Until I started working as an inspector, one place I never considered visiting was the remote and tiny city of Churchill, Manitoba.

But thousands of visitors flood the tiny town in October and November, for the sole reason of seeing polar bears (the town is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”). ... Read More

When I'm not on the road working as an anonymous AAA inspector, racking up mileage and perfecting my in-car karaoke voice, I call downtown Indianapolis my home. In a few days, Indianapolis will take center stage as host of the Super Bowl, arguably America's largest sporting event.

As Super Bowl XLVI draws near, the city and residents are excitedly preparing to welcome a vast number of visitors. As someone who works daily to inform our members about high quality hotels, restaurants and attractions, I am equally excited to share this great city. ... Read More

Sample 14 picks below, and access more ideas on the complete list of AAA Inspectors’ Favorite Places for Romance.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a romantic getaway or private dinner with that special someone? Cupid can be found at hotels and restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada all year. But for those seeking an exceptional opportunity to cozy up to a sweetheart this February, AAA inspectors have compiled their favorite places for romance.

Read about private retreats, sumptuous spa treatments and intoxicating gardens in settings ranging from a historic mansion to seaside cottages. Discover places to enjoy mouthwatering meals and exotic specialties served in hideaways that span from a rooftop oasis to a Moroccan palace. ... Read More

I love most restaurants but like everyone else, a few stand out in my mind as favorites. Additionally, getting a good deal is always a bonus.

The places I mention below prove that food doesn’t need to be fancy to be good. It can be as simple as putting love in your pies, adding whimsy to hot dogs or cooking a burger just right — all of which will have people coming back for years to come.  ... Read More

Unlike Alice on an adventure in Wonderland, I don’t need a little card demanding, “Eat me!” to reach for the cake. You see, I have a raging sweet tooth. Whenever I smell freshly baked cookies, for example, my desire to eat them is like a five-year-old child having a tantrum on the floor.

The logical “parent” part of my brain lectures me on the consequences of failed exercise routines and excessive fat consumption while reminding me of the extra pounds I’ve gained lately. The five-year-old part simply doesn’t care. ... Read More

Tailgating has two definitions according to Wikipedia. One involves driving too closely behind another vehicle, which as a professional driver and a AAA employee, I do not condone. 

The other is a social event that takes place around the tailgate of a vehicle and “involves consuming alcoholic beverages and grilling food.” While correct, this simple definition lacks the tradition, the spirit and the overall sense of camaraderie that tailgating brings to fellow sports fans. ... Read More

No, I’m not talking about some ancient city in a far off land. I’m here to tell you about Charleston, South Carolina, which earned the moniker the “Holy City” in part because of the many steeples that penetrate the heavens above an otherwise low-rise skyline. This physical trait is unmistakable whether approaching the city by land or sea. ... Read More

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, “There’s no such thing as fun for the whole family,” but Fort Worth is one place that might prove him wrong. 

My previous post on the Fort Worth Stockyards (Fort Worth: Cowboys and Culture, Part One) emphasized the cowboy influence that is both part of the city’spast and present Residents here, however, may be even more proud of the cultural gems Fort Worth has to offer with its myriad of museums and attractions that can accommodate every member of the family. ... Read More

My previous Dining in St. Thomas: Part 1 blog post was written for the thousands of folks who visit St. Thomas on cruise ships and are seeking a place to eat while shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie.  For those who are lucky enough to stay on the island for extended periods of time, St. Thomas offers a large choice of restaurants from the laid-back waterside bars to some of the best fine dining available anywhere. ... Read More

Finding the "best" lobster roll in Maine (or coastal New England) requires a bit of an explanation of my definition.

First, let me share my criteria for the “perfect lobster roll.” Obviously, fresh lobster is key. It’s still a surprise when frozen lobster is used in New England. 

Next, I prefer a grilled, not toasted, split-top hotdog roll. A tiny bit of shredded lettuce is acceptable with the fresh cold lobster pieces (averaging the amount of one shucked lobster) and garnished with a dollop of mayonaise. ... Read More