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Today is Classic Car Collector Day and what could be more exciting than that? Nothing!  Today we’re going to take a look at some of the great automotive museums you can visit in Illinois, and get in touch with automotive history!  Gearheads of all ages will appreciate the incredible history, culture, and design as well as the memorabilia and collectibles on display at these museums and galleries. Did we leave your favourite off the list?  Let us know in the comments on our social media, and we might just feature your picks in an upcoming blog! Great Automotive Museums in Illinois Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum in Pontiac is a great stop off on Route 66, and houses rotating collections and exhibits of iconic automobiles and touchstones in automotive history.  The cars were made in Pontiac and are now on display with educational presentations, lectures, and memorabilia that covers the history and manufacturing process.  It’s a must-see for any gearhead and car enthusiast, no matter the age! Volo Museum in Volo is located on 35 gorgeous acres of land, and is one of the USA’s most unique automotive museums!  First established in the 1960s, this is a one-stop shop for automotive history as well as classic car collectors - you can view the cars on display, or visit the showroom and invest in an iconic car for your collection.  The museum has 300 different cars from classics to antiques to muscle cars, and showcases the nation’s largest collection of Movie and Television’s iconic cars. Mid America Motorworks My Garage Museum in Effingham is a budget friendly day trip work making!  This specialized museum offers free admission to all, so you can get an up-close-and-personal look at rare, unique, and classic cars.  You’ll find vintage memorabilia, rare low-mileage originals, and 15-20 cars in a rotating exhibit so you’ll not see the same thing twice!  The display changes several times a year, so there’s always something new to explore.  The main highlights are classic Corvettes and historic Volkswagens, and general retro car memorabilia. Klairmont Kollections in Chicago is a private car collection and museum curated by Larry Klairmont, an 84-year-old retired Marine, and one of the Chicago area’s top vintage auto collectors.  This 100,000 foot building is jam packed with an incredible variety of cars and thorough automotive history.  Each of the 300+ cars is in pristine condition, and also displays a wide variety of motor scooters, motorcycles, airplanes, and even a model train layout from the New York World’s Fair in 1964!  You don’t want to miss the golden opportunity to view his impressive collection. Wheels O’Time Museum in Dunlap is a real interesting destination, especially for families!  This creative museum is home to a selection of Locomotives, Railcars, Rare Cars, Collectible Toys, Unique Clocks, and so, so much more!  LEGO enthusiasts will love the “Bricks in Motion” display, a new part of the museum’s permanent collection as of 2022.  Toy car collectors will appreciate case after case of vintage toy cars, john deere tractors, and model trains.  There’s even an American History exhibit on loan from the Dunlap Public Library.  It’s a real eclectic mix of things to explore, and everyone in your party will have a great time perusing the exhibits! Corvair Museum in Glenarm is another wonderful roadside stop on any Route 66 road trip.  Operated by the Corvair Preservation Foundation, this facility houses pristine models of Corvair Cars, Trucks, Powertrain displays, and general brand memorabilia.  Gearheads will be enthralled by the exquisite condition of these vintage vehicles! Interested in starting a vintage car collection of your own? Yeah, us too!  Check out some of these great YouTube videos from our personal playlists that can give you some inspiration.  Don’t have your own garage or any room to store full-size cars? We get it, and that’s why we’ve also included some picks for how to start your own Scale Model Car Collection and save some space until you can have the real deal! Glenns Car Collection: How to Start a Car Collection Glenns Car Collection: How to Own Multiple Cars ​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs5S1mhXFMo Evan Shanks: Neighbor Gives Me a Tour of his INSANE Classic Car Collection Extreme Automotive Addiction: Car Collecting 101 JMCPorsche: Tips for Starting a Model Car Collection:

Video games may have started in the research labs of 1950s scientists, but they’ve since become a ubiquitous part of everyday life all across the world!  From cabinet games to console gaming to desktop to online MMOPRGs to phone games, you’re able to play your favourites on just about anything, just about anywhere.  Today, we’re celebrating Video Game Day with a list of some of our favourite recent racing themed games, and a fantastic selection of local area gaming centers.  Grab your doritos, mountain dew, and your bffs and let’s play! The Latest and Greatest in Racing Games Gran Turismo 7 is the 8th installment to the Gran Turismo series of simulated racing games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual one, it’s a great option in racing sims.  Play single player in a campaign or in Arcade mode or enjoy online multiplayer with friends and family!  There are more than 400 cars available, with more unlocked as you clock achievements. KartKraft is the kart racing game officially endorsed by NASCAR.  Employing realistic game mechanics using real-world physics of racing, and utilizing VR technology for an immersive experience, it’s unparalleled in race games. This is better suited to older teens and adults who are adept at gaming, but may frustrate younger players. F1 22 is the 15th installment to the F1 gaming series, and is officially licensed by the 2022 Formula One and Formula 2 organizations.  The 2022 edition has been completely redesigned with new rules, new challenges, and plenty of ways to test your racing sim skills. Redout 2 hearkens back to days gone by of retro gaming, with a tribute to classic arcade gaming styles of early video game tech in this sequel to the ever popular original Redout.  Set in a dystopian, tech-filled future version of Earth, you’ll engage in a high-speed pursuit race against AI or play a high stakes race via split-screen with a friend. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hardly needs an explanation or introduction, as it’s become a household name amongst gamers, and with good reason!  It’s easy and accessible to play for all ages, brings back beloved characters from Super Mario Bros, and encourages multiplayer with all of your friends on Nintendo devices. Hot Wheels Unleashed is based off the popular toy franchise by Mattel: Hot Wheels!  It’s one of the most fun in racing games on the market, with ample opportunity for players to collect their favourite cars from the Hot Wheels line, design their own race tracks, and compete in high stakes races. It’s a great blend of game mechanics, and perfect for those who want unlimited potential with building custom options! Looking to shake things up a bit and get out of the house for a game night? We have got just the place for you. Here’s a list of fabulous places in the Waukegan and Lake County area where you can enjoy community, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition. Did we miss one on your list? Let us know in the comments and we may just feature it in an upcoming post! The People’s Choice Family Fun Center in Waukegan Lakeside Recreation Center in Mundelein Bowlero in Vernon Hills Lucky Jack’s Gaming Cafe in Waukegan Nickel City in Northbrook IL Ignite Gaming lounge in Skokie Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach IL Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield WhirlyBall Amusement Centerin Vernon Hills Looking to upgrade your gaming equipment at home for a more realistic racing experience? Check out these picks from gamers and tech YouTubers that fit every budget:

Saddle up your horses and let’s hit the road!  Today’s travel guide is all about Nashville, Tennessee! We’re going to check out some of the classic stops and sites to visit, but also some great places with more untapped potential.  We want to highlight some of the more unique and interesting places that are often left off travel guides, and we hope you’ll find them intriguing enough to explore on your own! And of course, as always, if we’ve left your fave destination off our list, you can suggest it in the comments of our social media. We love hearing from you and looking into reader suggestions for future travel guides. Grand Ole Opry is synonymous with Nashville. This American Country Music stage has been open since 1925 when it began as a 1-hour radio show on WSM, and has since been host to just about every legend in the genre!  You can book a behind the scenes tour of the facility for an up-close look at the past and present of country music performance, and then snag tickets to a show after! Country Music Hall of Fame Museum is a leading institute for research and preservation of American Music History, and one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music.  It has an incredible and extensive musical collection of more than 2 million artifacts from the industry. And it’s been building new exhibits and preserving more history year after year since the mid-to-late 1960s! Visit on your own self-guided, or schedule a tour with a local guide and group. Johnny Cash Museum is an amazing destination which commemorates the life, contributions, and career of the iconic music legend, and it’s one of Nashville’s top must-see attractions. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Garden Conservatory is more than just a beautiful place to stay!  In fact, you can enjoy it even if you haven’t booked your lodgings there.  The grounds are open to the public and managed by a staff of more than 20 horticulturalists. You can book a ticket and explore the grounds, visit the indoor and outdoor water park, and talk a walk through the historic hotel. The Nashville Parthenon at Centennial Park is an incredibly impressive full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon in Greece, since Nashville was known as “Athens of the South.”  Originally built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Expo, the city tore the structure down in 1920, and rebuilt it from long-lasting materials in 1931. A $12million restoration and renovation project was unveiled in 2001, and it is now reopened to the public for all to enjoy.  The Parthenon is open 7 days a week to the general public with minimal entry fees. “Music Row” is set in the heart of Nashville, and is home to just about every record label, radio station, and recording studio in the Country Music industry.  Many streets in the area are even named in honour of country music stars!  You can take a sightseeing tour and get an in-depth look at the industry for a more intimate experience.  You’ll even find RCA Studio B, home to recording artists like Elvis and Dolly Parton!  And if you play your cards right, you might catch a glimpse of some of your country music faves as they head in for a session or stroll about the town. Tennessee State Museum is a wonderful new place to explore the history of Tennessee in depth!  The rotating series of exhibitions and permanent collections cover the rich cultural history of the state.  Enjoy lectures and workshops on the history of community, culinary traditions, entertainment and music, sports and so much more.  Explore and learn about the Civil War, check out artifacts and clothing, and get an up close look at history. Lane Motor Museum holds one of the largest collections of European Cars and Motorcycles in the whole USA!  This non-profit organization was founded by the Lane family to commemorate the family automotive business, and chronicle the automotive industry.  Explore the permanent collection and a rotating series of exhibits with memorabilia, media, and more.  Your whole family will love looking at the unique cars and vehicles and archival goodies! Frist Art Museum has been contributing to the preservation of arts and culture in the area for more than 20 years now.  Housed in the historical building a former US Post Office, this 24,000 square foot facility is dedicated to providing locals with a rotating collection of arts programming, historical artifacts, and in depth overview of art from around the globe.  You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures to lectures to historical costuming!  It’s a fantastic place where fun meets curiosity and education. Texas Troubadour Theatre is a wonderful historic spot to enjoy live radio shows and musical performances, and is also home to a non denominational Sunday worship service if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s right across the street to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which would be the perfect way to end your day, enjoying live music with the family! Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic forest trail and roadway that runs 400+ miles from Nashville down to Natchez in Mississippi, and is a great mini-road trip side step on your getaway.  This route commemorates the “Old Natchez Trace” route, originally created and used by Native Americans in the region for centuries,; later, European traders and American explorers used it as a trade/travel route between eastern states and southern frontier land with food and lodging stations dotting the way.  It’s now one of the most used Federal Roads in the entire National Parks System! Music City Escape Room is a popular stop-off for friend groups and families to enjoy a little break from all the sight-seeing and concert performances.  Keep your brains active and thinking caps on as you race against the clock to escape the many themed rooms and puzzles. Marathon Village is housed in the brick building of the former Marathon Motor Works automotive factory which was built in 1881! This historic building is home to a bustling creative community including small businesses, one-of-a-kind retail shops, a bourbon distillery, antiques shop, and is also the homebase for the folks at American Pickers on HIstory Channel!  The site is also host to many wonderful, vibrant special events, workshops, and series  open to the public. It’s a hotspot for eclectic nightlife activities and unique dining options. Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Nashville is a bustling cultural hub for educational and spiritual activities, and promotes a very welcoming environment to all folks from all social, religious, and cultural backgrounds!  Attend a meditation workshop, explore the beautiful architecture and artwork, and visit the cafe restaurant on site.  It’s a very unique stop on your trip! Nashville Food Tours, Pedal Party Bars, and Local Distilleries/Breweries are plentiful in downtown Nashville.  You can take a pedal tour and do a pub/distillery crawl, or visit such places as the Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Tennessee Brew Works,  and more! Looking for unique places to eat in the area? Here are some of the top recommendations from locals and frequent visitors: Bluebird Cafe Butcher & Bee on Main Street Arnold’s Country Kitchen on 8th Ave South The Stillery on 2nd Ave North The Continental Restaurant Once Upon a Time in France Henrietta Red Ellington’s Rolf & Daughters Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Midtown on 19th Ave Bolton’s Spicy Chicken Main street Prince’s Hot CHicken Shack South Nolensville Pike Biscuit Love Got a unique stop and destination in Nashville we might’ve left off our list or a fave local eatery we should know about? Tell us in the comments section of our social media, and your suggestions might make it into an updated Travel Guide! Check out these additional local suggestions and vacation tips:

There’s nothing better at a cookout or picnic than a delicious, crunchy, perfect bite of juicy, tender fried chicken!  Today we’re highlighting some of the best places you can grab fried chicken as suggested by locals.  So check out our picks below and grab a bite to eat this afternoon for lunch. (And of course, if you feel so inclined to drop off a few orders for your favorite local car dealership we certainly would not complain, haha!) Today is National Fried Chicken Day!  Whether you like it double-dredged, buttermilk marinated, straight up, or tossed with sauce, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic meal.  The first published recipes for fried chicken appeared as early as 1747, but historians believe it appeared as a mealtime offering as early as 7500BCE-5000BCE in Ancient Egypt. And the Scottish were some of the earliest to deep-fry it in fat.  The first record of fried chicken being printed in a regional American cookbook was as early as 1824!  No matter where it’s from or who holds the claim to being able to say they were “first!” we’re really glad someone created it. What’s your favourite type of fried chicken? Do you prefer wings, drumsticks, thighs, tenders? We’re having a hard time deciding which one we love most, so we’re going to order them all! Got a favourite place of your own or a hidden gem that we should put on our radar? Let us know in the comments on our social media! We’d love to hear from you and include your picks in a future blog post. Bb.q Chicken Waukegan at 554 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3160 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Hillery’s Bar BQ at 2021 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant at 1739 Sheridan Road in Waukegan Taste of Belize at 2207 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar at 4030 Northpoint Boulevard in Waukegan Test Kitchen BBQ at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Gojos Cafe & Pancake House at 2929 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan JJ Fish & Chicken at 1332 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Looking to make a trip over to Chicago for a day out with friends and family? Check out these great suggestions on places to grab some delectable fried chicken! Gus’s Fried Chicken in Chicago: Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken in Chicago: Harold’s Chicken Shack in Chicago:

If you’ve ever taken a car ride with kids, you know it’s almost always a “bumpy ride” so to speak.  With the advent of Summer, that means lots more trips: to the beach, to grandma’s, to the cabin, to the world’s biggest ball of yarn, etc etc.  And that means lots more need to keep the little ones entertained so you can arrive to your destination with minimal nerves frazzled. Every parent or caregiver knows that long car rides can be a test of patience and strength when it comes to traveling with your children. But we’re here to help ease the stress with great options for keeping your kids too busy for them to argue, bicker, or ask “ are we there yet?” for the 100th time! Our content today is a fun car post filled to the brim with activities and entertainment for your whole family while on the road. We’ve also got a list of great games for playing at your hotel, campsite, or vacation home.  And as always, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments and it might make it into a future blog post. Families will love bonding with classic card games like Memory, Go Fish, Spoons, and more with the National Parks Playing cards, and parents will feel great knowing that funds from each sale of the minimalist Playing Card Deck go into helping fund America’s National Parks System.  Their bright geometric designs make them an eye catching delight to any games collection. Making a roadside stop for the night or looking to give the kids a screen break in the RV? Take a load off and enjoy the Parks Board Game. It’s a fun game for the whole family, and also a great strategy game with an educational twist about our National Parks system. This National Parks Travel Edition for Yahtzee is perfect for planes, trains, and automobiles!  Families will love this update featuring icons and imagery of some familiar National Landmarks in the Parks System with unlimited hours of family game night fun. National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas is jam packed with games, maps, activities, and facts to entertain kiddos on any car trip.  It’s also a great way to get kids involved in vacation planning, as there are lots of iconic stops and sites listed.  Try letting your kids suggest a point on the map for your next getaway! The Road Trip Travels and Activity Journal for Kids has a plethora of more than 100 Games, Mazes, Mad Libs, Scavenger Hunts, Word Searches, and so much more.  There’s also fun prompts to get your kids engaged with the road trip experience by writing about what they see and how they feel, and log their family memories.  It’s a wonderful alternative to screen time and allows them to connect with creativity. The 50 States: Explore the USA book is perfect for family fun time in the car.  Take turns reading out facts about each state, or hone in on the one you’re visiting and see how many places you've been!  It’s also a great way to begin orienting your kids to using maps, and familiarizing themselves with US locations and historic sites. National Parks of the USA is a wonderful illustrated book that details all of the beauty and wonder of America’s great National Park system.  Kids will love learning about landmarks, geography, wildlife, and plants of each area.  It’s perfect for history and nature enthusiasts alike.  The bright, colorful, and bold illustrations are captivating for all ages, making it a great activity to share between siblings. Follow That Map! Is a wonderful introduction for kids to navigating a physical map. In the age of GPS technology, reading a map is no longer a typically acquired skill, but it’s important nonetheless.  Kids can gain a better understanding of how to use a map’s key features and icons, and learn how to chart a trip or hike with this basic guide.

Today we’re very excited to bring you another edition of our beloved Classic Auto Group Community Calendar! Summer is finally here, and there’s so much to see and do!  We’re so excited to see what’s happening in our local community, and to find fun new activities and events to share with family and friends. If you’ve got an event in the area coming up over the next few months, please let us know via the comments on social media!  We’d love for folks to connect with you and attend your functions.  And who knows! They might even make it onto a future Community Calendar update. Check out what’s happening in July and August: Saturday, July 2nd, from 8AM to 9AM you can enjoy Yoga at the Beach with Marlene at the Stine Pavillion brought to you by the Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan.  Missed this one? Never fear! There will be another opportunity on July 9th and July 16th and more. Saturday July 2nd from 7PM to 10PM at Green Town on the Rocks you can catch a live show with Crows On A Wire and local fare with Food Truck: Daily Special. Saturday July 2nd at 7PM at Bass Station you can catch Star Spangled Banner with headliner SNAILS at this three stage musical event (18+.) On July 3rd, Latin Fest is coming to Green Town on the Rocks from 1:30 to 9PM and you can hang all day and enjoy the tunes for a $10 cover charge. There will be multiple performers and bands and local food trucks! On July 6th from 5PM to 8PM at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course you can come hang out and enjoy the lovely weather and a nice dinner for just $10 at the Chillin’ & Grillin’ with Stayin Late event. On July 5th from 6:30PM to 9PM at ZumBier, you and your friends can enter in a round of LIVE trivia and win prizes!  BYO snacks or order delivery; it’s free to attend! On July 8th at the Waukegan Public Library from 12PM to 1PM you can enjoy one of the wonderful live music events as part of the Summer Courtyard Concerts, this round is with Jim Jacobs; sponsored by Friends of the Library. On July 10th at the Belvidere Mall from 12PM to 4PM is the fantastic Cars & Elote car meet! Grab your friends and some delicious Elote and head over for the free live music, free car meet, and free entertainment! On July 15th please stop by the COOL Ministries Annual Golf Outing at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course from 10AM to 7PM. We love to support COOL Ministries and their efforts in supporting folks within our community. Please join in the fun for a round of golf and Bonnie Brook’s delicious Fish Fry! On July 15th at Victory Park starting at 8PM, families can enjoy one of five seasonal free outdoor movies hosted by the Waukegan Parks District. There will be free popcorn while supplies last, and free admission to the viewing. This round is “Petre Rabbit 2: The Runaway.” Enjoy a night out on the town and support local artisans and businesses on July 16th for the ArtWauk, a celebration of arts every month  sponsored by the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District! On July 17th, get in touch with your creative side and come paint your furry family members at Dandelion Gallery & Studio for a fun Paint Your Pet with Sandie Bacon workshop from 3PM to 5PM and bring the whole family; materials are included but you’ll need a photo of your pet for reference. On July 24th, head over to Beacon Place community center for the 2022 Beacon Place Walk With Your Neighbour event for a fun evening of socializing and getting to know your local neighbours! On July 26th at the Waukegan Public Library, the Lake County Audubon Society’s Sharing Our Shore Waukegan series will present “Monty & Rose 2” with a Q&A frrm Bob Doglan. On July 29th from 12PM to 1PM at the Waukegan Public Library you can enjoy the next edition of their outdoor Summer Courtyard Concert Series with Lady A. On July 30th from 9AM to 12PM at Hinkston Park you can run and walk for a cause to help build an inclusive space for the kids in the community by registering and donating for Run/Walk for Kids with Vertical Encounter.

We’re running a special edition of our Community Calendar devoted solely to highlighting Fireworks Displays and 4th of July Events in and around Lake County and Southern Wisconsin.  If we’ve missed your event, or you have another suggestion, please leave it in the comments on our social media! We’d love for you to share with others so they can check it out, too. This evening, July 2nd, over in Antioch, you can enjoy a Fourth of July Celebration at Rivalry Alehouse with Green Day Tribute Band “American Idiots Chicago” This evening, July 2nd, in Long Grove, you can enjoy the “Let Freedom Ring! Independence Day Party” at Brothers’ Field starting at 1PM! The Independence Day Parade Picnic is taking place today, Sunday, July 3rd from 5PM to 7PM in Waukegan! On Sunday July 3rd from 6PM to 9:30PM, head over to the Wauconda Park District’s Cook Park in Wauconda for  food, and music at their Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks will follow the festivities and entertainment. On July 3rd in the morning from 9AM to 2:30 PM, head over to Crystal Lake’s Main Beach to enter for free admission, and you can enjoy a rousing patriotic concert and fun in the sun at the beach before the fireworks. After 2:30PM a $5 ticketed admission will apply to guests above the age of 3yrs. On Sunday July 3rd, the Coca-Cola Six Flags Fourth of July Festival is happening at Six Flags Gurnee from 10:30AM to 10:00PM. On July 3rd and July 4th, you can enjoy a fun-filled holiday weekend in Mundelein at the Mundeline Community Days Festival. There will be a carnival, parade, food, games, music, entertainment, and of course – Fireworks! It’s a very kid-friendly and family friendly event and there will be lots of contests, prizes, and activities for children all weekend long/ On July 3rd, Adults can enjoy a day out at the “ Red White and Booze Cocktail Class & Fireworks Viewing” at Side Lot Brewery in Wauconda. On Sunday July 3rd, head over to Monument Square in Racine for the 4th Fest Party on the Square from 6PM to 10PM for fun and games, live music, and local food before the fireworks! The City of Kenosha is celebrating the 4th of July weekend in style with multiple events, musical performances, contests with prizes, entertainment, activities, local food and vendors, and so much more! Running from Jul 2, 2022 - Jul 4, 2022. 3-10 P.M. July 2 and July 3, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks are 9:30pm July 4th!

It’s International Mud Day, and what better way to get in touch with your wild side than off-roading and ATV adventures!  Today’s blog is all about excitement and exploration as we take a look at great trails across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that are built just for adventure and thrill seekers!  Some of these destinations are a distance away, but they’ll make a perfect road trip for you and some friends.  Hitch the trailer up to your new car from Classic Auto Group and take this show on the road, whether you’re offroading in your Truck or SUV or hitting the trails on your dirtbike, ATV, or motorcycle. Great Trails for Offroading and Rally Racing: Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville, IL - 10 miles from Classic Auto Group Grants Wood Preserve in Ingleside, IL - 15 miles from Classic Auto Group Lakewood Preserve in Wauconda, IL - 18 miles from Classic Auto Group River Road Rally Park in McHenry, IL - 25 miles from Classic Auto Group Richard Bong State Recreation Center in Kansasville, WI - 32 miles from Classic Auto Group Rocky Glen OHV Park in Rockford, IL - 100 miles from Classic Auto Group Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa, IL - 105 miles from Classic Auto Group The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park in Marseilles, IL - 110 miles from Classic Auto Group South Wayne ATV Park in South Wayne, WI - 127 miles from Classic Auto Group Cheese Country Trail at Mineral Point WI - 161 miles from Classic Auto Group Riverview ATV Park in Kewaunee, WI - 170 miles from Classic Auto Group South Fork Dirt Riders in Taylorville, IL - 250 miles from Classic Auto Group Brushy Ridge Motosports in Browning, IL - 255 miles from Classic Auto Group Sandhill Wildlife Area Scenic Drive - 226 miles from Classic Auto Group Redbird State Recreation Area in Duggar, IN - 266 miles from Classic Auto Group Coyote ATV Trails in Coulterville, IL - 360 miles from Classic Auto Group Little Egypt Off Road Motorcycle Club in Marion, IL - 370 miles from Classic Auto Group Looking for trailers to haul your ATV and bike? TrailerSuperstore.com has just about anything and everything you can think of to take your equipment on the road. New to ATV and off-roading? No problem! Check out these great videos for some beginner tutorials, or perhaps a refresher.  Not sure how to load an ATV into your truck or trailer? We’ve got you covered.  It’s all here in our gallery of YouTube Videos:

Summer is here and National Sunglasses Day has arrived just in time.  Today we’re checking out recommendations for eyewear, and learning more about how to select the best pair of sunglasses.  Since so many of us are taking to the roads for our next big Road Trip Adventure, we thought it would be great to highlight some great options before you head out of town on vacation. Did you know that poor vision is cited as one of the leading causes of car accidents? You can avoid adding yourself to the statistics by ensuring that you get regular eye exams, and wear safe sunglasses while on the road to protect your vision.  Not sure when you’re due for a checkup? It’s important that a driver have clear, unfettered visibility while on the road, and that includes proper eye protection. Most eye doctors recommend that folks between the ages of 40-64 get an examination every 2-3 years and people 65 and older to go every 1-2 years.  If you need corrective lenses, one of the ways that you can best care for your eyes is ensuring that you purchase prescription sunglasses if you need them or transitional lenses which serve dual purpose.  If it’s been awhile since your last visit, you may want to schedule an appointment! When selecting your sunglasses, it’s recommended that you choose frames that sit properly on your face snugly and securely and ensure they’re either wraparounds or thin enough they don’t distract or hamper your peripheral vision. Choose polarized lenses which have been tested for blocking UVA/UVB rays for maximum protection and clarity.  Adding an anti-Glare coating can also help with extreme sun glare on super bright, clear sky days, and it can also reduce glare in the evening hours from oncoming headlights. It’s recommended that you choose tinted lenses over clear, but avoid the temptation to buy colorful tints such as blue or pink or green or red; the optimal tint is grey, followed by amber and copper. Vividly tinted sunglasses can hamper a driver’s ability to properly tell if a signal light has changed, and may lead to increased risk of car accidents due to poor vision.  Save the costume lenses for the beach or a day out on the boardwalk! We’ve rounded up a few options for sunglasses at different price points for your convenience: This 3 Pack Polarized Sunglasses Matte Finish Multiple Color Choices for $21.99 is an incredibly affordable option that allows you to pick and choose what tints work best for you! Place a pair in each of your cars and carry on on hand for whatever you need. It’s great for vacation travel, too, because these budget friendly sunglasses won’t break the bank to replace should you leave them behind. The AO Original Pilot Sunglasses come in multiple frame finishes and Polarized tinted lenses to suit every driver’s needs.  Our favourite is the gold frame with gray tint, because it has a charming modern style with retro aesthetics.  It’s also lightweight and comfortable. The Maui Jim Lighthouse Rectangular Glasses are a bit pricey, but worth every penny!  They’re lightweight, have excellent light filtering, are polarized, and come in your choice of safe tints for driving. They’re also rather stylish and fairly timeless in design, so they’ll be in style for years to come. The Persol PO3268S Rectangular Sunglasses are polarized and come in a variety of tints. Their lightweight acetate frame makes them very comfortable, so light you’ll almost forget you’re wearing them. Here are some of our suggestions for options in protective eyewear as reviewed on YouTube!

School’s out and summer is in full swing!  Today we’re covering some great road trip worthy destinations for families that are also great for couples getaways and bestie trips.  You’ll find plenty of variety in activities from hiking to biking to art museums and historic sites.  These four cities are just a few hours drive away from our dealerships here at Classic Auto Group!  So what are you waiting for? Hop on in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road together. As always, if you’ve got a suggestion for a future blog travel guide, we’re all ears!  Let us know your picks for great destinations and your thoughts on where we should go next in the comments on our social media. Let’s get this show on the road! St Louis, MO - A perfect couples retreat spot for some artsy tourism and beautiful walking tours, and a great family getaway with lots of activities and historical sites. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great way to do some light movement and spend a few hours and a wonderful place to take some family or couples photos. The City Museum is a converted 100 year old warehouse with exhibits created from repurposed architectural and industrial objects from the area, and its a one of a kind experience! The Saint Louis Art Museum is an impressive three story building jam packed with historic artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and an impressive rotation of contemporary art exhibits. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is on Washington University Campus, and it boasts an impressive collection of 19th, 20th, and 21st century  European and American artworks. Those looking for a taste of the great outdoors will have a blast exploring the John F Kennedy Memorial Forest inside Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park is a US National park near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the Mississippi River. Traverse City, MI - Is the largest city in Northern Michigan, and situated along the shores of Lake Michigan known for its culinary delights, wineries, and bustling arts and culture scene. Adults will enjoy a bit of respite with a wonderful Traverse City Tour of wineries and breweries in the area, or you can visit any of the region's beautiful breweries and vineyards individually like Mari Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Grand Traverse Distillery, and more.  The adventurous in your midst will enjoy a day of kayaking at Clinch Park, boating on Grand Traverse Bay, Sunset Sailing tours, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, bicycling and walking tours. The Dennos Museum Center is an all ages destination to explore arts and culture and a rotating series of workshops, exhibits, and lectures. And the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a wonderful stop for families to enjoy creativity, hands-on exploration, and a fun-centered learning experience. Cincinnati, OH - An all-encompassing city on the Ohio River with a wonderful arts and culture scene, plentiful history and science museums, and a plethora of family friendly activities. Everyone will enjoy a visit to the 2nd oldest zoo in the US, the illustrious Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and explore native plant life, wildlife conservation efforts, and much more! The Cincinnati Art Museum has a gorgeous and extensive permanent collection of artwork, as well as inclusive and diverse programming for rotating exhibits, lectures, and workshops. The Taft Museum of art may be small but it has a big local impact; located in a 200 year old historic house, the museum is a living landmark with a beautiful manicured garden, a tea room, and select works by European and American fine art  masters.  If you’re looking for a memorable and unique excursion, the 20,000 square foot American Sign Museum i s a must-see institution, commemorating over 100 years of American Sign history and preserving designs and iconography for future generations. Adults will enjoy a Cincinnati Brewery Tour with friends, and foodies of all ages will rejoice to experience the open air Findlay Market, with local vendors, culinary treats, farm-to-table and seasonal fare, and artisanal goods you can’t find anywhere else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5AkQfblKA Saugatuck, MI - This Lake Michigan Coastal city is perfect for those seeking an escape from city life and folks with a hankering for outdoor adventures along the Kalamazoo River. Beach lovers will enjoy a myriad of activities at Oval Beach such as swimming, sunning, and relaxation, in fact it’s been named one of the 25 Best Shorelines in the world by Conde Naste Travelers Magazine! Travelers of all ages will enjoy the plentiful U-Pick orchards and berry farms of nearby Fennville, MI such as cherries, peaches, pears, plums and more.  Anglers will be delighted at the opportunities for fishing such as Wade’s Bayou, Wick’s Park, and “The Saugatuck Sign.” There’s plenty of hiking to be done in Saugatuck Dunes State Park with 13 miles of trails and lakeshore to explore, or you can enjoy a Saugatuck Dune Ride if you prefer.  The experienced outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a trek up Mount Baldhead with ample opportunities for hikes, walking, and even trail running; as an added bonus, photographers will rejoice at the stunning panoramic views at the top!  It’s just a taste of what this wonderful area has to offer! On rainy days, you can explore the indoors of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, and other creative galleries and art studios in the area.

Today is Take Your Pet to Work Day!  So we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few safety tips for traveling with your furry friend in the car and on the road.  These tips and tricks will keep your pets healthy and secure on all of your adventures, be they commuting to the office or away on a vacation.  Check it out! Always travel with ample water to ensure that you and your pet can remain hydrated and cool down in event of excess heat and extreme weather conditions.  In some cases, you can even include a small towel to saturate with cool water to help your dog stay cool. It’s tempting to keep your dog in your lap for company, or to allow them to roam in the car instead of howling or whining anxiously in the back, but it’s extremely important to keep them secured and safe.  Not only are roaming dogs a distraction for drivers, but it can cause a pet unnecessary injury or death should your vehicle become involved in an accident. The safest place for your pet is secured in the backseat in a pet-safe seatbelt harness or pet friendly car seat, or secured in the cargo area. If your dog gets car sickness and vomits, you can avoid that situation by having the dog travel on an empty stomach, and keep them secured in their seat so they will settle and rest. For dogs that are nervous or excitable about car travel, having your dog practice by letting them sit in the car with you in the driveway, followed by short drives of increasing length around the local area can help get them accustomed to the feeling. Keep your car well ventilated while driving, but don’t allow your pet to hang out of any open windows or hatchbacks. Dogs have been known to jump out of windows and be placed in peril on busy highways, or leap out of them in parking lots or spotlights and go missing.  Cracking the window only enough so they cannot fit their head through, or aiming air conditioning/heating vents in their direction is best. On lengthy car trips, be sure to stop and allow your pet exercise every few hours and plan in some water and potty breaks in a dog-friendly area to reduce accidents as well as anxiety. Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. No matter whether it’s just for a moment, or if the windows are cracked, your pet should never be left by their lonesome in the car. In fact, as of May 2018, 28 different states have laws to protect animals left in a vehicle, especially when parked in dangerous conditions such as intense heat or cold, or parked in direct sunlight, etc.  Law enforcement may reserve the right to forcibly enter the vehicle to rescue the animal. A Car can be 20 degrees hotter inside than the outside ambient temperature, meaning even on a 70 degree day that feels lovely outside? Your vehicle can reach a dangerous high of 90 degrees in the interior, even with the window cracked.  On an 85 degree day, your car’s temperature will climb above 100 degrees in mere minutes, and within half an hour it will be an unbearable 120 degrees!  Shady spots do not offer efficient heat protection on hot days and as the sun shifts, so will the direct sunlight. Pets who are overweight, in their senior years, have special medical needs, and those with very dark coats are extra susceptible to the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.Remember that Flat Faced Dogs and Cats are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, as their flat nasal and mouth cavities prevent their ability to properly breathe and cool themselves.  They cannot pant properly, and what appears to be “stubbornness” may in fact be exhaustion and early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke! Ensure that your animal has a proper grooming and haircut for the summer months and warm weather.  Be sure to bring your pet to an experienced groomer for a trim, but be sure that they don’t fully shave them down to their skin unless medically necessary to prevent sunburn. Know the signs and symptoms of overheating in your pet.  These signs can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling, weakness and wobbling, dazed or confused behavior, and even fainting.  Extreme heat can cause seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperatures. Do not walk your pet on pavement or asphalt without proper foot protection for their paw pads; ambient temperatures above 65 degrees can already cause physical burns and discomfort as well as irreparable damage due to the fact that roadways, concrete, and rocks will be even hotter. This helpful information from the AKC will explain safe temperatures for pets and when footwear is necessary. CNET’s Smart Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Car: Teach Your Dog to Get Into the Car: 5 Items to Have with you When Driving with Your Pet:

🏆 Toyota Vehicles Awarded Best Resale Value by The Detroit Bureau 🏆⁠ ⁠ Purchasing a new car is an investment in your future, and it's important to select a vehicle with longevity and resale value. ⁠ That's why at Classic Toyota we're thrilled to see several Toyota vehicles on this list from the Detroit Bureau of 2022 Vehicles with the Best Resale Value. In fact, Toyota's reputation is so strong, this is the sixth year in a row that Toyota has been included. Wow!⁠ Check out the full article to find all of the details and financial value. ⁠ ⁠ Three Toyota vehicles were included in the Top 10 Vehicles overall: the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Toyota 4Runner. And the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is included on the list of Best EVs with resale value. How exciting!⁠ Stop by our dealership to test drive a vehicle, and we'll get you behind the wheel of these top choice cars!⁠ ⁠ Head over to our website to learn more: https://www.classicdirecttoyota.com