This post, the third in a series, was written by Christie Hyde from AAA’s national office as she accompanies the winners of the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, students McKenzie Nordland and Jonathan Anderson of Valley City, N.D., as they travel to job shadow the Roush Fenway racing team.

The competition winners had three NASCAR events on the agenda and during most NASCAR race weekends, when events are in the same town they take place at the same racetrack. However, Indianapolis is unique. The premiere NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the infamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series hold events at O’Reilly Motorsports Park, located six miles away.... Read More

Okay, I have to admit it. Even to this day, as a somewhat-close-to middle-aged adult, I still can’t help but giggle a little when I hear something about French Lick, Indiana. Let’s face it, the name of the southern Indiana town where NBA legend Larry Bird grew up is unusual, to say the least, though its origins as a French trading post near a salt lick explains it.... Read More

Having lived in Indianapolis for most of my life, I guess I’ve generally taken the festive holiday décor magnificently displayed throughout the Circle City’s downtown area for granted. After all, to say I’ve seen it more than once or twice in all the years I’ve been a Hoosier would certainly be an understatement.

However, in recent times, as I’ve matured and become somewhat seasoned in my experiences, and after having listened to my father tell me I should pay more attention to historically-relevant things of this nature for 35+ years or so, I’ve... Read More

     It’s been voted the World’s Friendliest amusement park for 11 years in a row and the World’s Cleanest for 9 straight years. In 2007, Consumers Digest named it the nation’s Top Value Park. You may think you know what park I’m talking about, but I bet you’ll be surprised to learn that these honors belong to belong to America’s first theme park—Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, located in the tiny holiday-themed town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Opened in 1946, the park is still going strong, attracting millions annually from across the Midwest.... Read More

     As a native Hoosier (no, I don’t know what the word “Hoosier” actually means), I can honestly say I’ve never been asked to describe Indiana beaches. In fact, most people probably don’t even realize the state has sandy waterfront property.

Well, it does…and thanks to a recent AAA Home & Away magazine fact-finding mission, I’m now keenly aware of not only the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore coastline that hugs Lake Michigan in Northern Indiana but also the botanical melting pot that simultaneously exists there. Just 50 miles... Read More

Question:  Terry Houston asks: I'd like to take a car trip within a 150-mile radius of Cincinnati. Any suggestions?

Answer: Mary Ann Bayer, travel professional at the AAA office in Cincinnati suggests several trips.  If you are looking for someplace close to home, consider Indianapolis, which is approximately 100 miles from Cincinnati.  The Children’s Museum , for children of all ages, is a good place to start your adventure.  Meet a mummy, climb a limestone wall, ride the world famous carousel,... Read More

     My expectations while staying at virtually any given bed-and-breakfast facility are relatively simple. When I opt for that type of experience, I’m generally looking for a quaint establishment that will provide me with a comfortably clean place to sleep and a moderately-satisfying breakfast.

That’s what makes The Villa in Indianapolis so unique. Yes, it’s quaint. Yes, its guestrooms are clean and comfortable and yes, a satisfying breakfast accompanies an overnight. But there's more to... Read More