From the Q&A mailbox:
We want to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. What do you suggest?

Do some planning quickly, as it's a popular time in western North Carolina, eastern Tennesee and of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The timing of peak fall color varies with weather and altitude, but this page can give you some idea - look at early October to early November. Take a look at these free online AAA planning resources:
Smoky Mountains AAA Drive Trip      Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide   Great Smoky Mountain National Park Travel Guide ... Read More

This post, the second 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 second day of the trip began early for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills national champions as we traveled a short distance from our hotel in Mooresville, N.C., to Roush Fenway Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race shop.... Read More

This post, the first 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 winners began their job shadow experience with Roush Fenway Racing at the team’s headquarters in Concord, N.C., with a walk through the Roush Fenway Racing Museum, which is open to the public free of charge, Monday through Friday. Then they received a special behind-the-scenes tour of the team facilities that very few are lucky enough to experience.... Read More

 
Seventy five years ago, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway  began as a project to put people back to work during the Depression.  Today the 469-mile winding roadway in Virginia and North Carolina has evolved into one of the United States' most-visited sites, drawing about 17 million people annually and bringing about $2 billion to surrounding areas.  This year the National Park Service will commemorate... Read More

UPDATE:  As of April 25, 2010, I-40 has reopened, though ongoing road safety measures could cause delays. Please visit the North Carolina DOT webpage for the latest developments.

A portion of I-40 in western North Carolina near the Tennessee state line remains closed due to an October 25th rock slide and officials say it could take several months to clear the debris. I-40 is closed ... Read More

Asheville has all the qualities needed for a perfect 'girls getaway':  luxurious hotels and spas; a variety of unique restaurants; great shopping; endless galleries for lovers of folk art to fine art and, of course, the beautiful mountain scenery.  For the adventurous, there are the mountain drives, hikes and bike rides.  For those less so, there is the historic Biltmore Estate to explore. 

My friend, Lorraine, and I met up at the Charlotte airport around noon on a Sunday at the end of September and headed west to Asheville.  We made our first stop Bridges Barbeque... Read More

I had booked a whitewater rafting trip in North Carolina once before, only to cancel upon learning of my first child’s pending arrival status.  That child is now 14, so it took me awhile to reschedule, but now the trip would include her and her 9-year-old brother.

As a first-time rafter, I waded online ... Read More

     Most travelers have a long list of “must-see” destinations or things to experience.  And it seems that each time you scratch one destination off your list, you hear or read about another place that you must visit.  While visiting Emerald Isle, North Carolina, I was pleasantly surprised to unexpectedly cross off an experience that has been on my list for more than 15 years. 

Emerald Isle is part of the Southern Outer Banks, also known as the Crystal Coast.  I was invited to visit the area by friends whom I hadn’t seen in 20 years,... Read More

Question: Robert asks:  I would like to go furniture shopping in North Carolina.  Which city do I stay in? High Point is one I believe.  
 
Answer: Debra Moore and Edith Smitherman, travel planners at the AAA office in Charlotte answer:  High Point, North Carolina is indeed considered the home furnishing capital of the world, with over 125 manufacturers in the area. It appeals to the world-wide market and some stores are only open to dealers.  Our recommendation is to visit Lenoir and Hickory, North Carolina where... Read More