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One of the things we love to do most when we’re not buying, selling, and leasing cars is to take our show on the road!  From road trips to vacations to visits with loved ones, we love to be on the go.  And of course, that means we need plenty of coffee to keep us going and stay awake for all those miles of highway. more Today, we’re sharing our gift guide to great portable espresso makers!  From camping to the football field to the dog park to the office, we love these on-the-go coffee makers that are travel friendly and fit in totes, work bags, and even backpacks.  You or your gift recipient can have fresh, smooth java anytime, anywhere! Plus, we’re sharing some great local coffee shops that you can support this holiday season with a gift card or two for your friends and family!  And feel free to let us know your favorites in the comments on any of our social media.  Cheers to the start of the holiday season! First up we have the WACACO Minipresso portable espresso machine, currently on sale at the time of publishing this blog for just $54.90! It’s manually operated, making it convenient for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities with no batteries or electricity required.  You just need a camping stove or fire to boil some water, and you’re good to go! The Wacaco Picopresso is another pocket sized option with it’s own secure carry case, but a little higher end in model and price point at $130~ish.  It’s one of the more luxurious options in small portables, creating very little bitterness and a deliciously lush crema!  You’ll have cafe ready drinks whether you’re on the beach or at the top of a mountain, or even your kids hockey game at 9AM on a saturday. The Aeropress is a classic and a household name for a reason! It’s affordable, convenient, and makes a great brew!  You can make an espresso or even some cold brew, making it a great all-weather option for your outdoor adventures. Affordably priced on Amazon for just $34.99 on sale right now. Best Local Spots for Espresso Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff, IL Drip and Culture in Waukegan, IL Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville and Lake Bluff IL It’s All Good Coffee & Espresso in Zion, IL AREA Coffee in Mundelein, IL Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee, IL Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea in Vernon Hills, IL Gurnee Donuts in Gurnee, IL Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan, IL Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills, IL Birdy’s Coffee House in Libertyville, IL Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, IL Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake, IL Something’s Brewing in Grayslake, IL Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville, IL He Brews Coffee Shop in Winthrop Harbor, IL

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we thought we’d share a few of our favorite new recipes for you to make-and-take to family and friends!  And of course, we’ll be sharing some ideas for great transport and storage items to keep your delicious homemade and handcrafted food safe and sound on the journey. You’ll love our list of portable food carriers and containers that are easy to carry, leak resistant, and convenient to heat and eat when you’re ready to serve.  Check it out on today’s blog, and let us know which of these is destined to become your new family Classic! Feel free to share your family’s favorite recipes with us in the comments section. more First up, let’s share some of our picks for great seasonal recipes that work well for harvest dinners and friendsgivings!  There’s something for everyone here on just about every dietary need. Homemade Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love Butternut Squash Soup from NYT Cooking Crunchy Roasted Za’atar Chickpeas from NYT Cooking Tamarind Spiced Nuts with Mint Autumn Harvest Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Savory Sweet Potato Bruschetta Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash Sumac Dry Brined Turkey Roast Maple Brined Roast Turkey Balsamic Oven-Roasted Carrots Easiest Creamiest Mashed Potatoes Ultimate Cornbread Stuffing Best Picks for Food Transport Containers for the Holidays The Williams Sonoma “Hold Everything Insulated Dual Compartment Food Carrier is perfect for transporting multiple dishes.  If you’ve got appetizers, chips and dips, or little desserts, it’ll be great!  Looking to transport two main dishes? It works for that, too! Best of all, there’s a coordinating line of other shapes and sizes to fit all your food transportation needs. The Arctic Zone Expandable Thermal Insulated Food Container comes in two colors, and you can transport your food straight from the oven into this insulated container. It’s the perfect option to keep food hot if you’re perpetually tardy and arrive right at dinner time!  It also works well to keep food chilled, so it’s great for fruit salads, greens salads, and chilled desserts. Keep those pies safe and sound and that crust nice and crispy! This Casserole and Pie Carrier from QCWN is durable, useful, and easy to carry.  It’s the perfect thing for carrying grandma’s classic apple pie Tired of plastic containers getting crushed, stained, and misshapen? We understand! That’s why we’ve found this incredible set of Food Storage items from Caraway. They’re easy to clean, durable, reusable, and nest easily for storage. We love ‘em! The lids also seal tightly to reduce leaks and spills, because no one wants to clean cranberry sauce from car upholstery. Plus, they look gorgeous on the table so you can go right from the car to heat-and-serve without dirtying additional bowls. What could be better than less dishes to wash?! Trying to impress the in-laws? What could be better than a host/hostess gift that’s filled with your contribution to the family dinner! These eco-friendly glass meal prep and transport containers from JazzyJadeDesigns on Etsy are the perfect option. Emblazon them with a sweet family message and the family name, and then bring your holiday snacks! We also love this clever pie plate that’s meant to be left behind and passed through the family or circle of friends.  It also makes a fun little host/hostess gift that can be regifted and reused by way of another pay-it-forward pie delivery. It can be found on Etsy from PellegrinGraphics! Are you an avid home chef and your family caterer? We’re ready to go with this incredible insulated food pan carrier! It’s meant for carrying multiple large capacity containers and keeping them sturdy.  Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold without the need for plugging into electricity or reheating!  Best of all, it is stackable for stability and fits into narrow spaces. We love it!

Just like your car requires gasoline or electrical charging to go, go go, so do humans!  Many of us get a little extra pep in our step thanks to our bff, coffee.  Since today is National Coffee day, we’re celebrating with some fun facts about nature’s magical bean brew, and we’ve gathered up some suggestions for best coffeeshops in our area and across Illinois. Check it out! more Five Fun Facts about Coffee: Did you know that Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day? That’s right, and in a year’s time we consume about 146 billion cups of coffee here in the US. In 2022, Finland is leading the charge as the world’s biggest consumer of coffee per capita, drinking an average of 4 cups a day!  In fact, the country even legally mandates  that workers be allowed two 10-minute breaks for coffee on shift. The United States has the largest coffee market globally, reaching more than 80 billion USD in revenue; second in line is Brazil, followed by Japan and then Canada. The Number 1 coffee brand in the world is Starbucks. The company reported annual revenue of $23.52 billion, and has over 33,000 stores in 80 countries. There is even a Starbucks on site at the CIA headquarters (where they don’t allow any names on cups, for obvious reasons.) The average 12oz cup of coffee contains somewhere between 90 to 150 beans per cup. Where to get the best brews in Illinois (in alphabetical order, because we aren’t playing favorites; we love them all!): AREA Coffee in Mundelein Bean Counter in Springfield Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst Common Grounds Coffee in Carbondale Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville Custom Cup Coffee in Springfield Daisy’s Artish Cafe in Lake Villa Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago Flipside Coffee and Espresso Bar in Rock Falls Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Chicago He Brews coffee shop in Jonesboro Honey Hill Coffee Shop in Wauconda Little Bean Coffee Company in Antioch Mad Goat Coffee in Danville Maeva’s Coffee in Alton Metric Coffee in Chicago Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills Oromo Cafe in Chicago Pilot Pete’s Coffee in Elmhurst Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff Sawada Coffee Co in Chicago Something's Brewing Downtown in Grayslake Stompin Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich Strange Brew Cafe in Palos Hills The Wormhole Coffee in Chicago Thirty Thirty Coffee in Peoria Three Twigs Bakery in Springfield

If there’s two things we love here at Classic besides cars, it’s celebrating fun holidays and supporting our fellow community businesses.  Since today is National Beer Lovers Day, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to highlight some of the wonderful micro breweries, indie brew pubs, and other related businesses in the area.  We’re always delighted to connect with new local businesses and patronize the establishments in our neighborhood. It’s a lovely feeling to get to live, work and play here in Lake County and the surrounding Greater Chicago Area! more Did you know that the craft brewing industry has had a magnificent impact on the economy here in the US? In 2021, the industry contributed more than $75 Billion into the US economy and more than 490,000 jobs?  The beer industry itself supports more than 2 million American jobs and more than $330 billion contributed to the US Economy according to a 2020 study. The early months of the Covid19 pandemic did shake things up a bit, and the industry is working hard to rebuild and reinvigorate jobs and production.  Supporting small breweries is a great way to help improve the economy on a local and national level! Locally owned and operated businesses are a vital part of our community!  These businesses are the foundation of our local economy, provide diverse resources, function as community meeting centers, create meaningful connections and networks, and provide plenty of jobs to local citizens. Consider stopping by these businesses for a brew or booking them for a special event!  Many of them also offer cases or multipacks that you can take home for your parties, gatherings, or sell wholesale to your restaurant or cafe.  It’s a great way to directly support your neighbors and local business while helping them reach new audiences. Local Micro Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Beer Companies: Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewery ZumBier Lake Bluff Brewing Company Tighthead Brewing Company Booners Bosacki’s Brewery Light the Lamp Brewery Oppidan Spirits Black Lung Brewing Company Mickey Finn’s Brewery Harbor Brewing Company North Avenue Tap Liquid Love Brewing Flapjack Brewery Goose Island Brewhouse Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Crushed by Giants Brewing Company Chicago Metropolitan Brewing Chicago Upcoming Beer and Brew Festivals: Highland Park Oktoberfest, September 16th/17th Grayslake Craft Beer Festival in Grayslake, September 17th Brewgrass Festival 2022 in Round Lake Beach, September 17th Oktober Fest Chicago, Friday September 23rd 6th Annual Beer in the Woods Festival in Chicago, September 24th Festival of Wood and Barrelaged Beer in Chicago,  November 4th/5th Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, September 30th A reminder about responsible, safe driving: Please, remember that even just one alcoholic beverage before driving can impair your thinking, reasoning, and coordination.  Bear in mind that generally you should wait at least one to two hours after one drink, so your body has enough time to process the beverage.  In any case, no matter where you’re going or how many people you’re with you should have at least one designated driver in attendance when you visit any bar, brew pub, or event where alcohol is served.  The safest driver is a fully sober driver! If you or someone you know have a drinking problem, there are organizations and people who can help. Lake County Health Department Addictions Treatment Program Banyan Treatment Centers - Arlington Heights Recovery Centers of America at South Elgin JEM Treatment INC Addictions Associates Therapy Inc of Libertyville

It’s National Tailgating Day!  Whether you’re at the stadium or arena for a big pro ball game, or you’re hanging out with fellow parents at your kiddos’ local tournament, there’s never a bad time for a tailgate party. Get ready for the upcoming sports season with these fun car gadgets and travel worthy barbecue gear. more Great Gadgets for Tailgating at Home or Away with Friends Even if you opted out of season tickets this year, we’re bringing you plenty of ways to party with your friends and social bubble and recreate the game-day experience.  Gather your friends in your driveway, the cul-de-sac, or a local parking lot for some good ol’ fashioned tailgating with modern convenience. Camp X Chairs from REI Co-Op (currently on sale for 50% off at time of posting!) have a max capacity of 300lbs, making them very size inclusive.  They have integrated cup holders to keep your drinks from spills, a convenient pocket for your cell phone, and easy to clean mesh and polyester fabric. They’re light weight and packs up into its own carry bag. You’ll want to have at least a set of four on hand at all times! The Eureka Camp Table at REI (currently on sale under $100!) folds flat, stows easily, and pops up in no time! It can hold quite a lot of equipment and food at a 90lb capacity total, making it very convenient for tailgating and serving meals!  As an added bonus it comes with its very own carry bag for portability. We love it when gadgets are not just useful but also conveniently practical! This combination storage cooler and ottoman is the best of both worlds! Stuff it to the gills with your favorite drinks, meats, fruit, and other goodies. Empty it out, fire up the grill, and when you’re done you can pack it up flat to stow and go!  Great for all-year round use anywhere. Available at Overstock in multiple colorways. Looking for a portable and affordable grilling option?  Take your show on the road with this 13” barrel charcoal grill for less than $50 (and at the time of posting, it’s on a closeout deal!)  Easy maneuverability and ample space to do kebabs, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Available here at Wayfair. Even though Autumn usually ushers in the cooler weather, it’s still important to remember protection from the sun! The SUV Tailgate Canopy Tent attaches easily to the rear hatch and allows your guests to enjoy some shade. It’s also great for those misty, foggy days for a little protection from the elements so you can enjoy your games no matter the weather! Flexible set up for SUVs, Crossovers, Mini Wagons, or Pickup trucks with a cap. Available here at Sharper Image. Great Tailgating Recipes and Cooking Gear Every good tailgating grill master will want to have the following on hand at all times to ensure their toolbox has all the essentials for an outdoor ‘cue or picnic: High heat silicone tongs 1 high heat silicone spatula Large metal serving spoons Metal serving bowls set Grilling tools set Industrial trash bags Camping plates and cups set or disposable plastic/paper 100% Compostable Utensils Set Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Ziplock Bags A Lighter and/or long matches Charcoal or Butane fuel Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ grilled meats and bottled beverages? Spice things up with these new recipes and impress your guests. Easy BBQ Brats Must-Try No-Cook Tailgating Recipes by Mighty Mrs 11 Best Tailgate Grill Recipes Pullapart Dogs in a Blanket Ring Mary Alice’s Hoagie Dip Butterscotch Peanut Butter Bars Mini Sliders Grilled Beer Punch Venezuelan Empanadas Devon’s Award-Winning Chili Spiked Lemonade

We’re back with the latest edition of Classic’s Community Calendar!  Whether you’re looking to occupy your Labor Day Weekend with fun-filled activities, or you’re planning ahead for weekend breaks from Back to School wackiness, we’ve got you covered! more On September 1st at Hinkston Park, stop by with your special someone for “Pop-Up Picnic in the Park Couples Date Night. On September 1st, 2nd and 3rd, enjoy a Guided Museum Tour of the African American Museum at England Manor at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM! On September 2nd, enjoy First Friday on Mainstreet in Libertyville from 10AM to 9PM for an entire day filled with community bonding, art, shopping, food, live music, and so much more! On September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th the Downtown area of Highwood is transforming into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row for its 5th Annual Nashwood Music Festival! It’s three whole days of FREE live music with country, bluegrass, southern rock flare.  There will also be plenty of delicious food and drink specials throughout the weekend, and 25 different venues including 10 outdoor spaces! On September 3rd shop your heart out at the Back to School Pop-Up at 12912 Cheyenne Road in Waukegan and check out the plentiful wares of local vendors and artisans! On September 3rd in the evening from 6PM to 8PM, head over to the Plant House in Waukegan for an evening of Therapeutic Art Making and experiential art making!  You’ll get to socialize, try new materials and mediums, and take a creative approach to self expression for your mental health. On Saturday September 3rd,  head over to the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce office from 5PM to 11PM for Wauconda’s 23rd Annual Street Dance event! On September 4th at the Belvidere Discount Mall, the gearheads among us will get their engines revving for the Cars & Elotes Labor Day Celebration event! September 4th at Art Pop in Lake Forest you can stop by anytime between 10AM and 5PM for “The Inside Art Show at Art Pop” September 3rd through 5th is the last weekend for the Bristol Renaissance Faire of Lake County IL. September 8th in Lake Zurich, stop by in the evening around 5PM to the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce for a super exciting “Cruisin’ Lake Zurich Car Show” event! September 10th from 9AM to 1PM enjoy a morning filled with fun classic cars at t he Grayslake Rotary and Fop Car Show Cruisin’ on Center at Downtown Grayslake Center Street. September 10th and 11th is the very exciting 11th Annual Mundelein Arts Festival, from 10AM to 5PM you can enjoy arts, music, food, shopping, and much more! Free admission and free parking. Sunday September 11th at the Impact Fuel Room is a wild and joyful “Drag Me to Brunch” event in Libertyville! Fun, food, and entertainment! On September 15th, 22nd, 24th, 29th starting at 5PM, head over to Waukegan BMX to catch the Local Race Single as part of the local race series for just $15. On September 17th in Lake Forest at the Gordon Community Center from 5PM to 7:30PM come on out for the Annual Block Party 2022! On September 21st at Green Town on The Rocks, come catch some wonderful live music from 6PM to 9PM at the lakefront with Billy Garner. September 24th at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens is a wonderful support charity event “Bottoms Up for Babies” with live music and a live speaker event starting at 6:30! Come on down to the Waukegan Public Library’s NonFiction Book Club on September 28th from 5PM to 7:30PM and learn a little something new! On September 30th from 6PM to 9PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio, come over and paint with Artist Cody Madura for an “Adult Paint Social: Autumn Inspired” class! September 30th at the Genesee Theatre from 6:30 to 7:30PM, get a jump start on the season of scary with a Ghost Wauk Tour!

What better way to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day than a post highlighting our neighbors to the North: Wisconsin!  Wisconsin is the Cheese capital of the world, and for good reason; the state is home to six hundred different cheeses. And of course, what goes better with cheese than an incredible wine? Good thing that Wisconsin is home to some of the area’s best vineyards, too.  So for today’s post we’re taking you to “Wisconsin Wine Country” as we explore some of the region’s best wineries. more Welcome to Wisconsin’s Vineyards: We’ve already covered a little bit of the history of Wisconsin’s dairy farming industry, but did you know it’s also an area where wine grapes flourish?  Wisconsin is home to a variety of specialized grapes which do quite well thanks to the unusual soil composition of the Niagara Escarpment, the climate of the Mississippi River Valley, and the eastern-facing vineyards with lake effect air from Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. Check out these wonderful wineries with locally grown, locally harvested, and locally aged wines in Wisconsin: Best vineyards and wineries in Wisconsin: Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prarie du sac Staller Estate Winery in Delavan WI Cedar Creek Winery in Cedarburg WI Botham Vineyards & Winery in Barneveld Three Lakes Winery in Three Lakes WI Brambleberry Winery in Taylor WI Fawn Creek Winery in Wisconsin Dells WI Hawk’s Mill Winery in Browntown WI Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery Timber Hill Winery in Milton AEppelTreow Winery in Burlington WI Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard in Waukesha Northleaf Winery in Milton WI Fermenting Cellars Winery in Janesville WI Edwin Brix Vineyard in Juneau SoLu Estate Winery & Meadery in Cascade Cambridge Winery in Cambridge Two Brothers’ Wines in Richfield Why do we love to pair wine and cheese? Here’s a little inside look into the science behind these iconic flavor profiles from usualwines.com! Wondering how to pair cheese and wine for an expert flavor profile?  Check out this blog from winecoolerdirect.com and learn more! Looking to pair your local wines with local cheeses? This Wisconsin Cheese Guide will do just the trick! Best places to snag artisanal cheese to host your own Wine and Cheese night: Best of Wisconsin Shop in Oregon WI Fromagination in Madison WI Wisconsin Cheese Makers in Egg Harbor WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee The Cheese Wedge in West Bend Alp & Dell Cheese Store

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day! And we’re thinking about all the great old fashioned soda shoppes of yesteryear, and thought it would be fun to explore some of the great ice cream parlors that are still in operation today.  So let’s take a look at some of the spots that would make great stop-offs on your next cross country road trip! more Homer Soda Company in Homer, IL - 182 Miles from Classic Auto Group This specialty soda company began as a small retail storefront and quickly grew into a nationally loved wholesale soda distributor of retro soda flavors.  Their specialty blends and classic flavors can add a little excitement to your traditional ice cream soda flavors. They also sponsor the Homer Soda Festival which brings together craft soda makers from all around the country to one central location where you can try cocktails, mocktails, ice cream floats, and more! Stop by and pick up your favourites to make your own ice cream floats and sodas at home. Doc’s Just off 66 aka Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard, IL - 261 Miles from Classic Auto Group This Local Family Favourite haunt started as the family owned Deck’s Drug Store in 1884, and a soda fountain opened some years later in1929. Taking over the family business from their grandfather, the lat Bill and Bob Deck maintained the property until the early 2000s. Bob and Renae Ernst purchased the building and renamed it as Doc’s Soda Fountain until it changed hands once again, but rest assured the new ownership has still kept tradition going strong!  Recent updates have seen a few facelifts and renovations to the interior, but it’s maintained much of its classic charms as a roadside stop off on the old Route 66.  Offering classic diner fare and soda shoppe treats. Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, MO - 326 Miles from Classic Auto Group This place is just about everything one could hope for in a retro soda-fountain stop!  Offering homemade chocolates and vintage style classic candies, classic American Diner fare for lunch and dinner, and a plethora of classic soda shoppe drinks and treats.  Plus, the front of the shop is perfect for snapping a family photo for the memory books! Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus, IN - 281 Miles from Classic Auto Group In operation since 1900, and founded by the 3 Zaharakos brothers from Greece, this magical establishment has opened its doors to countless families for every day treats as well as special events.  It’s got a classic soda shoppe facade, and interior that marks you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  In 2009, restorations included a Museum Room, Soda Fountain Library, Mechanical Music Library, Banquet Room, and the late-1800s Victorian-style Crystal Parlor.  So what’re you waiting for? Don your best vintage attire and come on over! Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, TN - 524 Miles from Classic Auto Group If you’re planning a trip to Nashville after our last travel guide, you’ll want to make sure to add Elliston’s to your itinerary!  Part soda shop, part diner, and 100% classic Southern, this gorgeous restaurant is sure to give you a memorable meal. It’s got charming old-school flare with retro tiled walls and classic jukeboxes galore! It’s a cant-miss destination. Other great American Soda Shoppes and Ice Cream Parlours to visit across the US: Brent’s Soda Fountain in Jackson, MS The Pickwick in Greenville, SC Goolrick’s Pharmacy in Fredericksburg, VA Toomer’s Drugs in Auburn, AL Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, GA Shady Glen in Manchester, CT Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, NY Little Drug Co in New Smyrna Beach, FL Highland Park Soda Fountain in Dallas, TX St. Francis Fountain in San Francisco, CA Cole Drug Co in Big Timber, MT The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

We love creating new travel guides for our readers, and helping you find new, exciting, and interesting places to explore! Today we're highlighting some of our picks for great car museums that highlight transportation history and the evolution of the automobile. We've even included a helpful mileage guide so you can plot your adventure there and back, and find other stops along the route. Did we leave your favourite off the list? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we may just include your suggestions in a future post update. Amazing Automotive Museums to Explore: Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners , MI – 215 Miles from Classic Auto Group Just a short trip from our dealership is this gem of a car museum, chronicling the history of the American Automobile. The facility hopes that by sharing the history and heritage of automotive industry, visitors of all ages will be able to connect with the past and improve the future of transportation! What started in the early 1960s as the personal collection of Donald Gilmore was eventually grown into an incredible museum thanks to the ingenuity of his wife Genevieve. The non-profit foundation and museum have collected more than 400 vehicles and established a 90-acre historic campus including a vintage restored diner, working Shell Gas station, and additional smaller museums! Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL – 758 Miles from Classic Auto Group This incredible time capsule of transportation history showcases more than 1,500 motorcycles and cars including more than 50 Lotus Racecars! It's also home to the 3 day long Annual Barber Vintage Festival, one of the most renowned motorcycle events in the world! And if that's not enough, the facilities also include an on-site racing track. If you prefer the more educational side of things, a trip to the on-site Museum Research Library and archives is in order; you can take a gander at some iconic trophies, awards, toys, models, artwork, and so much more. Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA – 1,019 Miles from Classic Auto Group Located on a portion of the grounds in Larz Anderson Park, the facilities are home to America's Oldest Motorcar Collection! Two new exhibitions have been added to the 2022 roster, including “Hidden Treasures” and “Born of Necessity,” shown alongside the permanent exhibit known as “The Anderson Collection.” Visitors can get an up close look at historic vehicles and the evolution of the automobile since its inception, and can attend a series of workshops, lectures, and also observe memorabilia and literature on the subject. With the advent of warmer weather, the museum has also rekindled its series of outdoor driving events and car shows, so be sure to check out the calendar of events for updates! Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL – 1,141 Miles from Classic Auto Group This incredible automotive museum is truly one-of-a-kind and covers the history of the exhilarating sport of Drag Racing. Since 1976, the facility has been home to 300 cars on display in multiple galleries in 2 buildings. In addition, the facilities also house a collection of memorabilia and history presentations in racing sports history. It also houses the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, where you'll learn about top competitors across the globe! They're open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It makes a wonderful short stop-off on your next road trip or family vacation to Florida. National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV – 1,934 Miles from Classic Auto Group With an impressive permanent collection of more than 200 of America's most iconic cars from celebrity vehicles to champion race cars and limited edition collectibles, this is a Gearhead's Dream venue. Currently home to the “Cars of the Stars” exhibit and the “Batmobile Exhibit” to historic collections such as the “Thomas Flyer Exhibit” and “NASCAR Exhibit” you'll have a chance to explore many memorable and educational galleries. There's truly a car on site to impress just about everyone of any stage! Enjoy the life-like scenery and authentic recreations like a hardware store, vintage movie theatre, and more, each of which houses their own collection of memorabilia and artifacts. LeMay: America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA – 2,222 Miles from Classic Auto Group With a 9-acre campus, 4-story tall building, and 165,000 feet of exhibition space, there's no shortage of things to see at the LeMay car museum. You'll enjoy a rotating and permanent collection of exhibitions and at least 350 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Current collections include: “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection”, “Route 66: See the USA in your Chevrolet”, “Classics and Custom Coachworks”, “Legends of Motorsports: The NASCAR Story”, “Lucky's Garage: A Tribute to Harold LeMay” and much, much more. Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA – 2,231 Miles from Classic Auto Group Consisting of five different galleries exploring different eras and topics in history, the Blackhawk Museum includes an extensive collection of automobiles in “The Classic Car Collection.” Covering everything from luxury performance cars to rare classics and contemporary collectibles, you'll explore some of the world's finest, most luxurious vehicles in a magnificent setting. The collection features a rotating selection of more than 40 iconic classic cars from movies to sports to racing. Other Museums of note worth fitting in to your next Road Trip schedule: Auto World Museum in Fulton, MO Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, WI Wills Sainte Claire Museum in Marysville, MI Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, MO Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in MI The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in Speedway, IN Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA More Great Museums to Explore: The Hollywood Star Car Museum in Gatlinburg TN Vault Tour of the Peterson Museum Collection The San Diego Automotive Museum https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCefoCa-GNhYe-dmZNnvxcwQ

Looking for an exciting new place to visit this summer on a family road trip? In just half a day's drive you can be on your way to exploring one of the great American traditions: The Kentucky Derby and world of competitive horse racing! On today's post, we're sharing our picks for great places to visit in Lexington and Louisville Kentucky and the surrounding areas. You'll find plenty of history, horseback riding, and great food and drink in “Horse County” Kentucky! Check out our travel guide and start plotting the Summer vacation of your dreams today, or plan ahead for a visit later this year. Our Picks for Seriously Cool Things to Explore in Lexington and Louisville of Kentucky Lexington was founded as a city by the frontiersman and explorer William McConnell, about 17 years before Kentucky was ratified into statehood. It was named thus after word reached their encampment that the first battle of the American Revolutionary War had been fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. The settlers wanted to honor this iconic moment in American History, and named the settlement in kind. Book a public or private tour at one more more locations out of the 30+ Horse Stables, Farms, and Tracks in the Lexington Area via "Horse Country" Tours or one of these other organizations. Kentucky Horse Park is an incredible destination for horse lovers of all ages to tour the museum, walk about the facilities, learn about horse breeds, and even take a horseback ride or carriage ride. The activities, lectures, workshops, and presentations are educational and fun! You can even enjoy a weekend of camping for a taste of the great outdoors! Attend a race, learn about horses, or just enjoy the chance to explore the grounds on a tour of Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark. A destination for all things Horse Country, you'll have an opportunity to pet horses or ride one, purchase locally made goods, and enjoy some prime fine dining, among other fun activities! The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of iconic American Political figure and spouse of President Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln. The home has been converted into a 14 room museum and historic home open for tours, exhibitions, and lectures. See Kentucky like you've never seen it before with a Zipline Canopy Tour through Kentucky River Palisades with Viator. Why not spend a lovely day with your family enjoying the fresh air and local food and a one-of-a-kind dining experience by booking a Private Picnic with Goats for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. We guarantee you'll get some “instagrammable” moments and iconic family photos like never before! The Arboretum at the University of Kentucky is a beautiful and budget friendly activity for all ages. Your the grounds from dawn to dusk with absolutely free admission in this 100 acre public garden and horticultural displays on the campus grounds. Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and named after King Louis XVI of France after his assistance during the Revolutionary War; it's also known as “Falls City” as relates to its position on the Falls of the Ohio. It's now known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, home of legendary boxer Mohammed Ali, and of course the famous Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats! The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville is an award winning museum and multicultural center devoted to preserving the legacy and history of Louisville native and champion athlete Muhammad Ali. Check out the exhibits, galleries and presentations to learn more about his life and legacy. The Saint James Court Art Show and Fair in Old Louisville returns annually in October! The Conrad Caldwell House Museum in Louisville is an incredible historic home from the Victorian Era that's open to touring year round, and also hosts programs, events, and rotating exhibitions! The Louisville Mega Cavern is a true wonder to behold and great for explorers of all ages for walking tours, tram rides, as well as zip-line adventures! The Derby Museum in Louisville offers visitors of all ages a look into the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby event! You'll also have an opportunity to meet Thoroughbreds, Miniature horses, and even create some horse themed artwork. It's a blast for the whole family! Sportsfans will delight in a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Bourbon Tasting Room experience located next door! Explore the tastes of the South with a tour along the Urban Bourbon Trail of Louisville by exploring distilleries and breweries of craft brews and bourbons! The Waterfront Park at Louisville is a non-profit public park meant to connect residents and visitors with their neighbours, serve as a community hub, and central meeting point for folks from all walks of life! Enjoy fundraiser events, waterfront yoga classes, kids and family camps, Pokemon meet-ups, the yearly lantern festival flea markets and craft fairs, 5ls, bike racing and so much more all year round. The Frazier History Museum in Louisville offers a wonderful look into the local culture and tradition of Kentucky. Explore local history with a series of current and upcoming exhibitions highlighting historic neighbourhoods, iconic moments in US history, local artisans and artwork, and even regional food and beverage. Short on time or just passing through on the way to your next adventure? Here's a crash course plan for exploring the best of Louisville, Kentucky in 24 hours! A 3-hour drive along the Kentucky Scenic Byway makes a great detour and day trip for those who enjoy a scenic drive with plenty of overlooks and stop-offs for photo opportunities. The 71/2 mile stretch of Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway runs from Hodgenville through New Haven, Bardstown, Springfield, Perryville, Danville and more as you drive along the Mississippi. Take a drive along the Bluegrass, Blues and BBQ Byway on a tour of Kentucky! Amazing Eateries and Distilleries to Check out in the Lexington and Louisville area: Dudley’s on Short in Lexington Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington Tony’s of Lexington Josie’s Restaurant in Lexington Pies & Pints in Lexington The Social Vegan in Lexington Moody Mike’s in Lexington Mellow Mushroom Lexington Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine Lexington Minton’s in Lexington Oasis Mediterranean restaurant Lexington Lussi Brown Coffee Bar in Lexington Graze in Lexington Barzeiros Brazillian Steakhouse in Louisville Vincenzo's in Louisville Proof on Main in Louisville Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville Prohibition Craft Spirits Copper & Kings Louisville Brough Brothers Distillery Louisville Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville Old Forester Distilling Co in Louisville Check out these videos for more great travel tips: Top Ten Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky Kentucky Top 10: Travel Guide for Louisville and Lexington 15 Things to Do in Louisville Kentucky

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

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