AAA World, May/June 2020, Great Plains Region

MAY/JUNE 2020

ROAD

TRIP

DrBivrinigghTotewrardDays

ROUTE 66 • BIG SUR • FLORIDA KEYS • MORE



THISISSUE MAY/JUNE 2020

Dear Friends, 42

As we went to press, AAA members COURTESY OF SEEMONTEREY.COM
across the U.S. were being told to
stay at home. Telling AAA members F E AT U R E S ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
not to travel is like telling hockey
players not to play hockey. And, yes, 12 What’s Cooking With 02 Editor’s Notebook
that happened, too. Andrew Zimmern 04 From Our CEO
06 Public and
We made the decision to proceed 22 On the Road to Genius
with printing our planned road-trip 27 Sweet and Salty— Government Affairs
issue with the vague hope that we 08 Insurance Advisor
might all be able to travel by the time Missouri Style 10 Money Minute
the magazine reaches your homes 30 Couch Trip! 17 Member News
and the certain hope that in the 34 Cruising the Main Street 21 AAA’s Diamond
not-too-distant future, we will all be
packing up the family car and hitting of America Program Update
the road. 38 Where the Water Meets 32 Travel Tips
45 Auto Reviews
In the meantime, if you are still the Road 48 Car Doctor
being told to stay home, by all 42 Must Love Road Trips 49 The Brakedown
means, stay home. Allow these road 52 Where Did We Park?
trip stories to fuel your dreams and
inspire plans for better days.

John C. Moyer
Editor in Chief
AAA World
March 24, 2020

CONNECT WITH AAA WORLD ONLINE! 30

LIKE!

Like Us on FACEBOOK
Keep up with the fun side of AAA World.

Facebook.com/AAAWorldMagazine

SURF! AAA WORLD on the Web PHOTO BY DAVID HEALD 45
SEE! Visit us online for travel stories, COURTESY OF LAND ROVER
member news and more.
AAA.com/World

Videos and Slideshows
Find more content at The Extra Mile.
AAA.com/TheExtraMile

To find your local AAA Store, go to AAA.com/Stores.

EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK
ROCK AND ROAD: BOOMER EDITIONWelcome to AAA World’s Road Trip
highway. I’ll start with a few driving Publisher
issue. We’ve got tips for getting yoursongs (“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Scott Lugar
Tom Petty and “Highway 61 Revisited”
wcar ready, suggestions on vehicles Associate Publisher
you may want to rent and a few trip by Johnny Winter) and then move Matthew Haas

reports that you may want to rip on to a car song or two (“Silver Editor in Chief
John C. Moyer
out of the magazine on your way to Thunderbird” by Marc Cohn and
Editor
the driveway. We’ve tried to cover “Mercury Blues” by David Lindley). Theresa G. Medoff

the essentials. Here, it is my duty Some traveling-to tunes are always Contributing Editor
Stacy Tillilie
to remind you that no road trip is welcome (Bob Seger’s “Katmandu”
Manager, Creative Services
complete without the right mix of and “Further on up the Road” by Content & Publications

music. Now, we know there are some The Band with Eric Clapton from Anthony Richinelli

parents out there with the Frozen The Last Waltz). I could go on for Senior Graphic Designer
Paul Stevens
soundtrack on constant repeat in miles and miles, and I usually do.
Brand and Content Manager
their minivan. We feel your pain. Here’s the only rule: You need Ben Young

Let it go. songs that you know by heart Print and Digital Content Manager
Nicole Bumbaugh
There’s a reason the first rock ‘n’ because you’ll be belting them out
Digital Advertising Coordinator
roll song was about a V-8 Oldsmobile. loud and strong. Trust me here. Colin Anderson

Even if “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston Singing, like laughing, makes you Production Specialist
Kimberly Jones
and his Delta Cats is only among feel good. If you’re not singing along,
Business Operations Manager
the first, work with me here. I’m you might as well be listening to a Stephen McDonald

talking about the primal connection podcast about removing mold from Media Sales and Partnerships Director
Ed Lynch
between gasoline and vinyl, flashy a shower stall.
Advertising Operations Supervisor
convertibles and harmonies that lift Got your keys? Mind your speed, Jan Shallcross

your spirit, long stretches of highway keep both hands on the wheel, be Advertising Account Executives
Michelle Bailey
and a guitar solo that just won’t stop. polite, and, like The Beach Boys, have Kristi Benson
Doreen Zawacki
It doesn’t matter if your musical fun, fun, fun until your daddy takes
AAA World® is the official publication
tastes take you from Lady Gaga to your T-Bird away. of AAA Club Alliance, Inc.,

Run DMC to Patti Smith and around By the way, we asked the 1 River Place, Wilmington, DE 19801.

the corner to McCoy Tyner. Follow contributors to this issue to list one of Subscription per year $1 (included in dues).
All others $12 per year; single copies $2.
your favorites from Dusty and Rick their favorite car/road songs. Be sure
Periodicals postage paid at Wilmington, DE,
Springfield to Bruce Springsteen to check them out as you make your and additional offices.

to Taylor Swift, and follow them way through the magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to: AAA World,
1 River Place, Wilmington, DE 19801
faithfully. No judgment here.
Vol. 22, No. 3
In the meantime, I’m behind the
AAA World (USPS 294-440, ISSN 10990640)
wheel, and “’92 Subaru” by Fountains John C. Moyer is published bimonthly and is copyright 2020
of Wayne is setting the mood for AAA World
this stretch of road. Understand, I’m by AAA World Publishing Group, LLC,
something of a traditionalist when One more thing— 1 River Place, Wilmington, DE 19801,

it comes to making a playlist for the Obviously, these are days for 888/AAA-4252.

serious reflection. Armchair travel AAA World assumes no responsibility for
return of unsolicited materials unless they are
Keep an eye out for has always been our strong suit at
this music note icon! AAA World. We hope this issue accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped
inspires dreams of better days. envelope. The publisher reserves the right to
accept or reject any editorial or advertising
material. AAA World is a trademark of AAA.
Contents may not be reproduced in whole or
in part unless expressly ­authorized in writing

by AAA World.

Ads in AAA World do not necessarily carry the
endorsement of AAA Club Alliance.

Comments? Email us at
[email protected].

ADVERTISING AND OTHER MAGAZINE
INQUIRIES 888/AAA-4252

Take care of each other.

2 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

WE ARE HERE FOR YOUWe don’t need to tell you that we are We're only a click away using AAA Mobile. FROMOURCEO
If you haven’t already, download it on the
living through an unprecedented time. App Store or Google Play. When
uncertainty
wPeople all over the country are struggling If you would like to request a Car Care surrounds us,
to regain their footing, but there’s very little appointment, use AAA.com, or call you can be
solid ground. Membership Services to locate the store sure that AAA
When uncertainty surrounds us, you can nearest to you. is prepared
be sure that AAA is prepared and available and available
to assist our members, whether on the side Roadside Assistance to assist our
of the road, over the phone for insurance members.
coverage or travel plans, or getting your Our commitment to keeping you safe
car repaired at one of our car care centers. on the road is the cornerstone of AAA. We
Although some of the ways we interact are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
have changed in support of our nation's Please keep in mind that for the safety of
effort to contain the virus, the AAA team members and tow truck drivers alike, riding
stands ready. Here is some important with the service driver is restricted until
information on how to access our services. further notice. AAA will help you to arrange
alternative transportation if needed.
AAA Stores, Member Services
and Car Care To request assistance:
• Call 800/AAA-HELP (222-4357).
Like other businesses, we have • Use the AAA Mobile App. (Click the
temporarily closed our stores. However, tow truck icon.)
wherever local/state regulations have
allowed, our car care services have Each day brings new information, and
remained available. We know that a we’re dedicated to keeping you informed.
working vehicle is important to the Our commitment is to the safety of our
health and security of your household. members and our associates. To learn
more about AAA’s focus during these
We’re asking members to conduct their challenging times, visit AAA.com for
insurance, travel and membership business the most up-to-date information.
via phone, AAA.com or our AAA Mobile
App while our stores are closed. Stay safe and healthy,

Insurance Sales & Service Thomas C. Wiedemann
866/AAA-4YOU (222-4968) President & CEO

Travel Customer Service
800/436-4222

Membership Services
866/MEMBERS (636-2377)

To find your local AAA Store, go to AAA.com/Stores. AAA World • May/June 2020 3

AAA.com/world

PUBLIC&GOVERNMENTAFFAIRS

DITCH THE DISTRACTIONS

aOnce road travel returns to that drivers who were more familiar Thanks to this potentially lifesaving
normal, don’t be distracted with ADAS technology tended to campaign, thousands of motorists
by your car’s technology. pay less attention to the road when throughout the country have taken
using the systems than when driving the pledge not to drive distracted.
AAA member Mary K. hasn’t without them. Authors of the study
quite figured out how to use her worry that drivers who are more “We recognize that our campaign
SUV’s high-tech features such as experienced with ADAS may become won’t change driver behavior
the lane-departure warning system. over-reliant on the technology. overnight,” says Cathy Rossi, vice
“I’m actually a little worried that the president of Public and Government
technology might be too distracting AAA warns against driver Affairs for AAA Club Alliance. “This is
while I’m driving,” she says. distraction caused not only by the an ongoing effort to draw attention
technology in your vehicle but also to the dangers of distracted driving
New research by the AAA your phone and other electronic and save countless lives in the
Foundation for Traffic Safety suggests devices. Technology can take a process.”
that Mary has cause for concern. driver’s attention away from the road,
While advanced driver-assistance other vehicles and pedestrians— AAA urges drivers to focus on
systems (ADAS) have the potential often with fatal consequences. That’s the task of driving when behind
to increase your driving safety, they why we at AAA are continuing our the wheel. Driving is a complex task
also could breed complacency. commitment to our “Don’t Drive that requires a driver’s full attention.
Researchers investigating how Intoxicated, Don’t Drive Intexicated” Hands-free and handheld devices as
technology affects behavior found campaign, now in its second year. well as in-vehicle technologies can
distract drivers, even if their eyes are
on the road and their hands are on
the wheel; hands-free is not risk-free.
Studies show that drivers who text or
talk while driving are up to four times
as likely to be involved in a crash
regardless of whether hands-free or
handheld devices are used. Drivers
should use these technologies only
for legitimate emergencies or urgent
driving-related purposes. Even
though the newer advanced driver-
assist technology is designed to
improve the driving experience,
it’s not infallible.

All this is a message that Mary—
and you—should remember every
time you get behind the wheel. There
is no substitute for an alert, engaged
driver. AAA encourages all drivers to
visit AAA.com/dontdrivedistracted
to take the pledge and make all your
road trips—near and far—safe and
enjoyable ones.

6 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

SUMMER IS FOR…

…FAMILY, FUN, AND ROADTRIPS!

MAKE SURE
YOU’RE COVERED
BEFORE YOU HIT
THE OPEN ROAD!

8 33 -3 0 0 -1 526
AAA.com/InsuranceQuote
Visit your local AAA Store

*Insurance products sold through ACA Club Insurance Agency, Inc. are underwritten by various insurance providers including CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. All policies are subject to
policy terms, underwriting guidelines and applicable laws. Applicants may not qualify for all coverages, benefits and discounts. Discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements.
Insurance coverage is not included in the price of membership. Participants in insurance programs incur separate costs for insurance. ©2020 AAA Club Alliance, Inc. 20_675772

INSURANCEADVISOR

DEMYSTIFYING RENTAL CAR INSURANCE OPTIONSIf you’ve decided to rent a car for your

next road trip, one of the first questions
you’ll be asked at the rental counter is
whether you want to purchase additional

iinsurance. With several types of insurance
available, the issue can get confusing for

the uninitiated—and purchasing more

insurance than you need can take a big bite

out of your vacation budget. In fact, the

daily cost for rental car insurance coverage FIVE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
can often exceed the amount it costs to

rent the vehicle itself. To help you make A car accident can be frightening. 3. Document damage to all
an informed decision before you sign the The chaos of the situation can lead vehicles involved.
rental agreement, we offer the following many of us to forget important
primer. steps to take immediately after an Depending on the municipality,
accident to ensure safety and, later, local police may not respond if no
Liability coverage—Meets minimum ease the insurance claims process. one is injured and vehicles involved
state requirements for bodily injury and 1. Remain calm, and check for are able to be driven safely. You can
property damage liability you may cause injuries. always decide to file an accident
while operating the rental. Typically will not report at the police station at a
cover injuries to you or your passengers, Once you’ve come to a complete later date, so document in writing
nor any damage to the rental car. stop, evaluate the condition of and with photos all damage
yourself and your passengers as to your vehicle and any others
Loss damage waiver—Covers expenses well as those in other vehicles impacted by the collision. Thorough
if the rental car is stolen or damaged. or any pedestrians involved. If documentation will also assist you
there are no injuries that require in filing insurance claims.
Collision damage waiver—Similar immediate medical attention,
to the loss damage waiver but limited to begin to assess the damage to your 4. Exchange driver information.
collisions, it protects you in the event the vehicle. If there are no injuries and Document the following
rental car is damaged. the collision is minor, move your
vehicle from the roadway to help information before leaving the
Personal effects coverage—Covers any prevent additional accidents. scene: the other driver’s name,
belongings in the rental car in the event address, phone number, insurance
they are stolen. 2. Alert local law enforcement. provider, policy number, driver’s
Wait for law enforcement license number and license plate
Personal accident insurance—Covers number as well as the names and
you or your passengers who are injured to arrive before discussing the phone numbers of any witnesses.
while you are operating the rental car.
Pays for any associated medical expenses
and also provides coverage for accidental

death. collision with anyone else involved. 5. Notify your insurance carrier
Policies offered via your rental car Once a law-enforcement officer promptly.
arrives, explain what you know
company may duplicate coverage you about the incident, and be sure to Filing your claim while you
already have through your current auto get the officer’s name and a copy of still remember the details of the
insurance. To avoid paying for coverage the police report. This information accident can help the claims
you already have with your auto insurance will be helpful in getting your process go more smoothly.
company, take the time to contact your insurance claim filed accurately and
insurance agent prior to renting a vehicle will help protect you in case there Before embarking on your road trip,
and opting for any of the above coverage are any disputes. store this list in your glove box so that
options. you’re prepared in the event you’re involved
in a collision.

10 WDWP clue 1: Not part of the Star Trek franchise AAA.com/world

PTEENRFDEECRTALNYD

GUARANTEED DELICIOUS

L20IMMIATINECDO-UTRISMESE+ODFESFSEERRT!

69GET THE SAVORY FAVORITES$ 99 FREE+TA4RATPLEPTLSE

INTRODUCTORY PRICE:
2 (10 oz.) Private Reserve® NY Strips
EXPERIENCE THE 2 (5 oz.) Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignons
4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops
OMAHA STEAKS DIFFERENCE 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Chicken Breasts
4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers
Steaks hand-carved by master butchers 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks
American grain-fed beef with rich marbling
Naturally aged 21+ days for tenderness Signature Seasoning Packet

$261.93* separately

Order NAowsk1f.8or0t0h.e81S1a.v7o8r3y2Fa|voOrmiteash6aS2t6ea3k4sW.coRmE/perfect227

THE BEST STEAKS

OF YOUR LIFE OR

YOUR MONEY BACK
*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2.
Free dessert will be sent to each shipping address that includes (62634).
Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other o ers. Expires 7/31/20. All purchases
subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and
omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872. Photos exemplary of product advertised. SRC0782

MONEYMINUTE

THE RIGHT CAR AT THE RIGHT TIME
yTiming your new-vehicle
purchase just right could car shopping. Holiday sales events To make space for new models,
often go hand in hand with major dealers typically move out the old
save you major money. rebates from automakers and even vehicles with generous discounts
special financing offers, according and other special incentives. After
You’ve narrowed the make and to the experts at Kelley Blue Book all, on paper, you’re buying a year-
model of the car you want to buy. (KBB). While holiday shoppers are old vehicle, and dealers are paying
You’ve decided on the color, picked the beelining to the malls on the day after finance charges on their inventory
options and took into account every Thanksgiving, for example, head to the after a certain number of days. These
other detail down to the placement auto dealership to wrap up savings “leftovers” can be especially deeply
of the cupholders. But along with the on a new car. Christmas Eve is another discounted if there’s been a significant
kind of new car you buy, when you popular day, as is Veteran’s Day. And, redesign of the new model year, say
buy it also affects the price you’ll pay. during holiday sales events, dealers the folks at Autotrader.com, a third-
So, if you’re looking to save potentially may offer even greater incentives on party vehicle shopping site. Keep in
hundreds or even thousands of dollars slow-selling vehicles, according to KBB. mind, however, that resale value of
on your purchase (and who isn’t?), previous-generation models without
here’s the general wisdom from auto Consider getting into an the latest technology and updated
experts on when to buy. outgoing model (but with looks will likely suffer, so factor in
prudence). depreciation and how long you plan
Keep the end in sight. to keep the car—the longer, the
When auto dealers meet or exceed Leading up to December sales, better. The selection of previous-year
sales goals, automakers usually reward October and November are beneficial models may be limited, too.
them financially. Salespeople often months to buy a new car, particularly
earn bonuses when they make their an outgoing model year, according to When it comes to vehicle buying,
sales targets, too. These incentives are a 2016 study by automotive research the law of supply and demand also
typically tied to the end of a month, company iSeeCars.com. Data from applies locally, of course. Looking for a
sales quarter or year, making these Edmunds.com shows that the end convertible, for example? You’re bound
times ripe for landing a great deal on of summer is also opportune for to find a better deal during the winter
a new car. purchasing outgoing model-year in the Snowbelt than you would in the
If your timing is flexible, December vehicles. Historically, these times are Sunbelt. While you can nab a good
—specifically, the end of December— when many new model-year vehicles deal on a new car at any time of year by
is the best month to buy a new car, roll into dealers’ showrooms (for doing your research and prearranging
delivering both the year’s highest example, 2021 models arriving at your financing, the rewards are even
discount off MSRP and the most dealerships in fall 2020—although, greater if you time it just right.
incentives, according to automotive nowadays, new models debut at
resource Edmunds.com. In the market dealerships throughout the year). —Stacy Tillilie

for a new car and of the mindset

that New Year’s Eve celebrations are

overrated? December 31 is the trifecta

of the end of the month, quarter

and year, when automakers and

dealerships aim to limit the unsold

inventory that they must carry over

into the new year.

Take advantage of holiday sales.

Along with New Year’s Eve,

many holidays are prime time for

12 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world



Andrew Zimmern
shows off his paella.

What’s Cooking PHOTO BY MADELEINE HILL
WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN

When it comes to the frontier of to air in October on a major lifestyle aware is that you are what you eat. If
food, Andrew Zimmern is a trailblazer, channel; stay tuned for details. extraterrestrials landed on planet Earth
promoting cultural understanding and they wanted to know everything
through the prism of food. The In between his cultural exploration, about our culture, the first thing that I
James Beard Award-winning chef, culinary pursuits and charitable would have them look at would be our
TV personality, writer and teacher endeavors, Zimmern took some time food. How we eat, what we eat defines
is perhaps best-known for his to talk with us about what’s on the us and tells us more about us than any
globetrotting role as creator and host front burner of life in the food world other cultural pillar. And so it took me
of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods and how travelers can deepen their another 20 years to learn how to create
series, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food experiences through food. content around that idea, but that’s
and The Zimmern List. now what I do.
AAA World: How did you first
And now, Zimmern is venturing into become interested in the art of food AAAW: Many people know you for
new territory with an original series and exploring destinations through your wildly popular Bizarre Foods
on MSNBC: What’s Eating America. The the lens of food? franchise on the Travel Channel.
series, which premiered in February, What’s the most bizarre food you’ve
delves into a melting pot of significant Andrew Zimmern: When I was a eaten, and is there anything you will
social issues and their impact on food. little kid, that’s what my parents did. not try?
He’s also written a children’s book, We ate to travel, and we traveled to
AZ and the Lost City of Ophir, and has eat. And where we were eating, what Zimmern: Well, there’s nothing that
another TV series in the works slated we were eating was probably the thing I won’t try. Obviously, there are a lot
that was discussed a lot more before of—I call them Dr. Seuss foods—that I
Andrew’s road song: we left for a trip than necessarily what eat on the road that we just didn’t even
“Cassidy” museum we were going to or what know taxonomically existed until I got
by the Grateful Dead tourist attraction we were visiting. to the middle of the Amazon rainforest
What I found later as I began to get in Suriname and saw a type of bird
older and became a little more self-

14 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Zimmern in Tanzania

that was like a wild chicken that the PHOTO BY JOSH COGAN/COURTESY OF TRAVEL CHANNEL
locals eat there that I’ve just never seen
anywhere. if they want to learn about food. I the South and through Mississippi and
would encourage people to try new eating at all the great honky-tonks and
AAAW: Many people may not know restaurants in different neighborhoods, barbecue places and meat-and-three
that you have a new show on MSNBC: new cuisines. Experimentation, [restaurants] that that road trip has to
What’s Eating America. Can you tell curiosity, adventure, remaining offer. Going from Virginia and driving
us a little bit about the show and why teachable—those are the four south and west on an angle down
you think it’s important for people to hallmarks, I think, of food pursuits toward Lockhart, Texas, through what’s
tune in? that broaden our lives, and I would called the Barbecue Belt, is one of the
encourage people to follow those great road trips for eaters to sample
Zimmern: I think it’s the most four ideas. all the different regional styles of
important content that I ever created. barbecue. Route 66 is another one. Take
We live in a very complex world. So, the AAAW: What’s on your short list Route 66 out of Missouri, and head
idea is what we talked about at the top: of must-try American foods and the west to California—a fantastic road trip
we are what we eat, show us what we best regions to enjoy them while to see what the center of the country
eat and I’ll show you who we are. The road-tripping through The States? is eating. [And there’s] the Pacific
most important issues of our time are Coast Highway with all of the regional
now social issues. And I realized that a Zimmern: Where do you want to seafood with small detours inland, say
lot of people were only hearing those start? I think several of the great food in Central California, where the grilled
stories a handful of ways. I do a different trips of my lifetime in the car have been tri-tip steak is legendary.
type of storytelling. I’m a cultural going down the Blues Trail through
explorer. So by going out and talking AAAW: It’s no secret that you’re
to farmers and oystermen and food super-busy these days, but when you
executives and whoever it was that we get some downtime, how do you like
felt could add to the conversation, that to spend it?
to me was something new and different
that I hadn’t seen, and I felt that the Zimmern: Cooking in my kitchen for
time was now for us to be looking at my family, reading books and catching
these stories. up on old movies. I spend my life on the
road, so I like to be a homebody.
AAAW: AAA members are avid
travelers. What are some of the —Stacy Tillilie
best ways that they can enrich their
travels through food experiences? Visit AAA.com/world to read more
of our interview.
Zimmern: Be more curious. I tell
people all the time to cook recipes
that they’ve never cooked before

Zimmern found a new friend
at the Iowa State Fair.

PHOTO BY SAM JOHNSON  AAA World • May/June 2020 15

ADDIVGAINTCAELD
THEECAHRNINOGLOAGIDY
FREE199OnlyBUY 1
Reg: $399.98
GET 1
$ 99

Each When You Buy a Pair – LIMITED TIME ONLY!

How can a digital hearing aid
that costs only $19999 be every bit

as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more?

The answer: Although tremendous strides have “I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard
in years came back to me!”
been made in Advanced Digital Hearing Aid
Technology, those cost reductions have not
been passed on to you. Until now...

MDHearingAid® uses the same — Don W., Sherman, TX
kind of Advanced Digital Hearing Aid
Technology incorporated into hearing aids Can a Hearing Aid Delay or Prevent
that cost thousands more at a small Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
fraction of the price.
A study by the National Institute on Aging
Over 350,000 satisfied MDHearingAid suggests older individuals with hearing loss
customers agree: High-quality, digital are significantly more likely to develop
FDA-registered hearing aids don’t Alzheimer’s and dementia over time than those
have to cost a fortune. The fact is, who retain their hearing. They suggest that an
you don’t need to spend thousands intervention — such as a hearing aid — could
for a digital hearing aid. MDHearingAid delay or prevent this by improving hearing!
is a medical-grade digital hearing aid
offering sophistication and high 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL! Nearly Invisible
performance, and works right out
of the box with no time-consuming If you are not completely satisfied with BATTERIES
“adjustment” appointments. You your MDHearingAids, return them INCLUDED!
can contact a licensed hearing within 45 days for a FULL REFUND!
specialist conveniently online or
by phone — even after your For the Lowest Price Call
purchase at no cost. No other
company provides such extensive 1-800-965-2060
support. Now that you know...why pay more? www.MDBOGO.com

Use Code JY13

and get FREE Batteries for 1 Year
Plus FREE Shipping

DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED Proudly assembled in America!

TRAVEL MEMBERNEWS

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS MEMBERSHIP
AT AAA
GIVE THE GIFT OF SAFETY,
If you have an international road GET A GIFT
trip planned this year, consider
getting an International Driving Spring is the season for graduations, Mother’s
Permit (IDP), recognized as a Day, Father’s Day, weddings and road trips.
form of identification in more That’s why spring is also the season for giving
than 150 countries worldwide. the gift of AAA. Before your moms, dads,
An IDP translates your state- grads, and other friends and relatives hit the
issued driver’s license into road, help ensure they’re protected along the
10 languages: Arabic, Chinese, way with AAA.
French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Even if you’re AAA membership provides superior roadside
not planning to rent a car or to drive, an IDP can help identify you in assistance that protects the people you
an emergency if the people assisting don’t speak English. Additionally, care about when they are the driver or a
some sightseeing activities, such as riding an off-road vehicle, may passenger in any car. At home, while traveling
require an IDP in certain countries. or even away at college, they will have access
to best-in-class 24/7/365 emergency roadside
You can get your IDP at AAA, one of just two entities in the U.S. assistance, including towing, tire changes,
authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. The process jump starts, lock-out service and more.1
is easy; we’ll take your photo at any AAA Store for free if you are a
Premier member and at a discount for other membership types. Then, For a limited time, when you give the gift
we’ll complete the paperwork, and you’ll walk out with an IDP that’s of AAA membership, you’ll also get a free
valid for one year from the effective date of your international arrival. upgrade to AAA Plus membership,2 no
enrollment fee and an additional $5 off
While you’re at the AAA Store, you can make your international hotel when you sign up for the secure Automatic
and car rental reservations at special member discounts (for example, Renewal program. As an added bonus, you’ll
members save 10 percent on international rentals at select Hertz also receive a $10 gift card to the merchant
locations). Your AAA travel professionals can help you plan your of your choice with every gift membership
sightseeing and map out your itinerary, too. If you can’t make it to the you purchase.3 Choose from a wide variety of
store or you need an IDP overnight, visit AAA.com/IDP and complete nationally recognized merchants.
the transaction by mail. For just $20, it’s an inexpensive precaution for
a little extra peace of mind when you travel. Don’t delay; give the gift of AAA membership
today. Call 866/MEMBERS (866/636-2377), go
CAR BUYING to AAA.com/gift, or visit your local AAA Store
for this special limited-time offer.
AAA MAKES CAR BUYING BETTER
1 See the Member Guide at AAA.com/Benefits to learn more about
You already know that AAA helps you when your car breaks down. member benefits, including restrictions and exclusions.
But did you also know that AAA can help when you’re ready to 2 Limited-time offer and certain restrictions may apply. Available
purchase a new or new-to-you vehicle? Powered by a partnership on new Primary memberships only; current AAA members are not
with TrueCar, the AAA Auto Buying Program can find you the car eligible. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and/or
you want at a fair price. At AAA.com/AutoBuying, you can compare promotion. There is a seven-day wait for new or upgraded Plus,
available vehicles, safety information, specifications and how much RV, Premier and the Premier Battery Replacement Benefit.
your neighbors are paying for a comparable model. Offer valid through 7/31/20. Offer not available in all markets.
For a complete list of benefits, exclusions and restrictions, go to
Through our nationwide network of more than 16,000 prescreened AAA.com/Benefits.
Certified Dealers, you’ll get guaranteed savings on new cars and 3 Limit one $10 gift card per membership purchased. Gift card is
dealer-guaranteed prices on used cars—all before setting foot in the fulfilled by a third-party vendor and must be selected from a list
dealer showroom. of participating merchants. Please allow four to six weeks for
delivery. Fulfillment instructions will be sent via separate email or
AAA.com/world USPS if email is not available. Terms and conditions are applied to
gift cards/certificates. Please see the merchant gift card/certificate
for additional terms and conditions, which are subject to change
at merchant’s sole discretion. Please call 866/642-7710 if you have
questions. Must be 16 years or older to participate. A U.S. address
is required for delivery. Other restrictions may apply.

AAA World • May/June 2020 17

MEMBERNEWS

FINANCIAL SERVICES Daniel A. Murphy

WHY YOU SHOULD PREQUALIFY FOR AN PUBLIC & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
AUTO LOAN BEFORE YOU BUY
WERE YOU A AAA SCHOOL
Buying a new or new-to-you car is the second-largest financial SAFETY PATROLLER?
investment (following a house) that most people will make. In addition
to a big financial outlay, customers are also committing to a long- From its start in 1920 to today, the AAA
term relationship with their new ride, as the average length of vehicle School Safety Patrol Program has played an
ownership is nearly seven years. When you prequalify for an auto loan important role in helping young students
before you shop, you’ll reap several advantages, including the following: learn to become leaders.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LOAN OPTIONS—Knowing the terms of the We are looking to hear from former patrollers
loan before you finalize your car purchase means you will understand the like Daniel A. Murphy, who served on his
full amount, including interest over the life of the loan, that you will be school’s Safety Patrol as a sixth-grader and
paying for your new vehicle. When you prequalify for financing, you’ll be remembers well the leadership learned as a
able to get the vehicle that you want with terms that fit your budget. captain in a group of 65 patrollers.

CONTROLLING THE SALES DYNAMIC—Waiting until you’re at “We had a great group of kids who worked
the dealership to think about financing options gives the dealer the hard and took a lot of pride in their mission,”
upper hand in the negotiation process. To give yourself the advantage, says Murphy. “I learned responsibility, the
review interest rates and monthly payment options before going to need for planning, how to interact with adults
the dealership, without the pressure of a salesperson looking over your in authority and how to inspire my peers. The
shoulder. skills and discipline I learned early on in life,
not the least of which came as a AAA Safety
FOCUSING ON YOUR VEHICLE—Once you have all the details and your Patrol Captain in Keyser, West Virginia, have
loan prequalification in hand, you can focus on finding the right vehicle. given me a rich and full life, which I hope has
Prequalifying also gives you the power to weigh all your options while made the world a better place.”
shopping at your own pace.
This year, the AAA School Safety Patrol marks
APPLYING ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE—Use AAA’s streamlined its 100th anniversary. As we celebrate this
process to close your loan and pay your auto dealer. Visit AAA.com/ milestone, we invite all former patrollers to
Autoloan, or call 833/345-5626; in Connecticut, call 800/332-5626. share their story. Please include the name of
your school, its location, some details about
DISCOUNTS AND REWARDS your experience and a few words about how
the program influenced your life.
GET MORE FROM YOUR SUMMER ROAD TRIP
To send us your photos and short personal
Planning an epic road trip this summer? AAA has some great deals to help story, visit AAA.com/YourStory.
you save money while you’re enjoying the open road.

Before you hit the highway, consider renting a car to avoid adding costly
mileage to your personal vehicle. When you rent from your neighborhood
Hertz location, you’ll receive discounts of up to 20 percent along with all
the benefits Hertz offers AAA members, including unlimited mileage,
a free child seat and a free additional qualified driver.

For a multiday excursion, you’ll want a comfortable place to recharge.
Book with Best Western and save up to 15 percent on room rates—plus
earn 10 percent bonus Best Western rewards points with each stay. Most
Best Western locations also offer free breakfast with your stay. So, go
ahead and splurge on the perfect souvenir to remember your adventure.

Learn more about these and other offers at AAA.com/Discounts.

18 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

MEMBERNEWS

CAR CARE DRIVING SCHOOL

TIME FOR A BATTERY CHECK SENIORS’ DRIVER
IMPROVEMENT COURSE
Why get a springtime battery check? Because summer’s heat destroys
batteries already weakened by winter’s frigid temperatures. In fact, AAA Driving is a skill that can and should be
gets more dead-battery calls in the summer than any other season. improved continually. To help members
accomplish this goal, AAA provides a Seniors’
AAA member Deborah F. of Connecticut told us about her recent Driver Improvement Course packed with the
vacation that was almost derailed by a dead battery—until AAA saved most up-to-date driving techniques and safety
the day. information. The six-hour course is being
offered in three-hour sessions May 12–13, from
“I was leaving for vacation with a packed car and kids in tow. The car 1 to 4 p.m., at Active Generations, 2300 W. 46th
wouldn’t start. I called AAA, and within 35 minutes, a tech was at my Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The cost is $16
house troubleshooting my problem,” says Deborah. “He confirmed I for members and $20 for nonmembers.
needed a new battery and installed one. I was on the road and off to For more information and to register,
vacation in less than an hour with peace of mind.” contact Marilyn Buskohl at 605/221-1624
or [email protected].
You can get your car battery tested at your local AAA-owned and
-operated Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. The
technician will use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your battery
has enough power to get you and your car through the summer safely.

If your battery does die, AAA Mobile Battery Service technicians will
come to your home, work or wherever you are. We’ll test your battery
to determine if a simple jump start will get you on your way. If not and
you need a new battery, we can install it on the spot. Either way, we’ll
get your day back on track as quickly as possible.

Get a free instant quote at AAA.com/Battery, or call AAA Mobile
Battery Service at 800/AAA-HELP (222-4357).

AAA.com/world TRAVEL MONEY

EUROS,YEN, RIYALS AND 77 OTHER
WORLD CURRENCIES—ALL FROM AAA

Make your next trip abroad go more smoothly by arriving with
the local currency in your wallet, which allows you to avoid
unfavorable exchange rates and high commissions—and have
cash at hand for tips, small purchases and cash-only vendors.
AAA offers more than 80 currencies. Simply visit your local
AAA Store to place your order, and you can pick it up the next
business day—without having to wait at home for a signature-
based delivery.

Another convenient travel currency option is the MasterCard
Multi-Currency Cash Passport Card from Travelex. This
prepaid card can carry up to six currencies at one time and
is reloadable via phone or, for AAA members only, online at
AAA.com. Once loaded, the Multi-Currency Cash Passport
Card is ready to use worldwide, enabling you to withdraw
money from cash machines or to shop anywhere the debit
MasterCard is accepted.

AAA World • May/June 2020 21

WE GET MOMS,
DADS, AND GRADS…

…FROM “OH, NO” TO “LET’S GO.”

GGIVETE $10 GIFT This spring, give someone you love the
CARD gift of safety with America’s #1 Roadside
Assistance provider2—and save.
Give the Gift of AAA...
... And Get a $10 Gift Card.1 You get a discount of nearly $70 on
each Gift Membership including a FREE
Plus-level Upgrade and Waived
Enrollment fees.3

Ask about a Gift Membership
866-MEMBERS | AAA.com/Gift
Visit your local AAA Store

1 L imit one $10 gift card per membership purchased. Gift card is fulfilled by a third party vendor and must be selected from a list of participating merchants. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Fulfillment instructions will be
sent via separate email or USPS if email is not available. Terms and conditions are applied to gift cards/certificates. Please see the merchant gift card/certificate for additional terms and conditions, which are subject to change
at merchant’s sole discretion. Please call 866-642-7710 should you have questions. Must be 16 years or older to participate. A U.S. address is required for delivery. Other restrictions may apply.

2 2017 AAA U.S. Market Track Survey.
3 Limited-time offer and certain restrictions may apply. Available on new Primary memberships only; current AAA Members are not eligible. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and/or promotion. There is a 7-day

wait for some upgraded services including expanded towing. Offer valid through 7/31/209. Offer not available in all markets. For a complete list of benefits, exclusions, and restrictions, go to AAA.com/Benefits.
©2020 AAA Club Alliance Inc. 20_664704a

ARRIVALS

AAA DIAMONDS PROVIDE CLARITY FOR TRAVELERSIt’s been said that when shopping for a diamond, clarityDIAMOND HOTELS

is considered the least important of the Four Cs (cut, color,AAA Diamond designations for hotels represent the overall quality,
carat weight and clarity) because an insignificant flaw range of facilities and level of hospitality offered.
can’t be seen by the unaided eye. If you’re looking for a
APPROVED – 28% Noteworthy by meeting the industry-
ihotel room for a special occasion or an amiable restaurant
to relax in after an exhausting day of travel, however, leading standards of AAA inspections

the clarity provided by the AAA Diamond Program is THREE DIAMOND – 63% Comprehensive amenities, style and
invaluable. comfort level

While a slight flaw in a one-carat gem might be easily FOUR DIAMOND – 6.5% Upscale style and amenities enhanced
missed by anyone not armed with a jeweler’s loupe, with the right touch of service
AAA’s professionally trained inspectors are equipped
with updated member-centric guidelines, and they don’t FIVE DIAMOND – 0.4% World-class luxury, amenities and
overlook even the tiniest of details. Miniscule storage space indulgence for a once-in-a-lifetime
experience

for a traveler’s clothes? Definitely a minus. Cramped and DIAMOND RESTAURANTS
loud dining room? Could be a problem.
AAA Diamond designations for restaurants represent the overall
For more than 82 years, AAA’s professional inspectors food, service and vibe offered.

have been conducting anonymous in-person APPROVED – 71% Noteworthy by meeting the industry-
property evaluations. AAA is the only entity that uses leading standards of AAA inspections

comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant THREE DIAMOND – 26% Trendy food skillfully presented in a
evaluations guided by member priorities. AAA’s inventory remarkable setting

of inspected properties includes some 60,000 Diamond FOUR DIAMOND – 2.3% Distinctive fine dining, well-served
hotels and restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Mexico amid upscale ambience

and the Caribbean. Travelers can find AAA Diamond hotel FIVE DIAMOND – 0.2% Leading-edge cuisine, ingredients and
and restaurant listings in the organization’s trip planning preparation with extraordinary service
products: the AAA Mobile app, AAA Travel Guides, the and surroundings

TripTik Travel Planner and the AAA TourBook guides Percentages also include FYI listings that offer value to members and travelers but are
available to members at AAA Stores and AAA.com. not regularly inspected by AAA.

And now, with the recent introduction of a revamped

AAA Diamond Program, travelers have even more reason to “We’ve transformed the AAA Diamond Program to help

look to AAA for clarity. travelers better understand the overall quality, range of

facilities and level of services offered by a property,” says

Stacey Barber, executive director, AAA Travel Information

& Content. “Unlike ratings from unknown users sharing

their opinions, the Diamond designations are provided by

experienced professionals using consistent guidelines to

tell travelers what a property offers.”

Under the new system, hotels and restaurants previously

rated with One or Two Diamonds will now be designated

as Approved. Three, Four and Five Diamond establishments

will retain designations that are based on adherence to

AAA’s comprehensive guidelines for higher-level amenities

and service.

Bottom line: if you rely on AAA’s Diamond designations,

you’re sure to find a gem. For more information, visit

AAA.com/Diamonds.

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 21

On the road to

GENIUS
By MeLinda Schnyder

Travel Missouri’s Highway 36 to discover Many communities along
‘TheWay of American Genius.’ Missouri’s Highway 36 host

MeLinda’s road song: Fourth of July events,
“Fast Car” including Hannibal, where the
by Tracy Chapman annual National Tom Sawyer Days
features July 4 fireworks launched

over the Mississippi River.

36 AAA World • May/June 2020 COURTESY OF VAISAITAH.AcNoNmIB/AwL.oCrOldM

Disney fanatics regularly make Interstate. This quieter highway is 36 miles south of Highway 36,
pilgrimages to Marceline, bounded by rolling farmland, with visit Americangeniushighway.com.
Missouri, the boyhood home small towns not too far from the Here’s a sample of what to expect at
of Walter Elias “Walt” Disney. Even for road and plenty of reasons to linger six stops along the route, traveling
casual fans of mouse ears or anima- at stops along the way. from east to west.
tion, time spent in this north-central
Missouri town of 2,200 is a reminder During a road trip on The Way of Hannibal – Mark Twain
that at the soul of Disney is a real American Genius, you’ll come across Samuel L. Clemens, a.k.a. Mark
person, not a corporate brand. parks, lakes, conservation areas,
museums and shops as well as farms, Twain, lived in Hannibal from 1839 to
A few hours in Marceline is a wineries, breweries and distilleries 1853, from the age of 4 to 17. Many
chance to walk in the footsteps of that are open for tours. Stop for a of the author’s most well-known
Disney the man along the main snack or a meal at mom-and-pop characters and books are based on
street that inspired his vision of cafés, bakeries and ice cream shops. real people and places in Hannibal.
Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. and When you’re ready to stop for the While most attractions are walkable
at the family farm where he said he in this town of 18,000 residents, the
found the magic. You can talk to Missouri-born author Mark Twain Mark Twain Cave one mile south of
residents who personally knew the the city is well worth the short drive.
Disney family and explore exhibits night, you can camp, check into a During the city’s bicentennial in 2019,
that preserve those connections at name-brand hotel or stay at a bed- the long-sought Clemens’ signature
the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. and-breakfast on a family farm. was found and authenticated in the
cave. You can see it inside the cave,
Disney’s childhood stomping Depending on when and where along with six miles of walls filled
ground is near the midway point you visit, you might catch a weekly with 250,000 visitor signatures (a
of The Way of American Genius, a special event or a signature annual practice no longer allowed).
clever marketing tagline that ties festival. Many communities along
together the 195-mile stretch of the route have Fourth of July Marceline – Walt Disney
U.S. Highway 36 that cuts across celebrations that last anywhere from a Walt Disney moved to Marceline
northern Missouri. As you drive river day to a week. For about three weeks
to river from the Mark Twain starting in late July, you can watch with his family in 1906 at the age
Memorial Bridge that spans the the Kansas City Chiefs training camp of four. Although the family would
Mississippi River in Hannibal to the at Missouri Western State University move to Kansas City, Missouri, when
Pony Express Bridge over the in St. Joseph, with Super Bowl-
Missouri River in St. Joseph, you’ll winning coach Andy Reid and MVP COURTESY OF VISITMO.COM
come across the birthplaces of quarterback Patrick Mahomes
innovations and the hometowns of on hand.
innovators.
For maps, details and audio tours
Highway 36 runs east–west about for the highway’s corridor, which
an hour north of Interstate 70, the encompasses 36 miles north and
more trafficked route across Missouri.
In a rush to get from point A to
point B, I’d lived in or traveled
frequently through the state for
45 years before I took this road
less traveled. When I finally did set
out on U.S. 36, I found four lanes
of well-maintained highway with
far fewer semitrailers than on the

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 37

COURTESY OF VISITMO.COM

Above: The Sliced Bread Innovation Center
honors the Chillicothe bakery where
commercially sliced bread was first sold.
Right: Visit the boyhood home of decorated
WWI Gen. John J. Pershing in Laclede.

he was nine years old, “Walt would PHOTO BY MELINDA SCHNYDER
later say that it was in Marceline
where he found that magic of his which also has a garden featuring invented by Otto Frederick Rohwedder
life,” says Kaye Malins, a family the Pershing poppy growing in soil and first put into service at the
friend and the cofounder and imported from eight World War I Chillicothe Baking Company.
director of the Walt Disney American military cemeteries in
Hometown Museum. Europe. After leading American Local volunteers renovated the
Expeditionary Forces during WWI, historic bakery and, in 2019, opened
The 10,000-square-foot museum Pershing became the only active-duty the Sliced Bread Innovation Center
in the town’s restored railroad depot six-star general in U.S. history. that serves as a welcome center and
houses a collection of 3,000 artifacts features a documentary and exhibits
given to Marceline upon the death About four miles outside Laclede, on sliced bread as well as other local
of the last of Walt’s siblings, Ruth. Pershing State Park is a popular innovations (open April through
Except for a rotating gallery of place for camping, hiking through October). The town of 10,000
loaned items from worldwide wetlands, and fishing in Locust Creek residents hosts its Sliced Bread Day
collectors, exhibits at the museum and four small lakes. Festival annually on the weekend
focus on Disney’s time in the town closest to July 7, the date state
as a child, his return visits and how Chillicothe – Home of legislators officially designated as
Marceline shows up in his work. Sliced Bread Sliced Bread Day in Missouri.

A map at the museum highlights It’s hard to imagine that before Hamilton – J.C. Penney
other must-see sights, including July 7, 1928, there wasn’t a standard- and a Sew-lebrity
Disney’s Dreaming Tree on the farm, ized way to slice bread and keep it
a favored spot for some of his earli- fresh. At the Grand River Historical Learn about James Cash Penney’s
est artistic exploration. Society Museum, visitors can see an early life on a farm near Hamilton
early version of the automated slicer and about the history of one of
Laclede – Gen. John J. Pershing
Stop in this town of about 400

to see the Gen. John J. Pershing
Boyhood Home State Historic Site,

38 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

America’s largest retail chains at the history of sewing, fabric and setting off on the 1,966-mile trek
free J.C. Penney Museum, which quilting in North America, from can be seen at the station’s original
shares a building with the commu- the pilgrims to modern day. This location, now part of the first floor
nity library. What primarily draws summer, it will also showcase of the Patee House Museum. You’ll
10,000 visitors a month to this town of rotating exhibits on loan from the find other fascinating local history at
1,800 residents, though, is its current National Quilt Museum in Paducah, the Patee House Museum, too. The
retail genius: the Missouri Star Quilt Kentucky. On the same property as building that was a luxury hotel in
Company. the museum, housed in a former the 19th century is now a museum of
high school built in 1903, is a photo communications and transportation.
Inspired by the Internet celebrity op with the world’s largest spool of Part of the museum complex is the
of matriarch Jenny Doan, who stars thread­—a towering 22 feet tall. house where outlaw Jesse James was
in YouTube videos teaching quilting killed in 1882.
techniques, the family-run company St. Joseph – Pony Express
opened one store here in 2008. Already connected to the East by With 90,000 residents, St. Joseph
Today, 12 themed quilt shops line is the largest city on Missouri’s
North Davis Street, Hamilton’s main railroad and telegraph, St. Joseph Highway 36. Most of the commu-
street, ranging from those featuring was the Eastern headquarters for nities along The Way of American
collections of wool or batik fabrics the short-lived Pony Express that Genius are much smaller, including
to shops offering floral or seasonal delivered mail to the West Coast at least 20 identified as scenic picnic
patterns. There’s also a sewing center twice as fast as its 1860 competi- stops, sights on the Quilt Trail
for multiday retreats and events tors. Learn how the delivery system or worth the short drive off
as well as an education center for revolutionized communication at Highway 36 for a dose of local
shorter classes. the Pony Express National Museum flavor. While this road trip celebrates
on the site of the original stables. A great ingenuity of the past, it also
Opened this past September, the replica of the station where horse showcases people and places
Missouri Quilt Museum displays and rider picked up the mail before making their mark today.
collections and exhibits on the

Left: Quilters will find a paradise in Hamilton, home
to the Missouri Quilt Museum and a host of
quilting-focused shops.
Below: Original stables in St. Joseph were converted
into the Pony Express National Museum.

PHOTO BY MELNIKOFD
PHOTO BY MELINDA SCHNYDER

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 39

AAA QUALITY
& SERVICE

NOW IN CAR REPAIR
& MAINTENANCE

For more than 100 years, we’ve been there when MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE
you needed us. Today, we have expanded our IS ROAD TRIP READY
services to repair and maintain your vehicle at our
state-of-the-art AAA Car Care Centers. You’ll get Find your local service center
the same level of service and excellence you’ve to schedule an appointment:
always depended on, now from the side of the
road to the shop and back on the road. AAA.com/CarCare
866-AAA-AUTO
Members get:

• 10% DISCOUNT on repair labor1
• $5 OFF oil changes for Classic and Plus Members
• $10 OFF oil changes for Premier Members
• $10 OFF each Continental and General tire
• 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty on repairs2
• Free LYFT shuttle service3
• Priority repair service for tows

1 See Car Care service advisor for details.

2 Repairs are warranted from the ORIGINAL DATE OF PURCHASE for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. For AAA Members, we warrant repairs from the ORIGINAL DATE OF PURCHASE for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes
first, ON PRODUCTS THAT MEET OR EXCEED ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Warranty repairs must be performed at a AAA Company owned and operated Car Care Center in the Mid-Atlantic territory. Note: Products (economy) and services
BELOW ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS carry a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty from the ORIGINAL DATE OF PURCHASE for both Members and nonmembers. All warranties exclude commercial and fleet vehicles. ALL WARRANTIES ARE
NONTRANSFERABLE TO ANOTHER OWNER. See www.AAA.com/CarCare for a current listing of warranty repair facilities. AAA Mid-Atlantic will not refund or warranty any work if performed by other shops.

3 Shuttle Service provided by Lyft independent contractors at the expense of AAA Mid-Atlantic. Exclusions apply -- See service advisor for details. AAA Mid-Atlantic shall not be liable for any damages, claims, actions, suits, or causes of action whatsoever,
including claims for negligence, property loss/damage, or personal injury or death, arising out of customer’s use of Lyft services. Customer use of Lyft services is at customer’s own risk. ©2020 AAA Club Alliance Inc. 20_455280_MIDA

FOODIE FIND

Simple ingredients create a
winning combination in the
Dusty Miller ice cream treat.

sweet&salty

MISSOURI STYLE

From iconic ice-cream creations to pecans aplenty,
flavor is front and center in the Show-Me State.

BY MELINDA SCHNYDER
PHOTO BY LYDIA WAGY
Driving across U.S. Highway 36 in Missouri means a vacation for your taste buds. PHOTO BY KAITLYNN REICHERT
Learn about a regional ice cream find that some say is only made better
topped with a handful of Missouri-grown pecans.

Dusty Miler: Marcelinites know by heart. “In the early covered in coal dust, and Ma Reece
1900s, a young man named Tom Miller didn’t want to let him in. She relented.
A Nostalgic Ice Cream Treat stopped at Reece’s Confectionary after Tom entered and told her he had been
Ever heard of a Dusty Miller? working in the railroad yards. He was thinking all day about a new ice cream
treat. He told her what he wanted. The
Most people haven’t, unless they’ve treat was topped with malt powder and
spent a fair amount of time in Marceline, a cherry. Ma Reece named the treat after
a town of 2,100 in north-central Missouri Tom Miller because the malt powder
whose primary claim to fame is being made it look dusty just like Tom.”
the place where Walt Disney spent
five of his childhood years, a period he Today, in Marceline you can order a
credited with awakening his creativity. Dusty Miller at Ma Vic’s Corner Café, one
If you’re in Marceline, you’ll also learn block from the Walt Disney Hometown
about another local legend—but this Museum that Malins co-founded. It’s just
is one you’ll find on a menu, not in a three miles off U.S. Highway 36, a four-
history book. lane, east–west route that state tourism
officials market as The Way of American
“Dusty Miller is a Marceline original,” Genius because it highlights no fewer
Kaye Malins says before launching
into the tale that most of her fellow

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 27

Top: Kaitlynn’s Deli tops its strawberry spinach salad with Missouri pecans. PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY KAITLYNN REICHERT
Bottom: Local pecans top the German chocolate cheesecake at Kaitlynn’s Deli.
Top: Kaitlynn’s original recipe: the turtle pecan cheesecake
Bottom: SummerLime cheesecake is a non-nut option at Kaitlynn’s Deli.

than seven geniuses or genius ideas, final layer of malt powder. Missouri pecans are featured in
including Disney. The restaurant is in These simple ingredients deliver a variety of dishes on regional
a historic building on the town’s Main menus (don’t pass up a slice of
Street, which provided Disney with the a winning combination of creamy classic pecan pie!). Barbecue
inspiration for the Main Street U.S.A. sweetness mixed with nostalgia. restaurants use pecan wood for
seen at Disney parks. cooking, and at least one bourbon
Missouri Pecans: and whiskey distillery uses pecan
The owner of Ma Vic’s, Vicki Lodder, barrels in addition to traditional
remembers making Dusty Millers More Than a Topping Missouri White Oak barrels.
behind the soda fountain as a teen Dusty Miller is an eye-catcher on the
working at Marceline’s drugstore. When Pecans were a key ingredient in
she purchased the restaurant 10 years menu at Kaitlynn’s Deli & Ice Cream Reichert’s early business success: At
ago, she said it was a no-brainer to keep Shop, too. Owner Kaitlynn Reichert’s 16 years old, she began making
one of the bestsellers on the menu. recipe is similar, though she serves the and selling turtle pecan cheesecakes
treat topped with whipped cream and for a school project, and 14 years
So, what is a Dusty Miller? That’s the pieces of Missouri pecans. later, that original recipe is the
most popular question asked at Ma Vic’s. bestselling cheesecake at her shop.
Her café is in Brunswick, about
Lodder makes her Dusty Miller 30 miles south of Marceline and known Road-trippers looking for a bag
with a scoop of vanilla, a drizzle of as The Pecan Capital of Missouri, of pecans to take with them have
marshmallow cream that has a syrupy thanks to the abundance of native options: cracked, cracked and shelled,
consistency, a squirt of chocolate syrup pecan orchards scattered throughout or as kernels, meaning all the work
and a generous sprinkle of dry malted the surrounding county and the has been done and the pecans are
milk powder. She repeats each of those quality and quantity of the nuts ready to eat.
layers and puts a cherry on top of the produced.

Beyond a topping on the Dusty Miller,

28 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Pecans are harvested in the fall, be able to sell them year-round. from the Nutty Parade to a pie-baking
and area farms do 70 percent of “Everyone thinks of Georgia, Texas contest. A first-place-winning pie once
their business from October through received a top bid of $1,500 at the pie
December, although several operations and New Mexico for pecans, and our auction that always follows the contest.
sell their pecans year-round through theory is that the Native Americans
shops on their farm, stores in brought them up the river years ago If you miss the festival, you can still
Brunswick and mail order. (If you’re in and planted them in the Missouri River memorialize your visit to Brunswick
the Brunswick area in the off-season bottoms because that’s where the with a photo in front of the World’s
and want to buy pecans from a farm, oldest native trees are, including some Largest 20th Century Pecan, a
it’s best to reach out in advance by that are up to 600 years old,” Manson whopping 12-foot, 12,000-pound
telephone or through the farm’s says. “You won’t find the largest pecans concrete pecan just off Highway 24 in
website to arrange a time.) in Missouri—the native nuts here are a the middle of downtown.
smaller pecan—but what sells them is
Paul Manson says his King Hill Farms, the flavor. The northern nuts have the Of course, the best way to
in the family since 1848 and harvesting highest oil content of any pecans in commemorate your time in Missouri—
and processing pecans for the past the nation, and that gives them their or on any road trip—is by sniffing
50 years, produces on average 60,000 added flavor.” out local flavors for your next meal or
to 80,000 pounds of pecans a year on grabbing a sampling for the road.
about 80 acres of trees. High oil content The first weekend of every October,
means pecans have a shelf life of about the town of 800 people more than MeLinda’s road song:
six weeks at room temperature. King doubles during the Brunswick Pecan “Wide Open Spaces”
Hill Farms stores the nuts in freezers to Festival. Now in its 40th year, the by the Dixie Chicks
festival offers activities that range

Top: Native pecan orchards are scattered throughout north-central Missouri. Top: Ma Vic’s Dusty Miller has a generous layer of malt powder.
Bottom: The annual Brunswick Pecan Festival includes a pie-baking contest. Bottom: High oil content gives Missouri pecans an intense flavor.

PHOTO BY LYDIA WAGY PHOTO BY MELINDA SCHNYDER

PHOTO BY PIXEL-SHOT PHOTO BY LYDIA WAGY

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 29

Couch Trip!

PLACES TO VISIT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

BY JOHN C. MOYER

As we went to press at the end of Museums designated a part of a UNESCO World
March 2020, well, you know what Heritage site? It’s one of a collection
was going on. And here we sit with a American Museum of of eight of Frank Lloyd Wright’s
magazine full of stories about great Natural History architectural masterpieces—and the
places to drive. We all believe that only museum designed by Wright—to
someday soon (maybe as you’re New York, New York receive this recognition. You can take a
reading this) the open road will be amnh.org/explore/ology tour of the museum’s famous rotunda
open to all of us once again. Pick a road on its website. You can also access the
trip or two from those recommended On the museum’s OLogy science museum’s digital archive containing
by our writers, and start dreaming. website, you can choose any more than 200 art books and more
“ology” you want to explore, from than 65 artist profiles.
In the meantime, you’ve binged anthropology, where you can play
every British detective show on Netflix, music that travelers might have heard Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
and your On Demand doesn’t seem on the ancient Silk Road and compose
willing to meet your demands. What’s your own Silk Road song, to zoology, PHOTO BY DAVID HEALD
outside that you can bring inside? where birds, wasps and all sorts of
bipeds and quadrupeds are ready to
Through the wonder of the Internet be examined. The museum’s general
(surprise, surprise!), you can go places website has a plethora of pages to
and see things you never thought excite the excitable and interest the
you’d see. Here’s a compilation of some interested. Check out the T. rex or the
cultural institutions and other terrific History of Planetariums videos.
places that you can visit from your
favorite couch or comfy chair. Solomon R. Guggenheim
Museum
John’s road song:
“The Way I Feel” New York, New York
by Mary Chapin Carpenter guggenheim.org

Did you know that New York City’s
Guggenheim Museum was recently

32 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

PHOTO BY DANICA O. KUS National Museum of Qatar Old-School
Couch Travel
Qatar Museums And More
What’s that? You’d like to put your
Doha, Qatar If you’ve been visiting the laptop down before you cover the
qm.org.qa/en sites highlighted so far, you may keys with wing sauce and cheese-puff
have noticed that many have powder? It’s time to take a couch trip
The late Chinese American architect connections to Google Arts & Culture just like your grandparents used to do.
I. M. Pei designed the Museum of (artsandculture.google.com). It’s time for a movie or two.
Islamic Art, and you can take a virtual Kudos to Google. Its site contains
360-degree tour of the interior of the digital galleries from more cultural Like road songs, there are more road
museum on this website dedicated institutions than Amazon has movies than we have time for, so let us
to Qatar’s museums and heritage movies. suggest a few of our favorites, and you
sites. But don’t stop with a quick can take them and leave with them (see
tour. The collections in this and the With Google Street View, you can what we did there?).
other museums are fascinating, with “tour” museums from around the
treasures that most Westerners have world, such as the Uffizi Gallery in Speaking of your grandparents,
not seen and may never see, from Florence, Italy, with its Botticelli and they might be familiar with the Bing
an 8th-century section of the Qur’an Michelangelo masterpieces; the Crosby/Bob Hope Road to… movies.
to tiles, portraits and artifacts up to National Museum of Anthropology Bing and Bob sang and joked their
1,400 years old. in Mexico City, with its astounding way through Bali, Hong Kong and five
collection of Mayan artifacts; and the other traveling movies. The movies are
The Qatar Museums website also Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with art innocent, outdated and corny fun for
links to the National Museum of Qatar from the Dutch Masters Hals, Vermeer family nights.
and the Mathaf: Arab Museum of and Rembrandt.
Modern Art. Plan on spending quite a Can you hang ten on the coffee
bit of time visiting these institutions. With Google Street View files, you table? You might be tempted to try after
can even “walk” through the Taj Mahal, watching a few of these classic surfing
National Gallery of Art Stonehenge, the Lincoln Memorial and movies: Endless Summer (the best);
the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s Surfing Giants (big waves); Step Into
Washington, D.C. largest and most powerful particle Liquid (surfing from Ireland to Texas);
nga.gov accelerator. and Surf’s Up (penguins for the kids).

Schedule an afternoon (or two) to Thanks to Google’s partnership You want scenery? Start with the two
take in the more than 42,000 works with the National Park Service, you Lord of the Rings trilogies that turned
from the National Gallery of Art. You can watch videos of whales breaching New Zealand from Australia’s neighbor
can go for Baroque or get real with at Kenai Fjords National Park, explore to a tourism hotspot. Need more? Try
the 2,000-plus pieces in the Realism collections from national historic sites A River Runs Through It (fly-fishing in
collection. You can learn about Vermeer and examine more than 3,800 artifacts the Rockies) and Barry Lyndon (Stanley
and the Masters of Genre Painting from in high definition. You can practically Kubrick and slow but groundbreaking
the current online exhibit. Seriously, hug a giant redwood. cinematography in Ireland and
42,000 pieces of art are waiting for you. England). Throw in Lawrence of Arabia
You’re going to stand them up? for more epic landscapes.

Finally, a few perennial picks: If
you’re itching for space travel, sign up
for Serenity instead of those other Star
vehicles. Want some fast-moving San
Francisco scenery? Try Steve McQueen’s
Bullit. Last, but not least, Local Hero will
make you head for Scotland once the
planes are flying again.

There you have it: one man’s opinion
on a few ways to stave off the cabin
fever of 2020. Make your own list, and
share it with your friends.

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 33

TRAVELTIPS

­

ON THE ROAD AGAIN—­ WITH KIDSAh, the family road trip. It’s a rite

of summer. Whether a short drive

ato a long-weekend destination or a
weeklong adventure filled with state

parks and roadside attractions, a

road trip can be a wonderful way to

reconnect as a family—if you’re

well-prepared.

There will be plenty of ups and PHOTO BY ADOBESTOCK/OLESIA BILKEI

downs on a car trip with kids. There

will also be more smiles and fun WDWP clue 2:
Home to Rainy,
when you pull out of your driveway
Kabetogama,
with juiced-up tablets, a cooler full of Namakan, and

snacks, silly travel games and even a Sand Point

paper driving map (yes, they still exist). ENTERTAIN THE TROOPS BE SNACK SAVVY
Here are the tips and tricks you need
Snacks can make or break a road
to ensure the drive is as much fun as Since you can’t play games every trip. Pack a cooler full of yummies,
and make sure little ones can easily
the destination. minute, look to audiobooks, playlists reach snacks. As in, don’t store the
cooler in the very back of the minivan.
GET IN THE GAME and movies. Kid-friendly podcasts are It’s no fun for anyone to have to pull
fun, too. But Why: A Podcast for Curious over every time you hear “I’m hungry.”
(Expect this complaint as soon as you
To keep kids from being glued Kids is a top pick for answering life’s turn off your street.)

to their phones and tablets for the tough questions: What do mosquitos Include a mix of healthy road trip
snacks—for example, baby carrots
entire drive, stock up on simple, fun do in the winter? Are jellyfish made of and fresh fruit—as well as special
treats—perhaps cookies and trail mix.
travel games. Choose a few games jelly? And so on. Single-serve popcorn bags and chewy
granola bars are also good picks. Avoid
that involve the whole family and Also check the App Store and snacks that don’t do well in warm,
sunny cars, including cheese, bananas
can be played by even the youngest Google Apps for appropriate games and chocolate. Also beware of snacks
that are messy, sticky or likely to spill.
passengers in the car (no one likes to and helpful travel-related resources Bring lots of napkins or wet wipes.

feel left out). such as the navigation app Waze, We can’t promise to eliminate
backseat squabbles or repeated “Are
The Travel Scavenger Hunt Card which helps you maneuver around we there yet?”pleas, but with these tips,
you’ll at least have a fighting chance.
Game for Kids is wildly entertaining and traffic backups and construction
—Erin Gifford
easy for small children to understand delays.
Erin’s road song:
and play with big kids and parents. Mobile devices and chargers go “Life Is a Highway”
by Rascal Flatts
Even better, it takes eyes off screens hand in hand. Don’t leave home

and gets kids looking out windows for without them. Power up phones and

red cars, tow trucks, yield signs and tablets to full capacity before you hit

motorcycles. Travel-size classics, the road. Bring at least one charger

such as Clue Grab & Go and Battleship per screen. An extra-long charging

Grab & Go are good choices, too. cord that can run all the way to the

Also bring back-up entertainment, backseat can be a lifesaver. There’s

such as crayons and coloring books. nothing worse than getting an hour

For older kids, include a travel journal into an all-day trip and hearing

so that they can write about their squawks from the back that an iPad is

favorite road trip experiences. Comfort out of juice. A road trip demands some

items (think fuzzy blankets and teddy quiet time, too, so make sure everyone

bears) are also a must. has working headphones.

34 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,50000

Walk-In Tubs

ONE-TOUCH CONTROLS HANDHELD SHOWER

LOW THRESHOLD COMFORT & SAFETY

44 HYDROTHERAPY JETS

Finance Options Available-Limited Time Only*

✓EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST FREE FREE

Only American Standard has OVER 150 years of Savings include An In-Home
experience and o ers the Liberation Walk-In Bathtub our own Evaluation will
be scheduled at
✓SUPERIOR DESIGN American Standard your earliest
Right Height Toilet convenience
Ultra low easy entry and exit design, wide door, built-
in safety bar & textured floor provides a safer bathing ($500 VALUE)
experience

✓PATENTED QUICK DRAIN® TECHNOLOGY
✓LIFETIME WARRANTY

The ONLY Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation,
INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard

✓44 HYDROTHERAPY JETS

More than any other tub we’ve seen

Limited Time O er–Call Today!

855-448-4728
or visit AmericanStandardBath.com

Discount applied at time of purchase. Terms and Conditions Apply. *Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Receive a free American Standard Cadet Toilet
with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower or Deluxe Shower. O er valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. All o ers subject
to change prior to purchase. See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty and company information. *CSLB B982796; Su olk NY:5543IH; NYC:
HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

Cruising

THE MAIN STREETS OF AMERICA

A classic road trip on Route 66 through Arizona
captures the spirit of a bygone era in America.

By Larissa and Michael Milne

PHOTO BY DAVID SMITH

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEEMONTERY.COM

PHOTO BY LARISSA MILNE PHOTO BY LARISSA MILNE

No doubt about it, the most iconic road trip in America is traveling Route 66. While the

2,500-mile drive from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, can be daunting, the 300-mile

stretch through Arizona offers a tantalizing taste of the classic Route 66 experience. The creation

of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s replaced much of the original Route 66 with I-40, but

fortunately, surviving segments give road-trippers a sense of the pre-superhighway era.

The best way to travel through Arizona is from east travel: Wigwam Village Motel #6 on old Route 66. Built
to west, just as Oklahomans did in the 1930s when in 1950, the motel features 28-foot-tall fully furnished
they passed this way to escape the Dust Bowl for concrete teepees (despite the motel’s name, they are not

the promised land of California. Start your trek in the wigwams), with classic cars permanently parked outside

far eastern section of the state by exploring the desert each one.

landscape at Petrified Forest National Park, which contains Those seeking more upscale accommodations will

portions of the Painted Desert. You’ll want to stop for the find them 30 miles west at the elegant La Posada Hotel in

night in Holbrook, where you can cruise along the main Winslow. Dating to 1930, the classic Southwestern building

drag at dusk to view vintage neon signs as they flicker to designed by famed American architect Mary Colter was

life for the night, lending a spectral glow to the streetscape. restored to its former glory in the early 2000s. Today, it

Afterward, take in a film at the city’s circa-1954 Roxy houses luxury rooms, a restaurant featuring contemporary

Theater, the only still-operating movie theater along Southwestern cuisine and an art gallery with rotating exhibits.

Route 66 in Arizona. Overnight at a vestige of mid-century A big draw for classic rock fans lies one block west of

40 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Larissa’s road song:
“Born to Be Wild”
by Steppenwolf

COURTESY OF ARIZONA OFFICE OF TOURISM

PHOTO BY KIM ULMANIS PHOTO COURTESY OF SEEMONTERY.COM

La Posada Hotel at Winslow’s Standin’ on the Corner Park. turn-of-the-century buildings of the railroad town retain
This intersection of Route 66 and North Kinsley Avenue much the same appearance as when they were greeting
commemorates the famous lyric “Well, I’m a standin’ mid-century road-trippers.
on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” from the song “Take It
Easy,” penned by Jackson Browne along with Glenn Frey For a sample of local nightlife, two-step into The
of the Eagles. The pocket park features bronze statues Museum Club, a lively log cabin honky-tonk showcasing
representing an anonymous folk singer as well as Frey live country music—Willie Nelson and Wanda Jackson
staring at the object of desire in the song: a 1960 flame- have performed here—since the 1930s. With décor
red “flatbed Ford” pickup truck. festooned with wagon wheels, animal trophy heads and
Native American artifacts, the interior is so old-school that
Thirty-five miles west of Winslow, two 25-foot-long you’ll be forgiven for thinking you left your ’57 Studebaker
yellow arrows with scarlet arrowheads and feathers are out in the parking lot.
angled into the desert ground, marking the ruins of
the old Twin Arrows Trading Post. The graffiti-scarred The next day brings a decision: travel west on Route 66
buildings, abandoned in 1995, remain a poignant to Williams, also known as the Gateway to the Grand
reminder of a landmark that had attracted generations of Canyon, or veer northwest up U.S. 180 and State Route 64
road-weary travelers for a gas fill-up and a hearty meal. to the Grand Canyon directly. It’s hard to justify being this
close to the Grand Canyon and not stopping for a look.
Marking the midpoint of the state’s expanse of Route 66 Take the detour away from Route 66, have a gander at the
and nestled amid desert, mountains and forest, Flagstaff giant hole in the ground, and then head south to pick up
is a haven for hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. The the Mother Road again in Williams.

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 41

PHOTO BY LARISSA MILNE
PHOTO BY LARISSA MILNE
How to Find Old Route 66
We hope you’re hungry because the circa-1946 Rod’s Steak House in
Williams is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite for Western fare. Look While some of the original
for the building with the large steer (outlined in neon, naturally) perched Route 66 was covered over
on top. by Interstate 40, remnants of
the original road snake around
Twenty-four miles west of Williams, take historic Route 66 as it heads rock formations and canyons and
northwest of I-40. Here, the two-lane road winds through a land of through old towns bypassed by
windswept plains punctuated by stark rock formations piercing the sky. the modern highway. In fact, the
Stop in Seligman, perhaps the kitschiest town along the route, where sections of the route that pass
souvenir stores such as Return to the 50’s and flashing neon signs of old- directly through the towns often
school motels celebrate the Old Road. Seligman was the model for the reveal more highlights from the
town of Radiator Springs in the Disney·Pixar Cars film. old days than other expanses do.
To find the original Route 66, we
End your Arizona Route 66 journey just 30 miles from the California recommend the EZ66 Guide for
border in Kingman, a.k.a. The Heart of Historic Route 66. The 1907 brick Travelers by Jerry McClanahan.
Powerhouse Building houses the Route 66 Museum and Route 66 Electric This spiral-bound book provides
Vehicle Museum. detailed drawings and descrip-
tions of the multiple routes of
For one last touch of historic Route 66, stay in Kingman at the El Trovatore historic Route 66 and calls out the
Motel, which has been welcoming guests since 1939. You can’t miss the points of interest along the way.­
motel’s neon sign soaring 100 feet in the air or the 200-foot-long Route 66
map (billed as the world’s longest) painted on the outside of the building. —L&MM
Travelers seeking a classic road-trip experience can still get their kicks on
Route 66.

42 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Dental Get your smile
Savings ready for those
milestone moments.
Made
Simple Meet Chewsi, your free, dental savings app.

Register That connects you to dentists who o er savings on dental
with code
care – savings you can’t get on your own.
3ACE
With Chewsi, you don’t have to choose between your
Your Total Savings health and your budget.

$116.00 With no monthly or annual fees, you pay for only the
dental services you need, when you need them – just by
Your Total going through our app. 

$344.00 With or without insurance, you can save on:

Point your implants root canals
camera at
code for crowns teeth whitening
easy access
dentures xrays
to app
braces and more – no exclusions!
1 Download the Chewsi
app and register with Chewsi is easy as 1-2-3
code 3ACE
2 Find a Chewsi dentist 3 Use your smartphone to
near you and call to pay at the dentist and see
make an appointment your savings immediately

ChewsiDental.com • 855-624-3974

WHERE THE

WATER
MEETS THE
ROAD
Island-hopping via the Florida Keys’ Overseas Highway

proves that the saying ‘it’s all about the journey, not the destination’ is no cliché.

By Stacy Tillilie Stacy’s road song:
“Chicken Fried”
by the Zac Brown Band

PHOTO BY DEFPICS

Pushing off from the Florida mainland onto the A Railway-Turned-Highway Is Born
Overseas Highway—often called The Highway In 2009, Congress designated the Overseas Highway
That Goes to Sea—I suddenly feel the urge to
break into the chorus of a Jimmy Buffett song. I also have an All-American Road, the highest honor given to scenic
byways that represent the heart and soul of America and are

a hankering for some sponge cake at a weathered, pastel- considered destinations unto themselves. But the highway

painted waterside café where the sandwiches wasn’t initially a highway at all; it was an extension

are served with a side of good story and of the Florida East Coast Railway from Miami

a peek in the café’s lost-and-found to Key West, developed by oil and railroad

might just turn up Buffett’s long tycoon Henry Flagler, who wanted

lost shaker of salt. For here on this to provide easy access to his hotels

roughly 113-mile stretch of the and a transportation system for his

southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1, other business pursuits. Although

which casts through the Florida skeptics dubbed it “Flagler’s folly,”

Keys like a taut fishing line, this seemingly impossible stretch of

the carefree island ethos blows railway was completed in 1912.

through the swaying palms from The extended railway didn’t

the shores of Key Largo to the edge operate for long, however; a hurricane

of the horizon in Key West. barreled through the area in 1935,

“Why is the ocean at home so gray PHOTO BY ANDY NEWMAN/ irreparably damaging the railway’s
and brown?” my 11-year-old daughter asks FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU infrastructure and causing the link to shutter.

me and my husband as she gazes out the car Recognizing that Flagler’s so-called folly was actually

window at the postcard-perfect palette of turquoise-blue an amazing engineering feat, state officials soon authorized

waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the creation of a highway that would use some of the

which runs the entire length of the island chain. original railway spans as well as coral bedrock from the keys.

“Yeah, the water here is so blue and pretty,” adds my Today, the Overseas Highway is punctuated by 42 bridges

15-year-old daughter. and countless coral and limestone islets that connect

I attempt to explain the science of New Jersey’s Key Largo to Key West, with remnants of Flagler’s railway—

nutrient-rich waters but stop short, for science can’t hold too expensive to tear down—running parallel to the road.

a candle to the glorious masterpiece before us, the kind of Some of the railway’s defunct bridges have taken on new life

crystal waters that can somehow wash away your worries. as popular recreational piers.

They don’t call the Florida Keys America’s Caribbean for Today’s highway provides a direct shot to Key West, which

nothing. typically can be traversed in less than four hours, but don’t

44 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

PHOTO BY ANDY NEWMAN/ COURTESY OF HONEYTREK
FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU

Above: Visitors enjoy a canal ride on
the steamboat that starred in the 1951
movie Key Largo.

Right: The Florida Keys offer
opportunities aplenty to observe and
learn about sea turtles.

beeline to Key West, as many of the Keys’ three million the mangroves along the way. Past the patches of kitschy
annual visitors unfortunately do. If you do, you’ll miss souvenir stores, ramshackle huts hawking island tours,
life in the Keys, which moves sea-turtle slow and, on the garden centers chockablock with potted palm trees and
quietest islands, can even feel as if it were transfixed, like even some tired chain stores are beautiful beaches and
the ubiquitous green iguanas baking in the sun. In any case, parks, marine sanctuaries, historic sites, little-known
spots of heavy traffic and the occasional vehicle with a boat museums, mom-and-pop eateries and more. Cue the
in tow are bound to slacken your pace. So, relax. You’re on trop-rock.
island time now.
The first reason to stop and the longest of the five major
Islands Apart keys on a southerly journey is Key Largo, the Dive Capital
While the Overseas Highway may be a destination of the World. Here, you can explore the country’s first
underwater marine park: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
unto itself, there are plenty of reasons to stop and smell Park, established in 1963 to protect North America’s only

The Key Largo

Florida Keys

Islamorada

Big Pine Marathon
Key

Key AAA World • May/June 2020 41
West

AAA.com/world

PHOTO BY LAURENCE NORAH/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU

Above: A bicyclist cruises the pedestrian-only Old Seven Mile Bridge, a remnant of
Henry Flagler’s railway that runs parallel to the modern Seven Mile Bridge.
Right: A paddler explores the mangroves of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

living coral barrier reef. Canoe, kayak, take a glass-bottom Trail, or
boat tour, follow nature trails, go picnicking, snorkel,
and scuba dive to see such sunken treasures as historic hop a ferry
shipwrecks and the nine-foot-tall bronze statue
Christ of the Deep. to Pigeon

You can even sleep in the world’s first underwater Key for a
hotel: the Jules’ Undersea Lodge (originally an underwater
research lab), where guests dive 21 feet down to access glimpse into
their accommodations and pizza is delivered to the
underwater hotel room via scuba diver. Movie fans may also the lives of
recognize the island’s Caribbean Club bar from scenes in
the 1947 classic Key Largo, and they can enjoy canal cruises workers who COURTESY OF
on the African Queen, the steamboat helmed by Humphrey built Flagler’s KEYS ADVENTURES
Bogart in the 1951 film of the same name. WATERSPORTS

Anglers will want to linger on Islamorada, the railway.
Sportfishing Capital of the World, which comprises
six islands and claims the world’s highest density of At the nonprofit
professional offshore charter boats. It’s said that backwater
sportfishing and saltwater fly fishing were invented here. Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, learn about
Bayside, Robbie’s Marina offers opportunities to hand-feed
tarpon, shop at an open-air flea market and take to the dolphins and sea lions. And up the road in Duck Key, the
water for a variety of marine sports. On land, the islands
brim with ecotours, hiking and biking trails, and roadside Hawks Cay Resort beckons with all the staples of an upscale
attractions, including the History of Diving Museum and the
Theater of the Sea marine mammal park. Florida resort: well-appointed guest rooms, restaurants,

Smack-dab in the middle of the Keys, Marathon (and its bars, a marina, a spa, swimming pools and all manner of
surrounding islands) is touted as a boaters’ paradise with
first-rate marinas as well as the Florida Keys Marathon marine sports.
International Airport. Road-trippers will also discover much
to love, from meeting rehabilitating sea turtles at The Turtle Impressive, of course. But the crown jewel of these parts
Hospital—the world’s only such veterinary hospital—to
interacting with reef fish, stingrays and sharks at the is wrapped in the ribbon of highway between Marathon
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Hike through a tropical
hardwood grove and visit the home of early 20th-century and the Lower Keys: the Seven Mile Bridge, which is actually
settlers at the Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature
6.79 miles long, with views of the Straits of Florida to the

east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Opened in 1982,

replacing Flagler’s Old Seven Mile Bridge, this modern

marvel is among the world’s longest segmental bridges,

built from precast concrete sections with 440 spans. (The

Old Seven is a favorite spot for photo ops and walking and

biking, though it’s closed for repairs until 2021.)

As the modern bridge arches over a vast canvas of

bright blue, emerald-green and pockets of purple (yes,

purple) water, with a parade of vehicles in the opposite lane

whirring by us, I’m awed by the engineering genius that

might seem only achievable in a video game or Matchbox

adventure set—if you weren’t actually driving on it. If you’ve

ever wondered what it’d feel like to drive your car on water,

a trip over this bridge comes close.

Beyond the bridge, the highway bends west to Big Pine

46 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Key and the Lower Keys, nicknamed the Natural Keys. PHOTO BY ROB O’NEAL/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU could spend weeks—months, really—in Key West and only
Markedly less developed than Marathon, the area is perhaps PHOTO BY ROB O’NEAL/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAUscratch the surface of all there is to experience.
best known for its endangered Key deer. Once on the brink of
extinction, this subspecies of white-tailed deer, about the size There’s the Ernest Hemingway House & Museum, with
of a dog, thrives in the National Key Deer Refuge and is often its resident six-toed cats; the Key West Butterfly and Nature
spotted grazing by the side of the highway (help protect Conservancy, with a menagerie of butterflies, birds and
them by following the posted speed limits). flamingoes; and the 54-acre Fort Zachary Taylor Historic
State Park, where you can snorkel off the beach and climb
Big Pine Key is also an ideal launching pad for snorkelers around a 19th-century fort. Then there’s the Harry S. Truman
and scuba divers looking to survey the 210-foot wreck of Little White House, President Truman’s “winter White House”
the Adolphus Busch Sr. and the Looe Key coral reef, among from 1946 through 1952 and Florida’s only presidential
the world’s top diving and snorkeling sites. Also in the museum; the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum,
neighborhood, the 500-plus-acre Bahia Honda State Park, showcasing artifacts from centuries-old shipwrecks
often ranked on lists of the country’s best beaches, offers discovered by treasure hunter Mel Fisher; the 1848 Key West
snorkeling, kayaking and beachcombing aplenty. A detour Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, open for climbing and
to No Name Key’s No Name Pub, a local institution dating tours; and the list goes on.
to 1931, is worth the drive just to fill up on the restaurant’s
famous pizza as well as its fish dip and to staple an A juggler performs a high-wire act during the Sunset
autographed dollar to its bill-covered walls and ceiling. Celebration on Mallory Square in Key West.
Mile 0: The End of the Road
Many travelers stop for a photo op at the Southernmost
Cruising the Overseas Highway to its end virtually drops Point, a concrete buoy marking the southernmost point
you at the front door of Key West. Festive and eccentric, in the continental U.S. Road-trippers may also want to
imprinted with stories of pirates and rumrunners, presidents seek out the often-overlooked U.S. 1 Mile Marker 0 sign at
and literary luminaries, Key West marches to the beat of its Fleming and Whitehead Streets; if you were to travel
own steel drum. It’s said that every night is Saturday night U.S. 1 from this point nearly 2,400 miles to the mile marker
on the main drag of Duval Street, festooned with lively bars at its northern terminus, you’d be in Maine at the
and restaurants, eclectic shops and historic attractions. Canadian border.
This action-packed small town, roughly eight square miles,
leaves no room for boredom. After a long, leisurely drive For me, the best spot on Key West is at the water’s edge
through the Keys, that’s exactly what my family needed. on Mallory Square. Here on the pier, hundreds of visitors,
locals and buskers gather for the daily Sunset Celebration.
We needed to park the car and stay on the island for a As the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving a glow of
few days, wandering the maze of tree-lined streets dotted yellow, orange, purple and blue on the horizon, the crowds
with clapboard cottages, Victorian mansions and free- clap and cheer—a tradition, it’s rumored, started by former
roaming chickens and getting out on the rippling blue resident Tennessee Williams, who was known to applaud
water on a catamaran, in kayaks and on paddleboards. You and, cocktail in hand, toast the sunset. Even amid the
carnival of jugglers, tightrope walkers, acrobats, musicians,
A polydactyl cat, descended from a line of six-toed felines that artists and machete-wielding coconut drink vendors, it’s the
belonged to Ernest Hemingway, rests on an antique typewriter sunset that steals the show.
in the Ernest Hemingway House & Museum in Key West.
I can’t imagine a better grand finale to our road trip on
The Highway That Goes to Sea, an excursion that justifiably
calls for applause—and an encore.

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 47

LoveMust
Road Trips

Our writer’s romantic getaway gone
wrong leads to a revelation along
California’s Highway 1.

By Alan Rider

COURTESY OF SEEMONTEREY.COM

They say that the road to true love is filled with in hand and weather forecasts promising sunny skies and
ups and downs. Here’s proof that that’s no mere balmy temperatures, I had no choice but to go on one of
aphorism. the world’s most romantic road trips solo (sad face).
You see, my most recent romantic interest—let’s call
her Wendy because that’s her name—and I were brought Pulling out of the parking lot of the oceanfront Sanctuary
together by our mutual love of road trips. Her online dating Beach Resort in Monterey that first morning, I found running
profile made clear she was thoroughly into them, and I’m the Miata RF’s six-speed manual through the gears to be
always happy to hop in a car and head for the horizon. So surprisingly therapeutic. I stopped to lower the top and let in
when I casually mentioned to her that central California’s all that gorgeous California sunshine, and
Highway 1 through the remote coastal region dubbed that was all it took to turn my
Big Sur was one of my all-time favorite drives, a plan frown upside down.
quickly came together. Wendy and I would spend a few
days running down the classic 100-mile section that leads Next, my empty passenger
from picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea in the north to the seat and I turned south on the
equally charming village of Cambria in the south. dramatic two-lane ribbon of
asphalt known as Highway 1.
As the date for our adventure drew closer, however, Past the photogenic coastline
Wendy decided that she was still passionate about road of Point Lobos State Natural
trips but, well, maybe not so much about me. With the Reserve, over the dramatic
keys to a borrowed Mazda Miata RF (the latest retractable- 360-foot concrete arch of Bixby
hardtop version of the iconic two-seat sports car) already Creek Bridge (the parking area
can be extremely crowded, so

48 AAA World • May/June 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEEMONTERY.COM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Monterey
Carmel-by-the-Sea

McWay Falls in Monterey County is visible from Big Sur
California’s Highway 1. Pfeiffer Beach

McWay Falls

Lucia
Gorda

Ragged Point

San Simeon
Cambria

pull over somewhere safe if you want to snap pics), and on COURTESY OF SEEMONTEREY.COM
to Andrew Molera State Park. There, I met up with the folks
from the Ventana Wildlife Society for a four-hour excursion Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
to locate endangered California condors in the wild. Using
a radio-tracking antenna and a spotting scope, our guide Pressing on, you’ll come to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State
gave us a rare look at these gigantic birds that are slowly but Park, home to a grove of ancient coastal redwoods. A little
surely soaring their way back from the brink of extinction. farther south along Highway 1, look for the small easy-to-
miss sign for Sycamore Canyon Road, the turn that leads
After condor-watching, it was just a quick hop farther
south to the tiny laid-back enclave known as the “village”
of Big Sur, where you’ll find the bulk of fuel and food
options along the route. While you’re there, check your
gas gauge, and maybe grab a sandwich to nosh later at a
roadside pullout. Wherever you stop for your picnic, I can
guarantee you won’t ever find a restaurant with a better view.

The Big Sur valley also has the greatest selection of
lodging along the route. I stayed at the Big Sur River
Inn and the Big Sur Lodge. (Because I was there in
high season, I could only find one-night vacancies in
each place.) Both offer rooms with rustic charm but no
televisions, so bring a good book.

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 49

PHOTO BY VISIT CALIFORNIA/MYLES MCGUINNESS

Above: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Left: Hearst Castle

PHOTO BY VICTORIA GARAGLIANO/©HEARST CASTLE®/CA STATE PARKS

to Pfeiffer Beach, one of the most secluded-yet-accessible and steep drop-offs replaced by more gently rolling
stretches of sand on the California coast. terrain and sweeping curves. You’ll eventually come upon
viewing areas overlooking the beaches where thousands of
Or continue on Highway 1, and find the pullout where elephant seals come to breed, molt and give birth. If you’ve
you can view 80-foot McWay Falls, one of just three places never seen these blubbery beasts (males can grow to the
in the continental U.S. where a waterfall drops directly into size and weight of a small car) in the wild, it’s a must-stop.
the ocean. It’s truly one of the most spectacular settings
along this entire jaw-dropping drive. The final don’t-miss attraction along Highway 1 is
William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop home known as Hearst
Farther south, you’ll pass through Lucia, which gets its Castle. The legendary mansion is 68,500 square feet of the
name from the Santa Lucia mountain range you’ve been most over-the-top architecture, landscaping and interior
running along since you left Carmel. Up next are Gorda design you’ll ever lay eyes on. It’s also the place where the
(or “fat” in Spanish) and Ragged Point. All three are merely aging newspaper magnate held court with a list of guests
wide places in the road with quaint cafes and not much that reads like a who’s who of celebrities of his day, from
else. They are, however, good spots to take a break if, or the Marx Brothers to Charles Lindbergh. It was here, too,
should I say when, you find yourself suffering from an where Hearst and Hollywood starlet Marion Davies, his
overload of stunning scenery. longtime paramour, cemented a romance that lasted until
the day he died in 1951.
The road will soon begin to unwind, with hairpin turns
I am blown away every time I visit the estate Hearst
called La Cuesta Encantada (which translates to “The
Enchanted Hill”). But this time, not surprisingly, it was the
enduring relationship between Hearst and Davies that I
found myself mulling as I walked from the visitor center
to my parked Miata with the empty passenger seat. I was
struck by two revelations: first, that, like California Highway 1,
the route to finding true love is full of unexpected twists and
turns; and second, that the ultimate romance for me will
always be my love affair with the open road.

Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area in Alan’s first road song:
central California has free, wheelchair-accessible areas for “Already Gone”
viewing elephant seals. by the Eagles

50 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

AUTOREVIEWS

JOY RIDES To view
more photos,
An extraordinary road trip deserves an extraordinary rental car. check out our
By Alan Rider DIGITAL EDITION

You can’t take it with you—your car, that is. Vacation time is precious, so you don’t want to waste any of it AAA.COM/
CARREVIEWS.

driving to and from a faraway destination. Still, you want a vehicle once you get there. The solution for many

a traveler is to fly and then rent a set of wheels at their destination. Keep in mind Alan’s road song:
that your rental car doesn’t have to be mere transportation. When you reserve “Under My Wheels”
in advance, car rental companies such as Hertz can put you in premium models by Alice Cooper
that you’ll actually look forward to driving. Here are a few examples.

COURTESY OF FORD
COURTESY OF CHRYSLER

FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE CHRYSLER PACIFICA

The beach, the mountains, the city or the country. Granted, it may not be one of those head-turning models
Wherever you go, you’ll experience more of it in a Ford that makes your heart race, but if you’re taking the whole
Mustang Convertible. family on vacation with you, the Chrysler Pacifica is the way
to go.
If you’ve never driven a drop-top before, expect a bit of
sensory overload from the moment you push the button to For starters, few other models will seat everyone
lower the roof. The world around you will come flooding in comfortably. Sure, invite Grandma and Grandpa along—the
with sights, sounds and even smells that you might never Pacifica has room for up to seven passengers, with all their
have realized were there when you were hermetically sealed luggage.
in your daily ride.
The Pacifica offers a smooth ride and decent handling, too.
Inside, expect a retro-style passenger cabin with It’s no sports car, but you also won’t feel as if you were driving
comfortable accommodations for two adults. Yes, there’s a a scaled-down Greyhound bus like the minivans of old.
back seat, but it’s no place for anyone bigger than a limber
pre-teen because of the shortage of legroom and the As important as the driving experience are the amenities.
difficulty of climbing in and out. Also, the 11.4 cubic feet Good-to-have extras include keyless entry, dual-zone climate
of trunk space can sufficiently accommodate just two light control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone
packers. integration.

Space issues aside, with the Mustang’s spritely powertrain Add a slew of standard safety features and top scores
and comfort-tuned suspension, your vacation ride will make in government crash tests, and the Pacifica becomes the
getting there half the fun. minivan you never knew you wanted to drive—until now.

STRENGTHS BOTTOM LINE STRENGTHS BOTTOM LINE
• The many joys of alfresco motoring The easiest way we know to make • Plenty of space for people This model may turn you into a
• Ride comfort makes all-day cruising any road trip special. and luggage minivan fan.
a breeze. • Likable driving demeanor
SAFETY SAFETY
WEAKNESSES NHTSA: Not yet tested WEAKNESSES NHTSA: 5 Stars
• Cramped rear seat • Not the sexiest model on the lot
• Small trunk M.P.G. (city/highway) • Three-person third-row seat is M.P.G. (city/highway)
20/28 (2.3L I4/automatic) better suited to two passengers. 19/28 (3.6L V6/automatic)

AAA.com/world AAA World • May/June 2020 53

AUTOREVIEWS

COURTESY OF LAND ROVER
COURTESY OF CHEVROLET

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY

Of all its good qualities, what makes the Land Rover To paraphrase sixth-century BC Chinese philosopher
Discovery stand out most in a crowded field of rental Lao Tzu, practical cars are not sexy, and sexy cars are not
SUVs is its flexibility. Let’s say, for example, that you’re practical. An exception to this ancient wisdom is the
combining a work trip with a family vacation. For business, modern Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe.
this upscale midsize SUV’s leather-trimmed cabin is luxe
enough to impress even the most jaded clients. With the This high-performance machine has just two seats,
Discovery’s third-row seat folded down, you have a cargo making it best suited to a romantic getaway. That said,
area that will easily hold all those product samples you you might be surprised how much luggage room the
brought. Vette has, at least compared with some of its sports car
competitors. The Corvette coupe also has an above-
When family time rolls around, this seven-passenger average ride quality. Or, put another way, this American
SUV will take you and your brood pretty much anywhere icon won’t leave you feeling beat-up by a stiff suspension
you want to go. With its Terrain Response system, which at the end of the day.
features preset modes for a wide variety of driving
situations, the Discovery handles off-pavement excursions Let’s be honest, though: Practicality doesn’t have much
as blithely as it does long freeway slogs. to do with why you’d choose a Corvette for your road
trip. Rather, it’s the gutsy 455-horsepower V8 under the
The Discovery is as at home pulling into the valet stand hood and the sharp handling that make this vehicle so
at a fancy restaurant as it is traversing the muddy, rutted desirable. In fact, it’s enough to make you consider taking
dirt road to the lakeside cabin you rented. the long way to your destination.

STRENGTHS BOTTOM LINE STRENGTHS BOTTOM LINE
• Classy ride with room for the Stylish good looks combined with • Surprisingly easy to live with You know you’ve always dreamed
whole family impressive capabilities on a road trip of driving a Corvette; here’s your
• Go-anywhere four-wheel-drive • Power and handling that chance.
system SAFETY complement its good looks
NHTSA: Not yet tested SAFETY
WEAKNESSES WEAKNESSES NHTSA: Not yet tested
• Think twice before venturing M.P.G. (city/highway) • You may not want to return it
too far off-pavement. 21/25 (2.0L I4/automatic) when your rental period ends. M.P.G. (city/highway)
• Can be pricey even to rent • May be a little over-the-top for 15/25 (6.2L V8/automatic)
some trips

54 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

Helps Thieves In Their Tracks!

RFID Blocking Technology Shields Your Identity

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY!

Fully
Lined With

RFID
Technology

• 12 Credit Card Slots
• 2 Window ID Pockets
• 2 Bill Compartments
• 2 Secret Hidden Compartments
• 1 Zippered Security Pocket
• 1 Snap Shut Coin Pouch

Dual Bill Compartments Snap Shut Coin Pouch Sleek Slim Design 9$now only 99

SAVE $7

off original price

FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING
Source Code. 79128 © Dream Products (Price valid for 1 yr.) when buying 2 or more

DreamProducts.comConnect With website offers 1-800-530-2689 Receive A Free Surprise Gift
may vary with every order

*We may be required to collect sales tax. Please visit Order Now Toll-Free Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back
DreamProducts.com FAQ page if you need more information. M-F 6am-1am CST, S-S 6am-9pm CST

This unique 20 pocket secu- 20 Pocket RFID Security Wallet ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard ❑ Discover®/NOVUSSMCards
rity wallet is made with RFID- Item #369792 Card#
Exp. Date /

blocking technology, so your ___ 20 Pocket RFID Security Wallet @ $9.99 ea. $
personal information stays
where it belongs… WITH YOU! *Add Applicable State/Local Sales Tax $
Slim & sleek approx. 31⁄2” Name
x 4¾” wallet is less than 1” Shipping & Handling Add $4.95 1 wallet Address
thick, so your pocket won’t FREE Shipping & Handling when buying 2 or more $ City
ST Zip

bulge. Classic tri-fold design Please print clearly. TOTAL $ Daytime Phone #
made of durable genuine
leather will last and last. Send check/money order payable to Dream Products Source 79128 Email
412 Dream Lane, P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690 Code

CARDOCTOR RETHINKING
THE ROOF RACK
PREPPING FORTHE OPEN ROAD
It’s almost family
By James MacPherson vacation time again,
and as the children have
Every year, we take a family vacation by car. We usually travel gotten older, they want to
about 2,000 miles on these trips. Last year, we encountered car pack all kinds of recreational
problems halfway to our destination, and it ruined our vacation. equipment in the car. To
Repairs took three days, which we spent trapped in a motel room, accommodate their wishes, we
and cost over $1,800. We are planning another road trip this year are thinking of adding a roof rack
using the same SUV. What can we do to prevent a repeat of this to our vehicle this year. What should
kind of disruption to our schedule and budget?
we consider?
While there are no vehicle service procedures that can guarantee a
trouble-free road trip, there are some preventive measures you can Assuming your vehicle can
take to lessen the likelihood of car trouble. Some of these things you accommodate a roof rack—not all
can do yourself, such as checking all the lights, wipers and windshield can—you will undoubtedly find this
washers. Other checks work best with the car on a lift in a well-lighted accessory handy, but it can also be costly.
garage. In some cases, the cost of crossbars and a
suitable carrier can approach $1,000.
For do-it-yourself checks, a good place to start is the tires. Are they
properly inflated and wearing evenly? Remember to check the spare, And, the costs won’t stop there.
too. Next, inspect tread depth on all tires. If the depth is less than The added aerodynamic drag that
4/32 inch, even if the tire condition is still legal, the tires should be comes from placing cargo on the roof
replaced before the trip. Also replace any tires approaching 10 years will reduce fuel economy. One auto
of age, regardless of their condition. writer found that a cooler on the roof of
an SUV dropped his highway mileage
A professional technician can put your vehicle on a lift to examine the
underbody components, such as the brakes, fuel lines, suspension from 18 to 14 miles per gallon.
components and exhaust system. Fluid levels should also be
inspected, and any evidence of leaks should be investigated and fixed. Because items carried on the roof
raise the vehicle’s center of gravity,
You’ll also want to have things checked under the hood. Here, all the automakers limit the weight of roof rack
fluid levels and the condition of the battery, hoses and drive belts cargo to reduce handling problems.
should be assessed. Obviously, any problems that come to light Check the owner’s manual for these
during these inspections should prompt repairs. limits and suggestions for properly

While your vehicle is in the service bay, make securing any load.
sure that all the recommended factory
maintenance procedures have been Instead of installing a roof rack,
completed, and if any routine you may want to consider
maintenance will be required
during the trip, have it performed renting recreational equipment
before you take to the road. at your destination. Many
tourist sites have bicycles,
Finally, have the technician take kayaks and camping
the car for a test drive. gear available.

By following these steps, you’ll
markedly reduce the likelihood of
your car breaking down and ruining
your next vacation.

56 AAA World • May/June 2020 AAA.com/world

THEBRAKEDOWN

Find a custom fit
for your vehicle.

GETTING IN THE ZONESPack for the perfect road trip child to keep their necessities in one FloorLiner™
place.
by organizing your vehicle Available in Black, Tan & Grey
into zones. In the Trunk: Pack your luggage (Cocoa for select applications)
and oversized items tightly to make
Packing your car for a road trip sure they won’t slide around. If CupFone®
can often seem like a bad game of your rear luggage area is open to
the front cabin, loose objects could Variety of widths and heights
pTetris as you try to fit everything become projectiles if you have to available to fit your phone and car
your family needs into the perfect slam on the brakes. So, put soft,
spot. But there are some easy things lightweight items on the top and Mention this ad and save
you can do to make sure everything sharp, hard items on the bottom.
has its proper place before you hit 800 - 441- 6287
the road. The key is to divide your Of course, you’ll also want to
vehicle into zones and to pack each pack drinks and snacks for everyone. Proudly Made in the USA
zone individually. Place water bottles and cold
Driver’s Seat Area: To help the snacks in a small cooler. Foods that AAA Wor©ld 2•0J2a0nMuaarcyN/eFiel IbPruLaLCry 2019 57
driver focus his or her attention on should be kept dry and don’t need
the road, put necessities such as refrigeration can be packed in a bag
sunglasses and a water bottle within or small box. Keep the cooler and
arm’s reach. snack box centrally located so that
Front-Seat Passenger Area: The they can be easily reached by all
front-seat passenger often has the (except the driver, or course, who
key roles of car navigator, butler and needs to keep hands on the wheel
activities director. Make sure maps and eyes on the road). To keep the
and the GPS are easily accessible. car organized and neat throughout
Consider using the center console your trip, bring a garbage bag or
for cleaning supplies (napkins, trash box, too.
tissues and wet wipes), charging
cords, wallets, house keys and so on. To learn more tips or about other
Back Seat: If you’re traveling solutions that AAA provides for
with children, invest in a seatback motorists and their vehicles, visit
organizer for each child so that their AAA.com/Autos.
favorite toys, games and movies are
located directly in front of them. You The content contained in this article is for
may want to pack a tote for each informational purposes only and is not intended
to provide any professional guidance. AAA does not
guarantee any particular outcome.

AAA.com/world

WHEREDIDWEPARK?

Welcome back to our

regular “Where Did We Park?” feature.
How are you doing so far? Have you
guessed them all? For our Road Trip
issue, we’ve chosen a national park
that contains no roads. Zero. Zilch.
And that’s your first clue. To give you
a little extra help, we’ve hidden three
more clues within the pages of this
issue of AAA World. Each clue will
begin with “WDWP clue.”

After you’ve guessed the park, visit
AAA.com/WDWP for the answer and
a slideshow on the featured park.

Where Did We Park in
March/April 2020?
Joshua Tree National Park
Southern California

60 AAA World • January/February 2020 AAA.com/world
PHOTO BY JIM UMHOFFER
PHOTO BY ERIC LINDBERG

IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION

Don’t wait for thieves to steal your personal information.
Take control with ProtectMyID® from AAA.

Enroll at AAA.com/IDTheft or call 877-440-6943

ProtectMyID Deluxe ProtectMyID Platinum

$10.95/mo $15.95/mo

The protection you’ve grown to trust Get the best value and most features
now with more features, with our highest level of identity protection

including Dark Web Surveillance

ProtectMyID Essential

Included with your AAA membership,
once you enroll you’ll receive Experian® Credit Monitoring,

Lost Wallet Protection and Fraud Resolution Support

ProtectMyID® Essential, ProtectMyID® Deluxe and ProtectMyID® Platinum are provided by Experian®. To be
eligible to enroll in either ProtectMyID Essential, ProtectMyID Deluxe or ProtectMyID Platinum, you must
be 18 years of age or older and a current AAA member. A valid email address and access to the internet is
required for ProtectMyID Essential. Products subject to change or termination at any time without notice.
Certain terms, conditions, and restrictions apply.