From the Q&A mailbox:
We want to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. What do you suggest?

Do some planning quickly, as it's a popular time in western North Carolina, eastern Tennesee and of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The timing of peak fall color varies with weather and altitude, but this page can give you some idea - look at early October to early November. Take a look at these free online AAA planning resources:
Smoky Mountains AAA Drive Trip      Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide   Great Smoky Mountain National Park Travel Guide ... Read More

The inbox is full and here's some of our recent questions - and the answers provided by AAA experts across the country. Click here to submit yours.

What are travel conditions in Nashville, has all the flooding been cleaned up?
The music is playing in Nashville! From a travel perspective everything is up and running with ... Read More

As a service to members who consider sustainability when selecting lodgings, we've identified AAA Approved lodgings that have been certified as eco-friendly through a recognized external certification organization. The list of recognized certifiers now totals 26 with the recent addition of state programs for Arizona, Connecticut and Oklahoma properties and two national organizations:... Read More

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but there's still time for one more family trip. We  polled our professional inspectors and asked their favorite places. The top 10 picks are below and, for even more great ideas, click to see the complete list of suggestions.

Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station, Indianapolis, Indiana (Three Diamond rated)
Stay in a former railroad station in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. For extra fun, choose one of 26 guestrooms converted from authentic Pullman train cars. ... Read More

 Capture your pet’s most memorable travel moments on camera and enter your ‘best-in-travel’ photograph to the AAA PetBook photo contest before November 30, 2010.

Two winning pet photos will be chosen in January 2011 and will appear on the 2011 edition of the AAA PetBook. The first place winner will also receive $300, a $150 Best Western Travel Card®, pet treats and ... Read More

Interested in a free getaway to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or the Disneyland Resort in Southern California (including airfare, accommodations, tickets and a $1000 gift card) with three friends or family members? AAA Travel is offering that chance to a lucky winner this summer with the AAA Summer Sweepstakes.... Read More

There's still time for that last summer getaway . . .  Get inspired and save some money at these destinations:

Grand Hyatt New York – 15% discount Weekends with free breakfast for two through 8/31
Hilton Garden Inn New York West 35th Street – 20% weekend discount, 2 night minimum through 8/29
Le Meridien Versailles Montreal – Exclusive AAA summer rates through 8/31... Read More

This post, the third in a series, was written by Christie Hyde from AAA’s national office as she accompanies the winners of the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, students McKenzie Nordland and Jonathan Anderson of Valley City, N.D., as they travel to job shadow the Roush Fenway racing team.

The competition winners had three NASCAR events on the agenda and during most NASCAR race weekends, when events are in the same town they take place at the same racetrack. However, Indianapolis is unique. The premiere NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the infamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series hold events at O’Reilly Motorsports Park, located six miles away.... Read More

News and trends from around the web ...

How Does Your Beach Rate?
The Natural Resources Defense Council released its annual water quality survey, "Testing the Waters 2010" measuring the most popular beaches in the country by five key criteria. Full story from CBS News

The Resurgence of Bus Travel
At a time when flights are ... Read More

This post, the second in a series, was written by Christie Hyde from AAA’s national office as she accompanies the winners of the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, students McKenzie Nordland and Jonathan Anderson of Valley City, N.D., as they travel to job shadow the Roush Fenway racing team.

The second day of the trip began early for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills national champions as we traveled a short distance from our hotel in Mooresville, N.C., to Roush Fenway Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race shop.... Read More