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It’s February; love is in the air, and those happy, positive vibes are everywhere.  We love living and working in Waukegan.  We love selling and driving cars.  And we certainly love all of our loyal customers!  In honor of these big feelings, we’re sharing the love with some great suggestions for DIY Valentine crafts.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re a child or a teen or an adult, we know you’ll have a blast making these items to share with all the folks you care about. more So, folks, start your engines and let’s get creative!  Here’s our picks for fabulous Valentine Crafts that everyone will love (especially your friendly neighbourhood car dealership employees!) Creative and Crafty Valentines for Car Lovers of All Ages Get creative with the Paper Plate Love Bug Car Craft and make some construction and tissue paper  valentine’s with your Pre-K and Kindergarten kiddos. If you’re in a hurry, try these Matchbox Car Printable Valentine’s with four options. These DIY Race Car Valentines are a simple, sweet option and all you need are some tiny toy cars you buy in bulk at the dollar store or on amazon! We simply love the open-ended creativity of these beautiful Process Art Valentines: Painting with Cars for Toddlers. Grandparents and relatives will love getting one of these Footprint Race Car Valentine for Little Ones. Here’s another great set of pr intable Car Valentines to Color and Inscribe! Create a papercutting and sticker filled collage with the Heart Car Valentine's Craft for Kids. We love these cheerful Wheely Good Friend Valentines printables! Your kiddos friends and classmates will really adore these Race Car Valentine’s! Support an independent artist and get valentines in a flash with these d ownload and Print Race Car Valentines via Etsy. You can’t beat convenience when it comes to last minute options like these Instant Download Car Theme Printable Valentine Cards! Your fellow caregivers and parents will appreciate it if you forgo the candy laden valentine and swap it for these DIY Hot Wheels Non-Candy Valentines for Kids And if the adults or teens want to get in the mix, try this list of 55 More Valentine’s Gifts for the DIYer! Or you can just keep it plain and simple by coloring or painting these Love and Valentine Themed Best Coloring Pages for Kids, too!

We’re taking a deep dive into automotive history to learn more about the pioneers and creative minds that have advanced the automotive industry over the years.  We’re highlighting all sorts of ingenious inventions that began as just a spark, but grew into something so bold and bright we still employ them today! more Without the help of folks who dare to dream, we may never have had the cool cars and transportation methods we rely on every single day.  You never know how the world will receive your ideas, and you might just make a bigger impact than you’d ever imagined! May this post inspire you all to get out there and seize the day, and be brave enough to pursue your dreams.  Check out our post on amazing Black Inventors and Engineers in the automotive industry and get inspired today. C.R. Patterson Charles Richard Paterson began his life born into slavery, but eventually made his way to Ohio where he trained as a blacksmith.  In 1872, he partnered with J.P. Lowe, creating a carriage building business.  In the early 1900s, Patterson became the sole owner of the business, C.R. Patterson and Sons; it was in business from 1915 through 1939.  Patterson’s work force consisted of 50 integrated employees, and they manufactured 28 different model options; most notably they produced the Patterson-Greenfield Automobile.  This was the first African American founded car company! Garrett Augustus Morgan Morgan began his entrepreneurial start at only 14 years old, when he left home to find work as a handyman and sewing machine repairman. Wow!  By 1907, he’d gained enough experience to open his own repair shop, and became one of the country’s leading inventors.  His successes allowed him to purchase a car, which was nearly unheard of in those days.  While out and about on his daily commutes, Morgan observed that manually operated traffic lights were inefficient.  Since the current traffic lights gave no indication they were switching from “stop” to “go,” Morgan invented a warning light (modern day “yellow, slow down!”)  He patented his design -- a T-shaped metal pole with three lighted settings. Eventually he sold the rights to General Electric to the tune of $40,000! Richard B Spikes In 1913, he created the directional signal on vehicles, being first employed by Pierce Arrow, but soon following suit as standard for all cars and trucks.  In 1932, he patented an updated and much improved gear shift transmission, and was awarded an astronomical amount upwards of $100,000 (unheard of in those days!)  The modern automatic transmission we use today is modeled on his original design!  In addition, he also created the automatic brake safety system, in case the normal means of stopping a car should fail.  Many modern-day buses employ his tech as their failsafe stopping mechanism.  Head over up to Buffalo for a visit to the Pierce-Arrow msueum to learn even more! Wendell Scott Wendell Scott first found his love for cars by working alongside his father as an auto mechanic.  Upon returning home from serving in WWII, he opened his own mechanic shop.  At the time the NASCAR circuit was still segregated, Scott raced in the Dixie Circuit in the meanwhile; after some convincing, he managed to secure a NASCAR steward’s approval for a license, and he became the first African American NASCAR licensee.  Scott went on to win the Jacksonville 200, and became the first African American driver to win a Nascar race!  He went on to compete in 495 Grand National races, and was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of fame in 2015 in honour of his groundbreaking accomplishments. Want to learn even more? Here’s more facts and a few names you may not have heard yet! Here’s a fantastic list of 14 Black Inventors you may be unfamiliar with as well! In addition, we’d like to take a moment to remind you that while focal months are wonderful and important, we can all do our part to create equity and equality by supporting one another all year round.  Here are some great ways we can all support Black Creators, Black Businesses, and fellow folks in our community all year round: Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations in your local area with regular patronage. Donate to Black Non-Profits and Community relief efforts such as food pantries, local area shelters, health and wellness programs, or Mutual Aid/Crowdfunding efforts. Support arts funding and programming in Black Communities and Schools, and especially those that foster youth involvement and interest. Order takeout from Black-Owned restaurants during the pandemic and ongoing Promote racial equity in the workplace and advocate for inclusion and diversity Support legislation that promotes equity as well as equality, especially when it comes to those who are disabled, disadvantaged, or in less affluent neighborhoods Read and watch diverse media that features Black Authors, Creators, Directors, Writers, and Actors Happy Black History Month!

Calling all Road Warriors!  If two years and change of travel restrictions, self-isolations, and quarantine periods have you itching to see the world, we understand.  Skip the skyways and hit the road in your new car from Classic Auto Group for more pandemic-friendly traveling.  Whether you’re using your car for day-trips, weekend getaways, or lengthy road trips, it’s always good to be prepared.  We’re giving our readers a boost with our road trip guides such as this post all about travel gadgets! more Rand McNally 2022 Road Atlas In 2022, we’ve grown comfortable that our technology will always have reception, but the further you adventure across our great nation, you’ll find some of the most beautiful areas are the most remote!   What do you do when your reception drops from 5G to 1 bar of LTE coverage?  Travel with confidence knowing you’re ready to navigate safely, even if your smart tech won’t cooperate!  We love the Rand McNally Road Atlas as a perfect pocket sized navigator.  (Plus, this one won’t be a “backseat driver”…unlike your bestie who always has an opinion.) Dungarees Carhartt Car Organizers When it comes to trusted names in durability and safety, you just can’t beat the Carhartt brand! These rugged back of seat organizers can handle all the dirt, muck and grime of your outdoor adventures…or even the ever-present stickiness of toddlers and little ones.  You’ll find plenty of convenient pockets, nooks, and crannies to store your electronics and utensils as well as toiletries. Carhatt Universal Bench Seat Cover For those who love to go offroading, living that “van life” down by the river, or even picking up the kids from a weekend at camp or soccer clinic, the Carhartt bench covers are a great option.  These are easy to install, easy to clean, and made from the same trusted materials you know and love from the Carhartt brand.  It’s the perfect choice to protect your new car’s upholstery from repeated cleanings or damage. SmartPhone Mount from iOittie Keep in touch with your loved ones while you’re on the move!  This convenient car phone mount fits most smartphone models and keeps your device ready at your fingertips.  From handsfree mobile calling to traffic alerts and GPS updates, you’ll have everything you need while you’re on the road. Rooftop Cargo Storage Modern vehicles usually have quite ample trunk space and plenty of under-seat and side pocket storage, but extra cargo space is a must for those of us who are traveling for the long haul.  Store just about anything you need for your trip without blocking your essential vision spots with an overstuffed car.  This convenient and expansive cargo storage attaches to your roof and comes with a combination lock for security.  It’s a great option for car-camping and off-roading! Aquapel Glass Treatment Water Repellent We’re big fans of windshield treatments that make it easier to see while driving in inclement weather. For a budget friendly option, we use RainX line of products.  But for those of us who prefer a longer-term solution without multiple reapplications, the Aquapel Glass Treatment provides up to 6mos of water repellent application.  Just swipe, apply, and go!  You’ll have excellent preventive maintenance for long cross-country or coastal trips without having to worry.  We feel it’s money well invested! Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit Did you opt for a basics package with your new vehicle for a more budget friendly pricetag? We understand!  But in today’s day and age, it’s always a great idea to ensure that you can safely navigate and communicate while on the road.  That’s why we’re recomending this Bluetooth Car Kit to connect with your smart phones and tablets for hands-free communication and navigation.  The price is perfect for the budget savvy traveler! High Road Heavy-Duty Expandable Clothes Hanger A life of adventure on the road doesn’t mean you won’t want to stop for a fancy event or outing!  Have a nice night on the town with wrinkle-free duds thanks to this expandable clothes hanger.  Avoid wasting precious time ironing and de-wrinkling your wardrobe and hang it while you travel instead.  It’s sturdy, durable, and holds plenty of outfit options no matter where you’re headed. BioLite Camp Stove Every off-road traveler should consider grabbing one of these handy devices. The BioLite camping stove can be used in emergencies during wintertime to provide heat until safety arrives, or it can be used to boil water in remote locations to keep you hydrated.  As an added bonus, it’s great for campsite cooking and marshmallow roasting.  Conveniently designed for easy travel and small footprint in your storage capacity. Car emergency Toll with Digital Tire Gauge This handy multitool is a favourite with our readers and staff.  We love the easy-to-read tire gauge and collapsible/expandable pocket tool options.  Fits neatly into your glove compartment, center console, or even door side pocket.  Don’t leave home without it! Stoic Double Cloud Camp Bed Long road trips can be expensive as it is, and opting for a comfortable hotel can get costly!  Save your dime for adventuring and use your car’s cargo area to rest on this travel mattress. Or pop up your weatherproof tent  with the cloud camp bed for a comfortable night’s sleep in the wilderness.  It’s easy to set up and easy to clean, too! YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler Rugged. Durable. Spacious. Efficient.  These are all great reasons why we love the Flip 8 Cooler from YETI.  Keep your food warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  Never worry about being dehydrated on your camping trips, either!  It fits plenty of water bottles, beverage cans, and food containers.  Plus, the adjustable strap is tough enough to lug just about anywhere and can be removed for hand-held carrying if preferred.

We’re very excited to share today’s blog post with you.  In honor of Black History month, we’re sharing an incredible list of local galleries, performance venues, museums and cultural centers featuring Black Creators, Black Musicians, and notable public figures in Black American History.  In addition, many of them are also Black Owned Businesses, which is a great way to directly support our local community! more Including modern Black artists is imperative for a well rounded vision of society and America.  We’re supporting the arts and Black Creators by sharing this fabulous list of venues to explore.  Historically, many Black artists and creators have been left out of larger museum and gallery collections, and history vignettes have been relegated only to overseas artifacts or tribal customs.  Today, curators and art historians are making concerted efforts to be more inclusive in current collections and exhibitions.  Check out our picks below, and let us know which is your favourite place to visit! Before you head to these great American cultural centers, we also recommend you view the 90 minute documentary “Black Art: In the Absence of Light” via HBO. This enlightening documentary highlights many notable Black artists and gallerists as well as art historians, and we believe listening to their perspectives and learning these names will enrich your visits to these institutions.  You can even download the supplemental materials, or try your hand at the suggested art projects that correlate!  It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the arts before your excursions. Creative Destinations Celebrating Black Culture & Black History in Greater Chicago Area African American Museum in Lake County Mariane Ibrahim Gallery Chicago Illinois South Side Community Art Center in Chicago IL Gallery Guichard in Chicago, IL ILA Gallery Chicago Connect Gallery Chicago Anthony Gallery Chicago 5 Points Art Gallery & Studios in Milwaukee South Shore Gallery and Estate Sales and Boutique Art Studio 928, LLC Jaguare Studios BFTA Dessin Mogul, LLC Little Black Pearl ETA Creative Arts Foundation Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago Joel Hall Dance Center Buddy Guy’s Legends DuSable Museum of African American HIstory Black Chicago Museum Bronzeville Children’s Museum Ida B Wells Barnett House Pearl’s Place African-American Cultural Center Monument to the Great Northern Migration The Green Mill Chicago Let us know in a comment if you have a great recommendation for a creative Black Owned Business or Art Gallery or even a museum we’ve left off this list!  We’d love to support our local community by highlighting them in a future update.

Hey there friends and neighbours, we’re here with our beloved community calendar for the Chicago area!  You’ll find a lot of great activities and events to enjoy over the next few weeks, all just a short drive away.  Check it out on today’s blog. more Today from 12PM to 2PM at the College of Lake County, enjoy a lecture with a panel of guests for CLC Lake County’s History Makers: State of the Black Male: Changing the Narrative event over Zoom. This evening from 6:30PM to 9PM at Zumbier, enjoy LIVE Trivia! BYO Food or order delivery in. Tomorrow, February 4th, at Tony’s Fresh Market from 2PM to 6PM in Waukegan is the Job Fair! Learn more about it here. On February 4th at the Genesee Theatre, enjoy a wild, wacky, madcap evening of musical comedy for Guys on Ice starting from 7PM through 9PM. Check it out here. On February 5th from 12PM to 2PM at the Dandelion Gallery & Studio, bring a friend or your kiddo and enjoy a Love inspired evening of Block Art. Learn more at Dandelion Gallery & Studio’s site. On February 5th from 7:30PM to 9PM at the Three Brothers Theatre on Stage 115, enjoy a performance of “When It Comes We Can Worry Then” for a lovely evening of theatre. On february 6th from 12PM to 5PM enjoy an R&B Brunch with tickets ranging from $20-$50. Book your spot now for a day out in Chicago with your friends! On February 10th enjoy a Galentine Party hosted by Olson’s Ace Hardware in Park Ridge!  You can stop by for a fun filled evening of crafting and decor inspiration with your friends.  It’s a DIY extravaganza with a Sip & Shop to boot! Event is from 5 to 7 and you can get tickets here. On February 12th, get a little rest and relaxation with Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times at this free event hosted via Zoom! Click here to learn more and select a date; participation is limited to 500 person capacity login. On February 12th and February 13th at 10AM at Olson’s Ace Hardware, come on out for a free Kid’s Workshop creating Succulent Plant Valentines! On February 19th, enjoy the “Intro to PLants” workshop from 11AM to 12:30PM in a free class with a 20% off discount included on all purchases that day. Click here to register to learn how to be your best plant-parent self! On February 20th head on over to The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire for a rousing rendition of West Side Story. February 20th is Lady Day from 3PM to 5PM at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, chronicling the life and music of the illustrious Billie Holiday at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. On  February 24th, get in touch with your inner child at the “Adults Night at the Trampoline Park” in Chicago from 7:30PM.  Tickets range from $21-$30 and you can book it right here. On February 26th, the Second Annual Black Excellence Awards Gala is taking place from 5PM to 8PM. Learn more about it here.

It’s February and we’re really excited about it, because that means the Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner!  From February 12th through the 21st, you can stop by McCormick Place Convention Center to experience the best, brightest, and most spectacular new advancements in the automotive industry!  We cannot wait to see all the exciting new technologies, concept cars, and incredible vehicles. more What You Need to Know Before You Go: The event runs February 12th through February 20th from 10AM to 10PM, and on February 21st from 10AM to 8PM. Tickets for the auto show are available online for $10-$15 (priced by age) and children under 3 are free with accompanying paid adult admission.  Group and school discounts are available! This year, there are some additional COVID-19 precautions in place to keep everyone safer: masks are required for everyone over the age of 2, and they must cover the mouth and nose; proof of vaccination is required for entry into the food and beverage and eating areas (this includes photo ID for those 16+.) Thursday February 17th and Friday February 18th be sure to bring some food to the Grand Concourse Ticket Lobby for the Chicago Auto Show Food Drive. And check back here for updates on food and beverage vendors to plan your day. Click here to enter to win a Grand Prize Package to the 2022 Auto Show! What We’re Most Excited About: This is one of the highlights of our year here at Classic Auto Group! Our staff at Classic Kia are extremely excited to check out all the amazing vehicles that Kia will be sharing this year!  They’ll be debuting the 2023 Kia Sportage, along with some other fantastic vehicles in production like the EV6, K5, Forte, Carnival, Soul, Stinger, and more! Check out the full list here. Head over to the Kia Display between 10AM to 6PM for the Kia Test Drive events. Our staff at Classic Toyota are looking forward to all of the great vehicles that Toyota will be showing off this year, too.  This year we’re anticipating the debut of the 2023 bZ4X, 2023 Sequoia, and the 2022 Tundra.  And that’s not all!  Toyota is also displaying selections from the production line such as the GR86, GR Supra, Corolla Cross, Venza, and the Prius. Check out the full lineup here. Where to Stay: The Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are the official hotel partners for the Chicago Auto Show. Additional hotels include: Chicago South Loop Hotel Congress Plaza Hotel Best Western Grant Park Hotel Le Meridien Essex Chicago The Buckingham Hotel The Jaslin Hotel Villa Dubois Guest House McCormick Place Guest House The Blackstone, Autograph Collection Where to Eat Nearby: The Fine Print Restaurant Third Star Sixes & Eights Savor Chicago Connie’s Pizza Il Culaccino Woven + Bound Restaurant Piezano’s Pizza & Pasta VU Rooftop Bar Chicago Oyster House Mustard Seed Kitchen Apolonia What’s To Do Nearby: There’s also a lot of fabulous things to do nearby the area if you’re making a whole fun trip out of the event!  Check out our great picks for other activities to explore in Chicago near McCormick Place. Aerie Crown Theater The Art Institute of Chicago Tommy Gun’s Garage Millennium Park Chicago Cloud Gate The Field Museum Hamilton: The Exhibition Soldier Field Secret Food Tours Chicago Prairie Avenue Historic District The Magic Parlour The Magnificent Mile

Happy Lunar New Year! 我们祝你幸福，万事如意 Wish you happiness and all the best in the Year of the Tiger! Check out our picks for local restaurants, recipes, Lunar New Year traditions, books, and movies on today's blog. more February marks the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Tiger!  This week,  Asian-Americans in the US will be celebrating with their families, just like many others around the globe in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! Each country has their own version of the festival’s celebrations, but at the central core of each of them is Family.  Today we’ll be focusing mainly on the Chinese celebrations for Lunar New Year, but we encourage you to explore other global versions of these celebrations with your family, as they are equally important and wonderful! Here are some key elements you will see in Lunar New Year celebrations: Dragon - Much like many of the other symbols in Chinese new year, this also represents prosperity and good fortune, as well as a cultural symbol that the Chinese people are descendants of the  Dragon. Click here to learn more about the festival origins! Duilian - These are two vertical banners usually placed on either side of a doorway which announce wishes for good fortune, success, and happiness in the coming year: - Wan Shi Ru Yi: May everything be as you wish - Da Zhan Hong Tu: May you achieve your great plan - Sheng Yi Xing Long: May your business be prosperous Fish - Whole fish is a traditional dish served on New Years, and it is considered quite lucky.  It is customary to leave the head, tail and bones in one piece symbolizing a good beginning and end to the year. Flowers - The Plum Blossom and the Water Narcissus (or white daffodil) are both prevalent in Chinese New Year celebrations.  Plum blossoms represent growth, hope, and courage.  The Narcissus plants are representative of good fortune and prosperity, and if the blossoms open precisely on New Year Day, it is said to bring good luck all year long! Lanterns - On the 15th day of Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern festival. Red - This hue is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, often used in decor, gift giving, clothing, and more.  It represents life, vitality, good fortune, and prosperity.  Red envelopes, or hong bao, are envelopes filled with money given to unemployed single folks and young children Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids Make some dragon crafts with the kiddos at home like these from Red Ted Art. Chinese dragon puppets would make a great addition for storytime! Hang up some handcrafted Chinese Paper Lanterns to get festive! Make a family friendly “T is for Tiger” Felt or Paper Craft with Printable Pattern Whip Up a Culinary Treat for the Lunar New Year Shochu Punch Chou Dao Miu Pea Sprouts Lunar New Year Dumplings Whole Fish with Ginger Sesame Oil Spicy Dan Dan Noodles Peking Duck with Honey Glaze and Five Spice Chinese Restaurants to Support in the Greater Chicago Area China Garden Restaurant in Waukegan Ming Toy Restaurant in Waukegan China Kitchen in North Chicago Hunan Sixth Happiness North Chicago Lung Fung Restaurant in Zion Win Win Restaurant & Bar in Waukegan Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park House of Szechwan in Des Plaines Lao Sze Chuan in Skokie Chengdu Impression Restaurant in Chicago Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot in Chicago Laojiumen Hotpot Chicago MCCB Chicago Xi’an Cuisine in Chicago Supporting Asian Creators Year Round We believe in supporting the AAPI community all year round and not just on special holidays or months! To celebrate all global Asian cultures that participate in Lunar New Year, we’ve compiled a wonderful list of books and films by Asian creators for you to enjoy! Fantastic Books by Asian Authors for Audio/EBooks Make sure to load up your e-reader or tablet with some of these great books before your next road trip! You’ll find a slew of incredible tales written by both new and treasured voices in the writing community. Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin Amy Wu and the Perfect  Bao by Kat Zhang Land of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chen How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang A Pho Love Story by Loan Le Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park Stargazing by Jen Wang The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Home Remedies: Stories by Xuan Juliana Wang Front Desk by Kelly Yang Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi Finding Julie Kim by Ellen Oh A River of Stars by Vanessa Huo Severance by Ling Ma The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang Movies to Stream Starring Asian Americans and AAPI Talent: Raya and the Last Dragon Over the Moon The Wish Dragon The Guardian Brothers Next Gen Ne Zha Go Back To China Front Cover It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong Lucky Grandma Minari Crazy Rich Asians Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings Always Be My Maybe To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! more Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. more Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

We’re back with another great guide to Winter Sports fun in Illinois and Wisconsin.  Check out our latest travel blog and get to planning your great winter escape outdoors with some of our great picks for destination getaways and day trips.  From snowmobiling to snow tubing to ice skating and more, there’s lots of fun for everyone! more Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club This incredible group maintains over 160 miles of trails in Northern Wisconsin in the Minocqua area.  The group grooms the trails weekly, ensuring they’re in prime condition for weekend activities.  You can view the full map of trails here! There’s a lot of additional wintertime Northwoods activities in the area, too: ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding galore!  There’s even snow tubing and an incredible winter zipline course. Where to Eat: Northfork Fin & Filet in Arbor Vitae WI; Mary’s Place North in Arbor Vitae WI; Mavericks Restaurant Mexicano in Woodruff WI; Black Bear Bar and Grill in Minocqua WI; Great Northern Coffee Traders in Minocqua WI; Minocqua Prime in Minocqua WI; Lakeside Grill in Minocqua WI; Dixies Coffee House in Manitowish Waters WI Where to Stay: Timber Bay Resort in Lac du Flambeau; Pointe Hotel & Suites and Conference Center in Minocqua; Pine Hill Resort in Minocqua; The Waters of Minocqua; Whitehaven Bed & Breakfast in Minocqua Winter Park Other Activities Nearby: The Northwoods Petroleum Museum, Rhinelander Logging Museum, Three Lakes Center for the Arts, Campanile Center for the Arts, Island City Antique Market Bearskin State Trail This 26 mile trail stretches through two counties in Wisconsin.  You’ll enjoy activities all year round such as walking or biking and fishing in the warmer months, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter time.  Enjoy beautiful views of densely wooded pine forests, and enjoy the many lakes and ponds inviting you to enjoy the sites and sounds of the majestic regional wildlife. Where to Eat: Shady Sue’s Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, Crimson Cafe, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC Where to Stay: Quality Inn, Days Inn & Suites, AmericInn by Wyndham, Clear Lake Inn and Resort, Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire-Tomahawk, Kafka’s Resort Other Activities Nearby: The Hodag, ArtStart, Rhinelander Historical Society Des Plaines River Trail Wadsworth Spanning a whopping 56 miles in both Cook and Lake counties, this gorgeous trail is perfect for year round fun.  You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, walking, and horseback riding in warmer weather, or head out for a cool afternoon of winter fun with cross country skiing or snowmobiling.  This trail winds its way along protected lands and 85% of the river running through Lake County.  Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of nature and do a little bird watching or wildlife photography while you’re out there! Where to Eat: The Shanty Restaurant in Wadsworth; Captain Porky’s in Wadsworth; The Duck Inn in Wadsworth; Mama K’s Pizza and Grille; Pho Kho Gia Lai Vietnamese, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville; Madras Kafe in Vernon Hills; Nirvana Wine & Grillerie in Vernon Hills; Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Where to Stay: The Lotus Suites, Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, The Inn on Sheridan, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Illinois Other Activities Nearby: 60 to Escape; Funflatables Gurnee; Extreme Flight Simulation; Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve; Midlane Country Club, Russell Military Museum Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Whether you’re heading out for a solo day to get in touch with nature, or breaking away from the screens with your family and friends for outdoor fun, you’ll have a blast here in the Wauconda area.  From Ice Fishing to Ice Skating to Sledding and Snowmobiling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wintertime outdoors at the Lakewood preserve.  There are even several dog parks for your canine companions to enjoy a little socialization time! Where to Eat: SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company; Bulldogs Grill; Uncle D’s Bar and Grille, Strawberry Moon; ALonso’s Burrito Express; Whisk Bakery & Coffee; Deacon’s Restaurant & Bar at the Golf Farm; Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant Where to Stay: Victoria Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast; Waterfront Hotel & Marina; Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; The Cottages on Petite Lake; The Mansion Bed & Breakfast; Cypress Resort & Marine Other Activities Nearby: Wauconda Bowl, Silver Lotus Yoga, Wedgewood Riding Center; Nippersink in Volo; Side Lot Brewery; Avolve Fitness More Great Destinations for casual sledding and tubing: Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills, IL Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Wadsworth Sledding Hill in Wadsworth, IL Hart’s Hill in Round Lake, IL Paulus Park in Lake Zurich, IL Caboose Hill Sledding Hill in Lake Villa, IL Blair Park in Lake Bluff, IL Warren Township Sledding Hill in Gurnee, IL Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee, IL Great Destinations for Ice Skating in the Waukegan Area: Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee, IL Skate Room in Vernon Hills, IL Watts Ice Center in Glencoe, IL Skating Ring at Midway Plaisance in Chicago, IL Inwood Ice Arena in Chicago, IL Kenosha Ice Arena in Kenosha, WI Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI

Today’s blog is focusing on transportation and automotive themed projects for kids of all ages.  We know that parenting during a pandemic can be quite a challenge, and equally so for our young scholars.  So we thought it would be a delightful idea to spread a little happiness and joy along with a bit of education.  These projects are excellent STEM/STEAM related opportunities to get creative, foster independent learning, and inspire young minds to think “outside the box.” more You’ll find solo projects and teamwork based options, giving you a little flexibility in play style and learning methods.  Each workshop or project is  either good for keeping young ones busy while you work on things during the day, or a bit of togetherness time for weekends and evenings or breaks in the day.  It’s a multipurpose blog post today!  Feel free to suggest your own activities and we may include them in a future blog roundup. TamingLittleMonsters.com has three different physics related experiments and projects to inspire the physicist in your midst!  The projects are delightful, and your children will be so engaged they won’te ven realize they’re learning the fundamentals of a scientific field.  Inspire those free thinkers to get creative in problem solving.  Each one lists the materials you’ll need to get started. Lifeovercs.com has an excellent Transportation Activities unit ready to go.  You can engage children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school ages with these activities.  From Math to Literacy to Arts and Crafts, it’s a full STEAM ahead list of engaging hands-on ideas. Keep preschoolers interested in play and increasing their motor skills and independent play with some of these excellent activities from Preschoolactivitiesnook.com ! It’s a great option for kiddos who are home from preschool or daycare and are missing the engagement with their peers.  There are 5 daily lessons that can be done with a sibling or an adult, as well as on their own for exploration. Stirthewonder.com offers an excellent lesson using straws, wooden beads, and a little artistic creativity to create wind powered cars!  Kids will learn a little science, fine art skills, and improve motor skills.  Great for kids in preschool and early elementary school to do on their own, but would make a wonderful sibling-and-me project for older tweens/teens to do with smaller kids. KiwiCo kits are an excellent idea to engage young learners and encourage them to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  You can subscribe for a few months at a time, and kits will automatically ship to your doorstep.  You can find projects for just about any age from from infant to toddler, early elementary, middle school, and beyond.  The company offers “Koala Crates” “Kiwi Crates” “Atlas Crate” “Doodle Crate” options!

January is National Hobby Month, and we are all about highlighting our love of cars and our own automotive hobbies!  Today’s blog post will be focusing on books to help you learn the most about the things you love: cars!  Check out our picks for great books on mechanical fundamentals, technology, auto repair, and more. more You’ll have a “to be read” pile about a mile high by the time you’re done reading this!  And we’ve also been keen to include youngsters in the mix as well with great books to inspire mini mechanics in your midst as well.  Check it out and let us know some of your faves in a comment! How Cars Work By Tom Newton This is an excellent illustrated book with clear, concise terminology, and linework illustrations and diagrams which make it a great choice for beginners.  By the end of this book, you’ll have a great working knowledge of how your vehicle works and a fundamental understanding of auto related terms. Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service By James Halderman This book is in its fifth publication due to its easy-to-read reference points for beginning and professional automotive mechanics.  It’s incredibly informative and in-depth in the principles of diagnosis and service broken down into short, easy to digest sections. P hysics for Gearheads By Randy Beikmann This is a fascinating option for gearheads as it breaks down the science behind what makes our favourite cars go go go! All of your time spent driving, tuning, modifying, and adjusting your car will help you gain even more of an understanding in the realm of physics.  Learn how your knowledge and experience can be translated into the basics of physics.  The book breaks everything down into easy to understand principles and terminology, using automotive and motorsports as reference. How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, 2nd Edition By Michael Geier Inside the pages of this tome, you’ll find all sorts of tutorials for repairing just about anything in modern electronics from stereos, MP3 players, digital cameras, TVs, laptops, headsets, and mobile phones.  It’s a great guide for exploring the fundamentals of electronics before you graduate to larger devices such as cars and motorcycles.  It might even help you with upgrading your stereo, infotainment system, and minor repairs to your car! Auto Repair for Dummies By Deanna Sclar Perhaps your love of cars has always been behind the wheel as opposed to under the hood.  Why not expand your horizons with practical knowledge in auto mechanics thanks to this great jumping off point!  With over 400,000 copies sold, it is an indispensable guide to how cars work and how to fix ‘em.  You’ll be able to understand how to fix dents and scratches, jump-start your car, identify and diagnose problems by sounds or smells or noises, and much much more!  It will give you a great head start on your quest for knowledge Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at how Cars Work By Richard Hammond of Top Gear Split into four sections, this book examines “How It Works,” key concepts in Physics, the future of cars, and a timeline of automotive technology along the way.  It’s a great book for adults to read with kids and inspire new, young minds into the field of mechanics and service.  Learn together, play together, grow together! Pocket Genius: Cars: Facts At Your Fingertips By DK Aimed at kids 12 and under, this is a great guide for families to help kids learn more about the history of the automobile, examine facts and key points about different makes and models, and brilliant colorful photos to engage and encourage them to keep reading. Did we miss your favourite book? Let us know and we may include it in a future blog!