Via Magazine November/December 2022

The Milky Way above Sky's the Limit in Twentynine Palms, California.
The sky darkens over the Chabot Space Center in Oakland, California.

Winter is prime season for stargazing, and if you catch a cloudless night you’ll find a brighter and clearer cosmos. Head to these nine astronomy hubs—planetariums, observatories, space centers, and protected nature areas perfect for stargazing—for a full astrotour of the West.

An EV drives down the Avenue of the Giants in California.

Purchasing a car has always been a big decision, but shopping for an EV comes with a unique set of considerations and some new terminology. To help you navigate this fast-emerging sector, here’s what to consider when buying an EV.

Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat on a closed rally course.

There are a lot of electric vehicles available to consumers these days. Where once the only EV option was a commuter car, buyers can now choose from trucks, coupes, sedans, and crossovers. Here are the best in a few key categories.

Adventures in the West

Aerial view of Truckee, California covered in snow at dusk.

There’s so much more than skiing in these alpine retreats. Walk quaint, historic streets, play in laid-back snow spots, and fill up on five-star meals in these beloved towns.

Stars above Brush Creek Ranch.

Blessed with phenomenal outdoor recreation—but with a fraction of the crowds—plus awesome Wild West history and pioneer-era fun, Carbon County makes a fine winter getaway.

Patches of grass emerge in the Sonoran Desert in early Spring at Pichacho Peak State Park near Tucson, Arizona.

Those who explore 3,747-acre Picacho Peak State Park will find surprising history, heart-pumping hikes, and expansive views of the Mesilla Valley.

High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah blanketed in snow.

Tucked into the Wasatch Range in northeastern Utah, Heber Valley is stocked with adventures to tackle during the day and small towns where you can rest your weary feet at night.

Smart Home

A dad and his two children hang up led string lights on their patio.

The holiday season is full of excitement and wonder, but this year inflation and the rising cost of heating are putting a damper on some of the merriment. Here are a few bright ideas to reduce your energy costs while achieving maximum coziness and cheer.

Smart List

A person holds a blue coffee mug on a snowy morning.

'Tis the season for snow-filled outdoor adventures and holiday cheer. Explore a local holiday craft fair, winterize your car and home, check your chimney, and more.

Member News

A driver looks for the cheapest nearby gas on the AAA Mobile App.

As we close out 2022, we’re reflecting on a year spent gratefully serving our Members and looking forward to our new initiatives becoming reality.

Where in the West

Snow dusts the Grand Canyon at Hopi Point on the South Rim.

Where in the West can you watch stunning sunsets over a winter wonderland?

Hint: This high-altitude plateau is most often visited during the summer months, when temperatures soar, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to explore the area. Winter brings a quiet solitude to the trails and viewpoints, and the occasional winter storm dusts the crimson ledges in frosty snow, making for a whole new experience of this popular national park.

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