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Tall ships sailing near Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty National Monument
OPSAIl 2000
NEW YORK
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in New York City
AAA is offering an exclusive Sail4th 250 package in New York City, July 2026, as America celebrates its 250th birthday with the largest maritime festival in the history of the United States. The six-day itinerary includes transportation to the New York City Harbor to witness the Sail4th 250—an epic birthday bash featuring more than 30 tall ships and 40 naval vessels, plus the International Aerial Review, thrilling Blue Angels flyovers and spectacular fireworks. AAA’s exclusive package includes accommodations for five nights, eight meals, round-trip transfers, guided tours, daily event transportation, a commemorative gift and AAA escort services.
Click here to view the itinerary and trip details.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield, Illinois
ADOBE STOCK
ILLINOIS
Springfield Named a Top U.S. Destination
Springfield, Illinois, has been named one of the United States’ best places to visit in the new book, Go See America: 118 of the USA’s Greatest Hits. Author Matt Tory highlights the city’s charming historic district as a key reason for its inclusion. He calls it a “must-visit for history buffs, admirers of Lincoln or anyone seeking inspiration.”
The book is described as a humorous, heartfelt guide to the country’s most unforgettable spots. It mixes iconic destinations with overlooked gems, inviting readers to explore America’s greatest hits through a fresh and personal lens. Springfield’s inclusion solidifies its place on the must-see travel map..
Make reservations and plan your trip to Springfield through AAA.com/TripCanvas.
Orlando Guide Available
Explore the magic of Orlando with the new AAA Orlando Guide! From world-class theme parks and Michelin-starred dining to cultural gems and outdoor adventures, this guide is your ultimate resource for planning an unforgettable trip. Discover exclusive AAA benefits and make your Orlando getaway truly extraordinary. Check out the AAA Orlando Guide today.
Winter Weather Guide Available
Check out the AAA Winter Weather Guide to help you stay safe and prepared this winter! From emergency kits and home insulation tips to vehicle readiness and storm safety, this guide is a great resource to help tackle the season’s challenges. Be proactive and ensure peace of mind when winter strikes.
Click here for more AAA guides!
Biltmore's new Luminere experience will debut this spring in Asheville, North Carolina
THE BILTMORE COMPANY
NORTH CAROLINA
Biltmore Unveils Luminere: A Dazzling Evening Experience
Biltmore will debut Luminere, its first-ever outdoor evening light and sound experience, on March 26, 2026. Running select evenings through Oct. 18, 2026, the event transforms the estate’s historic grounds into a dreamscape of light, imagery and sound. Created with Klip Collective, Luminere reimagines iconic locations, like Biltmore House and the Italian Garden, with projections and music, including an original score by Julian Grefe featuring the Asheville Symphony. Guests can enjoy artisan picnics, craft beverages and exclusive tours.
“This honors our legacy while inspiring wonder,” says Chase Pickering, Biltmore’s vice president of guest experience. Tickets are available now at Biltmore.com/luminere.
For hotel accommodations, maps and more information about Asheville, N.C., visit AAA.com/TripCanvas.
Lion & Hyena Ridge will open this spring.
BUSCH GARDENS
FLORIDA
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils Lion & Hyena Ridge
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida, will open Lion & Hyena Ridge in spring 2026, marking the park’s most ambitious animal habitat in more than a decade. The new 35,000-square-foot expansion doubles the previous Edge of Africa area, offering a dynamic savanna terrain where a pride of lions and spotted hyenas will thrive.
Through oversized glass windows, guests will have a 270-degree view of the habitats, including Kopje-style rock formations designed to mimic the African wild. Each element was curated to foster unique educational connections, while also supporting the well-being of the animals.
“This space reinforces our commitment to conservation, education and animal care,” says Brian Bacica, president at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Visit AAA.com/Tickets for ticket options, including annual passes.
Rendering of Anakeesta’s new lift planned for 2026
COURTESY OF The Pfister
TENNESSEE
Anakeesta Announces $100 Million Smoky Mountain Expansion
Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Anakeesta adventure park is launching a $100 million expansion to transform the popular Smoky Mountain destination. The “Making More Magic” project will double the park’s footprint, adding new villages, attractions and dining experiences over the next five years.
A highlight of the expansion is a new high-speed lift featuring 56 glass-bottom cabins for panoramic mountain views, set to debut in spring 2026. The plan also includes a reimagined Firefly Village, an elevated Treetop Skywalk and a year-round Firefly Experience launching in fall 2026.
“As we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to innovate while honoring the spirit of the Smokies,” said Bryce Bentz, president of Anakeesta.
To accommodate construction, the park will close temporarily in January 2026. It will reopen in early March with access via its Ridge Rambler vehicles until the new lift is complete, promising an enhanced journey to the mountaintop.
Anakeesta tickets will be available for purchase at AAA.com/Tickets, once the park reopens.
Animal tracks in the snow
NORTH DAKOTA
Learn to Read Animal Tracks in the Snow
Visit the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston, North Dakota, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, to learn how to identify and interpret animal tracks in the snow. This free, family-friendly program is open to all ages and will be held 2–4 p.m. During the hands-on Learning Lab event, participants will bundle up, follow animal tracks through the snow, make clay track casts to take home and get hands-on with an owl pellet dissection to discover what local predators eat. Participants will learn how animals live, hunt and survive during winter on the northern Plains.
Check out AAA.com/TripCanvas for help planning your vacation to North Dakota.
Whitehall Dining Room at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
PROVIDED BY FLAGLER MUSEUM
A Glimpse into Timeless Elegance
The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum has been honored with a 2025 Florida Preservation Award for the extraordinary restoration of its Whitehall Dining Room. The project, celebrated for its excellence, revealed a stunning Gilded Age secret: When conservators meticulously removed layers of dark stain, they uncovered not mahogany as long believed, but rare Jamaican satinwood.
The restoration returns the room to its original 1902 splendor, showcasing what is now considered one of the most elaborate satinwood interiors in the world. This achievement reinforces the museum’s mission to preserve Henry Flagler’s legacy, allowing you to step back into history. Located in Palm Beach, Florida, the museum opened originally in 1902 to preserve Flagler’s legacy and a bit of America’s Gilded Age.
Explore Palm Beach, Florida on AAA.com/TripCanvas and start planning your visit to The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
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