Outside of the typical, heavily-hyped and more glamorous attractions, there are quite a few of what some may consider weird things to do in NYC. But weird can be good.

Some of the most captivating stories are hidden in plain sight; you just need to know where to look.

Weird Things to Do in NYC

Bannerman Castle 

More commonly known as Bannerman Island, Pollepel Island in the Hudson River appears from a distance like a vision from a fairy tale. Above the trees, Bannerman Castle looms, the hauntingly striking shell of a long-abandoned military surplus warehouse.

In the early 1900s, Francis Bannerman, who made a business of buying and selling war equipment and ammunition, purchased the island and built the Scottish-style castle, which he used as an arsenal and summer home. But after his death, the land and castle slowly began to crumble. A 1969 fire significantly damaged the structure and in 2009 a partial collapse altered its appearance even more.

The Bannerman Castle Trust is a not-for-profit organization that has been working with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to restore and preserve the island and castle, and beautifies the property with gardens. From May through October, boat, kayak and self-guided walking tours are available to the public.

City Hall Station

Preserved in time directly beneath City Hall, this retired 1904 subway station is a remarkable remnant from the transit system’s past. Unmatched by the purely functional, not-so-pretty stations of today, its chandeliers, skylights and Guastavino tile vaulted ceilings speak of a time when style and aesthetics were considered alongside utility. Unfortunately, as the New York Subway system grew, commuters opted in favor of efficiency and the stop was closed in 1940.

Although the train does not let out at City Hall, the station can be seen on the downtown 6 train, which loops through as it transitions from the downtown platform to head back uptown (ask your conductor if you can stay on board for the trip.) Tours are available to members of the New York Transit Museum.

Coney Island Sideshows 

Eccentricity is ingrained in Coney Island culture, which is partly due to its deep-rooted history of sideshow entertainment. At Sideshows by the Seashore theater, visitors can witness burlesque and magic shows and a traditional ten-in-one continuous circus sideshow where you can see sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists and other unique acts, all produced in signature Coney Island style.

Roosevelt Island 

Although now a family-friendly residential area and home to a Cornell Tech campus, Roosevelt Island’s past looked much different. Once called Blackwell Island and later on “Welfare Island” (1921-1973), hospitals, asylums and prisons filled the landscape of the small plot in the middle of the East River from the early 1800s through the 20^th century.

The island is only 2 miles long, but boasts six designated landmarks, several of which allude to its unusual history. The Octagon Tower, for example (now a fancy living complex), was once the central hall of New York’s first municipal asylum. But Roosevelt Island’s abandoned Smallpox Hospital is perhaps one of the eeriest things to see in New York. Known as “Renwick Ruin,” the hospital took turns as a city hospital and nursing school before it was closed in 1950. It is the only landmark ruin in the state.

Getting to Roosevelt Island is an adventure in itself. The Roosevelt Island Tramway takes passengers on a five-minute ride across the river from a station at 59^th street and Second Avenue. It is the first of only two commuter aerial trams in North America.

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Weird Museums in NYC

A post shared by Mmuseumm (@mmuseumm) on May 18, 2017 at 5:36pm PDT

Mmuseumm 

Housed in a former freight elevator in Tribeca, the tiny Mmuseumm describes itself as “a modern natural history museum dedicated to the curation and exhibition of contemporary artifacts that illustrate and humanize the complexities of the modern world.” In other words, it showcases everyday objects in a way that is designed to make you think. Previous exhibits have included “Objects Removed From People’s Bodies” and “The Cornflake Taxonomy.”

Mmuseumm is visible 24/7 and can also be scheduled for private visits. Curious passersby can call the number posted on the front door for a toll-free audio guide of current exhibits.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Times Square

If you’ve got a penchant for the peculiar, you will find it at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Times Square.

The museum’s “Odditorium” features over 20 themed galleries and interactive exhibits that appeal to the curious side of all of us, featuring collections of stories, artifacts and people so odd and extraordinary that, like the name says, you must see to believe – or not.

Smack dab among all the blinking lights of Times Square, the attraction is a fun place to spend a few hours. Save over 30% with tickets purchased in advance online with AAA.

Roadside Attractions

The Big Duck 

On the way to the Hamptons on Route 24, the Big Duck in Flanders is hard to miss and hard to pass by. Standing at 20 feet tall and 30 feet long, the duck-shaped building was originally built in 1931 by a Riverhead farmer who sold ducks and eggs from the shop within. Today, the ultra-photogenic roadside attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop into the gift shop, which sells duck memorabilia and trinkets, and serves as a rest stop with tourist information and clean bathrooms. It’s open year-round, but it’s recommended that you call before you go (631-832-3377).

 Find and book a hotel with AAA in the Hamptons.

Kaatskill Kaleidoscope 

Among the Emerson Country Stores in Mount Tremper, just a short distance from Woodstock, a 60-foot grain silo converted into the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope (Guinness World Records-approved) treats travelers to an unforgettable and unique psychedelic experience. Inside the small darkened room, visitors either lay on the floor or on tilted boards and watch as a constantly shifting set of colors and shapes set to music dances above them. Next door, the Kaleidostore has a variety of kaleidoscopes for purchase.

Find and book a hotel with AAA near Woodstock. 

Cross Island Chapel

Do you dream of having a small wedding? It can’t get much smaller than this. At about 29 square feet, this tiny chapel in Oneida claims to be the “World’s Smallest Church” and only has enough room for a bride, groom and officiant. Plus, it sits in the middle of a pond, so be ready to row! The sign out front tells you all you need to know about the little church, which is non-denominational, including its availability for special occasions and meditation.

Yes, weird is good. Some of New York’s oddest places show the greatest character and reveal the most interesting history. Now that you know where to find them, go out and explore!

What’s your favorite odd attraction? Tell us in the comments.

It’s hard to think of a step in the homebuying process more important than the home inspection.

Like figuring out what you can afford and getting preapproved for a mortgage, a home inspection can alert you to any potential issues, saving you from headaches and heartbreak down the road.

Here are answers to some common home inspection questions.

Why is a home inspection so important?

It can be hard to spot many issues during an open house or a showing. Some problems – like radon gas – are invisible. Even if you did have an extended period of time to look through a house, it’s unlikely you could match the experience of a professional home inspector. Getting a home inspected before you close your mortgage can help you identify problems that may alter your interest in a property.

How do I pick an inspector?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends asking 10 questions before choosing a home inspector, including what the inspection covers, how many inspections he or she has completed and if the inspector has experience with residential properties. Click here for the complete list.

My inspector found a problem. Can I ask the seller to fix it?

Navigating post-inspection negotiations is one reason buyers hire real estate agents. Agents – on your behalf – can ask sellers to address issues or offer credits to fix some issues after closing.

Is there anything an inspector won’t check?

Most home inspectors will look for and identify visual pest and septic issues but will normally recommend further inspection by a qualified expert in those fields if there is evidence of a bigger potential problem.

What kind of problem is so great that I shouldn’t buy a home?

Safety concerns should be at the top of your list. High levels of radon, for example, can contribute to lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. If a home has high radon levels and the seller refuses to remediate the issue, you should consider walking away if you aren’t prepared for additional expenses and risk.

Can I finance repairs for the home if the seller won’t make them?

Yes. The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation program is one option, especially for buyers looking to address common issues like roof repairs or heating system upgrades.

Problems You Can Spot Yourself

Hiring a home inspector is almost always a good investment when buying a home. That said, there are a few things an average Joe can look for that may spell trouble.

Look Before You Leak

Warped or missing roof shingles can be a bad sign. A leaky roof can lead to big problems and costly repairs.

You Smell That?

Noxious odors are never a good thing. Take a whiff in each room, especially the basement, to see if anything catches your nose. A musty smell in the cellar may indicate water issues. Be wary of suspiciously placed fans, which may be masking unwanted aromas.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Water damage inside walls can be hard to see, but you can spot signs of damage if you look closely. Bring discolored or warped drop ceiling tiles or floorboards to your inspector’s attention.

All Cracked Up

Take a good look at the ceiling in every room and take note of any cracks. They could be serious structural issues – or just harmless cosmetic imperfections. Either way, it’s worth passing along to your home inspector.

Loosey-Goosey

Loose handrails and cracked steps aren’t just safety concerns – they can be liabilities. Take a good look at every step inside and outside the house. Use the handrails as you go to see if they wobble.

Finding a safe, sturdy home doesn’t mean much if you can’t pay for it. Learn how AAA can help you to make the mortgage process as easy as possible. 

What do you look for in a home during an open house, a showing or an inspection? Let us know in the comments. Your approach could help others!

It might come as a surprise, but the Northeast is home to some of the world’s most spectacular boating events.

The region is home to several regattas that bring expert sailors from around the world to the shores of storied Northeast cities and towns like Newport, RI and Provincetown, MA.

For boating enthusiasts, there’s nothing like watching a parade of watercraft plying the water. Even if you’re not a fan, it still makes a pretty cool backdrop as you kick back on the beach with a cold drink and great food. Plus, cities come alive with events whenever a regatta’s in town.

So, if you’re planning a trip near the Atlantic Ocean this summer, consider booking your stay during one of the incredible regatta events our region has to offer.

Newport Regatta

July 6-7

This weekend marks the 35th Newport Regatta, which has adopted the motto “More racing, less waiting, cold beer.” Come July, the city known as the sailing capital of the world will be a hotbed of racing competition, with several East Coast and New England championships up for grabs.

The regatta is just the beginning of what you might experience in Newport. The city is home to the incredible Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walkway along the rocky Atlantic shoreline. Other attractions include the historic mansions – late 19th- and early 20th-century summer homes of America’s elite turned museums that celebrate their outstanding architecture. Many mansions were modeled after well-known European palaces. Check out our list of favorite things to do in Newport. 

The city is also home to the weeklong New York Yacht Club Regatta at Harbour Court July 15-20 and the Halloween Howl Regatta for youth sailors Oct. 26-27 (weather permitting).

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN NEWPORT, RI 

Around Long Island Race

July 25-28

First held in 1977, the Around Long Island Regatta is exactly what it sounds like, an incredible four-day race that covers 205 nautical miles of ocean, harbor and sound. Open to sailboats 24 feet and longer, the race has as many as 10 divisions, including a junior division.

And with a new start location in New York Harbor, you can watch from lower Manhattan as countless vessels set sail toward the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with the Statue of Liberty as a stunning backdrop. Plus, if you’re in town the weekend of the regatta, you can swing by Madison Square Garden for a concert or take the subway to see the Mets or Yankees play.

The regatta runs along the south shore of Long Island past Long Beach, Jones Beach and Fire Island before rounding the Montauk Light and heading into the Long Island Sound. If you decide to book a trip to relax on the beaches of Long Island during the regatta, you can take advantage of the dozens of breweries, incredible waterfront restaurants and live music at Jones Beach Amphitheater.

Nantucket Race Week

Aug. 10-18

The tiny island of Nantucket, off the coast of Cape Cod, transforms into the center of the racing world for a week every August. Over the course of Nantucket Race Week, there are regattas, awards ceremonies and parties all over the island. Plus, its beneficiary, the nonprofit Nantucket Community Sailing organization, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, so there will be an extra-special feel to the races this year.

Events include the Women’s Regatta, Team Racing Regatta in Nantucket Harbor and the IOD Celebrity Invitational in Nantucket Sound. Those in town for the regattas can also enjoy the annual Boston Pops on Nantucket at Jetties Beach on Saturday, Aug. 10, as well as several other concerts, comedy shows and dance parties in town that weekend.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN NANTUCKET, MA

Provincetown Regatta

Sept. 2-5

Set on the very tip of Cape Cod, the Labor Day-weekend Provincetown Schooner Regatta celebrates the proud maritime history of Provincetown. Now in its 17th year, the regatta’s purpose is teaching the public about the important role schooners, yachts and other fishing vessels played in shaping the town’s economic and cultural identity.

Visitors can get in on the action with schooner tours and sailings during the week. Tickets are also available to watch the regatta from the deck of a Captain John whale watching boat, which will also be available to photographers and painters who want to capture the action, thanks to a partnership with the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill.

Watching a regatta is a thrilling experience unlike any other. Don’t just read about it, start planning your trip to one of these awe-inspiring events right here in the Northeast today.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN PROVINCETOWN, MA 

Whats your favorite summer boating event? Share it with us in the comments. 

Universal Orlando Resort in Florida is filled with excitement, and there’s even more on the way!

The three theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay) provide visitors with one-of-a-kind entertainment and experiences, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Universal Orlando hotels also feature immersive experiences – which are points of interest in their own right – and the entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers countless restaurants, shops and entertainment options to enjoy.

With everything new and coming to the destination, now is the perfect time to visit!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, fans from all over could finally see the shops in person and taste a glass of butter beer while gazing at Hogwarts Castle, taking in some of the memories of the books and movies. This year, Universal Orlando added to the magic with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, now open! The coaster will take you deep into the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts Castle. Riders will join Hagrid in his Care of Magical Creatures class, where they’ll hop on magical motorbikes at speeds up to 50 mph while seeing familiar creatures along the way.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites

Universal Orlando is bringing two new value hotels into the mix for their guests. With hotel prices starting at less than $100 per night, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that your bank account won’t be drained. Surfside Inn and Suites opened at the end of June and the Dockside Inn and Suites is already taking reservations in preparation of its March 2020 opening.

Bigfire

This summer, Universal Orlando will introduce a new full service restaurant that intertwines modern-day cuisine with the tradition of cooking over an open fire. The food is cooked over an open fire, bringing back memories of BBQs and camping vacations with the family. Celebrating one of the earliest known styles of preparing food, Bigfire will take it to a whole new level.

The Today Cafe

The all-new TODAY Cafe combines delicious food and drinks with the famous “TODAY” show set we all know and love. The seasonal dishes featured on the menu are all based off of Al Roker’s favorite recipes, so you’ll feel directly attached to the cast. You’ll have the chance to savor breakfast foods, freshly baked pastries, salads, NYC-inspired sandwiches and more while sipping locally roasted coffee – a secret blend brewed for the hosts themselves. Guests can even channel their inner Hoda and Jenna with wine and beer on tap at the cafe along with tasty cheese plates big enough to share.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

Later this year, using lighting, effects and music, Universal Orlando will introduce its all-new projection mapping experience, “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” on the castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You’ll come in contact with some of the darkest, most powerful villains in the Wizarding World, including He Who Shall Not Be Named. Guests will be asked to participate in fighting off the dark arts by channeling their brave and powerful inner strength.

Do you have plans to visit Universal Orlando soon? Book your trip with AAA and save. 

Which of the latest attractions are you looking forward to most? Tell us in the comments. 

Frank Lloyd Wright went to Buffalo in 1903 to build offices for the Larkin Company, and, in a way, he is still building there today.

Unfortunately, the Larkin building no longer stands. The showpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in the city is the Martin House complex, which has undergone a 20-year, $50 million-plus restoration and reconstruction project.

Darwin D. Martin, an executive at the Larkin Company, was somewhat of a benefactor for Wright. Not only did he hire Wright for the downtown Buffalo office building, whe commissioned a number of residential structures for personal use. Hence, the profusion of Wright designs in and around Buffalo. Two of the homes he designed are still occupied as private residences. And some of Wright’s other visions for Buffalo came into being after his death. A filling station, a boathouse and a mausoleum have been constructed to Wright’s blueprint specifications.

An All Wright All Day trolley operating on limited dates from May through October takes visitors to most of Wright’s contributions to Buffalo.

Journey with us through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo.

Martin House Complex
125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo

Every intricate detail of Wright’s prairie design is represented at the Darwin D. Martin House and grounds. The site includes the Barton House, Wright’s first commission in the city, the main house, a long pergola, conservatory, carriage house, greenhouse and a gardener’s cottage.

Every structure, inside and out, is a unique example of Wright’s aesthetic – melding interiors with the natural settings that surround them. Wright’s well-known “light screens” are prominent here. There are 400 or so art-glass windows including the property’s signature “Tree of Life” design. The impressive wisteria mosaic fireplace dominates the first floor.

The furnishings are examples of how “Wright didn’t just design the buildings, he told you what to put in them, and he bought items and then sold them to you,” as a docent mentioned.

There are various levels of Martin complex tours offered to the public. I suggest the two-hour tour that encompasses most of the property. The one-hour tour, mostly of the main floor of the main house, will leave you curious to see more.

Forest Lawn Cemetery
1411 Delaware Ave., Buffalo

A series of broad white stone steps up a small hill appear as if floating above the ground leading to a platform and large rectangular monument. The Blue Sky Mausoleum was built about 45 years after Wright’s death, and 70 years after the death of the man it was meant to memorialize.

Wright envisioned this mausoleum for his good friend Darwin Martin in the 1920s. It was built by a Wright-trained architect in 2004 after painstaking research that included correspondence between the two men.

The Blue Sky Mausoleum is impressive but there are magnificent monuments scattered throughout the cemetery’s 270 acres, including the burial place of President Millard Fillmore.

The cemetery hosts a number of special events, lectures and tour opportunities.

Graycliff Estate
6472 Old Lake Shore Rd., Derby, N.Y.

This Martin family summer retreat nestled on the shore of Lake Erie almost met its demise in the 1990s until concerned citizens stepped in to save it. In 1998, it was designated a New York State Landmark. The restoration is a multi-phase project. Returning the property to its original state by removing non-Wright structures was the first priority. A number of structural repairs and the interior is complete, and now the focus is on the extensive landscape.

Various tours of Graycliff Estate are offered year-round.

Pierce-Arrow Museum
263 Michigan Ave., Buffalo

Another of Wright’s designs for Buffalo that took more than 80 years to complete is the gas station that sits entirely within the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. The Buffalo Filling Station is a two-story 1,600-square-foot installation. It’s probably the most attractive gas station you will ever see. It incorporates glass features, of course, and is topped by a flashy copper roof.

The museum itself honors Buffalo’s own Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company through the manufacturing of bicycles, buses and prestigious cars to its innovative line of trailers. In the early 20th century, its luxury cars were the official vehicles of presidents and driven by celebrities like Babe Ruth.

The museum is open at varying hours and days, so check before visiting.

Fontana Boathouse
One Rotary Row, Buffalo

The boathouse wasn’t originally intended for Buffalo, but it sure looks nice beside the Blackrock Channel. This Wright design was brought to life in 2007, more than 100 years after it was drawn, and years later became part of Wright’s Wasmuth portfolio. Wright created the plan for a friend at the University of Wisconsin. It was meant to be placed along the Yahara River but was never built. In 2007, it opened to the public in Buffalo thanks to philanthropist Charles Fontana and his family, for whom it was named.

Tours are offered through Darwin Martin House and Explore Buffalo on select dates. The space is also available for rent to host special events.

A Wright Turn

Buffalo may not be the prosperous city it was in the early 1900s, but it can still count a number of architectural gems. While Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo contributions are are among the most famous, the skyline is a scattering of works by other notable builders. They are treasured pieces from Buffalo’s past. Many offer public tours; various tour companies do as well.

Buffalo has an abundance of fun things to do beyond the architecture, although the Buffalo History Museum and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery are structures to behold.

FIND AND BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN BUFFALO, N.Y.

One of the most common summer trips for many Americans is a jaunt to the beach. While soaking up the rays and taking a dip in the ocean are fun, there are some important beach safety tips to consider before and during your visit.

So we’ve put together a list of tips to ensure that your trip is not only fun, but also one free from injury. Take a look at our beach safety tips and let us know in the comment section if we missed any essential pointers.

The best beach safety tips

Check the weather. If the day’s forecast calls for storms, especially lightning, avoid the beach. And wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder boom before getting into the water.

Look for warning flags and know what they mean. Although different states and beaches use different colored flags with assigned meanings, red flags typically indicate strong currents or that the beach is closed, yellow means moderate surf, green indicates the ocean is calm and blue or purple warn against potentially dangerous marine life, such as sharks or jellyfish. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming, so find out what the rules are before you show up.

Know how to swim. Swimming lessons can greatly reduce the risk of drowning for children. If a child cannot at least doggie paddle, do not let them in the water. Keep in mind that swimming in the ocean is different than in a pool or lake, due to currents. Remember that the ocean floor is not flat and can drop off unexpectedly.

Be sure lifeguards are on duty and swim in a spot close to one. It’s a good idea to pick a spot to swim close to a lifeguard, so that he or she can reach you quickly in case of an emergency. And keep in mind that currents will push you down the shore. Once that happens, relocate close to a lifeguard station. Also, it’s a good idea to observe the buddy system while swimming in the ocean.

Wear a life jacket. If you are boating in the ocean, be sure that every passenger is wearing a life jacket.

Watch for rip currents. When waves do not break evenly along the shore, they occasionally break more strongly in some areas than others, which can produce a rip current, a strong channel of water extending from the shore out into the water. These currents, which are frequently cited as the top hazard for beachgoers, can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. If you see a current of choppy, off-colored water extending from the shore, steer clear of it. If you get pulled, remain calm and save your energy, allowing the current to carry you. Don’t try to swim against it. Once you gain your composure, swim horizontally until you are out of the current and, then, swim diagonally toward shore.

Be aware of waves. Injuries from waves can include everything from simple sprains to organ trauma or spinal damage. Waves that break directly on shore have the potential to cause serious injury. When in the water, never put your back to the waves.

Know how to identify swimmers in need of help. Drowning is the top cause of unintentional deaths worldwide and ranks fifth in the United States. Often, drowning occurs without much noise, so watch out for people whose heads are low in the water with their mouths submerged or legs vertical in the water.

Use sunscreen and wear sandals. Follow the advice of that song/graduation speech and use it. It only takes one bad sunburn to double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and be sure to have a source of shade – hats, umbrellas, tents, etc. The sun’s peak hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but also keep in mind that just because a day is overcast, you can still get a nasty sunburn. So, use lotion in all weather scenarios. Also, sand can get very hot on days with high temperatures, so wear sandals to prevent your feet from getting burnt.

Do not drink and swim. Alcohol can affect your judgment and dehydrate you, increasing the possibility of heat-related sickness or drowning. A total 22 percent of drowning incidents among persons, ages 15 years or older, are alcohol-related.

Take precautions against sun sickness or stroke. You put yourself in danger of severe sickness by sitting for hours directly under the sun’s rays. If you dehydrate or expose yourself to high temperatures, you run the risk of getting heat exhaustion, heat stroke or sun poisoning. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating liquids, such as coffee or alcohol. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, weakness, nausea, excessive sweating, pale skin, swelling, rapid heartbeat, confusion, blistering, pain or tingling, fever or chills. If you or someone you’re with display these symptoms, get out of the sun, remove unnecessary clothing, drink water and take a cool shower. For more severe symptoms, seek medical attention.

Keep an eye out for ocean life. While shark attacks are pretty uncommon – an average 19 incidents in the U.S. per year and only one every two years is fatal – you should be on the lookout for jellyfish, razor clams, mussel and clam shells and small crabs.

Hydrate. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Exposing yourself to heat and the ocean can lead to disorientation and lowered energy. And while some have called the need to wait an hour to swim after eating a myth, it’s a good idea to give yourself a short break after having a snack before heading back into the water.

Are you prepared if you have car trouble on the way to the beach? Make sure you have the level of coverage that’s right for you! 

Have you ever wanted to travel to sunny Spain and Portugal? Is the Iberian Peninsula calling your name? This guided trip might be your chance! Get ready for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and unique experiences as you connect with the culture of these two amazing countries.

Historic Beginnings

On the first day, you will arrive at the Spanish capital of Madrid. Embrace la buena vida and soak up the vibrant city atmosphere before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a welcome reception and orientation.

Your vacation begins as you arrive to the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. Embrace la buena vida and soak up the vibrant city atmosphere before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for some welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres  before an orientation of Madrid’s iconic sights.

Next, you will travel to Cuenca and see the last of the dramatic “hanging houses,” built right on the edge of dizzying drops and ledges.

As you continue to continue to Valencia, you’ll see the 15th-century Towers of Serrano and Quart. Long ago, these historic sets of towers were part of the ancient wall that once surrounded the entire city. You’ll also see the City of Arts and Sciences, an urban recreation center for culture and science designed by renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. With free time this evening, make sure you leave some room to indulge in the local flavors and an optional paella experience.

Next, travel through the sierra of Spain before arriving in Guadix to view the troglodyte cave dwellings. In this town, where most people live underground, homes are carved into the rock and earth, blending effortlessly into the surrounding ochre landscape. You’ll marvel at how generations of Guadix locals have carved cozy abodes into their rocky surroundings.

Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Discover hanging houses in Cuenca, delicious paella and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on this trip. Connect with locals as you saddle up for a visit to a stud farm, hear a tale of unrequited love and savor a home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in their Alentejo home.

Learn More

Afterward, travel through the jagged Mora Pass to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. Then you can sample the hearty flavors of Andalusia during a special meal at a local restaurant and take in the spectacular views

In Granada, a local guide will take you through the footsteps of Spain’s last emirs during a visit to Alhambra, a sprawling medieval complex with amazing palaces, gardens and fountains. The architecture of the Alhambra is said to be inspired by the descriptions of paradise seen in Islamic poetry from the time. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere in quiet courtyards, explore its colossal, ancient walls and admire the ornate stone carvings.

After experiencing the Alhambra, travel from Granada to the city of Córdoba. Join a local guide as you visit the Cathedral of Córdoba, the former mosque of the caliphs and a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art that features striking arches and Byzantine mosaics.

Slow Down in Seville

Enjoy a three-night stay in the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville.

Seville takes center stage as you explore the sights such as the Giralda Bell Tower with a local guide, and visit Maria Luisa Park, the centerpiece of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition (similar to a world’s fair). The park was built in a Moorish style and boasts a half-mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. After the park, you’ll be able to walk through the imposing Plaza de España, whose complex is comprised of a huge semicircle complete with moats and bridges. In the evening, take the opportunity to experience the twirling of colorful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets at a fiery flamenco performance.

The next day you’ll indulge in aromatic flavors of Jerez as you dive into culture and into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production. You’ll visit the only place in the world where sherry is made, learn how this spirit is produced and sample the traditional beverage. After Jerez, visit Cadiz and tread in the footsteps of Columbus, who used this historic port city as his launchpad to the New World. Stroll the leafy boulevards and quiet plazas and view the exotic plants and trees, rumored to have been brought by Columbus upon his return.

Passport to Portugal

Next, journey from Spain to the sun-kissed shores of southern Portugal’s Algarve, a retreat for sun-worshippers with spectacular natural landscapes. Enjoy the delicious flavors of piri piri chicken and grilled sardines against the picture-perfect backdrop of the Atlantic, and relax on the beautiful, golden beaches.

In the morning, you’ll trade in the beach for the mountains. Travel north to the Serra da Arrábida mountains and the golden landscapes of the Alentejo. There, you’ll connect with locals Tiago and Vera at their Stud Ranch, where they have reared Lusitano horses since the 18th century. You’ll have the chance to see the horses perform at the riding school, followed by historic tales of Tiago’s ancestors’ involvement in a royal unrequited love story and a traditional home-cooked lunch.

After lunch arrive in the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon, and join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular 16th-century Hieronymite Monastery, a masterpiece of architecture in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Conclude your sightseeing as you see Belém Tower, built as a tribute to explorer Vasco da Gama. During a free evening, you can search for delicious local foods or perhaps catch the melancholic tunes of the fado.

Your next day in Lisbon is completely up to you as you connect with the Portuguese capital. Relax at a sidewalk cafe with a creamy pasteis de nata and venture to the Castle of São Jorge and admire the sea of pastel colors that clad Lisbon’s seven hills. Consider joining an optional excursion with your Travel Director to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Return to Spain

After your free day, follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, a site of celebrated religious miracles. Say goodbye to Portugal as you travel to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca. Take an orientation tour of the beautiful city, with golden-hued facades and ancient university heritage, including the 18th-century Plaza Mayor.

See the walled city of Ávila, the town of stones and saints, so named for its vast collection of Romanesque and Gothic churches. Arrive in the clifftop city of Toledo, where you’ll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Explore on foot as you take guided walk through its streets and see the former Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Later, you’ll get a chance to witness local craftsmen at work creating inlaid steel the traditional way as they have since 500 B.C. Afterward, return to the city where your trip began: Madrid.

It’s Not Over Yet!

In the morning, join your guide for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where you’ll see the Royal Palace and the monument to Miguel de Cervantes, the author of “Don Quixote.” Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city however you’d like. Perhaps admire the world’s finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or consider a visit to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia. Celebrate the end of your journey through the Iberian Peninsula and toast your new friends at your farewell dinner.

Though you might be saying “adios,” your memories of Spain and Portugal will be with you forever.

In the sweltering days of summer, turning on the air conditioner is likely the first thing you do when entering your car. Nothing beats the sweet relief of pushing your face toward the car air conditioner vents as chilled air starts pouring into the cabin. You may even sigh as you temporarily escape an atmosphere so full of humidity you swear you could wear it.

You’ve probably never stopped to think about how car air conditioning works. What’s going on mechanically to get that gloriously cool breeze flowing over your cheeks? Well, it’s actually pretty nifty.

How does car air conditioning work? 

Here’s exactly what happens when you flick the switch to turn your car air conditioner on:

• A compressor pressurizes and compresses a refrigerant (which is now a gas).

• The compressed refrigerant moves to a condenser between your grille and radiator. A fan cools the refrigerant, which leaves the condenser as a liquid.

• After a short visit to a receiver/dryer, which removes moisture from the AC system, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or orifice tube, depending on the make and model.

• As it passes through the valve or tube, the refrigerant turns back into a gas, reducing the pressure and dropping its temperature.

• An evaporator removes leftover heat as a blower sends air over the cooled refrigerant into your vehicle. (It’s similar to blowing across an ice cube.)

• The refrigerant returns to the compressor and the process starts over.

What is a refrigerant? 

A refrigerant cools or freezes something. A refrigerant called R12 was the most common type used in air conditioning for cars for decades. The Environmental Protection Agency banned it 20 years ago because of concerns over potential harm to the ozone layer. Its replacement, R134A, is now facing a similar fate. The EPA is calling for it to be phased out in vehicles over the next several years in favor of more environmentally friendly substances.

What does it mean to have the AC system charged? 

Many drivers have their systems charged because of a leak in a seal or line, or in a major component such as the compressor, condenser or evaporator. Some technicians run colored dye through the system to identify potential trouble spots.

What about the stuff at the local automotive parts store for a DIY charge?

AC charge kits are pretty common. Be careful not to overcharge the system by adding too much refrigerant, which can have the same impact as not having enough of the chemical. Be sure to follow the directions that come with each kit.

What’s the difference between the fresh air and recirculation cycles? 

A vehicle’s recirculation cycle uses already refrigerated air from the cabin and runs it through the air conditioning system once more. While this might seem like a way to get even colder air, it’s a good idea to use your fresh air cycle. Doing so can limit the potential for mold buildup in the system.

Need your car air conditioner fixed? Be sure to bring your car to a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop. 

For all things cars, including driver resources, vehicle buying, maintenance and repair and roadside assistance, click here. 

The upstate New York resort town of Lake George and the sprawling suburbs of Long Island have more in common than you might think. Both are summer escapes for hard-working Americans. Both have large bodies of water that draw countless visitors to the shores of their beaches every year. And best yet, both have some of the finest food options you’ll find in the Empire State. Keep reading to find out why so many culinary-conscious travelers head to these two vacation hot spots year after year.

Long Island

The longest and largest island in the contiguous United States, Long Island packs the culinary punch of New York City but in a more relaxed setting. The island is densely populated – more than 7 million people live there – so it’s no surprise that its restaurants do everything they can to stand out. Beachside dining, fresh seafood and world-famous chefs make Long Island uniquely fit for culinary adventures.

Waterfront Dining

With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, waterfront dining is aplenty on Long Island. You can’t go wrong with seafood plucked from the ocean earlier that day, but Prime’s flagship location in Huntington combines extraordinary upscale eats with breathtaking views of Huntington Harbor from a deck straight out of a beach resort.

Find What You Love in New York State

From the scenic coastlines of Long Island to the spectacular sprays of Niagara Falls. Whether you’re into adventuring for adrenaline, tracing the trails of history, or basking in the sun along the sea, we’ve got the perfect vacation for you.

Learn More

Atlantica in Long Beach’s Allegria Hotel is another chicly designed gourmet eatery with a rotating seasonal menu and unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. Watch as the waves break outside from the comfort of their glitzy dining room with a glass of wine from their glass-enclosed wine room.

For gorgeous views of Long Island’s Great South Bay, head to the Suffolk County standout FatFish on the Water in Bay Shore, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, live music and wine bar. The Fifth Season in Port Jefferson has stunning harbor views, creative cocktails and a vibrant seasonal menu that celebrates new American cuisine.

Wine Country

Long Island is known for making some of the best red wine in the nation and every wine lover knows the best wines are only made better by tasty foods. The east end of Long Island is home to more than two dozen wineries, many of them offering everything from light snacks to full-fledged meals to match with their one-of-a-kind vintages.

The Little Oak at Jamesport Vineyards dishes out wood-fired pizzas that you can pair with a glass of Cabernet Franc on the patio. Diliberto Winery in Jamesport also elevates Italian rice balls, antipasto and thin-crust pizza with Italian-style winemaking that has netted them numerous gold medals.

You’ll find food trucks and charcuterie boards too at wineries across the island like Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack and Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck (try the Rose Hill Rosé!). And if you like sparkling wines, Sparkling Pointe in Southold has an out-of-this-world seasonal menu full of cheeses, jams and sweet treats.

Oyster Shucking

Skillfully cracking open an oyster is called shucking – and on Long Island, it’s an art form.

There are U-Shuck oyster bars like the Little Green Oyster Farm + Market in Greenport, where you can learn to properly shuck some of the freshest oysters you will ever taste. Or if you prefer sipping an oyster shucked by a professional, try Catch Oyster Bar in Patchogue, Canterbury’s Oyster Bar & Grill in Oyster Bay or Rockin’ Fish in Northport – all known for their incredible raw bars.

Famous Chefs

For those who crave a little star power with their meals, Long Island has dozens of restaurants where celebrity chefs call the shots. One of the island’s newest offerings is Tom Colicchio’s Small Batch, focused on community and locally-sourced ingredients.

Red Salt Room at the Garden City Hotel is run by chef David Burke, where in addition to an award-winning Sunday brunch and Saturday afternoon tea, the seasonal dinner menu features unique seafood offerings like grilled octopus and  lobster cobb salad, exceptional beef options and clothesline bacon that can’t be missed. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s gorgeous floor-to-ceiling backlit sea salt brick wall, a nod to Burke’s patented Himalayan sea salt dry aging technique.

Debuting in the summer of 2017, The Halyard at Sound View Greenport has an incredible view of the Long Island Sound and a menu composed by chef Stephan Bogardus. The menu celebrates produce from the North Fork of Long Island and the Atlantic Seaboard as well as the robust local wines of the region. Grilled swordfish, a glass of bold red wine and a sunset over the Long Island Sound – what could be better?

Another standout is the North Fork Table & Inn in Southold, where James Beard award-winning pastry chef and owner Claudia Fleming showcases the freshest seafood plucked from the Peconic Bay and locally-grown biodynamic produce.

You could eat out on Long Island all day, every day for a year and still find even more incredible restaurants. Put it to the test and book a trip to Long Island today.

Lake George

In the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Lake George Area is the birthplace of the American vacation – and every great vacation spot needs great places to eat. From waterfront dining on what Thomas Jefferson called “without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw,” to rustic pubs in the busy summertime Lake George village, this vacation hotspot is home to culinary standouts with incredible waterfront backdrops.

Waterfront Dining

With 32 miles of lake to play with, restaurants on Lake George take full advantage of their incredible scenery. This includes the Boathouse Restaurant, a family owned establishment built in a 19^th century boathouse that once belonged to American banker George Foster Peabody. Guests can dock their boat before sipping on craft cocktails and savoring every bite of a 10oz filet mignon cooked to perfection.

The newly renovated Lake George Beach Club is another favorite of locals. Open for lunch and dinner, your order often comes with live music and it always includes incredible views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.

Of course, any mention of incredible must include the AAA Four Diamond Rated Sagamore Resort in the Lake George hamlet of Bolton Landing. The island resort has several outstanding dining options including the scenic Pavillion, La Bella Vita and The Club Grill, with premium steaks, craft cocktails and club-style ambiance.

Craft Beverages

If you’re looking for a great brew or fine wine to kick your food up a notch, Lake George has you covered. Go for a Bear Naked Ale and a burger on the deck of Adirondack Pub & Brewery, with its log cabin décor and pub fare with a twist (everyone needs their gorgonzola horseradish cream sauce in their life).

Then head north on Canada Street into the heart of the village where you’ll find Adirondack Winery, which offers close to 30 dry red, dry white and unique fruit-infused wines from which to choose. Munch on locally sourced farm-fresh cheeses and chocolates and wash it all down with a wine slushy – the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Event Eats

The Lake George Area is also home to several spectacular food-themed events throughout the year.

For more than 25 years, guests at September’s Taste of the North Country Festival in the nearby city of Glens Falls have been sampling the best foods the Adirondacks have to offer. From upscale eats to casual bites, this family friendly food festival has something for every generation of foodie.

The fall season is also when Lake George shuts down its main drag, Canada Street, for its annual Oktoberfest. It’s a free event with nonstop polka music, authentic German food like bratwurst and knackwurst, keg tossing, dancing chickens and more.

Surrounding Cities

Finally, the Lake George Area is also home to some up-and-coming cities like Glens Falls, where you can find several breweries like Mean Max Brew Works, Davidson Brothers Brewing Company and Coopers Cave Ale Company (try the wings, soups and certified angus burgers at Coopers Cave where, yes, you actually walk through a cave-like entranceway).

The newly relocated Mikado in Glens Falls has some of the best sushi in Upstate New York in a beautiful modern dining room with incredible handcrafted cocktails. There are traditional options but take advantage of their truly unique offerings with a spicy Fire Brothers Roll or one of their deep-fried tempura roll options.

About 20 miles north of Glens Falls in Bolton Landing, Frederick’s Restaurant & Lounge has an incredible raw bar and live music in the thick of the Adirondack wilderness.

Blue Water Manor in Bolton Landing is another spot where great appetizers and entrees are only made better by amazing lake and mountain views. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but if you go for sunset, there is no better way to end the day than with a Tiramisu Martini and a Tavern brownie sundae.

The culinary adventures in New York State go well beyond the Big Apple. The only hard part is deciding which of these incredible food regions to visit first.

Technology helps to improve every aspect of daily business operations from workflow to communication to productivity. Whether you’re a small business owner or a manager at a large firm, you’ve probably used an app recently to collaborate with your team or manage your finances.

If you could use a little help, these apps were designed to make your work life easier.

Accounting and Finance Apps

Expensify (free for iOS and Android)

With rave reviews from top business publications like Forbes and Business Insider, Expensify is a must-have for those with the frequent need to track business expenses such as travel, mileage, client dinners and other day-to-day work-related receipts.

Handy for Fortune 500 companies and freelancers who deduct expenses as part of their taxes, Expensify boasts useful features like quick direct deposit reimbursement and can easily integrate with Quickbooks and other accounting software.

Quickbooks Accounting (Free for Quickbooks members on iOS and Android)

Quickbooks by Intuit is the go-to solution when it comes to accounting software for small- and medium-sized companies. The Quickbooks Accounting app is an excellent choice for businesses who need to manage their finances on the go and integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks Online.

Whether you do your own bookkeeping or have an accountant, the Quickbooks Accounting app keeps your finances in order. Use it to create and track invoices, review bank transactions, process payments via credit card or transfer, review your company’s profit and loss and manage overall cash flow.

Project Management Apps

Trello (Free for iOS and Android)

If you want more accountability and clarity for your team’s project workflow, Trello can be an indispensable tool. Basically, your company can create multiple digital “boards” for different divisions, teams or projects, and each board hosts “cards” where employees can keep track of important goals. Each card can incorporate category labels, checklists and comments for easy task management. As a kind of communal to-do list, your team can keep on top of multiple ongoing projects at once and ensure efficient communication between all parties.

Basecamp (Free for iOS and Android with Basecamp account)

Basecamp is an app that many in the business world swear by, from small startups to large corporations. Although this app is great for communication and rapport-building between team members, it also functions as a comprehensive project management tool for teams of any size.

Some of the main elements include a scheduling system to keep track of milestones, storage for your team’s documents and files and useful to-do lists for keeping on top of daily tasks. Essentially, Basecamp brings together many of the elements of four or five separate apps. The ability to message your coworkers, maintain a schedule and manage projects all in one digital space makes this one of the most useful and ubiquitous business apps.

Team Communication Apps

Slack (Free for iOS and Android)

Although there are a lot of messaging apps out there, Slack is now a household name for business communication. For many organizations, email correspondence is being phased out in favor of communication apps like Slack, so colleagues can engage in productive and real-time conversations without cumbersome email threads.

The app allows your team to create separate topical channels as well as maintain private messages. That way, you can have casual “water cooler” chats with your coworkers while simultaneously planning a project in one team channel and reading company-wide announcement in another.

Slack also has a ton of other useful features like video calls and document sharing. For teamwork and collaboration, it’s a useful investment for any growing startup or established business.

Zoom Cloud Meetings (Free for iOS and Android)

Zoom is one of the highest-ranking business applications in the Apple App Store. Professionals from across the country trust this app for their video conferencing. While Skype might be the bigger and more common name for video calls in general, Zoom is the preferred choice for businesses in need of large video conferencing capabilities. With high-quality video and audio, this cloud-based software enables companies to host their video conferences with up to 100 people.

This technology is essential for long-distance communication between divisions in different states or countries, and for companies where many of the employees telecommute. Zoom also allows team leaders to create separate virtual “meeting rooms” so multiple video conferences can occur simultaneously.

What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to Celebrity Cruises’ first new ship in six years – and the first in a decade to represent a new class of ships that shatter traditional expectations and make a statement about the future of ocean travel – the answer is everything!

Celebrity Edge lives up to its aspirational moniker. The first cruise ship completely designed with 3D virtual reality technology, its visionaries were able to roam through the vessel and refine the onboard experience before construction began. That process fostered the kind of fine-tuning perfectionist architects and interior designers could only crave in the past. And, yes, it allowed Celebrity to rip up the rule book, reimagine possibilities and push boundaries to the leading edge.

Take one glimpse at Celebrity Edge and you’ll see the difference. It strikes a provocatively futuristic silhouette. From the parabolic ultra bow, built to slice through seas efficiently and with greater stability than traditional raked bows, to the wall of windows wrapped around the stern, this ship commands attention. Tangerine-colored tracks adorn the starboard side, from the waterline to the top deck, adding another eye-popping aspect to its profile.

They support the aptly named Magic Carpet, a multi-functional platform the size of a tennis court that rides up and down the tracks and ranks as the world’s first cantilevered venue at sea. Complete with cushy seating, a bandstand, a full bar and unrivaled views, Magic Carpet provides a prized extension whether facilitating seamless tendering on the lowest deck or serving as an alfresco restaurant hovering between the stars and the sea on the highest deck.

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Sail Beyond

Tom Wright, the renowned architect of Dubai’s sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, devised Magic Carpet as well as other inspiring outdoor spaces. Stroll around the breezy Resort Deck on a unique, sloped jogging path and duck into signature haunts, such as the whimsical Rooftop Garden that boasts artsy faux foliage along with the real stuff. It unfolds like a cosmopolitan playground, where garden concerts, movies, games and gourmet barbecue bites beckon. Plus, at the entrance you’ll spy a life-size, 1-ton bronze sculpture of a horse, affectionately dubbed “Mr. Edge” and representative of the engaging art installations throughout the ship.

An adults-only solarium pool provides another diversion, but the best revelation is Celebrity Edge’s main pool. This asymmetrical terraced area, fitted with martini-shaped hot tubs and sleek cabanas, succeeds in forgoing the conventional pool-centric vibe, focusing attention outward instead.

From grand gathering spaces to private staterooms, the interior sanctuaries aboard Celebrity Edge also prioritize connecting passengers to the sea and the sites visited. At every turn you’ll find glass inviting the outside in.

Eden – think an ethereal greenhouse great room – occupies a three-story swath of aft real estate and sports more windows than any room at sea. During the day, it’s a canvas showcasing the ship’s lacey wake and whatever seascape Mother Nature has in mind.

Sip cocktails garnished with ingredients plucked from a library of plants that towers above Eden Bar and dine on cool dishes at Eden Restaurant: “raindrops” (technicolor tomatoes on green basil sorbet), “tidal pool” (carabinero shrimp with aloe, dulse and oyster leaf floating in oceanic broth) and “orchids in blossom” (white chocolate orbs that crack open when drizzled with dark chocolate). Or simply wander the ramp that coils around Eden, sink into a funky swing chair and watch the place gradually transform.

Most accommodations feature Infinite Verandas: basically a cabin-wide, floor-to-ceiling window that with the touch of a button turns the entire stateroom into a veranda as the top half of the window disappears. Bi-fold doors can close off a sitting area in front of the window, creating a separate space if desired. When open, a seamless stretch from the cabin door to the water’s edge exists. To support this new layout, engineers shifted the ship’s framework from an exoskeleton to an endoskeleton, but on-demand balconies weren’t the only benefit.

Staterooms are nearly 25% larger than those on the line’s lauded Solstice-class ships, with coveted bathroom space boosted 10%. Plus, these havens are tech-savvy. You can control everything, even window shades, from a simple touch screen or your own phone. An ode to form and function, the decor favors clean lines, calm tones and thoughtful contemporary touches, such as jewel-box charging stations. And did I mention the king-size beds? They’re topped with cashmere mattresses.

Celebrity Edge has more suites than other Celebrity ships and enviable new options. Iconic Suites, positioned above the bridge, deliver soul-stretching panoramic views along with perks such as outdoor daybeds and hot tubs. Mod, bi-level Edge Villas, with loft bedrooms and private plunge pools, make it feel as if you’re living in a glass cube. All suite guests have access to The Retreat, a private utopia (envision a dedicated pool deck with butlers, comfy 24-hour lounge, upscale restaurant and more) that amounts to a boutique hotel within Celebrity Edge’s already chic resort.

The spa sprawls two decks, making AquaClass Staterooms a smart choice. Along with health-inspired amenities, including an exclusive restaurant, AquaClass guests enjoy free rein at the new SEA Thermal Suite. In this playground for the senses eight therapeutic chambers await, among them a Crystalarium and a Float Room. The spa also touts a standout collection of treatment tables. Picture a massage atop body-contouring, water-filled cushions on the first Amphibia Table at sea or maybe one where you’re lying inside a sophisticated sandbox filled with warm crushed quartz, because both are on tap. Kudos to the fitness center as well. It’s the first afloat outfitted with high-end Peloton bikes, and the activities roster promises hot yoga, cardio boxing and other trendy classes.

Celebrity does dining right, and after feasting aboard Celebrity Edge a bike ride might be in order. Dispensing with the traditional main dining room, this ship proposes four distinct venues featuring Italian, French, Mediterranean and American cuisines. Buffet bliss defines the Oceanview Cafe, another glass palace, and throughout the ship you can nosh freely on treats ranging from decadent pastries to nutritious spa smoothies. Specialty restaurants up the culinary ante with indulgences including Raw on 5’s seafood towers and Le Grand Bistro’s Le Petit Chef and Friends experience, a fanciful affair where the table comes alive with animated chefs from around the world.

For a memorable nightcap, the line’s beloved Martini Bar calls. On Celebrity Edge it occupies a prestigious post in the Grand Plaza, a dynamic social hub, where The Chandelier – a 7-ton, three-deck fixture with dancing LED lights – crowns the circular bar. At The Theater more tech-wizardry and a thrust stage create an immersive experience for original productions, while The Club hosts parties with the latest tech toys like neon headphones for silent discos and Hypno Cams. The ship even has a smoke-free casino, a real rarity, and eschews single-use plastic bottles in favor of eco-conscious aluminum.

It’s all so fresh, fashionable and forward-thinking. Or, dare I say … edgy. 

When the summer temperatures start soaring, there are few better ways to cool off and have a good time than by visiting a nearby water park. We’ve put together a list of the top New York water parks where New Yorkers and day trippers alike can relax in lazy rivers or zip down slides.

Splish Splash
2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton

This 96-acre park opened in 1991 with seven slides, a lazy river and a few kiddie pools, but has since expanded to 30 rides. Not only is it one of the top water parks in New York, but it has been ranked by the Travel Channel as the third best water park in the U.S. Some of Splish Splash’s most popular rides are Dinosaur Falls, a pipeline with three slides; Bootlegger’s Run, a water roller coaster; and Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror, which features 360 degree spins and a 40-foot drop.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari
3183 NY-28, Old Forge

First debuting in 1956 as the Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks, this classic New York water park changed to its current name in 1988 and now has 32 attractions. Its water rides include the 500-foot-long Black River tube slide, the spiraling Curse of the Silverback tube ride, the jungle-themed Amazon, a kid’s car wash walk-through attraction, the Killermanjaro speed slide, a lazy river, rapids tube ride and tidal wave pool. But the park also has amusement rides, such as bumper cars, a carousel, Enchanted Forest Express railroad, Ferris wheel, helicopter ride and Tilt-a-whirl.

SplashDown Beach Water Park
16 Old Route 9 W., Fishkill

Featuring 15 attractions and a variety of restaurants serving everything from tacos to Belgian waffles, this Fishkill water park is a popular spot in Dutchess County for spending a day in the water. New for 2018, the park’s newest ride is the Megalodon, a zero-gravity group raft ride! Other popular rides include the Arctic Plunge Racer, a head-to-head drag race slide; the Bullet Bowl, a four-story thrill ride that allows for one or two-person tubes; and the Humunga, the state’s only zero gravity half-pipe.

Great Escape’s Hurricane Harbor
89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury

Owned and operated by Six Flags, this water park originally opened in 1954 as Mother Goose-themed amusement park Storytown USA, but then became Great Escape in 1983. In 2006, the site opened its water park, which features such rides as the Avalanche, Tall Timbers Treehouse, Tak-it Eesi Creek, Lott-A-Watta-Bay and Soakum Spring. The park also has a number of restaurants, a gift shop and full resort that includes everything from an arcade and fitness center to the Tranquility Spa.

Zoom Flume Water Park
20 Shady Glen Road, East Durham

Named after one of its most popular rides, Zoom Flume features slides, play areas and several food stands. The Black Vortex consists of a dark tunnel in which riders go through in double tubes. Other favorites include the Mighty Anaconda and Canyon Plunge body slides., the wave pool, lazy river, wild west-themed splash park and zip line. Food options include a pizzeria and several snack bars.

Roseland Waterpark
250 Eastern Boulevard, Canandaigua

Located on 56 acres in the Finger Lakes, this New York water park offers free parking, rental lockers, deck space for relaxing and lots of soaking wet fun. Rides and attractions include a 27,000-square-foot wave pool, the Mammoth white water rafting ride, the Adventure River and several thrill slide rides, such as The Cliff’s 65-foot straight-down drop. The park also has paddleboats and canoes available for rent, beach volleyball and a souvenir shop.

Thunder Island
21 Wilcox Road, Fulton

Combining a water park with a variety of other activities, this Fulton park offers everything from water slides to mini-golf and Go-Karts. Thunder Island’s water park attractions include the Black Water Tunnel Twisters and the high-speed Thunder Rush Extreme Body Sliding, as well as tube slides, kiddie slides, a mini river for youngsters and two body twisters. Visitors can also take part in Formula 1 and Grand Prix Go-Kart racing, play a round of jungle-themed mini-golf, drop by the park’s video game room, zip line or grab a bite at its café.

Six Flags Darien Lake
9993 Alleghany Road, Darien Center

Located just a few miles from Darien Lakes State Park, Six Flags Darien Lake offers both an amusement park and a water park. Take on the twisty Brain Drain, Big Kahuna raft ride, Swirl City Slide Complex or the spiral Tornado. Slow down in the Crocodile Isle wave pool or the Flotation Station lazy river. Visitors can also rent cabanas for either a day or weekend that includes tableside food and beverage service, a lockable storage container and two tubes.

Seabreeze Amusement Park
4600 Culver Road, Rochester

Considered the twelfth oldest operating amusement park in the world, Seabreeze features both dry attractions, such as rollercoasters and thrill rides, and a water park. Some of the top water park rides at Seabreeze include The Wave, a large pool in which waves come crashing every 10 minutes, as well as the Helix bowl water slide, Soak Zone water playground, four-lane Hydro Racer water slides, Looney Lagoon water play area and Lazy River. The park also offers restaurants, shows and shops.

What’s your favorite New York water park? Tell us in the comments!

Search AAA Discounts to discover more discounts on water parks and day trips.

Do you want a getaway full of groomed greens and golf claps, but can’t figure out what to do with the kids? Forget the babysitter, this list of Northeast golf vacations offer the best of both worlds: great golf and family-friendly fun. Don’t settle for one or the other. Make everyone happy with beautiful ocean vistas, spa treatments or mini-golf for the kids, while you hit the course.

These are the top spots for a Northeast golf getaway.

New Hampshire

Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Club, Bretton Woods

Shout “fore!” from the highest peak in the Northeast as you drive the ball down this classic 18-hole golf course. Rated No. 1 in New Hampshire by Golf Magazine, this newly renovated course is a short putt away from the AAA Four Diamond Rated Omni Mount Washington Hotel. There’s fun for the whole family, including a full-service signature spa and a scenic zip line tour through the White Mountain’s Presidential Range.

Waterville Valley Golf Club, Waterville Valley

The Waterville Valley Golf Club’s nine-hole course is fun for all ages and abilities. It’s also right down the road from Black Bear Lodge, which is one of the Northeast’s largest outdoor playgrounds! Lounge in one of the heated pools with the White Mountains in sight as the kids enjoy the children’s cinema or game room.

Massachussetts

Taconic Golf Club, Williamstown

Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, Taconic is one of the top collegiate golf courses in the country. This nationally recognized course is a short 10-minute drive from the quaint and quirky Porches Inn, a row of vintage Victorian homes overlooking the famed Mass MoCA. Discover the culture of this college town in the heart of the Berkshires, or partake in the plethora of outdoor adventures that await.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster

Enjoy beautiful bentgrass fairways and ocean vistas with this Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course. Sitting on Cape Cod Bay, the AAA Diamond Rated resort provides a variety of accommodations for all ages, including fun kid-friendly programming like outdoor movies and scavenger hunts, making it an ideal Northeast golf vacation. The club even has PGA professionals on staff for those who are new to the game or just need to touch up their swing. Whether you want to practice with a pro, or sip drinks on the private beach, Ocean Edge has it all. Book now with AAA and save!

Rhode Island

Newport National Golf Club, Middletown

This 18-hole course provides a dramatic backdrop, surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage. Rated No. 1 in Rhode Island by Golf Magazine, the course sports sloping fairways and marshes teeming with life. The setting is reminiscent of Ireland’s coastline, with a layout similar to the famed Scottish links. It’s just a short drive from the AAA Three Diamond Rated Hampton Inn and Suites Newport-Middletown.

Winnapaug Country Club, Westerly

This Donald Ross-designed 18-hole course is a short and sweet challenge with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. One of the few country clubs that offer public access, this course is just a five minute drive from a popular oceanfront resort, the Pleasant View Inn. The resort is located right in the heart of downtown Westerly, which has the atmosphere and history of an old New England village. This beach town boasts a variety of attractions, including water parks, local farms and wineries, and nearby Mystic Aquarium (save on tickets with AAA!) in Connecticut.

Connecticut

Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort, North Stonington

Golf Magazine ranked this course among the top five of the best public Northeast golf courses. Unlike its southern twin, the north course is open to the public, and may even be the most difficult of the two. The holes are situated around a large central lake and the fairways weave gracefully through wetlands. Just across the road is the AAA Four Diamond Rated hotel, Fox Tower, right next to Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Shennecossett Golf Course, Groton

Shennecossett is the only Donald Ross-style course in Connecticut open to the public. It sits where the Thames River meets the Long Island Sound, offering some challenging holes on the front nine and rewarding views on the back nine. You may even catch a glimpse of a submarine! Take a quick ferry to Fisher’s Island or visit one many historic museums on the coast of the Constitution State. A 10-minute drive inland will take you to the AAA Three Diamond Rated Hilton Garden Inn Mystic-Groton.

New York

Montauk Downs, Montauk

This hidden gem at the end of Long Island has it all – scenic views and shifting winds that keep you on your toes. There’s plenty of places to stay in the area, including Montauk Manor, a historic 1920s building converted into casual condos. Walk a mile along Fort Pond and you’ll get to Main Street, booming with delicious eateries and fun places to shop. The exciting nightlife, combined with beautiful beaches, make Montauk one of the hottest vacation destinations in the Northeast.

Turning Stone Resort, Verona

This destination resort comes with a choice of two great golf courses: Shenendoah and Atunyote. There’s also choices when it comes to booking your stay; the resort’s Tower Hotel and Lodge are both AAA Four Diamond Rated, and feature restaurants, a casino and spa.

New Jersey

Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg

There’s golf for the entire family, from challenging courses like Ballyowen to the fun putting course at the Grand Cascades Lodge. Ballyowen’s rolling greens ride the natural curves of the land, tumbling through hills and valleys until they meet the Walkill River. Located in the Garden State’s picturesque northwest, the resort offers a variety of options in accommodations, including the AAA Four Diamond Rated Grand Cascades Lodge. The destination attracts foodies and wine lovers alike. The outdoor pools are surrounded by tropical greenery, making Crystal Springs look like paradise.

Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield

This country club has been named New Jersey’s No. 1 public golf course by Golf Week, Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. With an ambiance of saltwater marshes, natural ponds and manicured greens, it’s no wonder they top the charts. Just a 15-minute drive from Atlantic City’s boardwalk, it’s a nice detour from the hustle and bustle of the popular gambling destination. You can stay at any number of Atlantic City’s top-tier hotels, including the AAA Four Diamond Rated Caesar’s Atlantic City. Hit the casino, walk to the beach or grab your clubs; the choices are plentiful with this oceanfront getaway.

What’s your favorite Northeast golf course or getaway? Tell us in the comments. 

Here’s a simple guide to what you might find on Northeast beaches this summer.

Members save every day at Shell gas stations, which are easy to find. AAA.com/Shell

From the President’s Desk

Recently, a colleague and I were talking about having teen drivers in the house. Anyone who’s been through it knows it’s a time of transition for both parents and kids. While a driver’s license offers a new freedom to teens, it can also be a source of concern for parents.

My colleague recounted the sad time, during her high school days, when her brother’s friend was killed in a car crash. It was summer, and alcohol was involved. Had her brother not been called into work that night, he would have been in the car. Thirty years later, car crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for teens.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” more people are killed in car crashes involving teen drivers. Most involve distractions behind the wheel, with speed and nighttime driving being other contributing factors. As new drivers, many teens don’t fully realize how serious these factors – and their consequences – can be.

AAA encourages parents and loved ones to educate our teens about risky driving behavior. Consider the following options.

• Visit AAA.com/TeenDriving for helpful tools to prepare you and your teen for the road ahead.
• Discuss early and often the dangers of risky driving situations such as speeding, distractions, nighttime driving and alcohol use.
• Teach by example and minimize your own risky behavior when behind the wheel.
• Create a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. Consider setting driving limits and enforce those limits.

Even if you don’t have a teen in your household, you can help increase awareness around the 100 Deadliest Days. Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages to find more information, and be sure to use #100DeadliestDays to be part of the conversation.

Together, we can help our teen drivers stay safe as they explore the new freedom a license provides.

— John Galvin

Find teen driver tips. AAA.com/TeenDriving

Join the conversation. #100DeadliestDays

As the season of outdoor fun and vacations, summer can easily become a time of excess spending. Rooftop bar happy hours, travel expenses and one too many popsicles bought from the neighborhood ice cream truck add up fast. If spending isn’t curbed, before you know it, you’re headed into another fall with a depleted bank account and holiday costs looming around the corner.

It doesn’t have to be this way. See our tips on how to save money while still enjoying the summer.

When at Home

Summer often brings to mind days spent lounging about on far-away tropical beaches.

While burying your toes in the sand can be great for both your mental and physical health, the majority of people can’t afford to take an entire summer off from work and home obligations. What you can do is still enjoy your summer while saving money for the future.

Stash Away Pocket Change

Carrying cash has become somewhat outdated with the rise of credit cards and money sharing apps. Cashless societies are even growing in probability as Sweden is expected to become the world’s first by March 2023.

Stateside, however, cash is still very much in use and even touted by many as a great way to manage personal budgeting.

After a long day out and about, don’t toss loose pocket change and dollars aside to be forgotten. Set aside a jar in a central location to stash them and save up – you can even set small end-of-summer goals for additional incentive.

Have a Yard Sale

It’s hard to save money when you don’t have enough excess to do so. An easy way to make some extra money for savings during the summer is to host a yard sale. So go Marie Kondo on all of the clutter in your life and put it up for sale to people who might actually put your forgotten items to better use.

Put Your Expensive Gym Membership on Pause

If you haven’t used your gym membership since making resolutions back in January, the summer is the perfect time to ditch those monthly costs and reevaluate. Instead, take advantage of the warmer weather and stay active outside. Join a sand volleyball league, hit the pool or explore affordable classes and lessons available through your nearby community center.

Cut Back on Cable

Winters are for hibernating on the couch in front of your television. Summers are for outdoor exploration. Cut back on your cable package or use these months to explore more flexible, cheaper alternatives to cable TV altogether.

Automate Your Savings

It’s easy to save when you don’t have to think about it, or when you’re not used to having the money available for you to spend in the first place.

Work with your employer and bank to set aside a portion of your paycheck for direct depositing into a savings account every month.

Sell Seasonal Clothes on Consignment

Local consignment stores are another great way to make money on things you no longer use or wear. Sort through your closet and separate items out by seasonality. Many consignment locations will begin buying items for fall to resell towards the end of summer.

Bike or Walk to Run Errands

Save money on gas and car maintenance by ditching your car during the summer months. It’s a great way to add a little more change to your pocket and stay active when running errands or exploring your community.

Air Dry Dishes and Clothes

Every little bit helps when making changes to your spending habits during the summer. Minimize gas and electric utility costs by limiting the use appliances in the home. Instead of using the dishwasher or dryer, go old school and let Mother Nature work her magic when it comes to drying clothes and dishes.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Thermostat technology has advanced greatly over the last decade. If you’re not already using some of the best thermostats currently on the market, do some research and make the switch. You might be able to even bypass AC altogether on cooler summer days.

When Traveling

Summer is an ideal time for travel. Work schedules are often more flexible, kids are off school, and the weather is prime for days spent out and about. The best part is, you don’t have to deplete your savings to enjoy a quality summer vacation.

Take to the Great Outdoors

It’s easy to find savings on hotels, but what many forget is that it’s also easy (and cheaper) to make the great outdoors your home away from home. Grab a tent and find a campsite near you for a good, cost-efficient escape from the everyday.

Shop Bundled Deals

Look for bundled and all-inclusive travel deals that offer flight, hotel and meals (and sometimes more!) for one price.

Find Free Entertainment

Outside of getting to your destination, what you do while there can come with a heavy price tag. Avoid tourist traps at all costs and instead opt to veer off the beaten path, while keeping safety a priority. Stop by area visitor centers to peruse brochures of lesser-known but accredited destinations, find local discounts and get recommendations from locals.

Stay With Friends and Family

One of the easiest ways to save money when traveling over the summer is to split or eliminate accommodation costs completely. Get a change of scenery and make plans to visit family and friends, while also taking advantage of spare bedrooms (or the couch) when available.

Get Spontaneous With Last-Minute Trips

Sometimes you can get lucky with cheap standby flights, but if you’re looking for something a little less spontaneous, embrace a bit of flexibility. Travel on weekdays, look at alternate airports or rent a car. Remain conscious of even the smallest ways you can save to see the return add up over time.

Use Your Vacation Rental Kitchen

Vacation rentals can save you money upfront and during. Instead of eating out for every meal when traveling during the summer, stop by a local grocery store and put your rental kitchen to use. If the place you’re staying offers a backyard patio and grill setup, even better.

Sign Up for Cheap Flight Alerts

Subscribing to cheap flight alerts and travel newsletters is a great way to stay on top of the best deals during summer.

Pack Light

Why spend money to check a bag when you can carry everything you need on your back? Plan ahead and avoid packing at the last minute so you can be more methodical about what you’re bringing along for the ride. When booking accommodations, look for places that make doing laundry easily accessible so you can minimize outfits packed.

Travel to Less Popular Destinations During Off-Peak Times

Just because a destination is popular, doesn’t mean it’s worth going to. Especially when there are so many incredible places to choose from at a much lower price tag.

It’s more than possible to have an unforgettable summer at unforgettable savings. Do your research, stay mindful and be willing to embrace a bit of the unknown whether spending time at home or on-the-go.

If you have small kids at home, you already know that keeping them occupied during the winter or on a rainy day can be a challenge. So why not visit Legoland Ridge Hill?

Luckily, here in New York, there are tons of things to do. Unfortunately, many of those activities are not hands-on. See, in order for me to get a good night’s sleep, I need to make sure my 3-year-old son gets a good night’s sleep. And that means he needs to be physically and mentally stimulated.

Enter Legoland Discovery Center Westchester in Yonkers.

Unlike the park in Florida, which can easily keep you busy for days on end, the Westchester location is designed to provide several hours of entertainment. Located within an outdoor shopping mall, Westchester’s Ridge Hill, Legoland New York contains several attractions. More than enough to excite and thrill my little guy for several hours.

If you’re considering a visit, here is what to expect, at least based on my personal experience.

Where is the Legoland New York location?

39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers

I found the attraction easy to find, conveniently nestled between the New York State Thruway and the Sprain Brook Parkway. Once you get off of the exit, there are plenty of signs for the shopping center. Parking is $3 and you can pay at kiosks throughout the shopping center.

Upon arrival to Legoland New York in Ridge Hill, after purchasing or showing your tickets, you will find yourself ushered into a rather small vestibule that contains a countdown clock. While this area can be a bit crowded, it definitely built up the anticipation of what’s waiting on the other side of the doors. It also gives you and your children a chance to meet the other patrons of the day. Once the clock hit 10 seconds we all counted down in unison and the doors opened.

Legoland New York Hours

Sunday-Thursday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.; last entry at 5 p.m.)

Friday-Saturday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.; last entry at 7 p.m.)

Things to do at Legoland New York

Legoland New York is comprised of several main attractions.

Lego Factory Tour: This experience demonstrates how Lego bricks are manufactured. It’s a brief stop and is probably best suited for children ages 4 to 8. The crowd of older children made it hard for my son to get close enough to get engaged. The “tour” fictionally replicates the production of Lego bricks.

4-D Movie Experience: Running every 15 minutes or so, everyone seemed to enjoy this short movie that featured some of the best 3-D effects I have experienced. Add in the “fourth dimension” of physical effects like a fan blowing and snow falling, and your little one will likely get a kick out of the experience. For my son, it was his first movie theater experience and a great first-step toward a full-length movie. The auditorium is spacious with easily marked exits, meaning you can leave at any time without disrupting anybody watching the film. Watching him wince as the characters and objects “flew” towards him was a trip.

Rides: There are two main rides at Legoland Ridge Hill, the first of which we experienced was Kingdom Quest, where you board a small car and shoot a laser gun at trolls, skeletons and other random “bad guys” as they jump out (all on large screens). There is a “hit” counter on the car that lets you know how effective your zapping skills are. Score one for daddy!  🙂

There is also Merlin’s Apprentice Ride at Legoland New York, where the faster you pedal, the higher up you go. Basically, this ride is similar to the type of ride you would find at Any Carnival, USA. It spins around and around and around for about two minutes. The experience is over quickly, but again, if your kids are relatively young like mine, it will be worth the wait. It’s an unexpected attraction like this one at Legoland New York that make this a great indoor destination.

It took almost two dozen “Lego masters” six months to build replicas of several New York City landmarks, including this Yankees/Mets hybrid stadium.

Miniland: Get out those cameras! This is where you see some of those 2 million Lego bricks under the roof at work. From the Statue of Liberty to Yankee Stadium, New York landmarks come to life in the form of thousands of pieces. Your little ones can also press a series of buttons that will make the scenes come to life with lights and movement.

Duplo Village: This faux construction site, complete with soft building bricks, mini mazes, and a slide, is the perfect place to have your child burn off any energy that remains. This area is a contained maze that is filled with soft large Lego pieces. Parents can watch their children from the outskirts. Just be sure your child is wearing socks, as no shoes are permitted.

Children up to 54 inches tall can play on the giant colorful “Fire Academy” jungle gym.

Eating in and around Legoland Ridge Hill

There is an on-site cafeteria that offers a few Lego-themed grab-and-go snacks and sandwiches. This is a perfect respite if you are taking a brief break between attractions. However, if a sit-down meal is on the agenda, Westchester’s Ridge Hill features several family-friendly eateries. Among the offerings are The Cheesecake Factory, Bonefish Grill, Havana Central and Yard House. There is also a Whole Foods Market at the far end of Legoland New York that offers up an array of healthy-eating alternatives. Check out all of the dining options here.

Where is Legoland outside of NY? 

There are 17 Legoland Discovery Centers across the globe, including the Legoland Yonkers location in Westchester.

There are also seven Legoland Parks that offer the full amusement park experience.

LEGO News

• LEGO Masters, a reality competition series hosted by actor and comedian Will Arnett, premiered on February 5, 2020.
• The LEGOLAND New York resort, a 150-acre theme park located in Goshen, was scheduled to officially open on July 4, 2020, but has been postponed until 2021 (no date has been announced yet). If you purchased tickets in advance, they will be honored when the park opens in 2021. 

What are your favorite things to do at a Legoland park, in New York or otherwise? Let us know in the comments below.

Did you know AAA offers a discount to Legolands across the country? To save money on tickets to Legoland Ridge Hill and more, click here.

Recently, I had the pleasure of heading to Six Flags New England to try out their brand new thrill ride, Cyborg Hyper Drive. Cyborg, based on the DC superhero of the same name, is now New England’s largest indoor thrill ride – with spins and lifts that will make you dizzy. AAA Northeast Social Media Manager Sierra Barter and I took one of the first rides on Cyborg’s opening day – and we had a little bit of trouble finding our balance afterward.

The Northeast is home to four parks owned by Six Flags: Six Flags Great Escape (New York), Six Flags Darien Lake (New York), Six Flags New England (Massachusetts) and Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey). Enjoy special AAA discounts at Six Flags locations nationwide. 

Besides Cyborg, what are the other Six Flags rides that you should check out? Here are a few of our favorites.

El Toro – Great Adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure’s El Toro is a massive wooden roller coaster that lifts passengers nearly 200 feet in the air before dropping them down a 76-degree incline. This coaster has been a park favorite since it opened in 2006. It’s the smoothest wooden roller coaster that I’ve ever been on, but it still makes me feel like I’m on the back of a bucking bull (it’s not called “El Toro” for nothing). If you don’t go to any other Six Flags rides on this list – go to El Toro.

Wicked Cyclone – New England

Wicked Cyclone has roots in the world of wooden roller coasters. It began as Cyclone, a wooden coaster inspired by the Coney Island ride of the same name. In 2014, Cyclone was re-tracked with steel and re-opened as Wicked Cyclone. Wicked Cyclone still looks like a wooden roller coaster, but it reaches speeds of 55 mph and features multiple zero-gravity rolls (track inversions that lift you out of your seat). Wicked Cyclone looks like a friendly, chill coaster for kids and scaredy-cats – but it rides like a lightning bolt.

Superman the Ride – New England

Superman the Ride is a coaster classic, and one of the best Six Flags rides anywhere. This sprawling steel coaster takes up nearly half of the park, and it’s difficult to go anywhere in Six Flags New England without seeing its bright red tracks. This ride is so good that it’s been spun off and cloned in several other Six Flags parks. Superman the Ride is a five-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for the best steel roller coaster. A similar coaster, Superman – Ride of Steel, opened in Six Flags Darien Lake the same year, and should also not be missed.

Viper – Darien Lake

When it opened in 1982, Viper was the first roller coaster anywhere in the world to have five inversions. The Six Flags Darien Lake steel coaster might be a blast from the past, but it more than competes with the park’s other offerings. With a variety of hills, loops, inversions and boomerangs, Viper is sure to get you in a tangle.

The Comet – Great Escape

The Comet, at Great Escape, is a wooden roller coaster with a little bit of history. Since its inception in 1946, The Comet has traveled across Canada and New York, morphing and changing with the times until it reopened at Great Escape in 1994. American Coaster Enthusiasts recognize it as a historic amusement park landmark. Besides having historical significance, it’s also a lot of fun!

Kingda Ka – Great Adventure

Kingda Ka is one of the few Six Flags rides that is just way too scary for me. I’ve never ridden it, and I probably never will, but I can still appreciate what a cool ride it is. It’s the world’s tallest roller coaster, with a drop of over 400 feet. You read that right. This diabolical ride accelerates from 0 to 128 mph. That’s why the recording at the beginning of the ride tells you “Arms down, head back, hold on!” The towering track looks so imposing that the wait might be scarier than the actual ride (but I’ll never know for sure).

Nitro – Great Adventure

Nitro rules. This huge yellow coaster is consistently ranked among the top steel roller coasters by the Golden Ticket Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. Nitro’s design is deceptively simple, with just a lap bar holding passengers in, and no extra moving parts around the loading dock. You just climb in and blast off. The unique twists and turns of this ride are a delight as you speed along at 80 mph. The tallest hill is gut-churning, but it doesn’t toss you around into submission like some other coasters. Nitro is smooth, keeping you alert and involved in the action. But if you chicken out and close your eyes, that’s on you.

What are some of your favorite Six Flags rides? Let us know in the comments below! 

And they’re off! The horseracing season gallops into full stride every first Saturday in May at the Kentucky Derby as the world’s best 3-year-old thoroughbreds begin competing for the coveted Triple Crown.

To win the elusive title, a feat achieved just 13 times over the course of more than a century of racing history, the equine stars need to align for one super horse to triumph at the Derby as well as the Preakness and Belmont stakes, which all occur roughly within a month.

Justify became the 13th Triple Crown winner in history in 2018 after winning the Belmont Stakes in June. And before that, American Pharoah broke a 37-year drought in 2015 that extended back to a heyday period in the 1970s when arguably the greatest thoroughbred ever, Secretariat, was among a trio of horses to nab the Triple Crown. Secretariat ran each leg of the Triple Crown in record-breaking times that still stand today.

There will not be a second consecutive Triple Crown winner in 2019 after two different horses, Country House and War of Will, won the Derby and Preakness, respectively. However, War of Will is slated to race in the Belmont Stakes, attempting to earn a rare double win in the Triple Crown.

Even if you’re not a horseracing fan champing at the bit to wager a bet, odds are the “sport of kings” will capture your attention if only in three digestible doses. The pomp and pageantry can’t be ignored. It’s contagious. And the customs surrounding these races, which pre-date all other bucket-list sporting events, add the allure of being part of an enduring tradition. Plus, they’re just plain fun, prompting folks to down signature cocktails and don crazy hats!

The towns of the Triple Crown promise treasures beyond the racetracks, too. No doubt, attending any of the Triple Crown races, seeing the flawless form of chiseled thoroughbreds break from the starting gate, hearing the crowd gasp in concert and feeling the cracking energy of that moment, amounts to an inspiring affair. Still, whether you plan to witness the spectacle in person one day or simply watch it on TV, below are a few tidbits for burgeoning race buffs.

Kentucky Derby

Contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby — also known as “The Run for the Roses” in light of the flower blanket draped over the winner and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” in deference to the approximate time the race takes—ranks as the oldest continuously held sporting event in America.

Weathering both World Wars, the Great Depression and even legislative bans on betting, nothing has sidelined this race since its inception in 1875. The 144^th running unfolds in front of the iconic, twin-spired grandstand on a 1.25-mile dirt track. As the first jewel of the Triple Crown, it always attracts the largest field (about 20 horses) as well as the biggest crowd.

With swanky haunts for spectators, such as “Millionaires Row,” the Derby also delivers a decidedly old-school, upscale feel. Even the Queen of England has attended. Wide-brimmed hats, seersucker suits and frosty Mint Juleps are the accoutrements du jour. For a quintessential bite, burgoo (spicy mixed-meat stew) and bourbon-soaked candied pecans stand out.

During the post parade, when the field of horses ceremoniously travels from the paddock to the starting gate, the crowd sings “My Old Kentucky Home,” and there will be tears. Really, it’s a celebration of lifestyle as much as anything else.

Bonus Trivia: The founder of Churchill Downs was the grandson of Missouri Governor General William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Around Town: Visit the super-interactive Kentucky Derby Museum, sample smooth Kentucky whiskey on the Urban Bourbon Trail, shadow-box at Muhammad Ali Center, grab a souvenir bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, wander America’s largest Victorian neighborhood, zip-line at the world’s only underground course and cruise the Ohio River aboard a historic steamboat. The city’s ever-growing Derby Festival also boasts an epic air show and fireworks display.

Preakness Stakes

The second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, sometimes suffers from middle-child syndrome. Poet and Baltimore resident, Ogden Nash, crafted the best response to such thinking, stating: “The Derby is a race of aristocratic sleekness, for horses of birth to prove their worth to run in the Preakness.” Regular Baltimoreans simply say: “If it doesn’t happen here, it doesn’t happen.”

Dubbed “The Run for the Blackeyed Susans” (Maryland’s state flower), the Preakness is the shortest race at 1 and 3/16 miles. It debuted in 1873, and this year’s 143^rd running takes place as always two weeks after the Derby. Traditions include singing “Maryland, My Maryland” during the post parade and immediately re-painting a historic horse-and-jockey weathervane to reflect the silks worn by the winning duo. Plus, winners receive the Tiffany-crafted Woodlawn Vase, touted as the most expensive trophy in sports.

While you’ll find fancy hats and a refined signature cocktail, aptly named the Blackeyed Susan and crafted from vodka, pineapple, orange and lime, a wilder party atmosphere prevails. It comes courtesy of InfieldFest, which delivers added entertainment (think “mug club” for unlimited beer and a “megastage” with musical performances from top artists) that draws crowds to the middle of the racetrack. Preakness also promises yummy, yet casual iconic treats like crab pretzels.

Bonus Trivia: Pimlico hosted the famous match race that saw Seabiscuit beat War Admiral in 1938. Named after a colt that hailed from Preakness Stables in Wayne, NJ, the Preakness also has a northeast connection.

Around Town: Spy jellies, steel-eyed sharks and a 500-pound sea turtle at the National Aquarium and then walk the decks of the 1854 USS Constellation, the last sloop-of-war. Visit retro-classic Camden Yards and tour the nearby Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum. Survey the world’s largest collection of locomotives at the B&O Railroad Museum, where American railroading began. And get your patriotic heart pounding at the star-shaped Fort McHenry, site of the battle that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., just outside New York City’s borough of Queens, lives up to its “Test of the Champion” moniker with a grueling 1.5-mile track, the longest Triple Crown race. Most thoroughbreds don’t train for that distance, and Triple Crown contenders usually need to fend off fresh horses that haven’t endured the Derby and the Preakness. Established in 1867, Belmont also is the oldest race.

Some traditions have shifted. While post parades were first introduced to America at the 14th Belmont Stakes, “Sidewalks of New York” was replaced as the longtime signature song by “New York, New York” in 1997. Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” got a turn as well, before it reverted back to “New York, New York.” The obligatory cocktail evolved, too, with the Belmont Jewel (bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice) prevailing.

A landmark, 200-year-old White Pine adorns Belmont’s paddock, and winning horses receive blankets crafted from white carnations. An onsite statue of Secretariat gets draped as well. Plus, there’s a Secretariat pole just inside the racetrack rail that extents 31½ lengths, commemorating his remarkable margin of victory. Fans don’t congregate on the infield, where a green meadow and ponds foster a nostalgic scene. Instead, Belmont boasts a family-friendly “backyard” behind a cavernous grandstand.

Bonus Trivia: In the 1993 Belmont Stakes, jockey Julie Krone became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race. Want more girl power? A filly won the inaugural stakes, one of only three fillies to capture the Belmont Trophy.

Around Town: Learn about firefighters and aviators along Garden City’s museum row. Golf like a pro at on the world-renowned black course at the Bethpage State Park, the only public course on the PGA tour. Roam Theodore Roosevelt’s summer white house. Walk under the nostalgic Pepsi-Cola sign at Gantry Plaza State Park and picnic amid art at Socrates Sculpture Park, both adorn Long Island City’s waterfront just across the East River from Manhattan and all its treasures.

Hope that helps down the stretch!

Plan your next trip with AAA.

When traveling, the best restaurant recommendations can often be gleaned from the locals. So when it comes to the top Cape Cod restaurants, you can take my word for it: I’m from the seaside village of Cotuit.

From casual fried seafood at Arnold’s in Eastham to upscale dining at the Naked Oyster in Hyannis – plus a couple of newer additions well on their way to making their mark – if it’s a good meal you’re after, these are the Cape Cod institutions that can’t be missed.

Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out our list of the top 10 things to do in Cape Cod.

ABBA, Orleans

In an intimate cottage setting, this AAA Three Diamond Rated Cape Cod restaurant introduces a unique blend of Thai, Israeli and Mediterranean-inspired cuisines to local ingredients with tantalizing results. Menu standouts include poached lobster in a curry sauce and Thai seafood stew. Featuring an elegant yet relaxed vibe, ABBA is frequently touted as a place for special occasions.

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar, Eastham

For over 40 years, this has been a go-to spot for the classic Cape seafood experience: fried clams, lobster rolls and ice cream in a family-friendly, casual atmosphere. An 18-hole mini-golf course is a perfect addition. The restaurant is located near the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path and National Seashore.

Clam shacks are quintessential Cape Cod summer hot spots. Be sure to check these out, too.

Blackfish, Truro

The site of a former blacksmith shop, Blackfish cooks up New American cuisine in a low-key, rustic setting. Locals and tourists alike flock here for unique menu items and a lively bar scene. Panko-crusted sole and seared longfin tuna are examples of menu selections, which change daily. For dessert, try the cinnamon sugar beignets.

Brax Landing, Harwich Port

An institution for generations, this Cape Cod restaurant’s location right on picturesque Saquatucket Harbor makes it even more appealing. Sit out on the harborfront deck and enjoy classics such as steamed lobster, broiled scallops or baked stuffed shrimp. The fried clams, scallops, or fish and chips are done right. Non-seafood lovers can choose from a variety of burgers, including a veggie option.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN CAPE COD

The Brewster Fish House, Brewster

Set inside an old cottage with an inviting atmosphere, The Brewster has long been a Lower Cape staple. First-course items at this AAA Three Diamond Rated establishment include famous lobster bisque and dayboat scallop sashimi. Main courses include paella of locally sourced mussels, prawns and fluke or poached lobster. Duck or sirloin are excellent seafood alternatives.

Captain Parker’s Pub, West Yarmouth

On scenic Parker’s River, Captain Parker’s is a must-visit, especially if you love clam chowder – the chowder here has won countless awards. Here you’ll find a casual atmosphere and an extensive menu featuring house specials like shrimp scampi and surf and turf.

Ceraldi, Wellfleet

The farm-to-table, seven-course prix fixe menu here changes nightly depending on what’s available from local farmers, fishermen and foragers. Always starting with local oysters, the menu could feature striped bass or skate, Provincetown lobster ravioli or dessert made with local lavender or rhubarb. The menu includes wine, beer or soft flight pairings.

Ciro & Sal’s, Provincetown

This institution, serving traditional northern Italian cuisine, is located downstairs in an old brick wine cellar, its wooden beams adorned with Chianti bottles. A place where artists and fishermen mingle, it’s famous for its pasta dishes including fettucine alla romano, seafood fra diavlo and calamari piccanti.

Fishermen’s View, Sandwich

One of the latest Cape Cod restaurants to hit the scene, the newly constructed Fishermen’s View sits on the Cape Cod Canal and boasts a waterfront view and an upscale vibe. For starters, try the steamers, sliders or raw bar. Then choose from an extensive menu of seafood and land lover specialties.

Mac’s Shack, Wellfleet

You can’t miss this place – set in a 19^th century house, the rooftop is adorned with an effigy of a huge fisherman hauling in a gigantic lobster. Mac’s serves classic clam shack fare such as fried clams and fish and chips, plus raw bar selections, sushi and ceviche.

The Mews Restaurant & Cafe, Provincetown

Here, two levels offer two options – go upstairs for a relaxed, cafe vibe, or try downstairs for upscale dining. Menu favorites at this AAA Three Diamond Rated restaurant include the pan-seared sole, shellfish fettuccine and filet mignon. Sip a cucumber lemon drop martini at the bar, which is known for its huge martini list.

The Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar, Hyannis

This upscale setting features brick walls with local artwork for a modern vibe – a perfect place for a naked cantaloupe martini or a barrel-aged Manhattan. The restaurant serves  classic raw bar specialties as well as dishes with a worldly flair, like harissa mahi mahi, romesco scallops and Caribbean tuna.

Ocean House Restaurant, Dennis Port

Situated along Nantucket Sound with panoramic views, the Ocean House Restaurant offers dine-in casual elegance for lunch or dinner. The kitchen serves up local favorites such as Cape Cod beer-steamed mussels or New England lobster ravioli. Try the cedar-roasted black cod for a nontraditional take on a classic fish dish. Or try a porterhouse for two.

Old Yarmouth Inn, Yarmouth Port

Consistently recognized as one of the best Cape Cod restaurants for fine dining, the Old Yarmouth Inn exudes a cozy, welcoming ambiance, with a roaring fireplace in the winter. Menu selections include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, orange lavender sole or roasted duck. The inn itself, established in 1696, has a colorful history.

Rock Harbor Grill, Orleans

Central to the overall experience here is the wood-fired pizza, which comes in an array of options, ranging from traditional cheese to specialties like the stark crimson pear or the lamb merguez sausage pizza. The menu also boasts fried seafood favorites plus items like Korean barbecue beef short ribs and a Portuguese chouriço sub.

Did your favorite Cape Cod restaurant make this list? Want to share another? Tell us in the comments.

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