Cozy New York Inns
Transcription
Cozy New York Inns
Welcome to this issue of C&T Click the bottom right-hand corner of the cover to read the magazine, or click here for instructions. C&T Car & Travel Cozy New York Inns Escape the Winter Blues With These 3 Empire State Getaways Spotlight on Santa Fe | How to Keep Your Car Healthy | Albany, NY Contest Info Win an Atlantic City Getaway Enter this C&T Sweepstake, and you could receive a night’s stay at an Atlantic City hotel casino, a $100 gift certificate to The Quarter at Tropicana and a $100 gift certificate to Chart House at Golden Nugget. I’m Going to Atlantic City Get ready for the famous boardwalk. Better yet, get ready for a hotel casino that affords you with the luxury and excitement you’d expect from a place like Atlantic City. The opulence and dramatic styling of the famous gaming town lures many and makes memories for all. Be it the guestrooms, the shopping, the pampering or the dining, your options to make your Atlantic City stay one of kind are staggering. What’s more, your gift certificates to The Quarter and Chart House will showcase all of the options that await. You can while away the time immersed in good times gone by at The Quarter at Tropicana. The setting recalls the era when Cuba was a haven for fun. The Old Havana-themed enclosed shopping mall includes more than 40 stores, nine restaurants, 11 nightclubs and a spa. And your appetite for more will be sated at Chart House, located in the Golden Nugget. The restaurant was named the best casino seafood restaurant by the Boardwalk Journal. Plus, its award-winning cuisine is matched by its views of the Atlantic City skyline and the Frank S. Farley State Marina. Get ready to make New Jersey’s favorite playground your favorite, too. Sweepstakes Details Airfare, gratuities, taxes and other incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the winners, except where noted. Prize packages are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash. Reservations are required for accommodations. Accommodations valid Friday through Sunday. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. All services are based on availability. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate. No purchase necessary to enter or win; a purchase will not increase the chances of winning. Employees of AAA and their immediate families are not eligible. Sweepstakes run until 11:59 p.m. CST, Feb. 23, 2015. By entering the Sweepstake you may receive information from the sponsor. Complete sweepstakes rules are available at haMediaGroup.com/CT. Sweepstakes sponsored by Home & Away Inc. To receive information about any prize winner, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Home & Away Inc., Char Romberger, PO Box 3535 Omaha, NE 68103. To order free AAA and C&T advertiser information: TO ORDER ONLINE! Your free information is just a mouse-click away. Complete the online form (month of issue, your name, address, e-mail address, etc.). Make your selection(s) by checking the boxes. Click the SUBMIT button when done. contents February Vol.4 — No. 2 MEMBERSHIP 4 INSIDE AAA The annual Traffic Safety Poster & Video Contest is underway. 6 DISCOUNTS Save on Valentine’s Day gifts, spring break trips and more! 30 INSURANCE AGENTS Insurance tips from our Brooklyn and Manhattan brokers. 10 TRAVEL 10 COZY NEW YORK INNS Tired of the cold? Hole up inside one of these charming Empire State getaways. 22 CITYSCAPE Candlelit dinners and ghost tours in Savannah, GA. 24 EMPIRE INSIDER See what New York’s capital city has to offer. 36 PIT STOP The Paul Bunyan statue in Bemidji, MN. 16 THE ART AND CULTURE OF SANTA FE Experience the Pueblo architecture, museums and galleries that attract visitors from around the world. 26 KEEPING YOUR CAR HEALTHY Learn about the fluids your vehicle counts on to go the extra mile. On Cover: Mirbeau Inn & Spa Photo Credit: James Scherzi 32 TEST DRIVE The 2015 Acura TLX offers a slew of sophisticated electronics. EDITOR’S NOTE C&T Car & Travel Cozy New York Inns Escape the Winter Blues With These 3 Empire State Getaways Spotlight on Santa Fe | How to Keep Your Car Healthy | Albany, NY Are you looking for the most romantic place on Earth? Congratulations! You have already found it. That’s because romance is in the eye of the beholder: a candlelit dinner for some, a handwritten note for others. In our Valentine’s Day issue, we are sharing several cozy inns where you can stare at the snowy treetops as you warm your feet in front of a raging fire. However you define romance, there’s no doubt that the beautiful state of New York makes it easy to fall in love all over again. —Andrew G. Rosen C&T 1 DISCOVER THE BEST OF NEW YORK C&T Car & Travel AAA 1415 Kellum Place Garden City, NY 11530-1690 Telephone 516-746-7730 AAA.com PRESIDENT, NY/NJ REGION Dennis J. Crossley EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew G. Rosen MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Jill Fergus Louis Orellana EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Roberto X. Cruz GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Matt Leonenko Elisabeth Clarke PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Susan Roberts Vicki Denker 402-592-5000 ext. 473 vdenker@hamedia group.com C&T (ISSN 1080-2290, USPS 383-120) is published monthly in digital format and bimonthly in print by AAA Northeast, 1415 Kellum Place, Garden City, NY 11530-1690. Periodicals Mail postage paid at Garden City, NY, and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2015 by AAA Northeast. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. C&T assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material and reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of AAA Northeast. Subscription price of $4 is included in membership dues; nonmember subscription is $12/year, $20 foreign, or $2 a copy. Postmaster: Send address changes to: C&T, 1415 Kellum Place, Garden City, NY 11530-1690. 8 GREAT AAA.com/8Great This demonstrates AAA’s support for improved forestry practices and strong communities across North America. 2 C&T Insurance Services TOTAL COVERAGE FROM END-TO-END FOR THE BEST AUTO INSURANCE COUNT ON AAA There’s more to AAA than just the best Roadside Assistance Program in the nation. Members also enjoy great auto insurance coverage plans, and the AAA Discounts & Rewards Program comes in handy for saving on everyday purchases and special occasions. Visit AAA.com/Quote Call 855-238-2886 INSIDE AAA Poster Contest Announcement Driving in wintry conditions can be dangerous. For a refresher on how to stay safe when driving on icy, snowy roads, check out the Club’s brochure, “How to Go on Ice and Snow.” It is full of information on how to keep your car’s systems ready to go in cold weather and includes tips for steering and braking on slick roads. To download a copy of the brochure, click here. To get a paper copy, call 516-535-2566. Clockwise from top: Some 2014 winners: Grand Award High School, Grand Award K-8 and 1st place 6-8. Holiday Notice: President’s Day (Feb. 16) Administration Closed Branch Offices Open Travel Call Center Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. AAA Roadside Assistance remains available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 4 C&T Membership Services Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. PHOTO: © MEDIA BAKERY HOW TO GO ON ICE AND SNOW AAA’s annual Traffic Safety Poster & Video Contest is now underway! Club-area students in grades K-12 are eligible to enter for a chance to win nearly $5,000 in prize money. The contest provides an opportunity for teachers and parents to stress important traffic safety concepts, while teaching children valuable lessons and giving them a chance to express their creativity! Students in grades K-8 may submit posters, while those in grades 9-12 can submit either posters or videos. The posters may be hand-drawn or computer-generated. Please note: There is a separate prize category this year for high school video entries. All submissions are due no later than March 13. Click here for complete contest rules, submission requirements and to download a flyer and entry form. For more information, call 516-873-2377 or email gdisalvo@aaany.com. We look forward to all the entries! THIS VALENTINE’S DAY SAY IT WITH AAA Your AAA membership can help make this Valentine’s Day the best ever. Because Discounts & Rewards offers so many deals on flowers, chocolates, perfume, hotels, and more, you can really spoil your loved one this year. Shop AAA first for all your special days. Visit AAA.com/Valentine for a full list of gift ideas. ♥ 1-800-Flowers.com ♥ FragranceNet.com ♥ FTD.com ♥ David’s Cookies flowers, plants and gifts 20% off AAA.com/Discounts brand name beauty products 15% off SAVE savings and 20% everyday AAA exclusive collections 15% on sweet treats DISCOUNTS 2 3 1 5 4 1. Central Parking 2. 1-800Flowers.com Know where to park and what you’ll pay before you arrive. Save at a variety of locations with printed AAA coupons. The simplest expressions sometimes mean the most. Save 25% on select gifts for Valentine’s Day. AAA.com/Parking AAA.com/ 1800Flowers 6 C&T 3. FTD.com 4. Kurgo 5. DirecTV Have a unique arrangement delivered directly to your loved one’s door. Save 25% on the Valentine’s collection and 20% sitewide! Pets deserve love this month too! Save 20% on leashes, travel accessories and more. Warm up indoors with thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. New customers save $200 on services and equipment with a two-year agreement. AAA.com/FTD AAA.com/Kurgo AAA.com/DirecTV 7 8 6 9 10 6. Universal Orlando 7. Hard Rock Cafe Celebrate spring break in Florida! Save on ticket packages and get access to Blue Man Group, CityWalk, Islands of Adventure and other Universal park attractions. AAA.com/ ThemeParks 8. 92nd Street Y 9. LEGOLAND Get the rockstar treatment at your favorite Hard Rock destination. Save 10% on food and merchandise. Connect with others through culture and art. Save 10% on a wealth of lectures, concerts, performances and more. AAA.com/Discounts AAA.com/Discounts Keep the kids busy exploring amazing Lego worlds and creations at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. Get 20% off tickets purchased online. AAA.com/ LEGODiscovery 10. Valentine’s Day Gifts Save big on gifts for that special someone at FrangranceNet. com, David’s Cookies or Harry & David. Or make their heart race with the perfect gift from Steiner Sports, the NBA Store or Dell. AAA.com/Discounts All offers subject to change. Exclusions apply. See AAA.com/Discounts for full offer and restrictions. C&T 7 LAND VACATIONS WALT DISNEY WORLD UNIVERSAL ORLANDO CARIBBEAN VACATIONS NEW! AAA Member Benefit NEW! AAA Member Benefit ANTIGUA & PUNTA CANA Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa from $1565 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana from $2166 Click here for more Caribbean destinations AAA Benefit: $30 per person excursion voucher Only for AAA Receive a $50 Disney Gift card, compliments of AAA Travel, when you book a Disney vacation package to Walt Disney World® resort by February 28, 2015** • Activity credit (up to $50^ value) • A Universe of Savings Coupon booklet (up to $150^ value) • Preferred seating at select theme park shows GUIDED FAMILY VACATIONS GUIDED VACATIONS WILD WEST, COWBOYS A Wild West adventure to the frontier town of Jackson, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. 9 days from $2300 CASTLES & KILTS Castles, Crown Jewels and Harry Potter. Experience the history, mystery and magic of England, Wales and Scotland. 11 days from $2606 AAA Benefit: $40 per person excursion voucher TROPICAL COSTA RICA San Jose, Grecia, Zarcero, Cano Negro, Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste 9 days from $1549 ITALY’S TREASURES Stresa, Portofino, Lucca, Siena, Florence, Bologna and Venice 12 days from $3749 AAA Benefit: $75 per person optional excursion credit FAMILY CARIBBEAN VACATIONS Jamaica, Punta Cana, Turks & Caicos Dreams Punta Cana Resort from $1103 Beaches Ocho Rios, A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort from $1517 Beaches Negril Resort & Spa from $1694 Beaches Jamaica, Punta Cana, Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa from $1982 AAA Benefit: $30 per person excursion voucher Best Price Guarantee* 800-651-9159 AAA.com/Travel a AAA office Sign up for the AAA Traveler at AAA.com/Newsletter and receive updates and last-minute specials on hot travel deals and destinations. Prices are per person, land-only based on double occupancy. Airfare, government fees and taxes are additional. Some restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the content of this advertisement. Published prices are based on availability at time of press. *Bring us a legitimate vacation package quote for one of our preferred tour operators for any vacation 3 nights or more. If we cannot match the price, we’ll give you $100 upon receipt of appropriate documentation showing completed travel. Not valid on internet or group bookings. **Disney – Valid on new hotel and ticket packages of $3000 or more booked with AAA Travel and the Walt Disney World Company. Must be booked by 2/25/2015. Other restrictions may apply. ^Universal Orlando: One $25 OR $50 Activity Credit per package, values cannot be combined. Activity Credit is not valid for the purchase of Universal Orlando Gift Cards. This offer is non-transferable, and may not be reproduced, reprinted or combined with any other offer, promotion, coupon or discount. Activity Credit value must be used in a single transaction and no remaining unused balance will be retained or returned to the AAA / CAA Member. Activity Credit can be redeemed at the Attraction Ticket Center located in the Lobby of the hotel. Attraction Ticket Center hours vary and are subject to change. Package purchase required; one “A Universe of Savings” coupon book per package. Other restrictions may apply. Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration number ST-24215. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2015 Universal Studios. © 2015 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rates are land only, per person and based on double occupancy. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rates are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rate. Rates are subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801. CRUISE VACATIONS BAHAMAS FEBRUARY CRUISE SALE BERMUDA Royal Caribbean NEW! QUANTUM OF THE SEAS 7 or 8 nights from $1221 AAA Benefit: $50 onboard credit, VIP Check-In FEBRUARY 1-9 Royal Caribbean LIBERTY OF THE SEAS New to NY! 5 nights from $552 AAA Benefit: $25 onboard credit, VIP Check-In Norwegian Cruise Line NORWEGIAN GEM 7 nights from $569 AAA Benefit: $50 onboard credit • Priority Check-in NO f CRUISES CRUISES NO Book your cruise & SAVE an extra $100! • Free Upgrades • Free Onboard credits • And more! Learn more CRUISE SALE EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES CARIBBEAN AMA Waterways The Enchanting Rhine: 13 days from $2499 AAA Benefit: $300 per stateroom discount Royal Caribbean OASIS OF THE SEAS: 7 nights from $749 AAA Benefit: $75 onboard credit, VIP Check-In Viking River Cruises Tulips & Windmills: 8 days from $2672 AAA Benefit: $250 per stateroom shipboard credit Norwegian Cruise Line NEW! NORWEGIAN GETAWAY 7 nights from $689 Uniworld River Cruises Enchanting Danube: 8 days from $2899 AAA Benefit: Save up to $250 per couple Best Price Guarantee* 800-651-9159 AAA.com/Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY 7 nights from $609 AAA Benefit: $50 onboard credit NO f CRUISES CRUISES NO CARIBBEAN NO FLY CRUISES Royal Caribbean LIBERTY OF THE SEAS 9 nights from $1097 AAA Benefit: $50 onboard credit, VIP Check-In Norwegian Cruise Line NORWEGIAN GEM 9 nights from $999 AAA Benefit: $50 onboard credit NO f CRUISES CRUISES NO a AAA office Sign up for the AAA Traveler at AAA.com/Newsletter and receive updates and last-minute specials on hot travel deals and destinations. Rates are per person, cruise-only, based on double occupancy, valid on select sailings, include service fees and are subject to availability. Airfare, government fees, fuel supplements and taxes are additional. Onboard credits are per cabin and applicable to select sailing dates only. Some restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the content of this advertisement. Published prices are based on availability at time of press. *Bring us a legitimate cruise or vacation package quote for one of our preferred cruise or tour operators for any cruise or vacation package 3 nights or more. If we cannot match the price, we’ll give you $100 upon receipt of appropriate documentation showing completed travel. Not valid on internet or group bookings. THE INN CR Escape the Cold at These Cozy New York Getaways by Jeff Heilman G rowing up in London in the ‘70s, we frequently spent weekends in Rye, on the East Sussex coast. It was there that my romance with inns began, at the Mermaid, on the cobbled street of the same name. Dating to 1156 and built in its present form in 1420, the Mermaid Inn, constructed from ship’s timbers, positively creaks with history. Fragrant with smoke from its huge logburning fireplaces, the interiors invited exploration and wonder, from the narrow staircases and slanted passageways to the four-poster beds, curving beams and latticed windows. It was the quintessential sanctuary, especially in the autumn and winter months. Inns are a hospitality experience apart, and New York State, my home for the past three decades, has no shortage of uniquely authentic and atmospheric properties. Along with personal favorites such as the Mirror Lake Inn (1924) in Lake Placid and Hudson House (1832) in Cold Spring, here are three inviting choices for a weekend stay or longer when the temperatures drop. 10 C&T A private dining room at the e Bedford Post Inn. PHOTO: © MICHAEL WESCHLER PHOTOGRAPHY ROWD Top to Bottom: Bedford Post Inn’s restaurant, a hearty dish on Campagna’s menu. C&T 11 BEEKMAN ARMS Top to Bottom: A view of the Beekman Arms and the Delamater Inn. 12 C&T Settled by the Dutch in 1686 on the King’s Highway (now Route 9) charming “Ryn Beck” has welcomed travelers for centuries. Situated across the Hudson River from Kingston in Dutchess County about 100 miles north of New York City, Rhinebeck today is national landmark central—one of which includes America’s oldest continuously operated inn, the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn. Originally the Traphagen Tavern, the stone-and-timber main inn was relocated to its present site in 1766, where today it occupies a prime corner in the heart of Rhinebeck alongside antique shops, cafés and other draws. With past guests including George Washington and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who conducted his gubernatorial and presidential campaigns from the front porch, the “Beek” pulses with history (it is presently undergoing a comprehensive refresh but the property will remain operational throughout). Each with its own distinctive character, there are 13 main house rooms and another six in the adjoining Old Firehouse and Townsend House, with 56 more in the historic Delamater Inn one block away. Back at the Beekman, renowned for its rum toddies back in the day, the Tavern is one of the nation’s oldest colonial tap rooms. The bartender can still whip up a mean rum toddy—the perfect cold weather antidote. PHOTO: © 2014 GEORGE STREET PHOTO & VIDEO, LLC; and Delamater Inn MIRBEAU INN The relaxation area at Mirbeau Inn’s spa. & Spa Located 20 miles southwest of Syracuse in picturesque Skaneateles, Mirbeau is an artful Finger Lakes escape. Evoking an elegant French wine country estate, the property, set on 12 acres of forested parkland, comprises the chateau-style main house and world-class spa, plus four standalone cottages. The buildings curve gracefully around dreamy ponds and gardens inspired by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, providing a floral fantasy— magical in all seasons. There are 18 rooms in the main inn, including the Club Rooms, ideal for families and small groups with their own common area, plus another 16 in the cottages. All rooms offer a gas fireplace and a deep soaking tub, which comes in handy after an afternoon of exploring storybook Skaneateles, which commands the northern shore of its namesake lake ßand is lined with specialty shops and galleries. Wellness is a major focus, with programs including spin classes, fitness walks, personal training and yoga, plus an array of spa treatments including the Crushed Cabernet Scrub with grapeseeds and honey. Gourmands and oenophiles, meanwhile, have appointments with the Finger Lakes’ best produce and vintages at Mirbeau’s restaurant. C&T 13 Left to Right: A room at the Bedford Post Inn, a large soaking tub at the inn. BEDFORD POST Inn In the mood for a kid-free Relais & Chateaux getaway in Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren country? Then head an hour north of New York City to tony Bedford in the heart of Westchester County, where the upscale Bedford Post Inn offers harried city slickers yoga, fine dining and good old-fashioned relaxing. Set on a wooded property along the Old Post Road, the inn, co-owned by actor Richard Gere, comprises two historic structures rescued and restored in 2007. The main building, a three-story farmhouse from the 1860s, houses eight cozy, luxurious rooms (six with electric fireplaces) on the upper floors. On the ground level, guests can enjoy fine Italian-American cuisine at Campagna, opened last November by two Michelin-starred New York chef Michael White (Ai Fiore, Marea). The other building, a restored barn dating to 1762, is home to White’s more casual concept The Barn, along with the inn’s acclaimed yoga studio, where guests can take a complimentary class. Other relaxing options include in-room spa treatments and hiking on a private two-mile trail slated for expansion this spring. And just like those old Mermaid days, the Bedford Post Inn is a ready refuge for retiring before the fire— whether outside at the year-round wood-burning fireplace or inside at Campagna, The Barn or the comfort of your room, before succumbing to the night. ■ For more information contact AAA Travel at 800-651-9159 or visit AAA.com/Travel. 14 C&T AN OFFER TO $ SAVE 100 ON YOUR NEXT TRIP Apply today! For a limited time, you could save up to $100* on your next cruise or vacation booking of $2,800 or more. See your AAA Travel Agent for more information and to apply. For information about rates, fees, other costs or benefits associated with the use of this credit card, or to apply, see an agent and refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. * You may qualify for a credit to be used for future travel package or cruise if you use your new credit card account to make at least one Purchase transaction that posts to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Limit one (1) travel credit per new account. Travel credit offer begins for applications received on January 1, 2015 and ends for applications received February 28, 2015. Other advertised promotional offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. If you qualify, the value of the travel credit will be $100 for travel purchases of $2,800 or greater. Travel credit offer sponsored by AAA New York. We may substitute an item of equal or greater value and we are not responsible for lost, stolen or undelivered merchandise. Federal law prohibits students from receiving a premium. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither AAA, Bank of America, its affiliates, nor their employees provide tax advice. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Services Association and are used by the Issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2014 Bank of America Corporation Spotlight on SANTA FE Discover Art Galleries, Pueblo Architecture and Desert Vistas O ne of my favorite travel purchases is a small decorative ceramic tile that I picked up on a trip to New Mexico many years ago. Depicting a Native American woman amid a saguaro-studded desert plain with purple mountains framing an orange sky in the background, this simple, inexpensive piece of art still hangs in my hallway. And though I live in the concrete jungle of New York City, I am instantly transported back to the serene, open-sky vistas of Santa Fe whenever it catches my eye. With its otherworldly landscapes and unique Pueblo architecture, it’s no surprise 16 C&T that so many artists, writers and other creative types gravitate towards Santa Fe. In addition to its raw natural beauty, they draw inspiration from its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage. With its many museums, performing arts centers and hundreds of art galleries, ranging from traditional to avant-garde, Santa Fe is firmly established as one of the country’s premier cities for art and culture. And, it should be noted, it’s pretty hard to get a bad meal in this town. Even the simplest tamale is delicious—I still get cravings for the one I bought from a pushcart vendor near the Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe since the city was laid out way back in 1610. PHOTO: DOUGLAS MERRIAM by Jill Fergus Adobe detailing at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. C&T 17 One of the artists most closely identified with the Southwest and Santa Fe is Georgia O’Keeffe. The American modernist first visited the Land of Enchantment in 1929 and was so taken by the landscapes that she bought a haciendastyle home and studio (located in Abiquiu, about an hour’s drive, which is now open for tours). She painted the red hills, dry arroyos and rocky mesas, along with flowers and animal skulls that have become her signature images. You can view many of her oil and watercolor paintings as well as drawings and sculptures at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which holds a vast collection of her work including Ram’s Head, Blue Morning Glory (1938) and Canyon Country, White and Brown Cliffs (1965). 18 C&T SANTA FE IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS PUEBLO ARCHITECTURE, LOW-SLUNG, EARTH-COLORED BUILDINGS MADE OF ADOBE BRICKS. While the O’Keeffe Museum garners a lot of attention, and rightly so, there are many other museums deserving of a visit. Part of the Museum Hill complex, just off the Old Santa Fe Trail in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Highlights include the pottery collection representing all the tribal communities of the Southwest and 19th century Navajo blankets, and my favorite, a selection of turquoise jewelry. There’s also the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, showcasing art from the Spanish colonial rule (1598-1821) such as textiles and silverwork and the Museum of International Folk Art with ceremonial masks, handcrafted toys from around the world and retablos (small religious PHOTO (LEFT): DOUG MERRIAM. PHOTOS (RIGHT): CHRIS CORRIE, JACK PARSONS, DOUG MERRIAM. A gallery along Canyon Road. Clockwise from top: Petroglyphs near Santa Fe, hanging chile peppers, a Santa Fe winter, black bean soup. paintings on tin or wood). Santa Fe is also known for its Pueblo architecture, low-slung, earth-colored buildings made of adobe bricks (a mix of sun-dried earth and straw). A great example is the Cristo Rey Church completed in 1940. In keeping with this tradition, many of the hotels in and around the Plaza are built in the Pueblo style including the Inn on the Alameda, where I stayed. After a day of touring, it was nice to relax by the gaslit kiva fireplace before heading out to dinner. Keep in mind, one question you’ll likely be asked when dining out in Santa Fe, is “red or green?” Meaning, which type of chile do you prefer to be served with your enchiladas, chiles rellenos, etc. And now is a great time to sample those traditional southwestern C&T 19 Clip to Save Suspension Expires 2/28/15 10 % OFF Front & Rear Struts/Shocks 10% off struts/shocks & labor to install (Wheel alignment not included) Members-only coupon valid at all participating AAA-affiliated stations and for most cars and light trucks. Must be presented prior to service. May not be combined with other offers. 2-15 Cooling System Expires 2/28/15 dishes as well as updated versions incorporating global ingredients from the city’s leading chefs, as Santa Fe Restaurant Week takes place from Feb. 22 – Mar. 1. And what would a visit to Santa Fe be without some gallery hopping? Whether you’re a serious collector or just like to browse, visiting the galleries and artists’ studios is an essential activity. They are everywhere but the greatest concentration can be found along Canyon Road. Chiaroscuro has contemporary works with an emphasis on Native American and Australian Aboriginal artists, Patricia Carlisle Fine Art, housed in a charming adobe dwelling with a garden, showcases David Pearson’s figurative bronze sculptures and the Zaplin Lampert Gallery sells traditional New Mexican furniture, Southwestern weavings and Pueblo pottery. And I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery in Taos where I bought my little tile, opened an outpost in Santa Fe just last year—it carries the popular Native American artist’s paintings and sculptures and, yes, plenty of those eyecatching decorative tiles. ■ For more information contact AAA Travel at 800-651-9159 or visit AAA.com/Travel. 4495 $ where will [YOUR SAVINGS] (Most makes & models) Pressure test system for leaks, check condition of hoses and belts, check water pump, check fan operation, drain radiator and refill with up to 2 gallons of antifreeze. take you? Members-only coupon valid at all participating AAA-affiliated stations and for most cars and light trucks. Must be presented prior to service. May not be combined with other offers. 2-15 Oil Change Expires 2/28/15 2995 $ (Most makes & models) Drain oil, replace oil filter, refill (up to 5 qts.) with premium oil, lubricate chassis and doors. Special 11-point check of transmission, power steering, washer and differential fluids, engine coolant, tire wear and pressure, belts and hoses, battery, all lights. Members-only coupon valid at all participating AAA-affiliated stations and for most cars and light trucks. Must be presented prior to service. May not be combined with other offers. 2-15 Call 212-757-2000, 718-224-2222, 516-746-7141, 914-948-4600, 315-797-5000 or 607-432-1875 for station locations. 20 C&T Plan for a dream vacation or a brighter financial future with help from AAA Deposits. 1.20 % APY1 For a 24-month CD As of 11/18/2014 Open an account! Use offer code: A120403 AAA.com/Deposits 1-800-347-7056 24/7 U.S.-based Banking Specialists CDs • Money Market Accounts • Online Savings Accounts AAA preferred member rates offered on 12-, 24- and 60- month CD terms. 1 Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY applies to personal accounts only. Advertised CD rate is valid as of 11/18/2014 and subject to change daily without notice. Rate applies to a 24-month term. A penalty may be charged for early CD withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Deposit accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC ©2014 Discover Bank Discover Bank INTRODUCING IDENTITY THEFT MONITORING FROM AAA & EXPERIAN PERFECT WHEN... ...you’re you’re relaxing on the beach but your wallet’s gone shopping on the boardwalk. WHEN you discover you’ve bought a bass boat—and you don’t fish. WHEN you don’t lose a moment’s sleep because your identity is monitored 24/7, thanks to AAA. Price AAA is now offering members even more peace of Daily Credit Monitoring BENEFIT ESSENTIAL DELUXE FREE with AAA Membership ($79 value) $8.95/month—a 60% discount for AAA Members1 Monitors your Experian® Credit Report 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring and Experian® PLUS Score2 at sign-up Fraud Resolution Support ✔ ✔ Lost Wallet Assistance ✔ ✔ more services. Identity Theft Insurance $10,000 for AAA Premier Members3 $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance3 Compare and then choose the one that’s right for you. Daily Internet scans to look for trouble mind with ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring. As a member, you can choose either the free Essential coverage (a $79 value) or for an additional $8.95 a month receive the Deluxe package that offers even ✔ Alerts if accounts are opened in your child’s name ChildSecureSM DELUXE | ESSENTIAL EXCLUSIVELY FOR AAA MEMBERS 1 Pay for year at once and get 2 months free. Enroll at AAA.com/IDTheft or call 877.440.6943 2 3 Calculated on the PLUS Score model, your Experian Credit Score indicates your relative risk level for educational purposes and is not the score used by lenders. Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informaitonal purposes only and does not include terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Refer to the actual policies for complete terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe are provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in either ProtectMyID Essential or ProtectMyID Deluxe, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Products subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Valid AAA membership required at time of enrollment. © 2014 AAA CITYSCAPE SAVANNAH, GA by Jill Fergus WR i ve r St . S ava E Bro 6 n St . E O g le erty S t. th o rp e R ive r Av e . t. orn S The blockbuster book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt put Savannah on the map when it was released in 1994 and since then, this southern charmer hasn’t looked back. In addition to some of America’s prettiest street scenes—restored antebellum homes framed by live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss—visitors can expect a revitalized waterfront, creatively prepared seafood and shops emphasizing locally made products. Do Stroll through the historic district, known for its 22 public squares with names like Washington (as in George), Franklin (as in Benjamin) and 1 Oglethorpe (the general who founded the city in 1733). Tour the 2 Owens-Thomas House, 124 Abercorn St., 912-790-8889, telfair.org, one of the country’s finest English Regency residences (the Marquis de Lafayette once delivered a speech here) and hop aboard a riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Savannah River, passing 3 River Street’s old 19th century cotton warehousesturned-restaurants. 22 C&T Discover The movie version of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was filmed here but did you know Forrest Gump, The Legend of Bagger Vance and X-Men: First Class were also shot here? (And please let us not forget Magic Mike XXL.) Learn about those flicks and more while on a movie location bus tour. And as one of American’s most haunted cities, you’ll find plenty of late-night ghost tours, where you’ll learn Savannah’s eerie myths and spooky legends while visiting haunted buildings and hidden cemeteries. Dine At 4 The Olde Pink House, dishes like she-crab soup and crispy flounder in an apricot shallot sauce are served in candlelit dining rooms. 23 Abercorn St., 912-232-4286, plantersinnsavannah. com. Another favorite is 5 700 Drayton Restaurant with a modern southern/American menu. 700 Drayton St., 912-341-0700, mansiononforsythpark.com. And don’t leave town without sampling some local desserts—Byrd’s has been baking cookies since 1924 (the Key Lime Coolers are a must), Chocolat by Adam Turoni sells Georgia peach-flavored truffles and old-fashioned 6 Leopold’s Ice Cream is a can’t-miss spot for diet-busting banana splits. 212 East Broughton St., 912-234-4442, leopoldsicecream.com. AAA.com/CityScape PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES D r ay t Aberc on St . W L ib u g h to nnah EMPIRE INSIDER Albany, our state capital, is often overlooked as people drive to points elsewhere, perhaps the Adirondacks or Cooperstown. But to bypass it means you are missing one of New York’s most historic towns with eye-catching architecture, world-class museums, and, of course, the Capitol building, part of the massive 98-acre Empire State Plaza complex. So next time you’re on I-87, hop off to discover what’s doing in Albany. 24 C&T 4. Baseball in winter? Opening on Feb. 7, the Albany Institute of History & Art will present Baseball: America’s Game, an exhibit celebrating our national pastime through historic photographs, artifacts and audio/video installations. 5. Discover Schuyler Mansion, former home of Philip J. Schuyler, a Revolutionary War general. 2. If you prefer to watch the pros His wife, Catharine, is descended from the Van Rensselaers who go back to the time when Albany do the skating, catch a hockey game at the Times Union Center. was known as Fort Orange—the first permanent Dutch settlement in New Netherland. The Albany Devils, who play in the American Hockey League (AHL), are an affiliate team of the 6. Sign up for a tour/tasting at Albany Distilling Co., the first licensed distillery in the city since NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Prohibition. Owners John Curtin and Matthew 3. The New York State Museum is Jager produce small-batch craft spirits, including jam-packed with all sorts of cool Ironweed and Coal Yard whiskey. stuff—and it’s free. Two favorites 7. A visit to Albany would not be complete without are the skeleton remains of a a plate of freshly shucked oysters and a New York mastodon excavated in nearby strip steak at Jack’s Oyster House. Opened since Cohoes, NY in 1866 and a full1913, it’s still a favorite of local lawmakers. sized historic carousel (still —Jill Fergus working!). AAA.com/EmpireInsider ILLUSTRATION: OLIVER WEISS www.OWEISS.COM ALBANY 7 THINGS TO DO IN 1. Take a few twirls on the free outdoor Empire State Plaza Ice Rink (open until March 8), steps from the Capitol and the Egg Center for the Performing Arts, with its unique egg-shaped architecture completed in 1978. AUTO FINANCING Made Easy Auto Financing AutoGuard 1.89 RATES AS LOW AS %* APR Apply today! Call 1-800-580-6807 or click here Great Rates and Terms Available Financing provided by: New or Pre-Owned Vehicles Refinance Existing Auto Loan Our simple and easy process saves you time and money providing fast decisioning and great rates and service. Call: 1-800-580-6807 Or visit AAA.com/AutoLoan *Loans are offered through various credit unions and different rates may apply. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Funding subject to acceptance of completed application. All loans are subject to credit approval. FREEDOM FROM EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS with a AAA Extended Auto Warranty And did you know you can get coverage for any vehicle you own? That’s right, we even cover pre-owned vehicles*. PLUS THE BEST PART IS YOU CAN GET COVERAGE AT AAA MEMBER PREFERRED RATES! ■ Member Only Pricing ■ Nationwide Coverage ■ Use Any Repair Shop ■ Easy Payment Plans FOR A FREE QUOTE, CALL US AT 1-800-724-4440 Or visit AAA.com/Warranty *Mileage exclusions apply. No service contract covers all repairs. Call or visit website for full details. AutoGuard C&T 25 M aintaining a healthy lifestyle is demanding. For those without a teenager’s metabolism, it requires a strict diet, hours of aerobic exercise each week and unwavering commitment. Keeping a car healthy, on the other hand, does not have to be a daily task—nor a difficult one. But it does require some effort. And it starts with monthly fluid level checks, according to Jim Lewis, Approved Auto Repair Administrator for AAA New York. “If you check vehicle fluids each month and replace them based on the manufacturer’s specifications, you should never have a problem,” Lewis said. “A monthly check is a simple way to avoid a stressful situation.” Advanced fluid lubricants and better engines allow newer vehicles to go longer than ever between services such as oil changes. Plenty of newer vehicles are also equipped with sensors and indicator lights on the instrument panel that notify motorists when fluids must 26 C&T be changed or when maintenance is required. Still, popping the hood and visually checking fluid levels in the reservoirs gives owners the opportunity to catch pesky leaks before a system failure sidelines them—like an overheated engine would during rush hour. And if a monthly check seems like a bother, remember, once you know where the reservoirs and dipsticks are, it should only take about 10 minutes. Most reservoirs are translucent, labeled and easy to spot. If a fluid looks low, it could be a sign that maintenance is necessary. Check it again in a couple days. If it gets worse or if a leak is apparent the first time, have the vehicle towed to an Approved Auto Repair shop or have a qualified technician take a look. Consult your owner’s manual if you do not know the proper fluid service intervals for your vehicle. Click the buttons on the right to learn more about the fluids cars and trucks count on to stay in good shape. check is a simple way “Atomonthly avoid a stressful situation.” KEEPING CARS HEALTHY MONTHLY FLUID CHECKS ARE VITAL TO CAR MAINTENANCE by Ro b e r to X . Cr uz ! Brake Fluid Coolant Motor Oil Power Steering Fluid Automatic Windshield Transmission Washer Fluid Fluid Fuel For additional maintenance tips, visit AAA.com/Automotive. AAA.com/Automotive C&T 27 DRIVE off in your drea ■ ■ ■ Great Member Prices CONCIERGE SERVICE No Hassle! QUESTIONS? Click here to visit or call 1-800-318-4981 AAA NEW YORK ENDORSED DEALERS AUDI CHRYSLER/JEEP (Cont) BMW DODGE/RAM Audi of Huntington Huntington Sta. 877- 806-8932 Call: Jim Karcher Buying your next car is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1 2 3 Click here to research the car of your choice or call 1-800-318-4981 for assistance. Contact a AAA Endorsed Dealer listed or submit your request online. Visit the dealer, confirm your special member price and drive away in the car of your dreams. Low Pre-Set Pricing on New Cars. Special Purchase Incentives on Pre-Owned Vehicles. Rallye BMW Westbury 866-962-7009 Call: Bert Vargas or Michael Corssen CADILLAC Sarant Cadillac Farmingdale 888-713-6594 Call: Antonio Centeno or Jim Rapp CHEVROLET Nesenger 112 Chevrolet Medford 866-633-6178 Call: Chuck Caputo Robert Chevrolet Hicksville 866-989-0110 Call: Tom Speranza or John Berriola Village Chrysler/Jeep Hudson 866-415-6744 Call: Peter Backlund or Matthew Backlund HONDA Babylon Hon Babylon 888Call: David Riv Faith Egan Bay Ridge Ho East Hills Dodge/RAM Brooklyn 888 Greenvale 877-288-7172 Call: Frank Bal Call: Ed Whiffen, Steve Desetto Gambino or Ro or Mike Kennedy Friendly Hon Poughkeepsi Rockland Dodge/RAM Call: Dana Ne Nanuet 877-363-0257 Valoree Burke Call: Chris Dooney or Lydia Hugh Star Dodge/RAM Queens Village 877-781-0223 Hillside Hond Jamaica 888Call: William Howard or Call: Leann R Nick Guadagno Khatun or Nat Village Dodge/RAM Honda City Hudson 866-415-6744 Levittown 88 Call: Peter Backlund or Call: Keith Alti Matthew Backlund Honda of Sta Staten Island Friendly Ford Poughkeepsie 888-577-2903 Call: Angelo S CHRYSLER/JEEP Call: Keri Trexler or Barry Weiss Anthony Rauc East Hills Chrysler/Jeep Rensselaer H Greenvale Hempstead Ford Troy 855-858 877-288-7172 Hempstead 888-871-2819 Call: Mike Wilb Call: Ed Whiffen, Steve Desetto Call: John Berto or Shannon Hol or Mike Kennedy Karen Hesdra Yonkers Hon Rockland Chrysler/Jeep Schultz Ford Yonkers 866Nanuet 877-363-0257 Nanuet 888-721-0876 Call: Richard S Call: Chris Dooney Call: Brian Schaff Star Chrysler/Jeep Queens Village 877-781-0223 Call: William Howard or Nick Guadagno FORD GMC Morrissey GMC Rockville Ctr. 888-712-5674 Call: Tim Hardway or Susan Hughes HYUNDAI Advantage H Hicksville 877 Call: Jim Swe Sendach, Cat Matt Nam am car. HYUNDAI (Cont) SUBARU (Cont) MERCEDES-BENZ Competition Subaru St. James 888-479-0892 Call: Carol Glass or Lisa Sessa Atlantic Hyundai West Islip 888-711-3448 Call: Chris Mooney or Dave Toomey Wantagh Mazda Wantagh 888-769-9741 Call: Al Marullo or Joe Stella onda 8-903-7432 aldassare, George obert Telles Hyundai 112 Medford 866-886-5701 Call: Charles Caputo Helms Bros. Mercedes-Benz Bayside 888-861-0990 Call: Jeffrey Stampler aten Island 888-715-6067 Sciascia or cci Honda 8-9108 lbur or lman nda -287-0227 Stein Hyundai 7-403-8792 eeney, Robert thie Mercado or LINCOLN Hempstead Lincoln Hempstead 888-871-2819 Call: John Berto or Karen Hesdra Schultz Lincoln Nanuet 888-721-0876 Call: Brian Schaff MAZDA Bright Bay Mazda Bay Shore 855-836-3916 Call: Carl Curcio Jr. Koeppel Mazda Woodside 888-445-9496 Call: Saiful Islam or Charles Fama Auto Buying Program MAZDA (Cont) nda -856-2513 iviera or Manfredi Hyundai nda Staten Island 888-968-2475 ie 877-501-5131 Call: Rich Armstrong or ewton, Kim Favata, Larry Farina e, Vincent Cento, hes KIA Smithtown Kia da Saint James 888-263-0915 -820-3646 Call: Peggy Foster Reynolds, Samira talie Vargas Yonkers Kia Yonkers 866-953-0481 Call: Latoya Lewis or 88-481-9685 Joseph Palatucci imari New York NISSAN Gregoris Nissan Valley Stream 888-483-0561 Call: Jasmine Godoy or Glenda Torres Nissan 112 Patchogue 888-509-7938 Call: Josh Banks or Chris Kunzler Staten Island Nissan Staten Island 888-699-3067 Call: Dave Dann or Mercury Tisdell SCION Lee's Scion Jamaica 888-842-1690 Call: Feng Ye or Jeannie Romeo Smithtown Scion Smithtown 866-688-4457 Call: Steve Gaynor SUBARU Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru Orangeburg 888-473-1759 Call: Chris Flood or Stuart Lesser Colonial Subaru Kingston 888-473-6415 Call: Tom Murphy Koeppel Subaru Long Island City 866-760-9177 Call: Jimmy Bozza or Charles Fama Rye Subaru Rye 877-358-1925 Call: Annie Amorosana or Nanci Briganti TOYOTA Lee's Toyota Jamaica 888-842-1690 Call: Feng Ye or Jeannie Romeo Manfredi Toyota Staten Island 877-363-6523 Call: Miguel Rodriguez Newburgh Toyota New Windsor 866-414-6670 Call: Frank Fabiano Penn Toyota Greenvale 877-847-9503 Call: Frank Ubriaco Star Toyota Bayside 888-439-8616 Call: Josh Fenton or Allen Tam TOYOTA (Cont) Smithtown Toyota Smithtown 866-688-4457 Call: Lou Malerba or Guy Albergo Westbury Toyota Westbury 888-697-2507 Call: Francisco Calixte, Bruce Levine, or Steven Silverstein VOLKSWAGEN Koeppel Volkswagen Woodside 877-462-1490 Call: Charles Fama or Randy Lacher VOLVO Bay Ridge Volvo Brooklyn 877-614-2290 Call: Leroy Henderson LOOKING FOR A PRE-OWNED VEHICLE? Search thousands of Pre-Owned vehicles online at: AAA.com/AutoBuying QUESTIONS? 1-800-318-4981 Sorry, no phone quotes AAA.com/AutoBuying Savings may vary depending on make, model and availability Sorry no phone quotes INSURANCE AGENTS Brooklyn Laquita Trece Khealie Contact Information: Phone: 718-279-7273 Email: lkhealie@aaany.com Agent Background: 7 years in the insurance industry Quick Tip: Use AAA Insurance Services to review your policies at each renewal. A walkthrough of the changes in your life should be accounted for, to make sure you have adequate coverage in the event of a loss. Manhattan Heather Foti Contact Information: Phone: 212-314-8704 Email: hfoti@aaany.com Agent Background: 11 years in the insurance industry Quick Tip: Complete a defensive driving course every three years to qualify for up to 10 percent off your auto insurance premiums. Members who call us for a quote can also get a coupon toward a discounted rate on AAA’s classroom Defensive Driving Course. Whether you need home, auto, renters, pet or even classic car insurance, AAA has agents ready to help. Outside New York City, agents are also available at branch offices in Garden City and Smithtown, in addition to our call center at our Garden City headquarters. Get a quote online at AAA.com/Insurance. 30 C&T Don’t let a dead battery put your plans on ice. DELIVERED INSTALLED WARRANTIED RECYCLED anywhere you are, 365 days per year. for 72 months across North America. on the spot. Testing of your battery included. for your convenience and the environment. )-222-4357 0 0 (8 P L E H ry 1-800-AAA A.com/Batte Get a quote online: AA ED BATTERIES DELIVER & INSTALLED! TEST DRIVE | 2015 ACURA TLX 3.5L SH-AWD ADV T 32 C&T he TLX has the unenviable duty of replacing two cars, the TL and the TSX. It’s mostly pleasing, but falls short in some crucial areas. The new Acura is an innocuous-looking four-door sedan with no cutting-edge styling. An onlooker might be hardpressed to tell exactly what car it is if not looking at the distinctive Acura grille and cool Jewel Eye™ LED headlights or the rear with the shiny “TLX” lettering. The new Acura has lots of technology, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors and much more. All these need some kind of control. The Acura uses buttons, knobs, a consolemounted rotating “joystick” and—most annoyingly—a dashboard touchscreen. Using the screen while on the road is difficult since the slightest vehicle movement causes the driver’s hand to bounce around like a drunk when he or she attempts to press a small screen icon to do basic things like change from AM to FM. Errant pushes are common, leading to frustration and, worse, distractions. The climate control can be difficult to use as well and, for some unknown reason, when you set the temperature at 75 degrees or above, the seat heaters activate to their lowest settings. Why? Now more brainpower is needed to switch it off, if that’s your desire. Buttons are also used to shift the transmission. This system takes a lot of getting used to. We worry that a driver in a hurry to shift in a potential emergency would be left fumbling for buttons and not move in time when trying to avoid the inattentive driver in a parking lot. When you’re ready to drive this rolling mission control, push the transmission “D” button and then the “IDS” (integrated dynamics system) button to select one of four driving modes: Econ, Normal, Sport or Sport+. They do seem to make a difference, with Econ yielding good mileage as long as your driving style matches. Most dramatic is the Sport+ mode, which shifts the nine-speed (yes, nine!) automatic transmission as if a hot rodder bent on revving the engine to redline in every gear is behind the wheel. On the road the car pleases, if you can ignore all the gizmos. The TLX’s 3.5-liter V6 engine runs silky smooth and whisper quiet while putting out 290 horsepower. The nine-speed tranny shifts equally smoothly. In normal driving modes, it was impossible to tell when the transmission shifted once you got past third gear. Equally unobtrusive was the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™—unobtrusive because it seemed not to work. Driving the car in a blinding rainstorm with standing water in the right lane, we were shocked when the car pulled heavily toward the puddled shoulder. The expectation was that the sophisticated AWD system and electronics would intervene to make the car track straight and true, as takes place in other cars with similar systems. Also, the TLX has an auto-stop feature that shuts off the engine to save fuel when you come to a halt. But it responds too slowly restarting the engine—a delay we fear could be lethal for a driver making a left turn across a couple lanes of rapidly approaching traffic. We turned it off every time we got in the car. The TLX is a mixed bag. It’s a smooth, quiet good driving machine, marred by too many distracting functions and handling systems that fall short of what they should be. Many will be more than pleased with the car. Some might wish for something a little better. Price: MSRP $44,700; 45,595, as tested Powertrain: 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine, 290 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm Weight: 3,774 lbs Seating Capacity: 5 EPA MPG City/Highway: 21/31 Pros: Smooth, quiet engine; nine-speed transmission Cons: Distracting functions, handling systems fall short —Robert Sinclair, Jr. C&T 33 THE LARGEST TRAVEL EVENT ON LONG ISLAND AAA’s TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 2 DAYS, 2 FLOORS TWICE THE VACATION DEALS! FRI., MARCH 13, 2-8 P.M. DISCOUNTS & REWARDS GIFT DAY SAT., MARCH 14, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. HOFSTRA SPORTS & EXHIBITION ARENA HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE, HEMPSTEAD (NEXT TO NASSAU COLISEUM) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION OVER 100 CRUISE LINES, VACATION DESTINATIONS, TOUR OPERATORS, HOTELS, RESORTS, PASSPORT SERVICES & MORE! UP TO 40% OFF LUGGAGE AND TRAVEL ACCESSORIES PASSPORT SERVICES Renew or apply for a new passport ENTERTAINMENT • Richard Wiese, world-class explorer and host of ABC’s Born to Explore • Packing expert, Anne McAlpin • Ireland expert, Brian Moore • Kid’s entertainment PLUS MUCH MORE! Preregister for a chance to win a set of Samsonite Luggage CALL 800-AAA-9192 CLICK AAA.com/Marketplace TRAVEL, FUN + MORE! VACATION DEALS — SPECIAL EVENT OFFER • SAVE UP TO $200* when you book your vacation at the event! Plus receive: Priority check-in, onboard credits, room upgrades on select vacations and cruises. • Up to 40% off luggage and travel accessories • Open a new AAA Member Rewards Visa account and receive a $50 gift card plus a $50 membership credit† KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Richard Wiese is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s program, Born to Explore. He is also author of a detailed guidebook entitled the same name. Critically-acclaimed Born to Explore is about local culture, peoples, places and the planet. Appearing Saturday only! Packing expert Anne McAlpin teaches the secrets of packing light and smart, and makes packing fun! Anne’s organized approach to packing has captivated audiences at her personal presentations across the country and on national TV. (Presented by Samsonite). TRAVEL STORE SAVINGS Save up to 40% on luggage and travel accessories from the hottest brands including Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, Ricardo Beverly Hills, Baggallini and more! PASSPORT SERVICES Representatives from the U.S. Department of State will be available to process new passport applications and renewals. Passport photos will also be taken at the event. SAVE ON THEME PARK & MOVIE TICKETS Save up to 40% on the most popular theme parks such as Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Six Flags and more! Save up to 40% on regular box-office prices at participating movie theaters. FAMILY FUN Meet favorite children’s characters from television and movies, play games and win prizes! Visit family attraction booths such as LI Children’s Museum, Bronx Zoo and more! GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAYS Pre-register at AAA.com/Marketplace for a chance to win a set of Samsonite luggage. To register and view contest rules, visit AAA.com/Marketplace. Other grand prizes include - 7-night trip for 2 to Ireland - 7-night Bermuda cruise on Celebrity Summit DIRECTIONS TO EVENT The event will be held at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Arena, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. For driving directions, visit AAA.com/Marketplace FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER VISIT AAA.COM/MARKETPLACE OR CALL 800-AAA-9192 *Save $200 on new cruise or vacation package booking of $3,000 or more made at AAA Northeast with AAA preferred cruise or tour operators when using your AAA Member Rewards Visa. AAA Member Rewards Visa offer subject to credit approval. AAA Member Rewards Visa card must be used as pay type for the cardholder offer. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. If AAA Member Rewards Visa card is not used for payment, $100 savings will be applied on new cruise or vacation package booking of $3000 or more made at AAA New York with AAA preferred cruise or tour operators. Sale ends 3/21/15. Other restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Promo Code: TMP315 †Subject to credit approval. Other restrictions may apply. ††40% saving applied on purchases using AAA Member Rewards Visa card. 30% savings will be applied on purchases for all other methods of payment. PIT STOP TALL TALES BEMIDJI, MN Numerous states have Paul Bunyan statues but Minnesota leads the way with at least three dedicated to the mythical lumberjack and American folklore hero. One of the most well known is located in Bemidji in northern Minnesota (pop. 13,400). Reaching a height of 18 feet, the boxy, square-shouldered Bunyan, dressed appropriately in a red-and-black flannel shirt and rolled-up dungarees, stands imposingly at the southwestern shore of Lake Bemidji. “He” was built in the winter of 1937 as a symbol of strength and vitality—his loyal sidekick, Babe, the Blue Ox was added two years later. The legend of the mighty woodsman originated with oral tales told by frontier loggers, and later, in 1916 ad writer William Laughead, reworked them for an advertising campaign for the logging industry. Today, this beloved roadside attraction, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to delight visitors. PHOTO: JONATHAN LARSEN/DIADEM IMAGES / ALAMY AAA.com/Pitstop 36 C&T