The NASCAR Hall of Fame is set to open this May.

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  March is an odd time in the world of sports. Football has finished, baseball’s in spring training, and everyone seems to be talking about how his or her college-hoops bracket is doing. Here are 10 sports spots to cure your case of “March Madness.”
  1. Camden Yards Sports Legends Museum, Baltimore. Adjacent to the Orioles’ ballpark, the Sports Legends Museum celebrates the city’s athletic history. Exhibits highlight Baltimore’s major sports teams – the Orioles and the Ravens – along with past icons like the Colts’ football team. There are presentations about the city’s most famous athletes: Johnny Unitas, Cal Ripken Jr. and Babe Ruth, whose birthplace is just a few blocks away.
  2. Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, Ontario. Inspired by the Olympics? Head north to the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia. The Hall celebrates the achievements of legends like Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr. Try sportscasting at the Broadcast Zone. Learn geography through sports at the Global Game Encounter. Show off your stick skills at Be a Player Zone, where you can play goalie against a virtual Wayne Gretzky.
  3. Madison Square Garden, New York City. It’s the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” having hosted everything from U2 concerts to the Westminster Dog Show. Madison Square Garden is best known as home to three pro sports teams: the Knicks, the Rangers and the WNBA’s Liberty. It also hosts the Big East Men’s College Basketball Tournament each March. The MSG All Access Tour gives a behind-the-scenes look at the arena and what it takes to make sporting events and concerts succeed.
  4. NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, N.C. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines: This May, the NASCAR Hall of Fame opens. Follow the checkered-flag crosswalks to the Great Hall, featuring rotating displays and a giant indoor video billboard. Continue to Glory Road, which showcases cars and tracks on banked racetrack-like floors. Get inside the minds of drivers and pit crew in the racing and transporting simulators and the Race Week exhibit. Learn about the five members of the Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Class in the Hall of Honor.
  5. National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y. Absorb two centuries of America’s “National Pastime” in Cooperstown. Begin with “The Baseball Experience,” a multimedia presentation set in a grandstand theater. View artifacts from the early days of baseball on the way to the 20th Century Baseball Time Line. Its newest collection, “¡Viva Baseball!”, is an interactive exhibit honoring Hispanic contributions to the game. Continue to “Today’s Game,” where you can view lockers filled with recent mementos. Additional exhibits celebrate ballparks, baseball cards, baseball in pop culture and all 289 Hall of Famers.
  6. Patriot Place, Foxboro, Mass. Check out a soccer game or get in a huddle with Tom Brady at Patriot Place. This shopping, dining and entertainment complex is best known for Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution. Outside the stadium, visit The Hall at Patriot Place, where you can save on admission with your AAA card and listen to Coach Belichick and Tom Brady call plays from within a life-size huddle. Below the museum, check out the Patriots Pro Shop, where you can find everything from Revs jerseys to Patriots lawn gnomes.
  7. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio. Are you ready for some football? Head to Canton, original site of the National Football League and home of the Pro Hall of Fame. Complete a pass in the throwing cage, participate in a trivia challenge and view gear from current players like Brett Favre, Terrell Owens and Peyton Manning. Diehards will love the new Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, where you can watch highlights from every Super Bowl.
  8. “Rocky” Steps and the Simeone Foundation Museum, Philadelphia. Admit it – you’ve always wanted to jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, humming the theme from “Rocky” and pumping your fists triumphantly at the top. Go ahead — just be sure to visit the bronze Rocky Balboa sculpture to the right of the stairs’ base for a post-climb photo-op. Continue on the road to victory at the Simeone Foundation Museum, a classic auto-racing museum with cars spanning the 20th century. The vehicles aren’t just mounted on display — you can see them in action on “Demonstration Day,” the fourth Saturday of each month.
  9. The Sports Museum at TD Garden, Boston. Root, root, root for the home team at Boston’s Sports Museum inside the TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Bruins and the NBA’s Celtics. It honors the Hub’s diverse athletic history on the court, diamond, ice and field. Glimpse into the lockers of Larry Bird and Ted Williams. Check out the Garden’s 21 championship banners – 16 for the Celtics and five for the Bruins — and hang out in the penalty box from the old Boston Garden. And if your favorite Sox are red, hop on the Green Line to Kenmore Square to pay a visit to Fenway Park, where behind-the-scenes tours run year round.
10. World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, Fla. At the World Golf Hall of Fame, test the greens at St. Andrews and catch an IMAX film. This museum honors more than 130 legends, including Greg Norman, Annika Sorenstam and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A golf simulator lets you play famous courses around the world, and “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” lets you putt on a championship green while announcers and fans (quietly) cheer your every move. Throughout 2010, the museum is hosting “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory,” which honors the beloved entertainer and golfer. After your visit, grab lunch at the Murray Bros’ Caddyshack restaurant, based on the classic 1980 film.

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Québec’s Hôtel de Glace offers couples a magical, relaxing getaway.

  What’s your idea of the perfect Valentine’s getaway? A Ferris wheel ride overlooking Niagara Falls? A quiet retreat to a seaside B&B? A journey along a vineyard trail?
  Here are 10 romantic destinations perfect for a few days away. View the Slide Show.

  1. Asheville, N.C. What’s a fairy-tale getaway without a castle, or at least a castle-sized mansion? Built in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt, Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home. During your visit, view artwork by masters like Renoir. Then tour the estate’s gardens and vineyards on a relaxing carriage ride. Couples with a love of the outdoors will find plenty of hiking trails; Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are just some of the locations offering breathtaking views.
  2. Burlington, Vt. Give each other the gift of fine cooking with a stay at The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa. Affiliated with the New Eng­land Culinary Institute, The Essex offers gourmet cooking classes and AAA Four-Diamond accommodations. Continue your Green Mountains getaway with a visit to Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace. Comprised of four blocks of shops, restaurants, street performers and more, this district is popular with tourists, college students and locals alike.
3. Hershey, Pa. If you’re tired of the same old box-of-chocolates routine, check out Hershey, “The Sweetest Place on Earth!” Its “Chocolate-Covered February” celebration offers special events all month long. Spend a day at the Chocolate Spa. Go on a truffle-making tour at The Hershey Story Museum. And be sure to stop by The Jeweler at the Hotel Hershey; those Hershey Kiss pendants and chocolate-colored diamonds outshine that box of candy any day!
4. Kennebunkport, Maine. With the summertime crowds long out of sight, Kennebunkport is a perfect winter haven for couples seeking some peace and quiet. Go for a walk along the beach, spend some time snowshoeing, or curl up by the fire with your loved one. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, visit Dock Square, home to small shops with handmade goods, antiques and more. For a real splurge, make your reservations for dinner at the White Barn Inn.
5. Niagara Falls, Ontario. Niagara Falls’ Canadian side is full of fun wintertime activities. Take a ride on the 175-foot-high Niagara SkyWheel, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the falls from the comfort of your heated, enclosed gondola. Lace up your ice skates and go for a glide across the new “Rink on the Brink,” located near the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. And don’t forget to ride under the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Look how well it turned out for Jim and Pam on “The Office.”
6. Charlottesville, Va. It’s true: Virginia is for lovers, especially lovers of history, wine and more. Best known for Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and University of Virginia, Charlottesville is also home to a number of relaxing inns and resorts. Traveling the area’s Monticello Wine Trail is another romantic activity. The 21 vineyards along the trail offer a variety of events and tastings throughout the year.
7. Mystic, Conn. In 1945, newlyweds and silver-screen stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall honeymooned in Mystic, and the coastal town’s romantic reputation has stuck ever since. Stay at one of the region’s many cozy bed & breakfasts. Enjoy a wintery walk downtown and visit a variety of shops and art galleries. Travel back in time amid the tall ships at Mystic Seaport. And no trip to Mystic would be complete without a visit to the Aquarium, home to the only beluga whales in New England.
8. New York City, N.Y. It doesn’t get much more romantic than Tom Hanks finally meeting Meg Ryan at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. Maybe your own “Sleepless in Seattle” moment awaits in New York City. Indulge in all the “must-do” activities for lovebirds in Manhattan: go ice-skating at Rockefeller Center and enjoy Serendipity’s “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.” If you need a bigger fix of New York’s romantic movie history, check out On Location’s “Central Park Movie Site” tour.
9. Québec City, Québec. If you really love winter, look to the Hôtel de Glace, or “Hotel of Ice,” just outside Québec City. Constructed of more than 15,000 tons of ice and snow, this unique hotel and tourist attraction is only open January through March each year. Fireplaces, warm beverages and hot tubs keep guests warm. For a more traditional Québécois experience, visit Old Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feel yourself transported to Europe as you visit bistros and cozy shops along narrow cobblestone streets.
10. Stockbridge, Mass. “Picturesque” doesn’t begin to describe Stockbridge. The inspiration for many Norman Rockwell illustrations, this Berkshire town offers a welcome respite. Close to ski resorts and museums, Stockbridge has a variety of its own attractions, too. Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Rice Greenhouse offers a year-round oasis. The Rockwell Museum features hundreds of the artist’s works, many depicting the heartwarming, humorous sides of love.

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(Above): Watch history in the making at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. (Below) Dinosaurs rule at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

  Not yet sure where your summer vacation will take you? Each of these attractions — all rated AAA GEMs or “Great Experiences for Members” — is worth planning a trip around.
  1. Bronx Zoo, New York, N.Y.: America’s largest metropolitan zoo is home to thousands of animals from all corners of the globe. At “Madagascar!” one of the zoo’s newest exhibits, visitors can view crocodiles, lemurs and more while learning about the world’s fourth-largest island. Tiger Mountain transports visitors to the Russian Far East, home to endangered Siberian tigers.
  2. Canadian Parliament, Ottawa, Ontario: Watch Canadian history in the making at Parliament Hill, home to our northern neighbor’s two houses of government. Visitors can tour the Gothic-style buildings and watch Senate and House of Commons proceedings when they’re in session. During the summer, the front lawn of the Hill comes alive with the Changing of the Guard, a traditional military ceremony.
  3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, N.C.: Enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Nature lovers will find excellent bird watching and seashell collecting opportunities along the shore. Adventurers can rent canoes and kayaks or participate in other water sports. Be sure to climb the 248 spiraling steps to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America.
  4. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Some collect baseball cards or stamps. Steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie collected dinosaur fossils, many of which are still on display a century later at his namesake natural history museum. “Dinosaurs in Their Time” features several prehistoric creatures, including two T-Rex skeletons poised for battle. After your Jurassic journey, visit the other three Carnegie museums of Pittsburgh: the Andy Warhol Museum, the Museum of Art and the Science Center. Entrance to all four is included in admission.
  5. Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, N.H.: Fresh after a 33,000-square-foot expansion, the Currier Museum offers world-class art and architecture in New England. With more than 11,000 works, the collection includes art by Matisse, Picasso and more. Just a short distance away is the Zimmerman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and donated to the Currier in 1988. The 1950s-era former resi­dence, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to visitors.
  6. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa.: This year marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and what better way to celebrate than to visit the site of his most famous address. Begin at the park’s new Museum & Visitor Center, home of the “Battle of Gettysburg” Cyclorama mural. Guided tours of this Civil War battlefield depart from the Visitor Center. Nearby is the Soldiers National Cemetery, where Lincoln gave his lasting speech on Nov. 19, 1863.
  7. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, N.J.: Learn about science and technology through hands-on exhibits. Balance on a steel beam as you learn about skyscraper construction. Brave the elements in a wind tunnel. Climb through giant model blood vessels. While at the Science Center, be sure to catch a movie at the largest IMAX Dome theater in the country.
  8. Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Ontario: Straddling the U.S.-Canadian border, the 180-foot-high Niagara Falls is a must-see attraction on its own. Since 1846, the Maid of the Mist boat cruise has offered an unforgettable, up-close view of the Falls. Prepare to get wet on this trip, even while wearing your complimentary Maid of the Mist poncho.
  9. Newseum, Washington, D.C.: Learn about history’s biggest headlines at the state-of-the-art Newseum, just a few blocks from the Capitol. Read more than 80 of the day’s front pages from newspapers across the globe. Watch newsreels from pivotal broadcasts over the years in one of the many theaters. Try your hand at being a reporter in the NBC News Interactive Newsroom. And for a bite to eat, stop by “The Food Section,” the onsite food court.
  10. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, Cleveland, Ohio: Let your inner rock star come alive at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Celebrating the work of greats like The Beatles, Chuck Berry and Jan­is Joplin, the hall introduces guests to the history of rock and celebrates music’s legacy. The newest exhibit, “From Asbury   Park to the Promised Land,” highlights Bruce Springsteen’s decades of success.
To customize an Internet TripTik to any of these destinations, visit AAAmaps.com.

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Guests at the Spa at Hershey Hotel enjoy sweet treatments like a Cocoa Facial Experience.

  Imagine soaking in a whipped cocoa bath as you bask in the glow of scented candles melting your cares away.
  Now picture yourself enjoying a deep tissue massage, relaxing your muscles after that morning’s invigorating nature hike.
  Today’s spas aren’t just about cucumber slices on the eyes and rose-petal pedicures; they offer a variety of activities and treatments to fit almost anyone’s tastes and budgets. Below are 10 favorite spa getaways within a day’s drive.
  Cascade Spa, The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, Meredith, N.H. () Escape everyday life with a trip to Cascade Spa, part of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. Set along Lake Winnipesaukee, this spa builds upon the theme of water to create a tranquil atmosphere. “The inn itself is very relaxing and romantic, and I enjoyed a massage and facial at the spa,” said AAA member Kathleen Hoye of Warwick. “I felt a world away in the small New Hampshire town off-season.”
  Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club, Lenox, Mass.  () Pamper yourself while taking in the Berkshires. Cranwell offers packages that combine luxurious spa services with recreation. Fans of the outdoors can bike, golf or hike during their stay. Art lovers can visit nearby museums and theaters, with admission included in some hotel packages. After a busy day, return to the spa for a facial or massage. Don’t worry about being cold on the walk back to your suite; Cranwell’s spa and fitness facilities are connected to the guest rooms by heated glass-enclosed walkways.
  Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Biltmore, Providence, R.I. () For a customized spa retreat, consider the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, in the Biltmore Hotel. Red Door offers a range of spa services and packages to fit almost any budget. The True-to-You package, for example, includes your choice of four treatments, lunch and makeup application. Want to make it a spa vacation? The Biltmore offers several packages that include accommodations, meals and spa services.
  The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.  () At The Greenbrier, you can sneak in a history lesson before your manicure. Twenty-six U.S. presidents have visited Greenbrier over the past 231 years, taking advantage of the resort’s restorative sulphur springs. The Greenbrier once housed an emergency bunker to be used by Congress in case of attack during the height of the Cold War. Today, this spa, tucked in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains, is a place of ultimate tranquility, still specializing in sulphur baths and related mineral treatments.

Guests at the Spa at Hershey Hotel enjoy sweet treatments like a Cocoa Facial Experience.

  The Spa at Hershey Hotel, Hershey, Pa.
() Chocoholics rejoice! At The Spa at Hotel Hershey, you can actually envelop yourself in chocolate without consuming a single calorie. Wash away stress in a Whipped Cocoa Bath, then exfoliate and moisturize with the spa’s signature Chocolate Bean Polish. For the ultimate sweet treat, savor the new Cocoa Facial Experience, an anti-aging treatment using cocoa’s natural antioxidants. Not a fan of chocolate? There are non-chocolate options, including the Cuban Experience and Hershey Gardens packages.
  The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich, Conn.
() Find true bliss at The Spa at Norwich Inn, in the quiet woodlands of eastern Connecticut. Start your stay on the right note with the inn’s Pre-Arrival Concierge online service, where you can order packages of delicious local goodies such as chocolates, fine wine and artisan cheeses to greet you when you arrive in your room.   Once you unpack, unwind with a day of soothing spa services. Treat yourself to the ultimate pampering with a Caviar Facial, an anti-aging face treatment using Russian caviar and pearl extract. Feel your worries drift away with a Norwich Native Flower Wrap, a hydrating body treatment made with rose and other local blooms.
  Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, Ontario, Canada () Taste the Caribbean in Canada when you visit Ste. Anne’s Spa, 90 miles northeast of Toronto. Ste. Anne’s combines country charm with exotic spa facilities. Enjoy a Caribbean Aqua Therapy body treatment, complete with mango and cocoa butters. Then treat yourself to Caribbean Foot Rejuvenation, featuring a soothing soak and massage for tired toes. For a refreshing treat, visit the Fieldstone Grotto, a year-round facility with a hot tub and two pools.
  Senator Inn & Spa, Augusta, Maine () If you want a blissful getaway that doesn’t break the bank, then consider the Senator Inn & Spa. Indulge in an Anti-Stress Facial or a Sea Marine Spa Pedicure, just two of the many affordable services this three-level spa offers. Next, swim in the indoor mineral pool, surrounded by glass walls, Greco-Roman architecture and cloud-mural cathedral ceilings. For a delicious meal, stop by the Senator’s celestial-themed restaurant, Cloud 9, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
  Topnotch Spa, Stowe, Vt. () For 50 years, Topnotch Resort & Spa, nestled in the Green Mountains, has brought year-round luxury to guests. Begin with the Aroma Mountain Massage, using botanical oils to calm and balance. Next, go for a swim, no matter what the season, in the heated outdoor pool. “It’s great when there’s snow around the pool and on the mountain,” said AAA member Valerie Russo of Weymouth. “I went swimming in subzero temps; I was warm and my hair didn’t freeze!”
  The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, N.Y. () Looking for a spa getaway for the entire family? The Whiteface Lodge is your answer. Adults can be treated to maple-infused face and body treatments, while the children participate in resort activities like bowling, swimming and volleyball. At night, gather the family for dinner in your in-suite kitchen, followed by the “Experience the Lodge” family bonfire with s’mores.
  Editor’s note: AAA diamond ratings pertain to the accommodations. Spas are not AAA rated. To create a customized Internet TripTik to any of these destinations, visit AAAmaps.com.

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