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Today is National Prime Rib Day, and we’re all about it.  Nothing screams summer like a freshly seared steak hot off the grill, but what do you do during the in-between seasons when grilling isn’t in vogue?  You check out the plethora of top notch steaks at local eateries in the Waukegan area. Supporting our local community is one of our favourite things to do, because we also live, work, and play here in the Lake County and Greater Chicago Area. There are so many wonderful businesses, restaurants, and places to visit!  We’re highlighting some of our picks for best places in the area to celebrate big achievements, reward your employees, or just have a quality night out with a loved one. Check out our picks for local steakhouses and restaurants serving top tier steak and beef dishes: The Backyard Steak Pit in Gurnee Tavern Steakhouse Libertyville in Libertyville Primo Italian American Cuisine in Gurnee Beelow’s Steakhouse in Lake Zurich Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood in Lincolnshire Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Lincolnshire Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill in Deer Park 129 Center Cut in Grayslake Wildfire in Lincolnshire Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Deerfield Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf in Chicago Morton’s The Steakhouse in Northbrook Chicago Prime STeakhouse in Schaumburg Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook Perry’s Steakhouse in Schaumburg Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in Rosemont Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Stevens’ in Gurnee Cribb Fine Foods in Waukegan Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan Looking for some fun conversation starters with friends and family? Impress them with your knowledge of these fun facts about one of America’s favourite cuts of meat: The word Steak is derived from the Scandinavian word “Steik” which means “roasted meat” Did you know that the average cow weighs 1,000 pounds?  400 pounds of livestock cattle can be used for steak cuts, and at an average of 4oz per serving that means you can get 1,600 steak dinners from one animal. Holy cow. Chicago’s Oldest Steakhouse, “Gene & Georgetti,” opened in 1941, and has seen three different generations of family legacy ownership in its 80+ years of business. An estimated 27billion pounds of beef are produced and processed each year in the United States, and Americans consume almost 60lbs of it per person per year. Argentina is the top consumer of beef and veal, clocking in at almost 40kg per person annually. With plant based diets on the rise around the globe, vegan alternatives for red meat products are in high demand more than ever; today, many vegan steak alternatives are made from seitan, pea protein + soy, and some specialty restaurants have even created vegan watermelon steaks.

Toyota is very excited to announce an exclusive partnership with three influential artists as part of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross “Just Right” Campaign!  At the end of March 2022, three selected artists created mural art celebrating the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross and the connection to each one of these three major cities: Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.  The murals are on display through at least April, as well as each artist having the opportunity to assist in creating a custom vehicle wrap for the Corolla Cross at Toyota Events.  Check out our post to find out more about the artists, where you can see their work, and why the Corolla Cross is just right for you and your adventures! Our selected artists were inspired by those moments in life where everything just works out, falls into place perfectly, and feels just right.  And that’s what it’s like to own the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross!  With over 50 years of dependability, fuel efficiency, top class safety features, and optimal value for the price, the Toyota Corolla continues to be one of our top selling models.  So it should come as no surprise that the Toyota Corolla Cross combines everything you love about our classic sedan, with all the modern amenities and convenience of larger crossover models Assembled right here at US Manufacturing plants, the homegrown Corolla Cross hits the sweet spot between functionality of a large crossover, with the convenience and personal experience of driving a smaller car.  It’s not too big, and not too small, but just right. The Corolla Cross is perfect for everyday driving, and just right for a little adventure when you clock out of your work day.  Each of the three model options – L, LE, and XLE – offer spacious cabins, modern design, and plenty of power underneath the hood.  You can opt in to include features such as all-wheel drive, a power moonroof, single or dual-zone climate control, and more.  With an EPA-estimated 32MPG, 169 horsepower, and 151lb-feet of torque you’re getting power and convenience at an affordable price.  Plus, it also has a towing capacity of up to 1,500lbs.  The possibilities are endless! With the perfect balance between space, size, style, and tech, and just goes to show that just a little more can go a very long way! The Toyota Corolla Cross is just right. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go places!  Hop in your new Toyota Corolla Cross and hit the road to check out our “Just Right” murals with these incredible muralists! In Chicago, local artist Sentrock created the below mural at N. Western and W. North Avenue. The custom Sentrock wrapped Corolla Cross at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field from 4/14 – 4/27.  The Sentrock Corolla Cross is certainly a vibrant and unique addition to the Gallagher Way display, and a great opportunity to check out the Toyota Corolla Cross in person! Want to visit the rest of the murals?  Check out the information below to see where they’re located in each city, and follow the artists on social media! Los Angeles’s Artist is @travmsk You’ll find their exclusive “Just Right” mural located at 9044 Venice - Abbot Kinney Blvd & Aragon Court Chicago Artist is @sentrock You’ll find their exclusive “Just Right” mural located at Chi-102 N Western Ave @ W North Avenue New York City’s Artist is @ellestreetart And you can find their mural at BK-112 Kent Avenue @ S 2nd Street

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner, so let’s get out there and see the world! Or, well, Wisconsin at least.  Today’s blog post is all about exciting places to visit in Wisconsin and get some lowkey exercise while we’re at it!  Let’s take a tour and explore some of the beautiful towns and trails of Wisconsin. Burlington’s White River State Trail follows 19 miles of decommissioned rail corridor through Elkhorn, Dover, and Burlington.  You’ll find multiple scenic view stop-offs and vistas, fields and farmlands of green, natural wetlands and wildlife, beautiful bridges, and plenty of charming little towns with shops and restaurants to explore.  Best of all, it’s open year-round, and if you opt for a special state trail pass you can even go bicycling and horseback riding. Burlington Historic Walking Tour highlights the stops along the Underground Railroad path through Wisconsin.  You’ll stop at the Chestnut Street Bend, Museum of Burlington’ Historical Society’s Dyer Monument, Wehmhoff Square and the Pioneer Cabin, the Lincoln Monument, Echo Veterans Memorial Park, and Fred’s Parkview. Take a ride over to Plymouth and enjoy the Downtown Mural Walk with a side order of cheese, or the history of its production, that is!  You’ll see local murals and street art while learning about the local cheese and dairy industry in the state such as Gentine’s, Sartori’s and even Sargento. The Mural Walk in Downtown Ashland is a very popular tour with options for self-guided tours via the website (locations listed) or special  guided tours from the artists themselves!  Each of the murals gives a little peek into the history of Ashland over the eight blocks of Main Street buildings and businesses. Kenosha’s Library Park Historic District Walking Tour runs from Mid-May to Early October on every 2nd Saturday.  You’ll enjoy a 90 minute stroll around the park with a volunteer guide and historian discussing architecture, history, and significance of the buildings and sites in the area.  Make sure you book reservations in advance, and get your ticket for  $10 through the Kenosha History Center Waukesha Pewaukee is home to a myriad of amazing walking tours! Starting in Downtown Waukesha, you can enjoy the Guitar Town Murals and 10ft tall fiberglass Guitars.  It’s a great photo opportunity, and certainly a real eye-catcher and unforgettable!  If you’re looking for local history and art, you can enjoy the Waukesha Public Art & Historic Buildings Tour. And for the folks who love the scenic path, you can explore Pewaukee Village and Pewaukee Lake with opportunities to dine with lakeside views, or even bring your own boat for a day on the water. Consider a stop along the shores of Lake Michigan at Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan.  It’s perfect for traversing the boards down to the beach, and rounding out the day enjoying plentiful water sports activities along the harbor.  You can also take a tour of 3 Sheeps Brewery located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, and get a peek at the facilities, process, and even sample some rare beers.

Happy Earth Day from All of us here at Classic Auto Group! Toyota is focused on working to make a better planet by focusing on environmentally sustainable solutions from design concepts all the way to manufacturing and distribution.  Toyota of North America has dedicated efforts to building an environmentally responsible program around four basic focus points: Carbon, Water, Materials, Biodiversity. Carbon Toyota is making concerted efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles by improving fuel efficiency, increasing hybrid technology, and electrification.  On the manufacturing and logistics side, Toyota employes innovative energy initiatives which cut fuel and energy consumption and increase use of renewable energies.  By introducing an 8.79 megawatt solar array at the Plano Texas facility, Toyota expects this system will provide approximately a third of the power needed for the new headquarters facilities. Water Thanks to updates in the manufacturing process, each year the Toyota company uses fewer gallons of water during vehicle production.  The company places special focus on water-stressed areas sch as California, Texas, and Mexico by finding new ways to recycle and reuse water, and make a little bit go a long way.  Toyota Manufacturing in Baja is the first Toyota plant in North America to use the MBR and RO system to conserve water and ensure efficient usage and storage while operating in limited water availability. Materials Toyota has maintained and exceeded efforts to recycle excess materials at all locations, and is even mindful to recycle waste when building new facilities.  They have also reduced use of chemicals thanks to efforts such as the ones by engineering specialist Dawn Ng’s efficient use of reduced cleaning solvent on painting vehicle bumpers.  These are just some of the efforts the Toyota team has put forth into reducing waste, recycling materials, and producing more efficient manufacturing facilities. Biodiversity Each time Toyota constructs new facilities for sales and manufacturing, they aim to minimize destruction and disruption of natural habitats.  They also work diligently to proactively support local pollinators and preserve native species, and restore the unique balance of local ecosystems.  In fact, they even partnered with NEEF to contribute a $200,000 grant to the Parnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. In 2015, Toyota also announced the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a company wide goal of moving towards Zero CO2 Emissions and establishing an eco-harmonious relationship between nature and the Toyota company.  You can visit the website to learn more about the Six Challenges and their eco milestones from now through 2030 and beyond.

After a taste of the warm weather earlier this month, we’re getting ready to make Summer plans and enjoy it to the fullest!  Today’s blog is going to be covering great Food and Wine/Beer Festivals near our Classic Auto Group stores.  Just a short drive away in your brand new Classic Auto Group car, you can be well on your way to fun in the sun with your loved ones! Please remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so make sure you have a plan in place for rideshare or a “DD”.  As always, we encourage you to bring a designated driver to your festivals and tasting events. Some events may offer  a discounted DD ticket so they can still attend the rest of the fun with your group.  Please Drink Responsibly. The Glen Club of Glenview is hosting the “Glenview Bites & Brews event from 5PM to 8PM on Wednesday evening April 27th. On Saturday  April 30th from 12PM to 4PM head over to Long Grove Illinois for the Craft Beer Fest at the Stempel Parking Lot. On Saturday April 30th from 2PM to 4PM you can enjoy the fine musical stylings of the Big Al Wetzel Band at the Long Grove Craft Beer Festival from 2PM to 4PM at Buffalo Creek Brewing Head up North to the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival from 1PM to 5PM in Kenosha at the Brat Stop on Saturday April 30th. Head over to Main Street in Libertyville between 1PM and 4PM for “Let’s Vino In the Ville” Festival on Saturday April 30th. On Sunday, May 1st, at What’s Brewing? Supply in Palatine, you can head over from 10AM to 1:30PM for a Basic Beer Making Class! The College of Lake County in Grayslake is hosting the Food Truck Frenzy of 2022 from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday May 7th. The Harbor Brewing Co in Winthrop Harbor is hosting “The Harbor BRewing Company Proudly Presents Mr. E!” on Saturday May 7th starting at 6PM. Perfect Brewing Supply in Libertyville is hosting the 25th Anniversary Big Brew with N.U.B.S. from 8AM to 6:30PM on Satu On May 21st, head over to Vernon Hills at the Century Park Arboretum and catch the 8th Annual Craft Beer Tasting even from 10AM to 2PM! With over 40 vendors, live music, fine foods, and craft brews, the Craft Beer Festival in Mundelein is a surefire hit; stop by June 11th from 6PM to 10PM for a fun-filled evening. The Highwood Metra Station in Highwood is hosting “Highwood Days with Taco Fest” from 8AM until late night at 11:30PM on Saturday July 23rd and Sunday July 24th. On August 6th in Long Grove, Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting thei r “Saturday Night Food Truck Event” with the “Stadium Street Eats” theme running from 3PM to 7PM. Long Grove’s Woodfire Tavern is hosting the “Street Food Showdown” on Saturday August 20th from 2PM to 6PM. The Blues, Brews, & BBQs festival of McHenry is running from Friday August 19th through Sunday August 21st at Petersen Park!

Since today is Easter Sunday, we thought it would be super fun to highlight some of the easter eggs that are hidden in some of our favourite cars!  These fun little treats are a manufacturer and engineer’s way of paying homage to the automotive enthusiasts, and even give a nod to older models of years past.  Take a short walk out to your driveway and check the details on your new car from Classic Auto Group, or feel free to “hippity-hop” over to our dealerships this week if you’d like to see them in person! The 2022 Toyota Tundra has several easter eggs hidden in its design.  The first is on the driver’s side as you open the hood, where you’ll find the state of texas stamped into the plastic near the grille, meant to represent the fact that it’s built in Texas.  On the passenger side, you’ll find the shape of MIchigan stamped into the black plastic to represent that the new Tundra was researched and developed in Ann Arbor!  The 2022 Tundra windshield also has morse code hidden in all of its trucks regardless of what trim package you choose.  The secret message: BADASSTRUCKS.  Tundra 4x4 models also feature hidden holographic stickers on both sides of the truck bed to signify the’re off-road ready; shine a flashlight on them at just the right angle and you’ll spot shimmering trucks driving up and down the numbers! Toyota Prius owners who bought a model 2016 or newer can find a hidden feature by using the key fob.  Press and hold the unlock button and all of your windows will unroll at once, perfect for letting out the heat during summer months.  Ready to park the car in a shady spot?  No worries, just push and hold the lock button on your key fob and they’ll all roll right back up again! The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has 24 hidden Toyota Logos emblazoned in discreet spots around the vehicle besides the usual spots.  You can find one etched into the window between the C-Pillar and the hatch, one at the base of the windshield, one inside the front grill on the lower left side, one hidden inside the plastic trim on the passenger side-view mirror, and lots more.  See how many you can find on your own. Some models of the Kia Soul have a hidden compartment in the trunk section.  To see if your car has it, take a peek at the trunk to see if there’s a handle; lift that handle and you'll find a convenient organizer with enough room to store roadside assistance items such as tools, blankets, towing cable, flashlight, charge cables, and more! The 202 Kia Soul has a Sound Mood Lighting System that emits soft glow from the center door panels, and a 3D pattern on the upper door panels. It will synchronize the lighting to the beat of the music, and the lights can be customized to any color of the rainbow. Some models of the Kia Telluride have an option for ambient lighting!  Place your car in park, and tap the “vehicle settings” on the infotainment screen.  From there, you’ll be able to select the Ambient Light menu and adjust the lighting color and the brightness.  It’s a fun little hidden feature to impress your friends or add a little mood lighting to your next drive-in movie. The Hyundai Veloster has a little easter egg game built into the infotainment system.  The car’s Blue Max Game tracks driving habits and rewards the driver with bonus points for being eco-friendly and fuel efficient!  You can’t really do anything with the points, but it’s a fun little reminder to improve driving habits and fuel consumption. The Hyundai Genesis has a hidden light under the side mirror that illuminates and projects the logo on the pavement. The Hyundai Sonata added some built-in relaxation into their infotainment system with a series of ambient noises.  Just select the “Sounds of Nature” option!

Record Store Day was started in 2007 by a group of indie record store owners and employees to help celebrate the magic and nostalgia of vinyl, and share the love of vinyl collecting culture with others.  There are over 1400 independent independently owned stores.  Each year, artists all over the world come together and create special collections, limited editions, and rereleases specifically for Record Store Day! It’s a great way to be introduced to new musical styles as well as supporting local indie artists and independent small businesses.  Each year a celebrity Record Store Day Ambassador is also chosen, and for 2022 that person is none other than the reining pop queen herself: Taylor Swift. Check out these awesome local record shops you can patronize all year round: Play by Play Record Shop in Waukegan Reef Records in Antioch Reef Records in Lakemoor Vinyl Frontier Records in McHenry Scratched Vinyl in Barrington Blue Myrtle Records in Gurnee Offbeat Music Store in Lake Zurich Siren Records McHenry in McHenry Hip Cat Records & Music Videos in Wilmette Algonquin Records in Des Plaines Record Wonderland in Roselle MetalEdge Records and Tapes in Chicago Vintage Vinyl in Evanston Squeezebox Books & Music Inc in Evanston Rediscover Records in Elgin Cheap Kiss Records in Villa Park Tone Deaf Records in Chicago The Old School Records in Forest Park Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont Kiss the Sky in Batavia Rattleback Records in Chicago Mile Long Records in Wheaton Rolling Stones in Norridge Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park Reckless Records in Chicago Interstellar Space Records in Chicago Electric Jungle in Chicago Hyde Park Records in Chicago Shuga Records in Chicago Green Tangerine Records in DeKalb Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart Record Breakers in Chicago Black Circle Records in Lake Geneva WI Did you know there are also numerous benefits to listening to music: Music can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by elevating mood and reducing cortisol from stress. It can increase focus and improve your memory. It improves your performance in running and exercise. What are some ways that music helps you in your daily life? Check out these portable record players that connect to your favourite bluetooth device.  It’s perfect for taking with you on the road for campouts, beach days, and vacations: Victrola Vintage 3 Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Buit-In Speakers Crosley UO Exclusive Cream Rose Gold Voyager Bluetooth Record Player Turntable Record Player Portable with Built-in Speakers Belt-Driven Vintage Portable Turntable with Bluetooth Wireless R609

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home. Here are some of the amazing benefits to gardening, aside from the positive environmental impact: A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community If you’ve not got the room for a container garden or your homeowner association/landlord doesn’t allow it, you can join a community garden!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery How To Start Your Own Container Garden A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper A large bucket of compost An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants Watering Can with Long Spout Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots. Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteadin g by Lisa Lombardo The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press

We love a good road trip car game that gets your ol’ noodle going!  So for today, National Scrabble Day, we’re sharing picks for fantastic car friendly word games for everyone to enjoy. From classic spoken word games using the alphabet to mobile and travel friendly versions of your favourite board games.  The best part about playing these games together is that they are silly, goofy, creative, and competitive and each one builds on each other to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  Who says learning can’t be fun?! Free Word Games to Play With the Whole Family Think Fast (No Purchases Required!) One person begins by suggesting a category theme (ex: Food, Animal, Places. etc) and a second player will have until the count of 10 to say (or shout) the name of an item that corresponds with that theme.  If the second player cannot think of something to name in the time it takes for a 10 count, they lose their turn and it passes to the next one.  If they come up with a word, it’s their turn next to pick a category and count for the next player.  For an added challenge you can use the rule of starting with alphabetical order “The Category is Flower, and you must use the letter A!” “Aster!” “The next category is Food and you must use the letter B!” “Blueberry” and so on until someone gives up, or you reach the end of the alphabet! The Alphabet Game (No Purchases Required!) Starting with the letter ‘A’, one passenger takes turns calling out a word that starts with that letter, and the next player’s turn responds with a word beginning with ‘B’ and so on and so forth until you get to the letter ‘Z’.  If you’d like an extra challenge, subsequent rounds can have a theme such as “plants” or “animals” or “foods” to correspond with each letter. Same Letter (No Purchases Required!) Begin with a category, just as you would with “Think Fast,” except this does not involve a count timer.  One category chooses a word that matches that category, and the following player must follow-up on that theme using the last letter of that word as the first letter of their next guess.  For example: “The Category is Birds!” “Seagull” “Lark” “Kestrel” “Lovebird” “Duck” “Kingfisher!” “Robin!” and so on until the group gives up and someone is stumped. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (No Purchases Required!) Another great game that can be played with all car passengers and requires quick thinking, sharp memory, and alphabetical challenges A through Z.  The starting player will use the letter A, and will say the phrase “I’m going on a bear hunt, and I am bringing   The second passenger will follow by repeating the first item, and adding a second with the subsequent letter (in this case, ‘B’): I’m going on a bear hunt and I am bringing an avocado and a blueberry!  The third player will repeat those and add the next letter, and so on and so forth until you reach a point where someone cannot remember anymore, or you reach the end of the alphabet!  It’s great to play with small kids as well as adults. Great RoadWorthy Games to Pack for the Car, The Beach, or Picnic Fun We’ve got some great suggestions for travel friendly versions of classic board games.  From pocket-sized options to digitized versions to magnetic or tile-lock versions, you’ll find something to fit every need and age group of traveler.  Perfect for playing at a rest stop lunch break, while camping, or even while driving in the car to your destination. Scrabble: Road Trip Series Scrabble to Go (APP) Tile Lock Scrabble Travel Edition Word Master (APP) Words with Friends (APP) Scrabble Slam Hasbro Boggle to Go Boggle Travel Edition Scroll-O-Matic Banana-Grams Duel Fournier’s Magnetic Hangman Bananagrams: The On-the-Go Edition Melissa & Doug Flip-To-Win Hangman What’s My Word (Travel Edition) Hot Tips for Scrabble Points Using Automotive Themed Words Engine, 7pts Carburetor, 14pts Serpentine, 12pts Gasoline, 9pts Brakes, 12pts Transmission, 14pts Tires, 5pts Windshield, 18pts Antifreeze, 22pts Pedal, 8pts Gears, 6pts Bumper, 12pts Warranty, 14pts Insurance, 11pts Mechanic, 17pts Lease, 5pts Motor, 7pts Hoses, 8pts

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and we’re sharing our picks for road trip worthy restaurants for the best grilled cheese across our illustrious state and the cheese capital of the US, Wisconsin!  You can also check out our list of Grilled Cheese fun facts and see how these top sandwiches stack up to their potential. Fun Facts About the Grilled Cheese The Grilled Cheese began as an open faced snack of melted cheese on one singular piece of bread during the WWII era; the classic toast-cheese-toast configuration appeared in the 1960s and is what we know and love today as the “grilled cheese!” One of the most expensive grilled cheese sandwiches ever sold belonged to Diana Duyser.  She claimed her grilled cheese sandwich was brandished with the toasted image of the Virgin Mary; it sold for $28,000 on Ebay in 1994! The highest priced actually edible grilled cheese sandwich is priced at $214 from the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City.  It features rare cheese, white truffle butter, Dom Perignon champagne, and edible gold flakes. Wow! Top Notch Grilled Cheese Sandwich Establishments in Illinois and Wisconsin: Chicago Grilled Cheese & Mac Factory in Chicago IL Edzo’s Burger Shop in Evanston IL McAlister’s Deli in Springfield Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago IL The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Peoria IL Jerry’s Sandwiches in Chicago IL Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Lakeview in Chicago IL Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co in Naperville IL Wyler Road in Chicago IL Mak’s House La Grange in La Grange IL Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill in Morris IL Little Goat Diner in Chicago IL BIG & little’s Restaurant in Chicago IL The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park in Chicago IL Same Day Cafe in Chicago IL Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal IL CYOC Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak in Waukegan IL Green Town Tavern in Waukegan IL Glen Flora Tap & Grill in Waukegan IL Leno’s Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan IL Brat Stop in Kenosha WI Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI Spanky's Bar and Grill in Kenosha WI Franks Diner in Kenosha WI House of Gerhard in Kenosha WI The Coffee Pot in Kenosha WI Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha WI Pepi’s Pub and Grill in Racine WI Tino’s Carry Out in Racine WI The Dish Restaurant in Racine WI

The Next-Generation Toyota Tundra is Here, and It’s going to Rock Your World! Backed by the trusted quality, durability, and reliability you’ve come to expect from Toyota, the Tundra is blazing a new trail in the full-size truck vehicle category.  It features improved towing and payload capabilities, an all-new multimedia infotainment system designed right here in North America, a spacious and comfortable interior cabin, and two new powertrain options: A twin-turbo V6 option, and a hybrid twin-turbo V6 option, both with a 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission.  The new 10-speed transmission features updated technology such as sequential shift mode, uphill/downhill shift logic, and Tow/Haul driving modes! But the real showstopper is the iFORCE MAX Powertrain, boasting 437 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 583lb-ft of torque at just 2,400 rpm.  The new Power Control Unit (PCU) is employed to ensure excellent durability and thermal performance from its 288V Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery located under the rear passenger seats.  Using either the SPORT or SPORT+ feature under drive mode increases power and responsiveness. In addition the EPA has estimated its fuel economy and efficiency at 18MPG city and 24MPG highway for 2WD SR models, and all other 2WD models at 18MPG city, 24MPG highway. And its interior and exterior design are built to match and exude an air of power, strength, and performance!  The design team paid great attention to detail using only premium materials and fabrics inside, and achieving a balance of rugged, tough design with sleek, modern angular lines.  It certainly adds up and delivers a stunning aesthetic indicative of its strength, durability, quality, and reliability. “Our design goal from the beginning was to create the most powerful, rugged and sophisticated looking full-size pickup that will take Tundra to a whole new level,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research. “Because recreation and an outdoor lifestyle are at the core of Toyota truck identity, we set out to create a muscular, chiseled and athletic design that also looks like it could handle the toughest towing demands.” In short, it’s a truck made by Truck People, for Truck People, and it’s all designed, engineered, and built right here in the United States of America! Check out the incredible features and amenities here, and then stop by our dealership to spec one out for yourself!  Our trusted and knowledgeable sales associates are ready to help get you behind the wheel ASAP. The All New 2022 Toyota Tundra Features: Standard i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Produces up to 389 hp, 479 lb.-ft. Available i-FORCE MAX Powertrain Produces 437 hp, 583 lb.-ft. Up to 12,000-Pound Maximum Towing Capacity Available 14-inch Touchscreen Highlights All-New Audio Multimedia System Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 Active Safety Standard on all Grades EPA Estimated Fuel Economy 20 mpg Combined on i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 2WD Models You get all of that state-of-the-art technology, sleek modern design, powerful towing capacity, and unparalleled fuel economy starting at $35,950 MSRP!  Stop by Classic Toyota’s dealerships to spec one out for yourself with custom features and designed to your personal styling.

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secure plans for a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw