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We love exploring the local area, but we especially enjoy spending the day taking in Chicago’s bustling metropolitan energy!  Today we’re sharing our top picks for great walking tours in the area, so you can see the city from a whole new perspective!  You’ll find everything from tours which appease the local history buffs in your midst to the dark, spooky tours that will win over even the most persnickety of brooding teenagers.  You can even choose to snack your way around the city with a Food Tour or two! more We’ve done our best to find you as many affordable or free options as we could, and price points to fit even the most frugal budgets.  You’ll find it all right here on today’s blog!  If you've got a favourite tried-and-true option for walking tours, feel free to give us a shout out on social media with your suggestions. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a water bottle for hydration, and charge your phone and camera. You won’t want to miss a minute of these memorable city views and experiences! Free Tours By Foot offers no-cost and low-cost walking tours of chicago!  Connect with the city like never before with a local freelance tour guide.  There are numerous tour styles to choose from such as architectural tours, ghost tours, historical tours, nature watching tours, and more all available on a daily or weekly basis, and many of them on a “pay-what-you-can” basis.  Check out their current catalogue of events right here! Free Chicago Walking Tours are led by local guides who know the neighborhoods inside and out for free public tours or reasonably priced paid private tours for groups of more than 6 and up to 20!  (Tipping your guide is recommended, especially on the free options.)  This group’s tours are perfect for those who do not want to do endurance training via sightseeing, because they’re just 1 to 3 miles in distance!  It’s the perfect option for those with kids and teens, because it’s just the right amount of time.  It’s a great way to make new friends and socialize with locals and tourists alike.  Click here to learn more about upcoming tours or schedule a private group! GPSMyCity has a great app that allows you to fly solo and take self-guided tours of just about anywhere!  You can download the app, select Chicago, and choose from any number of detailed tour maps with navigation and notable attractions.  It’s also available offline, so you can save on data and still access your guides.  Click here to learn more about it and download the app! If you’re a foodie we think you’ll really enjoy Chicago Food Planet Tours! Explore local culinary treats and restaurants as well as an option for purchasing a gift box to enjoy locally sourced snacks.  Choose from private or public tours exploring the most delicious neighborhoods and local haunts in Chicago for up to 3 hours.  Or perhaps a family-owned and operated local romp around the city with Tastebud Tours will do the trick (they also operate around the country!) Bizarre Bucktown is where it’s at if you’re looking for interesting, quirky, and memorable experiences of Chicago.  It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the city, you’ve never seen it like this!  On your 90 minute walk with a small, intimate group of folks, you’ll learn about the history and hauntings of Bucktown and Wicker Park.  Tickets are just $15 per person, but the memories are priceless; click here to book your tour! Chicago Gangsters and Ghost Tours give you two creative experiences for the price of one, and run four times a day.  Explore Chicago’s gangster era of the 1920s and 1930s, and the storied past of its hotels, speakeasies, mysteries, and murder!  You’ll get to walk through haunted crime scene locations frequented by the ghosts of gangsters and their victims, and experience some spooky twists.  Click here to reserve for yourself or request a group visit. Weird Chicago Tours is an excellent option for adults, finicky teens and older tweens to experience history with a bit of mystery.  With options for Walking tours and Bus tours, you’ll enjoy a wide range of entertainment and education.  It’s a dark, mysterious, and dramatic Chicago tour touching on true crime, gangsters and mobsters, and haunted happenings in the city.  Click here to immerse yourself in the dark side of Chicago’s historical sites. The Offbeat Street Tours are the best way to explore the city and its unique characteristics.  Celebrate the street scene and indie arts culture that has helped turn the metro area into a living, breathing gallery of murals and drawings.  Explore the vibrant arts scene of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square and get a background about each artist, their painting styles, and their inspiration.  Tickets range from $15-$25 and you can reserve a time slot and tour by clicking here. The Art Institute of Chicago offers guided tours, interactive experiences, and educational lectures so you can learn more about the pieces on display, and history of the institute.  You can choose from a variety of topics and experiences and workshops, such as “American Art,” “Asian Art Through a Global Lens,” “Mindfulness Tours,” “Impressionism: Monet, Degas, Renoir, and More,” and other wonderful experiences!  Tours may be limited for the time being due to Covid19 pandemic restrictions and limitations, so be sure to check the schedule frequently for updates.  Click here for more info about the tours and rates. The Loop Mural Walk is a free downtown adventure tour and self-guided journey to view the ever-changing landscape of street art in Chicago.  It features more than 20 murals by internationally recognized artists and creatives around the globe.  You can use your smartphones to navigate the turn-by-turn directions to view the works in the recommended order, or check out “The Murals” option to take your own path.  It’s a colorful, creative, and unforgettable experience for the whole family, and makes a fun day out with pals as well!  Be sure to bring your camera or leave extra room on your smartphone, because the murals make excellent backdrops for selfies and portraits.  Click here to l earn more about the Mural Walk program.

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion!  The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact.  We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog more 2022’s Guest of Honor is Kevin Byrne, the Consul General to the Midwestern US, and Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with Special Responsibility for the Office of Public Works at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The return of the 67th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will kick off at 12:15PM on Saturday March 12th, and in celebration of the first parade post-lockdowns the traditional beautiful Kelly green hued river will return!  (If you’d like to catch the river dying, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM.) Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to high volume of visitors and parade viewers. The parade will kick off at Grant Park before marching its way North on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, so make sure you arrive early to get a prime spot!  Entry to the parade route begins at 10AM and will only be allowed at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells. The Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain.  Grandstand seating is $60/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grand stand will open at 11:15AM. The 11th is the last day to purchase tickets, and it closes at 9AM; no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry. While Masks and COVID-19 Vaccination cards are not going to be required for parade entry, bu they are still recommended for personal safety and reduction of community spread.  Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed. In addition to the main event, two more annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations are resuming their festivities this year! The Northwest Side Irish Parade will begin at 12PM in Norwood Park starting at the William J. Onahan School; the South Side Irish parade will walk through Beverly and Morgan Park, then head south from 103rd street and Western Avenue. If you’re looking to continue the celebrations post parade and well into the next week, we recommend headin over to the following restaurants and bars on St Patrick’s Day the 17th for some official Irish meals and treats: Cork & Kerry in Chicago Charm’d in Chicago PB&J in Chicago The Gage in Chicago LG’s Bar & Kitchen in Chicago Chief O’Neill’s in Chicago Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro in Chicago Emerald Loop Bar & Grill in Chicago The J. Parker in Chicago aliveONE in Chicago The Owl in Chicago Shamrock’n the Block in Chicago Central Park Bar in Chicago The Mill in Mundelein Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee Pug Mahones Irish Pub & Grill in Fox Lake Celtic Knot Public House in Evanston Green Town Tavern in Waukegan The Harp And Fiddle in Park Ridge Island Tap in Libertyville Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub in Schaumburg May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group!

It’s not only Women's History Month but it’s also International Women's Day.  Today we’re going to talk about some amazing historic sites to visit that celebrate the amazing progress and contributions women have made and continue to make. more Great Spring Break Day Trips to Sites Celebrating Womens’ History in the Chicago Area Who says learning can’t be fun?  Why not head over with your friends and family to these amazing historical sites and destinations, and make a nice memorable day out of it at a nearby eatery. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum; 800 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL The Hull House museum was co-founded in 1889 by JAne Addams and Ellen Gates Starr as a settlement house for European Immigrants; by 1911 that one house had expanded to 13 buildings.  Nowadays, two of the original settlement buildings have been converted into a National Landmark, Meeting Center, and Museum.  The Hull Home and the Residents’ Dining Hall are host to many educational and informational programs and special speaker events regarding current social issues.  It is a way to honor the legacy of Jane Addams and the many residents of Hull-House who helped pass critical legislation and policies on health, education, free speech, labor laws, immigration, and other topics.  It’s been an integral part of cultural and political and social history in Chicago!  You can stop by the grounds and visit in person, sign up for a lecture or event, or even take a virtual tour from wherever you are right now! Where to Eat Nearby: Boston Blackie’s on S. Riverside, The Marq on W Adams Street, Thai Bowl on W Taylor Street, Tuscany Taylor on W Taylor Street, Green Street Local on S. Green Street, The Outpost Mexican Eatery on W. Harrison Street, Portillo’s Hot Dogs on W Taylor Street, Busy Burger on W Taylor Street, Chilango Mexican Street Food/Litos Empanadas on W Taylor Street, Chez Joel Bistro Fancais on W Taylor Street, Two Shades Cafe in W Taylor Street Jane Addams Memorial Park 550 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL With nearly 4 and a half acres of beautiful, quiet space across from Navy Pier and at the edge of Ohio Street Beach, this park once was home to a 6-piece sculpture series honoring Jane Addams created by Louise Bourgeois titled “Helping Hands;”  the sculptures  were vandalized and later moved to Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens thanks to a restoration and relocation effort.  Today the park is a beautiful green oasis with many walking paths connecting it to Olive Park Woodland, Milton Lee Olive Park, and the beach. Where to Eat Nearby: XOCO at N Clark Street, Barrio on W Kinzie Street, Little Goat Diner at W Randolph Street, Bub City at N Clark Street, Cindy’s Rooftop on S MIchigan Avenue, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap at E. Superior Street, Tempo Cafe at E. Chestnut Street, Moti at W Huron Street Chicago Women’s Park 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL Covering 3 and a quarter acres and the former site of the Vietnam Veterans Museum, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, aka “the South Loop.”  There’s a beautiful indoor playground, a wonderful cafe, and event space/meeting room area at the park’s fieldhouse facilities.  In addition, renovations have been completed on 3 fitness studios, the Kids’ Club Room, and the new Kids Science Labs which host field trips, summer camp, and science workshops for children.  It’s a great place for families and friends to meet and have a wonderful day out, especially in nature.  You can spend time enjoying the warmer Spring days at he community gardens, the walking paths through the landscaped garden grounds, and viewing the relocated “Helping Hands'' sculpture commemorating Jane Addams.  It’s also close by to the Widow Clarke House and the Glessner House if you’d like to make a whole day out of it!  Be sure to check out the local community calendar for an updated list of the park’s classes, events, and special programming. Where to Eat Nearby: Goddess and the Bake r, Hanabusa Cafe, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, Sweet Bean, Cafecito, Heritage Outpost, Dollop Coffee Co, Patisserie Coralie, Lasalle Cafe Luna, Mojo Coffee, Saucy Porka, Nutella Cafe, Cafe Michelle Other Fabulous Women Centric Destinations to Visit for Spring Break: Frances Willard House, Ida B Wells-Barnett House and Grave, O’Hare Rotunda, Illinois Suffrage HIstoric Sites and Markers Trail, DuSable Museum, Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Botanical gardens are incredible places to visit!  Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at and relaxing to walk through, but they’re a wonderful place for science!  The botanical gardens document local and exotic flora for the purpose of scientific research, education, and conservation. Did you also know that spending time within nature has the potential to improve your health, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and a whole lot more?  Between the open spaces, gorgeous greenery, delicate blossoms, and special events like art and music, there’s so many opportunities to find joy, relaxation, and stress relief. more Put a little Spring in your step today, because we’ve got a great list of amazing destinations to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine over spring break.  Today’s post is all about gorgeous botanical gardens in the area. Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Over Spring Break Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison WI Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago IL Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Frame Park Floral Gardens in Waukesha Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau WI Green Bay Botanical Garden in Greenbay WI Morton Arboretum in Lisle IL Garfield Park Conservatory Lurie Garden in Chicago Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens The Magic Hedge Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst Prospect Gardens Park Anderson Japanese Gardens NIcholas Conservatory and Gardens Sunken Garden in Aurora Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center in springfield Schaub Floral Display Center in Decatur Brooks Farms in Fairmount Herrin Park District in Herrin The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton Mandala Gardens in Marion How to Prepare For Your Day Trip to the Botanical Gardens You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so we highly recommend that you wear your most comfortable and supportive footwear, dress in layers such as tees/tanks under a hoodie or windbreaker/jacket.  Make sure you’re also wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses since a lot of the area will be open without treecover, and likely very sunny. And make sure to bring a backpack, bag, or tote with the following: Water and Electrolyte Beverages Energizing and Protein packed snacks Sunscreen and bug spray Cash for donations, souvenirs, access to special exhibits Portable battery chargers for your phone and camera Small plastic bags to collect your trash and throw it away easily Optional - A plant and flower identification guide and/or bird identification guide Optional - A field notebook or small sketchbook with pens and travel art supplies

We’re very excited that it’s World Wildlife Day!  This year’s theme is all about recovering key local species with the intent of restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.  By raising awareness of the creatures and beings that live right here in our own backyard, we will be able to have a much better life for the future. more Caring for our home and its native species will help us cultivate and preserve the unique aspects of our region, inviting new folks to visit, stay, and play here!  In addition, we’ll be ensuring that animal, insect, and plant life will be thriving and surviving for many years and generations to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the native animals right here in the neighbourhood where Classic Auto Group lives, works, and plays, too! What kind of ecosystems do we have here in the Lake County Area? The southern portion of Lake Michigan has been, home to several types of ecosystem: northern bog and tundra, eastern deciduous woodlands, southern swamps, western prairie!  The wide variety of environments and ecosystems makes the region one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.  It’s very exciting! What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world, a particular habitat or ecosystem, and it is essential for all living things.  There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; without a wide variety of plants, microorganisms, and animals, our world and humans would suffer immensely as a whole.  We rely on biodiversity to provide us the air we breathe and the food we eat, so it is important we care for the physical environment to ensure its preservation and survival.  Together we have to work to fight against climate change and preserve life! Let’s take a closer look at some of the beautiful wildlife and creatures that call Lake County home! Highlighting Some of the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Lake County Illinois: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel (image via Squirrel Gazer) Achaearanea Globosa Spider Acorn Weevil American Black Duck American Coot American Pipit Bald Faced Hornet (image from Northcoastjournal.com) American ToadBanded Longhorn Beetle Banded Wooley Bear Beaver Big Brown Bat Black Bullhead Black Swallowtail Calico Crayfish Canvasback Bird Caspian Tern Channel Catfish Chinese Mantis Deer Mouse Eastern Pipistrelle False Darkling Beetles Gizzard Shad Hoary Bat (image from Batcon.org) Indigo Bunting Katydid Long-Tailed Weasel Masked Shrew Northern River Otter Northern Water Snake Peoria Gemmatella (Image from bugguide.net) Racoon Rams Horn Snail Red Fox Ruddy Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatch Short-tailed Shrew Silver-haired Bat Snapping Turtle Tiger Salamander (image from Statesymbolsusa.org) Verbena Moth Violet Dancer Warmouth Fish Yellow-throated Vireo Woodchuck Zebra Spider Check out the full list of Local Lake County creatures and plants right here.

Today is Read Across America day, and we’re really excited.  You can certainly believe us when we say we love reading (we love it almost as much as we love cars, which is a lot!)  Read Across America Day is about dedicating ourselves to promoting literacy, critical thinking, and inspiring a whole new generation of readers and leaders of tomorrow.   Let’s inspire these young minds especially to pursue new adventures and think outside the box!  So make sure you take some time today to read a few pages in your favourite book, send a book to your loved ones, or buy one for a special kiddo in your life. more Not only is it Read Across America Day, but it’s also Women’s HIstory month.  That’s why today we’re sharing our picks for great books about and by notable women.  You’ll find bestsellers and classics along with brand new publications.  All of them are available in ebook form for ease of reading while traveling, and many of them have an audiobook with narration for long trips or commutes. Reading Recommendations How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Plowell A Life at Full Throttle by Janet Guthrie Lone Rider: the First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World by Elspeth Beard Driven: A Pioneer for Women in Motorsport by Rosemary Smith Faster: How a Jewish Driver, An American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky How to Overcome Fear of Driving by Joanne Mallon The Woman and the Car by Dorothy Levitt How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems by Tracy Martin Women at the Wheel by Katherine Parkin Lovin’ My Car: Women in the Driver’s Seat by Libby Edelman Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams I Give My Marriage A Year by Holly Wainwright Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown Mestiza Blood by V. Castro The Keeper Guadalupe Garcia McCall Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes A Woman Built by Man Edited by S.H. Cooper and Elle Turpitt Sundial by Catriona Ward The Godmothers by Monica McInerney Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Today is Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a holiday of feasting prior to the Lenten Season of Christianity.  It is a joyful, hearty holiday that also dates back to roots in pagan springtime ritual and fertility rites.  It’s celebrated with eating rich foods, fatty sumptuous treats, imbibing in cheerful cocktails and toasts, and of course the classic Mardis Gras parade featuring floats, confetti, and beads!  In short, it’s a really good time for all. more Today we’re celebrating some great cajun restaurants in the area and fun recipes you can make with your family to celebrate.  Check it out on today’s blog! How far is New Orleans Louisiana from Classic Auto Group? It’s at least 5 states and 1,000 miles from here, but you don’t have to drive that far for original cajun flavors!  Let us point you in the direction of classic cajun eateries in the area. Local Restaurants with Cajun Cuisine and Cajun Items Cajun Grill in Gurnee The Boil Cajun Seafood in Chicago Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo in Chicago Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar in Chicago Joker’s Cajun Kitchen in Chicago Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen in Chicago Rajun Cajun in Chicago Storyville Chicago The Crab Pad in Chicago Savor 27 Cajun Seafood & Tacos in Chicago The Cajun Connoisseur Food Truck & Catering in Chicago JJ Fish & Chicken in Waukegan Honey Bays BBQ in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan Jerk N’ More in Waukegan Island Del Mar in Waukegan Ostioneria Briza Azul in Waukegan Make Your Own Cajun Feast No Mardi Gras Celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delectable treats.  We’ve got everything from soup to nuts, or well, gumbo to pralines that is.  Got a fave recipe of your own? Share it with us in a comment! Traditional New Orleans King Cake Vegan Cajun Boil Mardi Gras Pasta Sazerac Cocktail Recipe New Orleans Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe New Orleans Style Beignets Shrimp Etouffe Instant Pot Jambalaya Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Muffaletta Sandwich Classic Pecan Pralines Authentic New Orleans Gumbo NYT Vegan Gumbo Recipe

When you’re always on the go, it’s vital to have things that are easy and convenient!  You want to be able to grab your gadgets in a jiffy, and pop them up in a heartbeat.  Thanks to our handy gizmo guide on today’s blog, you’ll never have to worry about missing a minute of fun.  Each of these items is easy to stow and take with you and also open and use.  They’re also incredibly useful and perfect enough for everyday use and perfect for keeping in your emergency car kit.  We’re all about easy, convenient, and portable items for today’s blog, and many of these can stay in your vehicle all year long so you're ready for any adventure life throws your way! more C-gear’s sandfree beach mat means trips to the shore and other sandy locations are going to be less of a hassle.  Forget the mess of grit, grime, and sand as a souvenir, and only bring back what you buy at the boardwalks or gift shop!  Great as well for picnics and sporting events. Priced under $75. ​​ We love the Nevlers inflatable lounger! If you're a minimalist who opted for a smaller car with less storage space, you’ll be very excited with the Nevler’s inflatable bed.  Inflates to hold up to 300lbs so you can sleep on the beach or at the campsite, but rolls up into a small carry bag for easy storage. Snag a two pack for under $50! The LESES Portable picnic table is convenient and useful. At an affordable price and with virtually no footprint space in your storage, this is a no brainer for those who love road tripping.  Whether you’re having a picnic lunch at a rest stop, beach days, camping weekends, or even tailgating, this is a great choice for travel gear. Under $50 on Amazon. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leakproof and convenient. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.  It’s a traveler’s dream because of its clever portability.  Stay hydrated and travel light with this item. Under $35 on amazon! The 4Monster Camping towels are an essential travel item. Whether you’re popping them into your luggage for your beach vacation, or keeping them in the car for emergencies, they’re indispensable.  With their own carry case for convenience and portability, we think you’ll love these in any size or color.  Mix and match to create a flexible set for use anywhere, and never stress about being without a washer dryer - they can be air dried in a short time! Ranges from $10-$25 on Amazon. Aaliff’s Standard Compressed Towel Tablets are a lifesaver for long trips. We’ve all had to do an emergency pitstop for a bathroom break, and been “up the creek without a paddle” so to speak.  And that’s why keeping a bag of these compact tissue tablets is going to change your life.  Travel without the fear of being left in a messy situation. You’ll have access to the toiletries you need for under $20! You can keep these Portawipes compressed Toilet Paper Coins in your car or bag on the go. Just like the towel tablets above, these can be opened to a convenient and luxurious wipe that you can use anywhere. Check it out in a 500 bulk pack for $40! The goTenna Mesh keychain helps you stay connected. Even if you’re entering a low or no cellular service zone, this keychain device is portable and convenient.  You’ll have the option to share location info with a range of up to 4 miles; it pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth-LE.  It also allows 1 on 1 texting and roup chats from connected devices. $200 via the goTenna site!

After more than 2 years of pandemic chaos, many of us are champing at the bit to take to the skies and touch down on new ground, or to drive the roads less traveled. Spring break is just around the corner, so why not take advantage of the upcoming free time and create a  plan for your first vacation of 2022!  We’re here to help you get ready by recommending lots of great reading material. Why not spend some of your time off learning, exploring, and expanding your mind by getting lost in a good book?  You can enjoy all of the titles on our list while visiting anywhere in the world thanks to digital copies.  Load them onto your tablet, phone, or queue them up on your vehicle’s infotainment center.  There’s no wrong way to read a book! Whether you’re going out into the world and exploring places by planes, trains, or automobiles, or if you’re enjoying the quiet solitude of a “Staycation” at home, these books are sure to delight readers of all kinds.  Transport yourself to a new place and time with one of the books on our list!  We’ve got Fantasy, Fiction, and History books by Black Authors which highlight Black History, Black Culture, and Black narratives.  They’re all available in EBook and/or Audiobooks, which makes them great options for on the go entertainment without weighing down your luggage! “Behind the Mountains” by Edwidge Danticat is a coming-of-age themed novel about a young woman who leaves the island life of Haiti behind, and moves to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life in Brooklyn, New York.  It’s relevant and timely for today’s world, and features beautiful descriptions of Haiti that will transport you to another place. “The Star Side of Bird Hill” by Naomi Jackson is another story exploring the strong ties of immigrant families to the rich, beautiful culture and communities of their island heritage.  It’s a complicated and emotionally engrossing tale of love, loss, community connection, and family. “Ghana Must Go” by Taiye Selasi is another beautiful novel about finding home and a family wherever you are, and making your way in the world on your own.  After the death of their father, the Sai siblings must come together to navigate family tension, the transformative power of loss, reclaiming your identity, and the importance of where we all come from. “Traveling While Black” by Mia Bay is a fascinating look into the history and modern dilemma of travel, public transportation, when it comes to segregation and racism.  It provides the reader with an accessible yet scholarly look into social justice and racial equality issues of the modern world. “Driving While Black” by W.W. Norton explores similar themes to the aforementioned title, this too is an extensive and complex dive into the history of African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights. “”Hola Morocha! A Black Woman’s Adventures in Buenos Aires: Culture Shock” by Jennifer Poe is a short, but energetic travel memoir about self-empowerment and independence.  It chronicles her solo travel as a black American woman, while also exploring the culture and history of the Black Community in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “ Kinky Gazpacho” by Lori Tharps is a travel memoir about navigating her West African heritage with the reality of being a Black Woman in Spain.  It delves into personal experiences and self-reflections on racial perspectives, explores passion in all its incarnations, and tackles loneliness and independence and love. “ The Marvelous Equations of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim” by Marcia Douglas is a one-of-a-kind reading experience!  This novel-length poem is part musical and part mythical narrative.  It centers around the spirit of Bob Marley being reincarnated as a homeless man living in Kingston, Jamaica.  The audiobook provides additional authenticity and atmosphere with a Patois accented reading. “ Queen of the Conquered” by Kacen Callender is an adult fantasy novel that will inspire your childlike wonder and sense of adventure.  It deftly handles its heavy content by combining elements of magic, mystery, and fantasy blended with the realism of island history and culture.

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse

It’s National Love Your Pet Day!  It’s no secret we love our little creature companions be they furred, finned, feathered, or whatever, they’re all so special to us.  Over the last few years with pandemic related challenges, we’ve fallen in love with them more than ever.  Our trusty critter counterparts have given us so much companionship and unconditional love, and now it’s our turn to give back.  Check out today’s post for a super fun celebration of our non-human buddies! more Looking for Love: Great Local Animal Rescues to Find Your New BFF We understand that some folks choose to buy their sweet companions from breeders or championship bloodlines, and we get it!  But if you’re looking for a ride-or-die, for a tried-and-true blue best pal, you’ll never find a friend so kind with boundless love than animals rescued from a shelter or the street.  Here’s some great places to start looking for your new best friend! Waukegan Police Animal Control in Waukegan Our House of Hope Rescue in Libertyville Fat Cat Rescue in Waukegan Strawberry Fields Animal Rescue Illinois Wagging Hearts in Gainesville Kay’s Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights Animal House Shelter in Huntley Anderson Humane-North Aurora Adoption Center in North Aurora Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield Save-A-Pet in Grayslake PAWS Humane Society in Rockford Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling Will County Humane Society in Shorewood Anderson Humane in South Elgin Tails Humane Society in DeKalb Community Care Animal Rescue Effort in Skokie Citizens Animal Rescue and Adoption in Tilton Wright-Way Rescue in Morton Grove Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue in Plainfield Fur Keeps Animal Rescue in Barrington Starfish Animal Rescue in Batavia Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Inc in Rockford Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions in Woodstock Safe Harbor Humane Society in Kenosha WI Kindred Kitties in Kenosha WI Furever Friends Sanctuary in Kenosha WI Society of St Francis Inc in Kenosha, WI Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue Inc in Kenosha, WI Who doesn’t love getting pampered with a little extra TLC! Well, did you know that our little four-legged, fine feathered, and even finned buddies feel just the same?  Show your pals a little extra treat, a new bed or hidey-hole, or even a day out at the spa.  We’ve got a list of places to spoil your pets: Alfredo Dog Grooming in Waukegan is where you go for a personal touch. Shear Paradise Pet Salon & Spa has been in pet beauty for over a dozen years. Grand Grooming in Gurnee is top rated as one of the best groomers in town. Liberty Dog Spa is a top tier pet groomer in Libertyville with years of experience. All Tails Pet Grooming & Boutique in Zion has been operating for over 10 years. Paw Chi Spa is the perfect mobile spa choice for pet parents with a busy schedule. Calling All Paws Mobile Pet Grooming is a convenient mobile grooming service for all. Posh Paws of Lake Bluff is a professional and trustworthy groomer for more than just dogs and cats. Bark N Call Pet Shop & Grooming has a reputation for friendly professional grooming. Peace, Paws, & Harmony in Lindenhurst grooms instills your pet with a sense of calm and patience during their spa day. 5 Star Doggie Bags: Cooking Special Meals for Your Pets At Home! Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats from Damn Delicious Homemade Dog Treat Recipe from The Cookie Rookie Three-Ingredient Salmon Cat Treats from The Cookie Rookie Canine Journal’s Homemade Vet Approved Dog Food Recipes Delicious Bearded Dragon Homemade Food Recipes Homemade Bunny Rabbit Treats by Sandi Homemade Cat Food Recipes via Hepper

Today we’re celebrating Black Excellence in the professional automotive racing circuit.  From the past to the present, these drivers are paving the way for future generations of drivers.  We’re pleased to highlight the men and women who have worked hard and proven themselves to be incredible drivers and stars of the industry. more Bubba Wallace William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr is a 28 year old professional stock car driver who made his Cup Series Debut in 2017.  He is the first full-time racer fo color in the NASCAR Cup Series since the early 1970s.  In 2021, he became the second Black Driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway. (Image from Forbes.) Rajo Jack American racecar driver Dewey Gatson also known as Jack DeSoto and Rajo Jack was one of the first African American race car drivers in America.  He was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2003, commemorating his notable wins in 1920s racing history. ( Image from Pamplin Media Group.) Cheryl Linn Glass Cheryl Linn Glass was the first ever African American woman professional race-car driver in the US!  She became a professional driver at age 18, and continued her storied career through 1991.  When she wasn’t racing, Glass also ran a successful fashion business, “Cheryl Glass Designs” where she designed bridal and evening gowns for special occasions.  In addition, she also ran a full catering and event planning service and co-founded the Minority Engineering Retention Program at University of Washington. (Image credit The Seattle Times) Wendell Scott Wendell Oliver Scott was one of the earliest African American drivers in NASCAR racing, and the first African-American to win a race in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1964 (and the only one until Bubba Wallace’s recent win.)  He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999 and in 2015 he became the first African American driver to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. (Image via BBC.) Jesse Iwuji Jesse Ekene Iwuji is a full-time NASCAR stock car racing driver.  He is the first active duty officer in the US Navy Reserves to compete in NASCAR.  He is partnering with Emmitt Smith of NFL fame for an Xfinity Series Racing team in 2022. (Image from VFW.) Elias Bowie Elias Abraham Bowie Jr was the first Black person to start in a race in the top level series of NASCAR at the Grand National Race in July of 1955.  It was his first and only NASCAR Cup appearance, during which he placed 28th of 34 cars on a 1-mile dirt track in San Mateo. (Image from African American Racers Association) Randy Bethea In 1973, Randy Bethea knocked driver Darrell Waltrip out of pole position at the Nashville Fairgrounds.  In 1975, he was the fourth African-American driver to start a race for NASCAR.  He also qualified 39th out of 40 in the World 600, and he finished 33rd. He raced two seasons in 1991’s NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Touring Series. (Image from Timesnews.net) Tia Norfleet Shauntia Latrice “Tia” Norfleet is the daughter of NASCAR driver Bobby Norfleet, and the first and only African American Woman driver to hold a NASCAR license.  In addition, she is the first Black Woman to be licensed by the Automobile Racing Club of America.  She made her debut in August of 2012 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia. (image from thesource.com) More notable names in racing history: Willy T. Ribbs the first African American driver to qualify for the Indy 500. Bill Lester, the first African American to race in NASCAR’S Busch Series. Lewis Hamilton, seven time world champion F1 race driver for Mercedes. Antron Brown, first Black American Champion in drag racing. Morty Buckles, the first driver for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity class.