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Our last haunted road trip guide for Halloween is covering our neighbors in Missouri.  We’ve scoured the state for the scariest and most haunted places, and gathered them in one place so you can plan the creepiest car ride from destination to destination.  Some of these sites are stuff of local legend, but others have been verified by professional paranormal investigators. What do you think? Let us know in the comments if you’ve visited these sites and had an experience! more Lemp Mansion in St. Louis This haunted home and brewery site is considered one of the ten most haunted places in the United States!  Visitors can opt in for a historical ghost tour, or even participate in a paranormal hunt after hours during “The Lemp Experience.”  Unfortunately, not one, not two, but three members of the Lemp family committed suicide on site, and a fourth off site.  William Lemp Senior and William LEmp Junior both shot themselves in the same room, 18 years apart, in an extra office space at the Brewery.  It later became a boarding house in the 1940s, and several residents reported hauntings and spiritual encounters,  Additionally, other spirits have joined the Lemp Family and use the mansion as a way station to the afterlife.  There have been reports of figures circling the bed, leaning over and looming near visitors, and general unnerving discomfort. Beattie Mansion in St. Joseph The original owner of this historic residence was the first mayor of the city, and a wealthy Victorian businessman Armstrong Beattie, and his wife Elizabeth, who lived there until their deaths  in 1878 (Armstrong) and 1880 (Elizabeth.)  Without any heirs, the home was sold off to the Ladies Union Benevolent Association, and used as a group home for the houseless, aged, and displaced residents of the city.  Later, it was converted to a home for the elderly, mentally ill, and addicts.  In 2004, it passed hands with plans to be converted to a bed and breakfast, but any renovations were thwarted by paranormal activities and experiences.  Disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and full body apparitions unnerved the contractors and construction was halted.  Professional ghost hunters have confirmed the presence of Eliza, a child spirit, and multiple unidentified apparitions.  You’ll experience ghosts that tease and taunt, giggles and disembodied laughter, and footsteps in rooms that have no other presence. Pythian Castle in Springfield This historic castle has a dark and storied history with nefarious connections to torture, suicide, and medical violence.  Originally built as an orphanage in 1913, it was later commandeered by the US military for prisoners during WWII.  Visitors can book a history tour during the daytime to learn the unnerving history, or participate in a nighttime ghost tour and chance an encounter with a malevolent spirit.  Ghost hunters and visitors alike have reported disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and an unnerving atmosphere. The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs This hotel and spa was subject to two destructive fires in 1989 and 1910, and although no one died in either blaze, it’s long rumored that a dastardly spirit may be the culprit.  Guests have reported encounters with visitors from the spirit realm in the lap pool, which was once the site of a Speakeasy during the days of Prohibition.  The hotel has embraced its ghostly guests, and hosts tours where you may encounter the spirit of a gambler, a spiritual advisor from the 1920s, and other gracious, gentle spirits. Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph This unusual museum is a dark and macabre, and frankly disturbing, look at our past treatment of those with mental illness and disorders of the brain.  At one time, it was home to some 3,-000 patients at any given time over teh decades, but now it’s a nineteenth century time capsule of our country’s strange medical history, founded in 1967 by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.  You’ll find bizarre exhibits such as 1,000 items removed from a patient’s stomach, strange medical equipment, and unnerving tools of the trade for psychiatric practitioners.  Some say the grounds are haunted by patients who have passed on during their stay, and ghost hunters host limited tours o n special event nights at the museum for visitors with a taste for the paranormal. Union Station in Kansas City This active and in-use railroad station is not just open to the general public, but also a whole rotating cast of spectral characters.  As you head off to your destination, you may spot the figure of notorious criminal Frank Nash, who is said to wander the station faceless, or other strange and hauntingly faceless figures with shined, polished shoes and classy wardrobes, or a figure of a woman in a black dress walking down the stairs after hours, and spirits dragging their suitcases down the halls.  At sundown, the paranormal presence increases as the ghosts of those who are still waiting for their train take over. Other terrifying destinations in Missouri to explore on your trip through the state: Vaile Mansion in Independence, Rivercene Mansion in New Franklin, Belvoir Winery in Liberty, STL Haunted History Ghost Tours in St. Louis, St. Charles Ghost Tours on Main Street in St. Charles

It’s time for another installment of Classic’s YouTube Car Vlogger Roundup!  We’re gathering our picks for great videos from some of our favorite subscription channels. Whether you like to watch people rebuild or customize, take their car to the limit on the test track, adventure off road, or just nerd out about fun facts, we’ve got something for everyone.  Let’s take a look at some of the most fun uploads from the gearhead greats! more Donut Media is bringing us a super fun breakdown of the Most Expensive Cars from Every Car Company across the decades.  You’ll find vintage favorites, good ol’ classics, and some fascinating obscure and obsolete rides.  There’s over 100 cars on this list, and we’re absolutely fascinated by the sheer volume and variety!  Check it out: If that’s not enough to wet your whistle, this Donut Media update is covering The Fastest Car from Every Car Company!  They’ve done their research and found 100 cars from 100 companies that are top speed in their brand.  It’ll really get your engines revving! Check it out: TikTok has become ubiquitous in online culture, and one of the most-used social media apps ever.  You’ll find all kinds of videos on there from cooking to book reviews to history lessons and more!  And you’ll even find lots of tips and tricks from Mechanics and automotive enthusiasts. But have you found yourself wondering how to discern what’s fact from fiction? Curious to know if some of those “tips” are going to cost you more than you’d save in the long run? Donut Media is back again with a professional mechanic who is weighing in on the do’s-and-don’ts of TikTok Car advice. Check it out: Love looking at unique, interesting, and vintage cars? You’ll love this video from Collecting Cars that’s all about the 1963 Meyers Manx Beach Buggy.  This wild ride is an iconic and original beach friendly vehicle with plenty of pizazz.  It looks like it drove straight off the set of Austin Powers or the Barbie Movie, if you ask us!  Check it out here: If you’re a fan of pop culture, we think you’ll have a really  fun time taking a deep dive into the history of one of MTVs hit shows “Pimp My Ride.”  Aside from becoming a “meme-able” series in recent years, and the cars making their way into the lives of other car vloggers, this show has a potentially questionable past and plenty of controversy.  The Media Pastimes channel is raising a magnifying glass to this street racing inspired customization reality series. Check it out here:

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to explore some of the strange haunted happenings across the state.  What could be better than an autumnal road trip to chase down the ghosts of days gone by?  It’s a perfect way to spend the weekend or enjoy a late-night exploration. more We love exploring as much as the next, but be mindful, please.  Make sure to adhere to any posted signage as some areas may be off limits or be part of private property.  We recommend doing additional research to find out which sites offer tours or are open to the public and when.  We do not condone trespassing! Your Guide to Haunted Sites in Illinois The Englewood Post Office and H. H. Holmes True Crime aficionados will be fascinated to know that this modest post office branch sits on the site once home to serial killer H.H. Holmes and his infamous “Murder Castle” Postal workers at this location have reported hauntings throughout the building.  The basement area especially is noted to fill visitors and employees with an intense fear of dread, and it is advised any tasks in that room be quick and timely to avoid anxiety. The Chicago River and the SS Eastland In 1915 the SS Eastland passenger ship was docked along the Chicago River when it suddenly capsized.  Sadly, 844 people lost their lives in the incident.  Today, visitors to the area and patrons of local restaurants have reported looking out from the windows or down from the Clark Street Bridge and report seeing the ghostly faces or bodies of people in the water, reaching out for help. The Couch Tomb in Lincoln Park Chicago Lincoln Park sits on the former grounds of City Cemetery, with the Couch Tomb the only remaining tomb surviving the Great Fire of 1871. The tomb was sealed for decades, leaving many to speculate what may lie buried there.  In 1998, a team of workers and researchers opened the tomb and discovered around 80 bodies entombed within!  Visitors to the area often claim to see and hear strange apparitions and experience strange occurrences in Lincoln Park, but especially near this tomb. Resurrection Cemetery in Justice This is one of the largest cemeteries in North America, sprawling across nearly 540 acres with 152,000 graves and 5,300 crypts in the mausoleum.  Consecrated as a cemetery burial ground in 1904, it officially opened to the public in 1912.  This site is purported to be hte site of Chicago’s infamous “Resurrection Mary” who haunts these grounds, the surrounding highway, and the nearby Willowbrook Ballroom.  You may catch a glimpse of her dancing at the foot of the Resurrection of Christ monument next to the on site chapel.  Keep your eyes peeled for a lithe woman in a flowing white dress and blonde locks! McPike Mansion of Alton The McPike Mansion, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike.  The 16 room mansion features a vaulted wine cellar in an Italianate-Victorian style.  In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor.  Some people claim the house was built on hallowed grounds, still others report the happenings only began after McPike and later owners’ passings.  Either way, this is a truly special site for otherworldly occurrences! The Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock This beautiful historic performing arts venue and opera house is the reported site of local spectral visitor, Elvira.  Elvira’s tale is a sad one, with big dreams of making it big on the stage and landing the lead in an upcoming ballet perfor. Unfortunately, she was passed over for the part which was handed to another girl in the company.  In her grief of shattered dreams,, she leaped from the Opera House’s highest tower, and fell to her death on the streets below.  Visitors have reported sights of a forlorn young woman with long, golden hair wandering the halls and aisles.  Some have even caught a glimpse of her in seat 113, and those who sit near it report the seat lowering on its own and sad sighs in the air.  Additional reports include props falling down with no one nearby, and even things disappearing from the stage and backstage areas.  Book at ticket and see for yourself! Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet The Rialto Square Theatre opened its doors in 1926, and a parade of spirited guests have wandered in and out of its halls and auditorium over the years. That’s right, it’s haunted!  We won’t spoil the backstory here.  Why? Because this vaudeville venue and movie theatre turned performing arts center offers Paranormal Tours of the theatre where you can spend two hour learning about the lost souls of the Rialto!  Come see a show and book a tour.  You can bring your friends and your family along for the fun and may even have some unexpected guests join your party. Other notable places with real spirit include: Haunted Abingdon Middle School in Abingdon, The Old Milton School in Alton, Robinson Woods in Chicago, Haunted Tours at the Museum of Science and Industry German U-505 Submarine, The Haunted Glessner House Museum, The Haunted Red Lion Pub in Chicago, Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Ridge Cemetery in Williamsburg, Aux Sable Cemetery in Alton

This week is prime leaf-peeping season and we’re here with an updated fall foliage report and some great places to check out across the state for prime autumnal activities.  In Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border, fall foliage is beginning to make an appearance and will reach its peak by the 24th/25th.  In the Chicago area a little further south, peak fall-foliage viewing will arrive beginning the 24th of October and last through Halloween on the 31st. more We’ve already shared some great places in Illinois to take fall photos on our “Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox with Great Places in Illinois and Wisconsin to See Fall Foliage and Take Wonderful Family Portraits” blog article, but here are some other fantastic fall photo-op suggestions for families to enjoy in Wisconsin. Check out this fall foliage report of Wisconsin to figure out the best places to visit each location on our list for maximum Autumnal Enjoyment! Let’s plan a mini getaway and take some scenic drives across Wisconsin in search of some lush fall scenery: Marinette County’s Waterfall Tour - This 125 mile scenic loop drive takes you through 15 waterfalls and cascades in the area.  You’ll have ample opportunity to stop off in county parks to stretch your legs and take a scenic hike, walk your furry pals, and take plenty of photos of your family and friends.  The trail includes places such as Veteran’s Falls, Strong Falls, T welve Foot Falls Park, and many more gorgeous vista points. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - This 115 mile trip will take you through a stunning array of woodlands with ultra gorgeous views of the changing oak, maple, and aspen trees as you wind your way through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. You’ll cover ground across 6 different counties in Wisconsin, and have lots of waterfront to explore from ponds, lakes, and rivers as well as sweeping views of the hills and valleys.  Take a day to experience some rowing, fishing, and hiking trails in the area. Hilltop Color Tour of Central Wisconsin - Taking you through Wausau and Ogema and Neillsville, this central Wisconsin drive will take you to peak seasonal adventures!  Your best views will be from the 60 foot observation tower in Rib Mountain State Park, the observation tower in Timm’s Hill, and The Highground memorial nearby to Neillsville.  Each of these stop-offs will afford you some outstanding views of autumnal scenery, and are great destinations for family outings, and plenty of nature photography opportunities and great family photo backdrops. Black River State Forest and Black River Falls - With nearly 68,000 acres across West Central Wisconsin, you’ll find yourself lost in the beauty of nature in the pine and oak forests and glacial beds with vista points from the sandstone hills, 30 foot bluffs, and millions-of-years-old buttes.  You’ll also find unparalleled views of the Black River Falls Cranberry Bogs which are incredible just before the seasonal harvest time.  And be sure to make your way through the Dike 17 Wildlife Area where you’ll have an exciting opportunity for some serious bird watching as waterfowl and other species migrate and settle in the area.  Families can enjoy hiking, offroading on ATVs, and plenty of mountain biking trails. And last but not least we recommend a wonderful trip to Door County and all that the area has to offer! Set along the edge of Lake Michigan, you’ll fall in love with the nearby state parks of Potawatomi, Peninsula, Newport, and Whitefish Dunes as well as the scenic Washington Island.  It’s one of the region’s top attractions for fall travel, and you won’t want to miss out! Here are some fun videos to inspire your travel plans:

Today is National Farmers’ Day.  Without the efforts of these hardworking farming professionals, we would not have access to so many resources or such abundant food sources.  Farming is an absolutely essential part of the American economy.  In fact, agricultural and food industries support more than 20 million jobs nationwide and account for nearly 10% of all US Employment (USDA.)  It’s vital that we continue to do our part to support family owned farms and agricultural businesses.  Family farms also make up about 99% of the 2million plus farms over more than 895 million acres across the country, according to USDA. more Small-scale farming, as opposed to industrial agriculture, also has a beneficial impact on the biodiversity of our environment.  A variety of farming methods and crops/livestock can lead to better soil, healthier and more vigorous crops, healthy pollinators, promotion of a healthy lifecycle in the local environment, less land erosion, efficient water conservation and better quality of life overall.  Let’s all do our part to support efforts for a greener tomorrow and increase access to affordable foods through agricultural support. Check out our list of fun farming facts about Illinois, and then call your friends and family and invite them out to a day on the farm for an up-close-and-personal experience with agriculture and local businesses! Fun Facts About Farming in Illinois Impress your friends and family on the road trip to your favorite apple picking or pumpkin picking farm and entertain them on the drive with these great fun facts. There are more than 75,000 farms in Illinois! Nearly 75% of the land in Illinois is farmland, covering close to 27 million acres Illinois has very versatile soil with 1,500 different types which can accommodate a wide variety of crops, and thanks to minerals deposited by glaciers and abundant prairie growth, Illinois has some of the world’s most fertile topsoil Farm operators account for around ~75,000 out of the 1,000,000 people employed by the food and fiber industry across Illinois More than 90% of Illinois farms are still family owned and operated businesses Iroquois County in Illinois has the most farms in the state with a total of 1,516 farms Illinois is one of the top leading producers of soybean, corn, and swine In 2022, the average value of farmland real estate was $8,900 per acre, up more than 12% from 2021 The average size for a farm in Illinois is about 375 acres Best Nearby U-Pick Farms and Orchards (in Alphabetical order!) Get down and dirty at these U-Pick farms and orchards which offer berry picking, flower picking, apple picking, pumpkin picking and much more!  Grab your locally grown produce and ready-made meals at their farm stands so you can enjoy a fresh made family meal to end your fun day outside! Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, IL Apple Holler in Sturtevant, WI Berryville Farm in Racine, WI Creuziger’s Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm in Sturtevant, WI Didier Farms in Prairie View, IL Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington, IL Hafs Road Orchard in Genoa City, WI Heinz Orchard in Green Oaks, IL Homestead Orchard in Woodstock, IL Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, IL Prairie Sky Orchard in Union, IL Richardson Farms in Spring Grove, IL Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard, IL Rustic Road Farm in Elburn, IL Stade's Farm and Market in McHenry, IL The Farm at Westmont, IL Thompson’s Strawberry Farm in Bristol, WI

Today is National Techies’ day and we’re covering some of the latest and greatest in updates to automotive technology including some features we now use everyday that once seemed quite futuristic!  From self-driving cars to plug-in hybrids to voice activated features, we’re taking a look into some of the latest and greatest features of the automotive industry.  Whether you’re looking for a daily driver, family car, or even something to hit the track on weekends, there’s so much fascinating technology on the market today and in the pipeline pending!  Let’s take a look at some of the latest news on updates to vehicle design, new tricks for older cars, and other advances in technology together on today’s blog. more When Marty McFly and the Doc hit the road in the mid 1980s in their flying time machine DeLorean, it seemed a far off futuristic concept.  How could we have such astounding tech as hoverboards, electric cars,or flying cars?  Yet here we are in 2022, looking down the pipeline at some of the most fascinating and convenient amenities in technological advances. Today, we’ve got smart tech hybrid vehicles that can optimize fuel efficiency without human interference, and fuel-free vehicles that charge anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for up to 350+ miles in range, and with feature options such as Built-in 4G LTE and 5G Wi-Fi hotspots allowing passengers and drivers to access phone calls, streaming services, GPS apps and much more without having to use their wireless carrier’s data plan. Enjoying the backup cameras, lane-keep assist, and collision warning features?  Miniature camera sensors installed all around the car, surveilling the exterior of your vehicle for objects, people, animals, and obstructions, something that just a few decades prior seemed only achievable in science fiction movies.  Got your hands full from all the grocery shopping?  Not a problem! Your truck or SUV is equipped with sensors to open and close the trunk, hatch, and doors upon sensing you approaching.  Hate getting into a hot car in summer or a frigid car in winter? Many cars also feature not just heated seats but cooling and massaging options, with modern styling that’s as much about ergonomics as it is aesthetics.  What once seemed unattainable is now the every day! It’s really, really impressive how far we’ve come in just a short amount of time! And that, friends, is just the beginning.  Let’s investigate some of the unveilings and concept vehicles of recent years automotive conventions and shows! Take a peek at every electrical vehicle that was on display at this year’s recent Chicago Auto Show thanks to EV Motoring on YouTube. Kia has announced that they’ll have 14 fully electric models by 2027!  The EV9 SUV, unveiled in 2021 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be the first car to use autonomous driving technology, AutoMode. AutoMode is the range of autonomous driving technologies including a highway driving pilot mode, and a series of additional self-driving tech and safety features.  The vehicle is expected to be launched in 2023! Learn more about this feature and vehicle here: The new future of racing may just be this incredible car from Hyundai like the N Vision 74 Drift car.  Are you itching to see the new tech live and in action for this concept car come to life? Well, we’re thrilled to share this video from Top Gear where you’ll get to see this one-of–a-kind vehicle take a few rounds on the track.  And we’ve got to say, we’re really excited about it, and it gets our little gearhead hearts revving for sure. Attendees to the Chicago Auto Show 2022 this year got a great look at the Toyota Rhombus Concept Car.  This vehicle is a battery-powered electric vehicle with an aggressive and modern looking diamond shaped design.  While the vehicle may or may not be produced in its current incarnation, it’s been thus far well-received by enthusiasts. It places high value on interior space comforts with ample legroom and swivel seats for a lounge-like interior.  The good news is that this is just one of their 10 BEVs anticipated for announcement over the next few years. Toyota also dropped a series of incredible updates to their model range and tech, and has unveiled new features and at least 6 different electric vehicles.  They’re expanding their lineup with an increase in options and models in the HFCVs, EVs, Hybrids categories. Let’s check out the 2023 Toyota bZ4X electric vehicle and its features here: Looking for a hybrid model car in your favorite crossover size? Toyota’s got you covered with the Corolla Crossover Hybrid 2023: Take a look at some of the features and aesthetics of the upcoming Toyota Vehicles including electric cars such as the Rhombus and the bz4x…and even flying cars: Looking to explore concept cars and independent builds for futuristic vehicles? Check out these cool videos for even more neat automotive technology. VantaTech is exploring 55 of the most beautiful future concept cars with designs predicted from 2023 through 2050 in concept releases. The Fully Charged show got a sneak peak at the Aptera, an incredibly unique EV inspired by none other than fish!

September 30th is International Podcast Day, a global celebration of one of the most popular media forms around the world today.  Founded in 2014, this “holiday” was created to celebrate the incredible power of podcasts as informational and entertainment media. Podcasts have truly changed the way people consume and receive media, giving listeners and viewers an opportunity to engage in topics they love most with this innovative, streamable “radio show” style media.  Once an obscure, strange new form of media, this beloved streaming audio and talk-show format has now become as ubiquitous as gas stations and coffee shops! Today we’re sharing some of our picks for best automotive related podcasts, and we’ve included links to their companion YouTube channels or visual components for a more enhanced experience. more What are your favorite automotive podcasts? Let us know in the comments and we may feature your suggestions in a future update! The Collecting Cars Podcast with Chris Harris and Edward Lovett is an excellent show dedicated to “motoring horror stories” and tall tales from the community. It is an extension of the Collecting Cars YouTube channel, dedicated to highlighting the adventures (and misadventures) of automotive enthusiasts and collectors. Everyday Driver Car Debate with Paul and Todd is an informative and entertaining podcast dedicated to helping listeners find their perfect daily driver.  The hosts debate which car is the right fit, give a little behind the scenes access on their review channels, and other hot topics in the automotive industry.  They also discuss the highs and lows of car shopping, car ownership, and car collecting. The Smoking Tire with Matt Farah and Zack Klapman features a rotating cast of weekly guests from all corners of the automotive industry.  From professional drivers to avid collectors and automotive icons, there’s no shortage of excitement and entertainment here. With experience as an automotive journalist, Farah’s channel is a unique spin on the typical car chatter, covering topics from daily drivers to sports cars to supercars and beyond.  It’s a very thoughtful channel and companion podcast with no shortage of entertainment! The Best of NPR’s Car Talk is one of America’s funniest podcasts, featuring Tom and Ray Magliozzi, also known as “Click and Clack, the car guys,” as they attempt to troubleshoot, diagnose, and otherwise lovingly hassle their listeners from live call-ins to their radio broadcast.  Their charming wit, goofy antics, and friendly demeanor has made them an accessible show for listeners of all age levels and experiences.  Their witty banter, wild sense of humor, and charming conversation with listeners makes for an unforgettable and timeless podcast that is at once hilarious and informative!  You’ll find yourself listening to your favorites again and again, and even learning a thing or two along the way. Past Gas by Donut Media continues the channel’s quirky, offbeat sense of humor and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Join these goofy gearheads as they take a deep dive into the stories behind your favorite car manufacturers, car collectors, and automotive superstars.  In true Donut Media Fashion, they present information and factual anecdotes with expert comedic timing, plenty of laughs, and an overall jovial atmosphere.  It’s a wonderful lighthearted look at some of the wildlest, weirdest, and most interesting aspects of the car industry. The TrailChasers Podcast is a weekly unscripted podcast providing fun and informative content for those looking for a little offroad adventuring.  Created as a tie-in to the “OFFROADERLANDER” community the producers and cohosts deliver the perfect blend of informational content, anecdotes and first-hand stories, and community input from offroad adventures.  Their aim is to connect drivers and adventure enthusiasts to accessible offroading equipment and inspire a wondrous sense of adventure in their listeners! Hooniverse Podcast exists at the intersection of all things automotive: cars, trucks, race tracks, road trips, things that run, things that don’t, and everything in between!  Helmed by Jeff Glucker, also known for his work with Autotrader and Motor Trend, this podcast serves as an outlet for a love of the more offbeat side of the automotive industry. Driving While Awesome is a weekly podcast hosted by automotive experts and three of the RADwood Co-founders: Lane Skelton, Warren Madsen, and Art Cervantes.  Tune in to listen to these long-time friends discuss the ins and outs of gearhead life and the automotive industry, but especially sports cars and vintage rides from the 80s and 90s.  With more than 700 episodes and counting, you’ll never run out of things to listen to on your daily commute or next road trip! Car Pro Podcast is your go-to source for just about everything and anything automotive.  From buying to selling to leasing to maintaining and collecting cars, this show covers it all!  Hosts Jerry and Kevin provide listeners with an insightful look at the industry by providing insider information on how to buy your car, secure the best deals, prices on the new/used car market, and much more.  Not sure whether to buy gas or electric?  Contemplating used versus new versus leased? They’ve got you covered on their detailed shows live every Saturday on WBAP or wherever your fave podcasts are streaming. Behind the Glass Podcast with Sam from SeenThroughGlass on Youtube.  The show aims to provide listeners with a behind the scenes look at the car industry and world of automotive YouTubers!  Each episode features a new and exciting guest from the car vlogging and/or automotive social media sector.

It’s no secret that we here at Classic love to get involved in our community and meet new people!  That’s why for World Tourism Day, we’re sharing some of the wonderful places newcomers and visitors can explore when visiting our area. We want you to get to know our towns and cities as well as we do, and enjoy all of the things that make it so great to live here!  Let’s show the world all of the incredible things that the Lake County Illinois and surrounding area have to offer. Feel free to chime in with your picks in the comments on our social media, too. We’d love your input and feedback! more Genesee Theatre in Waukegan hosts year round events, concerts, shows, and live music.  It’s one of the best venues in town! Waukegan Municipal Beach is a 400-acre lakefront with a mile-long stretch of beach. It’s open 6AM to 9PM all 7 days a week, and s free to the public on a daily basis from Labor Day to Memorial Day, making it a great budget friendly option to visit in the off-season and enjoy some time in nature. ZumBier Bier Halle in Waukegan is a great way to spend a few hours and support a local small business!  Schedule a tour, visit the taproom, or take advantage of their wide array of products for sale or buy and fill a growler to take home and share with friends. Waukegan Harbor Lighthouse is located at the end of “Government Pier” on Lake Michigan. It’s a great destination for photographers and tourists! Lyons Wood Forest Preserve is a gorgeous 272 acre park with prairie and forest areas that’s just perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running, and wildlife viewing. Three Brothers Theatre is a local non-profit independent venue that offers an intimate theatre going experience.  It thrives on diverse and inclusive programming that’s “brash, brave, and bare”, producing shows that are driven by the artist and creator, providing audiences with a truly unforgettable experience! The Anderson Japanese Gardens are 12-acres of meticulously manicured Japanese garden grounds in Rockford Illinois featuring peaceful Koi Ponds, winding paths and scenic bridges, trickling streams, cascading waterfalls, and award winning botanicals. The Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse in nearby Kenosha, WI is not just a gorgeous coastal lighthouse open for tours, but it is also home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio, an incredible community of artists and art enthusiasts. Geneva Lake Museum in Lake Geneva, WI is a one-of-a-kind local history museum filled with an indoor replica of a historic town, local relics, and interactive exhibits inside a historic waterworks building!  It’s a great destination for tourists to spend the day and learn a little about the local area! Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, WI is an absolute must-visit on your list for kids and the kid-at-heart!  It’s a unique science museum exploring not just the history of carnivorous dinosaurs and their biology, but also their connection to modern birds and raptors.  It’s a small but truly fascinating location with impressive dinosaur skeletons and educational displays. Where are some of your favorite local and regional destinations to visit? What would you recommend tourists put on their must-see list? Let us know in the comments and we may feature them in future updates!

Happy Autumnal Equinox!  Everyone here at Classic Auto Group is so excited for Leaf Peeping Season to begin.  That’s why we’re celebrating with an amazing list of places you can scope out top notch fall foliage across Illinois and Wisconsin, and great autumnal locations for family portraits. more Bowen Park in Waukegan is a 60 acre park once home to John Charles Haines from 1857-1896, and is now a family friendly recreational area with picnic grounds, hiking trails, a playground, and beautiful gardens.  If you’re looking to take some family portraits in the local area, this is a great place to visit! Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods IL is a beautiful 552 Acre preserve with 6.5 miles of scenic hiking trails which wind through the forest and over to the Des Plaines River.  Its protected woodlands are home to multiple endangered species of wildlife and plants.  Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos! Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe spans 385 acres with 27 gardens to explore.  When autumn rolls around, the trees will display a dazzling array of fiery colors and the autumnal shrubs and flowers will also put on a fabulous display. The University of St. Mary on the Lake in Mundelein has a beautiful lake surrounded by natural wonders, bridges, and monuments.  It’s a truly stunning sight to see when the fall foliage makes its appearance and its lake reflection twinkles in the light of golden hour.  It’s a wonderful backdrop for couples photos and family portraits. Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion has breathtaking views of the autumnal leaves!  Whether you choose to sit back and relax at the lakeside, or wish to explore the 10 miles of hiking trails there’s no shortage of picturesque scenery here! Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike!  Take the whole family including your pets out to the forest preserve for some fall foliage family photos (try saying that one three times fast.)  Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville. Looking for more great trails and areas to explore in Lake County? Check out this great list for more options. Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy some U-Pick Orchard family fun time with some cozy sweaters, fall flannels, and take some coordinated family portraits for memory making! Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest, which is also home to Autumn Fest on September 23rd from 4PM to 7PM.  Bring the whole family out to enjoy some nature hikes, or stop in for a guided lesson with local experts! Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages!  The farm has a rotating series of events and gatherings all season long through Halloween!  From hayrides to corn mazes and pumpkin picking to harvest festivals, it’s an iconic part of local traditions each Fall, for more than 100 years! Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is an incredible 271 acre state park known for hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing.  There is a family friendly campground for those who wish to immerse themselves in the autumnal wonders of the forest and lake.  Explore the 5 miles of hiking trails and scenic views and snap some great autumnal photos. Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin is unparalleled excellence in autumnal scenery.  This 2 mile nature trail is the main attraction in Grant Park, one of the oldest parks in Milwaukee County.  You’ll be lost in the beauty of Mother Nature from the forest out to the beach!  It’s very family friendly. Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin is an outstanding place to experience the full effect of autumnal foliage.  High atop the hill at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Holy Hill provides a birdseye view for striking sightlines of the fiery landscape below. Did we leave your favourite leaf peeping spot off our list? Let us know your favourite places to see the leaves in the comments below and we may feature it in a future update.

Today is National Live Creative Day and we’re super excited to bring you some content marrying two of our favorite things: All Things Automotive and The Arts!  We’re highlighting some fantastic career options and opportunities that meet in the middle for the best of both worlds.  Check it out on today’s blog! more Automotive Painting and Coating When you’re shopping for cars, the process of choosing a paint color and finish is an important step.  That’s because projecting your personality onto your ride is a big deal for many of us.  We don’t just want something practical and usable, but something that really shows the world who we are inside.  There’s also a large sector of automotive enthusiasts who love to customize their vehicle even further, by choosing a custom wrap or finish as a finishing touch to their interior and under-the-hood personalizations. Additionally, there are also those who are in the market for fully personalized mural work, airbrushing, gradients, and other designs.  Transportation Equipment Painters are trained to operate special equipment, tools, and machinery to provide drivers with custom finishes, restoring paint on vintage vehicles, color matching, and tailoring personalized artwork.  This involves use of a clean room, dust-free environments, and special paints and coatings.  Workers in this field can apprentice with professionals, receive on-the-job training, or take workshops/classes to learn the process. Automotive and Race Photographers and Photojournalists Photographers who enter the Automotive Field may train for documentary photography, commercial photography, and sports photography.  This allows them the flexibility to shoot photography for advertising, race-day documentary, photojournalism, car shows and model photography, and even cars within landscape photography.  These days, modern photographers often prefer to select digital photography as their mode of choice, but some do still use film methods.  These creative professionals will use digital cameras, computer software, technical lighting,and natural lighting to enhance the look of vehicles depending on their use.  You might find their work on social media, in automotive advertising, magazine and print work, history books, and more!  This field requires a lot of hands-on training, apprenticing with professionals, formal schooling, and ongoing education on new technologies.  They may shoot indoors in curated studios, on site of filming or commercial locations, at race tracks or events, or at automotive shows. Automotive Designers and Conceptual Designers This career sits at the intersection of engineering, business, and design worlds.  These are highly specialized and technically trained professionals specializing in industrial design.  They’re required to have a thorough knowledge of engineering, mechanics, automotive production, automotive materials.  Their job is to improve aerodynamics, ergonomics, and aesthetics of the automotive industry.  This field not only involves those scientific and mathematical perspectives, but also fine art.  These professionals include draftsmen, modelers and sculptors, digital and traditional illustrators and painters, and 3D CAD creators.  Requirements of this specialized industry include at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Design, Industrial Design and/or Engineering.  The formal “STEM” based training and education required is to be completed at technical schools or universities. Graphic Design and Digital Advertising Design Think about all of the ways you learn about new vehicles and shop for cars today.  You may find digital ads on social media, print ads, short segments from content creators.  Looking for promotional coupons and discount sales to get the best deal? Those were customized by a series of artists to match brand aesthetics and messaging.  Both static and motion graphics have been designed and created by artists to appeal to modern consumers, and tell a story through the visual and technical arts.  Each of these creative fields involve hands-on training as well as formal education to learn highly technical programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, 3D Modeling programs, etc.  Designers must research trends, stay on top of modern communication methods, and stay in the know with rapid changes to venues such as social media.  These designers incorporate traditional and digital art methods, multimedia and new media technologies, and the basic principles of design.  Most have acquired either extensive field experience, and/or a formal bachelors degree in Art, Multimedia, Graphic Design, etc. Other interesting avenues for creative minds to explore in the automotive industry today include but are not limited to: content creators, vloggers, fine artists, film and video editors, web developers and designers, art directors, logo designers, concept artists, product and packaging designers.

Today is International Literacy Day!  We’re celebrating this important holiday, created in 1967 and supported by UNESCO, by sharing a list of amazing organizations and charities who support Literacy as a Human Right.  More than 770 million people around the world are lacking in basic literacy skills, but you can help change that by donating to funding efforts or sharing your time through volunteer efforts! more Through combined efforts of community outreach, charitable giving, active volunteerism, and advocacy work, UNESCO aims to promote accessible learning and increase resources to those who need it most.  This year’s theme is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces, and focuses on creating quality, equitable, and inclusive learning education environments for all.   With many schools and education systems disrupted by pandemic related issues over the last two years and change, access to school and literacy education has been lost or interrupted for so many vulnerable people. Check out these wonderful local organizations that promote Literacy and Reading in our community: Reading Success - United Way of Lake County Adult Classes at Waukegan Public Library Adult Literacy and ESL Programs at College of Lake County Illinois Literacy Volunteers of Illinois Literacy Works in Chicago Chicago Literacy Group Literacy Office of Illinois State Library Everyone Reading Illinois Center for Literacy at University of Illinois, Chicago Here’s a list of different ways that you can support Literacy efforts at home and in your community. Let’s help improve the lives of children and adults everywhere! Reading with Children: Start reading to kids at an early age.  Fostering a love for reading can begin as early as infancy!  Reading books to young children can encourage them to be more interested in books. Inviting them to participate in easy tasks such as looking at pictures and describing them, pointing out what they see, holding the book for you to read, and even turning pages can help them connect with books and reading in a positive light. Turn on the subtitle and captioning function for movies and television programs at home, to help children connect words and descriptions to the verbal dialogue and actions on screen, especially if they’re learning English as a multiple/second language. Establish a read-aloud routine with the children who are in your care.  Creating a specific time (or times) every day as a set scheduled story time can help children look forward to reading, and create healthy patterns and habits.  Kids love predictability and thrive on routine, and having at least 2 read-aloud time slots to look forward to can engage them with books and stories in a meaningful way. Engage in “See-Show-Say” strategies for early learning and childhood development, and highlight different vocabulary words as a focus of each story and read-through. Allow children to choose the books and stories you’re reading, and put at least one of their all-time favorite books in heavy rotation during your sessions!  The more excited children are about what content you’re reading, the more likely they are to participate, engage, and pay attention. Reading with Multilingual and English-Language-Learning Speakers: Offer ELL students one daily lesson with English vocabulary, and highlighting the structure and style of English Language, and encourage them to engage with content through verbal responses and answer questions at least one time each during each reading/learning session. Note that English language learners may require five years or more to catch up to fully fluent English-speaking students, so be patient, empathetic, and affirming in their positive steps forward. Encourage students in a class or workshop setting to engage with their peers through writing, peer-critique and feedback, and read-alouds in small groups. Increasing Access to Reading and Literacy at a Community Level: Help communities and schools provide screen readers, assistive listening devices, captioning, and other accessibility resources to disabled, hard of heating, and blind individuals. Create and maintain a “Little Free Library” in your neighborhood or community, and make sure it is stocked with reading materials for all levels. Include some phonics/comprehension and English Language Learning materials to increase accessibility. Include large-print books to help comprehension, as well as accessibility for those with limited vision or difficulty reading fine print.  Include wordless picture books to encourage storytelling and reading comprehension even if a person or family does not speak English fluently Donate books to local school libraries and classrooms, and ask local teachers and school librarians what books they have on their wishlist. Include books that are multilingual, bilingual, and feature diverse protagonists to encourage new readers or new ELLs to engage and connect with stories. Volunteer your time to reading of stories at local schools, libraries, family shelters, youth groups, and hospitals. Volunteer your time and patience to tutoring efforts for ELLs and new readers to gently and enthusiastically encourage them to continue learning outside of the classroom. Support local legislature that funds libraries, supports public schooling, funds summer reading programs, and other organizations that provide free learning tools and opportunities to the community. Donate your time and money to support local and international charities who provide learning resources and reading materials to underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented demographics around the world.

We’re all recovering from a very busy holiday weekend, so we thought we’d keep things a little lowkey when it comes to blog updates.  After the transition to work week vibes, we figured it would be fun to kick back and relax with a little YouTube video fun!  Check out our roundup of recent and interesting uploads to some of our favorite channels. more We love seeing all the ways that folks customize their cars and really make their mark on the automotive world. Check out these interesting vehicles and cool collectible cars in this Automotive Meet Recap from Ed’s Auto Reviews on Youtube. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Well, this wild van has had quite the ride from rags to riches to rags to abandonment and finally restored to its former glory.  Check out this super fun video from our fave channel, Tavarish! Donut Media has arguably one of the most fun channels in the Automotive YouTubesphere. The crew is testing “Shark Tank” Car Products and giving you a full rundown.  Watch the pitch, watch the test, and decide for yourself!  Check it out. If you’re not subscribed to Rich Rebuilds, what are you waiting for?!  You’ll love the wacky and creative antics of Rich and his pals as their Electrified Garage takes on a slew of unique electric and alt-fuel rebuilt and reconfigured vehicles. In this episode, they’re trying out a solar powered car with 1000 miles of range! Who hasn’t watched a sci-fi movie and thought man that would be so cool to drive those futuristic cars? Well, thanks to experimental technology and conceptual engineering you may be closer to your dreams than you think!  Check out this concept car test driven by the Fully Charged Show on YouTube. This video from Marques Brownlee’s “Auto Focus” segment (and channel!) highlights the future of the car industry and the switch from fossil fuels to alt and electric cars. Check out his feedback and experience driving and enjoying the recently released Hyundai IONIQ. Looking for ways to connect with other likeminded folks in automotive industry? Car Meets are a fantastic way to connect with the community and make friends and network.  Check out this video from Gears and Gasoline about the positive aspects of Car Meets and car culture!