond (Upscale style and amenities with the right touch of service. Learn more about AAA Diamonds.)

Location: 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, R.I.

Less than two hours from Boston and two and half hours from Manhattan, the Weekapaug Inn is a breezy escape. Sitting on the Rhode Island shoreline overlooking Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic Ocean, it is decidedly New England in style and feel.

The restaurant’s menu sticks to the theme, highlighting seasonal coastal cuisine expertly crafted with traditionally foraged native ingredients, local produce and fresh seafood. This pan-seared scallop dish, courtesy of chef Salvatore Brucculeri, is a perfect example of what you can expect.

Great Northern Beans

• 1 quart dry white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 gallon chicken stock
• Sachet (thyme, parsley stem, rosemary, oregano)
• Salt to taste

Add ingredients to pot and let simmer until the beans are tender. Strain beans and let cool. Save liquid to reheat the beans in. Discard sachet.

Bean Ragout

• ½ ounce sopressata, small dice
• 1 teaspoon fennel, small dice
• 1 teaspoon celery, small dice
• 1 ounce prepared Great Northern beans
• 5 fava beans, blanched and shocked
• ½ ounce white wine
• 4 ounces chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon roasted red peppers, small dice
• 5 pearl onions, blanched, peeled and shocked
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• ½ lemon, juiced, to taste
• 1 teaspoon butter
• Salt to taste

In saucepan over medium-high heat, render sopressata until crispy. Add fennel and celery; cook until tender. Add beans and deglaze with white wine. Once reduced, add chicken stock and cook until glazed. Add all ingredients except lemon juice and butter. When hot, finish with lemon juice, butter and salt.

Chive Shellfish Beurre Blanc

• 4 ounces lobster stock
• 2 cups white wine
• 1 ounce white wine vinegar
• 1 parsley stem
• 1 thyme stem
• 2 black peppercorns
• 2 coriander seeds
• 2 fennel seeds
• ¼ pound butter
• Salt and lemon juice
• ¼ ounce chives, finely chopped

In saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients except for butter and reduce. Add in butter, whisking after each addition. Season with salt and lemon juice, then strain. Fold in chives.

Scallop

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 sea scallops
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 sprig thyme
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Salt to taste

Heat oil over high heat. Sear scallops until golden brown on each side; remove. Reduce heat and add butter, thyme and lemon juice. Baste for 2 minutes. Season with salt. Portion out beurre blanc, ragout and three scallops each over four plates.

Serves 4.

The transportation sector accounts for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, so any effort to reduce emissions must include a focus on this sector. “Transportation pollution is becoming a growing crisis both because of its contribution to climate change but also because of the damaging health impacts it has on communities,” said Jordan Stutt, Carbon Programs Director at Acadia Center.

The Transportation and Climate Initiative has developed a new program that plans to substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously investing billions in cleaner transportation. The TCI is a collaboration between 13 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia that aims to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

The TCI program would work by requiring fuel suppliers to purchase “allowances” for the pollution their fuel produces. The total number of allowances would decline each year, thus lessening transportation pollution. Over the program’s first 10 years, the limit on carbon dioxide pollution from motor vehicles will decline by 30%. Additionally, if all jurisdictions participate, the program could generate up to $2 billion annually.

The program could also provide substantial health benefits. Vehicles emit air pollutants that contribute to a range of health problems such as asthma and heart disease. A multi-university, independent study projected that the program could result in up to 300 avoided deaths and hundreds of fewer childhood asthma cases and exacerbations, due to changes in active mobility and air quality.

The money raised from these fuel allowance purchases will fund environmentally sustainable initiatives, such as improving public transportation, electrifying school and transit buses, providing consumer rebates for electric and low-emission vehicles, and building out a robust network of electric charging stations.

The program has received praise from the public sector, with even some major fuel providers pushing for its implementation. “Well-designed carbon pricing policies like TCI provide the right incentives for everyone – energy producers and consumers alike – to play their part in reducing emissions,” said Mark Borowski, director of state and local affairs for BP America, which has been advocating for the program since 2019. “Independent data also demonstrates these policies will foster economic and job growth.” According to TCI, economic models show that through the sale of carbon allowances and investment in technology, the program could increase gross domestic product, disposable personal income and jobs.

Some critics are wary of the idea, however, believing that any increased costs fuel companies must incur will be passed down to them at the pump. While drivers may see some level of increase, proponents say it won’t be anything they’re unaccustomed to. “The potential impact is really modest compared to the weekly swings that we see in fuel prices,” Stutt said. “Every analysis of this program shows the benefits outweigh the costs even if they were passed on to consumers.”

For its part, BP seconded this sentiment by not completely ruling out the possibility of a price increase but reaffirming the benefits of the program and the widespread approval of such a tradeoff. “There is a potential for prices to rise for all fuel providers in the region,” Borowski said, “but recent data shows voters believe the costs of a ‘cents-not-dollars’ increase at the pump is outweighed by the economic and climate benefits.”

In December of last year, the governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, and the mayor of Washington, D.C., announced their commitment to join the program, which goes into effect in 2023. “As a Commonwealth, we have an obligation to address climate change head-on and a challenge this great requires action across our region and nation,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “By partnering with out neighbor states with which we share tightly connected economies and transportation systems, we can make a more significant impact on climate change while creating jobs and growing the economy as a result.”

Eight other states, including New York and New Jersey, said they would continue to collaborate on the project, likening the chances of them joining the program as well. Many states must still pass enabling legislation before joining the program, while others already have the authority to participate.

Get more automotive news. 

Last week, President Joe Biden signed executive orders requiring mask-wearing in U.S. airports and most flights, buses, trains and ferries, and in federal buildings and on federal land.  

“Wearing masks isn’t a partisan issue,” Biden said. “It’s a patriotic act that can save countless lives.” 

The measures are in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to help combat the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Biden is requiring airline passengers entering the U.S. from foreign countries to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test and to self-quarantine upon entering the country.  

 

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The U.S. Travel Association and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA welcomed the mask mandate. 

“We also strongly support the president’s mask mandate for interstate travel, which is in line with the industry’s health and safety guidance and consistent with what countless travel businesses are already doing to protect travelers and workers,” said Roger Dow, USTA president and CEO.  

More than 416,000 have died of COVID-19 in the U.S., with close to 25 million infected, according to the CDC. Worldwide, more than 2 million people have died and 99 million have been infected.  

Keep up with all the latest travel news at AAA.com/TravelCenter, where you’ll find a map of U.S. COVID-19 restrictions and regulations, travel advice, and guidance from AAA travel advisors.  

Preliminary estimates of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions for 2020 predict a 10% to 11% decrease compared to 2019.

“That is the single largest drop in annual emissions in the post-World War II era, outpacing the Great Recession of 2009 when emissions dipped 6.3%,” according to the Rhodium Group.

This noteworthy decrease is being credited to the mix of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While demand was high for certain groceries like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, less time on the road meant a drop in demand for gasoline. The consumption of motor gasoline in the U.S. fell by 24% during the pandemic, according to Climate Action Tracker.

Starting in March, the average price of gasoline was also lower month-per-month compared to the year before, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with the lowest average retail price being $1.938 per gallon in April 2020 versus $2.881 that same month in 2019. Get daily gas price updates from AAA.

Despite these shifts, the rollout of coronavirus vaccines will likely lead to increases in both gas prices and emissions as Americans aspire for a post-pandemic world.

“We expect economic activity to pick up again in 2021, but without meaningful structural changes in the carbon intensity of the U.S. economy, emissions will likely rise again as well,” according to the Rhodium Group.

If you haven’t been driving as much as you used to, follow these tips to keep your car maintained and running smoothly.  

It’s not often that a car model’s name succinctly sums up its strengths. The Ford Escape is an exception.

That’s because this compact SUV actually does make a great escape pod from everyday life. The top-of-the-line Titanium model I tested featured the automaker’s 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that gave it more than enough muscle in normal driving (a 181-horsepower, three-cylinder and a pair of hybrid powertrains are also available), plus an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.

There’s surprisingly good room throughout the cabin, including a back seat fit for two adults.

My Titanium tester offered the Sync 3 infotainment system, one of best setups out there, along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. Emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist systems come standard.

Taken together, it makes the Ford Escape an ideal getaway vehicle.

Sometimes, when you want to get gone, you may very well want to get long gone. That’s where the Jeep Cherokee comes in.

The Cherokee has what it takes to get you a good ways off the beaten path. While it’s not as rugged as its Wrangler sibling, fitted with one of the optional four-wheel drive systems it will surely get you to that secret fishing hole or mountain-bike trail.

Back on the pavement, the handling and ride quality are remarkably car-like. That said, the Cherokee has a heft that makes it feel larger than comparable crossover SUVs.

Under the hood, there’s a trio of available engines, including two four-cylinders and the stout 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 propelling the top-of-the-line Limited model I drove. Properly equipped, V6-powered Cherokees will let you bring that small camping trailer with you, thanks to a hefty max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. No matter which powertrain you choose, fuel economy is bound to be a little disappointing.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

Providence, R.I., also known as the Renaissance City, is the third-largest city in New England, behind only Boston and Worcester. With elite universities, a vibrant art community, fantastic restaurants and brilliantly preserved architecture, the capital of the Ocean State has it all. These are our top 10 favorite things to do in Providence.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

1.

Experience WaterFire. No list of things to do in Providence is complete without WaterFire, the annual installation piece that takes over Providence’s rivers every April through November. WaterFire, by artist Barnaby Evans, consists of over 80 bonfires burning in braziers that snake through the rivers of downtown Providence. During full fire events, when all the braziers are lit, you can explore the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza, an outdoor fair for artists and artisans. If you want to get up close and personal with the fire, try La Gondola Providence, a Venice-style gondola service that sails around the installation.

2.

Take a trip to the past on Benefit Street. This city street in Providence has one of the highest concentrations of Colonial buildings in the entire country. It is a favorite spot for a walk or a little historic exploration, but if you’d rather not explore on your own, the Rhode Island Historical Society offers guided walking tours of the area from May through October. One of the most famous buildings on Benefit Street, the Nightingale-Brown House, was once home to the founders of Brown University. Nearby, you’ll find the John Brown House Museum and a house that inspired an H.P. Lovecraft story.

3.

Also on Benefit Street is the Providence Athenaeum, which first opened in 1838. Both Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft spent a considerable amount of time in the independent library. The Athenaeum is supported by the library’s members and has always been open to the public. Many readings and events are held in the Athenaeum, which prides itself on being a haven for Providence creatives.

4.

Get some authentic cuisine in Federal Hill. This historically Italian neighborhood sits in the very heart of Providence. The main street in Federal Hill, Atwells Avenue, is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Try Enoteca Umberto, Siena and The Avery for starters. The neighborhood is immensely walkable, with cobblestone paths and strings of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Looking for a new place to eat? Restaurant.com offers reviews and deals for over 20,000 restaurants nationwide. You can even sort for options like outdoor dining and take-out. AAA members can get $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates for just $6.

5.

See a show! The Trinity Repertory Company, known fondly as Trinity Rep, is a Tony Award-winning theater company located in downcity Providence. Trinity Rep was founded in 1963 and has since been named the state theater of Rhode Island. Trinity Rep produces shows with their resident acting company and also offers a plethora of different educational experiences, such as Project Discovery, which introduces theater to young children.

6.

Shop until you drop. In the middle of Downcity, the Providence version of “downtown,” sits the Arcade, the first indoor shopping mall in America. The Arcade was built in 1828, and its three floors were originally filled with shops. Now the first floor is the only shopping area, filled with boutiques and cafes, while the second and third floors are filled with stylish micro-apartments. From the Greek revival architecture to the rich mahogany woodwork, it is a beautiful ode to old Providence.

7.

See some amazing art. The Rhode Island School of Design is one of the best art schools in the country and it’s also home to the RISD Museum, a sprawling art history resource for students and the public alike. The museum’s collection consists of over 100,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints, drawings and more. On a tour of the RISD Museum, you can see works from artists like Monet, Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as works by local Rhode Island artists.

8.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head on over to the Hope Street Farmers Market for some of the freshest ingredients out there. Every Saturday from May through October, the Hope Street Farmers Market takes over Lippitt Park. While you shop for fresh, locally sourced meat and produce, you can enjoy live music from local musicians. If you’re still in the mood for fresh finds during the winter, head indoors to the Farm Fresh Winter Market, located in a brand-new building in the city’s Valley neighborhood. The market runs from November through April.

9.

Whether you have Ivy League dreams or not, a visit to Brown University is a must. Providence is, after all, a college town. Brown offers self-guided tours of its historic College Hill campus, as well as student-guided tours for those who might hope to attend one day. On your visit to Brown, you can see the John Hay and John Carter Brown Libraries, the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology and the famous Van Wickle Gates. Don’t forget to visit Thayer Street, a playground for locals and students filled with tons of indie and ethnic restaurants, an art house cinema, the Brown Bookstore, vintage stores and more.

10.

Experience all Roger Williams Park has to offer. Named after the founder of Providence, Roger Williams Park’s sprawling 427 acres contain a zoo, a botanical center, a museum of natural history, a planetarium, Japanese and Victorian rose gardens, a boathouse, a “carousel village” and more. One of the most delightful parts of the park is the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in America. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species, from chickens to cheetahs. You could spend a whole day or even a whole week in this incredible park. AAA members get $10 off select zoo memberships.

Book your next Providence vacation with AAA Travel. 

Whether you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too early to start saving for your retirement. One of the most popular ways to get started is with an IRA savings account.

IRA stands for “Individual Retirement Arrangement” and can be opened directly through the bank, brokerage firm or mutual fund of your choice. (Unlike a 401(k), it is not connected to your employer.)

There are two types of IRA retirement accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs. We explain the differences between the two to help you decide which  plan is right for you.

Traditional vs. Roth IRA Retirement Accounts

Are you eligible to open an IRA account? This will depend on your age and income.

To open a traditional IRA, there are no income limitations, but you must be younger than 70 ½ (or 72 if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later).

You can open a Roth IRA at any age, but in order to qualify, your yearly income must be under a certain amount depending on your tax filing status. Too high an income could limit the amount you’re allowed to contribute each year – or disqualify you entirely.

The amount you can contribute might also be limited based on your filing status and income. Check the IRS website for the most up-to-date information.

What’s The Big Difference?

Besides the age and income limitations, the biggest difference between IRA retirement accounts is in how they’re taxed. This difference is what will ultimately determine which type of IRA is right for you.

The traditional IRA allows you to claim an income tax deduction (both state and federal) of whatever amount you contributed to your IRA that year. Then, when you make withdrawals from your IRA during retirement, you will pay taxes on those distributions at ordinary income tax rates.

With the Roth IRA, there is no tax write-off for the contributions you make. However, all of your earnings and the withdrawals you make during retirement are tax-free.

Taxes Now or Taxes Later?

So, will you get a better tax deal by paying taxes now on your contributions, or by paying taxes during retirement on your withdrawals?

A traditional IRA is best if you’re currently in a higher tax bracket (above 20%) and you expect to be in a lower tax bracket upon retirement. This is typically true for folks who are currently at the peak of their career and expect to stop working or drastically reduce their income after age 70.

A Roth IRA will be best if you’re currently in a lower tax bracket (below 20%) and expect to be in a higher tax bracket upon retirement. This is typically true for folks who haven’t yet reached the peak of their career and also expect to be high earners past age 70.

You probably have a good guess of which category you fall into. However, since no one can truly predict the future, there’s a strong case to be made for diversifying your retirement savings. Consider investing in both a traditional and Roth IRA in order to spread out your tax burden. (Add a 401(k) to the mix and your retirement plan is golden!)

What If You Need Your Money Now?

Sometimes unexpected expenses arise. A perk of the Roth IRA is that you can withdraw your contributions at any time, both tax-free and penalty free. However, if you want to withdraw your earnings early, you’ll have to pay taxes and penalties unless you’re over age 59 ½ and have had your account for 5+ years, or if you have a “qualifying reason” (e.g., first time home buying, education, medical expenses).

For the traditional IRA, withdrawals after age 59 ½ are penalty-free, and withdrawals made before that will be penalized unless you have a qualifying reason.

What Happens When You Retire?

With a traditional IRA, at age 70 ½ (or 72 if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later) you must stop making contributions and begin taking “required minimum distributions.” This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re already retired, but if you’re still working and want to keep growing your IRA this could be an issue. (Plus, the taxes you’re paying on your distributions are at your current tax rate.)

In contrast, you can contribute to your Roth IRA indefinitely, and you are never required to make withdrawals. If you’re still working after age 70, this allows you the flexibility to wait until you actually need those funds – or to pass them on to your heirs.

Is an IRA retirement account part of your financial plan? Does the traditional or Roth IRA make more sense for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial. 

The Northeast is home to cities that come to life when the temperatures drop. The next time you need to get away, try one of these locales that would make for a great three-day weekend winter excursion.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please check official websites before visiting for restrictions and operating info. 

Lake Placid, N.Y.

The snowy sports mecca of the Northeast, Lake Placid is more than just the two-time home of the Winter Olympics. It’s a beautiful northern Adirondack village surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and towering mountains with some of New York’s most lavish resorts and spectacular natural wonders.

When booking your three-day weekend, you’ll find absolute luxury at the Whiteface Lodge. This rustic log cabin-style hotel brings the coziness while still offering modern amenities like heated bathroom floors in its suites and a full-service spa. Book at table at Peak 47, where executive sous chef Matthew DeCicco serves up hearty sandwiches, pizzas and other favorites with an assortment of more than 400 wines and local craft beers.

No matter where you stay, you’ll want to visit Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-largest mountain in the state and the location of famous Olympic sites. Hit the slopes or simply revel in its alpine history, including the international sliding sports exhibit, where you can learn about luge, skeleton and bobsled and cheer on racers as they rumble past at Autobahn speeds.

For more outdoor fun, head to nearby High Falls for a snowshoe hike to a frozen waterfall. A chilly outdoor excursion will make that warm mulled wine taste even better when you return to your cabin for some much-needed R & R.

Salem, Mass.

A hotbed for Halloween travel, this historic coastal city attracts visitors eager to learn about its notorious witch trials – with thinner crowds in the winter. But Witch City is also home to a historic seaport, vestiges of a literary legend and the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard.

So much of Salem’s appeal has to do with its history, and its hotels are no exception. Take the Hawthorne Hotel, which has served more than 1 million guests downtown since 1925. Facing the Salem Witch Museum, the historic hotel has two dining options – Tavern on the Green and Nathaniel’s – a steakhouse named after the American novelist and author of “The Scarlet Letter,” Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was born in Salem. Sunday jazz brunch at Nathaniel’s is a must!

Visit the House of the Seven Gables, the inspiration for Hawthorne’s literary masterpiece of the same name. This 1668 Colonial mansion, now a nonprofit museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also see the Salem Maritime National Historic Site – the nation’s first – which houses historic homes, buildings, wharves and a replica 1797 ship.

A trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without delicious seafood, and you’ll find some – along with a ghost story – at Turner’s Seafood. Legend has it the restaurant is haunted by the ghost of Bridget Bishop, the first to be hanged during the witch trials in 1692.

Visit in February for the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Festival, where you can shop for your valentine, marvel at ice sculptures and nibble on chocolate delicacies.

Portsmouth, N.H.

About an hour north of Boston and five hours northeast of New York City, Portsmouth is a popular summer tourism destination because of its proximity to the coast. But with an estimated 120 restaurants – some sophisticated, some simple – this port city makes for a fun three-day weekend, too.

Lodging choices include the AAA Three Diamond Rated Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, with its convenient downtown location, heated indoor pool and views of the Piscataqua River.

Bundle up for a walk along Market Square, where you can pause along the storefronts of 19th century structures that line the charming streets. On a warmish day, opt for a one-hour walking tour of the Harbor Trail, passing Prescott Park and boutiques and art galleries nearby.

While you won’t get the full garden experience at the 10-acre Strawbery Banke outdoor history museum, you can go ice skating at the site’s Puddle Dock Pond. Open daily December through March, it will help you work up an appetite before you indulge in the city’s seemingly limitless restaurant scene.

Warm up with a beer at the Portsmouth Brewery – New Hampshire’s first brewpub – for handcrafted pints and a lively atmosphere. Of course, with 120 restaurants in Portsmouth alone, you won’t have any trouble finding great eats and good times in any of these three-day weekend winter getaways in the Northeast.

Hitting the slopes? AAA members can save at ski resorts nationwide.

What are your favorite spots for three-day weekends? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel. 

Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings.