On Sunday, it will be five years since Hurricane Katrina and in that time a determined group of New Orleans residents and admirers have worked tirelessly to see that the city would recover and thrive again.  New Orleans simply could not go quietly into the night!  Recent non-stop headlines of the BP oil spill have again given an impression of disaster in the area.  However, as the AAA inspector with the pleasure of covering the Big Easy, I can testify that the ... Read More

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but there's still time for one more family trip. We  polled our professional inspectors and asked their favorite places. The top 10 picks are below and, for even more great ideas, click to see the complete list of suggestions.

Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station, Indianapolis, Indiana (Three Diamond rated)
Stay in a former railroad station in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. For extra fun, choose one of 26 guestrooms converted from authentic Pullman train cars. ... Read More

Deep in the heart of south Texas is San Antonio, home of the historic Alamo, the mighty Spurs and the lively River Walk. Now it has another claim to fame: Morgan’s Wonderland, a unique park for those with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Self-described as ”The World’s First Ultra-Accessible Family Fun Park,” this 25-acre playland features a beautifully ornate... Read More

Happy Birthday Mexico!

Mexico is currently gearing up for the party of a century -- make that two centuries. Preparations are underway to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mexican revolution (1910) and the 200-year anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain (1810). The Zocalo, Mexico City’s main plaza since pre-Columbian time, is the epicenter of this party, which will culminate on September 16, 2010.... Read More

 

We polled our professional inspectors for their favorite places to celebrate Valentine’s Day . . . here's the top 14 picks along with their onsite observations and insider tips:

The Boheme, Orlando, Florida, Four Diamond Restaurant
While downtown movers and shakers can be spotted here during the lunch hour dining on cashew salmon or crab ravioli, a transformation takes place for dinner service. Live background music, dim lights, rich fabrics and wood accents create a warm and tranquil atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or special Valentine’s Day brunch. ... Read More

 
We polled our inspectors for their favorite places to enjoy holiday festivities and their top 12 picks are:

Blantyre, Lenox, Mass., AAA Four Diamond
This all-season resort in the Berkshires becomes a winter wonderland in cooler months. Plenty of skates and snow shoes are available to help guests enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink and snow trails. The adjacent warming ‘hut’ — actually a small rustic lodge — offers overstuffed chairs, a large screen... Read More

In anticipation of Halloween, AAA polled its professional inspectors for their favorite haunted hotels and restaurants, resulting in the following 13 top picks.

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Legend has it that several ghosts reside within the walls of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, often cited as one of the most haunted hotels in America.  During construction, a workman fell to his death from the roof, ... Read More

These ghostly tales were written by anonymous AAA inspectors ....

Upon my arrival at the Mason House Inn in Bentonsport, Iowa, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.  As I put my car into park and exited, I saw a black cat trotting through a small opening in a screen door along the side of the house.  However, during my inspection I noticed nothing out of the ordinary; in fact, the Inn was exceptional, extremely clean and well-maintained.  The antique furniture was beautiful and the rest of the décor was very well coordinated.  It wasn’t... Read More

Every traveler collects them, their personal souvenirs. Those unique travel tales, perfect for an impromptu dinner party when one needs to be simultaneously charming and entertaining. As an inspector for AAA, I have had plenty of opportunities for that storied moment. And the anticipation for that moment, when you think to yourself ‘This is going to make a great story,’ is almost as fun as the experience itself.

So here is one of my favorite travel tales. I’ve shared it with family and friends, fellow inspectors and now with you:

After a 12-hour drive through the wilderness and a quick propeller... Read More

The following is a representation of a day in the life of one of AAA’s team of professional lodging and restaurant inspectors who, along with the establishments, remain anonymous.

When friends try to picture the life of a AAA inspector, most see the glory of afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the ocean; dinner in the finest restaurants; sleeping in luxurious rooms on fine Egyptian cotton linens; travel to exotic locations; and mingling with the rich and famous.  But I assure you that the typical day is filled for the most part with the tedium of very ordinary tasks.

The reality: A wakeup call at 6:00 a.m. in Minnewishigan ... Read More