Via Magazine | Winter 2025 | AAA

Feeling a little nostalgic? Wanna go bargain hunting? Score the hottest fashions? Go on a thrill ride and cruise through Southern California’s Greater Ontario where shopping, dining and day tripping is a real joy. GO, Get your kicks.

Prosciutto and bruschetta taste even better when eaten in Italy’s EmiliaRomagna.

DEPARTMENTS

8 President’s Letter

Looking back at 2025 and driving ahead to the next 125 years.

11 Member News

California’s Slow Down, Move Over law expands; plus, new AAA branches in Utah and Wyoming, a driver training milestone, and more.

17 Behind the Wheel

The Toyota Corolla turns 60; the latest on cellphone safety; how to use your car’s assistance features; why headlights seem brighter.

25 On the Road

The Southwest’s iconic saguaro; Members’ favorite cozy cafés; slot canyons and peregrine falcons in Utah’s Snow Canyon; a weekend in Sebastopol, Calif.; highlights on the road between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M.

58 Annual Meeting Notice

The annual meeting of the Members of AAA Mountain West Group will be held January 8, 2026.

60 Where in the West

COVER STORY Hop on the Cheese Trail

Venture to family farms and artisan creameries in California, Oregon, and Washington. BY

MELANIE HAIKEN

Emilia-Romagna: Slow Food, Fast Cars

On a journey from Parma to Bologna, explore Italy’s two most famous exports. BY JUSTIN

GOLDMAN

← 11 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Get ahead of snow, ice, and cooler temps by topping off fluids, adding a coat of wax, and more easy to-dos.

More Must-Visit Italy Destinations

Go deeper, from the Alps and their medieval fortresses to the sandy shores and ancient ruins of Sicily.

BY

LAURA DEL ROSSO

Look right through a sandstone cliff in this capital city.

ON THE COVER Savor the beauty and bounty of the California Coast, with a cheese board lunch featuring selections from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. Page 38.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES BUETI

From top attractions to daily programs, to when to go and where to stay, get top tips for visiting this desert gem. Take Your Ears on an Adventure

Surf culture, UFO hot spots, and haunted hotels! The Via Podcast tells uniquely Western stories. Catch up on all of Season 2 now.

Scan to enjoy these online-only stories and more.

STAFF

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, Rebecca Harper, April Kilcrease, Emma Silvers

ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION MANAGER Natasha Alcalá

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Amy Mackey

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 2025 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. No part of Via may be reprinted without written permission.

→ Answer to Where in the West (page 56): Window Rock, Arizona.

True North in action: A look back at 2025

As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary achievement of providing 125 consecutive years of service to our Members. This landmark year was not only a time to honor our past, but also to focus with clarity on the road ahead. Our True North has guided us through a year of rejuvenation, reimagined opportunities, and a deeper commitment to our core vision: creating Members for life.

This year, we took tangible steps to deliver superior value. We expanded our branch operations, opening new locations in Wyoming and Utah to serve Members across our footprint. Expect more locations in the coming years— we’re working to serve you where you are. We also launched the AAA Visa Signature® credit card with a new suite of rewards.

On the roadside, we know every minute matters. I’m proud to say we successfully reduced our average response times to get to you faster when you need us most.

As a mission-driven, Member-centric organization, we strive to make a meaningful impact in our communities. This year, we championed vital safe mobility initiatives, helping advance key legislation in child passenger safety and Slow Down, Move Over laws. Our many accomplishments this year are a direct result of the more than 5,000 Team Members committed to providing service excellence to the 6.8 million Members of AAA Mountain West Group.

As we turn the page to a new year, we begin a new chapter, driving toward the next 125 years. The opportunity to lead this organization and deliver unparalleled value to you has been a journey of a lifetime.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

MARSHALL L. DONEY, PRESIDENT AND CEO

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Member Value Report to learn how we’re delivering for our Members and communities. → AAA.com/mvr

Get away this winter with Hertz + AAA

*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 211634 and AAA CDP# 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, and may not be used with other discounts, promotions, or special rates. Valid for vehicle pickups through 12/31/2025. Subject to availability, blackout periods, & additional restrictions. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card for identification.

1The

Everything You Need to Get Moving This Fall

Top-brand gym options for just $28/mo.1

Learn More:

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FITNESS CENTERS

to change. Other restrictions may apply based on the location of your selected fitness center. Some large chains may not offer access to multiple locations with their brand. Some fitness centers do not participate in the Active&Fit Direct network for all Program Sponsors. On-demand workout videos are subject to change. ASH reserves the right to modify any aspect of the Program (including, without limitation, the Enrollment Fee(s), the Monthly Fee(s), any future Annual Maintenance fees, and/or the Introductory Period) at any time per the terms and conditions. If we modify a fee or make a material change to the Program, we will provide you with no less than 30 days’ notice prior to the effective date of the change. We may discontinue the Program at any time upon advance written notice.

Saving lives on the roadside

AAA Mountain West Group collaborated with California lawmakers to pass an expanded Slow Down, Move Over state law.

On July 28, 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 390 into law, which requires drivers to slow down or vacate the lane closest to any vehicle stopped on the side of the road, if safe to do so. Currently, California drivers are required to do this only for stopped emergency vehicles with lights on. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

In cooperation with the Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA Mountain West Group worked closely with the bill’s author, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson. AAA believes this law will save lives, ensuring anyone stopped on the roadside receives enough space to remain safe from cars passing by.

—DOUG JOHNSON, EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

AAA tow truck drivers Romell Effinger and Michael Scott at the State Capitol in support of the new law.

90 years of driver training

This year, AAA celebrates 90 years of offering driver education programs. Since 1935, AAA has been a pioneer in fostering responsible and knowledgeable drivers. In 1947, it established the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, dedicated to research and education; by the 1950s, AAA launched driver education programs of its own. Today, AAA offers a variety of driver training options, including teen driver programs, defensive driving courses for adults, and online resources. Learn more at AAA.com/drivered.

AAA Loyalty Lounge

To celebrate and honor AAA Members, this fall the club set up exclusive lounges at popular community events. The AAA Loyalty Lounge popped up at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival in Lafayette, Calif.; the RedWest Country Music Festival in Salt Lake City; and the Championship Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Ariz. There, AAA Members enjoyed exclusive perks and giveaways. Keep an eye out for the AAA Loyalty Lounge near you in 2026 and visit AAA.com/lounge.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

New extended branch hours

Starting January 2026, in order to serve you better, we are adding Saturday hours to more of our branches. Visit AAA.com/locations to see the hours of operation for your local branch.

Cheyenne, Wyo., branch Team Members celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon cutting.

NEW AAA BRANCHES OPEN

AAA Mountain West Group is excited to announce two new branches to provide enhanced service—in Cheyenne, Wyo., and St. George, Utah. The new locations proudly serve these communities with the legacy of trusted service you’ve come to expect from AAA. Both branches offer our legendary Member experience, including vacation and travel planning, free passport photos, and notary services. You can also manage and learn more about

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insurance policies, including car, home, and life, and shop our Smart Home Security solutions. Please stop by and say hi, and be sure to ask about our exclusive Member discounts at local businesses. The new locations are:

• 5220 Rue Terre Cheyenne, WY 82009

• 250 North Red Cliffs Drive #39 St. George, UT 84790

Share your thoughts

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.

Members who use AAA Discounts & Rewards save an average of $220 annually.1 Your AAA Membership saves you money on everyday purchases, theme parks, gifts, and more. Before you pay full price, check AAA Discounts & Rewards online and keep this guide by your side. Save 25% or more on holiday pears and other gourmet gifts.

Attractions

Use AAA Tickets to save at top theme parks.

Get special savings on tickets to LEGOLAND ®

Save up to $64 on tickets to Disneyland® Resort.

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Dining

New! Save at your favorite restaurant brands.

Save up to $87 on tickets to Walt Disney World ® Resort.

Get discounted gift cards for your favorite restaurants, from fast casual to fine dining.

Get special savings on tickets to Six Flags® .

✪ Save 10% on food and nonalcoholic drinks when dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (pictured above), Hard Rock Cafe®, and other Landry’s Inc restaurants.

Tip: Leave your vacation planning to the pros at AAA Travel! Members get our Best Price Guarantee and exclusive perks. ➤ AAA.com/travel

Shopping

Score a great price on something special.

Free 20-page (standard) 8x11-inch hardcover photo book from Shutterfly.

Save up to 30% on Samsung products sitewide.

Save 25% or more on gourmet gifts from the 1-800-Flowers.com family of brands, including:

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Travel

Plan smarter and save.

✪ Save on glasses and non-prescription sunglasses at LensCrafters.

Save 25% on plants.

Save up to 20% on your Hertz rental, and enjoy:

➤ Free additional driver (save $15/day).

➤ Free use of child safety seat (save $13.99/day).

➤ Young Renter fee waived (save $25/day).

➤ 10% off prepaid fuel.

➤ 1 free day when you join Hertz’s loyalty program.

Save 10% at The Parking Spot and get two free days with Spot Club.

PREFERRED HOTELS

✪ Save 5-10% at AAA preferred hotels, including Choice Hotels Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and more.

Automotive

Keep your car fueled and maintained using these offers.

✪ Save 10% (up to $75) on labor at owned and approved AAA Auto Repair shops. 2

Save 10% on select auto parts and accessories at NAPA Auto Parts.

Save 30¢/gal on your first fill at Shell when you join Fuel Rewards®, then save 5¢/gal on every fill.3

Tip: To see all the latest offers, log-in to your AAA account and sign up to receive AAA Discounts monthly newsletter. ➤ AAA.com/account Scan to redeem your discounts and start saving today.

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Home & Business

Maximize your household budget with these exclusive Member savings.

Get up to $200 back when you switch to T-Mobile 4 on top of other deals and offers.

Save 12% plus free one-way mileage from Penske Truck Rentals. Save 25% on federal & state filings with TaxAct. Save on fuel and earn rewards with the Love’s Connect App.

Behind the Wheel

Happy birthday, Toyota Corolla!

Chances are extremely good that, at some point in your driving career, you’ve owned, driven, or at least been a passenger in a Toyota Corolla. And now the best selling car of all time is about to turn 60. Between the end of 1966, when it was first launched in Japan, and the end of 2024, Toyota has sold 1,359,630,000 Corollas in 150 countries, including just over 13 million in the

U.S. alone. The Corolla began its life as a classic five-seat, four-door sedan. Today, in its 12th generation, it’s also available as a hatchback, a high-performance GR, and an SUV-like Cross, as well as several hybrid trims. Regardless of the specific version, the Corolla’s main selling points—affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency—haven’t changed one bit. —DAN MILLER

1966 Corolla 1100 Deluxe

2026 Corolla

Why do headlights seem so bright?

Your eyes aren’t fooling you: Headlights are in fact brighter these days. Here’s what you can do about it.

by melanie lockert

As the sun goes down, driving risks go up. About half of traffic deaths happen in the dark, at dawn, or at dusk, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Headlights obviously play a key role in keeping both drivers and pedestrians safe.

But for several years now, we’ve received a steady stream of complaints from AAA Members about headlights that are simply too bright. While

modern headlights can indeed improve road visibility for the drivers who have them, they can at the same time impair it for others.

AAA Members aren’t the only ones who have a problem with these brighter lights. U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., has called for federal regulations to dim bright headlights. A Change.org petition to ban “blinding headlights” has garnered over 72,000 signatures.

If bright lights are vexing you, it can help to understand why they’re so bright in the first place.

Brighter lights, taller vehicles

Two factors in particular have combined to make headlight glare worse than it once was.

bulbs The most important factor has been the shift from halogen bulbs to those that use LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Most new cars now use the latter. In lumens (the metric for visible light), LED lights can be much brighter than their halogen counterparts.

LED bulbs also produce a bluer light than halogens. That color temperature can make LEDs harder on the eyes than traditional headlights, which have a yellow hue.

“It’s not necessary for headlights to be that color, it’s a design choice,” says Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering at AAA Inc. “We’re doing research to understand its implications. Could headlights be just as

effective, but with a color that people are more comfortable seeing?”

LED bulbs have also enabled more targeted beam patterns, which aim the light more accurately onto the road. But if those headlights aren’t aligned correctly, their beams can drift instead into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Repair

vehicle height Drivers are buying bigger and taller vehicles. Of the 10 most popular vehicles in 2024 (ranked by sales), seven of them were trucks and SUVs, according to data from car-shopping guide Edmunds. That increased height means that the headlights may point more directly into the eyes of drivers in smaller vehicles.

Impact of bright lights

While many people complain about these brighter lights, others—particularly drivers whose vehicles are equipped with modern bulbs—love them. They can see the road better, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents for everyone.

“We know that the old-style halogen reflector headlights did not provide enough forward lighting,” says Brannon. “Above 45 miles an hour, you could outdrive your lights.”

LED headlights might help drivers who use them, but it can be a different story for oncoming and trailing traffic.

“We know that these older systems were inadequate,” says Brannon. “The challenge is balancing the performance of modern headlights with the glare for other drivers.”

What to do about it

If your vehicle is equipped with these brighter lights, make sure that you get them properly adjusted as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance.

Also, avoid buying aftermarket LED headlights, which can have higher brightness levels and may, in fact, be illegal.

What can you do if you’re on the receiving end of these lights?

“Our driver-training folks will tell you that, number one, don’t look into the headlights,” says Brannon. “There’s something called the moth effect: Bright lights naturally draw your eye.” Instead, you should train yourself to look away from the beams and, instead, to keep your focus on the right shoulder of the road.

Additionally, regularly cleaning your windshield to remove dirt and debris can help mitigate the glare of oncoming lights.

The future of headlights

Some car manufacturers offer highbeam assist (HBA) as a feature in newer vehicles in the U.S. HBA helps the vehicle automatically toggle between low beams and high beams.

But many other countries have an even better solution: adaptive driving beam headlights. These lights are more robust than HBA, as they continuously change patterns to maintain visibility and reduce glare for other drivers.

Unfortunately, this technology isn’t yet widely available in the U.S. Despite a 2022 ruling from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that allowed adaptive driving beam headlights, compliance challenges have made it difficult for automakers to implement them.

The best drivers can do in the meantime is to avert their eyes when bright lights approach and to keep their windshields clean. It can also help to remember that, overall, such lights can actually make roads safer.

Learning to use your car’s ADAS

How to explore a vehicle’s assistance features.

by dan miller

Q“I have a new car with a lot of new bells and whistles. I like driving the car, but sometimes using the new systems feels confusing Should I just practice?”

—MARSHA HOLDEN

AModern vehicles are packed with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. These features are designed to make driving safer and easier. But understanding what they do, how they’re useful, and how to use them can certainly feel overwhelming.

Here’s how to make the learning process more manageable.

You could just learn by happenstance—drive around as usual, wait for the systems to activate, then hope you react appropriately—but it’s far better to be proactive.

As you intuit, practice is key. But, as William Van Tassel, manager of driver training programs at AAA Inc., points out, you first need to learn what ADAS your car has and how they’re supposed to work. For that, Van Tassel says, “the owner’s manual is your best friend.”

Knowing your ADAS features

The manual should not only explain

which ADAS features your vehicle has, but also what they do, what they don’t do, and how to use them.

The only concern with relying on your owners manual? It may be written to cover every trim of your particular model. That means your manual might explain features that aren’t actually available on your particular car.

There are a couple of ways to find out which ADAS features your car has.

One is to look at the window sticker that was on the car at the dealership; it should list all of your car’s features.

If you don’t have that sticker, another option is to first find your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). If you can’t find a written record of it, check the dashboard near the windshield or a plate or sticker in the driver’s side door jamb. Then, look up that number on an online decoder such as the one offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/ decoder). There, you should be able to find a list of the standard and optional safety systems installed on your vehicle.

How your ADAS works

Once you know the ADAS features your car does and doesn’t have, it’s time to learn how they work. Again, the owner’s manual should be your starting point. Read that, but don’t stop there. To further solidify your understanding, Van Tassel suggests looking for videos from the manufacturer or third-party sites such as My Car Does What (mycardoeswhat.org). Now that you have a theoretical grasp of your car’s ADAS, you’re ready for some practice. To get hands-on with certain technologies, such as rear-view cameras and rear automatic emergency braking, Van Tassel recommends finding a closed area, such as an empty parking lot, which allows you to experience the system’s

interventions without the pressure of live traffic. He suggests bringing along traffic cones, cardboard boxes, or other large but pliant objects to simulate obstacles that your car’s ADAS should detect and, potentially, react to.

For features like lane-maintenance systems, which trigger in specific realworld conditions, Van Tassel suggests testing on quiet roads with clear lane markings; that way you can safely experience warnings and interventions without bothering other drivers. For something such as adaptive cruise control, you can practice with a friend in another vehicle on a back road, to find out when the feature engages and what happens when it does. “I would not be testing these at high speeds on freeways,” he says.

Another resource to check out: Some car dealerships offer technology clinics to recent and prospective

customers. Such clinics typically include hands-on trials and explanations of the car’s features. Ask your dealer if that’s a possibility, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t. “Some dealers are better prepared to offer such demonstrations” than others, Van Tassel says.

The overall goal of this process, he says, is to “prevent surprises when using technology on public roads.”

Lifelong learning

Finally, once you’ve figured out your car’s ADAS, don’t think your journey is over. Today’s drivers need to develop an attitude of continuous learning. Your current vehicle might be able to do X, Y, and Z. But your next one might add a whole alphabet

of new features that you’ll have to learn to use.

Also, remember that ADAS isn’t self-driving. While these systems are incredibly helpful, they’re never a replacement for an attentive driver. You should, Van Tassel says, “drive as if these technologies are not present,” treating them as backups and a way to improve your safety margins, rather than excuses to indulge in riskier driving. When a safety system engages, you can take that as feedback about your driving and attention level.

So, yes, you should practice—but with purpose and preparation. By combining foundational learning with smart, controlled trials, you can turn that initial nervousness into confident mastery. ●

Put down the phone

Cellphones are a leading cause of distracted driving. But you can reduce the risk they pose.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1 in 12 fatal crashes in the U.S. involves some form of driver distraction. In 2023, distracted driving resulted in 3,275 deaths nationwide.

Distractedness can have many causes, from sights outside the car to passengers within. But one of the chief culprits is the cellphone.

That’s why most states restrict cellphone use by drivers. California, for example, has had a law on the books since 2008 banning talking on a cellphone while driving, unless the phone is in hands-free mode. That law was later amended to similarly restrict texting and other applications. This past summer, a judge ruled that drivers can’t even hold their phones in their hands while driving. Other states in the West have similar laws.

Legal vs. safe

“Hands-free” in these cases can mean several things: Mounting the phone where you can see it without holding it in your hand, connecting it (via Bluetooth or cable) to your vehicle’s infotainment system, or controlling it with voice commands.

According to the California Highway Patrol, it is legal to interact

with a phone only if it is safely mounted on the dashboard and interactions are limited to single swipes or taps. There are no laws against interacting with a built-in infotainment screen.

But even in these circumstances, “hands-free” isn’t necessarily “distraction-free.” Glancing at (much less tapping on) a phone or infotainment screen takes your eyes off the road. Interacting with your phone—if only by voice—still takes cognitive bandwidth that might otherwise be focused on the road around you.

That’s why the National Safety Council and California’s Office of Traffic Safety both advise drivers to either set up their phone’s navigation and entertainment options before they start driving or, if they’re already underway, to pull over and park before interacting with the device.

Delegating a passenger to deal with the device is another good option. If drivers absolutely must interact with their phones themselves

while driving, they should use voice commands only and keep them as brief as possible.

That advice might sound extreme, yet it’s one of the only ways to drive without being distracted by the phone.

Do not disturb

If the steps above seem too challenging for you, but you still want to minimize the power of distraction, you can take advantage of your phone’s “do not disturb” (DND) settings. Both iPhone and Android devices have them.

On the iPhone, for example, in “driving focus” mode, you can still receive calls from allowed contacts and use voice-control for entertainment and navigation. You just aren’t pinged for every incoming text.

READ MORE

What you should (and shouldn’t) do as you drive to keep your attention where it belongs. AAA .com/distracted

Whichever phone software you use, research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that activating DND technology cuts the chances of a driver-phone interaction by 41 percent. It won’t eliminate distractions entirely, but it can help reduce them. ●

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On the Road

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Desert

spires

A full-grown, 200-year-old saguaro cactus boasts some imposing stats: It can stretch up to 60 feet tall and regularly tips the scales at over 2 tons. The species’ name, a Spanish adaptation of an Indigenous Opata word, nods at the layered history of the Sonoran Desert, while the plant’s hefty silhouette has become synonymous with the Southwest: rugged, majestic, and larger than life.

Outside Tucson, in Saguaro National Park, an estimated 2 million of these spiny giants reach toward a wide-open sky. Gingerly walk among them in November, when temperatures cool enough to make hiking pleasant. Later in winter, you might stumble upon a rare desert waterfall and, at higher elevations, even snow.

Be sure to look beyond the tips of the towering cacti too. “Our sunrises, sunsets, and night skies are all phenomenal,” says park ranger Beth Hudick. Just remember, especially if you’re hiking after twilight, to “always be aware of your surroundings and stay on the trails,” she says. “All the vegetation out here is pretty spiky.”

Albuquerque to Santa Fe

Take the scenic route for snow-dusted desert vistas, unique Pueblo art and history, and soul-warming New Mexican cuisine.

by christopher hall

Do you know the way to Santa Fe?

For many New Mexico visitors, it’s the one-hour shot north from the Albuquerque airport on I-25. But the interstate can’t match the up-close look at the boundless high desert and fascinating culture offered by a back-roads loop. And there’s no better time to go slow than winter, when snow dusts the desert and piles up in the mountains, and travelers warm themselves with steaming bowls of stew cooked with the state’s iconic chiles.

Albuquerque to Corrales

Spreading across a valley bisected by the cottonwood-lined Rio Grande River, Albuquerque (population 565,000) quiets down after October’s huge international hot-air balloon festival. Get a feel for the region’s roots at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Then, grab an elote croissant cup or a maple-blueberry-pecan scone from The Burque Bakehouse, whose owners, Sarah Ciccotello and Chris McQuary, donate a portion of

proceeds to local Indigenous organizations.

Leaving the city center on Rio Grande Boulevard, you’ll pass some of the vineyards that comprise the Middle Rio Grande Valley appellation. Franciscan friars planted the region’s first grapes in the 1600s. Today, visitors to Casa Rondeña Winery can drink in views that stretch across trellised rows to distant peaks and sample the estate’s award-winning Meritage, a silky red Bordeaux-style blend. Nearby, Farm & Table pairs local wines with

Iberian-inspired architecture at Casa Rondeña Winery. right: “Christmas-style” enchiladas with red and green sauces at La Choza.

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

Centuries 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.

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.

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

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

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New American dishes, like a fall-offthe-bone bison short rib. Dine on the heated patio and watch the sunset dance across the surrounding fields. Located along an important flyway, the valley also hosts hundreds of thousands of overwintering birds. Just across the river, via Highway 423, trails at the city’s Open Space Visitor Center afford great views of egrets, snow geese, and sandhill cranes.

It’s a 6-mile hop on highways 45 and 448 to the village of Corrales, where Wagner Farm draws crowds from August to November for its fresh green chiles fire-roasted on the spot. The state’s rich cultural mix is on display at Casa San Ysidro, a history museum and 19th-century adobe home authentically furnished with everything from a tin chandelier to Hispanic and Pueblo weavings.

Corrales to Santa Fe

The meander continues north another 10 miles to Bernalillo. Tour

the Coronado Historic Site at Kuaua Pueblo to see some of North America’s finest precontact murals, uncovered during a 1935 archeological dig. Just a few minutes from the site, fuel up on hefty plates of huevos rancheros or chile rellenos at Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen, a homey eatery, before pushing on 6 miles more to tiny Algodones.

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The unique, small-batch spirits crafted by the Algodones Distillery include gin infused with juniper, piñon, and other native botanicals. And don’t miss Stranger Factory gallery and gift shop, which owners Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters have filled with their own and others’ PopSurrealist work, including glittering octopus holiday ornaments and Burtonesque figurines of wide-eyed aliens and pumpkin-headed humans. With northward back roads ending at Algodones, the route continues

briefly on I-25. Sweeping desert vistas accompany the 25-minute drive to La Cienega, a pocket of springs and rare wetlands on Santa Fe’s outskirts. Book a private soak at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, and sink into a 103-degree spring-fed pool next to a crackling kiva fireplace.

Santa Fe to Albuquerque

You could spend days in the 7,000-foot-high capital of Santa Fe (population 90,000), exploring the Museum of International Folk Art, casing boutiques and galleries, and eating soul-satisfying New Mexican dishes, such as the blue corn enchiladas bathed “Christmas style” in red and green sauces at bustling La Choza. Around the holidays, strings of red chiles (ristras) dangle by doorways, and the city glows with over 35,000

left to right: Snow and steam at Ten Thousand Waves; farolitos light the way on Canyon Road; snowshoeing in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

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lights twinkling in its central plaza and farolitos illuminating the Canyon Road gallery district.

A drive on Highway 475 into the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains makes a great city break. Only 15 minutes from central Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park offers pine-scented hikes by foot or snowshoe, and 15 minutes beyond that, you can ski or snowboard at Ski Santa Fe, with a base elevation of 10,350 feet. Finish off with an outdoor soak at the serene, Japanese-inspired Ten Thousand Waves spa.

The 54-mile drive back to Albuquerque on Highway 14, part of a National Scenic Byway known as the Turquoise Trail, includes stops in a pair of historic mining towns revived by an influx of artists. In sleepy Los Cerrillos, about 30 minutes from Santa Fe, the Casa Grande Trading Post stuffs antique curiosities like an 1899 clothes washer, worn gold pans, and glass medicine bottles

into a rambling adobe and sells a rock hound’s treasure chest of minerals and stone objects. A few blocks away, the Black Bird Saloon serves a fine green chile cheeseburger in an 1880s bar warmed by a wood-burning stove.

Another few minutes on 14 brings you to funky Madrid, where houses sport kaleidoscopic paint jobs. Stop in Mostly Madrid, one of dozens of galleries, to peruse ceramics as well as jewelry from Santo Domingo Pueblo, a famed center of turquoise craftsmanship. At the Mine Shaft Tavern, a legendary biker bar, families rub elbows with leather-clad chopper dudes over pub grub.

Highway 14 continues to Albuquerque’s outskirts, winding through foothills dotted with juniper, shrubby cholla cactus, and red-rock formations. And if the end of the road has you feeling blue, remember that most Pueblo languages have no word for “goodbye.” Instead, it’s “until we meet again.” ●

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Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

In this lesser-known red rock park, seek out slot canyons, petrified dunes, and rare desert wildlife.

by melanie haiken

Skip the crowds swarming Zion National Park; a similarly stunning, less-populated landscape awaits nearby. Located where the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and Colorado Plateau meet, Snow Canyon State Park protects 7,400 acres of carnelian-and-cream sandstone cliffs, rust-colored sand dunes, and charcoal-black lava flows within the larger Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Most of the highlights are strung along 4-mile Snow Canyon Drive, between the north and south entrances, so there’s no need to choose between climbing dunes, slipping into slot canyons, or spotting roadrunners and desert tortoises—you can do it all in one thrill-filled day.

Geological playground

The forces of water, wind, and fire that forged this otherworldly terrain over millions of years are on display along the 2.5-mile Lava Flow Trail, which traverses a 27,000-year-old volcanic field to reach multiple lava tube entrances open to exploring (flashlight or headlamp required). Clamber over mounds of Navajo sandstone known as the

Petrified Dunes, reached via a 1.2-mile trail. Or, at the Sand Dunes Picnic Area, head out on a path that transforms into a vast cinnamon-hued sandbox.

Movie-worthy moonscapes

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In Jenny’s Canyon, join the photographers craning to catch that perfect slice of azure sky framed by sheer ochre walls. Families favor the canyon’s gentle half-mile trail, where kids can scramble up slopes and tuck themselves into gullies. For a more peaceful experience, go late in the day, when sunset colors the cliffs a deep crimson. A number of westerns, most notably Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, feature the park’s Kodachrome backdrop.

Desert dwellers

Hike the 2-mile trail to Johnson’s Canyon to see peregrine falcons soar overhead, while white-throated swifts swoop from high crevices in the rock. After passing Johnson’s Arch, the trail terminates in an oasis-like valley, where a 200-foot waterfall tumbles

from the cliff top after a good rain. Desert tortoises, a threatened species that can live up to 100 years old, sun themselves here on the slickrock. Keep an eye out for roadrunners, Gila monsters, and kit foxes too.

Gourmet picnic possibilities

Fuel up in St. George, 10 miles south of the park. Kick off the morning with an oat waffle parfait or a country-fried steak and biscuit at Liberty Cafe. For lunch, pack a picnic with hearty sandwiches and salads from Tom’s Deli. Dine on seasonal fare, such as bison tenderloin with butternut squash risotto, at the Painted Pony, an upscale restaurant in a historic brick building.

Top time to go

Visit in fall or winter to avoid sweltering summer temps and share the trails with fewer people. Plus, Johnson’s Canyon trail is only open from Sept. 14 to March 15 and is other wise off limits to protect the white-throated swifts that nest in the cliffs. ●

Millions of years ago, vast dunes solidified into the park’s wavy rocks. DAY

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WEEKENDER

Sebastopol, Calif.

A Top Chef alum shares harvest flavors and fall colors— from spicy ramen bowls to golden vineyard strolls.

by april kilcrease

Come to Sebastopol, Calif., in the late fall and early winter to sip crisp cider, hike past autumnbright vineyards, and connect with the farmers and chefs ready to share their latest harvest creations. “That’s the magic of November and December in West [Sonoma] County—it’s a time of celebration,” says chef Preeti Mistry. Host of this year’s James Beard Award–winning podcast Loading Dock Talks and a two-time James Beard nominee for best chef in the West, Mistry has made their mark far beyond Sebastopol. But it’s here, among the area’s familyowned farms and vineyards, that they found home. Mistry took a break from

tending their own Apple Cheeks

Orchard to share their favorite spots to enjoy the town’s local cuisine, wine-country landscapes, and downto-earth community.

Experience the harvest

● November marks the arrival of oliveharvest season at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, where 21 types of olives are grown and pressed into four olive oil blends. Book a tour and sample the range of flavors, from the herbaceous Tuscan to the piquant Picholine. The farm also hosts festive cooking demos, such as how to make an apple pie with an olive oil crust or latkes fried in Gold Ridge’s signature oils.

● Pick your own Fuji apples, persimmons, and pineapple guavas at Earthseed Farm, a permaculture farm named after the fictional religion in author Octavia Butler’s Afrofuturist Parable series. Earthseed sits on ancestral Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo land, and visitors often leave not only with fruit in hand, but with a “deeper understanding of the area’s original stewards,” says Mistry.

● Raise a toast to the region’s huge variety of heirloom apples at Tilted Shed Ciderworks, just 20 minutes north in Windsor. “Husbandand-wife team Scott Heath and Ellen Cavalli make some of the best cider I’ve ever tasted,” says Mistry. “Before trying theirs, I thought of cider as sweet and onenote. Their single-varietal ciders have depth, nuance, and can be paired with food—much

Join the Via Podcast on a Bay Area food tour with chef Preeti Mistry. AAA.com/ bites

clockwise from top left: Psychic Pie’s roasted mushroom pizza; at Naidu Wines, owner Raghni Naidu (left) strolls through the Sonoma Coast estate; chef Preeti Mistry in their backyard garden.

like wine.” Mistry recommends the Graviva, made with Sebastopol’s iconic Gravenstein apples, as well as the lemony Wickson.

● At Naidu Wines, take in expansive views of rolling amber vineyards while sipping estate-grown pinot noir in a fireside cabana. “Watching the leaves turn is a joy,” says Mistry. “People say the San Francisco Bay Area doesn’t have seasons, but up here, the fall colors are stunning.” For more fiery foliage, stroll between vineyards and orchards aflame in brilliant reds and golds on the West County Regional Trail, which extends 5.5 miles, from Sebastopol to Forestville.

Taste the season

● The town’s food scene is a mix of hippie farm culture and younger, more experimental chefs and winemakers. Mingle with the vintners at the Punchdown, a convivial bar where Sebastopol’s natural wine community gathers for happy hour. “The natural wine world is so much more laid back

and not stuffy,” says Mistry. “You might be sipping wine made by the person sitting right next to you.”

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● Dinner options abound, but “when the weather cools down, nothing is better than a spicy bowl of housemade noodles at Ramen Gaijin,” says Mistry. “I love the pickles—especially the shiitake mushroom—and the seasonal shrubs for a refreshing nonalcoholic drink.”

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● Seafood is the star at Handline, but Mistry swears by the burger: “It’s perfectly done—and they have the best fries in West County. Sometimes we go with friends just for oysters, fries, and bubbles.” Across the street, at the mom-and-pop joint Psychic Pie, the “adorable” owners Nicholi Ludlow and Leith Leiser-Miller “have gotten a lot of props” for their pillowy pizza crusts topped with local ingredients, says Mistry. “Nicholi is the dough master, and Leith is great with the flavors.”

Pick a souvenir

● In a town so tied to agriculture, even the shopping feels rooted. “The sheer bounty of local produce at the Sunday farmers market is just incredible,” says Mistry. Stalls brim with ripe pomegranates, blood oranges, and sweet oroblanco grapefruit. Purchase tools to preserve your fresh finds at Gather, a home-and-garden boutique, where shelves thoughtfully display ceramic fermentation crocks, canning jars, and handcrafted cookware.

● But the best memento might be one that sprouts leaves. Spread across more than 7 acres, “Botanica Nursery and Gardens is beautiful for a walk,” says Mistry. Shaded trails meander past dawn redwoods, crimson Japanese maples, and rhododendron hybrids cultivated on-site. Take home a native yerba buena plant—its minty sprigs make a tasty tea—and savor your visit for seasons to come. ●

clockwise from left:

Locally caught salmon and fresh-cut fries at Handline; sniff out the best olive oil at Gold Ridge Organic Farms; Gather’s thoughtfully curated gardening tools; u-pick organic fruit at Earthseed Farm.

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Cozy cafés

Where to bliss out with a warm beverage this winter.

“Nothing beats sipping a hot drink in the crisp air, watching skiers zipping down the mountain. I enjoy hot toddies, tea, and apple cider with friends on the patio of The Gulch Pub at Snowpine Lodge in Alta, Utah. The fireplace tucked just inside the patio door is so cozy, with a long, socialfriendly hearth to sit on, and that same mountain view.”

—KASSI SOCHA

“Comfy couches and nooks abound at Depoe Bay Coffee Roasters in Auburn, Calif., including window seating and an enclosed porch where you can bring your dog. For the coffees, teas, and smoothies, the staff is always happy to adjust for soy, coconut, and almond milk—even chocolate whipped cream if you need more sweetness.”

—SANDY STOCKTON

“At Babcock & Miles Wine Bar & Café in Red Lodge, Mont., you can sit by the fireplace inside or wrapped up in plush blankets by heaters outside. I love the Americano and the latte with organic caramel sauce made locally by King’s Cupboard.”

—WANDA KENNICOTT

“Set in a historic building in downtown Durango, Colo., Jean Pierre Bakery, Café, and Wine Bar feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The interior is warm and rustic, with a big stone

fireplace in the seating area. Order what you like; all of it is excellent. The icing on the cake is they usually have live music on the grand piano.”

—KEVIN KRUEGER

“Whenever we’re coming home from Muir Beach, Calif., we stop by The Pelican Inn for a comforting beverage. It’s small, dark, and very tavern-like: Think Tudor-style pub with nooks and crannies, wood-paneled walls, and a dartboard. My drink of choice is a

“Café Mokka in Arcata, Calif., is built in the style of a European café, with a wonderful fireplace and hot cocoa and mocha served in big cups that you can warm your hands on. Best of all, there are Finnish-style saunas and hot tubs just outside, nestled among the redwoods.”

—MARGOT H.

stout—not a hot drink at all, but it does have that coffee taste. If you want to keep things properly English, though, there’s an extensive tea menu.”

—JULES MCKNIGHT

NEXT QUESTION

Where is the best place to marvel at a waterfall in the West, and why?

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

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HOP ON THE CHEESE TRAIL

Venture to family farms and artisan creameries on road trips in California, Oregon, and Washington.

story by melanie haiken photography by james bueti illustrations by juliette borda

I’m standing in the tasting room of Nicasio Valley Cheese

Company, a farmstead creamery in Marin County, Calif., peering at a black-and-white photo depicting four generations of the Lafranchi family in their Sunday best. Pointing out his grandfather, his father, and an assortment of uncles, cousins, and siblings, cheesemaker Rick Lafranchi tells me the story of how a multigenerational pilgrimage to his grandfather’s home village in the Swiss-Italian Alps inspired the family’s transition from milk production to making cheese.

“Our relatives served us these traditional regional cheeses, and they were unlike anything we’d experienced before,” Lafranchi says. “We took some home with us and shared them around, and everyone who tried them thought they were pretty special.”

Recruiting Swiss cheesemaker Maurizio Lorenzetti for authenticity, Rick and his brothers Scott and Randy began production in 2010. Two decades later, the display case before me reveals over a dozen fresh and aged cheeses, from creamy fromage blancs to briestyle cheeses with velvety rinds to dense and tangy Alpine classics. And the Lafranchis haven’t stopped innovating, as evidenced by a slew of first-, second-, and third-place awards displayed around the tasting room. “This one just won first place in the farmstead category,” notes Lafranchi, holding up a wedge of pungent Nicasio Square, a

washed-rind cheese so creamy it practically spreads itself on my cracker.

Five minutes later, we’re standing atop a ridge looking down at a herd of black-and-white Holsteins, which cluster around the milking barn in the valley below. “We milk in the morning, and that milk is at the creamery and into production in less than four hours,” he says. “That freshness makes all the difference.”

My fiancé and I are at the start of a three-day road trip, barely an hour north of San Francisco, and already I’ve learned at least five things I didn’t know about cheese-making and another handful about the history of agriculture in West Marin and Sonoma County, a story in which generations of Italian, Swiss, and Portuguese immigrants play starring roles.

Our itinerary has been guided by the Cheese Trail ( cheesetrail.org ), an online guidebook and print map designed by siblings Vivien Straus and Michael Straus, whose older brother Albert founded Straus Family Creamery—one of the first certified organic creameries in the United States. What started as a way to promote cheesemakers in California has expanded to include Oregon and Washington, with plans to go nationwide in the near future.

“There are some incredibly interesting and different cheeses that a

previous pages:

Achadinha Cheese Company’s Jersey and Holstein cows feeding between milking sessions; one of several aging rooms at Achadinha. opposite, clockwise from top left: The tasting patio at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.; Quinta, a soft, bloomyrind cheese by Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.; young goats roaming around Toluma Farms; cheesemakers at Nicasio Valley Cheese Company fill forms with heated curds; a firepit welcomes guests at the Lodge at Marconi; Nicasio Valley Cheese Company’s recipes are inspired by classic Swiss-Italian mountain cheese.

lot of people probably have never tasted and that you’re not going to find in most grocery stores, so venturing out into these regions is the best way to discover them,” Vivien Straus says. “And cheese tasting makes for a great road trip because it sends you off the beaten path to drive down all these beautiful country roads you probably wouldn’t see otherwise.”

Visiting tasting rooms and farm stands often offers a chance to get up close to cows, goats, sheep, herding dogs, and other animals, she notes, which is particularly special in spring when calves, lambs, and baby goats are plentiful. “All the farms are a little bit different, and some have activities like cheese-making demonstrations or even milking—it’s just fun.”

california

Following Straus’ recommendations, we head northwest along Tomales Bay to Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. Together with Cowgirl Creamery, it launched the modern Marin-Sonoma cheese movement 25 years ago when Bob and Dean Giacomini introduced Original Blue, the nose-tingling blue cheese that transformed salads in homes and Michelin-starred restaurants alike.

Still run by several of the Giacomini sisters, the ranch has become increasingly visitor friendly, starting with the airy, high-ceilinged marketplace,

Listen as the Via Podcast visits the West’s best cheese trails. AAA.com/cheese

which stocks a wide range of regional products along with a case full of cheeses. Tastings are held on an expansive patio with sheltered dining nooks and spa-style cabanas that invite you to lie back, breathe deeply, and take your time over platters of cheese accompanied by charcuterie, salads, nuts, sauces, and other pairings. The atmosphere is convivial, and staff are eager to suggest additional stops for visitors wanting to experience all the coastal offerings.

“We’re all trying to get people to go to the next spot. We tell people, ‘Go try the oysters, go to The Marshall Store, go taste the cheese at other creameries,’” says marketing communications associate Leigh Gardner-Gmeiner. “It’s a very supportive community, and everyone wants visitors to experience it all.”

It’s all about the lambs and baby goats at Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery, where the monthly guided walking tour includes a visit to the barn and a tasting of soft, spreadable goat and sheep milk cheeses. For a very different kind of lodging option, the farm features a fourbedroom house available as a farm stay where guests can watch how the cheese gets made and assist in herding animals. (Warning: Your alarm clock may be a rooster.)

For the last tour and tasting of the day, we head to Achadinha Cheese Company in Petaluma, where owner and cheesemaker Donna Pacheco refers to the dairy’s cows as “the girls” and makes comments like, “it’s a question of terroir—it’s all about what the girls are eating.” Taking us through every step in the labor-intensive process, Pacheco demonstrates the dedication that goes into making the huge wheels of Portuguese-influenced Broncha and the cube-cut California Crazy Curds with names like Mellow Yellow and Herbie Curd, which she seasons with distinctive combinations of garlic, chile peppers, and herbs.

“It’s a very delicate process. I have to do the first 25 minutes of every batch myself,” she says, miming a stirring action over the vast curdling basin. “I just can’t let that part go.” Clearly enthusiastic about sharing her hard-won knowledge, Pacheco gives cheese-making lessons to prearranged groups.

After all that cheese excitement, the Lodge at

Marconi offers an escape so serene that the biggest event of the night may be watching the fog thread its tendrils through the pines or listening to the haunting call of an owl in the branches overhead. Overlooking Tomales Bay and protected within a 62-acre state historic park, the property’s concrete structures—the remaining cement bases of former antenna towers—signal the site’s importance as one of the country’s earliest wireless telegraphic communications stations. It’s also echoed in the collection of antique radios and telegraph machines displayed in the lodge. Don’t miss watching the sunset over the bay from a cluster of Adirondack chairs positioned at the top of the hill or dining at Mable’s, the resort’s tree house–like restaurant, where options such as the daily fish stew, smokedtrout-and-potato dip, and fattoush salad seasoned with za’atar are standouts.

oregon

The Willamette Valley may be best known for the wine-tasting rooms and vineyards that checkerboard its gently sloping hills, but the fertile land sheltered between Oregon’s Cascades and the Coast Range is also home to a smattering of creameries and cheesemakers introducing new traditions and offerings to the farm country bounty.

At Briar Rose Creamery, perched on a hillside overlooking both forests and vines, owner Sarah Marcus hands us a tray of cheese samples through the serving window of her covered and heated “cheese porch” farm store. Along with its thorough—and complimentary—tasting, Briar Rose sells accompaniments like locally produced salami, jam, and crackers. After making our selections, which included the soft and custardy Butterbloom with its delicate buttermilk flavor and the semi-firm Callisto, similar to fontina, we sit down to enjoy a picnic while gazing out over the valley’s patchwork of forests and vineyards.

Rousing ourselves for a post-lunch stroll, we head to the Guadalupe Loop Trail on the 1,300acre grounds of Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, which makes its network of tranquil hiking trails open to the public. The quiet, shaded hiking loop takes you through a lush Douglas fir forest, offering views of Mount Hood.

From there, it’s on to Soter Vineyards for a tasting that’s as much an education in the biodynamic farming practices of the winery’s Mineral Springs Ranch as it is a chance to compare the redolent pinots and mineral-dry chardonnays on

offer. Watching the sun glow gold over the budding vines from the winery’s hilltop patio, we toast the promising start to our trip before making the 15-minute drive to a sleek silver Airstream Overlander at The Vintages Trailer Resort, our home for the next two nights.

Like the neighboring Spartan Manor, Westwood, and Vagabond, our home on wheels is painstakingly restored in retro-glam decor and fully outfitted with an outdoor grill, cruiser bikes, coffee, and hot chocolate. After a quick spin around the grounds and a simple homemade dinner of pasta and salad topped with Briar Rose’s feta-inspired Fata Morgana, we head to the festive firepit to make s’mores and swap tips and recommendations with an all-ages assortment of guests.

We embark the next day on a full cheese immersion, starting with a jaunt south to Salem to check out the Don Froylan Creamery, where Francisco Ochoa and family make traditional Mexican shredded and crumbled cheeses such as cotija, Oaxaca, and queso fresco. Named for their father, who envisioned the creamery but didn’t live to see it open, Don Froylan offers tastings and serves quesadillas with a salsa bar.

Now heading northeast, we stop by the farm stand at Lady Lane Farm, where Garry and Lacey Hansen sell butter, milk, ice cream, and farmstead cheese under the Garry’s Meadow Fresh

opposite, clockwise from top left: Don Froylan Creamery’s quesadillas, plus nachos and a burrito, all prepared with house-made cheeses; Holsteins at TMK Creamery cuddling under the itchsatisfying cow brush; Don Froylan’s cheesemakers stretch by hand to develop the right texture; sleep in style in a classic Airstream at The Vintages Trailer Resort; a full display case at Briar Rose Creamery; Soter Vineyards’ tasting room overlooks the valley below.

opposite, clockwise from top: Paul Fantello working on his family farm, Fantello Farmstead Creamery; Neighbor Lady Cheese owner Jan Addison experiments with bold flavors such as red pepper flakes and fenugreek seeds; the adorable goats at Lost Peacock Creamery; farm-fresh milk sold at Mount Rainier Creamery & Market; the Buckley Inn is a five-minute walk from downtown Buckley.

brand, all produced from their herd of 85 Jersey cows. The shop also stocks its own farm-raised eggs and beef as well as fresh roasted coffee.

We finish our day at TMK Creamery in Canby, known for its irreverent attitude, where the farm’s 40 Holsteins are referred to as “cowlebrities” and an on-site distillery produces a vodka-like spirit called “cowcohol,” offered in an ever-changing selection of cocktails. There’s even a beer on tap, Thirsty Heifers, brewed in partnership with nearby Oregon City Brewing Company.

“We use the whey from the cheese-making process, which is fermented and then distilled into a spirit,” says Todd Koch, who runs the farm with his brother Marc, wife Tessa, and sister Shauna Koch Garza. “And from the brewery, we get the spent grain and feed it to the cows.”

The farm stand’s food truck serves up fried curds, mac and cheese, and dishes made with Angus beef from the family’s own herd. After downing Angus steak quesadillas, we join the group gathered in the milking parlor for the creamery’s popular Milking with Marc experience, one of many hands-on activities the family offers.

“We wanted to create a platform where people can come and feel comfortable asking questions,” Todd Koch says. “Most people don’t have much experience being on a working farm, and it’s fun to watch people engage with the cows and see how everything works.”

washington

You don’t have to venture far from Seattle to find yourself in Washington’s lush farm country. Our journey begins at Neighbor Lady Cheese in the eastern suburb of Renton, where Jan Addison shares her family’s cheese-making heritage in evening classes out of her creamery, open by appointment. Humor is a hallmark here with cheeses bearing monikers like Goooda, Black Jack, and Holy Cow. And you can’t miss the Neighbor Lady Cheese stall at the Maple Valley Farmers Market, where cheese is displayed in fuchsia, turquoise, tangerine, and lemon-yellow net bags.

As you head southwest to Olympia, take a short detour to the historic former logging town of Buckley, where the Buckley Inn makes a perfect home base for your cheese trail journey. The 13-room, 1950s-era roadside motor lodge, painted a cheerful yellow, maintains its classic vibes while offering modern touches such as air conditioning and refrigerators. Nearby, Mount Rainier Creamery & Market sells milk, cream, half-andhalf, and ice cream from its farm in Enumclaw. It is a great spot to pick up cheeses from area cheesemakers, including Fantello Farmstead Creamery, also in Enumclaw.

On the outskirts of Olympia, visit the weekend farm stand at Lost Peacock Creamery to cuddle goats and sample halloumi, semisoft Baby Golden Child, and three varieties of fresh goat cheese. Passionate about family farming, husband-andwife owners Matthew Tuller and Rachael TaylorTuller also offer tours and cheese-making classes by prior arrangement.

It’s no wonder that the doe-eyed Guernsey cows at Domina Dairy and Creamery, just outside Napavine, look so healthy and well caredfor; co-owner and dairyman John Ahmann is the local bovine veterinarian. Their milk goes straight into co-owner Sheila Ahmann’s smallbatch raw and pasteurized milk cheeses, which include a Gouda-style, cheddar, and a version of Tomme, all of them notable for their vivid golden color, which comes from Guernsey milk’s high vitamin A and beta-carotene content. One of the smallest licensed dairies in the state, the 31-acre farm is open to visitors by appointment only. Domina’s cheeses are also popular fixtures on Saturdays at the Olympia Farmers Market, which runs April through October. ●

melanie haiken is an award-winning writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Dallara Stradale parked in front of the Dallara Academy.

On the road from Parma to Bologna, exploring Italy’s two most famous exports.

by justin goldman

The red wall outside Ristorante Cavallino in Maranello, Italy, is emblazoned with a large black horse rising up on its hind legs. Any auto enthusiast would immediately recognize the iconic logo for Ferrari, and it’s obvious why it’s here: Cavallino is directly across the street from the Ferrari factory. In fact, the building once housed the company canteen.

A bit after noon, the street is crowded with factory workers in racing-red coveralls tak ing their lunch breaks. I don’t see any of those coveralls inside. Cavallino is an upscale place, crowded with men wearing suits and blazers; many, I assume, are Ferrari executives. The decor is replete with company memorabilia: photos of founder Enzo Ferrari, the nose of a Formula 1 race car, a V-12 engine from a 1947 125 S. But it’s still elegant, with brick archways, yellow banquettes, and white tablecloths.

The menu comes from Massimo Bottura, better known as the chefowner of Osteria Francescana in nearby Modena, which has twice taken the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list; he took over Cavallino in 2021. My meal there is easily one of the highlights of my trip: tortellini in Parmigiano-Reggiano cream sauce, cotechino (pork sausage) with sour cherry and black truffle, and creme caramel made with 36-month-aged Parmesan and balsamic vinegar. Each dish is deeply rich, with alternating pops of acid and fruity sweetness.

That meal and the restaurant where I ate it embody the juxtaposition of slow food and fast cars, of craft and speed, for which Emilia-Romagna—the region in northern Italy just south of Milan that

stretches 200 miles from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea—is justly famous.

The roughly 60 miles between Parma and Bologna, with Modena in the middle, are home to some of the world’s best-known car companies: Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, along with racing specialists Dallara and motorcycle maker Ducati. Appropriately, the region is known as “Motor Valley.” But it’s just as well-known for its signature foods: Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and mortadella were all either born or achieved their most superlative expressions in this same small area.

I’ve come here to experience them all.

Parma: The best ham and cheese

My Motor Valley journey begins in Milan. In my humble rental car—a decidedly unglamorous Fiat—I leave Italy’s fashion capital behind and descend into a long, low valley. I wind through small towns, cross rivers on stone bridges, and pass one green farm plot after another.

I’ve come hungry, and my first stop is the Consorzio Produttori Latte, a nearly 100-year-old cooperative dairy and cheese factory just outside Parma.

I’ve arranged for a tour to see how Parmigiano-Reggiano is made.

“Parmigiano was invented in the Middle Ages by Benedictine monks,” says Sara Dallacasagrande, a local guide, as we watch workers in hospital-style scrubs carefully sift through vats of whey to check the masses of cheese. “They created farmhouses structured as small industries.”

In the factory’s aging cellar, I crane my neck to look up at hundreds of finished wheels of cheese, stacked to await maturity. Dallacasagrande shows me how the experts evaluate each and every

mer to find inconsistencies. At the end of the tour, we’re given samples of cheese aged 12, 24, and 36 months. As the chunks get older, they get drier and more crumbly, and the flavor grows more intense, the aroma more pungent.

We have lunch at the rooftop restaurant of the Fratelli Galloni prosciutto factory in Langhirano. I look out at the verdant valley and up at the rolling Apennines, then down at my plate of impossibly thin slices of ham. Dallacasagrande explains why EmiliaRomagna became home to some of Italy’s most beloved foods.

“Western Emilia was initially a difficult land— humid marshes along the Po River, thick forests in the hills, no seaports,” she says. “The locals had to modify the environment to our benefit. The engineering and mechanical skills of the Emilian people enabled the switch from family-run production to artisanal industry.”

The experts evaluate each and every cheese wheel, tapping on the sides of them with a special hammer to find inconsistencies.

It’s all very interesting, but I lose the thread when I put that first slice of prosciutto on my tongue. “It melts in your mouth,” she says, completely correct. My mom taught me not to speak with my mouth full, and I’ve already forked in a second slice, so I simply nod.

Hunger sated for now, I’m ready for a taste of Emilia-Romagna’s automotive achievements. Less than an hour away, in a peaceful gully near the village of Varano de’ Melegari, stands the Dallara

Academy museum. Giampaolo Dallara founded his company in 1972, after working for Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. On his own, he focused on race cars, with great success: Since 2008, Dallara has been the sole provider of chassis for the IndyCar series.

The academy’s exhibition space displays many of Dallara’s designs, parked on a ramp that curves like a banked racetrack, alongside picture windows that look out over a babbling river. There are IndyCar and Formula 3 racers, which sit so low to the ground they look like overgrown go-karts; a 1966 Lamborghini

Miura, the graceful midengine V-12 that Dallara himself helped design; and the Stradale, the company’s lone street model, a carbon-fiber missile that goes from zero to 60 in 3.2 seconds. The racing version of this car, an employee tells me, generates more downforce than the car weighs—meaning that at speed it could theoretically drive on the ceiling. Sadly, though, test drives aren’t on offer.

After the short drive back up the valley to Parma, I leave my rental at the hotel and go for a walk in the historic Parco Ducale. The region’s erstwhile rulers, the House of Farnese, commissioned these stately gardens more than 450 years ago. I stroll past shade trees, ponds, statuary, and the Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) itself before crossing the river into the city center.

I continue along tightly winding cobblestone streets, past Renaissance churches, piazzas, and tourists lapping up Aperol Spritzes at outdoor tables, to Borgo 20. This cute, contemporary bistro offers me my second platter of prosciutto of the day, which I happily accept. It’s followed by a risotto garnished with more pork (this time, crumbled speck, the lightly smoked ham from South Tyrol). After that, I worry I might be too heavy for any sports car to carry me down the road. I’ll find out tomorrow.

Ferrari: Behind the wheel

Between Parma and Modena—about 45 minutes on the highway—the landscape is agricultural, flat, and green. The city center here looks much like Parma’s, but my destination lies just outside the old town.

The Museo Enzo Ferrari is housed in the nearly 200-year-old brick building where the Ferrari founder himself was born. It’s encircled, seemingly embraced, by an arching, very 21st-century exhibition space. Both structures contain cars that illustrate how Ferrari became one of the most legendary brands in automotive history.

clockwise from top: The Palazzo del Governatore (Governor’s Palace) in Parma; monitoring aging wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano; enjoying the good life in downtown Parma; serving a platter of prosciutto with figs, grapes, and breadsticks.

clockwise from top left: Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena; Formula 1 Hall of Fame in the Museo Ferrari Maranello; lining up for laps at the Autodromo di Modena.

The highlight, for me, is seeing an F40 up close. Released in 1987, the near-mythic super car had a top speed of 201 mph. Only 213 were imported into the U.S., and I never thought I’d encounter one in person. Yet here I am, looking down at the long nose, the giant rear spoiler, the air intakes flanking its doors, the almost impossibly low profile, and the bright-red paint job. Through the slatted rear window, I can see the turbocharged V-8 engine. I feel my foot trying to press an illusive throttle, but there’s no taking this museum piece offsite.

That’s just the start of my Ferrari-themed day. I drive about 12 miles south to Maranello, the company’s base of operations since World War II. As I approach a roundabout encircling a statue of the prancing horse logo—an emblem which, I learned at the museum, was gifted to Enzo by a countess whose son had used it on his fighter plane in World War I—a red Ferrari zooms past my humble rental.

Ferrari offers a factory tour by bus—it’s a big factory—but I elect to skip it in favor of the Museo Ferrari Maranello. The main exhibit here focuses on the history of the racing team, Scuderia Ferrari. They include several cars that Michael Schumacher drove during his dominant early-2000s run of five straight Formula 1 championships. There’s also a 1967 330 P4, the tubular model that finished first and second at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race. (A Ferrari 412 P finished third, for a clean sweep of the podium.) That right foot of mine is twitching again.

Helmet on, I’m in the driver’s seat, slung so low I’m nearly sitting on the ground. The turbocharged V-8 growls like it’s about to tear itself from the engine bay.

After my lunch at Cavallino, it’s time to give that foot something to do. I’ve booked an Emotions on Track session at the Autodromo di Modena, where I’ll be taking a few laps in a Ferrari—specifically, a 670-horsepower 488 Challenge, which looks like an F40 but slightly curvier and much faster. First, there’s an orientation from an instructor, Pietro, who provides an overview of the course and a few tips. “With the brake, be rude,” he advises.

Then, helmet on, I’m in the driver’s seat, slung so low I’m nearly sitting on the ground. Even at idle, the turbocharged V-8 growls like it’s about to tear itself from the engine bay. Another instructor sits next to me in the passenger seat; when he gives me the thumbs-up, my foot hits the floor.

I’ve driven on tracks before, but something about driving a Ferrari in Italy has me nervous; my first lap is littered with missed braking points and poor lines. By the time I’m on the back straight, though, I’ve collected myself, and I go howling across the finish line and into a smoother second lap. As I pull back into the pit lane, my instructor gives me another thumbs-up.

Modena: From Maserati to Lamborghini

That track session merely whets my need for speed, and the next day is full of fast cars. Just blocks from the Ferrari museum is the Maserati factory, where I’ve signed up for a tour.

On my 90-minute guided walk, I watch workers put together the company’s flagship model, the MCPura. To say that the standards here are exacting is an understatement: The doors to one workshop are

Escape to Italy

pressurized to keep out dirt. Watching two workers install a windshield, my tour guide Alessandro says, “It’s a metaphor for the human body. We build the skeleton, then we add the organs, and finally we apply the skin.” Maserati produces about six MCPuras a day, but to my eyes, the attention to detail is worth it: With its impeccably smooth lines, this 621-horsepower arrowhead could be the most beautiful car on the road today.

Having seen the peak of futuristic automotive technology, I walk a few blocks back into Modena’s old town, passing its Palazzo Ducale (constructed starting in 1634) and the Romanesque Modena cathedral (which dates to 1184). My destination for lunch isn’t quite so venerable: The Art Nouveau Mercato Albinelli, which has served the city only since 1931.

The covered market is jammed with counters selling fruits and vegetables, salumi and cheeses, fresh fish, breads, and pastries, which the Modenese transform into the slow, sensual meals for which their country is so famous. I’m not here for groceries, though; I seek Bar Schiavoni.

This sandwich shop, on the edge of the marketplace, had a brief moment of pop culture fame when Aziz Ansari visited for a 2017 episode of his show, Master of None . I get the house specialty, a sandwich of cotechino sausage and pesto on ciabatta bread. It’s hot, spicy, crunchy, and greasy— and possibly the best thing I’ve eaten so far.

After that sandwich, I could probably use a nap, but I opt instead for another jolt of speed. Just 25 minutes down the Via

Aemilia—a historic road built by the Romans that today looks like just another byway—in the village of Sant’Agata Bolognese is the Lamborghini museum and factory.

Ferruccio Lamborghini, who made his fortune building tractors, started assembling sports cars in the 1960s. The story is that he’d bought a Ferrari 250 GT and thought he could do better. Did he achieve his goal? That depends on the eye of the beholder. Walking through the museum, I’m

struck by how distinct his company’s cars appear from their rivals.

While Ferraris are all sexy curves, Lamborg hinis sport sharper angles, more muscularity. (Appropriate, I suppose, given that most models get their names from the world of Spanish bull fighting—hence the bull statue on the road into town.)

As a child, I loved the spaceship-like Countach and Diablo; as an adult, walking the floor of the museum, I’m drawn more to the company’s first great achievement, the Miura. With its sleek, aerodynamic lines, it has appeared in exhibits all over the world. It truly is a work of art.

The afternoon waning, I speed the 25 miles to Bologna as quickly as my Fiat can manage. The regional capital is rich with history: Its university opened in 1088, its giant basilica dates to 1390, and UNESCO has designated its porticoes a World Heritage Site. The city feels both aged and young at the same time. I pass by the stout Porta San Felice, one of the 10 gates that are the last remnants of the once-mighty medieval walls, on my way to the Piazza Maggiore. Then I wander the pedestrian-clogged streets, beneath all manner of stone archways and battlements. The youth of the people everywhere, though, reminds me that this is also still a college town.

On the slow-versus-fast spectrum of EmiliaRomagna, Bologna leans toward the speedy, thanks in part to its larger size, its student population, and its status as the home of Ducati, the Ferrari of motorcycle-makers. Its CEO, Claudio Domenicali, has acknowledged that duality: “This combination of art and performance, emotion and technology, is what makes Ducati special,” he said at a Motor Valley media event in 2022. “EmiliaRomagna is about being dedicated to working, but when you finish working, try to enjoy yourself.”

I’m aiming to do just that tonight at Trattoria Da Me. Opened in 1937, it has long been one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, thanks to updated, creative takes on traditional regional dishes. I endeavor to order as much as I can: a platter of mortadella and crescentine (crisp flatbreads spread with pork lard), a tomato salad that pops in the way only the freshest tomatoes can, tortellini in brodo (broth), and osso buco (veal shank) with a saffron sauce. It’s one of the best meals of my life.

Seated at a rustic wooden table in the dimly lit yet buzzy dining room, my stomach digesting, I finally feel myself slowing all the way down. ●

justin goldman has written for Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, Eater, and the Los Angeles Times

from

clockwise

top: Maseratis in front of the factory showroom in Modena; statue of a young woman in the Mercato Albinelli, Modena; Lamborghini museum, Bologna.

More Can’t-Miss ITALY Destinations

by laura del rosso

For a first-time visitor to Italy, Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, Rome’s ancient wonders, and Venice’s sun-dappled canals are all classic destinations—for good reason. But look beyond the “big three” cities, and you’ll find there’s so much more to this magical country. In these regions, watch Olympic dreams become reality, dine on fresh local seafood, and walk cobblestone streets to see medieval architecture.

Milan and the Italian Lakes

When visitors arrive in Milan, one of the world’s great fashion and design centers, they’re usually surrounded by the whirl of industrious, style-conscious Italians. But this

winter, the city, alongside Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, will be filled with patriotic puffer jackets when it hosts the Winter Olympics in February and the Paralympic Winter Games in March. Lucky visitors will be able to watch the opening ceremony as well as ice hockey and figure skating competitions at venues across the city. Even if you can’t make the games, you would be remiss to skip Milan. The white-marble Milan Cathedral, one of the world’s largest, is a beautifully preserved landmark. Nearby, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers elegant shopping that few malls have managed to replicate. Visit the world-famous La Scala opera house, and stop by the church and convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century mural, The Last Supper.

Sicily’s ancient theater of Taormina has a great view of Mount Etna; opposite, from top: Vibrant villas surround the harbor of Varenna on Lake Como; the Basilica of Saint Francis is renowned for its art and architecture; restaurants and street vendors are tucked into Anacapri’s picturesque alleys.

Beyond Milan, the Alps preside over the dreamy countryside that unspools at their feet. Boats ferry you along the shores of three sparkling lakes—Como, Garda, and Maggiore—where medieval fortresses and pastel­colored villas stand watch. By night, locals and visitors alike descend on chic resort towns such as Como’s Bellagio for the traditional passeggiata, the evening walk.

Umbria: Assisi, Trevi, and Spoleto

Less visited than neighboring Tuscany, Umbria is best known for Assisi, the home of Saint Francis, which has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The Basilica of Saint Clare, admired for its pink­and­white­striped stone facade, is an architectural marvel. And dazzling medieval frescoes trace the revered saint’s life at the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Another Umbrian town, Trevi, is encircled by two bands of medieval walls. Spoleto boasts medieval and Renaissance architecture and serves as the setting for the Festival of the Two Worlds, a counterpart of the annual Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C.

Wild porcini and black truffles are favorite ingredients of Umbrian cuisine. Sample fresh pasta mixed with mushrooms and drizzled with luscious, truffle­infused olive oil. Local game like boar and hare often flavors ragù.

Naples, Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii

Naples exhilarates visitors with its vibrant street life, seaside panoramas, and its most famous export: pizza. Dozens of castles, museums, and churches vie for attention along with narrow streets where laundry drapes from clotheslines and singsong voices echo against the cobblestones.

You’ll feel like a movie star landing on the spectacular island of Capri. Visit the lovely hilltop town of Anacapri and the Villa San Michele, built atop the ruins of a Roman palace. After the day­ t rippers have left, enjoy a leisurely seafood dinner in the balmy night and end your meal with a cold limoncello, a lemon liqueur. Every family in Naples and along the Amalfi coast has its own recipe.

Across the Bay of Naples, find Sorrento’s pastel­colored villas, nestled in steep, dramatic cliffs facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ancient city of Pompeii makes for an easy—and fascinating—day trip. Buried beneath ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in a.d. 79, excavated streets and houses are almost perfectly preserved, as if the city were frozen in time.

Sicily and Calabria

The spectacular ruins of Sicily—left behind by the island’s many foreign occupiers—have withstood the erosion of time. The port city of Siracusa’s Teatro Greco, a 15,000seat theater carved out of rock, is a stunning example. Taormina, another exquisite town facing the sea, boasts a Greek ­ Roman amphitheater and prime views of Mount Etna. The volcano, one of the world’s most active, frequently spews ash clouds into the Mediterranean sky.

In the island’s center, the town of Enna spills over a high plateau. Panoramic views and ancient monuments make it a memorable stop en route to Agrigento and its Valley of the Temples, the most impressive collection of Greek ruins in Italy. The vibrant capital, Palermo, with its Byzantine mosaics, is another reminder of the island’s history. Walk its street markets overflowing with fruits and vegetables.

At the toe of Italy’s boot lies Calabria, lined with gorgeous beaches. Capo Vaticano is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. The main city, Reggio Calabria, proudly displays the Riace bronzes, Greek statues from around 400 b.c. ●

Annual Meeting Notice and Proxy Statement

November 14, 2025

To the Members of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, doing business as AAA Mountain West Group: Please be advised that the annual meeting of the Members of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah (“the Association”) will be held at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara in Santa Clara, Calif. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please register at AAA.com/ registration no later than 5 p.m. on December 12, 2025. Members who do not register by this date will not be admitted to the meeting. Please bring your Membership card and photo identification for admittance.

MEETING CONDUCT

In fairness to all Members attending and to ensure an orderly and constructive meeting, please observe the following procedures:

1. Do not attend the meeting if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, including fever, cough, congestion, or shortness of breath.

2. We may be required to limit attendance at the meeting to comply with state and local laws and guidelines.

3. Recording the meeting is prohibited.

4. The Corporate Secretary and/or Presiding Officer will stop discussions that are: irrelevant to the business of the Association, in substance repetitious of statements made by other persons, personal claims or grievances, or proposals to further a personal interest.

5. Derogatory references to personalities or comments that are otherwise in bad taste will not be permitted and will be a basis for removal from the meeting.

6. If a technical malfunction or other significant problem disrupts the meeting, the Corporate Secretary and/or Presiding Officer may adjourn, recess, or expedite the meeting, or take other action that the Corporate Secretary and/or Presiding Officer determines appropriate.

Please comply with these rules, which are intended to benefit all Members in attendance. Deliberate violation of procedures or an attempt to disrupt the meeting will be considered cause for expulsion from the meeting.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The following candidates for election to the Board of Directors have been nominated by the Nominating Committee, per the Bylaws of the Association:

Spencer Angerbauer, Utah Member since 2013

Occupation: CEO and founder of Telegent, Inc., one of the largest AI mobile networks in the United States, as well as managing partner for Venture Slopes, LLC, a technology investment firm based in Utah’s tech district. Mr. Angerbauer has been a Director of AAA Mountain West Group since 2014 and currently serves as board vice chair. He also serves as Director of CSAA Insurance Group. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s in business administration from the University of Utah. Statement of Views: AAA has been an icon for over 100 years. To continue as one of the most trusted brands in the world, we must focus on the needs of our Members through innovation within transportation, home, and life.

Margie Emmermann, Arizona Member since 2000

Occupation: Ms. Emmermann is a retired businesswoman and government affairs professional. In her 20-year career in state government, Ms. Emmermann was appointed by four Arizona governors to head key state agencies. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her service to the community and for outstanding contributions to the Hispanic community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of AAA Mountain West Group.

Statement of Views: With laser focus on Members, AAA is continuously looking for opportunities to transform the services we offer and the way we deliver them to best meet the needs of current and future Members.

Bashir Wada, California Member since 1978

Occupation: A director of AAA Mountain West Group since 2008, Mr. Wada is a financial and business consultant. He most recently served as a senior vice president at Capmark Financial Group Inc., an international real estate financial company. Previously, Mr. Wada was a senior executive for an emerging markets alternative asset manager and a founding partner of a venture capital firm. Mr. Wada has an MBA in finance from the University of California, Berkeley, a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and is a CFA charter holder.

Statement of Views: AAA will build upon its legacy of community service, including Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, childcar-seat safety checkpoints, and Komen Race for the Cure.

Nominees for 2026 director elections are not more than the number of Directors to be elected, therefore pursuant to Section 9 of the AAA Mountain West Group Bylaws, no election of Directors will be held, and the nominees within this notice are deemed and declared to have been elected.

GENERAL PROXY

The proxy form on the next page appoints the person(s) named on the form as your proxyholder(s) to vote and act for you on any other matter to be voted on at the 2026 annual meeting—or at any other meeting of the Members of the Association—during the term of the proxy. The term of the proxy will be three years, unless you indicate your wish to grant the proxy for a shorter term. Consequently, the proxyholder(s) will have broad discretion to represent you and will vote on your behalf on a broad variety of matters, which may include election of Directors of the Association, and/or proposals presented for the approval of Members. As of today, the Association is not aware of any specific proposals to be presented to Members at the 2026 annual meeting or at future Member meetings.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before filling out the proxy form, please note:

● Every Member is entitled to vote, either in person or by proxy.

● You may attend and vote at any regular annual meeting or at any special meeting of the Membership, whether or not you have signed a proxy.

● If you now have a proxy in effect, you may substitute a proxy of a more recent date.

● You may revoke your proxy at any time by written notice.

● In the event there are more nominees than vacancies, we will continue to vote your submitted proxy unless you revoke it in accordance with procedures that will be established by the Association.

● Your proxyholder must attend the annual meeting of Members in person in order to vote.

PROXY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Print your name, your address, and your Membership number in the spaces provided on the proxy form.

2. If you wish for anyone other than Marshall Doney (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Dustin Cramer (Chief Financial Officer) to act as your proxy(ies), print their name(s) in the space provided.

3. Sign and date the proxy form on the lines provided. If the proxy is undated, your signature authorizes the Association to insert the date of receipt.

4. Your proxy can only be exercised at the regular annual meeting if it has been signed and filed with the Secretary before the polls open for the first contested issue, if any, at the meeting.

Submit this form by mail or online at proxyonline.com/AAA.

Proxy

Please choose option A or B:

Mail your completed proxy form to: Secretary

AAA Mountain West Group P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623

You may also fill out the form online at proxyonline.com/AAA. Forms must be received by December 12, 2025.

Kamili Moreland, Secretary

Proxy Option A—I wish to appoint Marshall Doney (President & CEO) and Dustin Cramer (CFO), and their respective successors as President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, doing business as AAA Mountain West Group (“AAA MWG”), as my proxies to attend the annual meeting of the Members of AAA MWG, a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and any adjournment or postponement of that meeting.

Proxy Option B—I wish to appoint the person(s) named below as my proxy(ies) to attend the annual meeting of the Members of AAA Mountain West Group, a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and any adjournment or postponement of that meeting.

I APPOINT:

NAME(S) OF PROXYHOLDER(S)

ADDRESS(ES) IF KNOWN YOUR AAA MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

In the event that a proxyholder is not designated, the President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AAA MWG will be deemed to be the proxyholders appointed hereby. Said proxies shall vote in their discretion on all matters which may come before such meeting(s). Each proxy shall have power of substitution and any one of them shall have the powers hereby granted.

You may revoke this proxy at any time. In the event there are more nominees than vacancies, we will continue to vote your submitted proxy unless you revoke it in accordance with procedures that will be established by the Association. This proxy, unless revoked or replaced by substitution, shall remain in force for three years from the date hereof; but, if you wish this proxy to remain in force for only one year, check here:

Voting on other matters and at other meetings. I further appoint the person(s) named above my lawful proxyholder(s) to vote and act for me and in my name at all regular and special meetings of AAA MWG, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, held during the term of this proxy, in transacting any business that may come before said meetings, including but not limited to the election of Directors, as fully as I could do if personally present. Said proxyholder(s) shall vote at their discretion on all matters that may come before such meetings.

(IF UNDATED, THE DATE OF RECEIPT WILL BE INSERTED BY AAA)

Circle in stone

Where in the West can you peer right through a sandstone cliff? Hint: This geological marvel—eroded over millennia by wind and rain—is considered sacred and shares a name with the capital city in which it stands. The area is light on population (about 2,500 residents) but rich in historical and cultural attractions. There’s a museum, zoo, botanical garden, and World War II memorial, in addition to the governmental offices of the Navajo Nation.

← FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 4.

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 in the fun at AAA.com/facebook and AAA.com/instagram.

The gift that goes wherever they go.

Surprise your loved ones this holiday season with a AAA Membership.

Benefits include:

✓ 24/7 roadside assistance for all their adventures—in any car, whether they are the driver or passenger.

✓ Discounts on hotels, gas, attraction tickets, and more. Members who use AAA Discounts & Rewards save an average of $220 annually. 1

✓ Discounts on expert trip planning to help them map out their ultimate holiday getaway.

Both on and off the road, a AAA Membership is the gift that truly keeps on giving.

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• Ride ATVs across the famous Oceano Dunes

Beyond the shoreline, you can tee off at nearby golf courses, watch migrating whales breach offshore, or simply unwind with a sunset stroll. Every adventure is framed by breathtaking natural beauty and a gentle, sunny climate.

TIMELESS YET VIBRANT In Pismo Beach, California’s golden past is alive and well—blending laid-back coastal charm with modern energy and discovery. Stroll through quaint shops, enjoy live music, or simply watch the waves roll in from a café patio. Whether you come for the wine, the waves, or simply the views, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.

→ Plan your escape: ExperiencePismoBeach.com

PISMO BEACH

Generations of Fun and Happiness in Pismo Beach.

For decades, Pismo Beach has been a happiness haven. Its golden sands and gentle waves soothe souls, while nearby wineries and top-notch restaurants tempt taste buds. Kids play on the beach, surfers chase the waves, and couples savor sunsets. The town’s laid-back vibe, turns every visit into a joyful escape. In Pismo Beach, happiness isn’t just a feeling— it’s the rhythm of the tide and the taste of the region.

Awaken the Romance

Overlooking

Discover luminous artworks that dazzle and surprise while recharging your winter wonder at the Exploratorium. Let your curiosity roam free through 700+ interactive exhibits in six spacious galleries. You’ll find the world-famous Tactile Dome, oneof-a-kind stores, dining, and more at Tripadvisor’s #1-rated museum in San Francisco.

Step into the art and science of light this winter. Listen to color, relax under giant mechanical bubbles, wander a city of shadows, and more.

Come

the world’s largest Christmas tree!

All aboard! It’s Mr. Skunk here, ready to whisk you away to the world’s largest living Christmas tree, departing from Willits. From November 22 –December 31, hop aboard for cocoa, carols, treats, and giggles galore. Don’t worry, I only stink of holiday cheer!

All aboard the River Fox Train’s Magical Christmas Train, November 28 – December 28. Step into a holiday wonderland to meet Santa, sip hot cocoa, enjoy cookies, and play elvish games. With twinkling lights, music, and joyful memories at every turn, it’s the perfect family holiday tradition!

SKUNK TRAIN

RIVER FOX TRAIN

Explore winter in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Whether you come seeking the beauty of a sparkling winter day, the summer’s everlasting sunshine, or to scan the skies for the captivating northern lights, Fairbanks is an extraordinary portal into life in the Far North. Known as the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” Fairbanks is a vibrant city on the banks of the Chena River that serves as the basecamp to Denali, Interior, and Arctic Alaska.

Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights during Aurora Season, August 21 to April 21, because of its position directly under the Auroral Oval—a ring-shaped zone over the Far North where aurora activity is concentrated.

October through March, winter in Fairbanks offers world-class ice sculptures and outstanding dog mushing opportunities. Explore the

snow-capped hills, ice-covered lakes, and birch-laden trails, or go ice fishing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.

During Midnight Sun Season, April 22 to August 20, the sun shines for up to 24 hours a day. From midMay to late July, Fairbanks experiences never-ending daylight for 70 straight days.

Complete your adventure with year-round attractions including art galleries, museums, an outdoor hot spring, and the nearby town of North Pole. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for authentic Alaska Native and made-in-Alaska gifts, or drink a beverage from a local brewery or distillery.

→ Start planning your Fairbanks vacation today at ExploreFairbanks.com

Au en c Arizona

Discover by Chance. Return by Choice.

The Copper Corridor in south-central Arizona is filled with a rich history of mining, charming small towns, attractive local businesses, scenic mountains and a lifetime full of adventure.

Explore all the communities in the Copper Corridor including Globe, Miami, Superior, Hayden, Kearny Oracle, Oracle Junction, San Manuel, Mammoth and Winkelman. You might just like it so much you'll find yourself coming back for more.

Superior invites you to slow down and travel at the pace of the desert. Step into moments that matter: wander scenic trails, take in local art, uncover deep history, and connect with a community that feels like home. The Legends of Superior Trails and Boyce Thompson Arboretum aren’t here to check off a list, but to let their quiet magic find you. Between the mountains and the memories, you’ll find space to breathe.

The 5 Browns

The Edge of the World Tour 5 PIANOS. 1 STAGE. DEC 4

R. Carlos Nakai Trio  NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTIST DEC 7

One Christmas Night in Memphis

HOLIDAY CLASSICS & HITS BY CASH, PERKINS, PRESLEY & LEWIS DEC 19 & 20

Frankie Avalon

THE 1960S TEEN IDOL JAN 20

Stella Cole RISING STAR OF JAZZ STANDARDS JAN 25

Spamilton: An American Parody* SPOOF OF THE BROADWAY SMASH JAN 31

The Gatlin Brothers CLASSIC COUNTRY FEB 13 & 14

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra* 90th Anniversary Celebration with Nnenna Freelon BIG BAND HITS FEB 23

Sports Photographer Jean Fruth* From Sandlots to Stadiums: Inside America’s Favorite Pastime

BEHIND-THE-LENS LOOK AT BASEBALL FEB 26

Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music* FOLK, GOSPEL, WESTERN SWING & COUNTRY

MAR 11

Pink Martini FROM SAMBAS TO BOLEROS & BEYOND MAR 26

*These shows are part of the year-long America250 celebration in honor of the nation’s birthday