Via Magazine | Fall 2026 | AAA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

The

WORLD

at Your Feet The pleasures of walking holidays

YOUR FAVORITE

SMALL TOWNS Fall foliage road trip in Utah

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IN THE WEST

Mastering reverse parking

See how much you can save by switching.

Drivers who switched and saved with AAA Auto Insurance saved up to $534.1 Plus, AAA Members benefit from: • 24/7 claims support.

• Insurance as dependable as our roadside assistance.

• Up to 5% exclusive savings on auto insurance.

Scan or visit AAA.com/ Insurance to learn more.

Pay your AAA Insurance premium with your AAA Visa Signature® credit card and earn 3% cash back.* See page 2 for more information.

1 12-month savings based on November 2024 survey of new customers in CA, NV, UT, AZ, WY, and MT who reported savings when switching to AAA for auto within the past year.

Insurance products in California offered through AAA Northern California Insurance Agency, License #0175868, in Nevada by AAA Nevada, in Utah by AAA Utah, in Arizona through AAA Arizona, Inc., License #8301727 and Sunstate Insurance Agency, LLC, License #17203444, in Montana through AAA Montana, Inc., License #9756, and in Wyoming through AAA Mountain West Inc., License #172603. The provider of AAA Auto and Home Insurance is CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. Products and their features may not be available in all states. All policies are subject to policy terms, underwriting guidelines and applicable laws. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.

See more and spend less with Hertz & AAA Fall’s on the way—why aren’t you?

Get moving with Hertz as a AAA Member for up to 20% off and an extra $30 off weekly rentals—just include AAA Club Discount Code 5 and PC 211950 during booking.* For more perks and even better travel, join our free Hertz Gold+ program. And after your first rental as a member, you’ll get 1 free rental day.1 Join now: AAA.com/HertzGold

Call: 800-654-3080 | Click: AAA.com/Hertz Visit: Your local AAA branch or your nearest Hertz neighborhood location *Offer ends 12/31/2026. Up to 20% discount will vary depending on location, date, length of rental, car class, & other factors. $30 on a weekly rental base rate, minimum 5 days. Discounts apply to Pay Later base rate. Taxes, fees, & options excluded. Promotion Code 211950 and AAA CDP# 5 must be provided at time of reservation for full offer discounts. This offer is available at participating Hertz locations in the US, Canada, & Puerto Rico. Age, driver, credit, & qualifying rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Advance reservation required. Offer not valid and rate change or additional fees may apply in the event of reservation modification, early / late vehicle return or if not returning vehicle to renting location. Valid on all car classes except large SUVs, minivans, & Dream. Offer has no cash value, & may not be used with other discounts, promotions, or special rates. Valid for vehicle pickups through 12/31/2026. Subject to availability, blackout periods, & additional restrictions. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card for identification.

1The 1 free day rental offer is an exclusive offer for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/hertzgold. Valid for new Hertz Gold+ members only. Free rental day will be awarded in the form of 950 Gold+ points after the member’s first paid Gold+ rental. Free day excludes taxes, fees, & options. Skip the counter available at select locations. © 2026 Hertz System, Inc. All rights reserved. CS 1225076

AAA VISA SIGNATURE ® CREDIT CARDS DISCLAIMER

* Offer is exclusive to AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card or AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card holders enrolled in the AAA Travel Advantage or AAA Daily Advantage Rewards program.

Excludes third party insurance and offers automobile extended warranties, and trip insurance. Cash Back can be redeemed as Statement Credits, Direct Deposit, Rewards and qualifying purchases at participating AAA locations.This rewards program is provided

by Comenity Capital Bank and its terms may change at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please see AAA.com/ AdvantageTravelTerms or AAA.com/ AdvantageDailyTerms. ** Offer is exclusive to AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card holders enrolled in the AAA Travel Advantage program. For offers associated with a specific category, earnings will only be awarded if the merchant code for the purchase matches a category eligible for the offer. Each merchant is assigned a code by a third party that indicates the merchant’s area of business.

Comenity Capital Bank does not have the ability to control assignment of merchant codes. Maximum of $350 USD in cash back in a calendar year on the 5% category, and earn 1% cash back on all net eligible purchases thereafter. Excludes third-party insurance and offers, automobile extended warranties, and trip insurance. Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposit, rewards and qualifying purchases at participating AAA locations. This rewards program is provided

by Comenity Capital Bank and its terms may change at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please see AAA.com/ AdvantageTravelTerms.

Credit card offers are subject to credit approval.

AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card or AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.

STAFF PUBLISHER Kristen Wilson EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Whitney Phaneuf DESIGN DIRECTOR Monica Ewing Jensen EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dan Miller MANAGING EDITOR LeeAnne Jones PHOTO EDITOR Maggie Perkins CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mandy Ferreira, April Kilcrease, Emma Silvers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Nai Saeyang ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Natasha Alcalá SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Amy Mackey Rice

CONTACT Via Editorial Address all mail to Via, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623, or viamail@viamagazine.com. Your input may be edited and published in print or online.

Via Advertising Address all mail to Via Advertising, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623. Fax (510) 899-0525.

Change of address Allow four weeks’ advance notice. Contact AAA at (800) 922-8228.

Manuscripts and photos Query first; Via assumes no responsibility for return of unsolic­ited material.

Reprints from Via Contents copyrighted 2026 AAA Mountain West Group. No part of Via may be reprinted without written permission.

Answer to Where in the West →

(page 64): Potter Marsh, part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

Ple a COVER AND BODY PRINTED ON SFI-CERTIFIED PAPER.

2

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

e zin

ycle This Ma Rec ga se

CONTENTS Fall 2026 | Vol. 148 | No. 3

DEPARTMENTS

4 President’s Letter

Protecting the next generation with car seat safety checks.

36

6 Member News

Child Passenger Safety Week; Slow Down, Move Over kits; new Four- and Five-Diamond hotels; a Smart Home offer.

Soak up the season’s splendor on a weekend drive through Utah’s Fall Color Loop.

11 Behind the Wheel

How to maintain an infrequently driven car, the growth of infotainment screens, tips for a clear windshield, the safest parking method, and more.

27 On the Road

The “ghost forest” of Montana’s Earthquake Lake; your favorite historic small towns; where to savor Indigenous cuisine; hop on a gravel bike; bolo tie fashion; a weekend in Santa Cruz, Calif.

62 Events Calendar

Wherever you are in the West, there’s fun to be found.

TOP: COURTESY VISIT CEDAR CITY / BRIAN HEAD; BOTTOM: STUDIO STU; COVER: JOEL CARILLET / ISTOCK

FEATURES

40

C OV E R STORY

Walks of Wonder

52

64 Where in the West

A Day to Remember

BY C R A I S . B O W E R A N D

Celebrate life and honor loved ones at these Dia de los Muertos events in the West, which include colorful parades, performances, costumes, and streets bedecked in marigolds and delicate papel picado.

KERIDWEN CORNELIUS

BY A Z U C E N A R A S I L L A

From Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to Japan’s ancient Kumano Kodo trails, some travel adventures are best done on foot.

View beavers, bald eagles, and bull moose—all from an easy and accessible boardwalk.

O N THE COVER Women walk a

portion of the Camino de Santiago that runs through the wheat fields of La Rioja, Spain. Page 40.

DIGITAL EXTRAS Find these stories and more at AAA.com/via ← Complete Car Seat Safety Guide This handy guide covers how to choose your first infant seat to when it’s time for a booster—and all stops in between.

Unique Fall Experiences in the West Go beyond pumpkin patches with autumn music festivals, wildlife migration viewing, and mushroom foraging.

Best Used EVs for 2026 With 2023 modelyear leases up, now is a great time to buy a used EV. Here are five AAA-recommended cars to consider.

Scan to enjoy these online-only stories and more.

A A A | VIA

3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Serving AAA Members in seven states:

Protecting our most precious passengers

F

MARSHALL L. DONEY PRESIDENT AND CEO

4

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

IN THE KNOW QR codes give you easy access to information. Here’s how to scan one:

1

Aim your device’s camera at the QR code.

2 3

Tap the yellow URL address.

Your device will take you to the web page—no typing required!

← Try it on the

QR code on page 3.

BOTTOM: CARKHE / ADOBE STOCK

rom the moment automobiles first appeared on American streets, AAA committed itself to making our roads safer—especially for our children.

The very first child car seats of the 1930s were completely unrecognizable by modern standards. They were engineered purely for parental convenience, acting as rudimentary boosters so children could remain contained but still catch a view out the window. I vividly remember the car seat in my own parents’ vehicle when I was growing up: It was a simple metal-and-vinyl frame that would have offered absolutely no protection in a collision.

True passenger-safety engineering required a deep cultural shift. In the second half of the 20th century, AAA aggressively championed the push for mandatory safety belts and crash-tested child restraints. After a persistent, decades-long legislative battle, child passenger safety officially became the law of the land when the final state-level restraint mandates went into effect in 1985.

Today’s child safety seats are marvels of modern engineering.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a correctly used car seat reduces the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicles.

Yet, a stark problem remains: Car seats only work if they are installed correctly. Real-world crash data reveals that almost three-quarters of all car seats are misused or improperly installed. The most common mistakes are loose seat bases, loose harness straps around the child, or forgetting to anchor the seat’s top safety strap.

At AAA, we simply refuse to accept those numbers. Child passenger safety is not a passive checklist; it is an act of public service. That’s why AAA Mountain West Group maintains a dedicated team of certified child passenger safety technicians throughout our seven-state territory. They provide free car seat inspections, hands-on installation training, and safety education to Members and non-Members alike.

Our fundamental priority is making sure your child, grandchild, relative, or neighbor travels as safely as possible on every single journey.

Please eliminate the guesswork. I encourage you to contact your local AAA branch or visit our website today to schedule a free safety check with a certified expert. Let’s protect the next generation together.

Maximize your AAA Membership.

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Mobile Battery Service

Identity Theft Protection

Coverage follows you every mile, whether you’re the driver or passenger.

On-the-spot help to test, jump, or install a replacement.1

ProtectMyID® Essential helps secure your data—activate free coverage today.

Life Insurance

DMV/MVD Services

Exclusive Benefits

In-branch support to conveniently handle select tasks with no appointment required.3

Members get free passport photos, save on auto repair and insurance, plus enjoy perks on cruises and tours.

Members save 10% on select life insurance through AAA.2

Scan or visit a branch to discover full benefits!

1 Services vary by location. Only battery jumping service is available in Wyoming. Members save at least $32 on AAA Batteries installed roadside. Batteries may not be available for all vehicles. Additional cost may apply for certain vehicles. 2 Life insurance underwritten by AAA Life Insurance Company 17900 N. Laurel Park Dr. Livonia, Michigan 48152.

AAA Life Insurance Company is licensed in all states except NY. CA Certificate of Authority #07861. Products and their features may not be available in all states. 3 Motor vehicle services are not available in WY at this time. DMV/MVD available over-the-counter and/or kiosk services vary by location; please contact your local branch for details. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group. All rights reserved.

Member News

• A A A M I L E S TO N E S • E XC L U S I V E O FFE R S • M E M B E R B E N E FI T S • C L U B U P DAT E S

AAA helps keep kids safe

A Child Passenger Safety Technician helps a family at the Alameda, Calif., branch.

STUDIO STU

Did you know that 73.7% of car seats aren’t installed or used correctly? Child Passenger Safety Week, observed nationwide Sept.

20–26, shines a spotlight on education and resources that help keep young passengers safe on the road.

AAA is proud to support that effort year-round by offering free, personalized car seat inspections and guidance for caregivers. To learn more or schedule an inspection near you, visit AAA.com/carseats.

Become a roadside safety champion

TOP: ELENA SHISHKINA / SHUTTERSTOCK; BOTTOM: COURTESY FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

Think of your workspace. Now imagine cars and semitrucks hurtling past your desk at 70 mph. This is what a day on the job can feel like for towtruck operators, emergency responders, and road construction crews—and even stranded motorists. The roadside is one of the most dangerous places to work or wait, and yet awareness of and compliance with Slow Down, Move Over laws remains alarmingly low. These laws apply to all vehicles displaying flashing hazard lights, not just first responders. When you see flashing lights, reduce your speed immediately and, if it’s safe, move over one full lane. This October, AAA Members can help spread the message in their communities by picking up a complimentary educational outreach kit at their local AAA branch.

The Via Podcast returns Buckle up for more wild and wonderful stories about the American West in Season 3 of the Via Podcast, hosted by Michelle Donati of AAA and travel journalist Mitti Hicks. This season, take a road trip to discover the real Route 66, search for the elusive Sasquatch, drop into the history of skateboarding, meet the Jane Goodall of wolves, and more.

Listen at AAA.com/podcast.

Five-Diamond Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona.

SAVE ON HOME SECURITY With high-quality equipment, real-time alerts, and 24/7 monitoring, homeowners trust their security to AAA. Stop by a branch for an inperson demo and personalized consultation. Plus, through Dec. 31, 2026, get 30% off AAA Smart Home Security equipment when you mention “Via30” at (844) 3159442 or at a branch. Learn more at AAA.com/via30.

Share your thoughts

New diamonds for 2026

For nearly 90 years, AAA inspectors have made unannounced visits to evaluate hotels across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Based on four qualities—cleanliness, comfort, cuisine, and consistency—they award diamonds to the best. More than 28,000 properties are Diamond-designated. New AAA Mountain West Group region additions for 2026 include Five-Diamond Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona and Four-Diamond Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah. Find one near you at AAA.com/diamond.

Send comments or questions to viamail@viamagazine.com or Via, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623. Your input may be edited and published in print or online.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

AAA.com/ facebook

AAA.com/ instagram

AAA.com/ pinterest

AAA.com/ youtube

A A A | VIA

7

MEMBER NEWS

AAA Services Directory CAR

FINANCIAL

HOME

Roadside Assistance

Credit Card

Home Insurance

Nationwide coverage in any vehicle including

towing, battery services, lockout assistance, and emergency fuel.

AAA.com/roadside

Mobile Battery Service Included with all

Membership plans. A technician comes to you to test, jump-start, or install a new battery.

AAA.com/battery

The AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card earns cash back on gas, EV charging, travel, restaurant meals, and more.* AAA.com/travelcard

Discounts & Rewards

Members save $220 annually, on average, by finding great deals on theme parks, restaurants, airport parking, car rentals, and much more.

AAA.com/discounts

DMV/MVD Services

State motor vehicle tasks (such as registration renewal) available inside select branches. Check before you go.

AAA.com/dmv

Auto Insurance

Protect your car with affordable rates, great coverage, and fast, 24/7 claims support.

AAA.com/auto

Auto Repair Network

Get an exclusive Member discount and extended warranty on full service auto repair done by certified technicians.

AAA.com/repairshops

Auto Buying

Special program offers available to Members only through TrueCar. AAA.com/autobuying 8

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

The protection your home needs with savings you’ll love, like Member and bundle discounts.

AAA.com/home

Smart Home Security

Personalized and simplified home security, installed by a Certified Security Advisor and available with 24/7 monitoring.

AAA.com/security

PERSONAL

Travel Services

Direct access to Travel Advisors, travel insurance, and exclusive savings on cruises, car rentals, vacation packages, and more.

AAA.com/travel

International Travel Essentials Passport photos (free for Members) and International Driving Permits are available at all branches.

AAA.com/passport

School Safety Patrol

Before- and after-school programs and classroom resources that empower students to take an active role in safety at their school sites.

AAA.com/schoolsafety

Car Seat Inspection

Free inspection of installation and usage by certified technicians. Membership not required.

AAA.com/carseats

Driving Schools

Life Insurance T R AV E L

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Term and permanent policies that can help protect your loved ones through life-changing events.

AAA.com/life

Specialized programs for teens and adults, plus resources for mature driver safety.

AAA.com/drivered

Additional Insurance

From pet insurance to motorcycle or boat coverage, cover the valuables in your life.

AAA.com/specialty

Identity Protection

Free with Membership, ProtectMyID® Essential helps you stay safer online and reduces the risk of fraud.

AAA.com/idtheft

COME VISIT US in person To find a

branch near you, visit AAA.com/branches.

online Scan the QR code below to find all of these resources and more.

Notary Services

Available to Members and non-Members, select branches offer personal transaction notary services.

AAA.com/notary * See page 35 for disclosures and more information.

1920s Style for a 1920s Price

I

t was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines.

Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.

Impossib le Pri ONLY ce

$99

We carefully climbed into the car’s long front seat.

Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.

With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean?

Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.

Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!

This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!

Join more than 1 million smart people who love stauer watches Watch Specifications: • Precision movement • Stainless steel case, caseback and crown • Retrograde hour and minute indicators • Water-resistant to 5 ATM • Brown genuine leather band • Fits wrists up to 8" 1920s Retrograde Watch $399 $99* + S&P Save $300 *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045

“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”

— George Thomas, internationally renowned watch expert

“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”

— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA

Your Insider Offer Code: RGW385-01 Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. RGW385-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

Find Your Perfect Gym From your favorite neighborhood gyms to upscale yoga, Pilates, and boxing studios that elevate your routine, choose from thousands of options starting at $28/mo.¹ Memberships are month-to-month, so you never have to worry about being locked in.²

AAA members can receive 10% of their Active&Fit Direct™ membership fees back after 12 months with the program!

Get Started: http://aaa.com/AFD

12,900+

Standard Gyms ¹Plus a $28 program enrollment fee and applicable taxes. ²An initial 2 month introductory period applies then participation is month-to-month M966-774B-AAANCNU 6/26 © 2026 American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). All rights reserved. Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logos are trademarks of ASH. Other names or logos may be trademarks of their respective owners. Fitness center participation varies by location and program sponsor and is subject to change. On-demand videos are subject to change. ASH reserves the right to modify any aspect of the program (including any fees and introductory period) without limitation at any time. We may discontinue the program at any time.

Get battery service when you need it.

Our expert battery technicians will come to you to test, jump-start, or install a new AAA Battery if you need one.1 AAA Members enjoy these benefits with onthe-spot roadside installation: Scan or visit AAA.com/CarBattery to learn more.

• Savings of at least $32 on a new AAA Battery.2 • Three-year warranty on a new AAA Battery.3

AAA Mobile Battery

1 Services vary by location. Battery jump-starts are the only available service in Wyoming. 2 Certain restrictions apply. Valid AAA Membership card required. AAA Batteries may not be available for all vehicle makes and models. Mobile battery delivery and installation not available in all areas. Member pays for the battery. Some battery installations may require additional fees. For full Membership terms and conditions, visit AAA.com/Terms. AAA does not provide battery replacement services for EV or hybrid vehicles. Batteries may be out of stock or unavailable at the time of service. 3 For AAA Battery warranties, go to AAA.com/BatteryWarranty. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.

Behind the Wheel

• C A R B U YI N G • MEMBER QUESTION • DRIVING TIPS • C A R M A I N T E N A N C E

aaa member benefit

TrueCar Auto Buying Let us help you find your next new or used car.

→ AAA.com/ autobuying

Car Buying

COURTESY TOYOTA

A safe choice If someone you know is going back to school this fall or graduated recently and is looking for a safe, reliable, and not-tooexpensive ride, a Toyota Camry—new or used—should be high on their list.

That’s because the Camry consistently ranks at the head of its class. It’s currently the bestselling sedan on automotive marketplace TrueCar. The Camry received a “Top Safety Pick+” ranking from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Even the base trim comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes crashavoidance and lane-keeping assistance.

JD Power consistently ranks the Camry as a leader in reliability.

Pricing for new models starts at less than $30,000, making it one of the more competitively priced options among midsize sedans.

It also saves on gas: The hybrid versions get an EPA-estimated 51 mpg (combined). And the Camry has one of the best resale values in the industry, so the trade-in should help when it’s time to graduate to something new.

2026 Toyota Camry XLE

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Buying

Big infotainment screens: Here to stay?

Displays in cars are hitting record sizes, while tactile controls are vanishing. by c h r i s to p h e r n u l l

T

the 2025. Nearly all of the physical buttons and dials have been jettisoned, their functionality migrated to that giant screen.

Mazda is hardly the only automaker to follow Tesla’s lead—launched with the Model S in 2012—in embracing a big touch screen in lieu of physical controls. Today, increasingly larger screens are becoming standard in passenger vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from the 8-inch display available on

the Toyota Prius to the enormous 56-inch “hyperscreen” in MercedesBenz EQ models.

Why the rush into big cockpit displays? One argument is that people have become accustomed to interacting with touch screens, perhaps to the level of addiction. “For a lot of drivers, a vehicle information system is like an extension of their smartphone,” says William Van Tassel, manager of driving training programs for AAA. “It’s

VAKSMANV / ADOBE STOCK

he 2025 model of Mazda’s popular CX-5 came with a 10.25inch infotainment screen along with the usual physical buttons and knobs for controlling features such as audio volume, air conditioning, and seat heaters.

But with the 2026 model, Mazda tried something new. The top trim model of the CX-5 features a massive 15.6-inch screen—more akin to a television than the slim horizontal bar in

12

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

just another inviting screen with which they can interact.”

Automakers confirm that sentiment. One typical comment: “Overall feedback shows that customers appreciate larger, clearer, and more responsive displays, particularly for navigation, media, and personalization,” says Andrew Brudnicki, who works in product communications for Mercedes-Benz USA. Beyond consumers’ apparent love of screens, there is another practical reason to have them in cars. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Transporta­ tion mandated backup cameras in all new vehicles by the 2018 model year.

According to Van Tassel, “Pretty much every automaker said, ‘Since we have to put a screen in the car, what else can we do with it?’”

Whatever the reasons, screens have grown bigger and more advanced at a rapid clip. Van Tassel suggests that the industry could regard this as an arms race: Larger screens are seen by marketing departments as differentiators, much as they are in the world of smartphones. It doesn’t hurt that replacing dozens of buttons and knobs with a single pane of glass can also save automakers money.

BEST AUTO PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK

Eyes off the road

But as car screens have grown, so has a very vocal backlash against them— particularly as onscreen buttons replace physical controls. The main concern: safety.

Recent studies have repeatedly shown that touch screens—much like the smartphones that inspired them—are distractions to drivers.

Unlike a button or knob, operating a touch screen requires visual attention: You can’t blindly feel your way to the correct

control while keeping your eyes on the road; you have to actively look at the screen.

The more complex the interface is, the longer you must look away from the road. Research has found that touch screen usage correlates with slower driver reaction times and an increased incidence of drivers drifting out of their lane. One study suggested that the use of a touch screen impacted drivers’ reaction times even more than driving at the legal blood alcohol limit.

Hands-free operation has long been touted as a aaa member solution. But even using benefit voice control doesn’t alleviate driver distraction. AAA research has found that the mental Get quality auto repair effort of navigating comand exclusive Member plex menus by voice can savings to keep your have what Van Tassel car road-ready. describes as a “hangover effect”: It can take as much as 27 seconds after a voice-driven operation has been completed before the driver’s attenAAA.com/ tion fully shifts back to repairshops the road.

Find an Auto Repair Center

“With a screen, we’ve got the hands, the eyes, and probably the brain all paying attention to something going on inside the car, rather than the more important stuff going on outside the car,” says Van Tassel.

“It’s a multilevel, multifactorial distraction.”

Van Tassel adds that he is particularly worried about the increased risk of these kinds of distractions to those outside the vehicle—namely, pedestrians and cyclists who don’t know a driver is busy searching a screen for the icon that controls the steeringwheel warming system.

While researchers have been sounding alarms about the risks of screen-centric control systems for some time, consumers are now also increasingly concerned. JD Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study found that auto owners run into problems with their infotainment screens more often than they do any other feature of their cars—twice as much as the next closest category (the exterior).

Buttons reborn

The message from many drivers seems to be: “We want our buttons back.” That, in turn, has spurred A A A | VIA

13

GOOD TIMES Up Ahead!

Explore the world of Charles M. Schulz and relive the joy of Snoopy and the PEANUTS Gang.

$2 OFF ADULT ADMISSION Valid for up to 4 people. #300885

Charles M. Schulz Museum 2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa, CA (707) 579-4452 schulzmuseum.org Located in Sonoma County ©PNTS

some automakers to rethink their positions on deploying screens as their primary user interface.

Volkswagen made headlines in 2023 when its new CEO, Thomas Schäfer, decried the company’s recent embrace of screens in lieu of buttons—a design that was widely criticized by VW owners. He said that move had done “a lot of damage” to the brand and promised a return to tactile controls.

“We’re starting to bring back tactile buttons,” says Jeffrey Lear, a director of VW product and strategy.

The company is also working to fix problems that made the touch screen difficult to use. Concept images for the upcoming European releases of the ID. Polo and ID.3 Neo show an ample touch screen—Lear says 12 to 15 inches remains the “sweet spot” for size—plus a healthy bank of buttons underneath it.

Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Hyundai, and others have followed suit, reintroducing tactile controls or revamping the way they work in new models.

Automakers say that customer feedback is driving their decisions around tactile controls.

That movement may soon speed up even more, thanks to the European New Car Assessment Programme, a voluntary safety agency in the European Union that conducts rigorous crash testing. To qualify for the influential program’s top safety rating, vehicles must have tactile buttons for key functions, including indicators, hazard lights, windshield wipers, and horn. United States ratings organizations haven’t followed suit yet. But Van Tassel says that stateside automotive arbiters such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or JD Power could weigh in on the issue soon.

As with so many design decisions, the pendulum on this one—between buttons and screens—will likely continue to swing for some time.

Manufacturers will carry on testing the market for big screens as well as for more modest ones. Road-safety advocates will pressure car makers to help keep drivers’ eyes on the road.

But ultimately it’ll be up to consumers to decide with their dollars how they’d prefer to control their vehicles and where that pendulum will ultimately come to rest. ●

CUTECHARACTERS / SHUTTERSTOCK

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Buying

LEFT TO RIGHT: CLAY WILLIAMS; SALTEDLIFE / ADOBE STOCK; KISELEV ANDREY VALEREVICH / SHUTTERSTOCK

Via Podcast is back for Season 3!

Experience the West like you never have before.

Listen now at

AAA.com/ podcast

Travel tips and stories from local experts: NATIVE FOOD Savor history and culture at these Native American restaurants.

MERMAIDS Enter the world of mermaid shows, located in some unlikely places.

DAY OF THE DEAD (Coming soon) Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Oakland, Austin, and more.

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Member Question

How to care for an infrequently used vehicle Q

I drive my car a few times a week, and then only around town. How often do I need to have oil changes and normal maintenance done? — L . S C H N E L L

A

Infrequently driven cars do indeed pose maintenance challenges, particularly when it comes to the battery, fluids, gasket seals, and tires. But before we get to the maintenance advice, let’s define what “infrequent” means.

The key metric is thermal cycles, not miles, according to Joshua Wahl, car

16

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

at least once a week. If you repair manager for AAA can’t reach that level of Arizona. “‘Normal’ use isn’t activity, then start keeping just about hitting 10,000 an eye out for some telltale miles a year,” Wahl says. “It’s signs of trouble, especially about driving long enough— in four of your vehicle’s usually 15 miles or more—so subsystems. that the oil gets hot enough to Joshua Wahl, car evaporate the moisture and repair manager fuel dilution that naturally Drained battery for AAA Arizona. builds up inside the engine.”

“Modern cars are never A car is happiest when the engine truly off,” says Wahl. Computers and regularly reaches its full operating security systems constantly sip power— temperature—usually 195–220 even when the car isn’t in use. After a degrees. At a minimum, you should few weeks, these sips can drain the batdrive enough to hit that temperature tery. That’s one advantage of older cars:

TOP: PHILIPUS / ADOBE STOCK; BOTTOM: COURTESY JOSHUA WAHL

What happens to your car when you don’t drive it much? by d a n m i l l e r

aaa member benefit

That’s why you need to They’re less susceptible to change it regularly. such battery depletion How often is that? Wahl because they generally recommends following the have fewer computers. oil manufacturer’s guide“Think of your battery lines. (They may not match like a piggy bank,” Wahl Get a fresh new the recommendations in says. “If you’re doing a lot battery delivered and installed where your vehicle’s owners manof short trips or not drivyou want—roadside ual.) “A good general guideing that often, it’s like or at home. line for conventional or you’re taking change out → AAA.com/ semisynthetic oil is every of your bank without fillbattery 3,000 miles or so,” he says. ing it back up. If you “If your oil is fully synthetic, keep doing that, eventuevery 5,000 miles should be good. If ally that bank’s going to be empty.” you’re driving very little—1,500 to If you hear a clicking noise when 2,000 miles a year, say—make sure you try to start your car, or if the inteyou’re changing it once a year.” If rior lights are unusually dim, that you’ve left the car in storage for six could mean the battery is low. months or more, it’s a good idea to get Fortunately, there’s a handy device a full oil change before you start using that can help prevent this passive it regularly again. energy drain: a battery maintainer.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning You connect it to your battery, which it likes to absorb moisture from the it slowly tops off as needed. But shop air. If the fluid sits too long, absorbed carefully: There are devices on the water can turn it acidic, which can market that aren’t particularly smart, corrode brake lines. One sign: Braking which you must disconnect manually feels spongy. It’s a good idea—if you to avoid overcharging the battery. leave your car idle for an extended There are also some that charge the period—to get a full brake fluid flush battery quickly in emergencies. But when you return. such fast-charging can be hazardous Speaking of brakes, Wahl warns to the battery’s long-term health. that if your vehicle is going to sit for If your battery drains completely months, you shouldn’t engage the and you can’t slow-charge it back to parking brake. If you do, the metal 100%, you can jump-start it and then cable can stretch, or the pads can drive for half an hour or more. That should be enough to recharge it. It’s a good idea to have the battery and alternator tested if the former goes dead; there could be an underlying problem. If you leave a battery drained for a long time, it will likely need to be replaced. (AAA can help there by dispatching a mobile battery technician or tow truck.)

BLKSTUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK

Mobile Battery Service

adhere to the rotors; in older cars, the shoes can stick to the drums.

That, in turn, can lock the wheels.

Instead, use wheel chocks to keep the car from rolling.

Brittle gaskets

Engines generally use rubber gaskets to keep fluids inside where they belong. Those seals stay supple—and therefore effective—by being splashed with oil during use. When a car isn’t driven for a long time, the seals can dry out and shrink. Then, when you finally do drive, the high pressure of the running engine can blow them out.

Wahl recommends putting a piece of cardboard under an underused or idle car, so if you have a leak, you can tell its location and color.

Fortunately, the fix is straightforward: Driving the car at least once a week for 20 minutes or more will get those fluids moving and keep rubber components lubricated.

Flattened tires

Tires aren’t just made of simple rubber. They also contain a mix of chemicals, including plasticizers that help keep the rubber bouncy.

When a car is parked in one place for a long time, with its full weight pressing down on the same spots, those plasticizers can be squeezed

Aging fluids

Fluids in your car don’t react well to inactivity, Wahl says. For example, engine oil holds contaminants in suspension; when the car sits, those contaminants can settle and make the oil sludgy and therefore less effective.

A A A | VIA

17

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Member Question

out. That can lead to excessive vibration or thumping when you drive.

The key is to make sure the tires rotate often enough to prevent flat spots. This usually isn’t a problem on cars that are driven regularly, even if infrequently. It’s more of a problem for vehicles that don’t move for months at a time.

“If the car just sits in a garage with the weight on one portion of the tire for, say, six months or a year, there’s a good chance the rubber will chemically change to the point where it won’t return it to a truly round shape,” says Wahl. Such chemical changes— often called “dry rot”—are especially problematic in hot climates such as Arizona’s. The warning signs: brittle, cracked, or discolored rubber.

Dry rot is particularly troublesome if it’s on the sidewall. “There’s no repairing that,” says Wahl. You might be able to get by with a little dry rot in

the tread of the tire for a short while, but you should still plan to replace the tire as soon as possible.

One preventive measure is to overinflate the tires a bit—a couple of PSI above the manufacturer spec listed on the door frame—before you put the car into storage. That will provide a stiffer structure and reduce the surface area vulnerable to flat-spotting. When you return, take the car out for a long drive. That will warm up the rubber and, if the flat-spotting isn’t permanent, return the tires to a round shape.

But ​if the vibrations or thumping don’t go away, it’s time for new tires.

You could consider putting the vehicle on jack stands for long-term storage. But to do that safely you need to know what you’re doing—specifically, where to place those stands under the car. For that reason, this is an option primarily for collectors, not for everyday owners.

Other hazards of inactivity

There’s another problem that can befall an inactive vehicle: Many rodents love the warm, protected space under the hood. They may also love the taste of wire insulation. (Some wire coatings have a dextrose base— essentially, they’re wrapped in sugar.)

In those cases, squatters may chew through the wiring.

To deter critters from taking up residence in your vehicle, Wahl recommends deploying peppermint oil under the hood; rodents hate the smell. You could also try plugging the tailpipe and air intake with copper or steel wool.

Just be sure to remove those plugs before starting the car again. ●

HAVE A CAR QUESTION? Submit your car-maintenance questions to us at viamail@viamagazine.com.

AAA MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: FALL INTO SAVINGS! AAA Members save every day with NAPA

DRIVE AWAY WITH REWARDS NAPA Rewards members earn points on purchases

†

AAA members automatically receive 10% off at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores and online with a valid AAA membership. Discount applies to most auto parts and accessories. ‡ AAA members receive a $22 discount on AAA Premium Batteries purchased at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores or online at AAA.com/napaonline. *Earn 1 point for every $1 spent.

Shop now. Pay in 4. Always interest free.

SCAN FOR ALL AAA MEMBER SAVINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

explore all day

soak all night

therapeutic recovery Your body works hard—your recovery should too. The Safe Step® Walk‑In Tub combines warm hydrotherapy and gentle water pressure to help reduce tension and restore comfort after a long day outside. Relax longer. Recover better. Get back to doing what you love.

800-995-2585 YourSafeStepTub.com

CSLB 1082165 • NSCB 0083445 • 13VH11096000 • CGC1537181 • ROC 312990 • CCB 244331 • SAFESSW784PS • PA127501 • MHIC 134223 • TN 5887 • RL.884533 • RBB.49248 • UT 13229623-5501

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Driving Tips

The safest way to park Should you drive straight into a parking space or back in?

BY M A R I A C. H U N T

Parking can be risky

There are more than 50,000 parking lot crashes every year, resulting in 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), which advocates for reducing risk in workplaces and on roadways. Just walking through a parking area can be dangerous: In 2021 (the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has numbers), 234 pedestrians were killed and 11,000 injured by vehicles in parking lots and driveways.

Part of the problem is a lack of clear guidance as to who should yield to whom in a parking lot. The way parking lots and garages are designed, “it’s sort of like having 100 different intersections all smooshed [together], with 20

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

Even with backup cameras, it can fewer traffic controls,” says William be difficult to be fully aware of what’s Van Tassel, manager of driver training going on around you when you’re in programs for AAA. “People are on reverse. “Your visibility is really limtheir own to figure it out.” ited,” says Julia Kite-Laidlaw, senior Many people also seem to view program manager of Road to Zero at driving in a parking lot differently the NSC, “and pedestrians might enter from doing so on the street. For examblind zones unexpectedly.” ple, according to an NSC poll, two thirds of drivers admitted that they talk on the phone while nagivating Reverse parking makes sense parking lots; less than half say they do For all those reasons, many safety so on highways and surface streets. organizations and driving instructors The numbers are similarly skewed for say it’s safer to back into a parking doing things like taking photos or space—so you’re driving forward when watching videos. you leave—than it is to enter the parkIn this frequently chaotic environing space nose-first. ment, backing out of a parking space For example, a study at North can be extra risky. For one thing, back- Carolina State University’s Institute ing up in general is dicey. for Transportation Drivers spend less than Research and Education aaa member 1% of their time in reverse, found that the 74% of benefit according to the NSC, but drivers who parked front that’s when 25% of collifirst and backed out of sions occur. Vehicles hantheir spaces were involved dle differently in reverse: in 91% of crashes.

From teen programs Steering can be 10 times Nose-out parking can to courses for more responsive, says Van also save drivers money in mature drivers, AAA Tassel. “The slightest turn the form of lower insurhas resources for of the wheel can give you ance premiums and fewer every life stage. a far bigger response than repairs. “At least 30% of → AAA.com/ you want.” our jobs are parking lot drivered

Driver training

DELUNASTUDIO / ISTOCK

W

hen you’re in a parking lot or garage where the parking spaces are perpendicular to the flow of traffic, how do you enter your chosen spot: Drive straight in, nose first? Or do you reverse park, backing in?

For many drivers, it’s a question of circumstances and personal preference. The decision may depend on traffic conditions, how crowded the parking area is, and how comfortable they feel backing up. But it’s also a question of safety.

accidents,” says Monica Morabito, general manager of Kaizen Collision Center in Camp Verde, Arizona. “It’s usually two people backing up at the same time or someone zipping through the aisles.”

How to reverse park

1

Center your vehicle in the driving lane, 8–9 feet out from your target parking space. Pull forward until your rear bumper is just past the space.

Activate your turn signal to indicate where you’ll be parking.

Other ways to make parking safer

While reverse parking is the safer alternative, it’s not the only way to reduce the chance of a parking lot accident.

8-9 FEET

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE If you can, park

away from other cars, to minimize the chance of a collision or being hit while you’re walking.

TAKE YOUR TIME Drive slowly in park-

ing lots—no more than 5 to 7 mph, says Kite-Laidlaw. Low speed gives you more time to react and lessens the impact of a collision.

MENTALMIND / SHUTTERSTOCK / MONICA EWING JENSEN

PULL THROUGH WHEN POSSIBLE If you’re in a parking lot that doesn’t have concrete parking curbs at the top of every space, Van Tassel recommends looking for two empty parking spaces lined up nose to nose. Drive straight into the first space, then keep driving into the second, so your car’s front is facing the aisle. You get all the advantages of reverse parking without having to back up.

BUY THE RIGHT CAR Rearview cameras and sensors that warn you when you’re about to hit an obstacle make backing into parking spaces way easier, and they are now found in almost all new and many used cars. Rearview cameras alone can slash back-up crashes by 17%, according to the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety (IIHS), the insurer-funded nonprofit research organization; for drivers older than 70, cameras can cut crashes by 36%.

Even better, automatic rear braking, combined with rearview cameras and sensors, can reduce those back-up crashes by 78%, according to the IIHS. While automatic rear braking isn’t yet a common feature, it is an option on some 2026 models from Subaru, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and others. ●

2

Keeping your foot on the brake, check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles. When clear, shift into reverse and turn the steering wheel sharply toward the side of the lane your target space is on.

TURN THE WHEEL SHARPLY

3

Release the brake and back up slowly. Monitor your position and surroundings by looking over your shoulder and using your mirrors and rearview camera. Adjust your steering as you back into the space.

4

Once you’re correctly aligned with the stripes on the sides of the space, straighten the steering wheel. Continue backing in slowly until you’re fully into the space.

STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL

A A A | VIA

21

AD V E RT I SE M E N T

Seniors get new medical alert device No contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever FastHelp is the only Medical Alert device that won’t break the bank. That’s because it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.

You don’t need a cell phone or a land line.

And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated

or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills.

The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hookup or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone.

Everything is done for you. ■

■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.

Seniors born before 1964 get big boost Instantly connects to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills Seniors born before 1964 get new medical alert device Nationwide: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up.

Starting at precisely 8:30am today the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or any where and every where cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based ■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called Universal Physicians.

FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at “We’ve never seen anything like it. Con- 1-800-221-2809 DEPT. FSTH190 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical sumers absolutely love the sleek new mod- alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service (Continued on next page) is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

AD V E RT I SE M E N T (Continued from previous page)

ern design and most of all, today’s instant rebate practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■ The only device that makes you look important, not old The problem with medical alert devices is, nobody wants to wear them because it makes them look old.

Well, that’s not the case with FastHelp.

That’s because it’s the first state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy, it’s just outdated.

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help.

But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently.

Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors born before 1964 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 45 day deadline ends.

So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1964 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s publication before the 45 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

Doctor urges seniors to get new medical alert device Instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever

Comes with new cellular embedded technology that works at home or anywhere you go so you are never alone

All seniors born before 1964 are getting a $150 rebate and cover just $149 making this deal too good to pass up

Nothing to hook up. You don’t need a land line or cell phone. It’s ready to use right out of the box

Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills

snapping up a sleek new med ica l a ler t dev ice that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.

Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems Universal Physicia ns , a U. S. comp a ny, went t o work to develop a new, modern, stateof-the-ar t medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlim ited nationw ide help everywhere cell service is available w ith no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. “ T h i s s l ick ne w

little dev ice is de signed to look incognito to slip in your pocket. Seniors love them, because it actua lly ma kes them look important, not o l d ,” D r. H o w r e n

said.

FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select publications. ■

People don’t a lways do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.

“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their ow n home. T h at’s why seniors and their family members are

Five Star Customer Reviews Hurricane Help “We had two hurricanes recently. I had no electricity for 6 days. I fell, so I pushed the button, and they came right out and picked me up off the floor. I tell many of my friends they need to get FastHelp!” Virginia, FL

BORN AFTER 1964: You cannot use the rebate coupon to the right and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-221-9773 EXT. ADFH0926

Safe anywhere “This little FastHelp device is my guardian angel. I’m so glad my daughter-in-law got it for me.” Pete, FL

Very appreciative of having FastHelp “I did have an emergency. Help RESPONDED quickly and came in a few minutes.” - Irving, PA

A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal Physicians.

HOW TO GET IT BORN BEFORE 1964: Use the rebate coupon to the right and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-221-2809 EXT. FSTH190

WE LOVE THE PRODUCT “We bought it outright with no bills ever.”

- Rosemary, NY

LIFESAVER “When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.” - Harold, OH

BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 45 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

REBATE COUPON

VALID FOR USE

45 DAYS ONLY

Amount of Rebate (AOR)

1P

$150.00 OFF

2Y

RE: FSTH190 DLVY: ML2077R1

1 OF 1

PLEASE USE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH NO TRANSACTION FEE. ALL OTHER PAYMENT FORMS HAVE A THREE PERCENT TRANSACTION FEE. FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 4G CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES P7484 OF24581R-1 TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720.

Expert car care to keep you moving.

Your local AAA-owned and approved auto repair shops deliver complete car care you can count on—from routine maintenance to major repairs.

As a AAA Member, you receive these benefits: • Save 10% on labor (up to $75).1 • Get an extended warranty on parts and labor (24 months/24,000 miles).1 • Redeem your free multi-point vehicle inspection with any paid service.

Scan or visit AAA.com/ RepairShops to learn more.

Earn 5% cash back on gas purchases when you use your AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card.** See page 2 for more information.

1 Valid AAA Membership Card required. Extended warranty is 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first). Membership benefits of extended warranty and labor discount may be combined with one other offer. To see the AAA Auto Repair Center California Bureau of Auto Repair (BAR) registration information, visit AAA.com/Auto RepairBAR. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Maintenance

How to keep your windshield clean Cleaning the glass should be a regular part of your car maintenance routine. by m e l a n i e lo c k e rt

H

aving a clean windshield isn’t just about aesthetics: It’s also about safety. Dirt, streaks, debris, and other impediments can increase glare and impair your view of the road around you.

That’s why keeping both the inside and outside of your windshield clean is an essential part of vehicle maintenance.

DIEGO MARTIN / STOCKSY

Why a clean windshield is important

If you’ve ever tried to drive with a windshield speckled with dirt and droppings, you know how difficult it can be to see traffic lights, lane markings, and pedestrians. That puts the safety of everyone you’re sharing the road with at risk, including your passengers and yourself.

“You need to have clear visibility so you can see—not just through your windshield, but your side and rear windows as well,” says David Bennett, manager of repair systems at AAA. As we head into fall and winter, having a clear view of the road becomes even more important. With the sun rising later and setting earlier, and weather patterns shifting, we’ll all be driving more in the dark, rain, or snow. A dirty windshield can make such conditions more hazardous.

How to clean your windshield

Cleaning your windshield correctly isn’t as straightforward as you might

think. It requires some preparation and attention to technique.

STEP 1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME, PLACE

When you clean your windshield is as important as how you do it.

Bennett recommends that you avoid cleaning your windshield on hot days or in direct sunlight. Otherwise, Bennett says, “Once you start spraying the glass cleaner on there, it’s going to evaporate, it’s going to streak.”

Instead, wait until the air and the glass both cool down. Parking in a shady area can help.

Justin Cardwell, director of auto glass at AAA, points out that major temperature differences between the glass and water can crack windshields.

Cold water and hot windshields (and vice versa) are a bad combination.

If you already have cracks or chips on your windshield, get those fixed before you do any major cleaning (and before they start to spread).

STEP 2 GET THE RIGHT MATERIALS

Using the correct cleaning products is critical. Bennett cautions against ammonia-based cleaners, which can streak and cause problems with tinted windows. He also recommends getting a set of microfiber towels for

your glass-cleaning chores. “You don’t want to use paper towels because they leave streaks and lint,” he says. He suggests having two towels: one for cleaning, another for buffing the windshield.

Cardwell concurs: “A good aerosol glass cleaner and a clean, lint-free cloth are your best friends. I wouldn’t use anything with harsh chemicals— definitely stick to a glass-specific cleaner.”

STEP 3 CLEAN THE OUTSIDE FIRST

Start with stubborn spots on the outside of the glass. Those can include things like bird droppings, sap, and bug residue. Cardwell says you can try spraying standard glass cleaner on such spots and letting it sit for a minute or two before wiping. If that doesn’t work, you may need to try something stronger, such as dedicated bug removers or diluted rubbing alcohol.

A A A | VIA

25

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Maintenance

Once problem spots are out of the way, spray the entire glass with your chosen cleaner. Use your first microfiber towel—folded twice to create multiple clean sections—for wiping. Then, use the second one to buff the glass and minimize streaks.

“It’s good to do it in circles to start off with, but then go vertical as you buff it out,” says Bennett. “That should reduce streaks.”

the glass; this minimizes the mess on the dashboard. Wipe the interior glass horizontally with the cloth. Wiping in different directions inside and out makes it easier to identify where the streaks are.

STEP 4 MOVE TO THE INSIDE

THE WIPERS

STEP 5 REPLACE REGULARLY

The windshield wipers play a major role in keeping your windshield clear, but only if they work well. Bennett recommends replacing windshield wipers at least once a year; this time of year, before fall and winter weather hit, is one of the best times to do so. Also, check the wiper fluid once a month.

Ideally, keeping your vehicle’s glass clean becomes part of your regular car-care program, like checking tire pressure and fluid levels. “It’s a good practice to make your vehicle safe to drive,” says Bennett. ●

Stream Hit TV and Apps Satellite-Free Enjoy your favorite live TV, movies, local news, sports and more*

AAA MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER

Get the best deal on DIRECTV plus a $100 Reward Card Learn More

New approved residential customers with qualifying package and Gemini device (equipment lease req’d; non-return fees apply). *Included apps vary by plan. Apps not included with DIRECTV require separate paid subscriptions. Local channels may not be available in all markets.. Redemption req’d for reward card. Restr’s apply. ©2026 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. AI Generated Performers

PW.STOCKER / ADOBE STOCK

The inside of your windshield can get dirty for many reasons, including dust and debris from outside and smudges from pets and people. But the main one is that materials inside the vehicle may emit gases that can deposit a film on the glass. If someone smokes or vapes inside the car, that can make the film worse.

To clean it, start by applying cleaner directly to your microfiber cloth, not to

On the Road

• V I E W FI N D E R

• GET OUTSIDE

• M E M B E R S ’

• SOUVENIR

FAVO R I T E

• THE DRIVE

• L O C A L FL AVO R

winds, and causing nearby Hebgen Lake to

Viewfinder

Ghostly grove

Ultimately, 28 people were killed.

Today, the lake lures photographers and geology buffs, as well as anglers seeking the large rainbow and brown trout that thrive

Southwest Montana’s sprawling wilderness

among the submerged timber. On your visit,

holds hundreds of pristine mountain rivers and

hike through history on Refuge Point Trail. The

reservoirs. But take one look at Earthquake

2.5-mile loop leads to the ridge where earth-

Lake and you’ll know it’s unique. Skeletal tops

quake survivors sheltered for the night before

of dead trees rise from its waters, like cathe-

smoke jumpers parachuted in to begin the

dral spires from a sunken city.

morning rescue. Along the rolling path, you’ll

This “ghost forest” is a spooky reminder

pass golden aspens and catch views of Ghost

of the lake’s tragic origin story: Just before

Village, a scatter of crumbling cabins that

midnight on August 17, 1959, a 7.3-magnitude

floodwaters carried far from their foundations.

earthquake triggered a massive landslide, blocking the Madison River with some 80 million tons of rock, creating hurricane-force

TILLYSTALE / SHUTTERSTOCK

surge over its dam, flooding the region.

• WEEKENDER

ON THE ROAD | Members’ Favorite

“Prescott, Ariz., is only 90 minutes from Phoenix, with great weather and amazingly friendly people. It has loads of hiking trails and several small lakes for fishing and kayaking. Historic Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza have great restaurants and bars, many pet friendly.

There’s also the Sharlot Hall Museum living history programs and the Museum of Indigenous People. We visited 20 years ago then retired here, and are loving every minute of it.” —MARCY MEYER

Places where contemporary comforts mingle with stories of the past.

“When you drive up the mountain to Virginia City, Nev., it looks like you have entered a movie studio lot where they are about to shoot Westerns.

Tourists can visit gold and silver mines, and there’s an old opera house, 28

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

“I admit I am biased toward Jackson, Calif., since six generations of my family are buried in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Jackson is home to two major gold mines, the Kennedy and the Argonaut, and many of my ancestors worked those mines. My greatgreat-uncle Eugene Buscaglia perished in the Argonaut Mine disaster in 1922 along with 46 others. The Amador County Museum [has an exhibit detailing the tragedy].” —V I C TO R I A M E L I N “McCloud, Calif., was originally owned by the McCloud River Lumber Company. The history of the town, and the railroad that served one of the

largest lumber mills in the West, runs deep with fascinating lore. The historic McCloud Hotel once housed the mill workers, the old cookhouse is now an event venue, the McCloud River Lumber Company office is now a bed-and-breakfast with dining inside the old vault, and the old mercantile is now a restaurant and hotel.

I was born in the McCloud Hospital in 1956. It still stands on a hill overlooking the town and is known to be haunted!” — K R I S T Y C O T T I N I “Set in picturesque high-desert mountains, Pioche, Nev., boasts many historical buildings left in near-original condition. I am part of the team restoring the historic Gem Theater, and the lit neon marquee is quite a sight to behold in the evenings. I love it, and I will be so happy to show films again in this building.” — M E L I S S A C L A RY

JIM DAVID / VISIT ARIZONA

Historic small towns

plenty of old saloons, and even casinos with old-school slot machines. But this is not a facade. One of the most fascinating adventures is visiting the old cemeteries.” —A L F R E D S P I E L M A N N

“Some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture can be found in rural Ferndale, Calif. Be sure to visit the historic commercial district along Main Street as well as drive around the outskirts of town to view some impressive mansions. Ferndale Museum provides a nice history of the town and its past residents. Like many others, we fell in love with Ferndale on our first visit, kept returning, and eventually escaped the San Francisco Bay Area to settle here.” — M AT T K N O W L E S “Spring City, Utah, is an exceptionally well-preserved pioneer town, settled principally by Scandinavians.

They built beautiful stone farmhouses and magnificent barns. In the 1970s, two forward-thinking men, Craig Paulsen and Tom Carter, convinced the small population, one by one, not to tear down their buildings. Today, Spring City is an art colony, still largely agricultural, and it is a National Register Historic District.

We’ve attended mutton roasts, taken horse-drawn carriage rides, and found treasures at a little antique shop housed in a neighbor’s garage.”

—KIM DUFFY

“The history of Wickenburg, Ariz., is rooted in mining, and downtown has been preserved in its original character. There are also several dude ranches and rodeo arenas, and the town is alive with cowboys during rodeo season [November through April]. Gold Rush Days in February bring a parade, large artisan fair, and carnival. Many enjoy the ghost tours and visiting the Jail Tree, where outlaws were chained until the sheriff came up from Phoenix.”

and unique shops. You can walk the entire town in a couple of hours, but take your time. Enjoy the good food and friendly people.” — J E F F YO U N G “Once called ‘Hangtown,’ Placerville, Calif., was the center of the Gold

Rush and still has historic buildings and mines you can tour. Wagon Train Days have taken place every June for the last 77 years. An actual wagon train travels from Nevada to Placerville, and when it arrives, it marks the start of Golden History Days. You might see a (fake) gunfight

on Main Street or mustachioed sheriffs looking for scoundrels. Gold Bug Park has a mine to explore, and there’s also a restaurant and bar on the Main Street site where hangings took place during the Gold Rush.”

—DOUG BROWN

NEXT QUESTION What is your favorite museum in the West, and why?

Email us at otr@viamagazine.com. You may be quoted in a future issue.

“I enjoy living history, and it’s thriving in Auburn, Calif. The vibe transports me instantly to the California Gold Rush era. The 1850s Old Town Post Office recently reopened as a welcome center and mini museum with volunteers dressed in period costumes. A short walk away, a giant miner statue offers a memorable photo op. A courthouse (with a museum inside) beckons nearby. And the guided walking tour on Saturdays can spark newfound appreciation for a small corner of California that bustles with a mix of the modern and times long gone.” —GUS THOMSON

DAVID H. COLLIER

— J A N I C E KO E H L E R

“A former mining town, Jerome, Ariz., is literally on the side of a mountain. It has become an artist town with fun restaurants and bars A A A | VIA

29

ON THE ROAD | Local Flavor Blue cornbread, Three Sisters Veggie Bowl, acorn squash with blueberry sauce, and bison chili at Wahpepah’s Kitchen.

Indigenous dining

Across the West, Native chefs are turning traditional ingredients into unforgettable meals. BY JENNYE GA RIBA LDI

MELISSA BARNES CREDIT HERE

C

enturies before farm-to-table was trendy, Native American cooks were serving sustainably harvested, seasonal food. But until recently, the continent’s original hyperlocal cuisine was rarely featured in restaurants.

Today, Native chefs across the West are reclaiming their culinary heritage and welcoming everyone to share in the bounty.

For many, these meals are medicine—a way to heal generational wounds, nurture community, and preserve ancestral knowledge. That often means focusing on indigenous ingredients and avoiding colonial imports, such as cane sugar, wheat, dairy,

chicken, and pork. The results are inviting and inventive: strawberry-sumac salad with maple-sage vinaigrette, bison roast with chokecherry rub, acorn crepes topped with huckleberries, and corn porridge ladled with duck broth.

“Indigenous food is the most beautiful food on Earth,” says Crystal Wahpepah, Oakland chef and author of the cookbook A Feather and a Fork. “It’s vibrant, it’s colorful, and it can teach us how to move in sync with nature.” Stop at one of these five spots, and savor the season with each bite.

Chef Crystal Wahpepah guides a tour of indigenous food in the West. AAA.com/nativefoods

5 Native American restaurants Wahpepah’s Kitchen

Off the Rez Cafe and Food Truck

Wahpepah’s Kitchen is a kaleidoscope of colors—from sunfloweryellow shelves lined with jars of seeds, dried herbs, and corn flour to bright veggie bowls filled with crimson strawberries, emerald kale, purple onion, and golden squash. Native proteins include bison and salmon; don’t miss the thick slices of blue cornbread slathered with maple cream. On your way out, pick up a jar of miinaki, blueberry maple sauce.

Originally made from government rations, fry bread is viewed by some Native chefs as a reminder of forced displacement. Others see it as a symbol of resilience. At Off the Rez, the entire menu is centered around the pillowy dough. Co-owner Mark McConnell honors his Blackfeet family with fry bread topped with braised bison (aka Indian tacos) and sweet treats such as pumpkin fry bread tossed in cinnamon sugar.

TOP AND BOTTOM: JESSICA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY; MIDDLE: MELISSA BARNES

OA KLA N D , CA LIF.

Javelina’s menu features wild and foraged ingredients.

Javelina

Wahpepah’s wild rice frit­ters with pumpkin seed sauce.

P ORTL AND. ORE.

S EATTL E, WAS H .

Sweet potato and duck egg on ga’ivsa (corn risotto) at Javelina.

‘ammatka Cafe

Cafe Gozhóó

On the ancestral land of the Chochenyospeaking Ohlone people, ‘ammatka (“dining hall” in Chochenyo) sits inside the Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley’s interactive science museum. Order huyyanu (translation: “a walk in the woods”), and taste the flavors of the forest. This seasonal entree features grilled king oyster mushrooms, pickled cucumber, caramelized onions, and a wild mushroom spread.

After you eat, wander the nearby garden (which grows some cafe ingredients) to learn about native plants.

In a renovated former gas station, on the largest settlement of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, chef Nephi Craig teaches people recovering from substance abuse how to cook their ancestral foods. The cause is worthy, and the local ingredients are worth the trip. Dig into the Three Sisters Salad, which highlights the sustainable practice of growing corn, beans, and squash together.

Or opt for the Apache Power Bowl with braised beef, beans, and bundi’­tunneh (a baked flatbread).

BERK EL EY, CAL IF.

W H ITERIVER, ARIZ .

At Javelina, chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson draws on her Hopi, Yakama, Cree, and Skokomish heritage to satisfy modern cravings—think seared elk tacos and breakfast sandos with boar bacon and duck egg. At dinner, choose between an a la carte menu and a family-style prix fixe meal, which uses only ingredients indigenous to Turtle Island (a Nat­ ive term for North America) and includes two tea pairings. In September and October, you might feast on fresh Pacific North­west oysters, early fall squash, and ga’ivsa (corn risotto) topped with sweet potato and heirloom vegetables.

A A A | VIA

31

ON THE ROAD | Get Outside

Roadside bike help If you have a flat tire, broken chain, or other issue, AAA Roadside Assistance will come to the rescue.

→ AAA.com/ bicycle

Wild rides

Gravel bike to waterfalls, wildlife, and colorful canyons. by j o e j ac ks o n

W

hen the heat recedes and fall leaves shimmer, hop on a gravel bike, one of the easiest ways to get deep into the West’s wild country. Essentially a slightly beefed-up road bike, this sturdy steed is designed to cruise down unpaved roads and packed-dirt trails. While gravel bikes don’t deliver the effortless, mile­-eating efficiency

4 GRAVEL BIKING TRAILS

Linda English on the Harriman Trail. above: English rides the White Rim in Canyonlands.

32

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

of their lean predecessors, they reward riders with secluded, car-free back roads— making gravel biking more adventurous and safer, too. Oh, and it’s also cooler.

“Gravel biking is almost as accessible but more punk rock than road cycling,” says outdoor journalist Jakob Schiller. These four routes may inspire enough awe to make you ditch pavement for good.

Harriman Trail

K E TC H U M , I D A H O

During the fall elk rut, listen for the males’ otherworldly serenade as you bike this gradual northbound ascent along the Big Wood River. Elec­tric-yellow aspens hug stretches of the pristine road; other parts open to sprawling meadows and views of the rugged Boulder Mountains.

The 18-mile trail parallels Highway 75, so you could bribe a friend to follow in a car and serve you cold drinks.

Medicine Bow Rail Trail L ARAMIE, W YO.

You’re more likely to spot a moose than another cyclist on this remote but gentle 21-­ mile trail. Built over an abandoned railbed, the mostly flat path winds through a national forest thick with majestic lodgepole pines and vibrant aspens. Keep an eye out for the remains of former tiehacker camps (sites where lumberjacks hewed timber into railroad ties).

Bikepacking

Once you’re thoroughly addicted to gravel riding, the next logical step is bikepacking—heading out on multiday rides with camping gear strapped to your bike. Specialized equipment ensures you’ll have everything you need without weighing you down. Not into sleeping in ultralight shelters?

Linda English of the gravel biking nonprofit Dirty Freehub advocates for “bikepacking light”: Trade your cooking and sleeping gear for a credit card, then dine at local eateries and stay in hotels along the way. This method helps the often rural economies you pedal through, and there’s nothing like a real bed and a hot meal to refuel you for the next day’s ride.

To the Wall

White Rim Road

Even in fall, Tucson can reach 90 degrees. But Seussian succulents and distant striated peaks make this desert journey worth an early start. The 29-mile loop rolls through golden grasslands with several short, punchy climbs.

The route also offers a look at the U.S.–Mexico border wall and its 30foot-tall steel posts.

You might spy javelinas (piglike wild animals) squeezing between the pillars in search of food.

In Canyonlands National Park, ride the namesake band of white sandstone past rust-red spires high above the Colorado and Green rivers. West­ ern Spirit Adventures can help you safely tackle the demanding 100-mile loop on a four-day guided trip.

TUC S ON, ARIZ .

MOAB, UTAH

LEARN MORE For more trail info, visit AAA.com/gravelbiking

TOP & BOTTOM: DIRTY FREEHUB; MIDDLE: PHOTOSCHMIDT / ADOBE STOCK

aaa member benefit

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

C

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

B.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection.

C. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

A.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!

Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 " B. 18 Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.

Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code SDT208-01

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Rating of A+

*Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. SDT208-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr aor d i nar y .®

ON THE ROAD | Souvenir

The bolo is back

Where to buy

The Southwestern staple is having a moment. Here’s where to find the real deal.

Arlene’s Gallery

TOMBSTONE, ARIZ .

A block away from the O.K. Corral, step off the wooden walkway and into this treasure­-filled outpost to peruse sterling silver bolos inlaid with materials iconic to Native jewelry, like red coral, mother-of-pearl, and, of course, turquoise.

BY JENNYE GA RIBA LDI

Bischoff’s Gallery S C OTTS DAL E, ARIZ .

W

estern wear has made the leap from the ranch to the runway (again)—and this time it’s brought the bolo tie with it. Louis Vuitton and Prada both included the cowboy accessory in recent collections, and celebrities like Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Timothée Chalamet have donned blinged-out versions for the red carpet.

Find your own bolo in its birthplace— though which state deserves that sartorial honor is up for debate. Arizona’s claim stars Victor Cedarstaff, who looped a silvertrimmed hatband around his neck while he was wrangling horses, and a look was born.

He patented his design in 1959 and called it a “bola tie” (after the Argentine boleadora, a set of cords used to entangle cattle). But

34

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

as early as the 1930s, Native American men in New Mexico were fastening bandanas around their necks with silver concho slides. In the decades since, Native artists have been turning the silver clasps into tiny canvases, often mixing ancestral symbols with modern designs.

Whatever style you’re drawn to, make sure you’re getting an authentic piece.

“Look for the artist’s name or hallmark, as well as a silver stamping,” says Adam Klein, owner of Arlene’s Gallery in Tombstone, Ariz. And be ready to make an investment: Bolo ties made of sterling silver and semiprecious stones can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

“If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is,” says Klein.

Indian Pueblo Store AL BUQUERQUE, N.M.

The museum shop in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center displays bolos with modern geometric patterns next to ones with classic sunburst designs. Learn more about traditional symbols at the center’s 50thanniversary exhibit.

Gallup Trading Co. GAL LUP, N.M.

Jewelry featuring Native motifs fills the hand-carved wooden cases in this cozy shop near Route 66.

Choose from thunderbird, kachina, and Sunface slides, made by artists from the surrounding Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni nations.

LEFT: GABRIELLA MARKS; RIGHT: LEAH FLORES / STOCKSY / GABRIELLA MARKS

Sand-casted silver bolo at the Indian Pueblo Store. right: Zuni Sunface slide.

At this serious collector’s stop, admire clasps by ​ Hopi metalsmith Roy Talahaftewa, who uses silver overlay to create striking black silhouettes, and Navajo artist Calvin Desson, known for his intricate micro-inlay work depicting reservation life.

Financial Services

Get your cash back.

Earn cash back wherever you go when you use your AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card—including on purchases made through AAA, like travel and insurance.1 • 5% cash back on gas and EV charging purchases.1 • 3% cash back on travel, restaurants, grocery stores, and AAA purchases.1 • No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.2 • $100 statement credit just by spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening.3

AAA Credit Cards

Scan or visit AAA.com/ TravelCard to learn more.

1 Offer is exclusive to AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card holders enrolled in the AAA Travel Advantage program. For offers associated with a specific category, earnings will only be awarded if the merchant code for the purchase matches a category eligible for the offer. Each merchant is assigned a code by a third party that indicates the merchant’s area of business. Comenity Capital Bank does not have the ability to control assignment of merchant codes. Maximum of $350 USD in cash back in a calendar year on the 5% category, and earn 1% cash back on all net eligible purchases thereafter. Excludes third-party insurance and offers, automobile extended warranties, and trip insurance. Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposit, rewards and qualifying purchases at participating AAA locations. This rewards program is provided by Comenity Capital Bank and its terms may change at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please see AAA.com/Advantage TravelTerms.

2 For new accounts, as of July 2026: Variable Purchase and Balance Transfer APRs of 17.49%–31.49% based on your credit worthiness at the time of account opening and the Prime Rate. Variable Cash Advance APR of 32.49%, based on Prime Rate. Variable Penalty APR up to 33.49%, based on Prime Rate. Minimum Interest Charge is $3.00.

Balance Transfer Fee of the greater of $10 or 5% of the transfer. Cash Advance Fee of the greater of $10 or 5% of the advance.

3 Valid one time only. Offer will be received within 1–2 billing cycles after qualifying spend.

Credit card offers are subject to credit approval.

AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.

A A A | VIA 35

ON THE ROAD | The Drive

2. Serene national park

About 30 miles northeast of St. George at I-15’s exit 40, a scenic 5-mile drive weaves through a lesser-visited pocket of Zion National Park. Don’t miss Kolob Canyons—vermilion monoliths that jut like a giant hand into a forested gorge ribboned with seasonal color. Stop to ramble the 5-mile Taylor Creek Trail amid amber cottonwoods, orange oaks, and crimson maples, or walk the mile-long Timber Creek Overlook Trail to canyon views.

3. Secret waterfalls

Utah’s color and culture loop Golden aspens, ancient petroglyphs, and Gothic theater in red rock country.

BY K E R I D W E N C O R N E L I U S

S

outhwestern Utah’s aptly named Fall Color Loop packs a picturesque punch, combining three scenic byways and a spectacular red rock canyon emblazoned with jewel-toned foliage. This extended version, perfect for a long weekend sojourn in September or October, adds dinosaur fossils, performing arts, hidden waterfalls, and a quiet corner of an epic national park.

36

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

1. Red rocks and dinos

Begin your trip in St. George, where the sedimentary rocks that make southern Utah scenic also preserve dinosaur fossils. At the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, stride alongside Dilophosaurus and Megapnosaurus footsteps and see life-size re-creations of the toothy reptiles from 200 million years ago. Then, see a Broadway hit or watch vampires and zombies leap and twirl during a Halloweenthemed dance revue at Tuacahn Amphitheatre, an outdoor stage ringed by sienna sandstone cliffs. At Xetava in the Kayenta Art Village, tuck into cauliflower tacos while gazing at rustcolored mountains.

About 7 miles north, go on a slot canyon adventure at Kanarra Falls.

As you wind your way between sinuous red rock walls, you’ll slosh through an ankle-deep creek, climb over boulders, and ascend a staircase alongside one of the cascades. Only 200 people per day are allowed to hike this 4-mile round-trip route, so purchase a permit in advance. Then, return to I-15 and continue to the outdoorsy cultural hub of Cedar City.

1

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY VISIT CEDAR CITY / BRIAN HEAD; DALLAS SMITH MEDIA / VISIT CEDAR CITY / BRIAN HEAD; COURTESY ST. GEORGE DINOSAUR DISCOVERY SITE

3

aaa cardholder benefit

Save on your road trip Earn 5% cash back on gas and EV charging with the AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card.1

→ AAA.com/ travelcard

4. Art and monsters

In Cedar City, peruse the Southern Utah Museum of Art’s 10-year anniversary show­ case (through Sept. 26). The exhibit includes local landscapes paired with specially commissioned fragrances for a multisensory experience. Or pop in after Oct. 16 for “Tooveep (The Land),” a celebration of contemporary Native American art. At the Utah Shakespeare Festival (through Oct. 3), get into a Gothic mood with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. For dinner, enjoy a pancetta-and-grape pizza with a red blend from IG Winery at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria.

5. Autumnal roads

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: M OUTDOORS / SHUTTERSTOCK; JULIETTE BORDA; CHON KIT LEONG / ALAMY; ASHER SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Fuel up in Cedar City at the Grind with a spiced Mexi-mocha and a green chile–speckled breakfast sandwich. To begin the Fall Color Loop, drive east on the Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway (Highway 14). Park at Wood Ranch to mosey around a pond ringed with canary-yellow aspen, then pause at the Zion Overlook for photo ops of Zion Canyon splashed with radiant hues. Next, cruise north on the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Highway 148).

4

10

7. Historic highway

Head north on Patchwork Parkway (Highway 143). During a blizzard in 1864, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints laid down handmade quilts to traverse the treacherous mountain path without sinking into the deep snow.

Today, patches of wildfire damage mingle with scarlet maples and golden aspen that flutter like hopeful flags along the roadside.

8. Ski town scenery

In the tiny ski town of Brian Head, glide above a sea of shimmering trees on a chairlift at Brian Head Resort (weekends through Sept.

20). Also on offer: disc golf, a mini zip line, a climbing wall, and Oktoberfest celebrations with live music, Bavarian bratwurst, and local craft beer. Nearby, Prime Adventure Outfitters offers guided or selfguided ATV tours to a waterfall and panoramas of fall color.

9. Settler history

6. Gorgeous gorge

In a few miles, you’ll reach Cedar Breaks National Monument, a less-crowded sibling of Bryce Canyon National Park with rippling rocks and hoodoos in shades of orange and ivory. Saunter along the 5-mile South Rim Trail for magnificent overlooks of this geologic amphi­theater, backdropped with gilded groves. Alternatively, take the 2-mile Alpine Pond Loop Trail through quaking aspens and ancient bristlecone pines to spot marmots by the bottle-green pond.

1 See page 35 for disclosures and more information.

About 13 miles from Brian Head, you’ll roll into Parowan. Latter-day Saints settlers rode their wagons here in 1851, establishing the region’s first permanent colony. At the Parowan Old Rock Church Museum (contact the city to organize a visit), learn how this “Mother Town” birthed southern Utah’s other communities of Latter-day Saints.

Then treat yourself to the town’s Sweet Tour and stroll to cinnamon rolls at several locations, including the Parowan Cafe and Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard.

10. Petroglyphs and pastries

Detour 10 miles to Parowan Gap, where ancient peoples carved 1,500 petroglyphs of animals, swirling patterns, and possibly astronomical calendars into the rocks. Finally, head back to Cedar City and reward yourself at the French Spot with Nutella crepes or raspberry macarons crafted by a pastry chef born in Lyon, France.

9

A A A | VIA

37

ON THE ROAD | Weekender

Santa Cruz, Calif.

This counterculture haven is getting a glow-up, with a shiny new hotel and an elevated dining scene. by w h i t n e y p h a n e u f

W

hile Austin and Portland worked to stay weird, Santa Cruz never had to try. A quirky, artsy spirit permeates the town, from Santa Cruz Skateboards’ “screaming hand” logo to anarchist community space SubRosa to a street poet clickclacking custom verses on an antique typewriter on downtown’s Pacific Avenue. This beach town on the northern edge of Monterey Bay became an epicenter of counterculture not long after UC Santa Cruz opened in 1965, and it’s been rejecting social norms ever since. Today, Santa Cruz is entering a transformative period as its rougher edges become polished by shiny new destinations including an oceanfront hotel.

38

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

SURF AND SK ATE

TIDE TO TABLE

Dive into the origins of Surf City’s DIY attitude. Main­ land surfing started here in 1885, when three visiting Hawaiian princes carved boards out of redwood.

View other shapely designs at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, then stick around for impromptu drum circles in the cliff top field overlooking the popular surf spot Steamer Lane. Admire skateboarding’s antiestablishment iconography at the NHS Skate­board Museum, curated by local legends such as 66-year-old skate pioneer Judi Oyama; watch the current generation ride the bowls at Derby Park.

California’s certified organic movement was born here, yet this college town was never known for its food.

That’s evolved thanks to chefs who moved to the area during the pandemic. Deca­ dent seafood platters await at downtown’s Hook & Line, where rockfish and king salmon get the fine-dining treatment. Around the corner, Mad Yolks turns the humble breakfast sandwich into scrambled-egg-onbrioche art. In nearby Aptos, former Michelin-starred chef David Kinch focuses on seasonal ingredients for his pizzas and pastas at the Riviera-inspired Mentone.

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: JAMES BUETI (2); DANIEL GOROSTIETA / VISIT SANTA CRUZ

clockwise from top left: View artful boards at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum; stroll below ancient giants at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park; at Verve, perk up with the Missile, a potent mix of coffee concen­ trate and cream.

clockwise from top left: Enjoy scallop crudo at the sustainable seafood spot Hook & Line; relax on the pool deck at La Bahia Hotel & Spa; sip a natural wine while browsing for rare finds at Bad Animal bookshop.

aaa member benefit

Dine out for less Save 20% at Jamba and other eateries in Santa Cruz using a Dining Deals digital gift card.

→ AAA.com/

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JENN DAY / VISIT SANTA CRUZ; DANIEL GOROSTIETA / VISIT SANTA CRUZ; JAMES BUETI

diningdeals

RETRO RULES

EPIC VIEWS

CRAFT COFFEE

CHIC SUITES

Thrifting isn’t just for college kids. Pacific Avenue boasts the county’s highest concentration of vintage clothing shops—from bountiful and cheap at FreeStyle and Crossroads Trading to hand-picked and pricier at Pastime Vintage and Virgo.

The thrill of the hunt continues at Bookshop Santa Cruz and Bad Animal, where collectible and rare hardcovers chill alongside bargain paperbacks. In the evenings, Bad Animal turns into a natural wine bar and restaurant, because—as the owners put it—wine and books are both “needed to travel the Dionysian path.”

From towering redwoods to sparkling ocean, Santa Cruz’s beauty shines in every direction. At Cotoni-­ Coast Dairies, the region’s newest national monument, hike past cows grazing before a sweeping seascape.

Minutes away off Highway 1, the graffitied ruins of Davenport Pier make for a sweet photo op. Head to the mountains to try forest bathing (the practice of immersing yourself in nature) among old-growth giants at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or on a guided walk in the woods at the 300-acre Chaminade Resort & Spa.

Start the day with a downtown coffee crawl to taste the roasts that fuel the local scene. For something iced and creamy, grab the Missile at Verve, where floor-toceiling windows and mosaic tile create a gallery-like ambiance. Nearby, lush plants spill from every corner at 11th Hour Coffee inside the Santa Cruz Art Center. Tuck into a wooden booth and linger over a lavender-tinged Honey Bee Latte. Founded by national barista championship finalists, Cat & Cloud takes coffee seriously, but keeps its colorful cat-themed murals and merch whimsical.

Opened in 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Board­walk is still the town’s biggest tourist attraction. But the neighborhood around it—with its souvenir stores, surf shops, and snack shacks—doesn’t exactly evoke luxury. The new La Bahia Hotel & Spa intends to change that.

Built on the site of a glamorous 1920s resort, the boutique property echoes the original structure’s Spanish Colonial Revival design— and preserves its landmark bell tower. Breathe in the ocean breeze at the pool, the roof deck, or the restaurant terraces of High Tide and Low Tide.

A A A | VIA

39

walks

Wonder of

Traveling on foot lets you explore new places deeply.

assing through the 10-foot-tall torii gate, I step up on some tangled cedar roots and walk into the forest. Japanese cypress perfumes the trail. The spicebush’s yellow flowers peek out from beneath the ferns. The silence is periodically punctured by a bush warbler’s call. Emerging from beneath the hovering limbs, the trail gently climbs to a clearing on 1,115-foot Mount Meshimori, from which I can see the Hatenashi Range stretching out like a string of prayer flags.

I’m walking Japan’s Kumano Kodo, one of two UNESCO World Heritage– recognized sacred pilgrimage routes. (Spain’s Camino de Santiago is the other.)

Established more than 1,000 years ago by Shinto practitioners and then supported by the imperial family, it links a series of temples and shrines, both Shinto and Buddhist, across the Kii Peninsula south of Osaka and Kyoto.

My particular walk is a five-day self-guided tour with the assistance of a luggage-forwarding service—a convenience that allows me to carry only a day pack on the trail. After walking about 7 miles each day, I arrive to find my heavier bags waiting for me at that night’s ryokan. These Japanese inns 40

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

BEIBAOKE / SHUTTERSTOCK

by crai s. bower and keridwen cornelius

CREDIT HERE

The Kumano Kodo winds through a cedar forest near Wakayama, Japan.

A A A | VIA

41

provide a place to sleep, eat dinner, and—most importantly—enjoy the geothermally heated baths known as onsens.

The next morning, after an early soak, I repack my suitcase, eat breakfast, and return to the trail.

Walk-focused holidays entail plenty of steps without the intense effort of backpacking. On some journeys, like mine, you travel linearly, from point A to point B. On others, you might stay at the same accommodation each night and venture out from there during the day. In either case, they combine extended time in natural settings with up-close cultural and culinary stops.

I find the word “hike” connotes exertion, while “walk” conjures up a more contemplative, less hurried pace that allows for the serendipitous, even the transcendent. I remember once, while strolling a path toward Hawkshead in England’s Lake District, leaning on a stone wall and watching a newborn lamb, barely taller than the enveloping thistles, suckle its ewe. Hours may have passed.

I’ve already experienced walking tours along the Kumano Kodo and in the Lake District. I’m keen to explore Slovenia’s Julian Alps, near Lake Bled, where I’ll photograph the formidable limestone karst formations and abundant waterfalls, then explore the Škocjan Caves (another UNESCO World Heritage site). And I plan to someday step along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, bypassing the stomach-churning drives on those serpentine cliffside roads.

Preparation remains critical on any tour, but packing can be relatively straightforward. These days, in addition to my standard luggage, I bring a rucksack, in which I carry a light merino wool layer, a rain anorak, a map, a journal, water, my camera, some snacks, a smartphone with a translation app, and (if I’m somewhere “birdy”) my binoculars.

However you arrange yours, whether you choose a point-to-point with luggage forwarding or a base camp approach, guided or self-guided, a walking vacation allows you to simplify and relax. All you have to do is choose your trail and see where it takes you. — C. S . B .

42

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

Walk-focused holidays combine extended time in natural settings with up-close cultural and culinary stops.

Pilgrims set out on the Camino de Santiago in Le Puyen-Velay, France.

The Camino bisects a wheat field near Itero del Castillo in Spain.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL, FRANCE

LEFT: FRANCK / ADOBE STOCK; RIGHT: CHENG NV / ISTOCK

CREDIT HERE

Camino de Santiago

In the ninth century, a hermit and a bishop allegedly discovered the tomb of St. James in northern Spain. It caused a sensation then, and ever since, seekers have journeyed to the site on a network of routes collectively known as the Camino de Santiago.

Today, travelers commonly trek the final 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the most popular route, the Camino Francés, from Sarria to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

This section takes about a week and is best for those who like company: Pilgrims share stories while sauntering through sun-dappled forests and pastoral landscapes, then converge in cafes and hostels each evening. The camaraderie ramps up as walkers get closer to the cathedral and receive their Camino certificates.

If you would prefer a road less traveled, the Litoral Way (a variant of the Camino Portugués Coastal Route) goes from Porto, Portugal, north to Santiago de Compostela.

Along the way, you’ll follow beachside boardwalks and promenades through sand dunes and towns packed with seafood restaurants. The full route takes 12-plus days; many pilgrims skip sections by taking public transportation. — K . C. A A A | VIA

43

Ambling in the fells above Derwentwater in England’s Lake District.

ENGLAND

With its dramatic mountains, glacial waters, and vibrant green valleys, this hill walker’s utopia has inspired everyone from Neolithic builders to Romantic poets like William Wordsworth. The quaint town of Keswick makes an ideal base for exploring Lake District National Park. Ferry from Keswick’s marina to Hawes End, from which you can promenade along Derwentwater’s forestfringed shore or tackle the moderate 3.5-mile Catbells trail for panoramas of the lake ribboning between the mountains. From Keswick’s market square, amble the 4-mile loop to Castlerigg Stone Circle, a 4,500-year-old Neolithic monument.

44

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

Visit around sunrise or sunset to soak in the solitude and to maximize the mystery.

From Keswick, you can also drive or take a bus to Grange and embark on the moderate 5-mile trail to Borger Dalr (Borrowdale valley), an area that writer and avid hiker Alfred Wainwright called the “f inest square mile in Lakeland.”

The climb culminates at Castle Crag, site of a 2,000-year-old hillfort overlooking a patchwork of fields, forests, and water. May through September brings the best chances for sunshine and pleasant temps, but always be prepared for weather. If it gets too wet for walking, you can tour Wordsworth’s former home, Dove Cottage, or Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat, Hill Top. —K.C.

SOLSTOCK / ISTOCK; OPPOSITE: CRISTI CROITORU / SHUTTERSTOCK

Lake District

JAPAN

Kumano Kodo

For more than 1,000 years, people have gravitated to the mountains of the Kumano region south of Osaka. Over time, they constructed three grand shrines and numerous smaller ones that fuse Buddhism and Shintoism (Japan’s indigenous, nature-centric religion). Today, those shrines are linked by the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage–designated trail network.

On the most popular route, Nakahechi, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Japanese imperial family (who started making pilgrimages here in the 10th century) through cedar and cypress forests, crossing mossy bridges over whispering creeks to views of forest-blanketed mountains.

The picturesque shrines range from an earthtoned edifice with a cypress-thatched roof to a striking orange pagoda backdropped by a towering waterfall. Along the way, you can soak in hot springs and sleep in family-owned inns.

The full Nakahechi takes five or six days and is rated intermediate to strenuous. You can create a more moderate itinerary, and some tour companies can help you arrange accommodations and luggage transfers. (Both should ideally be done six months in advance.) You can bypass parts of the trail by bus or boat, but chances are you’ll still have to climb some steep forest paths.

The trail is well marked in English, and a warm welcome and a hot Japanese bath await you each evening. — K . C.

CREDIT HERE

The three-tiered Seiganto-ji temple near Nachikatsuura, Japan.

A A A | VIA

45

Positano rises steeply above the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast.

aaa member benefit

A Slower Pace Unplug in nature and book a walking vacation with AAA Travel.

→ AAA.com/ viawalking

ITALY

All along this gorgeous peninsula, pastelcolored towns cling to cliffs that plunge into the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. The region is also threaded with breathtaking trails. The most famous—the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)—is justly popular, and the moderate 5-mile footpath is worth it for dreamy vistas of verdant mountains, terraced vineyards, and Positano poised above the cerulean sea.

You’ll find fewer walkers and easier terrain on the 5-mile Sentiero delle Sirenuse (Sirens’ Path) near Sorrento. The loop climbs through olive groves to sweeping views of the mountainous peninsula and the islets where the Sirens lured sailors to their doom in Homer’s The Odyssey.

From Amalfi or Sorrento, take a ferry ride to Capri, then hail a taxi to the quaint town of Anacapri. There, a chairlift carries you to the top of Monte Solaro, where you can drink in hilly panoramas dotted with whitewashed towns. Then, ramble back to Anacapri through flowery meadows and fragrant pine forest, past a 15th-century hermitage, and along a historic mule track overlooking the sea. For the best weather and thinnest crowds, plan to visit in May, September, or October and walk early in the morning. Later, you can while away the afternoon swimming in the sea and savoring la dolce vita. — K . C. 46

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

DALIU / SHUTTERSTOCK

Sorrentine Peninsula

CREDIT HERE

A A A | VIA

47

SLOVENIA

Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj

About 35 miles north of Slovenia’s enchanting capital of Ljubljana lies a walkable, watery wonderland that looks like something out of a fantasy novel. Lake Bled’s sapphire waters surround an island crowned with a baroque-style church, watched over by a medieval castle and towering mountains. On the western shore, take the approximately 2-mile trail to the Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica overlooks and capture photos of the fairy-tale scene. A 3.7-mile path encircles the lake; in summer, you can dip your feet into clear, balmy water. Or book an advance ticket to

48

V I A | FA L L 2 0 2 6

venture along the nearby 3.4-mile Vintgar GorgeSveta Katarina loop. You’ll traipse on boardwalks between rock walls above an emerald-green river.

About 18 miles away, less-touristed Lake Bohinj is an idyllic hub for exploring Triglav National Park. Mosey through lush forests around the shore and meander along Mostnica Gorge, where a teal-colored river crashes through carved rock formations. Catch a cable car to Vogel ski resort, then tramp through alpine meadows and snag a snack at a cheese cottage run by a shepherd. Bonus: If you don’t want to rent a car, you can access the trails at both lakes using Slovenia’s convenient, comfortable bus system. — K . C.

The Church of the Mother of God on Bled Island in Lake Bled.

The Ship Cove Waterfall courses down a hill near the Queen Charlotte Track.

TRISTAN BRYNILDSEN / SHUTTERSTOCK; OPPOSITE: VLADIMKA PRODUCTION / SHUTTERSTOCK

NEW ZEALAND

Queen Charlotte Track

This sublime 45-mile trail squiggles through rainforest and serrated shorelines in the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds—a smattering of peninsulas that resemble green paint splotches in the blue Pacific. An ideal introduction to longdistance walking, this well-marked, moderate track can be completed in four or five days, with four to eight hours of trekking each day.

The adventure begins with a boat ride to Meretoto/Ship Cove—an important sailing hub for Maori voyagers and Capt. James Cook’s local base for his 18th-century expeditions. From there, spend days sauntering through shady,

fern-filled forests to views of verdant mountains rippling above cobalt blue bays. Watch for flightless weka birds, and delight in the warbling of bellbirds and tuis. Several lodges along the way have restaurants with blissful bay views and offer complimentary kayaks or paddleboards for guests. For the best weather, visit mid-September through mid-May; many lodges close for the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. — K . C.

c r a i s . b o w e r writes for Westways, the Saturday Evening Post, and Outside Media.

k e r i d w e n c o r n e l i u s has written for the New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, and Sunset.

A A A | VIA

49

Your road to magical memories, paved with savings.

Members who use AAA Discounts & Rewards save an average of $220 annually.1

50

V I A | S U M M E R 2 0 26

Scan to to redeem these offers.

Enjoy the wonder of The Happiest Place on Earth® and more fun-filled road trip stops with exclusive Member savings.

➤ AAA.com/ DiscountsGuide

From the first to last mile, your AAA Membership can pay for itself when you take advantage of discounts on attractions, gas, rental cars, and more.

Attractions Purchase even more discounted theme park tickets online and at your local branch.

Rental Cars

Gas

Hit the road with exclusive rates and perks for your ride.

Fuel your road trips for less.

Save up to 20% on pay later base rate on Hertz rentals, plus:4

Save 30¢/gal on your first fill at Shell when you join Fuel Rewards, then save 5¢/gal on every fill.2

➤F ree additional driver (save $15/day). ➤Y oung Renter fee waived (save $25/day). ➤ 10% off prepaid fuel. ➤O ne free day when you join the Hertz Gold+ loyalty program.5

Save 13¢/gal and earn free drinks with the Love’s app.3

Discounts vary, are subject to change without notice; savings applicable only to eligible charges; additional fees & taxes may apply; for full offer terms, including conditions and restrictions, see AAA.com/Restrictions. 1 Source: 2024 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. 2 Restrictions apply. See AAA.com/Shell for full terms. At participating Shell stations only. Limit 20 gal. 3 To qualify for this offer, you must be a AAA Member and link your AAA Membership in the Love’s Connect mobile app. Not valid in WI and NJ. Offer valid through December 31, 2026. 4 Discounts apply to pay later base rate. Discount will vary depending on date, location, length of rental, car class & other factors. Taxes, fees and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP#005) must be included in reservation.

Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional driver and young renter must be a AAA Member, have a credit card in their own name, and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Gas savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased. Customer’s responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle is limited to $5,000, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement (U.S. only). If Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is purchased in connection with the rental, Hertz will waive the customer’s financial responsibility for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, provided there is no violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. At the time of rental, present your AAA Membership Card. 5 The one (1) free day rental offer is exclusive to AAA Members who enroll at AAA.com/ HertzGold or AAA.com/HertzPremier. Valid for new Hertz Gold+ members only. Free rental day will be awarded in the form of 950 Gold+ points after the Member’s first paid Gold rental. Free day excludes taxes, fees, and options. Skip the counter is available at select locations. AAA Premier Members will remain at Hertz Five Star status as long as AAA Premier Member status is maintained. Additional terms and exclusions apply. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.

CREDIT HERE

Xeror sinisciam ut offic te et volorio sandandam re, sunt que sit, sum quam

52

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

A celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles.

a day to

Remember MAURICIO HOYOS / HOLLYWOOD FOREVER; MARIGOLD ILLUSTRATIONS: TEAMNAYON / SHUTTERSTOCK

Celebrate life and honor loved ones at these Day of the Dead festivities in the West. by azucena rasilla

n a warm fall afternoon, people spill into the streets of Oakland’s Fruitvale district.

Colorful altars line East 12th Street, as kids and adults move through the crowd with their faces painted like sugar skulls; others are dressed in intricate catrina (skeleton) outfits. Aztec dancers perform in a circle, wearing feathered headdresses and ankle rattles called chachayotes. The air is filled with the aroma of copal, a sacred incense used to cleanse and welcome spirits from another realm.

This is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a time for people of Mexican descent to honor loved ones who have passed.

The holiday has a rich history of evolution:

After originating in Mexico in pre-Hispanic times, it eventually blended with traditions brought forward by the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521. In the United States, the holiday took root in the 1970s, thanks to Chicano activists. In the decades since, Day of the Dead has transcended borders. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) added the holiday to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Now, it is celebrated by communities throughout North America and in countries like Guatemala.

The festivities start on October 28. In the days that follow, according to spiritual tradition, the realm between the living and A A A | VIA

53

CAL IF OR N IA SAN FRANCISCO

Mission District procession 22ND ST. & BRYANT ST. NOV. 2, 7 P.M.

In the heart of San Francisco’s historic Latino neighborhood, Aztec dancers gather to begin the procession, their feathered headdresses a sea of color and motion. Families follow, carrying photos of loved ones as they walk down 22nd Street, some scattering marigold petals as they stroll.

For nearly 50 years, this Day of the Dead celebration in the Mission District has been a point of local pride, but it holds extra-special meaning for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. That’s thanks to one of its earliest organizers, Juan Pablo Gutiérrez Sánchez, who saw the holiday, in part, as a space to honor community members impacted by AIDS— and as a site of protest. (An altar he created for a Day of the Dead event in 1984 featured the words “while society turns its back, we die by the thousands and thousands and thousands.”)

The grassroots organization El Colectivo del Rescate Cultural de La Mission keeps the event alive, with festivities that maintain a spirit of resistance: The nonprofit’s ethos is “our dead are not for sale,” and the event is fully funded by community donations, not corporate sponsors.

With papel picado strung between streetlights overhead, participants wind through the neighborhood to the intersection of Mission and 24th streets, where people linger to admire the altars, get their faces painted, and gather in community to remember their loved ones.

“My favorite part is that people get to know our traditions and really respect them,” says Susana Rojas, executive director of Calle 24, a longtime merchants’ and community group in the Mission. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to grow as humans, to fall in love with another culture.” calle24sf.org SAN FRANCISCO

Colorful altars to ancestors include aromatic bouquets of yellow and orange marigolds called cempasuchil.

54

V I A | FA L L 2 0 2 6

Festival of Altars POTRERO DEL SOL PARK (LA RAZA) POTRERO AVE. & 25TH ST. NOV. 2

For one day each year, this Mission District park becomes a living memorial, as colorful altars of all shapes and sizes take over the sprawling green lawns beginning early in the morning. The creations pay tribute to not just loved ones but also to Earth’s elements: Altars facing north honor the Earth and all ancestors; those facing east honor the air and children; west, water and adults; south, fire and youth; and at the center, love and the universe.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: JAYASIMHA NUGGEHALLI (3); JACQUELINE CÁRDENAS (2)

the dead opens up, allowing the souls of the departed to begin their descent onto this world. The celebrations continue through November 2, which is Day of the Dead. During this time, individual rituals vary from family to family, though some traditions are carried on through generations. Colorful altars, or ofrendas, are a mainstay.

They include photos of loved ones and offerings to guide them: aromatic bouquets of yellow and orange flowers called cempasuchil, a marigold variety native to Mexico and Central America; water to quench loved ones’ thirst; candles to light their way; incense and salt to purify; loved ones’ favorite foods, fruits, and the traditional pan de muerto, a sweet bread made with orange zest and anise. Altars are also decorated with sugar skulls that represent the dead and papel picado, tissue paper cut into intricate designs.

Public celebrations are full of regional specialties and reflect individual communities, and are usually family friendly and welcoming to all; expect a mood that’s festive yet reverent. Most of these celebrations are free and serve as a celebration of life as well as a way to remember those who have passed.

Here are 10 gatherings in the West that you can join to honor loved ones.

CREDIT HERE

clockwise from top left: Mariachi singers serenade attendees at San Francisco’s Festival of Altars; a person in a traditional catrina costume at the Dia de los Muertos festival in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood; face painting in Fruitvale; a festive lowrider at the Oakland festival, one of the most popular celebrations in the West; altars created by students and teachers in San Francisco’s Mission District.

A A A | VIA

55

CREDIT HERE

clockwise from top left: Elaborate makeup and wearable art are staples at Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s popular Day of the Dead celebration; kids and adults perform in intricate costumes; conchas, marigolds, and candles are typical offerings placed around altars to ancestors; a car showcase at Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s festival, one of the largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the United States.

56

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

The Festival of Altars, a local tradition since 1992, is organized by the nonprofit Marigold Project. Community members are invited to reserve a spot to contribute an altar, and they do so in increasingly impressive numbers. In 2023, there were about 80 altars; in 2025, there were 162.

The celebration includes ceremonial rituals, a moment of silence, and live performances by local Latin musicians and mariachi, all surrounded by the colorful ofrendas.

Participants who have created altars stay past sunset, honoring loved ones’ memories until the celebration ends at 9 p.m. If you don’t reserve a spot, you are welcome to bring flowers, candles, or a personal item to add to the displays. instagram.com/festivalofaltars

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY HOLLYWOOD FOREVER; MAURICIO HOYOS / HOLLYWOOD FOREVER; COURTESY HOLLYWOOD FOREVER; MAURICIO HOYOS / HOLLYWOOD FOREVER

OAKLAND

Dia de los Muertos in Fruitvale FRUITVALE VILLAGE NOV. 1, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.

Gleaming lowriders, decked out in paper flowers, tapestries, and sugar skulls, line Oakland’s International Boulevard as kids in sugar-skull face paint choose their favorites. Now in its 31st year, the East Bay’s premier Dia de los Muertos event is also a neighborhood celebration: Fruitvale has been a vibrant hub of Latino culture in Oakland since the 1960s, when Chicano activists like the Brown Berets shaped the region. Day of the Dead is a deeply embedded and popular tradition here. Last year the official festivities attracted more than 100,000 people, according to Caheri Gutierrez, the development and communications director at the Unity Council, the nonprofit that’s organized the event every year since 1996. This year’s theme is “The Struggle Continues: We are here and we’re not leaving.”

The festival features live music, the popular lowrider show, a kids zone, altars, and nearly 300 vendors selling food, art, jewelry, and clothing, as well as booths that offer social and legal services. In 2000, then-U.S. Rep. (and current Oakland mayor) Barbara Lee contributed photos from the 1999 festival to the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center as part of its Local Legacies project. New this year: a 30-foot-tall catrina handmade by artisans in Mexico City, with a skirt design that pays homage to the history of Latinos in Fruitvale. The sculpture will travel from Mexico City to Oakland to be unveiled for this year’s festival.

If you have an extra afternoon, check out the Oakland Museum of California, which transforms its entire campus for Day of the Dead each October, and usually features live music, art projects, and family activities. diaoakland.com

Stay tuned for an episode later this month on Dia de los Muertos.

AAA.com/podcast

LOS ANGELES

Dia de los Muertos on Olvera Street 5–11 OLVERA ST. OCT. 25–NOV. 2

At sundown, surrounded by strolling families, the theater group Teatro del Barrio comes to life on Olvera Street. In traditional costume, the actors stage a performance that tells the story of how Day of the Dead came to be, following its evolution from indigenous tradition to modern-day celebrations.

The performance takes place at 6 p.m. every evening of Olvera Street’s nine-day celebration, which has been a go-to Day of the Dead gathering for Angelenos for nearly four decades. Known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles,” this historic region is near the site of the city’s original pueblo, founded by settlers in 1781. The festivities, organized by the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation, kick off nightly with a procession ceremony led by Grupo Tartalejos, an indigenous Aztec group that starts the walk with a ceremonial blessing. Some participants dress up as “living muertos,” and on weekends, kids enjoy face painting from a local artist. The procession concludes at the plaza’s kiosko (bandstand), with a ceremony honoring the loved one of a merchant family or community member. Don’t miss the free pan de muerto and hot drinks. olveraevents .com/day-of-the-dead-olvera-street LOS ANGELES

Dia de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 SANTA MONICA BLVD. OCT. 24, 12 P.M.–12 A.M.

With elaborate altars, performances from Grammy-winning musicians like Los Lobos, and fantastical crafts, sculptures, and jewelry from dozens of vendors, this celebration is a feast for the senses. The over-a-century-old cemetery—best known as the resting place for Hollywood legends like Judy Garland and Burt Reynolds, among others—is one of the few cemeteries in the nation that opens to the public for a Day of the Dead celebration. The tradition began in 2000, and has grown into one of Los Angeles’ favorite ways to celebrate.

This is Hollywood, after all; folks know how to put on a show.

Festivities include an afternoon procession of Aztec dancers and live music late into the evening, plus food vendors, film screenings, eye-popping costume contests, tequila tastings for the 21-and-up crowd, and plenty of activities for kids. Even if you don’t have a pro makeup artist in your midst, attendees are encouraged to dress as catrinas or paint their faces like sugar skulls. Unlike other festivals, this one isn’t free; ticket prices in past years have ranged from $5 to $60, depending on the programming you attend. ladayofthedead.com A A A | VIA

57

A R I ZO N A

N E W M E X IC O

TUCSON

ALBUQUERQUE

267 S. AVENIDA DEL CONVENTO

200 N. PLAZA ST. NW

NOV. 6–8

OCT. 30–NOV. 8

This weekendlong festival was started in 1990 by artist Susan Johnson, who, at the time, was grieving the death of her father and created a ceremonial performance piece dedicated to him. Nearly 40 years later, the event in Tucson—a city indelibly shaped by Mexican culture, located just an hour north of the border—draws 200,000 participants annually, and is organized by the artist and activist collective Many Mouths One Stomach.

At Little Angels, a family-focused gathering, activities include face painting, angel-wing decorating, and local mariachi. The biggest event of the weekend is the nearly 2-mile All Souls Procession on Sunday, November 8, in which participants walk while carrying offerings for their loved ones.

People who want to participate should meet at Speedway Boulevard and North Grande Avenue at 4 p.m. The walk ends with a ceremonial burning of an urn containing wishes and hopes for the ancestors. If you’re in town, leave time to explore the adobe buildings of nearby Barrio Viejo, a neighborhood with one of the biggest concentrations of Sonoran architecture in the country. allsoulsprocession.org

A sea of bright orange and yellow welcomes you to Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza: This is “Marigold Mile,” which transforms Old Town’s pedestrian walkways each year with more than 30,000 flowers strung in garlands from adobe buildings and streetlights, including a mix of real marigolds and hand-crafted paper and fabric decorations. Stroll the plaza around dinnertime to take in the fragrant flora, live mariachi music, and altars outside stores and restaurants.

Year-round, the flags flying here nod to the city’s history of conquest and cultural convergence: Mexico, Spain, and the United States. But the historic neighborhood truly shines during Dia de los Muertos, with more than a week of activities and musical and theatrical performances.

Fan-favorite events include a procession where visitors dress in their best catrina outfits; the Dance of the Matachines from a group of traditional male religious dancers; and a candlelight procession that ends at the plaza, where dozens of altars and elaborate 10-foot sculptures from local artisans await. albuquerqueoldtown.com/

Dia de los Muertos in Old Town

dia-de-los-muertos-in-old-town-albuquerque

M ON TAN A Day of the Dead Billings

Dia de los Muertos in Santa Fe Plaza

308 6TH AVE. N.

63 LINCOLN AVE.

NOV. 7–8

OCT. 30–31

Surrounded by the snowcapped Beartooth Mountains, attendees of this Dia de los Muertos festival in Billings take part in a ceremony: They write thoughtful notes to departed loved ones, then set the messages aflame to travel back with their ancestors. Home to nearly 8,000 residents of Hispanic or Latino descent, the Yellowstone Valley town throws a free, family-friendly, two-day Day of the Dead celebration at the MetraPark complex, a 190-acre arena with scenic mountain views. Participants can take a self-guided tour of the community altars or visit the pop-up cemetery. Those interested can reserve a “plot” ahead of time, then decorate a cardboard base with items that represent and honor their loved ones.

Kids and adults can also participate in face painting and costume contests, decorate sugar skulls, and learn to make paper marigolds, pipe-cleaner skeletons, and festive headdresses. Up to 3,000 people have attended this celebration in recent years, and organizers say it’s growing.

Trumpets, violins, and vocal harmonies from mariachis welcome visitors to the Santa Fe Plaza in the early afternoon on Day of the Dead, but it’s after dark that this historic, treelined square springs to life: That’s when kids and adults who have visited the free glow-in-the-dark face-painting booths light up the night with a colorful, candlelit parade.

Now in its fifth year, this two-day celebration sees the plaza festooned with altars, papel picado, and marigolds, while a standout lineup of free live music and performances takes place at the bandstand. This year’s programming is still to be announced, but the 2025 lineup included dance from Ballet Folklórico Santa Fe, theater by Teatro Paraguas, a traditional Aztec blessing, and a screening of Coco, all followed by luminescent fun after sundown. While you’re in town, check out the Museum of International Folk Art’s kid-friendly Day of the Dead celebration, with free art activities, pan de muerto, and dance performances by Los Niños de Santa Fe.

dayofthedeadbillings.com

burnzozobra.com/dia

BILLINGS

58

SANTA FE

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JEFF SMITH / VISIT TUCSON; COURTESY KIWANIS CLUB OF SANTA FE; BRYCE RISLEY / TOURISM SANTA FE; J.J. MANCINI / HISTORIC OLD TOWN ASSOCIATION (2)

All Souls Procession Weekend

CREDIT HERE

clockwise from top left: A geometric urn carries messages to loved ones at the All Souls Procession in Tucson; a Ballet Folklórico Santa Fe performer at the Dia de los Muertos celebration in the plaza; festival attendees in sugar skull makeup; two people dressed as catrinas for the Day of the Dead festival in Albuquerque; more than 30,000 flowers transform Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza into “Marigold Mile.”

A A A | VIA

59

How to celebrate respectfully

Decorated boats at San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade.

People of all backgrounds are welcome at Day of the Dead celebrations. But remember, for many, this is a sacred holiday. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re celebrating:

Do

• At events, ask before taking photos of people or altars.

• Support local vendors, including Mexican bakers selling pan de muerto.

Don’t • Treat it like Halloween, dressing up in goofy, gory, or topical costumes.

• Touch or take items, especially from altars, unless they’re offered to you.

• Expect a Cinco de Mayo atmosphere.

Be safe, be sober, be polite.

TEX AS SAN ANTONIO

Day of the Dead River Parade BEGINS AT LEXINGTON AVE., CONTINUES TO COMMERCE ST. OCT. 23

In true Texas fashion, the city of San Antonio goes big for Dia de los Muertos. Some 35,000 people flock to the River Walk after dark for a view of the Day of the Dead River Parade, when more than 20 boats and barges—decked out with dazzling decorations, altars, and even a live band or two—take a festive float down the San Antonio River. Reserved seating is available for those who want to purchase advance tickets starting at $18.50, but the free standing-room option is popular as well. Both make for an easy stroll to the many bars, cafes, and eateries nearby.

That’s just one event in a larger-than-life lineup. The city, where more than 60% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, bills its Day of the Dead celebration as the largest in the country.

Festivities kick off in early October and run through November 3, including a stacked slate of live music from Texas artists; last year’s programming featured a fan-favorite Selena Quintanilla tribute band in honor of the late Grammy-winning Mexican American singer.

Visitors to Maverick Plaza in the historic La Villita district are greeted by a nearly 40-foot-tall catrin and catrina created by Mexican artisans and brothers Jesus Sanabria and Amauri Sanabria of the Artsumex Colectivo de Arte Mexicano. The celebrations also include a colorful display of giant alebrijes, Mexican folk art sculptures of mythical creatures, which will be installed throughout the city beginning October 3. thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events ●

azucena rasilla is a culture journalist from Oakland. She has

written for the San Francisco Chronicle, KQED, and Eater.

60

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

aaa member benefit

Go to the source Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico with a G Adventures tour.

→ AAA.com/ gadventures

COURTESY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

• Build your own altar at home using photos of your loved ones. Decorate it with marigolds, papel picado, sugar skulls, fruits, loved ones’ favorite foods, and items that remind you of your ancestors.

Honoring Ancestors around the world

While Day of the Dead is popularly celebrated in communities throughout the United States, it shares traditions with events around the globe. Here are some international locales and communities that honor loved ones who have passed.

G UAT EM A LA

MEX ICO

The towns of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1 with the Festival de los Barriletes Gigantes, in which residents honor their ancestors by working for weeks to build giant, colorful kites. As the creations soar in the sky, according to traditional beliefs, the sound and sight drive “bad” spirits away. The traditional food for the celebration is fiambre, a massive salad of meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables.

In Central Mexico, where Day of the Dead originated, holiday festivities are larger than life. In some communities, residents adorn everything in yellow and orange marigolds.

Gravesites are also decorated, and some family members light tombs with candles, bring flowers, and stay day and night to welcome their loved ones. An annual parade sprung up in Mexico City in 2016 thanks to the popularity of the James Bond movie Spectre. (In the film, Bond chases the villain through a parade filled with Day of the Dead floats.)

WINHORSE / ISTOCK

JA PAN According to Japanese Buddhists, the holiday of Obon is when ancestors’ spirits return to Earth. This three-day festival is celebrated in the summer— mid-July in Tokyo, August in most other regions—with special dances and other festivities that vary by community. Families clean the gravestones of loved ones, leave offerings at Buddhist shrines, and place floating lanterns into rivers and lakes to guide their ancestors home.

P H IL IP P IN E S Residents of this Southeast Asian island nation remember ancestors with a holiday called Undas, or “honors.” On November 1 and 2, families gather at cemeteries to light candles, share food (sticky rice cakes are a staple), and spend time among the dead, caring for their gravesites and holding vigil.

IR E L AN D With roots in 2,000-year-old Celtic traditions, Samhain is a precursor to modern-day Halloween, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Per pagan spirituality, it’s also when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

Celebrations in Ireland and Scotland include lively parades and performances; some people visit tombs, leaving food and other offerings out for their loved ones.

A Bon Odori dance during Obon in Tokyo.

A A A | VIA

61

Events Calendar

Can’t-miss fall fun in the West. by e m m a s i lv e r s

NEVADA

Concours at Wynn Las Vegas Now in its fifth year, this stylish event promises hundreds of rare and luxurious automobiles from all over the world. The judged Concours d’Elegance competition highlights preand postwar vehicles, while a Friday night welcome party features cutting-edge hypercars and supercars plus a DJ and hosted bar. lasvegas concours.com

OREGON

Mt. Angel Oktoberfest Sept. 17–20 Each fall since 1966, this town north of Salem transforms into a Bavarian village, with traditional beer, food, costumes, and games to honor the Willamette Valley’s German and Swiss heritage.

Don’t miss the Wiener Dog Races, the Cruz ‘n Car Show, or the Oktoberfest Olympics, in which contestants display knowledge of German culture and perform feats of strength. oktoberfest.org free

↑ CALIFORNIA Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and Weigh-Off Oct. 12 (weigh-off) and Oct. 17–18 (festival) f r e e This October tradition brings some 200,000 visitors to Half Moon Bay—a coastal town about 45 minutes south of San Francisco—to “celebrate the great and almighty gourd.” At the weigh-off, ogle pumpkins of preposterous proportions. (The 2025 winner was 2,346 pounds.) The festival offers live music, pumpkin carving, and a costume contest. hmbpumpkinfest.com

62

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

CALIFORNIA

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Oct. 2–4 This refreshingly noncorporate music festival takes over San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with dozens of folk, alt-rock, and (yes) bluegrass greats on six stages. Emmylou Harris has played every year since its founding in 2001; this year’s lineup also includes acclaimed indie rockers My Morning Jacket. Bring your own drinks, food, and picnic blanket to stake out a spot. ​​hardlystrictlybluegrass.com free

→ UTAH Redwest Country Festival Oct. 16–17 This festival presents the best of modern country and roots music across two stages at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. Headliners include Ella Langley, who recently swept the Academy of Country Music Awards, and genreblending hitmaker Shaboozey.

Stop by the VIP Lounge or AAA tent for special giveaways. redwestslc.com

↑ NEVADA Mark Twain Days Festival Oct. 13–17 Samuel Clemens grew up in Missouri, but his alter ego, Mark Twain, was born in Virginia City. The writer first used this pen name while living in the mining town and working for its newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise. Carson City and Virginia City host five days of talks, music, ghost tours, and a “Twain Train” to celebrate the scribe. visitcarsoncity.com/ mark-twain-days

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: BRAD PROCTOR / SHUTTERSTOCK; EVERETT COLLECTION / SHUTTERSTOCK; ANDRAS_CSONTOS / ADOBE STOCK; KEVIN MAZUR / GETTY IMAGES FOR CMA

Oct. 29–Nov. 1

→ WYOMING The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Sept. 9–20

MONTANA

Townsend Fall Fest Oct. 2–4 f r e e The Rotary Club in this charming Missouri River town hosts three days of live music, food, and more than 100 local artisans and vendors selling their crafts and wares. On Sunday, a pancake breakfast is followed by a car show, one of Montana’s biggest, as classic cars and custom builds take to the streets for a lively display. southwestmt.com/events

↑ CALIFORNIA Halloween and Fall Favorites at Disneyland Resort

Artists from all over the world who specialize in wildlife, landscape, and Western work head to Jackson Hole each year for 12 days of visual art fun. There are more than 50 events, such as gallery walks, an “art brunch,” and more. Don’t miss the QuickDraw in the town square, where 30 artists create work in just 90 minutes, then attendees bid on it in a live auction. jacksonholechamber .com/fall-arts-festival

Through Oct. 31 Spooky season arrives at The Happiest Place on Earth with a slate of family-friendly fun. Offerings include the “Halloween Screams” spectacular in Disneyland Park, the Coco-inspired Plaza de la Familia, and the Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights at Disney California Adventure Park. disneyland.com

↓ ARIZONA Tombstone’s Helldorado Days

↑ CALIFORNIA Night Sky Festival

Oct. 16–18

Famous for its namesake succulent, Joshua Tree National Park is also an International Dark Sky Park—a designation given to the least light-polluted places in the world. The Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center hosts this weekend of telescope viewing, astro­nomer talks, a family-friendly “space camp,” and more. joshuatree .org/event

As the site of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone is a destination for Wild West aficionados year-round—but this annual Halloweentime celebration ups the ante with historical re-enactments, fashion shows, music, food vendors, and a parade. Pick up the event newspaper, the Helldorado Headstone, for all the details. tombstonehelldorado.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: © 2026 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; PIXEL-SHOT / ADOBE STOCK; JOSHUA RESNICK / SHUTTERSTOCK; SHOHEL RANA PRO / SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY PRESCOTT VETTE SETTE

free

↑ ARIZONA 20th Annual AllCorvette Car Show Sept. 24–26 Now in its 20th year, this Prescott car show sees more than 300 Corvettes and those who love them—aka the Prescott Vette Sette—gathering in historic Courthouse Plaza. Programming includes a tour of Prescott’s Sharlot Hall Museum, a raffle, a silent auction, and a mixer at Doc’s BBQ & Whisky downtown. prescott vettesette.com free

ARIZONA

AAA TravelFest Sept. 12 f r e e This daylong convention at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown offers inspiration for your adventures to come.

Meet AAA Travel Advisors and fellow travel enthusiasts while you access exclusive deals, expert tips, and creative itineraries for your next cruise, national park visit, or international destination. Open to Members and non-Members.

AAA.com/travelfestaz

Oct. 9–10

CHECK AHEAD Before you go, review the event’s website to ensure details haven’t changed.

A A A | VIA

63

WHERE IN THE WEST

Marvel of a marsh

← F IN D THE A N SW E R O N PAGE 2 .

64

V I A | FA L L 2 0 26

TEST YOUR TRAVEL KNOWLEDGE Every Wednesday on Facebook and Instagram, our Where in the West series asks AAA Members to tell us the location of a breathtaking image.

You can join the fun at AAA.com/facebook and AAA.com/instagram.

CHANSAK JOE / SHUTTERSTOCK

Where in the West does nearly half a mile of accessible boardwalk wind through a wonderland of wetland flora and fauna? Hint: On the edge of a major city, this refuge is home to more than 130 species of birds. Visit in fall, before snow blankets the landscape, to watch bald eagles hunt from nests high in the cottonwoods and hear trumpeter swans noisily narrate their migration. At water level, late-running coho salmon push upstream while moose wade neck-deep through the ponds.

™

“They truly care about my hearing health.ˮ

– Joe Namath Super Bowl lll MVP MDHearing Aid User

We start with high-quality hearing aids— and continue with FREE one-on-one caring support whenever you need it, at the most affordable prices.

When you New Low Price: ONLY $98.50 each buy a pair

Get a FREE set-up appointment from home with a licensed hearing specialist Over

Dr. Sandra Porps, AuD

2 Million • FDA Registered Head of Audiology Sold!

Exceptional hearing should be accessible to all. • Rechargeable Whether you need in-ear devices that are • Largest Licensed US Support Team 50% smaller or powerful behind-the-ear For Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids models, our experts can guide you towards • FREE 24/7 Lifetime Support the perfect model for your needs.

• Supporting Hearing Health Your hearing matters. Donʼt be fooled For Over 16 Years by inferior products.

Call or Go Online Today!

NEARLY INVISIBLE

1-800-698-8292 GetMDNeo.com MDHearing NEO

Charging case

BUY DIRECT & SAVE THOUSANDS VS. CLINICS

Enter Offer Code EA44 for a 60-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL!

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE!

Savor more.

Spend less.

With Dining Deals from AAA, save on whatever you’re craving—from pizza and pasta to steak and sandwiches.

• Take up to 40% off with eGift cards at 55,000+ restaurant locations nationwide.* • Get deals from local favorites or popular brands, like Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Panera Bread.

• Present your eGift card on your phone or bring a printed copy with you.

Scan or visit AAA.com/ DiningDeals to learn more.

Dining Deals from AAA *Merchants shown are not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this program. While supplies last. ©2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved.