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Lobby of Graduate by Hilton Auburn
HILTON / marc mauldin
ALABAMA
Graduate by Hilton Opens First Alabama Hotel Steps from Auburn University
Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city renowned for its legendary sports and college culture. Located just steps from Auburn University’s football stadium, the hotel includes 177 guest rooms across five floors with meeting and event spaces.
“Auburn is centered around one of the South’s largest universities, so we were constantly inspired by the incredibly engaged alumni network and the even stronger football fan base in town,” says Kevin Osterhaus, president, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture, and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”
The interior design choices at Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL invite guests to immerse themselves in the town’s history and embrace local traditions of the college football culture. The hotel's public spaces and guest rooms offer subtle nods to the university and traditions of the city. Every detail is thoughtfully curated for an authentic experience that is undeniably Auburn.
War Eagle Supper Club, rooftop seating, Graduate by Hilton Auburn
Located on the hotel’s roof, The War Eagle Supper Club is an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that blends Auburn University's history with a modern, lively dining atmosphere. This space is a reimagined version of the town’s longstanding War Eagle Supper Club—a local restaurant founded more than 60 years ago where generations of Auburn students gathered for live music and late-night entertainment. The original closed in 2015, but its spirit lives on, particularly in the familiar motto that once greeted guests and does again in the new location: “Cold Beer, Hot Rock, Expect No Mercy.”
Guests can grab a coffee or cocktail at Bo Jackson’s Beans coffee shop and cocktail bar—created in partnership with professional sports legend, Auburn University alumnus and Heisman Trophy winner, Bo Jackson.
Regardless of whether or not you’re an Auburn fan, the overall beauty and custom design of the hotel is sure to impress.
Click here for more photos and reservations (AAA Member Rates available.)
Double-queen guest room, Universal Stella Nova Resort
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO
FLORIDA
Enter Another Galaxy at Universal Stella Nova Resort
Inspired by the infinite vastness of the unknown universe, Universal Stella Nova Resort will launch amazing adventures at Universal Orlando theme parks.
Opening in January 2025, this stellar hotel places guests in the center of marvelous galaxies for an experience unlike anywhere else in the cosmos—complete with tranquil sleeping accommodations, modern designs, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, various outer space-inspired dining options and much more.
The resort offers 750 double-queen guest rooms that comfortably sleep up to four guests and feature spaceship-styled windows to simulate the ultimate escape—resting amongst stars and planets.
Universal Stella Nova Resort is located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, which is set to open in 2025. Universal Orlando’s current theme parks and Universal CityWalk will be accessible from the new hotel via convenient and complimentary shuttles.
Talk with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent for an out-of-this-world vacation at Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Dickens on Centre lighting at dusk
Deremer-Studios LLC / Amelia Island
Dickens on Centre at Amelia Island
Amelia Island will celebrate a decade of Dickens during the 10th Annual Dickens on Centre festival December 12-15. An immersive Victorian holiday experience in the island’s historic downtown district, Dickens on Centre offers a variety of holiday attractions. Put on your favorite Dickens-era attire and get in the holiday spirit as you enjoy the largest Christmas market in northeast Florida, multiple stages with live entertainment, shopping, nostalgic holiday dining, fun run, Parade of Paws and a real-life snow globe.
The weekend begins with the Dickens Illuminated Procession—bring a battery-operated lantern and join the fun, which includes a stunning light show featuring 500 drones at the end of the parade. The rest of weekend is filled with holiday shopping, theater and music performances, portraits with St. Nick, playtime at Tiny Tim's Kid Zone, browsing the Christmas Market and much more. For those 21 and up, don’t miss Dickens After Dark: Marley’s Masquerade. The masked transforms the historic Lesesne House into a costumed soiree. Enjoy live music, stilt walkers and more. Dickens on Centre offers a little something for everyone and will kick your bah humbugs to the curb.
Display of merchandise for sale at Southern Christmas Show
southern christmas show
NORTH CAROLINA
Southern Christmas Show Returns
The 57th Annual Southern Christmas Show returns to The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 24, with the theme of 12 Days of Christmas. Guests enjoy festive décor and seasonal magic while visiting 400-plus holiday vendors, dazzling designer rooms, Christmas Tree Lane, Olde Towne and, of course, Santa Claus! Vendors from Charlotte and around the country will showcase their treasures, while choirs and entertainers perform on the LeafFilter Holiday Entertainment Stage.
Visit www.SouthernChristmasShow.com for ticket and schedule information.
Battleship North Carolina with Wreaths of Honor on display
BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA
Wreaths of Honor on Battleship North Carolina
The Friends’ Third Annual Wreaths of Honor program will once again provide a unique way to honor veterans and active duty service members during the holiday season. Individuals have the opportunity to purchase a holiday wreath for only $40 and have it placed for display on the lifelines of Battleship North Carolina from December 7 through the first week of 2025.
Each 20-inch evergreen wreath purchased will be decorated with ribbon and a card displaying the name of the individual being honored and the branch of the armed forces in which they served. The wreaths will then be attached to the lifelines along the main deck and 01 level of Battleship North Carolina.
Orders for the “Wreaths of Honor” must be placed by Nov. 20 through the Battleship NC Friends website.
A sunny day in Copenhagen, Denmark
ISTOCK
MINNESOTA
Delta Launches First-Ever Nonstop Minneapolis-St. Paul to Copenhagen
Delta is increasing connectivity to Europe with the addition of a brand-new nonstop service from its hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Copenhagen (CPH) starting May 2025 and operating three times weekly. With the addition of this new route, Delta will provide customers traveling from MSP nonstop access to seven European destinations.
“Delta continues to strengthen its global network and offers unparalleled access to Europe from Minneapolis-St. Paul with this new direct service to Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities,” says Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President—Network Planning. “This route creates an invaluable connection between two major SkyTeam partner hubs, providing unrivaled connectivity and travel options for customers traveling between Scandinavia and North America.”
Talk to a AAA Travel Agent to start planning a trip to Copenhagen.
EVENTS MENTIONED ABOVE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
