A Fire Island day trip can include soaking up the sun on its beaches, hiking or biking, sailing or surfing, clamming, visiting an iconic lighthouse or spending the afternoon in the park.

Located parallel to Long Island’s south shore, Fire Island is a pair of islands – split up by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 – that were devastated in the late 1930s by a hurricane and rebuilt into one of the Empire State’s most popular vacation spots in the years since.

Fire Island is known for its nightlife, bungalow-style homes, summer celebrity presence, lack of cars, roaming deer and two large LGBT communities, Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.

As far back as the 1920s, the Manhattan theater community frequented the island and, to this day, it’s not unusual to spot some well-known faces there. But while the island is famous for its occasionally raucous parties and nightlife scene, it’s also a great spot for vacationing with friends or family.

Here’s a list of great activities and things to do in Fire Island.

Fire Island Beaches

There are a number of great beaches from which to choose for a Fire Island day trip. One of the top destinations for visitors is Ocean Beach, which has the largest concentrations of homes, bars and restaurants. If you’re bringing the family and, especially, young ones to Fire Island, drop by Saltaire, a quiet community that offers a variety of activities, including basketball, tennis and a boardwalk promenade.

Fair Harbor is a popular locale for urbanites visiting from New York City. It includes a relaxed downtown district with restaurants (don’t miss Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Le Dock for the view) funky shops and an upscale food market (complete the day with an ice cream cone from Unfriendly’s). Fire Island Pines is known for its boutiques and markets. And if nightlife is your reason for visiting, you can’t go wrong with Kismet, a popular location for nightclubs and house parties, with a marina that’s great for boating.

Another top spot for things to do in Fire Island is Davis Park, which has a marina, restaurants and bars. If  you intend your vacation to be a relaxing one, there’s likely no better locale than the appropriately named Lonelyville, which is known for being one of the island’s quietest beaches.

For more local beaches, check out Your AAA’s Northeast beach guide. 

Fire Island Parks

If you’re looking to get away from the beach for a while, either for relaxation or exercise, there are several great parks and hiking spots on Fire Island. Robert Moses State Park has 5 miles of beach that can be used for swimming, surfing and fishing. The 875-acre park, which is the island’s largest, has an 18-hole golf course as well as volleyball courts, picnic areas, a playground, concessions and park grills.

The Sunken Forest is an ancient holly forest located just east of Point O’Woods. In 1966, the property was donated to the Fire Island National Seashore under the provision that it would always be maintained in its natural state and operated as a sanctuary. Some of the forest’s plants are considered rare.

Smith Point County Park is a popular spot for sportsmen, swimmers and surfers alike. The park has white sands, camping facilities, saltwater fishing, concession stands, a playground and special events during the summer. Smith Point is also where you can find the TWA Flight 800 International Memorial, which commemorates the 230 people killed when a Boeing 747 crashed on the site in 1996.

More Things To Do in Fire Island

During your trip to the island you should check out the Fire Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1858 and for years acted as a landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor. For some European immigrants, it was their first sight of land upon arriving in the U.S. During a visit to the lighthouse, you can check out the keeper’s quarters and exhibit center, climb the tower’s 182 steps, take in gorgeous views of the ocean and view the Fresnel lens used in the tower between 1858 and 1933.

A great spot for hiking and spotting animals is the Otis Pike Wilderness Area, which includes pine forests, wetlands and dunes, where visitors might see herons, white-tailed deer and waterfowl.

What are your favorite things to do in Fire Island? Let us know of any other great activities or must-see spots in the comments. 

For more things to do in the area, see our post on 21 things to do on Long Island in the summer. 

Sometimes it’s hard to grasp the sheer size of the ocean and the amount of life contained within its watery boundaries. Until you have the opportunity to see whales in the wild, that is. There’s nothing quite like seeing them breach in person, leaping into the air and splashing back down with magnificent force.

Luckily, there are plenty of places in the Northeast to view whales in their natural habitat. Some whale watching tours offer guaranteed whale sightings during the peak season, which runs from May through October.

White Cap Charters

Scituate, MA

White Cap Charters offers up-close encounters with whales during five-hour private charters on a yacht that seats just six people. They operate in Cape Cod Bay, which is the richest fishing ground in the East, said owner Brad White, attracting countless humpback whales that are always coming up to breach. Passengers on White Cap Charters tours have seen rare right whales, orcas, sharks and – of course – whales.

“Being face-to-face with the whales is a truly unique experience that everyone should have in their life,” White said. “They’re just such spectacular creatures and it’s humbling to know that we share the world with something so beautiful.”

AAA members save 10% on tours and charters with White Cap Charters.

Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching

Hampton Beach, NH

You won’t go hungry on this whale watching cruise! The boat is equipped with a full bar and plenty of food to sustain you during the four-hour trip. Cruises run from June to September.

Captain John Boats & Whale Watch

Plymouth and Provincetown, MA

Booking a whale watching tour with Captain John’s experienced captains, who have been in in business since 1946 and offering whale watching tours since the 1970s, will almost guarantee you’ll learn new things and have an exciting experience. Tours are offered in both Plymouth and Provincetown, MA. Whale watch guests have seen humpback, finback, pilot, minke and even endangered right whales during cruises.

AAA members get $3 off adult and children’s tickets. 

Frances Fleet

Narragansett, RI

Board a Frances Fleet whale watch and the chances are high (thanks to waters warmed by the Gulf Stream) that you’ll see finback whales. Guests have also spotted humpback, pilot, false killer, sei and minke whales, in addition to tuna, marlon, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. Although it can’t guarantee signings, Frances Fleet gives free vouchers for a future trip or a fishing trip voucher if no whales are seen on a cruise.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine has more than just lobster, it also lays claim to some of the world’s biggest mammals. You can follow along on Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.’s website to see what guests have seen on recent outings. On July 15, guests saw eight humpback whales on a charter. The day before, guests saw a mother and calf as well as six humpback whales and a few breaches.

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston

These whale watching tours are offered in conjunction with New England Aquarium, so you’re sure to learn a thing or two about whales from an onboard naturalist. Guests visit the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and often see the same whales again and again during tours. (Keep an eye out for regular humpbacks Etch-a-Sketch, Sprinkles and Shuffleboard!) Guests have spotted finbacks, minke, pilot and right whales during their trips.

Have you ever gone on a whale watching tour? Tell us about your experience in the comments. 

When you go searching for a hotel or restaurant, you likely have certain criteria in mind. Luckily, AAA Diamond Ratings and new AAA Inspector “Best Of”badges rate eligible hotels and restaurants to help travelers find exactly what they’re looking for.

AAA ‘Best Of’ Locations in the Northeast

AAA uses several badges for rating properties. The recently redesigned badges are diamond-shaped and can be found in AAA online listings for restaurants and hotels.

Badges show where hotels and restaurants have exceeded in their AAA inspection and denote inspector favorites in categories such as Entertainment, Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly, Recreation, Scenic View, Value and Wow Effect.

As of 2019, AAA Northeast has 1,342 amazing hotels and restaurants with AAA Diamond Ratings. Here are some with unique features and amenities that won “Best Of” badges.

Connecticut

• Knapp’s Landing Restaurant, Stratford – Inspector’s Best of Scenic View
• Barcelona Wine Bar, Stamford – Inspector’s Best of Beverages
• Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire – Inspector’s Best of Value
• Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington – Inspector’s Best of Spa

Massachusetts

• Elisabeth’s, Fairhaven – Inspector’s Best of Value
• The Port Hunter, Edgartown – Inspector’s Best of Local Hangout
• East Bay Grille, Plymouth – Inspector’s Best of Outdoor Seating
• XV Beacon, Boston – Inspector’s Best of Pet Friendly

New Jersey

• Adega Grill, Newark – Inspector’s Best of Beverages
• Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel, Weehawken – Inspector’s Best of Location
• Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Morristown – Inspector’s Best of Wow Effect
• Archer Hotel Florham Park, Florham Park – Inspector’s Best of Social Scene

New York

• Cittanuova, East Hampton – Inspector’s Best of Outdoor Seating
• Lavo, New York – Inspector’s Best of Entertainment
• Best Western Plus Arena Hotel, Brooklyn – Inspector’s Best of Recreation
• 1 Hotel Central Park, New York – Inspector’s Best of Landscape

AAA Inspector’s Best Of Family-Friendly and Four Diamond Rated Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island describes the value of their AAA accreditation:

Rhode Island

• The Beach House, Bristol – Inspector’s Best of Outdoor Seating
• The Hotel Viking, Newport – Inspector’s Best of Social Scene
• The Weekapaug Inn, Westerly – Inspector’s Best of Family-Friendly
• Gracie’s, Providence – Inspector’s Best of Value

Look for Best Of badges in AAA hotel and restaurant listings. 

What AAA Ratings Mean

AAA has inspected and approved roughly 59,000 Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants. Diamond Ratings evaluate the kinds of experiences different locations offer and highlight their attributes. Essentially, you can use AAA Diamond Ratings to find the best fit for your occasion and budget.

The ratings for hotels and restaurants mean slightly different things. For hotels, Five Diamonds means “Ultimate Luxury,” while a Four Diamond establishment will provide a “Refined” experience. Three Diamonds indicates the lodging is “Distinguished,” and Two Diamonds means “Enhanced.” Lastly, a One Diamond rating means the accommodation is “Budget-Oriented.” For restaurants, a Five Diamonds rating signifies an establishment is “Leading-Edge,” while a Four Diamonds location is “Distinctive.” Three Diamonds restaurants are “Trendy,” and Two Diamond restaurants are more “Casual.” Lastly, One Diamond means an eatery is “Quick-Serve.”

So if you’re looking for a high-end experience where you’ll need reservations well in advance, like for a honeymoon, vacation or other special occasion, you’ll want a location with Four or Five Diamonds. If you’re looking to have a good time on a budget, a one or two Diamond Rated establishment will likely be a better fit. Learn more.

How AAA Ratings Happen

AAA would never recommend subpar eateries or lodgings to members, and so Diamond Rated locations are carefully graded by professionally trained inspectors. They’re industry experts who put the wants, expectations and priorities of AAA members first. Reviews are completely objective to assure honest results.

According to an anonymous AAA Inspector, the Three Diamond rating is the most sought-after. “This is where most properties want to be, as it is seen as the most approachable by the American traveler. They only want Four-to-Five Diamond places for fancy vacations or special occasions.”

With so many AAA Inspected and Approved properties to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Thankfully, the Diamond Rating System is here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for based on your budget, expectations and priorities.

To learn more about AAA Diamonds, this Diamond Rating explainer breaks down the basics. For a behind-the-scenes look at how restaurant ratings are determined, check out our inspector shadow. 

What do you think of the new AAA Inspector “Best Of” badges? What AAA Rated hotel or restaurant would you like to visit?   

Powwows are gatherings that blend ancient and contemporary Native American customs, such as intertribal dances, foods, music and activities, into full-fledged festivals open to the public.

“Today’s powwows have evolved into a contemporary mix of dance, reconnection of family and friends, [a] supermarket of Native goods and arts, and festival,” said Yvonne Wakim Dennis, co-author of “Native American Landmarks and Festivals.” “Powwows are famous for their fanfare of colorful clothing, exhilarating drumming,singing and dance moves which have all been modified into a dazzling and exciting event enjoyed by both Native Americans and visitors. The Powwow is a major cultural activity that not only helps preserve a rich legacy, but illustrates the tenacity and strength of Native cultures that are living and dynamic.”

Powwows are open to the public, but Wakim Dennis reminds spectators to show respect.

“Spectators should enjoy themselves, but remember that for many participants, the powwow is a way of earning money,” she said. “It is also a serious time when participants, who may be marginalized from their own cultures in their daily lives, have the opportunity to connect with their friends, family and heritage.”

Here are just a few of the local powwows happening in the Northeast this summer and fall.

Narragansett Indian Tribes August Meeting Powwow

Aug. 10-11

Charlestown, RI

The Narragansett Indian reservation claims to hold the oldest recorded powwow in North America. The event features traditional Narragansett cuisine, as well as modern American food, various Native jewelry, music, artwork, books and traditional Native American dancing.

Mohegan Wigwam Festival

Aug. 17-18

Uncasville, CT

Each August, the tribe sponsors a free powwow-style event to celebrate the annual Green Corn Festival or Thanksgiving for the corn harvest. Here, the general public is invited to view dance competitions, musical performances, art shows and other special events.

Visitors can learn more about Mohegan culture and traditions including Native American crafts, foods, dancing and drumming. The family-friendly festival is free and open to all.

Medicine River Charity Powwow

Aug. 24-25

Gilbertville, MA

Experience Native American drumming, dancing, teaching, artisanal vendors, a community feast, sunrise ceremonies, children’s activities and nightly cultural wellness meetings at the Medicine River Charity Powwow.

Saturday night includes a pot luck dinner in which guests are invited to bring side dishes, desserts or bread. Other activities include morning sunrise ceremonies, mother’s honor dance and a Saturday night talking circle.

Shinnecock Indian Powwow

Aug. 30-Sept. 2

Southampton, NY

The Shinnecock Indian Powwow is one of the largest Native American gatherings on the East Coast. Each day features competitive and ceremonial dancing, entertainment and prayers. Drum groups and dancers will compete for $50,000 in prize money.

The powwow also plays host to approximately 100 Native American arts, crafts and food vendors from across the Americas. Additionally, Native American representatives provide demonstrations and information to guests.

New to the Hamptons? Here’s your comprehensive guide to the neighborhood.

Labor Day Weekend Powwow

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Sanbornton, NH

Sponsored by the Laconia Indian Historical Association, this powwow features two days of dancing, drumming, demonstrations, crafts, food and traders. Guests can visit the snack shack for delicious food and drinks, including fry bread stand with wojapi (a thick berry sauce) and other toppings. A mourner’s feast takes place Friday at 7 p.m. and a candlelight vigil will be held at 10 p.m.

Iroquois Indian Festival

Aug. 31-Sept. 1

Howes Cave, NY

The Iroquois Indian Festival, which takes place at the Iroquois Indian Museum, includes an art market exclusively featuring Iroquois artists. Both contemporary and traditional art forms are on display. There will also be a children’s area with art and traditional crafts activities.

The event is highlighted by traditional Iroquois social dances performed by The Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. Storyteller Perry Ground of the Onondaga Nation, one of the original nations of the Iroquois, will tell tales of daring feats and astounding adventures.

A wildlife rehabilitator will discuss local wildlife conservation and show a variety of wild animals, including birds of prey. The museum’s archaeology department will give demonstrations of flintknapping and other early technologies. Delectable Native foods will be available from Haudenosaunee food vendors.

Saratoga Native American Festival

Sept. 22

Saratoga Springs, NY

This year’s Saratoga Native American Festival will be held at the historic Congress Park and will include activities in the Saratoga Arts Center and the Canfield Casino. Authentic northeastern Native American Indian drumming and dancing, storytelling, music, crafts, and traditional native foods are just some of the things visitors will find.

The festival includes Native artists and artisan vendors selling their work, including traditional arts and crafts to more modern forms such as beadwork, quillwork, wampum, tufting, silver work, carving in wood, stone, antler and bone, leatherwork, oil painting and clothing. Crafting demonstrations such as basket weaving, jewelry making and carving will take place throughout the day.

Native American vendors will offer a wide variety of foods, ranging from traditional blue corn bread, moose meat and strawberry drink to Navajo tacos and buffalo burgers.

Spending the weekend in Saratoga? Click here for more things to fill up your itinerary. 

Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Oct. 13-14

Randall’s Island, NY

During this celebration, the Redhawk Native American Arts Council brings together a consortium of 14 indigenous organizations to bring awareness of Indigenous Peoples day, traditionally celebrated as Columbus Day. All are welcome to enjoy music, song, spoken word, artists and a guest speaker.

The Redhawk Native American Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization founded and maintained by Native American artists and educators living in the New York City area.

Have you ever been to a powwow? What was the experience like? Let us know in the comments below.

The first of many decisions that you will have to make when planning a theme park vacation is choosing where to go. With so many incredible parks and resorts along the East Coast and just a short plane ride away in Orlando, some might say it is the hardest part. And that’s just the beginning.

Then there’s picking a place to stay, making sure you get reservations at the restaurants you want to visit and more. We know there is a ton to think about, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a bit of thoughtful organization. It will all be worth it when you’re off having the time of your life.

Picking the Right Theme Park

Your first step will be to choose the perfect theme park for your family. Your decision will be based on a number of factors, including distance, cost, and the ages and interests of your kids.

Distance: The theme park you choose may depend largely on where you live and how much time you have to travel. We all know that Florida and California have the most variety, but almost every state in America has a theme park or two. You have plenty of options, no matter where you live, but remember that the farther your destination, the more time and money you’ll spend to get there.

Cost: Ticket prices vary from park to park, but you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $35 to $100 per person for a one-day ticket. If you’re a AAA member, you can save on admission to many parks when you buy tickets in advance at any AAA branch or at AAA.com. Be aware of extra costs like parking, concessions and access to special attractions. The cost of your flights, car rental, gas, lodging and food all add up. Be sure to do your research and create a budget long before your trip. And make sure to use your AAA discounts on hotels, resorts, airfare and rental cars, too.

Ages and interests of your kids.  A large part of deciding which theme park to visit will depend on your kids. Are they old enough to enjoy a theme park vacation? What are their interests? Many of the largest and most famous theme parks focus on the characters your kids have seen on TV and in movies, but there are also parks based on wild animals, popular toys and distant lands.

You can take a successful theme park vacation with kids of all ages, but perhaps the best time to bring them is when they are between ages 4 and 12. A 4-year-old will be able to walk by himself for part of the day and 12-year-olds still believe in the magic and excitement that a theme park provides.

Choosing a Place to Stay 

Once you’ve selected a theme park or two, you can start hashing out the other details. Most parks provide a wealth of lodging options, from budget hotels to upscale resorts. On-site lodging will help you save on transportation costs, spend more time in the park and possibly even skip ahead in lines. While this option is often more expensive, the added perks can make them worth the splurge.

Most standard-size hotel rooms are suitable for four people. Larger families will need to look for a larger suite of rooms. Suites come equipped with separate sleeping quarters and a kitchen, so guests can make their own meals. If you don’t reserve a room with a kitchen, be sure to find a resort or hotel that has an on-site restaurant. And remember, you can call AAA Travel or stop in at any AAA branch to meet with a AAA travel agent. These industry experts can help you plan and book nearly every aspect of your trip at a discounted price.

Planning Your Meals

Theme park restaurants can be a circus of long lines, tired children and crowded tables. The last thing you want from your vacation is a meltdown at every meal, so it’s important to prepare well in advance. Here are some tips to take the stress out of mealtimes.

Eat a healthy breakfast at your hotel. Breakfast may just be your most sane meal of the day, so make it count. If you’ve got a kitchen in your room, prepare breakfast yourself and take this time to relax a bit before heading out. Otherwise, take advantage of your hotel’s on-site restaurant to fill yourself and your kiddos up with a nourishing meal before heading to the park.

Pack snacks and water. Most theme parks won’t allow you to bring in full meals or coolers, but snacks are usually allowed, and they can be a lifesaver if your kids become grouchy while you’re standing in line. Stash granola bars, fresh fruit and trail mix in your backpack for emergencies.

Make reservations well ahead of time: Did you know that many theme park restaurants allow you to make reservations months in advance? It’s true, and if you build the rest of your day around meals, you can minimize meltdowns from tired, hungry kids. Make your reservations during off-hours to avoid crowds. If you can do lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m., you will have more time to relax and even a little peace and quiet when you sit down to eat.

Follow these tips to make sure your theme park vacation is one your family will remember for all the right reasons. Take a little time to do some research and plan ahead and you will see nothing but smiles (hopefully!) when vacation time rolls around.

Plan a theme park vacation with AAA and save.

If you’re just passing through, Watkins Glen, N.Y., might seem like a blink-and-you-miss-it place. The village in the Finger Lakes region is only 2 square miles with a year-round population of about 2,000. Its downtown area, just a few blocks around Franklin Street (NY Route 14), is quaint, yet nondescript, with two-story brick buildings circa 1840-1940. Today, they house small retail shops and eateries.

On the surface, Watkins Glen might seem like an ordinary, unhurried, somewhat-rural community. In truth, it is a pacesetter.

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

Watkins Glen Racing

For racing fans, Watkins Glen International is high-revvin’ heaven. In fact, the history of car racing in these parts predates the raceway. Organized street racing started in Watkins Glen in 1948. The first track was a route through and around the village on twisting, turning, hilly roads – some paved, some not.

Today, visitors can still drive the original 6.6-mile grand prix race course used from 1948 to 1952. Maps are available at many locations including the racetrack, the visitors center downtown and the chamber of commerce website. I got mine from the front desk of the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, along with insight from the knowledgeable staff. Commemorative signs mark the road route, but so do speed-limit signs, mostly in the 25-mph range.

“Drive the Glen” at Watkins Glen International might be more your speed. On various occasions during the race season, April through October, visitors can experience the thrill of maneuvering the 3.4-mile road track for a couple of laps in their own vehicles. I was there in the off-season, so I didn’t have the opportunity, which was especially disappointing because I happened to be driving a rented Dodge Charger for my road trip. Anyway, the rules say you can’t push it beyond 55 mph or pass other vehicles, “especially the pace car.” I watched some racers taking impressive practice runs over the hills and curves of the track.

Watkins Glen cherishes its place in racing history. To learn more, you can make a pit stop at the International Motor Racing Research Center.

Finger Lakes Wine Country

Car racing isn’t the only circuit in town. There’s another loop through Watkins Glen, N.Y., for wine enthusiasts. Watkins Glen has been dubbed “the Gateway to the Finger Lakes,” the largest wine-producing area in New York state. More than 100 vineyards operate in the region that encompasses 9,000 square miles. Most are in the vicinity of Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca lakes.

Situated on the south shore of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which includes about 30 participating vineyards and wineries. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours. Some world-class wines have been produced in the area. The slopes surrounding Seneca Lake are said to be particularly good for growing grapes. They also make for an attractive setting for sipping and gazing across the neat rows of vines toward the lake.

Needless to say, wine tastings and driving are a dangerous pairing, so it’s important to have a designated sober driver. Another option is to hire a transportation company. At Lakewood Vineyards, I met some women from Long Island on a group tour of the wine trail. They were traveling without worry on motorcoach. Their biggest dilemma was getting the wine they had purchased home. They had cases of their favorites that could only be bought in the area.

Take a Road Trip to the Finger Lakes.

Watkins Glen State Park

You’ll find tranquility in abundance at Watkins Glen State Park. The Gorge Trail is a must for any able-bodied visitor. It follows Glen Creek alongside – and sometimes under – its 19 waterfalls, past swirling pools and around and through water-sculpted rocks. Behind each turn in the path, beyond each water-carved tunnel, above every uphill climb is another brilliant view from every perspective – even if you are surrounded by crowds at this popular natural attraction.

I was lucky to avoid crowds on my visit to the gorge. We enjoyed a guided tour in the rain armed with ponchos and umbrellas provided by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The soft but soaking showers enhanced the beautiful surroundings. The creek ran a little higher and faster through its turning, dropping passageway and the vegetation along the banks released large drops from its shiny water-drenched foliage into the water below.

Speaking of foliage: In mid-fall, when summer crowds subside, the hills surrounding Watkins Glen turn to vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. The colors encircle the village and highlight picture-perfect scenes of farmhouses, croplands, barns and animals in the distance.

Please note that the Gorge Trail closes at the first sign of frost in fall and will stay closed until it is deemed completely safe from ice.

Family-Friendly Farming

For families, there are a number of opportunities for outdoor activities. At Farm Sanctuary, a 300-acre shelter, you can interact with rescued farm animals and hear their stories. At Reisinger’s Apple Country, you can have a pick-your-own adventure. You’ll get to try the latest hybrid created by Cornell University’s apple-breeding program, like the SnapDragon, a trademarked mix with a Honeycrisp and an undisclosed apple variety. Whatever the other parent is, it helps make for a wonderfully sweet and crunchy snack. The Reisingers are test growers for Cornell’s new creations, which actually take about 10 years to perfect. There are pears, peaches and seasonal vegetables, too. Kids might get a kick out of the giant Adirondack chair. It’s also a fun growth-measuring stick for generations of Reisinger’s visitors.

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

Some of the most spectacular views are from the AAA Four Diamond Rated Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Tucked behind the village’s main strip, it sits overlooking Seneca Lake. The hotel is a central location for visitors to explore the area with ease. Step out the main entrance for a leisurely stroll through the downtown neighborhood. Head out to the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail, which is about a half-mile south on Franklin Street. Book now.

Just a few miles to the north, you’ll come upon some of the most notable vineyards in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Corning Museum of Glass is about 20 miles south.

A hub for travelers and locals alike, the large back patio at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a casual, comfortable and enjoyable place to hang out whether you’re dining at the handsome umbrella-topped, wrought-iron tables, relaxing in an Adirondack chair or gathered around one of the gas-lit firepits. There’s often musical entertainment and seasonal activities, as well.

The Harbor Hotel shows pride its in community with a collection of local flavor. The restaurant pays homage to local products like melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, fresh produce and a good selection of Finger Lakes wines. The hotel decor reflects the community’s most notable characteristics: The walls are lined with photographs of orchards, vineyards, boating on Seneca Lake and spectacular images of Watkins Glen State Park and awe-inspiring vantage points of the Gorge Trail.

The Harbor Hotel staff members show genuine hospitality. They are unobtrusive and maintain a laid-back vibe while still attending to every detail of a guest’s stay. There’s an around-the-clock concierge, but you can also get local insight and insider tips from the many of the staff members who grew up in the area. After a steep winding climb up the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail, I was impressed when a Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel staff member told me that she used to run the course to train for high school track.

The highlights of my stay were in the early morning and evening. In the morning, a beverage station is set up at the central elevator area of each floor. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more are available in whatever quantity you find necessary to start your day. Rather than fiddling with a coffee maker in my room, spilling sweetener and powdered creamer (never enough for me), I could stumble down the hall and return with a perfectly brewed, hot mug of coffee with real cream and any sweetener I preferred.

Every evening, I found a mouth-watering chocolate bar on my pillow. Even when we turned down turndown service, I was given a handful of chocolates. They sure knew how to put a smile on my face.

Have you ever been to Watkins Glen, N.Y.? Share your trip highlights in the comments. 

More than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses regularly. With contacts providing more natural eyesight than eyeglasses, being safer for performance sports and physical activities and having no chance of fogging up in sudden temperature changes, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.

But according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, 90% of contact lens wearers do not take proper care of their lenses, which can lead to eye problems such as irritation, blurry vision or infections.

Follow this advice to make sure that your eyes and lenses continue to perform their best.

Keep in Contact With Your Eye Doctor

Your eye doctor is the key to your contact lens care and making sure they work with your lifestyle. Get your eyes checked regularly to keep your prescription accurate. (AAA members can get 30% off eye exams at participating LensCrafters locations.)

Be sure to follow all the guidelines set by your eye doctor and the contact lens manufacturer. This includes wearing times, replacement schedules and cleaning instructions.

How Keep Your Contact Lens Clean

Your contact lenses help you to see the world around you, so you want them to be as clean as possible. There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning your lenses.

Wash and dry your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water. If you’re wondering how big of a difference this simple step can make, try this experiment: Place unwashed fingers on a piece of clear tape; whatever sticks to the tape is what you would be putting on the lens – and in your eye!

Don’t clean your lenses with water. You might be tempted to throw the lenses under the faucet but tap water may contain microorganisms that can seep onto the lens and cause an eye infection. To clean your lenses, use disinfecting solution and rub the lenses with your clean fingers to get rid of any residue and surface build-up. If you have reusable lenses, you should use the solution to clean your lens case as well. And while we’re talking about water, take your lenses out before swimming in a pool or hot tub or taking a shower. Even though contact lenses do not fog up like eyeglasses do, the exposure to water can do more harm to the lenses than good.

Your lenses aren’t lollipops. If your contacts are feeling a little dry, avoid the temptation to dab them with saliva. Your mouth is full of bacteria, so doing this is not a safe idea.

Keep them fresh. The solution you use to soak your contact lens in should always be completely fresh. Make sure that you do not mix older solution with new as the mixture will lose the amount of disinfectant it needs to kill off organisms.

Change it up. If you keep using the same case for your contact lenses, dirt and other irritants will linger and build up and stick to them, causing all sorts of eye problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend changing your case about once every three months.

Put them in, then look good. Be sure you put the lenses in before putting on makeup. Not only will your mascara and eye liner look more even, but doing so will reduce the risk of makeup-based irritants sticking to the lenses.

Contact Lens First-Aid Tips

Contact lenses are a more comfortable option than glasses for many, but there are also risks. Should you run into these situations, here’s what you should do.

Contact lens stuck in your eye? First and foremost, wash your hands. Then, determine the location of the contact lens. If it’s centered on the cornea, rinse the eye with saline, contact solution or eyedrops, then close the eye and massage the lid until the contact moves. Rinse and repeat as needed. Is the lens somewhere else in your eye? Move your eye in the opposite direction and gently massage the eyelid or blink to move it to the center.

Contact lens torn? Having a torn contact lens is more than just a minor inconvenience – it is a hazard to your eyes.  A torn lens can scratch the cornea, which can lead to infections and other eye problems. If the lens is torn, remove immediately and get a fresh pair. Always have backup lenses or glasses handy.

Violent stinging or burning sensation? This could be a result of many factors, from allergens to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops or switch to a preservative-free contact lens cleanser until you can see your eye doctor.

Give Your Eyes and Contacts A Break

Lastly, when getting ready for bed, remember to take out your contacts. Per the CDC, at least half of all Americans who wear contact lenses sleep or nap with them in. Doing so, however, can lead to infection, redness and soreness of the eyes. You wouldn’t wear your eyeglasses or sunglasses while you sleep, so do the same with your contacts.

AAA members can save 10% off on contact lenses with LensCrafters.

When we’re traveling, we think about the sights we’ll see, the things we’ll do, the food we’ll eat. But we should also think about the air we’ll breathe. In some places around the U.S. and the world, pollution in the air can be harmful.

“We are talking some serious health effects,” said Janice Nolen, assistant vice president of national policy at the American Lung Association. “We’re talking about increased risk of premature death. We’re talking about heart attacks. We’re talking about asthma attacks. We’re talking about needing to go to the hospital, not being able to breathe. Even healthy adults who are exposed during a period of unhealthy air quality can be affected.”

You can find air quality forecasts for U.S. destinations online at airnow.gov, which also has links to forecasts from U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, and international air quality sites.

If you’re traveling someplace with unhealthy air quality and you have an underlying health condition such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, visit your doctor before your trip to discuss what medications you might need to bring with you. Others at special risk from exposure to air pollution include people over age 65, pregnant women (because of risk to the baby) and children, whose lungs are still developing.

“Even healthy children need to be protected,” Nolen said.

Pollutants in the air can include particulate matter from industrial or auto exhaust, wildfire smoke and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

The best way to protect yourself is to stay indoors as much as possible when the air is unhealthy. Keep windows and doors closed and if you have a heating/air conditioning system, set it to recirculate.

If you must be outdoors, an N95 face mask can be helpful, but offers limited protection.

“They don’t protect against gases, so they’re not going to help you with ozone, they’re not going to help you with sulfur dioxide, they’re not going to help you with carbon monoxide,” Nolen said.

In order to work, face masks must fit snugly. Because of this, they won’t properly fit children, many women or men with beards. Because they are meant only for single use, you’ll need one for each day.

“Don’t look at them as a solution,” Nolen said. “Look at them as a temporary help in an emergency situation.”

Careful planning will help you breathe easier – and more safely – wherever you roam.

To read more articles about travel-related health topics, visit AAA.com/LiveWell.

Sharks are everywhere and they’ve been here forever. Sharks have been swimming in the oceans since Pangea and there are currently over 400 different species of them. But for a fish that’s been around for so long, sharks are pretty misunderstood. In the United States, more people get struck by lightning than attacked by sharks. One of the best ways to learn more about our neighbors of the deep is by visiting a local aquarium. And if you’re feeling really curious, some aquariums even offer shark diving programs. Are you ready to take a little dip?

One of the best aquarium shark diving experiences can be found at the Long Island Aquarium, in their 120,000-gallon Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit. At the Long Island Aquarium shark dive, you descend into the exhibit in a cage. Here you’ll come face-to-face with four sand tiger sharks, four nurse sharks and two wobbegong sharks, as well as the fish that share their habitat.

Save on tickets to the Long Island Aquarium with your AAA membership card.

“This experience is perfect for someone looking to get over a fear of sharks, because you are very safe,” said Darlene Puntillo, the Long Island Aquarium’s marketing director. “You’re in a steel cage with an experienced dive master and an educational tender outside the cage.”

Whether sharks scare you or not, you’re sure to learn a lot on your dive. Included in the dive is a tour of the Lost City of Atlantis habitat, as well as a Q&A with the in-house shark experts.

“Getting that close to an animal you otherwise wouldn’t helps people feel a connection to that animal,” Puntillo said. “You can’t leave this adventure without appreciating sharks and wanting to be with them or learn even more about them. They are amazing animals!”

If you can’t make it to the Long Island Aquarium, you could head to Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey. Adventure Aquarium offers educational programs with a variety of marine wildlife, including sharks. In Shark Realm, you can don a wetsuit and snorkel and get right in the water. You’ll come within inches of sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks. You’ll also get the chance to swim with and feed the aquarium’s stingrays in the Stingray Lagoon.

Adventure Aquarium is full of great shark exhibits even for people who don’t want to get in the water with them. You can interact with little bamboo sharks at the Touch a Shark exhibit and walk through a giant Shark Tunnel (home to over 20 sharks). You can even make your way across Shark Bridge, a V-shaped rope suspension bridge that passes over a shark tank.

Do you have a younger shark fan in your house? Many nearby aquariums offer touch tank experiences, where children can interact with small rays and sharks. Mystic Aquarium and The Maritime Aquarium both offer this type of experience. The New England Aquarium’s shark and ray touch tank houses even larger marine life, like cownose rays, Atlantic rays and epaulette sharks.

If you’re willing to travel for sharks, there are a few other aquariums around the U.S. that offer shark diving programs. Most notable are the Florida Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium.

At the Florida Aquarium, you can take a surface snorkel among stingrays, barracudas, a sea turtles, nurse sharks and sand tiger sharks. A dive master will be with you at all times to guide you through the experience.

“Part of the experience is learning about sharks and how they impact our waterways,” said Sandra Morrison, the Florida Aquarium’s director of communications. “We limit the number of guests and staff that go in the habitats to ensure we do not negatively impact the animals.”

If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can go even deeper at the Florida Aquarium. With a dive master at your side, you will plunge into the tank to get a close-up and personal look at the sharks. You don’t need to bring your own scuba gear, the aquarium will provide it for you. Just make sure you have your certification!

At the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, you can take their Journey with Gentle Giants swim. Journey with Gentle Giants is an experience where you can snorkel or scuba dive (again, as long as you’re certified) with a variety of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. The swim takes place in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which contains 6.3 million gallons of water. In addition to whale sharks and manta rays, you could see zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, humphead wrasses and many other types of fish. The Journey with Gentle Giants swim is actually the only program in the world that allows guests to swim with whale sharks, the largest-known living fish species.

If you want to get closer to our toothy ocean friends, then shark diving is definitely for you. And at these aquariums, every week is shark week.

Would you ever go shark diving? Have you done it before? Tell us in the comments! 

For the germ-conscious, the mindset upon entering a hotel room walks a fine line between the pampered world of room service and freshly made beds (gratefully made by someone else), and thoughts that could have you reaching for the hand sanitizer.

Microbiologist Philip Tierno, a clinical professor at New York University School of Medicine, assures that there’s nothing to fear. Once you know what to look for, your hotel room will be as tidy as home sweet home.

First things first – wash your hands. Tierno suggests giving your mitts a good scrub as soon as you arrive in your room to get rid of any germs you picked up during your travels.

Address germ hot spots such as doorknobs, telephones, tabletops and light switches by going over them with an antibacterial wipe and letting them air dry. “I usually bring a plastic bag to cover the TV remote,” said Tierno. In the bathroom, go over the counter, faucets, toilet lever and toilet seat.

Wash reusable glasses, ice buckets or coffee makers in your room before using them. You can use disposable cups and the plastic liner provided for the ice bucket.

As an extra precaution, you may also want to remove the bedspread or comforter. And if the hotel doesn’t use hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers, ask for an extra fitted sheet and pillowcases and double up.

When it’s time to freshen up, Tierno says you’re better off with a shower than a bath, which can harbor germs that are not easily removed. In a shower, only the bottoms of your feet are exposed.

Whenever you take off your shoes, he suggests protecting your feet with hotel slippers or a pair you bring from home. “I would not walk around barefoot.”

Even at the ritziest hotels, hundreds of people have probably stayed in the same room. The key is not to overthink things. Unless it is visibly unclean, relax, settle in and use these strategies to keep your space hygienic and maintain peak health during and after your trip.

AAA Diamond Ratings make finding quality hotels easy. Hotels are inspected and rated based on high standards, including cleanliness and comfort.

For more information, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

Walt Disney World is a huge organism, filled with thousands of cast members from around the world. After their time at Disney, some of those cast members wind up making magic at AAA. I am one of those former cast members (a veteran of Toy Story Mania, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-A-Long Celebration and the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks). Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Stacey Crowley, a travel sales manager at AAA Northeast who spent her early career working for the mouse.

Stacey and I were both part of the Disney College Program, which offers internships at Disney parks to college students. Many cast members start with the program, then stay on at Disney for years. Here, Stacey and I talk about getting your foot in the door, behind-the-scenes magic, upcoming attractions and other Disney insider tips for your vacation.

The following interview is edited for clarity. 

Sarah: What were your roles at Disney?

Stacey: When I started, I did my college program at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom.

[The Emporium is a mammoth-sized souvenir shop that stretches all the way down Main Street, USA. To say the least, it gets a lot of foot traffic.]

Sarah: Oh boy.

Stacey: Yeah, that was great. Let me tell you. After that, I was on the opening team for FastPass+ [Walt Disney World’s former FastPass system]. I wrote the training manuals and integrated FastPass+ into attractions. Then I went over into entertainment. I was a performer for a while, and then I was a character attendant and then I eventually was a trainer and a captain for shows and parades. So it was good! It was a lot of stuff.

Sarah: How did you decide to do the college program?

Stacey: Well, my plan was not to go to college after high school, but part of the rule for being in the program was that you had to do at least one semester of college. So I literally went to college for one semester just so I could do the college program.

Sarah: That’s so funny!

Stacey: I was like, “Listen, if this is what gets me in, I’m there.” It’s been my dream since I was probably 3 years old to work for Disney. My family used to go to Disney World literally all the time. There was one time when I was 4, and I had just met Mickey. My dad pointed his camera at me and said, “Hey, what did you think? How was that?” and I turned around and I said, “Dad, I’m gonna be Mickey Mouse one day!” And then fast forward 20 years later and that’s what I did.

Sarah: That’s amazing.

Stacey: So you were in attractions, right? You did Toy?

Sarah: Yeah, I did Toy Story Mania at the time when it was the most popular ride in the world. So we were all, like, insane when we worked there. It was a lot of pressure, having to put all those people through the ride every day. And it was pretty safety-intensive, we were all eagle-eyed for people leaning on railings or getting too close to the tracks. But I liked working at Hollywood Studios. What’s your favorite park?

Stacey: It depends on the day. Animal Kingdom is probably my favorite overall, if I had to pick. I’m obsessed with animals and conservation and I actually foster an elephant at a sanctuary in Kenya. But Hollywood Studios has to get an honorable mention.

Sarah: Are you excited about the new “Star Wars” land that’s coming in?

Stacey: Oh yeah, I have six brothers, so I had no choice but to like “Star Wars”. I think it’s gonna bring a lot more to that park. And I think that park needs a little more love. And it’s so immersive. It’s going to bring a lot to Disney. Are you a “Star Wars” fan?

Sarah: I am, yeah. I mean, I got to be way more of a “Star Wars” fan working at Hollywood Studios than I ever was before. Because they were just starting to push all the “Star Wars” stuff, and I got a “Star Wars” name tag that said I was from Alderaan, which was very special.

Stacey: That’s like the best thing ever.

Sarah: What’s your favorite Disney insider tip to give people who are visiting Disney World for the first time?

Stacey: Don’t be afraid of the pre-planning. It seems overwhelming, but it really takes away so much of the worry and the stress while you’re in the park. Another tip is to take advantage of the restaurants that are inside the parks. Magic Kingdom is a great example. If you can get breakfast at Be Our Guest, they start seating people an hour before the park opens. So you can go in and get pictures in front of the castle without anybody else there. You eat breakfast and then you’re literally right there in front of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. And you’re the first on line.

Sarah: So what was your experience in entertainment like? I’m really curious.

Stacey: It was very challenging. I mean, I danced my entire life. I danced for 23 years – ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, but it didn’t prepare me for what it would be like. There’s nothing in the world to describe what it’s like to have a little kid come up and hug Mickey Mouse. You’re seeing it from the inside, and you feel the emotion when they give the hug. You know? We had this one little boy at the Incredibles Dance Party in Magic Kingdom. He had a wheelchair, and I think he was there for three weeks. But every day, he came to dance with Frozone and the Incredibles. That’s the only time he would get out of his wheelchair, to try and show off his dance moves.

Sarah: When, in your opinion, is the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World?

Stacey: People looking for less crowds should go the first two weeks of January, after New Year’s Day. The week after Labor Day is also usually a little quiet because everybody is going back to school. But if you’re looking for best overall time, meaning less crowds and more activities, I would highly recommend September. You get Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you get the Food and Wine festival, there’s just more happening around that time.

Sarah: What do you think about the new fireworks show, Happily Ever After?

Stacey: I love it a lot. But I mean, I loved Wishes [the previous Magic Kingdom fireworks show]. When I worked at the Emporium, my team and I got selected to run “Project E” which was where we got the chance to manage a team of CPs to redesign the store to what it looks like now. We did all the windows and stuff. I had just turned 18, I had no experience, it was crazy that they trusted me to do something like that. At the end of our college program, the manager took us to the roof of the Emporium to watch Wishes.

Sarah: Oh my gosh!

Stacey: I know! Every time I think about it, I could cry. It was amazing. I’m very partial to Wishes, but the new one … the projections and everything about it. How could you not love a fireworks show that Disney does? I’m really happy that we have a focus on Disney at AAA. There’s nothing like having AAA to back you up, and to have all the experts in your corner. I’m not the only one on the team who used to work for Disney, or who has this level of appreciation. It’s a smart choice.

Sarah: Yeah, there’s a lot of cross-pollination between Disney and AAA.

Stacey: It’s kind of funny, right? That’s a good way to put it.

Do you have a favorite Disney World story? Share it in the comments below!

Plan, book and save on your next Disney vacation with AAA. 

Food challenges sound simple enough: Eat a bunch of food in a certain amount of time and be rewarded for it. But anybody who has failed to conquer a food challenge knows that your eyes often can be bigger than your stomach.

Thanks to the television show “Man v. Food,” food challenges have gained an extraordinary amount of attention and restaurants are using this opportunity to beef up the stakes for those who dare to try them.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the top food challenges in the Northeast based on the following criteria:

• Difficulty (as in, you have to mentally prepare for these);
• Amount of time; and
• Rewards.

Connecticut

Cheese Truck Challenge
The Cheese Truck
New Haven

If you love grilled cheese sandwiches and happen to see the Cheese Truck driving around the New Haven area, you might be tempted to try the Cheese Truck Challenge. Eat 10 grilled cheese sandwiches with at least one topping of choice and you’ll get a free sandwich every week for a year and a sandwich named after you. Because nothing says sweet victory like a sandwich bearing your name.

Massachusetts

Eagle’s Challenge
Eagle’s Deli and Restaurant
1918 Beacon St., Brighton
Time limit: 1 hour

Do you like burgers? What about super-big burgers? Take on the Eagle’s Challenge! This monstrous burger is 5 pounds of beef – almost 10 patties – 20 slices of bacon and 20 slices of American cheese between a large bun. Plus, it comes with 5 pounds of fries, a deli pickle and a fountain soda of your choice. If you manage to finish, you’ll get a full refund and a $100 gift card.

New Hampshire

The Feedbag Shovel
KC’s Rib Shack
837 Second St., Manchester
Time limit: 30 minutes

Calling all BBQ lovers: KC’s Rib Shack is offering the ultimate Northeast BBQ test with its Feedbag Shovel. There’s so much food – 6 pounds, to be precise – that it comes served in a shovel. Don’t tackle this one alone – you’ll need at least three or four friends to finish it all.

It holds a full rack of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked sausage and pulled chicken. But that’s not all. There’s also a half pound of baked beans and coleslaw, plus two pieces of cornbread.

If successful, you and your friends will get the meal free, some nifty T-shirts and your group’s picture on the KC’s Rib Shack hall of fame. Check out this cool video from NESN’s “Wicked Bites” to see what exactly what that shovel looks like.

The Grand Poutine Challenge
Chez Vachon
136 Kelley St., Manchester
Time limit: 1 hour

If you just can’t get enough poutine, how does a five-pound tray sound? Finish this gravy-and-cheese-curd French fry tray and your photo will be added to the wall of winners. This challenge is available only before 1 p.m.

New Jersey

The Eighth Wonder Challenge
Clinton Station Diner
2 Bank St., Clinton
Time limit: 1 hour

The largest of several food challenges at Clinton Station Diner, the Eighth Wonder is no joke. This burger weighs a whopping 105 pounds, stands at almost a foot tall and you’ll need the help of nine other people to finish it. As a reward for conquering this massive burger, you and your team will get $2,000 in cash. So far, no one has been successful.

New York City

Phaal Curry Challenge
Brick Lane
99 Second Ave., New York
Time limit: One sitting

This food challenge is so intense, you have to declare prior to the challenge that Brick Lane “is not liable for any physical or emotional damage after consumption.” Even the chef has to wear a gas mask to prepare it. The goal is to finish a dish of hot curry made with nine different peppers with your choice of chicken, lamb, goat, fish, shrimp, paneer, tofu or veggies in one sitting. Finish it and you’ll get a bottle of beer, a certificate of completion proclaiming “extraordinary courage (and rather dubious judgement),” the title of Phaal Curry Monster and a picture on the online P’hall of Fame.

Supersize Mi Challenge
Mi Noodle Bar
391 Second Ave., New York
Time limit: 90 minutes

Fans of pho noodles will want to give this food challenge a try. You must consume 3 pounds of meat and 3 pounds of noodles, which may or may not include broth. Prizes include a free meal, $100 gift voucher, inclusion in the wall of fame and one free appetizer for future dine-ins “pho life.”

Lunchbox
1612  Forest Ave., Staten Island

The Lunchbox offers three very different food challenges, with free meals and T-shirts at stake. If you want to try any or all three, you must sign up online by filling out the form here. You also have to sign a waiver.

Motherload Sloppy Joe Challenge
Time limit: 30 minutes

Better have loads of napkins or even a bib ready for this one. The Motherload Sloppy Joe challenge consists of 8 pounds of sloppy Joe in a 16-inch Kaiser roll, 1 pound of melted cheddar cheese and a quarter-pound of diced onions with your choice of a 24-ounce beverage. Two people can take this challenge but they must each use only one utensil and finish the sloppy Joe in 30 minutes.

151
Time limit: 20 minutes

The 151 is an ultra-thick chocolate, strawberry or vanilla milkshake that’s served in two portions – one huge 150-ounce glass with a 1-ounce shot glass “chaser.” It’s topped with whipped cream and you must use a spoon or a straw to finish.

Death Wish
Time limit: 10 minutes

With a name like Death Wish, you know this food challenge isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to eat six buffalo wings mixed with chipotle chillies and the Hellraiser habanero ghost chili extract – considered the hottest in the world – within 10 minutes. You can’t use any utensils or napkins and you’re not allowed to drink anything until 10 minutes after you’ve eaten the last wing.

New York – Long Island

Kitchen Sink Sundae Challenge
Krisch’s
11 Central Ave., Massapequa
Time limit: 1 hour or less

Can’t get enough ice cream? This challenge involves 10 scoops and any three toppings that can’t be placed on the side; that’s 6 pounds in all! Finish all of it and get your picture on the wall of fame, a T-shirt and free ice cream. And yes, it actually comes served in a kitchen sink.

5-Pound Barbecue Challenge 
Swingbelly’s Beachside BBQ
909 W. Beech St., Long Beach
Time limit: 1 hour

This intense Long Island barbecue challenge includes a full slab of St. Louis ribs, a quarter pound of pulled pork on Texas Toast, a quarter pound of brisket also on Texas Toast, four Swingz (monster chicken wings), three rib tips, two sides and two pieces of cornbread. Finish this barbecue frenzy within an hour and earn a free meal, an official Porker T-shirt and your picture on the wall of fame.

New York – Upstate

The Colossal Pancake Challenge
The Ugly Rooster
312 N. Third Ave., Mechanicville
Time limit: 20 minutes

If breakfast food is more of your thing, try the Colossal Pancake challenge. This challenge features two 8-by-12-inch pancakes slathered in whipped butter, whipped cream, syrup and your choice of fruit or eight eggs. The prize for conquering one of the heartier food challenges is an Ugly Rooster T-shirt, your picture on the wall of fame and a free meal. Of the 250 customers who have tried it, only one has succeeded.

The Magnum Pizza Challenge
Chick-N-Pizza Works
2940 Union Road, Cheektowaga
129 Abbot Road, Buffalo
Time limit: 1 hour

Two people are required for one of the more intense food challenges in the upstate region. For this challenge, the team has to eat a pizza pie that weighs over 13 pounds and is 29 inches in diameter – the size of a wagon wheel. Competitors can’t take bathroom breaks and outside help is not allowed. But they can have unlimited soft drinks. If you conquer this challenge, you and your teammate can get two $25 gift cards and free pizza. Out of all the hundreds of customers who have attempted the challenge, only four have won.

Pennsylvania

Moby Dick Sandwich Challenge
Lucky Louie’s
8238 Perry Highway, Erie
Time limit: 1 hour

Eat through 2 pounds of Smith’s garlic-ring bologna, pierogi, sauerkraut, chili, cheese, grilled onions, bacon, fried eggs, cream cheese, ketchup, Greek sauce and Frank’s RedHot Sauce (7 pounds in all) within one hour and not only will you get a free meal but you’ll also get a free T-shirt and your picture – or “Fat Head” – on the wall of fame, as well as $100 in cash.

Belly Buster Challenge
The Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub
1452 Woodland Road, Clearfield
Time limit: 4 hours

You’ll need the help of a buddy with this barrel of a food challenge. In four hours, you’ll have to finish a 20-pound burger with a huge beef patty that’s loaded with cheese and veggies, served on a huge and dense homemade bun. This challenge takes so much preparation, reservations must be made at least three days in advance. Should you conquer one of the heftier food challenges, you’ll receive a free meal, free T-shirts for you and your friend, $400 in cash, your picture on the wall of fame and a certificate of completion.

Dog House Challenge
Ale Mary’s at the Bittenbender
126 Franklin Ave., Scranton
Time limit: 1 hour

One of the most dogged of food challenges, the Dog House Challenge requires you to eat three foot-long hot dogs within one hour. Specifically, you have to eat the following:

• The Notorious P.I.G. – a 12-inch all-beef, bacon-wrapped dog with pulled pork and Monterey Jack cheese
• The Snoop Dog – a 12-inch all-beef hot dog with short-rib chili, malt-liquor mustard and corn chips
• The Craig Mac – a 12-inch all-beef, bacon-wrapped dog with Gouda macaroni and cheese

Eat all three and get a free meal, a $25 Ale Mary’s gift card and 1-cent select drafts for the rest of the day.

Rhode Island

Kennel Club Challenge
Spike’s Junkyard Dogs
485 Branch Ave., Providence / 640 Reservoir Ave., Cranston / 1623 Warwick Ave., Warwick
Time limit: 90 minutes

This straightforward food challenge calls on the challenger to finish six large plain hot dogs, including the homemade buns. Toppings such as ketchup, relish and mustard are optional. If you manage to finish all six, you’ll get a free T-shirt and your picture on the wall of fame. Beat the store record and your meal is free. As of Sept. 18, 2018, the record is 25 hot dogs for men and 12 for women. This challenge is also available at the Allston, MA., location.

Know of any intense food challenges in the area we missed? Let us know in the comments.

To be honest, it’s fairly thrilling to roll into Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone. Having ridden north from Kiev in a minibus over a two-lane road, we arrive at a checkpoint.

Authorities examine our passports, then admit us into an area that encompasses some 1,000 square miles, set 30 miles away from Chernobyl Power Plant’s destroyed reactor four. Inside stands the husks and hulks of some 200 former villages and towns, which now feel like a post-apocalyptic place. In all, about 200,000 people were evacuated.

“And no one will ever live here again,” our guide Anastasia, clad in fatigues, tells us.

Tours to this disaster site have never been more popular, with HBO’s hit miniseries “Chernobyl” putting the place back on the map – and boosting visitor numbers dramatically. Local tour operators, who typically run one-day tours to the site (which sits about 75 miles north of Kiev) are reporting a significant bump in bookings, increasing some 30-40% since the show started airing. Tours cost about $100 and usually include a simple lunch in a local canteen.

A Different Sort of Day Trip

The background: on April 26, 1986 an accident during a test on reactor four at a nuclear power plant sparked a fire and a meltdown, releasing unprecedented amounts of radioactive material. Soviet authorities eventually evacuated everyone within the Exclusion Zone. A fallout cloud drifted across Europe and between the initial trauma and continuing effects of radiation, thousands died (how many, exactly, is subject to debate).

My visit, which predated the television series, began in Kiev’s Independence Square where I joined a group of about a dozen people for the two-hour drive north. I was in the country to check it out as a tourism destination: Ukraine’s capital city sports a soaring skyline, interesting museums, monument-filled parks and restaurants that serve the best perogies, vodka and chicken Kiev in Eastern Europe. And from the capital many visitors are now adding a trip to Chernobyl to their itineraries.

Vincent Rees, who owns Cobblestone Freeway, a tour company based in Canada and Ukraine, says his phone has been ringing off the hook since the TV series started airing. Although he admits that a lot of those calls have been from journalists like me. But when it’s guests calling to book a trip, many wonder, is it safe to visit Chernobyl? “The radiation question – that’s always the first thing people ask,” he said. Experts seem to agree that in most spots, including all places on tour itineraries, the radiation has dropped to safe levels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just announced plans to turn Chernobyl into an official tourist attraction, a move likely to draw more visitors to the area.

But others aren’t so sure. Some question the ethics of visiting the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, where so many died and where the course of so many lives was altered.

‘Annoyance, Fear and Grief’

As the minibus passes deeper into the Exclusion Zone, which runs along the northern border with Belarus, guides give a list of fairly commonsense rules: Don’t eat any plants or drink from water sources, and avoid sitting on the ground. We stop at reactor four, now enclosed in a protective dome, taking photos in front of it. In the wake of the show’s airing, social media influencers have descended on the site, in some cases taking inappropriate photos­ – including modelesque selfies – in front of hollowed out buildings and abandoned fun parks. It all prompted Craig Mazin, creator and executive producer of the HBO show, to ask people to “please remember that a terrible tragedy occurred there. Comport yourselves with respect for all who suffered and sacrificed.”

On my tour, we proceed through the sites with a mixture of awe and horror. The Ukrainians I spoke with while traveling in the country ranged from ambivalence to anger about the accident. Because it occurred during the Soviet Union era, a sense of blame persists. (Russians have expressed displeasure at their depiction in the HBO series, and plans are underway to make their own version.) And while some would prefer not to shine a light on it, some Ukrainians told me that they were pleased Chernobyl tours were helping produce a bump in tourism.

“Most of us feel resentment, annoyance, fear and grief,” Tanya Bakbardina, a client manager with Cobblestone Freeway, tells me in an interview after my visit. “It’s because this catastrophe affected the life and health of not only those who caught this tragedy or was an eyewitness, but also those who were born after 1986.”

Bakbardina adds that the feelings tend to split down age-based lines. For older generations, some of whom have suffered ongoing health problems, the anger still boils. (She admits that tour companies offering itineraries to Chernobyl sometimes take some heat from these Ukrainians.) But young people in the country – like the tourists who visit – are attracted to Chernobyl by their curiosity, detached by time from the actual event. “In this, they see romance, and dangers pleasantly tickle their nerves,” she said.

Hope and Renewal

After the reactor we have a look at the “red forest,” a stretch of radiation-scorched woodland. As we enter Pripyat – a purpose-built city to house workers at the nuclear plant, which was once home to some 50,000 people – it feels like a city of ghosts. We wind through an amusement park now frozen in time, grass curling up through cracks between the bumper cars, a yellow Ferris wheel – now an icon of the town – rusted and perpetually halted.

We pass restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and restaurants. Their hollow-eyed windows all staring at us, black and empty, then proceed through the Palace of Culture. The wooden floors of its once-fine gymnasium now wrecked, the pool emptied out. It’s all sad, but – more than that – eerie, as if you can still hear just the slightest whisper of the vibrant life that once surged through this place.

We finish by climbing to the top of a 15-story apartment building and walking around on the roof, with sweeping views of the destruction: a forest, sprouting all throughout the city, returning it all to nature, and the phantom of reactor four on the horizon. It’s all very green, and very melancholy.

But for Tanya Bakbardina, this view inspires hope.

“One lesson, for me, is that nature will survive even after the apocalypse,” she tells me later, adding that Ukraine continues to face a choice with how to deal with the aftermath of Chernobyl. “The Zone has two ways – to be forgotten or to be famous,” she said. “We chose the second way – the preservation of the memory of the heroes, whose action or inaction saved the world.”

Would you visit Chernobyl? Tell us in the comments. 

Let me get this right out in the open – I love food. All sorts of food: Ethnic. Street. Gourmet. Comfort. Free. But Providence food, especially.

As a born-and-bred Rhode Islander, I spend an inordinate amount of time exploring the capital city’s burgeoning foodie scene. From sushi to espresso, pizza to upscale fare, I love scouring Providence’s tasty nooks and crannies for the newest food sensations.

So, when an invite for a Providence culinary press trip crossed my desk, I was giddy, though a tad apprehensive. What new things could this jaded journalist learn about the city’s restaurants and Rhode Island in general?

Hint: A lot.

So here, in no certain order, is a list of my favorite Providence food destinations from that whirlwind weekend – some new, some classic, all delicious.

The Best Providence Food Destinations

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

Our first afternoon started out with a Rhode Island Red food tour of the downtown area. The three-hour-plus walking tour stops at eight restaurants throughout the city, with little bites at each one. You can even add alcohol pairings for an additional cost. It’s a lovely introduction to the city for newcomers, as well as those who have been in Rhode Island for a bit. Our guide Jenny dropped Providence knowledge and trivia like tasty breadcrumbs throughout the afternoon. The food offerings left me stuffed and happy.

Friskie Fries
100 Washington St.

Oh, how I love Friskie Fries. This spot, born from a popular food truck of the same name, serves gourmet french fries. Read: Crisp and golden, piping hot, with a soft center. You can get them buck naked, dusted with spices or all dressed up. Try the Rhode Kill for a taste of the classic Rhode Island wiener: they’re topped with New York System meat sauce, onions, mustard and celery salt. My favorite was the Alleycat, with fresh garlic, Parmesan and olive oil. The best-seller is the Miss Potato Head (a nod to Hasbro, which has its headquarters in nearby Pawtucket), which come smothered in sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese and chives.

Yoleni’s
292 Westminster St.

Located in the old Tilden-Thurber building, the lovingly restored Yoleni’s is part Greek marketplace, part bustling breakfast-lunch-dinner spot. During our visit, owner Alexander Philippides served us a spread of marinated olives (ouzo, orange, herbs, etc.) and homemade Greek yogurt flavored with lemon. (You can customize your yogurt – the best I’ve ever had – with a selection of fresh fruit and granola.) The yogurt was so good that many of us came back at night to pick up some containers for a snack. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this: The original outpost store is located in Athens, and the olive oil is grown from the family’s trees in Olympia.

 

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Knead Doughnuts
135 Elmgrove Ave.

There’s a reason the Providence-Warwick metropolitan area was recently chosen as the top “donut” city in the nation. Hand-crafted doughnuts are having a moment, and Knead Doughnuts is a big reason why. (PVDonuts and Allie’s – if you’re up for a road trip – are also wonderful.) Of course, it doesn’t hurt that there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts shop on nearly every street corner. But visit one of Knead’s two Providence locations for doughnuts that will make you stop and savor. Every. Little. Bite. You’ll find old-fashioned, cake, filled and brioche varieties in flavors like Black Forest, vanilla glazed, chocolate, blood orange, cinnamon roll, peanut butter and jelly …. the delicious list goes on. There are also daily vegan and flourless options. If you visit the Custom House location, take a peek at the left side of the building. You’ll see this:

Cool, huh? The Avenue Concept, a Providence-based nonprofit that fosters public art, is behind the mural (“Still Here” by the artist Gaia) and several others strewn throughout the city. Head to the website for a map of where you can find them all.

Gracie’s
194 Washington St.

Spoiler alert: Gracie’s is one my favorite restaurants in Providence. It’s more than earned its AAA Four Diamond status with its tasty, inventive fare and outstanding service. We feasted like royalty in a dim, private room surrounded by wines of all vintages. Even the bread was amazing: We had our choice of warm sourdough or cornbread basted with duck fat. The menu changes with the seasons, with standouts like Atlantic cod loin with chickpea stew, chorizo and squid, and a tasting of winter vegetables. Save room for the specialty desserts that are all made in-house.

Sydney
400 Exchange St.

The avocado toast at this bright and sunny Australian-themed eatery is everything: slathered with bright-green avocado, cherry tomatoes and a smattering of feta. Or opt for the ricotta toast. A savory option is topped with winter greens and drizzled with balsamic, while a sweet version comes with honey and brûléed fruit. You’ll also find healthy yogurt bowls, breakfast sandwiches, overnight oats and a bevy of home-baked goodies, as well as light sandwiches for lunch. (Next time, I’m trying the signature roasted broccoli, served with ricotta salata and lemon-caper aioli on ciabatta. Drool.) Perfectly crafted beverages round out the menu, with offerings like flat whites, matcha green tea lattes and plenty of bold cold brew.

Malted Barley
334 Westminster St.

This is where I discovered I liked hard cider. A lot. Malted Barley has 37 craft brews (including cider and fruit beers made from bananas and pineapples) on draft, plus more than 60 bottles and cans. Order up a flight of your favorites and pair them with perhaps my favorite new Providence food find: a delectable, made-to-order fresh pretzel. You can get them plain and salted, served with a to-die-for apricot butter, or stuffed with myriad fillings for a sandwich. It’s a great place for lunch, a mid-afternoon snack or a quick bite before a show.

AAA members can save at restaurants all over the country with exclusive discounts from Restaurant.com. 

Can’t get enough Rhode Island fare? Tell us your favorite Providence food and be sure to check out these specialties throughout the state. 

As a writer, I sit at my desk. A lot. I often find that I’m slouching, my wrists are hurting, my buttocks are sore and my legs are cramped. But after recently attending a chair yoga class, I learned all that could change with a few easy exercises.

I was amazed at the stretches and poses provided by the instructor, Chris Molzahn, and the modifications she offered for doing the exercises at my desk. She understands the plight of the sedentary office worker.

“I’m stiff after sitting for 10 minutes! Getting up periodically and stretching helps,” Molzahn said.

Fellow yoga instructor Katherine McIntire agrees. “We find that people sitting all day is the new smoking. If people can get up and move once an hour, it’s good for the heart,” she said. “It’s also good for reducing stress. Anytime someone stops and does an exercise at their desk, they’re being mindful.”

Here are some great poses you can do without leaving the office.

SEATED CRESCENT MOON

This pose is great for those who find themselves hunched over their computer, causing back and shoulder

pain. Sit in your chair, feet flat on the floor. Raise both arms over your head and place your palms together. Bend slightly to one side, hold for a few seconds, then repeat on the other side for a great stretch of your sides, back and shoulders.

CHAIR PIGEON

This pose helps center your hips and spine. Sit in your chair, feet flat on the floor. Bend one leg and place it across so the ankle rests on the other knee and your leg rests at a 90-degree angle. Twist slightly to one side, hold, then repeat on the other side. Remember to breathe!

WRIST STRETCHES

Wrists and hands can get particularly crampy after a day filled with typing. Stretch your arms out straight in front of you, palm up and pull your fingers downward for a great finger and wrist stretch. Release and repeat with just your thumb, then switch sides. Then make wrist circles with both a closed fist and open fingers to keep those hands agile and the words on the keyboard flowing.

Find more tips on healthy living. AAA.com/HealthFitness

For every person who is a fan of something, say a type of food, a movie, a music genre or even something less mainstream, like rattlesnakes or “Little House on the Prairie,” there’s probably a festival for it. Unique festivals across the United States include the Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival in Wisconsin, the Fort Wayne Pugfest in Indiana and the Fantasy Fest in Florida, among thousands of others.

One of the sweetest, and perhaps more under-the radar festivals, has to be the annual Dirty Dancing Festival, celebrating its 10^th anniversary in 2019. Generally held in mid-September, the festival is an ode to the iconic 1987 movie. If you know who uttered the phrase “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” and can easily envision the classic “Come here lover boy” scene between Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) in the fictional Catskills resort’s dance studio, this unique festival is for you.

Held in Lake Lure, N.C., one of the movie’s location sites, the tribute event offers everything a fan could want: watermelon races, dance lessons, reenactments, a screening of the movie, the Kellerman’s Talent Show, and of course, the festival highlight, the popular Lake Lift competition, attempted by eager volunteers.

Lake Lure has a population of just about 1,100 people, but it swells to at least triple or quadruple that during the festival, when people come from as far away as Germany to celebrate their favorite film. In truth, there aren’t that many physical spots in the area that remain from the movie to visit, but that seems irrelevant to the festivalgoers, who are just happy to be with like-minded fans.

Two spots that do remain include the dance floor where the talent show in the film took place, and the boathouse stairs that Baby carried a watermelon down and later practice-danced on. You can find the floor at the Esmeralda Inn, serving as the floor in the lobby and dining room, but you can’t access the stairs (they’re on private property now, though you can glimpse them from a boat). Local tour companies run sightseeing trips and can point them out to you.

Hardcore fans might want to stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, which housed the cast and crew during filming. The dancers practiced in the inn’s Roosevelt Hall and visitors can book the exact rooms in which Swayze and Grey stayed.

One of the best parts of the festival is the gleeful audience participation. You can take dance lessons with professional instructors, then try out your moves in an amateur shag competition; take part in the Kellerman’s Talent Show after training with the Asheville Ballet dancers; or see if you can lift your partner over your head in the Lake Lift competition. This crowd favorite is held in the lake cove of Morse Park, around the corner from where Johnny and Baby practiced one of their most famous scenes. Couples enter the water and get two practice lifts before making the third try count. The year I attended there was a proposal, which brought the crowd to its feet with cheers and clapping.

More Not-to-Miss Unique Festivals in the U.S.

Lebowski Fest

It’s been almost 20 years since the movie “The Big Lebowski” came out, but you’d never know it from the legions of fans who still worship The Dude. Now in its 18^th year, the two-day Lebowski Fest, held this year in Louisville, Ky., celebrates all things Lebowski with a movie party, a live soundtrack tribute concert, unlimited bowling, plenty of White Russians and costume and trivia contests, a fitting tribute to His Dudeness.

San Fermin Festival in Nuevo Orleans

A hilarious riff on the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, the San Fermin in New Orleans also features a race of runners being chased. But instead of bulls in hot pursuit, participants are pursued by roller derby skaters. The “Rollerbulls,” armed with foam baseball bats and horned helmets,  give runners a swat if they catch up to them. The annual event is now in its 13^th year.

Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival

While the annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival is filled with the typical literary readings, live theater performances, author talks and discussion series, its Stella (or Stanley) Shouting Contest is both uniquely Williams and New Orleans, setting it apart in a fun spin. Contestants vie to rival Stanley Kowalski’s shout for “STELLAAAAA!!!” in the unforgettable scene from Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Both women and men are welcome to participate and yell for Stella (or Stanley) on Jackson Square, while onlookers cheer for their favorites.

Book a hotel near your favorite festival with AAA. 

When Plant City opened its doors in early June, it became just the second vegan food hall in the country ­(after vShops in Miami) serving exclusively plant-based cuisine. But Plant City did more than just open its doors: It moved the needle on Providence’s reputation not just as a foodie city, but as a forward-thinking one.

News broke early this spring that Matthew Kenney, a renowned vegan chef who built a plant-based restaurant empire comprising more than 30 restaurants across four continents, would be opening an Eataly-style food hall in Rhode Island. Kenney has been nominated as a James Beard Rising Star Chef twice, and was named a Best New Chef by Food + Wine magazine. His only two New England restaurants are both in Boston. The fact that he took notice of Providence for his flagship food hall, rather than opening in a large city with a guaranteed customer base, is a big deal.

“We were immediately met with so much enthusiasm when word got out of Plant City’s imminent opening,” Kenney said. That enthusiasm – the first three nights were booked basically as soon as reservations were available – indicates a growing appetite for healthier options when dining out. It’s easy to cook healthy food at home. It’s not as easy to have an exciting dining experience at a restaurant and still have it work with a whole foods diet. At least, it’s not as easy outside a major metropolitan area.

“The demand for vegan cuisine in Providence, which is a small city compared to most, became immediately obvious – yet there were few existing options in the area to support and fuel that demand,” Kenney said. “That’s a huge indication of just how big [plant-based cuisine] is becoming, because it shows that the initiative to engage in a healthier, more sustainable and plant-based lifestyle is not limited by geography or demographic.”

Three Floors of Vegan Goodness

Plant City has revived the building that once housed an iconic Providence restaurant, Barnsider’s Mile and a Quarter. Within its walls are five separate dining concepts, a marketplace, and a meeting space in the basement that will host yoga and meditation classes as well as food-related workshops.

“The experience [of a vegan food hall] is different, because it’s diverse, exciting and inspiring,” Kenney said. “You can sit down to have dinner upstairs, but also wander around trying different things, check out the marketplace and find yourself immersed in retail aisles filled with products that you haven’t seen anywhere else. The overall energy is higher, and it creates a really creative, inspired atmosphere.”

The first floor is home to a coffee shop serving vegan pastries (even croissants), a quick-service lunch counter called Make Out and a restaurant called New Burger. At Make Out, which serves bowls, you order a base and customize your toppings. For breakfast, maybe that’s oatmeal or non-dairy coconut yogurt, topped with roasted apples, almond butter and flax seeds. For lunch, it might be soy-ginger quinoa or field greens, topped with rosemary fingerling potatoes, charred broccoli rabe and roasted tomatoes with basil, and finished with citrus Sriracha or pesto dressing. At New Burger, the menu focuses on plant-based versions of comfort foods, like a classic burger with heirloom tomato, lettuce, sunflower cheddar and beet ketchup, or a Cobb salad served with tempeh bacon, tomato, cucumber, corn, avocado and herb ranch dressing.

Upstairs are two more formal restaurants. Double Zero is a pizzeria with menu options like truffle pizza, with cashew cream, wild mushrooms, Tuscan kale and lemon vinaigrette, and artichoke conserva with confit cannellini beans. At Bar Verde, the Mexican-inspired restaurant that shares the second floor, there are plant-based takes on Mexican favorites: wild mushroom carnitas, cauliflower al pastor, jackfruit pibil, hearts of palm ceviche.

“We’re lucky to have chefs that truly respect and understand the flavors, textures, fragrances and the natural beauty of plants,” Kenney said. “It’s because of this deep respect for food that creativity and innovation thrive in our kitchens.”

Room for Growth

Creativity and innovation are hallmarks of Providence’s dining scene, which might be why the city was immediately so taken by Plant City’s opening. The food hall has been embraced not just as a new place for vegetarians to go, but as a buzz-worthy restaurant piquing the interest of the larger community that just wants to have a delicious meal. Case in point: executive chef Luis Jaramillo is an omnivore. “When it comes down to it, our chefs are creating art, just like any other talented chef. Our medium just happens to be brighter, fresher, healthier and more alive,” Kenney said. He called Jaramillo “an incredibly talented artist who thrives in a creative environment and is stimulated by new projects and challenges … Any differences in personal lifestyle are left at the door.”

A few weeks after Plant City opened, an all-vegan food hall opened in New York. That makes three in the country: one in a city of nearly 9 million, one in a city of half a million and one in Providence. Will its 180,000 people keep this innovative concept alive? If the buzz around its opening is any indication, then signs point to yes. As people are increasingly shifting to wellness-oriented lifestyles, the appetite for vegetable-heavy cuisine is only growing – not just in big cities, but in smart ones. Success in Providence points to the idea that a lot more of the country is ready for healthy, gourmet-minded food than previously assumed.

“Plant City has served as one of the strongest indicators of just how much momentum there is behind today’s plant-based movement,” Kenney said. He’s using this buzz as inspiration to think about other smaller and often-overlooked areas. “Accessibility is such a big factor in our mission to spread this healthier shift toward plant-based cuisine, and we would never get anywhere if we didn’t expand to new, uncharted territories.”

What are your thoughts on Providence’s new vegan food hall? Do you plan to go soon? Have you visited already? Tell us in the comments. 

For more ideas on where to go for dinner tonight, search for restaurants at AAA.com/Diamonds. 

Some of the most popular podcasts today are limited-series podcasts. But that wasn’t always the case. When “Serial” premiered in 2014, “This American Life” bent over backwards trying to sell the idea that its spin-off podcast’s episodes were connected, a show that would have, over the course of multiple episodes, a beginning, middle and end.  That’s why it’s called “Serial” – the name has almost nothing to do with the subject matter. The main conceit was that you had to listen to all the episodes in order. As we all know today, people fell for it. Hard.

Limited-series podcasts scratch a special kind of itch – it’s a format that rewards both binge-listening and the slow drip of waiting for new episodes to come out. Limited-series podcasting allows creators to take their time in exploring a story, to plumb the depths of a piece and go down rabbit holes and cul-de-sacs. Whether you’re new to podcasts or a podcasting veteran, these limited-series podcasts are sure to captivate you.

Serial – Seasons One and Three

I won’t be shy about saying this: Season two of “Serial” does not measure up to the reporting and storytelling of seasons one and three. The first season of “Serial” is a deep dive into the murder of high school student Hae Min Lee, and the story of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, who was convicted of the crime. (The case is still ongoing; a judge in 2016 overturned the conviction and granted Syed’s request for a new trial.)  Sarah Koenig investigates the confusing tangle of clues around the case, while also growing closer to Syed during their series of phone conversations. It’s a meditation on the nature of truth and justice. Season three of “Serial” takes place at the Justice Center Complex in downtown Cleveland, where Koenig and her team of reporters spend a year witnessing the ins and outs of an average American courthouse. The level of access they were granted is amazing, and the season is a captivating listen.

The Gateway

The internet is full of people searching for meaning, and internet-famous spiritual gurus are there to give it to them. When Jennings Brown stumbles across one such spiritual leader, Teal Swan, something doesn’t feel right to him. Teal’s hypnotic YouTube videos seem calibrated to target the most vulnerable individuals, and as he digs into her past, he learns that a few of her followers have committed suicide. Brown journeys to Swan’s “retreat center” in Costa Rica to learn more about the controversial figure’s mysterious past. He never could have guessed how forthcoming Teal Swan would be, or how deeply the story would affect him.

The Dream

What if I told you that a small investment of a few hundred dollars could change your life forever? It can’t, but this is the promise of many multilevel marketing companies and pyramid schemes. Host Jane Marie uncovers the history of MLMs in America, drawing on her own family’s history and entanglements in a series of pyramid schemes that ran through her hometown. While it’s a highly personal podcast, it’s also universal. Who hasn’t seen one of their Facebook friends trying to hawk patterned leggings, dietary supplements or essential oils? Marie interviews a participant in the “airplane games” of the 1980s, goes deep into multilevel marketing’s ties to the White House and even has a former cosmetics marketer try (and fail) to make money selling makeup through an MLM.

Julie: The Unwinding of the Miracle

Julie Yip-Williams is the focus of this posthumous podcast. Julie is a writer, a musician, a world traveler, a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. She also has terminal cancer. Her careful planning for her family’s future and exploration of her past becomes part of her process of accepting her own mortality. This brief, beautiful series is a portrait of the unimaginable and the inevitable. “This is a record we can all look back on,” she remarks to her family, even though she knows she’s only weeks away from death. This isn’t the story of a warrior or a martyr. This is the story of Julie.

Uncover Season One: Escaping NXIVM

CBC reporter Josh Bloch is catching up with a childhood friend, Sarah Edmonson, when she reveals that she’s just escaped a cult. NXIVM (pronounced “nexium”) was a sprawling network of multilevel marketers, self-help groups and faux-feminist empowerment programs in upstate New York and Canada. Edmonson tells the story of how she went from sitting in a circle and talking about professional development to being blindfolded and branded in a bizarre ceremony. Bloch takes us through the history of founder Keith Raniere, the development of NXIVM and the aftermath of Edmonson’s explosive tell-all with the New York Times.

The Dropout

Young entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes seemed to emerge out of nowhere. She dropped out of Stanford after just a few semesters to found a revolutionary blood-testing company, Theranos, and quickly became the youngest self-made female billionaire of all time. But Holmes was not all that she seemed. Theranos claimed to run hundreds of tests with just one drop of blood, but was that really true? And why did the company seem to have a revolving door when it came to employees? Also, why did Holmes allegedly dress like Steve Jobs and speak with a fake deep voice? “The Dropout” is more than a corporate scandal – it’s an indictment of the medical-industrial complex as a whole.

Honorary mentions

Listened to the above already? Some of my other favorite limited-series podcasts include “Dirty John,” “Dr. Death,” “S-Town,” “Missing Richard Simmons,” “Heaven’s Gate” and “Cold.”

Looking for some more podcasts? Check out my Podcast Pulse articles about shows for history buffs, the best girl power podcasts and ways to find the perfect show for you.

“I’m super comfortable on an airplane,” isn’t a phrase one hears often. Even in the most luxurious first-class seats, air travel can have a less-than-luxurious impact on the body.

Many effects are due to altitude, says Dr. Paulo Magalhaes Alves, a member of the Aerospace Medical Association who, through his work with MedAire, provides medical advice to the aviation industry.

The environmental pressure in aircraft cabins is generally at 6,000 to 8,000 feet, rather than at sea level. But unless you have a heart or respiratory condition, the resulting high-altitude effects – headache, fatigue and lower alcohol tolerance – won’t be serious.

“A rule of thumb is that anyone able to walk briskly for 60 yards or to climb a flight of stairs is probably OK to travel,” Alves said.

Reduced cabin pressure also causes gases – trapped in the gastrointestinal tract, the ears and sinuses – to expand. So carry chewing gum to help your ears pop, have decongestant at the ready and eat light on travel days.

This might be easier because, once you hit 30,000 feet, your sense of taste is altered. The cabin’s low oxygen level, relative humidity and background noise have been implicated as possible contributing factors, said Alves.

Cabin humidity is as low as 15%, which, contrary to popular belief, won’t truly dehydrate you.

“We might feel dry skin, mouth or even eyes, but that doesn’t cause any harm to our health,” Alves said.

True dehydration, which can cause constipation and headaches, is more likely the result of a hectic travel schedule and drinking too little water. Drink up and use skin moisturizer and eye drops, and you’ll be more comfortable.

The most dangerous possible impact of air travel – deep-vein thrombosis – is caused by sitting for long periods, rather than by the fact that you’re on an airplane. But Alves says this won’t happen unless certain risk factors are present.

“Recent surgeries, postpartum state, use of birth control pills, smoking, and particularly the association of them, increase the chance for DVT,” he said.

For healthy travelers, flying is a very safe means of transportation, said Alves. Most serious events are caused by a passenger’s underlying medical condition, he added, not by flying itself.

So drink up, eat right, stretch every now and then and enjoy your flight.

To read more articles about travel-related health topics, visit AAA.com/LiveWell.

You’ve probably read that travel, particularly airplane flights, takes a tremendous toll on our environment. But don’t despair – you don’t need to give up exploring the world to help make a difference.

One way that you can help reduce your impact on the Earth while traveling is to seek out places to stay that are eco-friendly. There are 54,000 hotels and motels in the United States alone, so you’re sure to find one that meets the green level you desire.

Search the websites of major chains to see what measures they’re taking to protect the Earth’s resources, or search for environmentally responsible hotels, motels and resorts through the Green Hotels Association.

Here are some things to look for in your next green vacation stay.

Installing Energy-Saving and Water-Saving Devices

The bulk of hotels and motels institute some sort of linen/towel reuse policy, which avoids running washers and dryers and wasting water to clean items that aren’t dirty. Put the “do not disturb” sign on your doorknob when you leave for the day, so your bedding won’t be changed unnecessarily.

Some establishments go a step further and practice rainwater harvesting or gray water reuse. With hotels’ large roofs and vast parking lots, lots of this free water can be collected for use in toilets, cooling towers and even landscaping, rather than letting it run into storm drains.

Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts’ Green Housekeeping Program grants its Best Western Rewards^® (BWR^®) members 500 bonus points, or an equivalent food and beverage credit, for each day they opt out of housekeeping services, on stays of two or more days. Guests can also use these points towards a free night stay on their next trip.

Find hotels that have swapped out incandescent bulbs for LED or compact fluorescent ones and those that have timers to turn off the lights when not in use. Programmable thermostats and double-paned windows are other ways hotels have renovated rooms to keep them comfortable without wasting energy. Even installing updated televisions can be a sustainable feature, because the newer models use less electricity than older sets. And the water savings from using low-flow shower heads and smaller-capacity toilet tanks add up quickly, and you likely won’t even notice the difference.

Recycling and Composting

Your grandmother was right when she admonished you not to waste food. Tossing uneaten produce, bread gone stale or meat that’s no longer fresh in the garbage not only means the energy used in producing that food was in spent vain but also the local landfills will reach capacity sooner than expected.

Mindful hotels keep their organic scraps out of dumps by composting them. When these scraps are added to the larger compost piles at local sanitation departments or farms, they metamorphose into what is known as “black gold” in the agricultural world. This nutrient-laden soil additive can then be used to boost future crop production, turning garbage back into food.

Another way to rescue food from the garbage bin is to donate it. Leftover banquet platters, trays of sandwiches or even giant fruit salads can be donated to shelters or other places to serve those in need. Doing so not only prevents the food from going to waste, it strengthens the bond between the hotel and its community.

And it’s not just food scraps that end up unnecessarily at the dump. Single-use items, like the mini bars of soap, small bottles of lotion and cellophane-wrapped plastic drinking glasses, add to the enormous amount of waste created in the hospitality industry. Look for hotels that participate in recycling ventures, such as Clean the World, which collects soaps and bottles of lotions and shampoo for distribution to areas of the world where they need these hygienic items (after a thorough decontamination process, of course).

Or plan your stay somewhere that uses large bottles of toiletries that are attached to the wall, eliminating the need for the small, disposable ones. Choose to stay in places that provide reusable glasses and mugs in rooms, rather than throwaway cardboard or plastic cups.

Reduce Food Miles

To reduce the distance food must travel to reach hotel restaurants, why not opt to stay at a hotel that has its own farm? This idea is not a new one in some parts of the world, but it is catching on here in the United States. Although hotels and inns in more rural settings might find growing some of their own food easier than those in a crowded city, even urban hotels can take part in this practice. For example, rooftop gardens are popping up in metropolitan regions across the country, and urban beekeeping has increased in popularity.

If a hotel doesn’t grow its own food, learn toward those that source their food from local vendors. Not only will your meals be filled with the freshest ingredients possible and keep the distance they must travel to a minimum, you’re sure to enjoy experiencing the specialties of the region, from local beef to seasonal fruits or fresh-caught seafood. The Best Western Plus Chateau Granville, in Vancouver, British Columbia, offers a “Go Green” menu that features local produce as well as a zero-waste food program, through which they compost organic matter and other recyclable items.

Steps You Can Take to Make a Difference

Being aware of your own individual actions when staying in a hotel can also help reduce your effect on the environment. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave the room, just like you do at home. Adjust the thermostat so the AC or heat isn’t running when you’re not there. And for visits to a city, consider staying within walking distance of your destinations, so you can leave your car in the garage for the duration of your stay. Small steps that both you and the hotel industry take to lessen adverse effects on our world can add up to big changes, if we all do our part.