Hello, it’s nice to meet you!

Hello, it’s nice to meet you!

Although I’ve been working on and writing for Live Play AAA for over five years now, this is my first issue as managing editor. I’m pursuing a lifelong dream to be the managing editor of a magazine, especially one that is local to Minnesota and its incredible AAA member base. As a young child, I loved everything about magazines. I would collect them, scour through every page and meticulously cut out all my favorite pictures to put together collages and create my own magazines. I still have that same love and passion for magazines today.

But enough about me—let’s dive into everything this incredible issue has to offer. Fall is an exciting time of year and also particularly beautiful in Minnesota as kids return to school, days get shorter and there’s a shift in the air. Katherine Lawless ushers in the fall season in the Carolinas by highlighting the breathtaking fall foliage along the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Renata Faeth takes us on a global adventure with six classic cruise itineraries, from the turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the medieval castles of the British Isles. Finally, with the recent spike in gas prices nationwide, many consumers are turning to electric vehicles for their commutes and road trip adventures. We’ve included an article about the latest in electric and high-tech vehicles.

My goal is to make this magazine something you look forward to getting in the mail four times a year or reading online at any time. I hope it is enjoyable, helpful and informative for you as both as a AAA member and Hennepin County resident—and that after each issue, you have learned at least one new thing.

I also hope you have a great end of summer and transition into fall!

Raya Garrison
Communications Specialist
Managing Editor, Live Play AAA