Best. Summer. Ever.

Minnesotans love the summer. When you hibernate indoors for most of the winter, you tend to appreciate the summer’s warmth, fresh air and sunshine. What happens, then, when you emerge from what feels like a 14-month pandemic “winter”? I think that, for many people, this will feel like the best summer ever.

While the pandemic is not over, there is a clear and undeniable feeling of optimism heading into the summer. We will go to cabins, barbecue, bike, play golf, fish, spend time outside—and maybe even travel—but we will do so with much more joy. This will feel like the best summer ever because we are starting to do these things with our loved ones. The feeling of connectedness, once weakened by COVID-19, is set to make a strong comeback this summer.

One of the best ways to spend time with your friends and family this summer is on a road trip, which is the subject of our cover story for this issue of Live Play AAA, written by Raya Garrison. The article features unique ideas for Midwest-themed road trips for baseball fans, foodies or history lovers. Our expert travel writer, Renata Faeth, also provides a fantastic overview of river cruising and what makes it appealing for so many travelers. Members interested in a new and different way to experience travel should check out Renata’s article. Domestic travelers will enjoy Liv Martin’s review of Santa Fe and its arts, culture and cuisine.

Thanks for reading this issue of Live Play AAA. Let’s make this the best summer ever!

Jesse Simon
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Managing Editor, Live Play AAA