AAA Explorer | July/August/September 2024
![Dan and Ursula Oko with their backpacking gear. Dan and Ursula Oko with their backpacking gear.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/appalachian-trail/dan-ursula-hikers-541.jpg)
A weeklong trek along the famed trail pushes the duo out of their comfort zone.
Alabama | Hawai‘i | Midwest | New Mexico | Northern New England | South | Texas | Virginia
![Maya Train. Maya Train.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/international-destinations/maya-train/maya-train-palenque-station-275.jpg)
The rail project is changing the way travelers explore the Yucatán Peninsula.
![Sunset over Prague. Sunset over Prague.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/international-destinations/prague/sunset-prague-275.jpg)
Beyond its famed castle, Prague is enchanting with a playful, bohemian spirit.
![Illustration of a traveler passing through a shorter airport security line. Illustration of a traveler passing through a shorter airport security line.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/travel-smart/precheck-global-entry/ask-the-traveler-precheck-308.jpg)
Do you need TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? It depends on how often you fly, especially abroad.
![Photo illustration of person standing in a ring of cars in different colors. Photo illustration of person standing in a ring of cars in different colors.](/content/dam/ace/publications/auto/drive-smart/vehicle-colors/dsmart-la-color-308.jpg)
While the color of your car can reflect your personality, it can also affect resale value.
![Illustration of a living room on fire. Illustration of a living room on fire.](/content/dam/ace/publications/insurance/renters-insurance-coverage/smart-coverage-renters-308.jpg)
Many landlords require tenants to buy renters insurance. Find out how this coverage works.
Texas
![Cricket player hitting the ball. Cricket player hitting the ball.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/texas/cricket/devon-conway-308.jpg)
The world's second-most popular sport is gaining popularity in the United States.
![Slice of chocolate cake with 1886 drawn in frosting on the top. Slice of chocolate cake with 1886 drawn in frosting on the top.](/content/dam/ace/publications/food-and-drink/recipes/chocolate-cake-recipe/1886-chocolate-cake-308.jpg)
Pastry chef Kristen Groth puts her spin on the dessert that’s been served since the 1950s.
![Outside porch with seating. Outside porch with seating.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/texas/romantic-getaways/bird-butterfly-patio-view-308.jpg)
From secluded cabins to an hacienda-style lodge, the Lone Star State has many cozy escapes.
Northern New England
![Aerial view of Fundy Trail Provincial Park. Aerial view of Fundy Trail Provincial Park.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/international-destinations/fundy-trail-provincial-park/fundy-308.jpg)
The New Brunswick national park has great vantage points of the world's highest tides.
![Galaxy Bookshop Galaxy Bookshop](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/new-england/independent-bookstores/galaxy-books-308.jpg)
Kids and adults alike will discover good reads and community at these booksellers.
![Illustration of activities in Northern New England. Illustration of activities in Northern New England.](/content/dam/ace/publications/things-to-do/northern-new-england/nne-regions-ttd-map-308.jpg)
A curated list of the best upcoming events in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Midwest
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_1146774564/first-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718660942829/gateway-arch-national-park-308.jpeg)
A guide to 7 natural, cultural, and geological sites in the Midwest that inspire awe.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_1146774564/second-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718660954926/mark-twain-boyhood-home-308.jpeg)
Explore caves, cruise on a riverboat, and stroll along charming cobbled streets.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_1146774564/third-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718660992239/mid-regions-ttd-map-308.jpeg)
A curated list of the best upcoming events in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri.
South
![Mississippi Beach shoreline. Mississippi Beach shoreline.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/south/gulf-coast-guide/mississippi-beach-308.jpg)
A guide to 6 national parks with intriguing history, geological wonders, and more.
![Woman and children at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Woman and children at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/south/what-to-do-fayetteville-ar/botanical-garden-of-the-ozarks-308.jpg)
Enjoy art and history in this metropolitan area that extends across the Red River.
![Illustration of activities in the Southern United States. Illustration of activities in the Southern United States.](/content/dam/ace/publications/things-to-do/south/southern-regions-ttd-map-308.jpg)
A curated list of the best upcoming events in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Alabama
![Boat with trays of food and drink. Boat with trays of food and drink.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/alabama/fairhope/eastern-shore-charter-308.jpg)
The perfect weekend in Fairhope involves fine dining, shopping, and coastal adventures.
![Grand Hotel croquet lawn, lined with covered tables and chairs. Grand Hotel croquet lawn, lined with covered tables and chairs.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/alabama/family-friendly-lodging/grand-hotel-lawn-308.jpg)
With rich activity calendars and places to play, these lodgings are perfect for a summer trip.
![Chefs Jennifer and Tyler Lyne of Tasting TBL. Chefs Jennifer and Tyler Lyne of Tasting TBL.](/content/dam/ace/publications/food-and-drink/unique-food-experiences-alabama/jennifer-tyler-lyne-308.jpg)
With ghost kitchens and pop-ups in unlikely places, foodies are sure to find something unexpected.
Virginia
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_318659235/first-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718662528110/elk-bull-308.jpeg)
Thanks to conservation efforts, elk are roaming Virginia after a 150-year absence.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_318659235/second-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718662544494/hatteras-island-to-ocracoke-island-ferry-308.jpeg)
Follow along as a history buff traverses coastal North Carolina by boat and by car.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers_318659235/third-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718662581840/cap-trail-riders-308.jpeg)
Virginia is home to many scenic bike trails that make for a fun, active adventure.
New Mexico
![Fireworks erupt in the sky behind the Zozobra sculpture. Fireworks erupt in the sky behind the Zozobra sculpture.](/content/dam/ace/publications/travel/us-destinations/new-mexico/zozobra/zozobra-308.jpg)
Learn the history behind burning Santa Fe's favorite scapegoat.
![Lemonades with chopped green chile. Lemonades with chopped green chile.](/content/dam/ace/publications/food-and-drink/new-mexico-chile/sparkys-hatch-drinks-308.jpg)
Taste your way through Las Cruces' Walk of Flame with foods that incorporate green chile.
![Illustration of activities in New Mexico. Illustration of activities in New Mexico.](/content/dam/ace/publications/things-to-do/new-mexico/nm-regions-ttd-map-308.jpg)
A curated list of the best upcoming events in New Mexico.
Hawai‘i
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers/first-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718664682323/yoga-floats-balance-308.jpeg)
From diving with manta rays to paddleboard yoga, the fun is just beginning as the sun sets.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers/second-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1718664698918/bridge-drone-view-hawaii-308.jpeg)
Here’s how a local spent 3 days cruising and visiting stops along Māmalahoa Highway.
![](/content/ace-www/en/publications/explorer/_jcr_content/responsivegrid/three_by_one_univers/third-card-img.coreimg.jpeg/1710807896061/haw-regions-ttd-map-308.jpeg)
A curated list of the best upcoming events on Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu.
Contact AAA Explorer
Email us your questions, story ideas, or information about upcoming events.