As the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, there are so many awesome things to do in Maui. For our short overview, we focused on some the most popular Maui destinations – the west side, including Lahaina and Ka’anapali; and the south side, including Kihei and Wailea. But we encourage you to venture out and experience as much of the Valley Isle’s beauty and magic as you can, because, as it is said in Hawaiian, “Maui no ka’ oi” or “Maui is the best.”
Budget
Stay: For an inexpensive Maui hotel, with the convenience of a nearby beach, Kihei Akahi offers cozy condos and a central location. At Tracy’s Tropical Treasures, also in Kihei, tropical turquoise beach bungalows come equipped with everything needed for a no-worries vacation. From robes to beach chairs and snorkel gear, Tracy covers all the bases. The family-friendly Kalepolepo Beach Park is right across the street. It’s just a quick zip in either direction on Kihei Road to beaches, dining and shopping.
Do: Beach, beach, beach. No matter where you are on the island, a Maui travel guide would not be complete without mentioning that all of the beaches are stunningly gorgeous. In the winter months, you can even see whales breaching off the shore. Ka’anapali Beach is among the most well-known and is lined with resorts and restaurants. In Kihei, hit the super-popular Kamaole Beach I, II or III. After soaking up some sun, hop in your rental car and go for a drive around the island, or stop at Iao Valley State Monument for some light hiking. On Friday evenings, many art galleries on Front Street in Lahaina participate in a Friday night art walk, with some offering wine, live entertainment and art demonstrations.
Dine: For inexpensive eats, Da Kitchen, with locations in Kihei and Kahului, can’t be beat for a plate lunch or musubi. For local grinds (a Hawaiian slang term for food) on the west side, try Aloha Mixed Plate for a Kalua pig sandwich or coconut prawns. There are also plenty of eateries in Paia, on the north shore, including the iconic Paia Fish Market.
A stretch of gorgeous beach in Wailea. (Photo: M. Davalos)
Mid-Range
Stay: The AAA Two Diamond Rated Best Western Pioneer Inn Lahaina is right off trendy Front Street, overlooking Lahaina Harbor. Originally built in 1901, the Pioneer was Lahaina’s first hotel and is part of the Lahaina Historic District. It retains a bed-and-breakfast feel, with modern amenities and is right near the famed banyan tree. Grab a bite in the laid-back garden vibe of the Pioneer Inn Grill & Bar.
Do: When in Hawaii…learn to surf! Maui Wave Riders offers surf lessons in both Lahaina and in Kihei. Or if scuba is your thing, check out Shaka Divers; owner “Shaka Doug” has over 5,000 dives under his belt, knows all the best dive spots and is a steward for the wildlife and a conscious voice in cleaning up our oceans. Afterward, shop for souvenirs at the open-air market Kihei Kalama Village, where you’ll find gifts such as locally-made tikis by Beach Bumz Maui and fine art photography by Alex Arthur.
Dine: You’ll find moderate prices with impeccable service at the AAA Two Diamond Rated Kimo’s in Lahaina. Famous for its fresh fish, try the coconut-crusted ono or opakapaka (depending on availability), in an open-air setting with spectacular sunsets. If it’s Italian you crave, try AAA Three Diamond Rated Longhi’s, with locations in Lahaina and Wailea. You’ll find classics like Bolognese and linguini with clams, plus fresh local seafood. If you’re in Wailea, be sure to ask the bartender to serve you up a surprise tropical cocktail.
Luxury
Stay: The AAA Five Diamond Rated Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea sits on the shores of Wailea Beach, and offers the best in luxury suites, including the Presidential Suite and the Prime Ocean View Suite. Have a massage in a cabana on the beach or try the cabanas by the adults-only pool, which come equipped with 50-inch TVs, ceiling fans and chaise lounges for the ultimate in luxury. It’s also home to Wolfgang Puck’s Spago.
Dine: Not only is The Mill House located on the beautiful lush grounds of a plantation, but it’s situated right by the amazingly scenic West Maui Mountains and features farm-to-table cuisine; reserve a spot here for Maui Chef’s Table, an interactive dining experience which takes place on Saturdays. Or try the Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, a AAA Four Diamond Rated island-to-table dining experience. Chef Sato is a Maui native and in addition to serving local seafood flavors he also serves up a delicious duck breast or Macadamia nut-crusted lamb chop.
At its restaurants in New York and Massachusetts, Besito Mexican is known for its stellar tableside guacamole recipe.
Besito delivers an elevated, authentic-style of Mexican cuisine in a refined, relaxed setting free of cliches. From the traditional stone mortar and pestle (aka molcajete) to the complimentary worry dolls handed out at the end of every meal, the thoughtful incorporation of Mexican culture helps to make each visit a memorable one.
For upscale Mexican dining, Besito certainly is a popular choice. During any visit, it’s not hard to spot the guacamole cart busily making its rounds through the restaurant, stopping at nearly every table.
The servers work swiftly to make the green dip, pitting and dicing the avocados, then quickly mixing and mashing them in the molcajete with diced tomato, onion, cilantro and jalapeno. Watching it all come together adds a sense of freshness and authenticity to the dish, making it a highlight of the Besito experience. When you add salsa and chips, it doesn’t get much better.
Lucky for us, the restaurant let us in on a few secrets. Follow these tips at home with your favorite guacamole recipe.
Use only the freshest ingredients. Besito recommends using Mexican Hass avocados, which should be soft but not too soft. All other ingredients – cilantro, white onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and salt – should be freshly sourced and chopped.
Prepare your guacamole immediately before serving.
Always use a wooden spoon in an authentic molcajete (or any bowl you have at home) to mash & grind your ingredients. Never use a blender or food processor. For the most authentic taste, guacamole should be chunky.
For larger parties, make a medium-spiced guacamole and put out some extra finely chopped jalapenos and habanero salsa on the side for those who like a spicier version.
Serve specialty ingredients (such as fresh pulled crabmeat or lobster chunks) on the side for guests to make themselves an extra special treat.
Make it with a smile and pair it with a margarita!
Pass the tortilla chips, please!
Do you have a guacamole recipe that gets rave reviews from friends and family? Share you tips in the comments.
This post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated.
A record 42 million adults ages 65 and older are driving in America today. This number is only expected to increase over the next decade, making them the largest driving population in the country. A significant portion of senior drivers are taking medications that can potentially impair their driving, likely without even knowing the risks.
New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly half of older drivers report using seven or more medications. Almost 20 percent are taking medications that the American Geriatrics Society recommends avoiding because of limited therapeutic benefits, excess risks, or both. Drugs like these, such as benzodiazepines and first-generation antihistamines, can cause blurred vision, confusion, fatigue or incoordination, and can increase a driver’s crash risk by up to 300 percent.
“There is a growing population of older drivers who use multiple medications and likely do not realize the impact these prescriptions may have on their driving,” said David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This new research shows that the more medications an older driver takes, the more likely they are to use an inappropriate medication that can potentially cause driving impairment.”
Previous research from the AAA Foundation found that less than 18 percent of senior drivers learn from their health care providers how their prescriptions may impact their safety on the road. “Taking multiple medications affects all of us, but older drivers can be particularly vulnerable,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Ask your doctor and pharmacist as many questions as necessary to ensure you understand why you need the medications prescribed to you, and how they can affect your driving. Don’t be afraid to question health care providers. It’s their job to help you. And the answers may just save your life.”
AAA urges older drivers and their families to be vigilant in understanding their medications and any impairing side effects before getting behind the wheel. To help in this, AAA offers Roadwise RX, a free tool that lists common side effects of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It also notifies users of interactions between these medications that can impact safety behind the wheel. Drivers who are looking to drive less often due to their medications can find resources for alternative transportation at SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Set on an 800-acre campus that includes the grounds where the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts aims to inspire reflection on the festival’s legacy and rekindle its spirit.
To commemorate the iconic event’s golden anniversary this summer, the center is presenting a Season of Song and Celebration, featuring a packed schedule of special programs, events and a star-studded concert series with over 40 bands and some original Woodstock performers.
In addition to a 15,000-seat pavilion amphitheater, the property – located 90 miles northwest of New York City in the Sullivan Catskills – is home to a 440-seat event gallery, museum and conservatory for arts education programming.
Summer Concert Series
A celebration of the legendary peace and music festival would not be complete without an impressive musical lineup. With concerts kicking off in June, the center will welcome Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Heart, Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton, Woodstock alumnus John Sebastian and others to perform. Get the full list of concert dates.
From June 13 to 16, the center will host one of the Northeast’s largest rock festivals, Mountain Jam, which has been running continuously for 15 years. Performances will take place across three stages and feature Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Phil Lesh & Friends, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Mandolin Orange, Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real, Twiddle, Mandolin Orange, Sister Sparrow, and many more.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, N.Y., will commemorate the festival’s 50th anniversary throughout 2019 with A Season of Song & Celebration, including museum exhibits, concerts, festivals, films, speaker events, workshops and more for the whole family.
For an immersive experience, Bethel Woods visitors can attend the first public premiere of PBS and American Experience’s new documentary from filmmaker Barak Goodman: Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation. It is the third event of the eight-part 2019 Vibrations series, designed to explore the legacy of the ’60s and the movements of today.
Anniversary Week Performers
While the entire Bethel Woods season will honor the legacy of Woodstock, a special Anniversary Week is planned for August 15 to 18. Original Woodstock performers are among the acts who will take the pavilion stage. On August 16, Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band will be joined by folk legend Arlo Guthrie and Edgar Winter, who is returning for the first time since he played the festival with his brother Johnny Winter.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Santana will perform on August 17, exactly 50 years after the Saturday afternoon performance considered by many to be one of Woodstock’s top moments. Santana will be joined in concert by The Doobie Brothers, whose catalog draws fans across generations and includes such hits as “Long Train Runnin’” and “China Grove.”
Throughout the golden anniversary season to December 31, the Museum at Bethel Woods is hosting two new exhibits focused on key 1960s events and movements that the center hopes will inspire today’s youth to consider their own vision for the world.
“We Are Stardust” examines the 1969 lunar landing, which took place just weeks before Woodstock, through the lens of American culture. Featuring objects and interpretations of the events leading up to the landing – a key moment in the Cold War space race – the exhibit explores the “moon mania” of the times and its impact on the generation that attended the festival.
“We Are Golden: Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival and Aspirations for an Aquarian Future,” encourages new generations to become involved in peaceful civil dialogue and advancing their vision for the future. Movements including those surrounding environmental protection, women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and social justice all have roots in the 1960s. By examining the Woodstock generation’s role in the societal impacts that followed, the exhibit aims to provide inspiration for future positive changes.
Bindy Bazaar Trails
On their way between two of the main festival grounds, over 400,000 Woodstock concert-goers passed through a marketplace featuring 20 colorful booths of exotic goods, crafts and clothing. Known as the Bindy Bazaar, the trails featured signs marking the Groovy Way, Gentle Path and High Way as well as a 30-foot tall map. Starting on May 4, visitors will be able to experience the trails and signs while enjoying a peaceful retreat in the woods.
Walk the grounds, enjoy an immersive film screening or exhibit, and take in a performance by a musical legend. Those who are inspired to reflect on Woodstock and its legacy even more deeply will enjoy roundtables and workshops intended to keep the conversation going well past the golden anniversary year.
New York state is home to what is widely considered the birthplace of the American vacation – and for good reason.
The Empire State has some of the best parks in the country, sandy beaches, family-friendly theme parks and even its own wine country.
When you’re ready to satisfy your urge to connect with nature, here are six destinations that make for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Visit Lake George
For more than a hundred years, Americans have flocked to Lake George in the foothills of the Adirondacks for a taste of the lake life. Today, the region is known as one of the premier destinations for families and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, boating, parasailing and more.
Its lakefront resorts offer that rustic, relaxed feel many travelers crave come summer – but theme parks like Six Flags Great Escape and Dino Roar Valley (set to open Memorial Day weekend) offer a sense of excitement, too.
In addition to the walkable – and shoppable – Lake George village, where you can watch fireworks over the lake in the summer – the area is home to cute little hamlets like Bolton Landing – where you can dine on the lake or hit the Adirondack Extreme treetop adventure park, with high-altitude ropes courses, zip lines and more.
Plan a trip to the area around one of the many renowned events, including the Americade motorcycle rally in early June, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival in late June and the Adirondack Balloon Festival in September.
Ninety minutes north of New York City, the Sullivan Catskills region is known for having some of the best fly-fishing in the Northeast – and for hosting one of the most beloved music festivals ever.
Its resorts include a family-friendly hotel and golf center, numerous bed-and-breakfasts and cottages, a family-friendly indoor waterpark resort, as well as an 18-story casino entertainment complex with 100,000 square feet of Las Vegas-style gaming and year-round live entertainment.
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.
Local farms provide fresh ingredients to restaurants and craft beverage makers along the Catskills Beverage Trail, and the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum offers a truly unique experience when you’re not out enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Plus, Sullivan County is where the original 1969 Woodstock Music Festival was held – and its proud tradition continues this year with Carlos Santana, Ringo Starr, the Doobie Brothers and more headlining shows at its Bethel Woods Center for the Arts this summer, in honor of the festival’s 50th anniversary.
On the southern banks of Lake Ontario, between Niagara Falls and Rochester in western New York, Orleans County is a snapshot of 19th-century American life, proudly peacocking its cobblestone architecture and rich rural culture.
The county seat, Albion, has 65 structures listed in the state and national registers of historic places, including an 1858 Greek Revival-style domed courthouse that is a must-see.
The area has dozens of historic B&Bs, boutique hotels and waterfront cottages that all make for a relaxing stay. It has incredible fishing, and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has more than 10,000 acres of marshlands that provide a stopping point to 80,000 geese and 26,000 species of birds during their spring and fall migrations.
For an added treat, time your visit around the Albion Strawberry Festival in June or the Orleans County Heritage Festival in September.
Click here for more reasons to visit Orleans County.
Wyoming County
Sixty minutes east of Buffalo, Wyoming County is home to more cows than people – and folks aren’t afraid to tell you that. It’s the No. 1 dairy-producing county in the state, with agritourism as much a part of the culture as the region’s art, railroads and Seneca Nation history.
But its main draw is Letchworth State Park, consistently ranked among the best state parks in the country. The Grand Canyon of the East features nearly 600-foot cliff walls and three major waterfalls along the Genesee River. For a truly unforgettable experience, tour the park in a hot air balloon or a single-engine plane.
The area has some of western New York’s most challenging golf courses, and the Arcade & Attica Railroad is the last operating steam train excursion in New York state.
While you’re there, take part in the Wyoming County Geocaching Trail, an outdoor treasure-hunting game that will bring you to more than a dozen historic landmarks and incredible sights.
Central New York’s Finger Lakes Region is a renowned wine destination, and Cayuga County is a big reason why. It’s home to two wine trails: the year-round Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, with 16 wineries, a cidery, distilleries and a meadery, and the Lake Ontario Wine Trail that stretches along the southern shore of the great lake for which it’s named. (October is a great time to visit if you want to spend time outdoors at the vineyards.)
If cheese is more your speed, the area is also home to the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, which will take you to 12 different artisan cheese makers offering a variety of farm-fresh flavors and textures.
You’ll find country fare and culinary gems in the villages of Aurora, Weedsport and Moravia, and everything from vintage diners to fine dining in the county seat of Auburn. Downtown Auburn is also home to New Hope Mills, where you can buy New York’s favorite pancake flour and mixes, and the Auburn Doubledays minor league baseball team.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Moravia Fillmore Glen State Park, which features deep limestone and shale glen, five waterfalls, a campground and a picnic area. There’s also no shortage of inns and hotels when you’re ready to cozy up next to a fire before you turn in.
Special events in Cayuga County include the Wine & Herb Festival along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in the spring and the summertime Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.
Bordering Pennsylvania in southwest New York, the region known as the Enchanted Mountains is home to New York’s largest state park, Allegany State Park. It has 24 miles of loop trails, and premier single-track and double-track mountain biking.
Cattaraugus also has a thriving arts community, headlined by the Regina A. Quick Center at St. Bonaventure University, which houses 3,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts under its roof.
The AAA Four Diamond Rated Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca has 1,800 slot machines and 33 table games, as well as fine dining options like Patria Fine Italian Dining and the Western Door Steakhouse.
The Salamanca Rail Museum pays homage to a simpler time, painting a portrait of New York’s fascinating railroad history.
Cattaraugus County is also home to the New York Amish Trail, the oldest Old Order Amish community in the U.S. Visit Valley View Cheese Company in Conewango Valley as you journey along the trail (look out for horse-drawn buggies and respect the Amish by not photographing them).
When you’re ready to relax, head to Ellicottville Brewing Company or a charming B&B like the Cherry Creek Inn. If you’re looking for more outdoor thrills, you can find those, too: You can go whitewater rafting along the Allegany River or hit the Sky High Adventure Park, where you can swing from 13 ropes courses or take a ride on a roller coaster that zigzags down 3,000 feet of mountain, complete with 15 curves and a corkscrew spiral.
Ready to enjoy a Cattaraugus County getaway? Start booking your trip.
With each passing year, our mobile devices become more and more intertwined with our lives. This is evident by the fact that the average time spent using mobile devices continues to rise. In 2018, Americans consumed an average of 3.5 hours per day on mobile media. And we’re certainly not always at home connected to a wireless network during this time, which means we’re eating up our data. This begs the question: How much data do I need?
How Much Data Am I Using?
The first step in figuring out how much data you need is learning how much data you generally use. Fortunately, your phone gives you this information. Most phones track your overall data usage per billing cycle. The information can be found under “Settings” on iPhones and Android devices. While this information will also appear on your phone bill, your smartphone goes one step further by dissecting data usage by app so you can see which apps are draining your data. This can be very useful when trying to cut back on data consumption.
How Much Data Do Apps Use?
If you look at your data usage by app, you will notice that some apps use far more data than others. Any apps that stream video or music, such as YouTube, Netflix, Pandora and Spotify, are going to use up significantly higher amounts of data.
For example, you could send and receive 6,000 emails, visit 1,500 webpages and make 1,500 social media posts in one month while using 2.25 GB of data. You’ll use roughly the same amount of data by watching just six hours of videos per month.
How Can I Conserve Data ?
The easiest way to limit your data usage is to simply turn your cellular data off. This means your apps will only work when connected to Wi-Fi. Once you connect to Wi-Fi, your phone stops using up data. Wi-Fi is quickly becoming ubiquitous in public locations. You may not even realize that it’s an option if you’re in a new place. Make sure to always go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings to see if there’s a network available.
If you know you’re going to be without Wi-Fi access, do the heavy lifting at home before you go. For example, if you really want to listen to your favorite artist’s new album on your commute, make sure to download the album (which requires high data rates) when connected to Wi-Fi. Once it’s on your phone, you won’t use any data listening to it.
If you find that your favorite streaming apps are draining your data (and you’d like to keep using them just as frequently) all hope is not lost. Most streaming apps have several streaming-quality settings. If you lower your apps streaming quality (moving from high-definition video to standard-definition, for instance) you will lower your data totals.
You can also make adjustments to apps that have very little effect on how you use them. A prime example is with one of the most popular apps: Facebook. If you scroll through your news feed on the Facebook app, it will automatically begin playing any videos that you come across. Videos, as we know, use up more data. But you can turn off this feature. Simply go to the settings page within the Facebook app. Under “Video Settings,” you’ll find the “Autoplay” option. From there, you can choose to “Never Autoplay Videos” or “On Wi-Fi Connections Only.”
Is an Unlimited Plan Worth It?
The answer to this depends on how much you’re using your phone. If you only use your phone for basic functions (i.e. call, text, email, etc.) then an unlimited plan is almost certainly not worth the price.
If, however, you use your phone for business and are constantly running up data charges, it might be the way to go. But even if you’re consistently going over your data allotments each month, you should still do the math before committing to an unlimited plan.
Most carriers will charge you a certain amount each month for the data plan you choose, then another charge for each increment you exceed your monthly allotment. If the carrier offers a higher data limit plan, that may be a better route than a higher unlimited plan for you. Of course, if the unlimited plan is still less than what you’re paying in overage fees, it is the better choice.
Adding another caveat into this is that carriers often have several unlimited plan offers at different price points. But how could anything be more unlimited than unlimited? While they all offer unlimited data, the higher-end plans usually offer better quality service, such as HD versus standard video streaming.
Each season has its way of letting you know when it’s arrived. Flower blossoms signal the beginning of spring, increasing beach traffic is a giveaway for the start of summer, an abundance of flannel and changing leaves are trademarks of the fall, and of course, there’s the first deep freeze of winter. For 50 million Americans, however, itchy, watery eyes and a running nose are the tell-tale signs of a seasonal shift.
It can be hard to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the seasons when pollen, dust and other allergens decide to camp out in your eyes and blur your view. If you suffer from eye allergies, we’ve provided practical solutions you can implement to help reduce symptoms.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms can vary for each individual, so be sure to consult an allergist for specifics. These are the most common for eye allergies.
Allergens including grass, tree and ragweed pollen, dust, pet dander, household pollen and mold are what cause allergies to occur. When they come in contact with your eyes, the cells within the eyes release various substances to fight off the allergen(s). There are also allergens that don’t come in direct contact with the eyes that are still capable of causing irritation, such as specific foods or insect bites or stings. Irritants like smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust can also bring on symptoms.
Solutions
Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid eye allergies completely, but you can reduce the severity of the symptoms. One of the first things you can do is see your eye doctor before the time you anticipate your allergies to be the worst and get tips on how to reduce your sensitivity.
Use air conditioning in your car and in your home. Make sure both of these are functional and clean on a regular basis.
Try to keep the humidity in your home low (between 30 and 50 percent) to avoid mold build-up.
Use a dehumidifier in damp, humid places like the basement, and empty and clean it often.
Be sure there are no water leaks and standing water, particularly in the basement.
Have bedding covers and sheets that limit dust mite exposure.
Wash bedding frequently using hot water at at least 130 degrees, at least weekly.
Clean mold with detergent and a 5% bleach solution.
Keep carpeting, linens and stuffed animals to a minimum, as dust mites can collect with these items.
Clean floors with a damp – not wet – rag or mop rather than dry-dusting or sweeping.
If you have non-hypoallergenic pets, be sure to keep them out of the bedroom at all times and bathe them at least once weekly.
Outdoor Exposure
Avoid being outside for an extended amount of time during high pollen periods.
Wear glasses or wrap-around sunglasses to keep pollen and other eye allergy triggers from getting into your eyes.
After petting that adorable dog you see while walking outdoors or playing with your cats (or any non-hypoallergenic animal for that matter), be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes releases more histamine – your immune system’s defense against irritants – which can aggravate the symptoms enough to cause an eye infection.
Take a shower at night and gently clean your eyelids to remove pollen that might have accumulated during the day and could cause eye irritation as you sleep.
Contacts and Glasses
Contact lenses can attract and gather allergens. Wear disposable contacts to avoid the buildup of irritants.
If you’ve done the above already, but the symptoms just aren’t going away, consider using medications designed specifically for eye allergies. There are multiple types of medications available, but be sure to consult your eye doctor about which works best for you and side effects.
Antihistamines reduce your body’s “attacks” against allergens – sneezing, runny nose, etc.
Decongestants help to shrink swollen nasal passages for easier breathing. They also reduce the size of of blood vessels on the white of the eye to relieve redness. Some medications contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAID for short, is a type of eye drop that might be prescribed to reduce swelling, inflammation and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.
What’s your plan for seasonal eye allergies? Have advice for others? Let us know in the comments!
*Present your AAA membership to receive 50% off lenses when you purchase a complete pair (frames and lenses) of prescription glasses or sunglasses). Valid AAA Membership required. Valid on multiple pairs. AAA Vision Discounts are administered by EyeMed Vision Care (EyeMed). These are not insurance programs and may be discontinued at any time. These discounts cannot be combined with any other store offers, vision care plans, previous purchases, readers, or non-prescription sunglasses. Valid prescription required. Some brands excluded including Varilux lenses and Cartier frames. Discounts are off tag price. No cash value. Valid at participating locations only. Void where prohibited by law. Additional restrictions may apply. See store associate for details. Offer expires 12/31/2019.
Chris Beatty is talking at light speed. Wearing a hard hat, a reflective vest and jeans, the Walt Disney Imagineer is leading a tour of the 14-acre construction site at Galaxy’s Edge, the hotly anticipated “Star Wars”-themed land set to open at Disneyland, in Anaheim, Calif., May 31. All around him – but hidden from parkgoers on nearby Big Thunder Mountain – workers are laying concrete, installing props and generally hustling to complete the largest single-themed land that the park has ever created. Beatty dodges a patch of mud and sprints up a flight of stairs to a spot that overlooks one of the land’s star attractions: a life-size Millennium Falcon.
The ship that Han Solo and Chewbacca piloted away from stormtroopers on Tatooine in the original “Star Wars” more than 40 years ago, and that Rey and Finn commandeered to escape the First Order on Jakku more recently, has been brought to life in all its three-dimensional, battle-worn, hunk-of-junk glory. In fact, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is one of two new Star Wars attractions designed to induce both awe and adrenaline. Beatty flashes a wide grin as he surveys the iconic ship and the weathered spaceport behind it. “This,” he says, “is one of the hero shots of the land.”
As one of about a dozen writers invited for this sneak peek, I’ve reminded myself to remain a dispassionate journalistic observer. But who am I kidding? The moment I spot the Millennium Falcon, I’m the 6-year-old at Josh Blaustein’s “Star Wars”-themed birthday party in 1977, eyes glued to the big screen, popcorn in hand, mouth agape. I’m the same kid playing with my toy Millennium Falcon and Star Wars action figures – don’t call them “dolls” – and imagining myself making the jump into hyperspace. So, yeah, seeing the ship before my eyes is very cool.
Parkgoers pass through this famous cinematic room – and can pose for photos – before entering the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.
This Proustian response is exactly what Beatty and the other Imagineers intended when they started development on the land in 2014. Back then – two years after Disney shelled out a reported $4 billion to acquire Lucasfilm (including the “Star Wars” franchise) – Beatty and other Imagineers visited the film company’s headquarters in San Francisco’s Presidio. There, in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, past the gurgling fountain topped by a wizened Yoda, a small team of Imagineers and “Star Wars” story developers considered a daunting question: How do you transform one of history’s most beloved movie franchises into a beloved amusement park land? (Make that two lands: A nearly identical version will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida Aug. 29.)
The magnitude of the task wasn’t lost on Beatty, the executive creative director who began as an apprentice at Walt Disney Imagineering in 1997 and has since worked on projects from Florida’s Epcot to Disneyland Paris. An avowed “Star Wars” fan, the 47-year-old recalls unwrapping action figures as a kid on a Christmas morning in Ohio and bounding into his family’s snow-covered yard to build his own Hoth play set. “Think about the pressure,” he says, “to deliver on 40 years of people’s passion and their longing to step into these worlds and be a part of the Star Wars universe.”
A Long Time Ago
Of course, the Imagineers first had to determine which part of that sprawling universe to recreate. They considered familiar film settings such as Hoth, Endor and Tatooine, but Beatty and the others saw risks in trying to reproduce, say, Luke Skywalker’s home planet. As Beatty explains: “You’ve seen it before, you’ve lived it before. It would never be as good as standing in line for the first time in 1977 to see the original film.”
As they mulled options, the Imagineers also met with J.J. Abrams, the phenom director-writer-producer behind “Lost” and “Westworld.” At the time, he was shooting “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” and he’d soon be tapped to direct Episode IX. By the time the Imagineers returned to their Glendale campus, they’d come to a critical realization: Rather than recreate a world from earlier films, Beatty says, “maybe it’s better to lean forward into the future of the franchise, but leave a door open to the past.” (As someone who’s not ashamed to admit that images of R2-D2, C-3PO, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia adorned his bedding for the better part of a decade, I’m happy that door won’t be sealed entirely.)
The Imagineers decided to create Black Spire Outpost on planet Batuu. Named for the petrified trees that dot the land, the location has appeared in “Star Wars” novels but not films – at least not yet: Some fan websites predict that the outpost will make its big-screen debut in Episode IX, which is due to hit theaters in December.
Black Spire Outpost wouldn’t seem an obvious choice. Once a thriving refueling stop at the galaxy’s outer reaches, it has fallen in prominence – “kind of an old Route 66 story,” says Scott Trowbridge, lead Imagineer on the project. The village is now a haven for smugglers, bounty hunters and other ne’er-do-wells. It’s dangerous and mysterious, yet it also presented Imagineers with a kind of narrative blank slate: Because fans don’t associate Batuu with Luke or other marquee characters, Trowbridge says, the location gives visitors a better chance to “live their Star Wars story.”
Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found in the Black Spire Outpost market inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
With that key decision behind them, the team began considering how to bring the new land to life – what Imagineers call physical storytelling or narrative place-making. What should Batuu look like, feel like and sound like? Designers would draw on “Star Wars” films’ distinctive visual vocabulary – the familiar color palette of the First Order, for example, and the triangle shapes of Star Destroyers. But they also wanted to ground the land in actual places on Earth, which Lucasfilm execs say has been critical to achieving the series’ timeless feel.
Batuu has been around for millennia, according to the saga, so Beatty and other Imagineers traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, Marrakech and Morocco, to find visual cues that could help imbue the land with a sense of ragged history. By their own admission, the traveling band of Imagineers drove local tour guides crazy. The guides wanted to show off mosques and ancient temples, but as Beatty recalls, “They’ll turn around and we’re taking pictures of doorknobs and rusty wires up on a building that looks like a rat’s nest.” He points to a photo the team took of an electrical box plastered onto a leaching, weather-stained wall – an image that has helped guide the look of the buildings. The black spires, meanwhile, were inspired by rock formations in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park.
Back at the Glendale campus, as initial plans were coming together, the team donned virtual reality goggles to experience the feeling of walking through the new land. By using such virtual reality technology, the Imagineers could make adjustments to maximize the impact of key viewpoints – what Beatty calls “reveals.”
An example is the tunnel that will usher parkgoers from Frontierland into Galaxy’s Edge – one of the land’s three entrances (only two will lead into Florida’s version). “As you come through, there’s a moment where we reveal a little bit of the architecture,” Beatty says. Visitors will see spires in the distance, but trees will obscure part of the view. That, he says, is by design – to provoke visitors’ curiosity and sense of adventure. If you then turn left as you come out of the tunnel, he adds, “You see spaceships and domes and canopies billowing in the wind. Just like in a film, we’ve framed that establishing shot.”
The goal at every turn, Imagineers say, has been to create Disney’s most ambitious, immersive and interactive land ever. Cast members – some Batuu citizens, some Resistance sympathizers hiding out here – will wear distinctive ensembles. New music written by John Williams, the Academy Award-winning composer behind the original “Star Wars” theme, will play at key moments. The Disney Play Parks mobile app will allow for interactive experiences. And visitors will find food, drinks and merchandise designed exclusively for the new land.
Drop into Droid Depot and you can construct a droid to your specifications (choose from R- or BB-series).
The Kessel Run
All of this preparation has fans’ anticipation running high – and security at the construction site Death Star – tight. Before I can tour the land, I have to promise not to take photos or even carry a smartphone into the area. I pull on a hard hat, boots and a reflective vest and am soon strolling past weathered domes and petrified trees. I’m led inside Oga’s Cantina, where construction crews are hard at work, and then through part of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a trackless ride that puts parkgoers into battle with the First Order. That, too, is still being finished, and Disney says it won’t open until later this year.
To my delight, I also come face to face with the Millennium Falcon. Imagineer Asa Kalama leads our group through the attraction’s queue, where an animatronic Hondo Ohnaka seeks volunteer parkgoers to deliver cargo. Then comes the moment I’ve been waiting for: We walk onto the ship itself, first into a gloriously recreated Chess Room, and finally, into the cockpit. It looks just as it does in the films, with control panels lining the walls. I can practically hear Han Solo yelling, “Traveling through hyperspace ain’t like dusting crops, boy!”
I settle into one of the six seats, soak in the oddly familiar scene, and recall something that Imagineer Margaret Kerrison said earlier: “When we open Galaxy’s Edge, I think grown men are going to cry. … There’s just so much anticipation and excitement for this.”
Indeed, the attraction isn’t even finished yet and I’m already getting a little misty. The galaxy that was once far, far away feels – amazingly – much, much closer to home.
In Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which will open later this year, you’ll find yourself inside a full-size spaceship and aboard a Star Destroyer as you battle the First Order and Kylo Ren.
You Must Reserve Ahead to Visit Galaxy’s Edge
Batuu might be a backwater planet on the galaxy’s Outer Rim, but when the land opens May 31, it’s bound to draw crowds. To access Galaxy’s Edge between opening day and June 23, parkgoers will need to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, starting May 2. Visitors staying overnight in one of the three Disneyland hotels during that period will be given reservations to visit the land during their stay (theme park admission required). After June 23, reservations will no longer be required. To continue to manage demand and provide a great guest experience, Disneyland will offer a virtual queueing system, as needed, to visit the land. Check Disneyland.com for updates.
From Champagne toasts to shining plaques, spring 2019 has been a season of sparkling celebration as AAA Northeast hosted the best-of-the-best in hospitality at AAA Four and Five Diamond Award luncheons throughout the region.
Established to help members find quality places to sleep and eat while on the road, hotel and restaurant inspections have been a AAA tradition since 1937. AAA Four and Five Diamonds Awards denote properties of the highest caliber, based on the standards set by AAA’s rigorous and always-evolving inspection process.
John Galvin, AAA Northeast president and CEO, addresses the crowd at the New York Five Diamond Awards luncheon. (Photo: Victoria Angela)
“This is a very important program to us nationwide and one we are very committed to and will stay committed to for the long term,” said President and CEO of AAA Northeast, John Galvin at the New York City event.
At this year’s award ceremonies in Providence, Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Lenox, Mass., the hosts became the hosted. Gathered with their peers, local hotel and restaurant managers, chefs and other industry professionals were given the time to share a meal, talk shop and recognize their accomplishments.
For several establishments, it was their first time being named as Four or Five Diamond. All other recipients are perennial. Earning your spot among the top takes work, but maintaining it – especially on the Five Diamond level – is a true example of dedication and diligence.
New York City Five Diamond Awards
Michal Dedera, hotel manager of Four Seasons New York, toasts to the crowd. (Photo: Victoria Angela)
The Five Diamond is an elite and hard-earned designation. Five Diamond hotels make up only .4 percent of 27,000 hotels inspected yearly. Restaurants that hold the title represent just .2 percent of 32,000 inspections.
Notable but not surprising, New York City has the highest concentration of Five Diamond properties in the country.
This year’s luncheon was hosted by the Four Seasons New York in their stunning Fifty7 West ballroom. The city’s longest-standing Five Diamond hotel, they have been taking home the award since 1994.
If you have the opportunity to walk through the IM Pei-designed space surrounded by its signature limestone or are fortunate enough to stay in one of the hotel’s rooms (all suites), it’s not hard to see why. It’s simple, calming elegance and amenities, including an on-site spa, set the bar in luxury and exemplify the Five Diamond standard.
“We are very proud to carry the Five Diamond Award for 25 years. It’s always wonderful to meet and be able to congratulate other industry leaders as well as accept the award for the hotel,” said Michal Dedera, Four Seasons New York’s hotel manager.
John Galvin and Atera’s general manager Mathew Abbick with the restaurant’s Five Diamond award.(Photo: Victoria Angela)
In the restaurant category, Atera’s intimate setting, carefully-crafted, two-hour plus tasting menu and dazzling presentations earned it its first Five Diamond Award. As noted in the AAA inspector’s rating, the courses are “visually unlike anything else in town.”
Long-esteemed Daniel celebrated 20 years of Five Diamond excellence.
Diamond Awards in Providence, Boston and Beyond!
From left, Greg Nawrocki, Matt Chauvin and Emily Archer were among the hosts from Hotel Providence for the AAA Four Diamond Award presentation ceremony. (Photo: Aimee Carrier)
At the AAA Four Diamond Rated Hotel Providence – one of 12 Four Diamond hotels in Rhode Island – Diamond designees including Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, Watch Hill Inn and Four Diamond favorite restaurant Gracie’s, raised their glasses to continued success.
From left, Gaby Artola, Daniel Hostettler and Nishant Chaudhary of COAST and Ocean House. (Photo: Casson-Foster Photographers)
Rhode Island’s only Five Diamond Rated hotel, Ocean House, continues to hold onto its rating since 2011, but its restaurant COAST earned its first Five Diamond Rating this year. Both picked up their awards at the Boston ceremony at the Five Diamond Rated Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
Other standouts in the region include Four Diamond Rated Italian seafood restaurant Due Mari in New Brunswick, N.J., and Winvian Farm and its adjoining restaurant continue to represent Five Diamond luxury in Morris, Conn. since 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Four and Five Diamond Award recipients!
It’s not actually always sunny in Philadelphia, but it can feel that way when you take a culinary tour of the city. Cheesesteaks, Tastykakes and flavored sodas all got their start in the City of Brotherly Love. Here, yummy goodies like stromboli, water ice and roast pork sandwiches collide with Pennsylvania Dutch treats like soft pretzels, bologna and shoofly pies. There’s even a Philadelphia pepper pot (made with something called tripe) for adventurous eaters.
Wake up your taste buds for this journey to the best food destinations in Philly.
Cheesesteaks
The battle for cheesesteak supremacy dates back to this sandwich’s invention in the 1930s. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks have beef – literally – and because they are located across the street from each other, they duke it out for the cheesesteak crown 24/7. Other favorites include John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s and Ralph & Rickey’s, but whichever you choose, ask for “cheese whiz wit onions” for the true Philly cheesesteak experience.
Roast Pork Sandwiches
No trip to Philly is complete without a stop at the Reading Terminal Market. While you’re there, stop by DiNic’s Roast Pork for its flagship roast pork sandwich, voted Best Sandwich in America in 2012. This other staple in the sandwich paradise that is Philadelphia is stuffed with roast pork, broccoli rabe and provolone cheese. It’s an incredibly savory sandwich that truly gives the cheesesteak a run for its money.
Tomato Pie
If you like cold pizza, you’ll love tomato pie. This South Philly staple is made like a square Sicilian pizza without cheese and served cold or at room temperature. It’s often loaded with oregano and Parmesan cheese, which definitely gives it a strong flavor. This regional delight can be found at old-school Italian bakeries like Marchiano’s Bakery and specialty restaurants like Gaeta’s Tomato Pie and Tony’s Famous Tomato Pie.
Pepper Pot Soup
Stew on this: Philly pepper pot soup has a history. It originated in the 18th century and was used to feed hungry soldiers during the American Revolution. Philly chefs have perfected this stew of vegetables, pepper and tripe, which is the edible lining of sheep stomachs. If you haven’t already skipped to the next topic, you can try this American classic where the founding fathers did, at City Tavern Restaurant in the Old Town District of the city.
Stromboli
Stromboli was purportedly invented in the 1950s in Essington, Pa., just outside of Philly. It’s a rolled pizza dough stuffed with delicious Italian meats like pepperoni, capicola and salami, cheese and sometimes veggies. It is NOT a calzone, which is made by folding the dough (and thus totally different). Stogie Joe’s gets a ton of love for its stromboli, as does Cacia’s Bakery, which also has a world-class tomato pie. And on that note…
Hoagies
While many cities claim to be the inventor of the submarine sandwich, Philly has a proud origin story for its take, the hoagie. According to legend, Italian workers made the sandwich – an Italian roll topped with sliced meats, cheese and lettuce – while working on Hog Island, the nickname for a World War I-era shipyard in Philly. The Hog Island sandwich was branded the hoagie and was named the official sandwich of Philadelphia in 1992.
Water Ice
Italian influence on Philly foods is strong, and water ice is a Philly version of Italian ice, the sweetened frozen dessert made from fruit, sugar and water. One main difference is that it water ice is looser than Italian ice – that and it’s pronounced “wooder ice.” Cool down with traditional flavors at Tranzilli’s Real Italian Water Ice, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1969 or visit Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice for flavors like strawberry coconut and kiwi.
Soda
Popular soda brands like Hires Root Beer got their start in Philly, and there are several old-timey diners and ice cream parlors that keep the city’s soda tradition alive. Nifty Fifty’s claims to have the world’s largest soda fountain with more than 100 handcrafted flavors, including pineapple cheesecake and chocolate marshmallow. The Franklin Fountain is another sure bet, with its hot milkshakes, hot sodas and fresh baked goods.
Soft Pretzels
Warm, soft pretzels were the street hot dog of early 1900s Philly. Today, you can still grab one at a downtown food cart, but you’re better off heading to a specialty bakery. Center City Soft Pretzel Co.uses three ingredients to make its delicious twists, plus it opens at 4 a.m. for a perfect late-night snack. Of course, you really can’t go wrong with anything on this list of stops in this underrated food city.
Misleading product names can cause all sorts of confusion for consumers. When those issues transfer to the roadways, however, the repercussions are much more serious. Yet consumer misunderstanding of specific automotive technologies is a growing problem across the country.
According to a new AAA survey, 40 percent of Americans believe that partially-automated driving systems have the ability to drive the car by itself. This idea is confounded by the names of these systems, including Autopilot, ProPILOT and Pilot Assist.
“With today’s exciting advances in vehicle technology, there is a greater need for naming that clearly signals to a driver what the system does,” said John Paul, AAA Northeast Senior Manager of Traffic Safety. “Vague or confusing terminology may lead someone to overestimate a system’s capability, unintentionally placing the driver and others on the road at risk.”
Automated driving systems are not intended to take over the task of driving. In fact, AAA found that these systems can be significantly challenged by every day, real-world conditions such as poor lane markings, unusual traffic patterns and stationary vehicles.
In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA tested four vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that combine technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to help maintain lane position, forward speed and following distance in relation to a lead vehicle. During typical driving situations, the technology generally functioned as expected. However, AAA found test vehicles faltered in scenarios that included moderate traffic, curved roadways and streets with busy intersections. Researchers noted instances where the test vehicle experienced issues like lane departures, hugging lane markers, “ping-ponging” within the lane, inadequate braking, unexpected speed changes and inappropriate following distances.
As this automated driving technology becomes more prevalent in cars, standardized naming across vehicles that clearly reflects how technology functions will be necessary. Greater consistency across the industry will help consumers understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems.
The New York International Auto Show rolls into town from April 19-28. The annual event attracts more than one million attendees each year who peruse the approximately 1,000 cars on display.
We were fortunate enough to get a preview of said cars and they did not disappoint.
Click through the slideshow below to discover some of the lust-worthy automobiles on display at the New York Auto Show 2019.
Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe
Mercedes-AMG GT
Toyota GR Supra
Lexus UX
Lexus RC F
Lexus LC 500
Acura NSX
Genesis Mint Concept
Rivian SUV
Rivian Truck
Audi TT RS Coupe
Audi R8
Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Maserati Levante Trofeo
Maserati Levante
Cadillac CTS-V
Bentley Continental GT
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Jaguar E-PACE
Porsche 911
Porsche 911 Speedster
Porsche 911 Speedster
Glickehaus SCG 003 CS
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Volkswagen I.D. Buggy
Fiat 500X
Nissan GT-R50
Chevrolet Blazer
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Dodge Challenger
Subaru Outback
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator
Ford Mustang
Kia Telluride
Karlmann King
This year’s New York auto show is sure to impress. Do you plan on going? Have you ever been to the New York International Auto Show before? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
If looking at these beautiful cars inspired you to get behind the wheel of a new ride yourself, we’re here to help. Learn more about how AAA can help can you in your dream car.
My nana loved a good bargain. She’d shop the sales, cut the coupons and dive head first into the clearance bin to get the best deals.
With the evolution of technology, grocery shopping isn’t your grandma’s game anymore; anyone with a smartphone can gain access to apps that find the deals, download the coupons and even help you make lists and meal plans. Here are some of our favorites.
This app allows users to select their favorite stores and then searches for and compares deals found at each. It’s a great way to find sale items and premium bargains at over 65,000 stores nationwide. The app also automatically uploads the sale items users select into a shopping list, separated by store for convenience.
Forget running to the store every Sunday morning for a newspaper just to get the circulars. Flipp offers digitized ads featured by over 1000 stores, making it easy to sort through and find the best deals. The app also has a coupon feature which can automatically upload coupons to your store loyalty cards. Shoppers will love discovering new sales near them on desired items and can use the shopping list feature to organize before heading out to the store.
Ibotta is one of my favorite money saving apps with an awesome concept: it pays you to shop. Check out the app for featured deals before you go shopping and add them to your list. Then head out and buy your items and snap a picture of the receipt or link your store loyalty card to the app and voila! Money in your pocket that can be redeemed through PayPal, Venmo or various gift cards. It’s like getting a rebate on items you’re already buying!
The Krazy Coupon Lady will teach you how to coupon like a pro – she taught me! The app developers research and break down which stores are offering what deals and how to make the most of them, for example, how to combine a coupon with a store sale with an Ibotta offer. If you’ve never couponed before and want to learn the basics, the app also includes video tutorials that will have you clipping and shopping like an expert in no time.
Mealime combines the conveniences of meal planning and shopping list into one app. The app offers recipes, many of which can be prepared in 30 minutes or less and for various diets including paleo, keto, vegetarian and vegan. Many recipes also feature and track nutritional information. When you create your meal plan for the week, a grocery list is accordingly uploaded making shopping quick and easy.
This recipe organization allows users to upload their own recipes or add them from websites or blogs. The meal plan feature lets users pre-pick their recipes for the week and create a grocery list based on the necessary items. Also cool is the “use up leftovers” feature which finds recipes based on ingredients already in your fridge or pantry.
Yummly is an awesome recipe app that features over two million guided recipes, many approved by Yummly’s own test kitchen. Users can enter their dietary preferences and the app will present recipes that match. The app organizes shopping lists by category and grocery store aisle to make trips to the grocery store easier and quicker.
Out of Milk is a simple, direct app that allows users to use three major functions: create shopping lists of items they need to purchase, create pantry lists of items they already have and utilize a to-do list for other necessary tasks of the day. Items can be scanned by barcode to enter into lists and grouped by category for convenience.
What’s cool about this shopping list app is its sharable feature. It allows users to share their shopping lists with friends and family, or maybe a group of people all going to the same picnic. The app also allows users to sync their loyalty cards and offers recipe links from popular food sites and blogs.
AnyList organizes lists, collects recipes and offers a list sharing feature. Items can be crossed off as you go and organized by category or location within the grocery store. The recipe feature allows users to store their favorite recipes and upload ingredients from the recipes to their shopping list simply. The calendar feature allows for easy meal planning.
KeyRing’s main feature is that it allows users to upload their loyalty cards so that they’re all held in one place. No more clunky key rings! The app also features coupons and circulars so users can take advantage of the best possible deals as well as incorporates a shopping list feature.
What are your favorite apps for simplifying your grocery shopping experience? Tell us in the comments!
A day at a theme park can be hard on your body, especially if you aren’t as young as you used to be. Sure, you’re having fun, but you’re also going through long hours of walking and standing and baking under the sun. Not to mention, you’re not sure if that last roller coaster agreed with your stomach.
A comfortable theme park outfit is a part of staying safe and having a good time. The most important way to stay comfortable is to listen to your body. If the novelty headband or glasses you bought are giving you a headache, take them off. If you’re tired, take a break. It might be tempting to tough it out and power through, but it will only wind up ruining your day.
Keep these smart theme park outfit ideas in mind for your next family vacation.
Theme park outfit ideas that will keep your feet happy
Comfortable shoes are the most important part of any theme park outfit. Remember, your feet are going to carry you throughout your theme park vacation. I recommend running shoes with comfortable socks. Wear them to the airport as well. You might take a moment longer at security, but the reduced stress on your feet is worth the wait. Sandals are perhaps the worst types of shoes to wear at a theme park since they leave your toes exposed, can slip off easily and provide little support.
If your feet are starting to feel a little tender after a few days of walking and waiting in line, pay attention to them. Stretch and massage your feet and legs at the end of the day, and before you go out in the morning, tend to your foot’s problem areas. Apply blister cream and bandages to developing blisters, and apply moleskin to areas of your foot that undergo the most stress. Moleskin is a slim, adhesive layer of canvas and gauze designed to cushion and protect your feet. It can be cut into whatever shape you desire, or slapped on whole-cloth. It sounds gross, but it’s a lifesaver.
Theme park outfits that keep you cool
Most theme parks are in warmer climates or are most popular during summer, so you’ll have to get creative if you want to stay comfortable and cool.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap to keep the sun off of your face. This will keep you cool, and has the added benefit of getting the sun out of your eyes. Just make sure not to lose your hat on the tilt-a-whirl.
In addition to the hat, make sure to apply and reapply sunblock throughout the day. If you’re fair-skinned, you don’t want to get a painful sunburn. If your skin is darker, it still needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Speaking of staying cool…
The best way to stay cool is to stay hydrated. A frozen bottle of water is the smartest theme park outfit accessory; it will melt throughout the day while staying frosty and refreshing. If you want to travel lighter, you can usually get water for free at the theme park’s quick-service restaurants. Or seek out a fan-and-mister combo to spray yourself and your (only slightly annoyed) loved ones.
Another great way to stay cool is to seek out indoor rides and shows. Waiting in line seems a lot nicer when you’re waiting in air conditioning. And there’s no shame in going back to your hotel during the hottest hours of the day. When it’s hotter than the surface of the sun, the smartest move is to go to the park in the morning, siesta at the hotel around midday, then return to the park afterward. This is also a good move for parties with small children who may get tired and cranky. Some younger kids need a midday nap to keep up their theme park energy.
When it comes to keeping up your energy, there are tons of foods and snacks waiting for you within the theme park gates. Many people allow themselves to go off their diets at theme parks, where funnel cakes and turkey legs are the local cuisine. But if you’re not used to eating all that sugar and fat at once, you should pace yourself. One deep-fried Oreo could be the difference between a fun ride on the merry-go-round and losing your lunch on horseback.
Keep these tips in mind for a safe and comfortable theme park vacation. And maybe you’ll even be able to walk when you get back home.
Have any other tips to add? Tell us your theme park outfit ideas in the comments.
Would you pay $25 to take a nap? What if you really needed it? What if your house was a 40-minute drive or train ride away? Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take a nap in the middle of the workday? A nap pod is a place for you to grab a little cat nap when you’re out and about – a home away from home where you can snooze in peace.
While some offices provide their employees with nap pods, the vast majority of workplaces do not. Busy New Yorkers in search of a snooze must then look to outside businesses offering places to nap, like Nap York (currently under renovation), YeloSpa and even JFK International Airport. To see what all the nap pod buzz was about, I took a trip to the Casper Dreamery, located just a short walk away from Washington Square Park.
The Dreamery is owned by Casper, a mattress company, and it exists in the gray area between a service and an advertisement. Casper is a primarily internet-based business, which means that customers are often ordering their mattresses without ever having touched one (let alone laid down on one). At the Dreamery, you can order a private, 45-minute nap on a full-sized Casper mattress for just $25. That’s around 55 cents a minute.
I made a reservation on the Dreamery’s website a few days before my nap, and was advised to arrive 15 minutes early to my “class” so that I could have time to settle in.
As soon as I walked into the Casper Dreamery, I was met with their specific brand of sleepy whimsy. The entrance to the Dreamery is an arched, blue hallway dotted with pinpricks of light representing stars. After you make your way through the tiny galaxy, you find yourself in the lobby, which includes a lounge filled with comfy chairs, refreshments and “boring” reading material (think medical textbooks and the history of Maltese dogs).
In contrast to the busy city streets outside, the lobby was shockingly quiet. I felt for a moment like I was in a library (or a funeral home). It looked like there were no other customers there, but I wasn’t sure. I tiptoed up to the man at the front desk and whispered, “I have an appointment.”
I was greeted in a whisper-voice as well, and I was given a handful of tiny, complementary Sunday Riley bath products. The man then offered me a pair of Sleepy Jones pajamas to borrow. Everything in the Dreamery is a brand deal. Of course, I took the pajamas.
I was directed to a series of booths in which to get ready – they’re like dressing rooms, but with sinks. I was a little nervous, because my nap was only 45 minutes and I thought I was on the clock. In record time, I changed into my pajamas and rubbed what I think was face lotion all over my hands. I stored my street clothes and my purse in a nearby locker.
Finally, I was ready to enter my nap pod. A second employee appeared (did I mention they all wear stylish dressing gowns?) and led me to a room filled with giant, blonde wood hoops. I was led to my hoop, which had a mattress, pillow and duvet suspended in the middle.
“Is this your first time napping?” She asked, like it was a normal thing to say.
“Uh… yes?” I replied.
“Turn the light off when you’re ready to sleep, that will start the timer,” the employee told me, “Then when your time is up, the light will gradually come back on to wake you up.”
I stepped inside the hoop, and she closed the thick, beige curtains. It was the moment of truth. I settled down into the bed and pulled the duvet over myself (Casper assures its guests that the Dreamery’s sheets are laundered after every visit). I had to admit, it was comfortable – warm and cool at the same time, with a mattress that wasn’t too soft or too hard. I had reached peak Goldilocks, and I turned off the light.
I didn’t fall asleep, but I hadn’t really expected to. I have a strict sleep schedule, and it’s difficult for me to fall asleep outside of it. But I hadn’t expected to feel so relaxed either. I slipped into a sort of meditation as I was cradled in my sleep-hoop. I felt for once like I had my own little private pocket of Manhattan, where I could let my guard down and just rest. I was comfortable and snug, my thoughts turning away from worry and toward the kind of milkshake I was going to buy in Penn Station. Before I knew it, the light was coming back on.
I don’t know if nap pods are the sleep wave of the future, or if they’re just a fad. But when I stepped out of the Dreamery and back onto the loud, busy streets of NYC, I totally understood their appeal.
Would you like to try napping in a nap pod? Have you done it already? Let us know in the comments below!
Located 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Bimini is a tropical retreat unlike any other, with crystal clear waters and acres of forests and mangroves. So tranquil and stunning is the Bahamian location, in fact, that it served as a home for Ernest Hemingway and inspired some of his greatest works. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the island in 1964 to write his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.
There’s no better place to enjoy this majestic land than Resorts World Bimini. The 305-room luxury oasis is situated on 750 acres, with miles of pristine beaches, infinity pools, diverse restaurants and a world-class casino. Here is a sampling of things to do at Resorts World Bimini.
Water Sports
Bimini is one of the best fishing spots in the world. Located on the edge of the Gulf Stream and the western edge of the Bahamas, Bimini is the perfect location to access the tropical north-flowing current of warm waters, replete with fish of all varieties. Plus, fishing conditions in Bimini are perfect year-round.
Resorts World Bimini offer daily full-day and half-day fishing charters for offshore, inshore and bottom fishing. From here, you’ll be able to reel in a wide variety of fish including trigger fish, bonefish, snapper, grouper, marlin, swordfish, tuna, wahoo, tarpon, barracuda, amberjack, permit, mackerel and kingfish.
The resort also provides plenty of other water toys to float your boat, including glass-bottom kayaks, which provide a look into Bimini’s vast underwater world. Other items available assorted watercraft, banana boats, kayaks, paddleboats, water bikes and water hammocks.
Resorts World Bimini is 750 acres of pristine Bahamas beachfront and turquoise waters. Easily accessible from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is the perfect midweek getaway.
You’ll find another Bimini paradise – and many more adventures – when you dive below sea level. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are a treasure trove of exploration.
Resorts World Bimini’s full-service water sports center is a certified dive center that can plan dives – from 15- to 130-feet deep – for you and your guests. From there, you’ll get a front-row view of Bimini’s unparalleled sea life, including preserved coral reefs, colorful vegetation, stingrays, manta rays, a large variety of fish, and up to 45 different species of sharks.
If you’d like some added adventure to your dive, try the Sapona shipwreck snorkeling excursion. Sitting in only 15 feet of water, the Sapona was originally built as a U.S. World War I era concrete ship. It later served as a rumrunner’s vessel during Prohibition before running aground 90 years ago. Guests can snorkel through the boat’s remains, which have become home to a colorful spectrum of marine life. Other excursions offered by the resort include the opportunity to swim with Bimini’s resident population of Atlantic spotted dolphins in the wild, and – for the brave of heart – with a community of Caribbean reef and nurse sharks in their natural habitat, free of cages.
(Photo: Resorts World Bimini)
Casino
The great outdoors isn’t the only site of enjoyment at the resort – a whole other world of excitement awaits you inside in the form of the Resorts World Casino. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering beautiful views of the resort’s Mega Yacht Marina, it may just be the most picturesque casino in the world.
Take your pick from a variety of live-action table games including poker, roulette, craps, baccarat and blackjack. You can also raise the stakes in the VIP gaming area. If that’s too rich for your blood, the 10,000-square-foot casino is home to more than 160 slot machines with denominations ranging from 1 cent to $100.
Food
If there’s one thing you can be certain of during your visit to Resorts World Bimini, it’s that you’ll never go hungry. The resort has 10 restaurants, cafes and bars that serve a vast array of cuisines in various dining settings.
The Tides offers a breakfast buffet, where you can try an authentic local dish such as Bimini bread French toast, which utilizes the island’s decadent Bimini bread dough, drizzled with a raspberry coulis. The menu for lunch and dinner features new and innovative options such as fresh seafood linguine and herbed roasted chicken, to marinated conch salad and lobster truffle mac & cheese.
The Sushi Bar offers a more intimate dining experience. The 24-seat venue has an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch their dishes being prepared. The menu was created by “Top Chef” winner Hung Huynh and features a selection of specialty sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, handmade dumplings and savory noodle dishes.
For casual fare, the casino’s sports bar Hemingway’s serves up gourmet burgers and flavorful wings to go along with innovative cocktails. If you’re in too blissful a state to leave the pool, try Monkey Business by the adults-only rooftop infinity pool. It offers panoramic views of Bimini Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and a tempting menu of innovative cocktails, kabobs, burgers and salads. You don’t even have to leave the water at the ground floor lagoon pool to satisfy your craving. Oasis, the swim-up bar, delivers tropical favorites like pina coladas, specialty cocktails, and a variety of light bites including salads, burgers and kabobs.
Spa
When it comes time for the requisite rest-and-relaxation portion of your vacation, you’ll quickly realize you have come to the perfect destination. The Serenity Spa and Salon’s sweeping translucent curtains, shades of blue, and floor-to-ceiling windows with striking views of the Caribbean Sea will put you in a blissful peace of mind even before the talented specialists customize your treatment. The spa offers every luxurious service you can imagine, including body massages, body wraps, hair and makeup styling and nail services.
Fisherman’s Village
Just steps from the resort’s main lobby is Fisherman’s Village. Visitors can wander through an array of restaurants, stores and chic boutiques. The village even has a fitness center. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Amicci’s, offering fresh paninis, salads, pizzas, pastries and coffee.
From NBC’s “Today” Show to “The Rachael Ray Show” to The Weather Channel, you have likely seen Katie Linendoll on TV talking about must-have travel gadgets. The Your AAA Network recently spoke with her to learn about her favorite accessories.
Click the audio player below to listen. The text that follows is a transcript of the conversation.
Your AAA: Thank you for clicking on. You are listening to the Your AAA Network and today we’re joined by an Emmy winner, a tech expert, avid traveler, TV personality, and all around social and tech influencer. None other than Katie Linendoll. She is going to walk us through some of the hottest travel gadgets, but first, let’s set the stage for our listeners. How often are you on the road?
Katie Linendoll: It’s well over 250 days. I did a calculation year over year. It spans the globe, which is pretty exciting; 250-plus days ranging from the Faroe Islands to just recently Alaska and Iceland. This next four weeks will have me in Boston, to New Orleans, back to Iceland, back to the Faroes and then to Kenya –all just in a matter of one month. It’s incredible. I call it a true blessing. I love being on the road and I learned so much. It just builds your character.
Katie Linendoll takes in the northern lights. (Photo: Katie Linendoll Productions, LLC)
Your AAA: No doubt about that. That amount of travel is unbelievable. I know even my own travel has ramped up to maybe once or twice a month at this point and I find it hard to hold it together. So, well done. Hat tip!
Katie: It’s funny, my friends will ask me, so what are you doing in June? I’m like, dude, I don’t know what I’m having for breakfast and/or what state I’m going to be in tomorrow, so just hold tight. Pump the brakes. I don’t know what my summer plans are yet.
Your AAA: Out of curiosity so far, have you hit every state in the U.S.?
Katie: My sister and I were just talking about this. Alaska was missing until the recent trip where we were chasing the northern lights – which was epic unto itself, but right now if I’m correct, I think I’m missing North Dakota and South Dakota.
Your AAA: So aside from evolving into a big-time traveler, I know you jumped into technology at a pretty early age, so what got you started on that path?
Katie: Yeah, my background in technology, it started when I was young. I guess you could say coding was my main foray into IT; I started when I was about 12 or 13, which sounds very young, but I laugh now because I have a 9-year-old niece that is just incredible on the computer. She is on-point with robotics and engineering. And now there are so many STEM gadgets, so it’s so cool to see how things have changed over the years. But my interest in tech as I noted was at 12 or 13, getting into coding. I got my networking certifications while I was still in high school and then I went on to get my degree in information technology and new media from Rochester Institute of Technology. Through and through, tech was always a huge passion of mine and it’s just remained that way.
I never foresaw going into a television direction. I was building websites as a freelance job when I was like 17, 18 and 19, in and out of college breaks, so I never saw going into this TV direction, but it’s a perfect fit for me right now. People’s interest in technology and consumer products – whether it is the latest iPhone or the latest STEM products – is only growing. So I think it’s a really good fit.
Your AAA: That is a perfect segue to talk about some of the travel gadgets on the market today that AAA members might want to check out.
Katie: First off, myCharge devices. They come in a range of sizes. I have the MyCharge hub and it gives about nine plus hours of extra battery life and it also has the built-in micro USB and lightning cable. I carry that pretty much every single day whether I’m on the road or not and people are always knowing that I have it on me. So whether their tablet or their smartphone or whatever they’re using needs to be charged up, it is a must-have accessory, especially while you’re on the road.
Also, just to give you a few of my other key items, I love Matador bags. They are these really lightweight, durable bags. They fold up to the size of almost a baseball. They’re super tiny. And when I travel, if I’m going to really cool places, I always come back with more and more stuff. So I have these really great durable, water-resistant bags that are so tiny that I throw them in my luggage, but then I can also fill them up with so much stuff. They come in a variety of sizes. I always go to the 24-liter size. They’re backpacks and there’s also a duffel bag. They’re just really cool to carry with you when you’re bringing more stuff back.
I have my own production company, so we filmed lots of different places for the likes of The Weather Channel and a number of other national outlets. Really good luggage is obviously key – 0ne that also has a lot of compartments and one that’s not going to tear, and be weather resistant. Eagle Creek luggageis my absolute go-to after trying many different types of luggage out.
I think one thing on the travel side that everybody needs to know that is kind of a hidden tip and trick is the Wi-Fi at rental car companies now. Well, first off, people don’t know about the travel pass on your smartphone. When I am internationally on location for a majority of the places that I visit, it’s only $10 extra a day to have a full-on travel pass as opposed to like, you know, $2 a minute, which can quickly add up. I know people who have seen their bill and they freak out. I think people need to take more advantage of their monthly service of just adding that on when they are traveling internationally or overseas. Wi-Fi hotspots that you can rent at rental car companies are also something a lot of people don’t realize are out there … they are about 10 bucks a day and it not only gives you Wi-Fi access in your car, but you don’t have to rent a GPS which can be super expensive per day at the rental car company. Now you can use your phone but you can also use a Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere you’re traveling in that country. So I think that is a really great tip and trick for anyone that’s going to be on the road this summer.
Your AAA: That’s awesome. I had no idea that something like that was offered. So going back real quick to the luggage, have you tested out any of that ride-on luggage that’s out there?
Katie: Personally, I think it’s gotten so crazy in terms of the media press and I just don’t think it’s practical.
Your AAA: I feel like there’s a line where there’s just too much technology and this just kind of crosses it, right?
Katie: There is totally a line! Plus I can run faster than that and I run a lot in airports. I hear my name way too often over the loudspeaker. One thing that I’m adamant about with what I test and what I stand behind in terms of technologies is practical tech.
Your AAA: So any good travel gadgets for families with young kids?
Katie: One thing I’m so keen on – I have lots of nieces and nephews is MiFOLD – it’s this little booster seat. Unless you’re a parent with a little one will this really hit home, but it’s super lightweight and it’s portable. If you have to bring a booster seat when you are traveling, it’s not great for airlines. It’s not approved, but it is good for when you are renting a car so you don’t have to pay for that extra booster seat. My niece always travels over to her friend’s house and actually takes that booster seat with her and it folds up right in her hand. It looks like nothing. Imagine a booster seat compacting down all the way to like a piece of paper. It’s amazing what the technology has come and done for that particular gadget, so parents will love that one.
And then, also of course, it’s not telling you anything you don’t know, I love the tablet side of things, whether it’s an iPad or the Kindle Kids Fire edition is just an awesome travel gadget. My nieces and nephews love it and are always watching the latest, whether on PBS or the Disney channel, they’re always staying tuned on. I’ve also hooked them up with Puro headphones. The decibel level on the headphones only goes to a certain level so it keeps their ears protected and it’s really good sound quality. So I think that’s a cool accessory for parents that are looking for really great pair of headphones.
Your AAA: I know when I’m sitting next to a kid on a plane, I can’t wait for them to break out the tablet with the headphones. Use it the whole flight, please.
Katie: Your fingers are crossed for it!
Your AAA: Getting back to travel now, let’s go into our rapid-fire questions. Sand or snow?
Katie: Snow. Said no one ever. I grew up in Erie. It was the most snow accumulation in 2017. I am a snow girl through and through.
Your AAA: Best childhood vacation memory.
Katie: There were six people in my family and we had a Ford Taurus and that we would pack in and go on road trips. Just being with my family was awesome.
Your AAA: Bucket list destination.
Katie: You know what? I’m going to actually go with a revisit because I feel like no matter where you go on the globe, it’s the people in the environment that make all the difference. It could be the coolest place but with the worst people and it’s going to change your whole attitude towards it. I just had one of the best travel experiences of my life in Fairbanks, Alaska. I think it’s dubbed as the golden heart of Alaska and they’re known for their people being so awesome and warm, and just cool people. Just because of the environment there and the people and the culture, I’d like to revisit it.
Katie Linendoll visits an Elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya that rescues and rehabilitates elephants. (Photo: Katie Linendoll Productions, LLC)
Your AAA: Favorite travel spot in the Northeast.
Katie: I love the Boston area. I hope to be buying a home there.
Your AAA: Finally, what is one piece of travel advice you’d like to leave our AAA members with?
Katie: Preparation and organization, and all the right gadgets. You kind of have to split the difference. I prepare and I organize for my trips but I also leave room for the “let it happen.” I just came back from a trip to Disney and you can tell where the kids have just had it because they try to jam so much into one day. Sometimes you’ve just got to ride out the adventure and see whatever comes your way. Go with it. I think you’ve got to split the difference in terms of being organized and having a plan, and being ready to go off the grid.
Your AAA: I have no doubt that this conversation is going to leave AAA members wanting more from you, Katie. So where’s the best place folks can find you online?
Katie: Totally. I’m at Katie Linendoll on social across the board and I love connecting with new people. I always try to be good about it, responding, helping you with any travel gadgets or tech tips. So yeah, that’s where you can find me.
Your AAA: Awesome. Thanks for a great conversation. Be sure you head on over to katielinendoll.com and be sure to stick with the Your AAA Network for more travel and lifestyle content. I’m Andrew Rosen. Thanks for clicking on.
More people die from lung cancer each year than any other form of cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to educate yourself on the risk factors, warning signs and screening options. And there’s no better time to start than right now. You can make a difference simply by learning the facts and spreading lung cancer awareness.
Lung cancer stats
Every 2.2 minutes, someone in the country is diagnosed with lung cancer. That equates to 234,000 new diagnoses annually. Not only is lung cancer prevalent, it is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about 25 percent of all cancer deaths. Each day, 422 American die of lung cancer. Each year, it takes more lives than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
There is a common misconception that lung cancer mostly affects smokers. However, 60 to 65 percent of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
Lung cancer awareness is critical to developing potentially life-saving treatment. Only six percent of federal government dollars spent on cancer research are spent on lung cancer research. The lack of research, in part, is the cause of such a high mortality rate.
Symptoms and warning signs
According to the American Cancer Society, most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they spread. However, some people with early lung cancer do begin to suffer certain symptoms. The most common lung cancer symptoms include an enduring cough or one that gets worse, coughing up blood, chest pain that is often worse when breathing deeply, trouble breathing or respiratory infections, hoarseness, and exhaustion or weakness.
Although most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by another illness, it is vital to see medical attention immediately if you are suffering from any of these conditions. If you do have lung cancer, you can be diagnosed earlier, which greatly increases the likelihood of treatment being effective.
Prevention
Lung cancer cannot always be prevented. However, certain precautions can lower your risk of developing the disease. Most notable of these is to not smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke. Even if you have been a smoker in the past, once you cease the habit, your damaged lung tissue will gradually repair itself. Regardless of your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will lower your risk of developing lung cancer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil in rocks. Outdoors, there is not enough radon for it to be harmful. Indoors, however, it can become more concentrated. Homes and buildings throughout the country can have high levels of radon, particularly in basements. The problem is you can’t see, taste or smell it. Instead, you’ll need to get your home tested and, if needed, treated professionally.
Other tips to help prevent lung cancer include avoiding other carcinogens like asbestos and certain chemicals, and limiting exposure to air pollution. Also, maintaining a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of developing several forms of cancer.
Screening
Certain individuals are at an elevated risk for developing cancer. If you are between the ages of 55-80, a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years, and have a 30 pack-year history, you are part of the high-risk population. (Pack year is a way to measure smoking history over an extended period of time. It is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.)
If you meet these criteria, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting screened annually for lung cancer. A screening is done with a low dose CT scan.
There are other factors that may require individuals to undergo annual screenings, such as previous lung cancer diagnoses. If you believe you may be at risk of developing lung cancer, consult your physician to get a full assessment.
What are you doing to help protect yourself or your loved ones from lung cancer? Tell us in the comments below. And read more about keeping your body healthy at AAA.com/healthfitness.
AAA can help patients pay for health care costs with Medicare Supplement insurance from AAA. Learn more.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the best history podcasts are sure to get you hooked on stories of ancient revolutions, little-known heroes, royal love triangles and more.
Do you love history? Or did you fall asleep in your high school history class? Whether you’re a history buff or not, the best history podcasts are sure to get you hooked on stories of ancient revolutions, little-known heroes, royal love triangles and so much more.
There are a lot of history podcasts out there – since history makes great podcast fodder. Here are my personal favorites, to get you started on your own historic journey.
Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History”
Journalist Dan Carlin isn’t joking around. On his podcast, “Hardcore History,” he can explore a historical subject for hours. His episodes usually average about four hours each – some of them even have multiple parts. These deep dives are completely engrossing, even if it can take a few days to finish listening to them. Carlin’s exhaustive research, combined with his compelling, dramatic delivery, make “Hardcore History” a must-listen.
“Stuff You Missed in History Class” was the first podcast I ever listened to, more than ten years ago. Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey of HowStuffWorks investigate the forgotten corners and obscure characters in the margins of history. “Stuff You Missed in History Class” has a HUGE back catalog to trawl through – with inside jokes that have lasted for years (like the fact that their subjects keep getting exhumed). Wilson and Frey meticulously research each episode, and their joint method of reporting these forgotten stories make each episode effortlessly enjoyable.
“You Must Remember This” is a podcast about the golden age of the silver screen – the secrets and stories of Hollywood’s first century. Creator Karina Longworth narrates her fantastic research with dulcet, calming tones and she incorporates guest actors to voice the historical figures and Hollywood icons that populate the episodes. Longworth is a film journalist, but “You Must Remember This” has transformed over time into one of the most well-loved history podcasts around. Though you’re less likely to hear about Cleopatra than about Elizabeth Taylor, “You Must Remember This” has earned its spot as one of the best history podcasts.
Malcom Gladwell hosts “Revisionist History,” which is all about going back into historical stories, examining them through different lenses and reinterpreting what they mean to us today. “Revisionist History” reexamines everything from the far past to recent history with an emphasis on the malleability of memory, the unreliability of even primary resources and the inherent imperfections in the stories that we cling to the most.
“Our Fake History’s” tag line is “historical myths relished and ruined” – and that’s exactly what they do. History is littered with fake and apocryphal stories that we’ve been telling each other for eons. Did Pocahontas really save John Smith? Was Robin Hood real? Did Nero play violin while Rome burned? Did Shakespeare write any of his own plays? Educator and storyteller Sebastian Major tackles common historical myths and legends, revels in them, then attempts to separate fact from fiction.
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds host “The Dollop,” a tongue-in-cheek history podcast. Every other week, Anthony tells Reynolds a little-known story from American history and Reynolds, hearing the story for the first time, reacts to it with his own comic flair. This charming matchup of history and comedy can’t be beat – and that’s why it’s run for over 300 episodes.
While there are plenty of beautiful woodland campsites nearby, camping out on the beach is definitely something you have to try at least once. If sleeping beneath the stars near a beach side bonfire sounds like an ideal situation to you, consider Montauk camping.
Camping is available at Montauk County Park and Hither Hills State Park.
It’s probably been a while since you last decided to abandon your television, tablet and smartphone screens to rough it in the great outdoors for a day or two. From health improvement and positive relationship building to developing important life skills, there is a list of benefits that camping can provide. So pack up your tent and head outdoors for a Montauk camping adventure.
Montauk County Park provides campers with the full on-the-beach Montauk camping experience. If you’ve always wanted to catch a fish, roast it over a campfire and eat it, you can do just that here. The park allows all campers access to salt and freshwater fishing. Shagwong Point is a particular favorite among surfcasters looking for striped bass and bluefish; if you’re bringing an RV this is the area where you would set up.
You can also visit Big Reed Pond, a 128-acre freshwater pond and National Natural Landmark that also includes brackish marshland and natural sand dunes.
While you’re living the simple life, take a trip back to simpler times at these historical sites.
Third House – This residence was built in the 18th century for cattle keepers who brought their cattle to Montauk each summer. Open seasonally, it also houses the Third House Nature Center, which hosts nature programs, hikes and activities for all ages. If you’re looking to spend some time with fellow campers while you’re on the grounds, be sure to swing by.
Montaukett Village – This is the home and burial ground of the Montaukett tribe, which includes the grave of member Stephen Talkhouse.
Deep Hollow Ranch – Built and established in 1658, Deep Hollow Ranch is the first and oldest cattle ranch in the United States. Stop by the ranch for an opportunity to enjoy the cinematic experience of riding a horse to and along the beach. If you prefer to ride along in something that has wheels, there are also wagon rides that will take you around the ranch and park.
Camp Wikoff – Take a look at where Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders rested after the battle of San Juan Hill during the 1898 Spanish-American War.
This popular park offers a rich 189-site campground on the beach, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers can enjoy fireplaces, sport fishing, playing fields and more. Stroll through the eastern boundary of the park, which has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. You can also hike along the Walking Dunes trail of Napeague Harbor, a highlight of the park.
The park’s amenities include an accessible picnic area, playground, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball and tetherball courts. If you forget an important camping item, you can stop in the camp store and find what you need. There’s also the park office and centrally located phones, should you need assistance at any point during your stay. No need to bring your smartphone!
For fun activities where you can explore the campgrounds, you can enjoy biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and hiking year-round and cross-country skiing in the wintertime. During the summer, bond with the family on the campgrounds over movies, folk and line dancing, magic shows and more recreation programs. Children can also enjoy several performances during the park’s children’s summer theater program.
Check out the weekly sand castle contest during the summer months. If you enter, you have the chance to win in several categories, including best sculptors and best castles.
Let “The End” be the beginning of a great adventure. Whether you choose the historic Montauk County Park or the popular and gorgeous Hither Hills for your Montauk camping adventure and getaway, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience that you and your fellow camping companions will talk about fondly for years to come.
Is Montauk camping on your list of things to do? Have you been to either of these parks for a camping trip before? Tell us in the comments.
Need help planning your next camping trip? Let AAA help.
