President's Message - May / June

There’s no place like home. Particularly in the month of May. We’re known for it. Both the weather and the endless list of activities allow us to take full advantage of our natural offerings as well as home-grown favorites and traditions.

Speaking of natural offerings, the federal government recently recognized Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as America’s newest National Park, now called Indiana Dunes National Park. A site to behold for sure; yet just one of so many great places in our state to visit. We encourage you to get out and discover. When planning your travels, swing by one of our AAA branch locations. Our talented staff can help you arrange plans, provide maps and TripTiks, help locate lodging and more.

Too, you can visit key websites which will lead to exciting destinations.

The Indiana Office of Tourism website is visitindianatourism.com.

If you are more focused on central Indiana, go to visitindy.com for hotels, restaurants, museums, events and special offerings.

Speaking of events, around the world Indiana is best known for the Indianapolis 500 - and a celebration it certainly is! Don’t be misled; it’s far more than the 500-mile race. There is month-long activity schedule to appeal to people of all ages at the track. Racing surely, and concerts, kid’s activities, foodie events, you name it.

Contributing greatly to the May celebration is the 500 Festival, whose website is 500festival.com. It produces some of America’s finest events and programs including the nationally-televised IPL 500 Festival Parade, world-renown OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, plus a series of family events, many of which are free.

One great way to soak in the tradition and history is at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, located right in the heart of the track itself. People from throughout the world visit the museum, and with good reason. It’s open year-round with a dramatic display of automobiles and artifacts – racing and otherwise. And they have some terrific programming which features special exhibits and racing legends. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Mario Andretti Indy 500 victory. AAA Hoosier Motor Club teamed with Mario a couple of years ago in a promotion where Mario proclaimed, “Having AAA is like having your own pit crew.” This terrific and well-deserved exhibit for a great champion and real gentleman opens May 1. Visit their website indyracingmuseum.org.

Meander safely. And enjoy the Hoosier state.

Kirk Hendrix
President & CEO
AAA Hoosier Motor Club