Blog

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 is National Hugging Day, and with the pandemic in swing, we realize this may not be the easiest holiday to celebrate for everyone, but if you’re able, give your loved ones a hug and let them know you care! (Don’t forget to hug your pets, too!)  And if you can’t see your loved ones for whatever reason, we’re here to share some great ways you can “hug” your community and show them you care! more Today we’re highlighting a wonderful local charity who needs your help providing not just hugs but safety and security to our local community here in Lake County.  Additionally, we’ve got a short list of more ways you can help local organizations and individuals. We Support COOL Ministries, and so can you: COOL Ministries is a not for profit charitable organization serving families in Illinois.  Founded by members of six Lutheran Churches, the organization first opened its doors to the community in 1983 with its inaugural COOL Food Pantry project.  They opened an additional location in 2007, COOL Pantry West, in Ingleside by way of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which remained in operation through 2018. COOL pantry provides local families and veterans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they also provide accommodations for cardiac and diabetic diets, as well as options for those with allergies, and a wide array of ethnic food offerings. Since 2015, COOL Ministries is now a fully recognized social services organization run by the COOL Board of Directors who put their heart and soul into their work.  In 2016, after 30 years of operation out of a storefront in downtown Waukegan, headquarters relocated operations to a beautiful facility downtown at the Glen Flora Building on West Glen Flora Avenue. The COOL pantries receive an immense amount of community support from everyone here in Lake County; everyone from churches to individuals to the United Way of Lake County, and incredible grant funding and corporate donations.  We are also proud to count ourselves in the midst of those who support the efforts of COOL Ministries as they help local families and veterans find their footing on stable ground!  The support for COOL Ministries and the COOL Pantries is as diverse as the beautiful community we all love, work, and live in. Please, join us in supporting our community by helping raise funds and collecting donation items for COOL ministries from this list: Other fantastic ways you can support your community: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage Create care packages for the local homeless population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town. Donate or volunteer at events with other local charities and nonprofits: American Cancer Society in Lincolnshire, IL Barrington Area Community Foundation in Barrington, IL Beyond Sports Foundation in HIghland Park, IL Hands of Hope Foundation in Barrington, IL Jac Education Foundation in Highland Park, IL Jewish Council for Youth Service in Ingleside, IL Lake Forest Open Land Association in Lake Forest, IL Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation in Highland Park, IL United Service Organizations in Great Lakes, IL (And many, many more!) And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Going green is all the rage, and we fully support it all: from EVs and Hybrids to Solar and Renewable energy and fuel.  There’s so many ways we can all do our part for the environment.  And it’s a good thing that today is National Houseplant Day, because that gives us one more reason to celebrate green living!  Houseplants are not only good for your personal environment, but they’re a great gateway to learning how to garden.  We think you’ll find that potted houseplants are a great source of inspiration for better living, and that’s just one of  their amazing traits! more Check out our picks for great local greenhouses and plant shops to support, and even some fun tips for growing plants in your car.  You can even check out some of the audio books we’ve selected on gardening to keep your green thumb more verdant than ever! Local Area Businesses to Support for Plant Shopping Larsen Florists & Greenhouses Plant House Mary’s Greenhouse Paquesi Home & Gardens Balmes Flowers Gurnee Country Gardens Garden Center Horvat’s Garden Center & Gift Shop Lurvey Landscape Supply Buss Flower Shop Escazu Nursery Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs Roots & Shoots Plant Shop Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery Windy City Garden Center Mini Earth Greenhouses Sprout Home City Escape Garden Center and Design Studio Plant Shop Chicago Adams & Son & Daughter Gardens Vedas Plant Shop The Sill Chicago Coach House Plants Gethsemane Garden Center Semillas Plant Studio The Succulent City According to scientific research, including studies done by NASA, house plants can help reduce toxins and improve air quality!  That’s right they’re not only beautiful but they’re useful as well.  Grab some for your home, office, and even your car to freshen up that stale air.  We’ve got a list of options you can look for at your local shops below: Air Purifying Houseplants Barberton Daisies English Ivy Snake Plants Aloe Vera Broad Lady Palm Red Edged Dracaena Weeping Fig Chinese Evergreen Pothos aka Devils Ivy Rubber Plants Flamingo Lillies Kimberly Queen Ferns Peace Lillies Philodendron Calathea ZZ Plants The Surprising Indoor Spot That’s Perfect for Houseplants Adding plants to your home, office, or even your garage can really perk up the environment.  But that’s not the only indoor environment in which plants can thrive!  Did you know that you can even keep plants in your car if the conditions are right?  Yes that’s right!  There’s a few easy tips to follow to ensure that your little greenery pal stays safe and sound.  Check them out: Place your plant in a stable spot in your vehicle.  The cupholder is a great option so you don't spill dirt inside your nice new car. Place a thermometer in your car to monitor the temperature and decide when you should take your plant indoors for some TLC. Choose a sturdy breed of plant: Pothos, snake plants, lucky bamboo, hearty succulents like echeveria. Choose plants which love a warm, sunny environment to ensure that you make use of those sunny parking spaces. Help keep the temperature regulated on hot or humid days by keeping your car window cracked.  Not only will this be more comfortable for you to drive in later, but it’ll keep your plants from overheating and drying out. Water your plants at the end of the day when you get home from work using your leftover water bottle from that day. Check out this fun car gear with plant themed aesthetics: Cactus Car Decorations for the Dashboard Faux Succulents for Car Daisy Themed Vent Clips Monstera Tropical Leaf Print Car Seat Covers Colorful Floral and Plant Themed Car Floor Mats Audio Books About Gardening to Listen to On Your Next Road Trip Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening Stay Grounded: Soil Building for Sustainable Gardens Easy-Growing Gardening Series Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education

Winter is here and it’s the prime time to hit the slopes!  Bundle up and get ready to embark on some great winter sports adventures, because today’s blog is all about great destinations for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more.  From Illinois to Wisconsin to Indiana, we’ve selected some fabulous destinations for road-tripping with your family and friends over the winter season.  Grab some season passes or book a weekend getaway for some fresh mountain air. The choice is yours and the possibilities for fun are endless! more Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports Ski School in Lisle, Illinois With ski areas open to all ages and skill levels, Four Lakes Alpine has been operating for over 60 seasons and is home to some of the top downhill skiing and snowboarding trails in the area.  It’s got gorgeous panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains, too!  You can’t beat it as a great winter vacation destination. Where to Stay: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotels Lisle, Arborhouse Naperville-Lisle, Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk, Sleep Inn Oakbrook Terrace, Aloft Bolingbrook, Inn At Water’s Edge Where to Eat: Raymes Steak & Fish House, NWB Next Whiskey Bar Lisle, The Bavarian Lodge, Manna Kitchen, Evviva! Bar & Eatery, Apolis Greek Street Food, Stillin’s Neighbourhood Pub & Grill, Yerbabuena Mexican Cuisine, Taco Dale Lisle, Wheatstack, JR’s Place Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot, Wisconsin Operating since 1938, this family friendly resort has been a pinnacle vacation destination for Midwestern folks.  You’ll find skiing, snowtubing, and snowboarding on 120 acres with 25 trail options.  For days when the weather is less than favorable, their state-of-the-art snowmaking machines pump out the best of the best for modern snow conditions. Where to Stay: Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, Best Western Executive Inn Wilmot, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Geneva Inn, Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast, Hampton Inn & Suites Kenosha Where to Eat: Wilmot Stage Shop, The Wilmot Riverside, Wisconsin Style Barbecue, Roof & Bricks Bar & Grill, KC’S Cabin, Pizza Time Villa Olivia in Bartlett, Illinois No matter if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, there’s something exciting in store for you at Villa Olivia!  Sign up for some of the guided classes and learn something new, or head right to the lift if you’re ready to rock!  Passes are available for regular visits, too.  Check the website for regular updates on weather conditions, but with state of the art snow-making things should be ski-ready at a moments notice even if Mother Nature won’t cooperate. Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Extended State America, Hampton Inn & Suites Where to Eat: McMae’s Tavern & Grill, Pietanza’s, Elly’s Mexican Tacos, Ambrosia Greek Eatery, One Twenty Live, Bovino Lounge Fusion, Straight Flush Restaurant, Ray’s Family Restaurant, La Taqueria Inc Authentic Mexican Food Chicago Snow Studio Ski SChool in Chicago, IL Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI Tucked away in the countryside and nestled in the snow covered hills around Lake Geneva is the Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center.  It’s one of the top rated ski resorts in the region, with plenty of fun to be had from skiing to snowboarding and then some!  There’s lots of opportunities for young enthusiasts to learn the ins-and-outs of skiing, too.  And don’t worry, if you’re an adult who needs to learn the ways of the slopes, you’ll be well at home here with their beginner lessons for all ages.  There’s even skating and sledding available for those who are averse to sliding down mountains at breathtaking speeds. Where to Stay: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Abbey Resort, Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, The Geneva Inn, Mill Creek Hotel, The Ridge Hotel, The Belfry House Where to Eat: Ristorante Brissago, The ChopHouse, Grand Café, Links Bar and Grill, Smokey’s  Bar-B-Que House, Cuoco Pazzo Eatz & Drinkz, Lake GEneva Pie Co, Next Door Pub & Pizzeria Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL This ski resort has got it all!  Whether you’re looking for prime winter sports activities or you prefer watching them in 4K high definition on the big screen at a sports bar, there’s lots to do at Chestnut MMountain Resort.  Plus, it’s even got a great indoor pool and hot tub for warming up with some hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.  There are also great restaurants for dining in and refueling between your downhill runs!  It’s family friendly, but also makes a great getaway for friends or couples looking for a bit of respite. Where to Stay: Chestnut Mountain Resort, Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, DeSoto House Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Stoney Creek Inn Galena, Greenbriar Country Inn & Suites Where to Eat: Log Cabin Steakhouse, Savory Kitchen, Little Tokyo Restaurant of Galena, Green Street Tavern, Fried Green Tomatoes, Vinny Vanucchi’s, Fritz & Frites Bistro, Embe Eatery and Lounge, Amelia’s Under the Lamplight Dinner Theatre Bonus Round Road Trip Ideas: Wh y not make this the year you visit all 50 states?  Check off a few more on your list with a visit to these great skiing destinations Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, IN Paoli Peaks in Paoli, IN Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in Jones, MI Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont, MI Marquette Mountain Resort in Marquette, MI Bittersweet Ski Resort in Ostego, MI

Great Destinations for Snowmobiling in Wisconsin and Illinois This Winter When the winter weather hits, plenty of people like to cozy up under the blankets near the fire with a good book and a mug of tea.  But if you’re the outdoorsy type, this is the best time of year for exciting adventures.  For those of us that enjoy getting in touch with nature, here’s nothing like that crisp, fresh winter air just after new snowfall! The glistening sunlight giving sparkle to that fresh powder against the backdrop of brilliant blue skies brings unparalleled joy! And that’s why we’re dedicating today’s post to highlighting some great road trip worthy destinations for wintersports lovers.  Let’s get that adrenaline pumping with exciting snowmobile trails! more Grant Woods in Ingleside Illinois 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota A gorgeous scenic preserve of 1,226 acres with 6 miles of gravel trail perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and 4.5 miles of trails for the snowmobile enthusiast make this a perfect destination for day-trips!  It’s also an excellent stop for observing wildlife and exploring your newfound skills in birding (see our previous blog post for details here and here!) Where to Eat: Kross Inn, The Tank, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Fanella’s Pizza & Pub, Zaza’s Steakhouse and Italian Eatery Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester Illinois 4hr 19 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota With over 1,700 acres of property to explore such as 5 miles of foot trails through virgin wooded forests, a 93-acre lake, and plenty of year round options for camping and outdoor exploration.  You can enjoy a wide variety of wintertime activities such as ice skating, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobiling! This beautiful nature preserve is just waiting for you to come and explore the grounds. Learn more about it here. Where to Eat: The Old Dairy, Hometown Café, Los Charros, Magnolias Restaurant & Catering, Chick’s on the Square, Palermo Pizza & Subs, Mili’s King Gyros, The Full Scoop Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Macom b, Super 8 Wyndham Macomb, Hampton Inn Macomb, Inselhaus Macomb, Plymouth Rock Roost B&B, Nauvoo Log Cabins Snowmobiling in Rhinelander 4hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Rhinelander is an amazing destination for snowy family fun!  You’ll find lots of trails to explore, ice skating at Pioneer Park or the Rhinelander Ice Arena, and it’s also known as the Ice Fishing Capital of the World! With more than 1,000 miles of grounds to cover on the Ho-Dag Sno Trails, you’ll have opportunities for infinite amounts of fun on your snowmobile!  The Hodag Organization maintains over 140 miles of adventure trails, and publishes maps that you can pick up in the local area.  These will help plan your route through the connecting trails from the following areas: Tomahawk, Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua, St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Sugar Camp, Monico, Crandon Pelican Lake, and Antigo.  Want to join the organization?  Check out their calendar for more info and special events! Where to Eat: Friendship House Family Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Shady Sue’s, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, The Jailhouse Saloon, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC, Crimson Cafe, Tilly’s Where to Stay: Comfort Inn Rhinelander, Holiday Acres Resort Quality Inn Rhinelander, North Branch Lodge, Merry Dale Resort, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire St. Germain in Wisconsin and the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club 4hr 50 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota St. Germain is situated in between the pines, surrounded by gorgeous lakes and rivers.  It’s the perfect place to visit if you love The Great Outdoors!  There are over 100 miles of trails, ice-covered lakes, and frozen backcountry to explore.  You’ll find miles of woods to hike through such as the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trai l, top tier ATV/Snowmobile options, try out some ice-fishing with a guide from Rays Landing, and grab a bite to eat in the many delicious restaurants and bars to warm up after. It’s also the place the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club calls home!  The club has created a designated, well-marked system of trails which are expertly maintained and well-groomed.  You can join the club with a membership, grab warm weather merch, or check out their recommendations for equipment rentals. Where to Eat: DJ’s Northwoods Family Restaurant, Wolf Pack Cafe, Knocker’s Pizza Company, 3C’s Coffee Cup Cafe, Legends of the North, Pig in the Pines, The Timbers Bar and Grill, Pub N Prime Supper Club Where to Stay: Hearthside Inn, Rustic Manor Motor Lodge, Whitetail Lodge, Idle Hours Resort, North Woods Rest Motel, St. Germain Lodge & Resort, The Waters of Minocqua, Cedaroma Lodge, The Estrold Resort, Hiller Vacation Homes Hurley Wisconsin with the Mercer Sno Goers and the White Thunder Riders 5hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Hurley is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true!  From downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, there’s lots of adventure to be found.  There’s plenty to do all year round of course, but winter is the peak season for this area! Visit nearby Moose Lake State Natural Area or Island Lake Hemlocks State Are a in Hurley and get in touch with nature.  There’s also lots of opportunities for ice skating nearby, too! Join the Mercer Sno Goers Club and make the most of your winter season with their snow sledding and snowmobiling events and trails.  The club maintains over 220 miles of groomed trails in Iron County, and is very welcoming to newcomers.  Their trail reports will help you find the best locations to take your sleds, snowmobiles, and ATVs and are updated frequently! Where to Eat: Iron Nugget, Brite Spot 1, Mac’s Bar, Bank Club Bar & Grill, Ladder 715, Chub & Sandy’s, Scotti Pecotti’s, Kimball Inn Restaurant Hurley, North Pole Tavern Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Hurley-Ironwood, Rodeway Inn Ironwood, Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley, Indianhead Ironwood, Timberline Lodge Eagle River Wisconsin Snowmobiling and Ice Castles 5hr 40 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Eagle River is known as the Snowmobile capital of the world but there’s even more to do and explore there!  You can enjoy Fat Tire biking on the trails, or visit the breathtaking and intricate ice castles and igloos made by volunteer sculptors, and even try cross country skiing or snowshoeing! Did you know that it is also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby?  Fondly known as the Indy500 of Snowmobile Races, it’s the largest and most prestigious competition in snowmobiling.  Racers will achieve speeds of more than 100mph as they fly around the ice oval!  And sno-cross pilots will compete in sno-cross racing across a very exciting snow and ice course.  Visit the World Championship Derby Complex Facebook Page for more information on this year’s course and event. Where to Eat: The Craftsman American Tavern, Friendship House Family REstaurant, Williams’s Pine Gables Supper Club, House of Dogs, Eddie B’s White Spruce Inn, J en’s Dinky Diner, Buckshots Downtown, Timmys Holiday Corner, Bortolotti’s Cin Cin Where to Stay: Cody’s Point of View, Best Western Derby Inn, Super 8 By Wyndham Eagle River, Edgewater Inn & Cottages, Hiawatha Lodge & Resort, Quaint Northwoods Escape, Wild Eagle Lodge, Chanticleer Inn, Northernaire Resort, The Last Resort

Get to know the local area birds and water fowl! Today’s blog is Classic Auto Group’s guide to getting in touch with nature.  That’s right, today we’re highlighting amazing sites to visit for bird watching.  From a crash course in birds of Chicago, Lake County, and even Wisconsin, to guided tours for beginners and intermediate birders, and even open nature preserves and parks to explore on your own when you’re ready. more If you’re looking for a fun, rewarding pastime that gets you, your friends, and your family exploring the great outdoors, we’re here to help!    Break free of the cabin-fever by enjoying a socially distanced walk on the wild side in the fresh air.  Let’s spread our wings and try a new hobby! How to Start “Birding” For Beginners Gather a pen, pencil, journal, notebook, or even your tablet. You’ll need this to note your observations Step outside in your own backyard, balcony, patio, or local park.  Sit/stand quietly and observe your surroundings, note the time of day, the weather conditions.  You may want a chair so you can get comfortable and stay awhile! Listen closely to hear the sounds around you. Do you notice any birdsongs?  Are there any hoots or squawks or screeches?  Note them in your book underneath your other notations. Take some snapshots of your surroundings or any birds you spot, and/or videos to record the sounds.  You can use these to document your findings and verify your bird sightings later! Now walk around the area, slowly.  Observe the ground and see if you notice any footprints in the dirt, sand, dust, snow, or mud.  Take a peek amongst the trees, foliage, underbrush, or potted plants and gardens for any stray feathers, broken eggshells, or other signs of nests.  Note them in your book, and take photos if you are able.  You can print the photos out later and add them to your book! Now that you’ve practiced basic birding techniques, try to repeat your observations several times over the course of a week at different times of day and night.  See how many new bird friends or signs you find as you go along. If you’re not seeing any signs of birds just yet, don’t panic!  You can try adding points of interest for your avian neighbours: Invest in a suet bird feeder which makes great options for winter food sources. You can even make your own suet cakes and suet refills! Add a suction-cup bird feeder to a window or windows of your dwelling.  Fill them with different varieties of birdseed: black oil sunflower birdseed, black thistle birdseed, wild songbird birdseed. Place a hummingbird nectar feeder in your garden or on the balcony or near some natural wildflowers. Plant bird-friendly flowers for Northeast and herbs in your garden. Observe how birds react to these feeders and plants, see if you attract any new varieties. Keep your journal year round and compare bird patterns, varieties, and frequency of visits per season and time of day. Common “Backyard Birds” in Illinois and Wisconsin Depending on the season and time of day, these beautiful varieties of birds may be visible at different times.  Some are up at dawn or dusk, some in the middle of the day, and others have migratory patterns based on the weather! You can check with your local wildlife groups online, or the Audubon Society in your area.  Here are some of the local birds to keep an eye out for. How many of these have you seen in your yard or around town? American Robin American Goldfinch American Crow American Tree Sparrow House Finch Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove European Starling Downy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Song Sparrow Red-Bellied Woodpecker Common Grackle White-breasted Nuthatch Indigo Bunting Barn Swallow Grey Catbird House Wren Eastern Wood-Pewee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated hummingbird Mallard Duck Great Blue Heron Sandhill Crane Red-Tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Dark-eyed Junco Explore and Observe More Avian Friends At These Great Spots Once you’ve practiced your observation skills, and you’ve catalogued a list of local birds, it’s time to get out there and explore!  Here’s a list of excellent guided groups for novice birders to get their feet wet, or experienced birders looking for a little socializing.M  Bring your birding log, binoculars, a camera equipped for distance shots and zoom, and your best walking shoes.  Let’s go bird spotting with a local club! Lake County Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Bird Conservation Network Red Hill Birding Tours Hoy Audubon Society Audubon Great Lakes Chicago Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society Evanston North Shore Birding Club Illinois Audubon Society Thorn Creek Audubon Society Prairie Woods Audubon Society Great Local Parks To Start Your Bird Watching Adventures Once you’ve got your bird watching skills down pat from guided hikes, workshops, and classes, you can try your hand at your own observations.  These parks and nature preserves are well-known spots for common bird observations as well as seasonal and rare sightings.  Plus, if you’ve got the National Geographic energy going at top speed, you can observe a lot more than just avian pals at these locations.  What other wildlife do you think you will see on your adventures? Bowen Park in Waukegan Waukegan Beach in Waukegan Bonnie Brook Sanctuary in Waukegan Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in Wadsworth Serenity Park in Waukegan Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary Illinois Beach State Park Jackson Park Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Starved Rock State Park Matthiessen State Park Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville Waukegan Harbor Light in Waukegan Bird Watching is Fun for the Whole Family Check out these great resources for kids, tweens, and teens to join in on the fun of bird watching!  You’ll find bird watching and observation projects, log books, flashcards, illustrated and photographic guides, and more. Best Birding Sites By Car Learn to Bird From the Car Bird Behaviourist Bird-Watching Project Bird Journal Bird-Watching Project Bird Track Tracing Bird-Watching Project Birdcall Bird-Watching Project My Bird Watching Journal Logbook for Kids and Families (Hardcover/Paperback) Backpack Explorer : Bird Watch (Hardcover) Audubon Birding Adventures for Kids Birds of New York Guide Printable PDF Booklet Sibley Backyard  Birding Flashcards Merlin App by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology National Geographic’s Birds of New York National Geographic’s Birds of North America Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Toddler Flash Cards Backyard Birds Fandex Family Field Guides to Birds Plow and Hearth Cape Cod Wooden Birdhouse Sun Grow DIY Paintable Birdhouse with Porch Attracting Birds with a Nesting Ball 10 Bird Learning Activities for Kids Owl Pellets and Dissection Kits from Pellet.com The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling Birds in Watercolor Collage and Ink

We’re back with another installment of the Local Community Calendar!  We’ve rounded up some lovely events and entertainment for you to enjoy over the next month and change. Please be sure to double check all websites and listings for cancelations, delays, and closures due to weather or Covid19 regulations.  Remember to mask up, social distance, test frequently and often as possible to keep  your family and peers in the community safe. more Classic’s Local Community Calendar for Waukegan and Chicago Area On January 3rd, enjoy a Free Outdoor Men’s Workout at the Columbus Park Golf Course in Chicago from 5:30AM to 6:15AM. January 5th at the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan, bring the family for a day of fun at Holiday Adventures with the Waukegan Park District from 7AM to 6PM. January 5th is a lovely evening to enjoy the finer side of the arts with “Kiss Me Kate” at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Repeat performances this morning in afternoons and evenings. January 5th at Dan Ryan woods in Chicago, bring your kids and teens for Open Nature Play Day in Chicago from 10AM to 1PM. January 6th there’s a great Baby friendly storytime session at the Palatine Library District from 10AM to 10:30AM in Palanti ne. Tired of dinners at home? January 6th you can head to the Lucky Burger and Grill Foodtruck from 5PM to 8PM at the Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Enjoy Legos @ The Library at the Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha from 4:30 to 5:30, perfect for families and kids under 5. January 7th is a great time to take your kids over to the McHenry Public Library for “Storytime for Little Ones!” from 4PM to 4:30PM. January 7th is a great day for family fun!  Head over to the Watts Ice Center in Glencoe for an exciting Superhero Skate for Friday Family Skate Night from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. January 7th at the Palatine Library District from 4PM to 5PM is a great time to get the older kids out of the house for a Tween Hangout Session in Palatine. On January 8th at the Genesee Theater, enjoy an outstanding tribute to David Bowie at “David Brighton’s Space Oddity.” On Sunday January 9th from 4PM to 9PM, enjoy some wonderful outdoor time with friends and family at Skating in the Park at Rosemont in Rosemont. January 9th is a wonderful time to enjoy an evening of fine jazz music with Magnetic Jazz at Madcats from 5PM to 8PM in Palatine. On January 9th starting at 5PM, enjoy the ChiTown Movies Presents: Finding Nemo at ChiTown Movies in Chicago. Let’s support local agriculture and find something exciting to make for dinner at the Kenosha HarborMarket in Kenosha from 9AM to 1PM. If you’ve resolved that 2022 means you’ll get the job of  your dreams or bust, you’ll definitely want to check out the Waukegan Job and Career Fiar at the Job Center of Lake County.  The event runs from 11AM to 2PM on January 12th and January 20th and January 26th! Pencil in a day of fun January 13th from 12PM to 8PM at the Lake County Fairgrounds at Grayslake for the Northern Illinois Sports Show in 2022. January 19th, tune in for a special Family to Family Health Information Center webinar series hosted by ARC of Illinois with Molly Hoffman, DSCC. January 20th at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan from 7:30 to 11:30PM, throw it back to the 90s and 00s with Nelly in concert! On January 22nd at 8PM, come spend an evening at Bass Station in Waukegan for Euphoria II and have an amazing night on the town. Head over to the College of Lake County in Grayslake for the Mini Job Fair from 11AM to 1PM. Head to Schaumberg on January 27th from 12PM to 8PM at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Enjoy another fun evening of Family togetherness at the Blackhawks Night for Family Skate Night in Watts Ice Center in Glencoe on the 28th of January. February 6th in Highwood at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory enjoy the musical selections and fun activities at the Chicago Bass Festival at BGH from 9AM to 5PM. February 5th and 6th is the Waukegan Township’s “Groundhog Shootout” for 6 more weeks of Basketball! February 13th at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, book a ticket to see West Side Story live on stage!

Tonight is New Years Eve!  We’re glad to be here to celebrate the close of another wild year.  We’ve all been through so much the last year or two, and we deserve a night off.  So we thought we would use today’s blog space to suggest some fun activities to let loose, unwind, and relax! more Let’s begin the new year as we mean to end it, on a happy note, with good intentions, and paying no mind to any stresses, trials or tribulations. Get your noisemakers ready, because we’re here to party! Local New Year’s Eve  Fun New Year’s Eve Sparkly Fun at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan from 8 to 11:59PM! New Year’s Eve Party at Just for Fun Roller Rink from 11AM to 2PM in Mundelin Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Fox Lake from 4:30PM to 6:30PM New Year’s Eve Sip, Nibble, Celebrate and Stock up in Wauconda New Year’s Eve Early Bird Dinner Show at The Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire from 2PM to 8PM Unwind with a Festive and Fun New Years Eve Party at Home! With virus rates on the rise again in many places, some folks may not be up for the usual party antics. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a super swell shindig anyway.  Check out our suggestions for long-distance celebrations for those of you who wish to avoid the bar and restaurant scene this year, and celebrate more low-key options at home. Schedule a virtual game night with your pals! Whether you’re gaming together on Xbox or PC etc, or gathering over zoom for a game of virtual charades, there’s lots of ways to play party games from afar!  Here are some fun racing games with online play options with friends: Forza Horizon 5 Forza Motorsport 7 Super Mario Kart Split/Second: Velocity Gran Turismo Sport Bake up some fun treats and do a drive-by dessert swap this evening with friends!  We recommend raising a proverbial toast to the new year with these festive boozy-treats (recommended for adult consumption only!)  These are easy enough to make and take today! Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Pink Champagne Cake Pink Champagne Truffles Blood Orange Champagne Creme Brulee Sparkling Champagne Cookiewiches Almond Champagne Poached Pears with Almond Whipped Cream Plan a virtual watch party with friends and family for a movie night!  Grab your favourite movie snacks and queue up a movie chat via Teleparty or other streaming chat service.  Here’s a great list of movies to rent or stream on New Years Eve: An American in Paris (1951) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Evil (1980) via Amazon Prime Terror Train (1980) via Amazon Prime When Harry Met Sally (1989) via Amazon Prime Mermaids (1990) via Amazon Prime Sleepless in Seattle (1993) via Amazon Prime While You Were Sleeping (1995) via Amazon Prime Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) via Amazon Prime RENT (2005) via Amazon Prime High School Musical (2006) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Eve (2011) via Amazon Prime Snowpiercer (2013) via Amazon Prime The Great Gatsby (2013) via Amazon Prime Phantom Thread (2017) via Amazon Prime Make a list of New Year's Intentions instead of New Years Resolutions.  Instead of making very specific promises to ourselves that most of us won’t keep, let’s think more abstractly. You can add in your own flair and flavor, but these statements are more broad, all-encompassing, and less intimidating. Here’s some examples: I intend to prioritize joy and happiness. I intend to take more chances and be brave. I intend to turn my hobbies from side projects to center stage interests. I intend to spend more time with my loved ones and prioritize social time. I intend to prioritize my health, and not procrastinate important appointments, or prolong necessary rest. Create fun collaged vision boards together!  Grab those rogue catalogues, flyers, magazines, and promotional postcard materials.  We’re going to use them to make some super fun art together.  Cut out all of the inspiring images that you wish to manifest this year: that dream road trip, a brand new car, upgraded gadgets to your vehicle, a new pair of driving gloves, bucket list destinations.  Then paste them to a piece of paper or poster board and decorate with photos of yourself, your friends, your family, and words of encouragement cut out from headlines and articles.  You can be inspired by financial goals, personal goals, career goals and more! Then share them with your friends and family via web chat or post to social media.  It will be fun to look back on next year and see how many you were able to check off. No matter what you do this evening, we hope that you have a wonderful close to 2021.  And we are all sending you best wishes and good cheer for the happiest, healthiest, most optimistic New Year in 2022!

What is the Winter Solstice? The Winter Solstice is on Tuesday December 21st at 10:59 EST in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the shortest day and longest night of 2021. It has many names around the globe including Midwinter, Yule, Longest Night, and Jol.  Learn more about different global solstice celebrations here! Celebrate with your loved ones and our list of festive Yuletime traditions on today’s blog. Did you know: The word Solstice is based in Latin, combining the word for sun (sol) and word for standing (stit) as in “the sun stands still.” Ancient Romans celebrated the agricultural god of Saturn at the Midwinter Festival of Saturnalia. The days get colder following the Winter Solstice, contrary to the fact that the days get longer and it stays lighter each day. December 25th is the Yuletide celebration, inspired by the Sun Day, where people would burn a tree to celebrate the return of the sun and longer days. The Winter Solstice in China is celebrated as the Dongzhi Festival, a lucky day when the sun is more active, the past is gone, and hope is on the horizon.  Traditional foods consumed are dumplings or glutinous rice balls. Celebrate The Winter Solstice with These Winter Traditions Create a Yule Altar - A Yule Altar is created to welcome the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. To create one, you’ll need golden, silver, or yellow candles to symbolize the sun.  Gather items that represent the winter season: pinecones, evergreen branches, pieces of cedarwood.  You’ll want to burn some sage or sweetgrass to cleanse the altar with positive intentions. Burn a Yule Log in the Fireplace or a Fire Pit - Historically, Nordic tradition was to burn a whole tree across 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Since that’s not exactly sanctioned by apartment management or condo associations (and definitely not feasible for modern hearths) the Yule Log is a popular alternative.  If you don’t have a woodburning stove/fireplace in your home, you can always cue up the digital version on Netflix (in regular or birchwood options!)  Don’t have a Netflix account? You can always bake and serve a Yule Log cake instead. Enjoy some Yuletide “wassail” cocktails! Wassail is a festive warm drink with mulled spices consisting of: 2qts apple cider, 1.5 cups of orange juice, ¾ cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.  You can also add a splash of Rum or Whisky if you wish! Take Some Time to Meditate - Since this is the longest night of the year, set aside some time to meditate and so some soul searching. Reflect on the quiet and peace that blanket the world on snowy evenings.  Think about your goals for the upcoming year, and how you can grow as a person and focus on propelling yourself forward towards your goals.  Reminisce about the past year, and what you would like to accomplish in the new year as the world begins to thaw and usher in Spring.  Focus on being present and how you can connect with your peers, loved ones, and yourself within your own space. Exchange Nature-Related Gifts with Loved Ones - Yule is a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons as the days grow in length and nights get shorter. Get your loved ones gifts that remind them about the beauty of the world around them!  Focus on things made from natural elements, plants for their home, bulbs or seeds to be planted in spring, or perhaps some books about nature or a documentary celebrating Earth!  Make some Orange Pomanders with your family.  Take small, firm oranges and whole cloves to create this craft.  You may use a sharp knife or citrus zester to create patterns on the orange skin (save the peel for your wassail or baking!)  Poke the cloves into the orange in pretty patterns (you can use a toothpick or chopstick to pre-make the holes for little ones!.)  They make a gorgeous holiday gathering centerpiece, or temporary ornament for live Christmas trees. Read a Wintry Theme Book with Family and Friends - You can try “The Mitten” by Jan Brett; “The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson; “The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice” by Carolyn McVickar Edwards; “The Solstice Badger” by Robin McFadden; “The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice” by Wendy Pfefer and Jesse Reisch. Sending our best yuletide wishes to you and yours from all of us here at Classic!

We’re getting ready for holiday break with the kids by collecting all sorts of fun creative projects over the wintertime season.  To start things off, we’ve got an easy to customize DIY snow globe project!  Following that, we’ve got other great crafts and plenty of coloring pages for everyone to enjoy.  You’ll find lots of creative activities on today’s blog!  Plus, as an added bonus, most of these make great handmade gifts for loved ones and friends! more DIY Your Own Water Snow Globe What You Will Need: Recycled or new glass jars with matching tight fitting lids or snowglobe containers Optional: decoupage and paper, spray paint, or felt for Jar Lid Hot Glue or E6000 Epoxy Glue or Super Glue (both to be used by adults) Glitter and/or small sequins A small container of glycerin Miniature toy cars or miniature figures that fit on jar lids Distilled water How to Make It: Paint or decoupage your lid if desired. Arrange your decorations on the jar lid, and secure them with the glue.  Allow to dry fully (check glue container, tube, or glue sticks package for dry time.) Once your decorations are glued and dry.  Add your glitter or sequins to the clean, empty jar, add ½ teaspoon or so of glycerin to the jar, and pour distilled water into the jar until it’s just about full, leaving room for your decorated lid to fit inside. Add glue to the edge of your jar lid, secure it tightly to the top of the jar and allow the glue to fully set and dry (yes, your decorations will be upside down until the glue is fully dry and sealed!)  Add glue around the edges of the seal once the lid is applied. Once the glue is all dried and fully sealed, flip your jar over, and voila!! It’s a snow globe you’ve made all on your own! Great Decorations and Add-ins for Your Snow Globes Micro Machines 20 Pack of Tiny Toy Cars via Amazon Vintage Mini Figures via Etsy Holiday Snowflake Glitter Laser Sequins Via Amazon Holographic Chunky Glitter via Amazon Mini Christmas Ornaments Resin via Amazon 25pcs Pull Back Metal + Plastic Tiny Toy Cars via Amazon Superhero Mini Figures via Amazon ​​Plastic Toy Cars via Etsy Miniature Snowmen via Etsy Easy Wintertime Arts and Crafts for Families This is a great list of preschooler friendly winter themed crafts to make together. Here’s a great list of really easy Snowflake Crafts for Kids! FreeKidsCrafts.com has an awesome list of 10 easy crafts to make with kids. You can find them all right here. HomeMade Lovely has this adorable waterless snow globe craft idea. Great for decorating or gift giving. Lean into the classic, vintage aesthetic of the holiday season with this vintage inspired car snowglobe. Commemorate your family fun time with a photo snowglobbe craft! Fun for all ages and a great way to showcase a year of memories together. Check out this adorable Christmas Light Snowglobe craft for some festive holiday cheer. No need to be a trained fine artist to start painting!  You can easily learn paint a snowflake in acrylics, watercolor, or gouache. Start off making cut paper snowflakes with this helpful tutorial for Paper Snowflake decorations, and then get creative and design your own! You don’t need piles of coloring books to have fun, you can print-on-demand with these great coloring pages depicting winter wonderlands! Crayola has a great selection of wonderful Winter Coloring Page s on their site for more print on demand fun!

There’s so much to see and do in the Waukegan and Chicago area, and we’re thrilled to bring you another fun local calendar of events for December! You’ll find lots of great holiday gift shopping options and make-and-take workshops for the whole family to craft handmade presents.  From Christmas crafting, to visits with Santa, to New Years celebrations for families, we’ve got lots of festive events to enjoy. more Saturdays and Sundays through December 12th enjoy free showings at 1PM and 4PM of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. The Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah Pop-Up Started on December 1st and runs through January 2nd 2022. Get your tickets to any of these fun performances here. The Kris Kringle Artist market is happening on both December 4th and 5th at the CAP Catering Venue hosted by the City of Waukegan. December 4th and December 11th in Libertyville is the Dickens of a Holiday event from 10AM to 3PM in Downtown Libertyville. December 5th and 12th in Libertyville from 10AM-12PM and 1PM-3PM enjoy photos with Santa!  Other events include Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy community room for kids to shop for family members and friends.  And enjoy a Victorian tea from 11AM to 1PM at St Lawrence Episcopal Church. More info on all “Dickens of a Holiday” events here, including purchasing tickets or advance reservations for tea. December 5th from 12PM to 5PM is the Holiday Vendor Fair featuring loads of local artisans and craftspeople, visits with santa, and delicious food! On December 5th at the Vernon Hills Hawthorn Mall, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM parents of children with autism and disabilities who require a sensory friendly experience may come enjoy quiet, relaxing, and fun photos with Santa Wednesday, December 8th at 4PM at the Lake Bluff Public Library in Lake Bluff you can enjoy an “Adult Crafternoon” experience! This session you’ll be making crayon shaving ornaments for the holidays.  Additional craft opportunities at 1/12 and 2/9 as well at 4PM. Thursday December  9th at 6PM at the Lake Bluff Library is a lovely evening out for Teen and Tween Crafts.  Additional workshops held on 1/6 and 2/3 December 11th from 5PM to 6:30PM at Mis Plantitas in Wauconda, you’ll enjoy a paper poinsettia ornament making workshop! Create handmade ornaments for gift giving or decorating your home. December 12th at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake come and join in the fun f or the Children’s Holiday Party from 7PM to 9PM. December 12th at 8AM through 1AM enjoy some pancakes and bring the kiddos for a family fun day with Santa!  BYO Camera and leave with a great holiday photo for the family. December 15th from 10AM to 1PM the free Diaper Pantry will be rolling into Waukegan at the Lake County Health Department’s Belvidere Medical Building.  Offering families in need free disposable wipes and diapers for little ones. Register in advance required online 24hrs prior to 12/15. Drop the kiddos off on December 29th at Ceramics For You in Gurnee for an afternoon of Pizza and Snow Penguin crafts! Happening at 11AM through 12:30PM with pizza included; register in advance. December 31st from 10:30AM to 12:30AM at Lakefront Park come join in the Noon Year’s Eve Family Dance event in Fox Lake!

Not everyone is home for the holidays. Or even home at all. Join us in helping our local veterans this holiday season. Next time you shop - think of vets in need & pick up some extras. more How to Help: 1. Donate money at coolministries.org/veterans-assistance/ 2. Donate time at coolministries.org/volunteer-opportunities/ 3. Donate essentials at 800 W. Glen Flora Avenue, Waukegan 10am - 2pm M-F