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If you’re stumped for gift ideas and short on time, let us help make holiday shopping less stressful!  We’ve got great digital gift giving ideas and subscription options for car enthusiasts. more Don't Stress! We're here to help! We know they’ll love the items on this list, and you will too when you can skip the search for a parking space, long times waiting in line, and stress of finding the perfect gift. EBooks For Car Lovers The Science of Cars The Science of Cars is perfect for the automotive enthusiast who loves to learn.  They’ll be lost in the pages for hours while reading about the science, mechanics, and engineering behind some of the world’s fastest cars! Buy it here. Autonimousity Technology is advancing every single day.  Cars have more automatic features, more guided safety options for autonomous driving.  And eventually, they’ll be entirely driverless.  That is the goal of the industry at least for some engineers! Buy this in depth ebook right here. Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Specifically tailored to women and femme drivers, this guide will help you navigate a male-dominated industry.  From advice on how to get respectful and honest service at the mechanic, DIY service tips and tricks, roadside emergency advice, and more, this is an indispensable book for the women in your gift giving circle. Buy a copy here. Try an Automotive Themed Subscription Box Give the gift of PetrolBox!  Just print out the picture and let them know when their first box will be arriving.  No stores, no lines, no hassle!  With two price points, Basic and Premium, your favourite car enthusiast could be receiving 2-7 automotive themed items a month right to their doorstep.  Pay monthly or up front for the year. Click here to learn more. Makes a great holiday gift! Deluxe Car Care gifting box from GloveBox is a surefire bet for holiday gift giving!  Sign your favourite gearhead up for a deluxe gift package of the ultimate in car cleaning supplies.  By the time springtime rolls around, they’ll be all set for their weekly car washes to clean off the muck and gunk of winter travel. Deluxe kit available for just $35.99 by clicking here! Perfect as a one-month option or yearly if you’ve got the budget for that someone special. If you’ve got a truck fan in your life, we recommend the Diesel Crate subscription box!  Each month your gearhead will receive a box stuffed to the brim with the latest gear and goodies.  It’s tailored to diesel drivers, so they’ll get exactly what they love every month. Click here to pick your subscription level. If your gearhead’s preference is racing and tuning, then Tuner Box is the gift subscription you need.  Filled with top tier merch, accessories, stickers, gear and more from relevant industry brands and creators.  Starting at $13.99 per monthly box.  And, if you’ve got an enthusiast that prefers aggressively gendered gift giving (the original box is rather neutral) then Tuner Girl is a women-oriented box option from Tuner Box’s monthly subscriptions. Click here to select your preference: basic, premium, or women’s. Give the gift of game night! Lots of people love to unwind and relax with video games or game nights with friends.  So why not grab a car themed game for your automotive enthusiast?  Check out some of our picks for great car video games with digital gifting options: Burnout Paradise Remastered Forza Horizon 4 with XBOX Anywhere Need for Speed Heat via Amazon

We’re bringing you a calendar of family friendly holiday events and drive-through holiday lights in the Kenosha and Greater Chicago Area!  If you’ve got an upcoming event that our readers may be interested in, please post it in the comments section.  We’d love to share family-friendly events for inclusive festivities! more Santa’s Rock N Lights in Waukegan runs from November 21st 2021 through Sunday January 2nd 2022 between 5PM and 9PM. Price ranges from $19.99 to $34.99 per vehicle. Book in advance for the Northbrook “Let it Shine” Drive Through Light Show on weekday evenings.  $29.99 admission per car for a family friendly drive-through festive experience! Click here to book a time and date. The Willow Hills Winter Magic Drive Thru Christmas Experience at Willow Hill Golf Course is running from November 20th 2021 through January 2nd 2022 between the hours of 4:30PM and 10:30PM. Book an admission experience right here. All ages and family friendly! Enjoy a beautiful family friendly holiday light experience at the Magic of Lights in Milwaukee from November 24th 2021 through January 2nd 2022 between 5PM and 10PM. Buy your tickets and book a bundle package now. Friday December 4th from 12PM to 2PM, bring the whole family out for the Jewett Jingle Jam in Deerfield Park!  This is an open house activity including Hanukkah and Christmas activities and crafts, Winter festivities, a visit with Santa, Holiday Storytime and more! Open from ages 1 through 10 with accompanying adult; admission charged per child. On Friday December 10th from 4:30 to 5:30, make a stop off at the Kenosha IUptown Neighbourhood Library for a holiday lights themed craft session and festive activities for families.  Then you can follow it up with a local drive around town to view the festive decorations in the area! Registration for the event is required, and opens on 12/3 at 12PM via the Library. The Chanukkah Film Festival runs from November 28th through December 5th, and celebrates with 8 nights of movies with Menemsha Films with North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park. Enjoy a painting session with friends from 6:30PM to 8PM at Bottle & Bottega of Chicago Lakeview with the Hanukkah Happy Hour Dreidel paint class. Book your spot now, space is limited. Head over to Split-Rail for their annual Hanukkah Dinner on Tuesday November 30th starting at 6PM.  Served family style, reservations are required - click here to book! On Wednesday December 15th from 7:30PM to 9PM, enjoy an evening of art and music with holiday favourites at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. More information on booking tickets and attending here. Book a ticket for your friends and family on December 17th or December 18th to the Holiday Ice Show at the RECPLEX Ice Arena in Pleasant Prairie, WI.  The Friday evening show begins at 6:30PM, and the Saturday evening show starts at 5:30PM. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

Feeling frantic with family and friends arriving soon?  Need some last minute pantry-friendly recipes?  Looking for something to entertain the kids?  We’re here to help!  We’ve got a great list of easy recipes made from pantry staples, along with activities to help keep kids entertained while you’re getting ready for guests today. Print out the coloring pages and activities, and set up a coloring and crafting table for some easy projects that are sure to entertain younger guests as well as adults.  Check it out on today’s blog for easy holiday entertaining! more Last Minute Thanksgiving Recipes with Pantry & Fridge Staples Forget to thaw the turkey?  Family members cancel at the last minute and you’re missing their famous sweet potatoes?  Forgot you volunteered to bring a dish?  We’ve got you covered with easy to make recipes that are ready in a pinch.  Yes, even easy enough to make on the day of Thanksgiving before guests arrive.  You can’t miss with this easy list of holiday favorites and staple Turkey Day Dinner classics.  We’ve even tossed in some no-cook appetizers if you’re running to the store this morning. Canned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Crustless Pumpkin Pie with Canned Pumpkin No Cook Thanksgiving Appetizers Classic Green Bean Casserole Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes NY Times Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes Taste of Fall Salad 10 Minute Cous Cous Salad 10 Minute Vegan Chickpea Salad 10 Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad 15 min Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Instant Baked Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Stuffing Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Instant Pot Turkey Gravy Instant Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Coloring Pages and Crafts for Families Crayola’s Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages Free Printable Coloring Pages for Kids 45 Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids and Adults Autumn and Fall Coloring Pages for Kids and Adults Fall Coloring Pages for Families Glued to My Crafts: Paper Plate Turkey Cars Kid Craft Toilet Paper Roll Car Craft from A Little Pinch of Perfect Blog​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​ TLC Me Blog: Thanksgiving Handprint Turkeys TLC Me Blog: Turkey Pinecone Crafts

Just because Autumn is winding down doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an exciting road trip filled with scenic views and breathtaking sites on winding highways and byways!  We’ve gathered a list of 8 different roadways worthy of a visit in both Wisconsin and Illinois that are beautiful year round.  Explore the unique people and places in the historic towns that dot the mapways, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature along trails and waterways.  If we’ve left your favourite off the list, just let us know in a comment and it may make its way into a future travel guide! more Illinois Grandview Drive Peoria This might be the shortest drive on our list, but it’s certainly not short on gorgeous views.  Winding its way along the Illinois River and through the valley from PRospect Road to Route 29, you’ll find a plethora of historic homes as well as beautiful landscape photo ops.  If you’re looking for outdoor activities, this will also hit the spot as it’s got plenty of options to get out and walk, hike, or bike the trails along the route.  Prime time to visit is during Autumn, but this winding roadway is still picturesque year round.  Learn more about the area here from Heroes of Adventure blog. The Morton Arboretum Lisle IL A versatile stop for those who prefer driving or those who prefer hiking, with 9 miles of paved roadways and 16 miles of hiking trailways.  Families can enjoy a stroll through the Children’s Garden and Maze Garden, or enjoy an active day of exploring in the woods.  From blossoms and blooms in springtime and summer, to bright fiery foliage in the autumn, to picturesque snow-covered statues in winter, the Arboretum is an essential scenic stop all year round.  Check out the special events and park highlights here. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Canton With over 140 scenic miles of roadway in the valley, you’ll find plenty of stops for photo ops, scenic views, markets to shop, and special events.  The highlight of the region is its yearly fall festival in October, featuring open air markets, vendor tables, artisan goods and crafts, and plenty of family fun.  Take a self guided tour of the valley through several Illinois towns and along the Illinois river and make some family road trip memories.  You’ll make your way through 17 historic villages and sites along the way. Learn more about it and download a map of the route here. Illinois River Road Scenic National Byway Peoria This iconic 140 mile stretch of roadway cuts through 10 counties and connects 100 different nature sites, trails, and parks in the Illinois River Valley; a portion of it includes the Great River Road which follows the Mississippi. Prime time to visit is autumn for the fall foliage and leaf peeping season, but it’s gorgeous year round to be sure.  Including gorgeous waterfront views, cliff bluffs, and forest landscapes, you’ll have plenty of choices for family photo op backdrops.  If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find lots of spots for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other fun activities.  If you enjoy shopping and strolling, you can visit any of the region’s picturesque towns and main streets for shopping, cultural events, art, and then some.  Create a family travel itinerary via the official website here. Wisconsin Highway 35 and The Wisconsin Great River Road Bordering the Northern end of Mississippi River up and down the western coast of Wisconsin, this 250 mile road connects a whopping 33 historic river towns.  This is a great trip to explore historic architecture, historic downtowns and main streets with local shops and businesses, and take a short step back in time.  It’s a fantastic route to explore the glacial path that shapes so much of Wiscons’s geological landscape.  Click here to view the northern half of the roadmap, and click here to view the southern half of the roadmap.  Looking for some amazing ideas for stopping points? Look no further than the State Trunk Tour blog. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive Spanning 115 miles through six different Wisconsin counties, it connects the two halves of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  It’s perfect for those who love the great outdoors, with lots of options for fishing, swimming, visiting state parks, hiking, camping, and scenic views for picnicking.  Travel through many of Wisconsin’s impressive state parks and explore all of the lakes, wetlands, mountain trails, and natural vistas.  Click here to download driving directions by region. Highway 33 Scenic Drive This spans coast to coast stretching between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River along the southern end of Wisconsin.  From beautiful port cities with picturesque  harbors, fishing and boating activities, to beautiful marshes and wildlife refuges, to historic downtowns with vintage architecture and postcard worthy scenic stop-offs, it’s the total package when it comes to road trip options.  You’ll find a great list of recommended places to explore on State Trunk Tour’s blog! Cranberry Highway One of the shorter routes on our list, this 50 mile section of roadway crosses Highway 54, Highway 173, Highway 13, and roads in 3 different counties.  You’ll want to bring your camera for this one, because you’ll be traveling through centuries old cranberry beds, with visuals of beautiful swathes of scarlet red!  The prime time to hit the cranberry marshes for these stunning views is September and October, but other notable events such as bloom season occur in June and July.  The route is still worthy of a trip year round with such site stops as Sandhill Wildlife Area, Necedah National Wildlife Area, Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, and then some!  You can take cranberry marsh tours, visit Rubi Reds cranberry market, and more. Plan your trip with some helpful hints here.

The Holidays are fast approaching, but in addition to the usual shopping chaos, the pandemic has added an extra level of frenzy due to supply chain issues.  Never fear, because Classic is here!  We’ve got an excellent set of options for digital gifts that will be sure to please every automotive enthusiast. Check it out on our digital gift guide! more You won’t have to worry about shipments arriving on time or finding the write box or bag to wrap it in.  That’s right, we’ve got great digital options for the gift giving season that you can send straight to their devices or right to their email inbox. Get those motors running, and head on on the highway with some of these great audiobooks: Car Crazy: The Battle for Supremacy between Ford and Olds and the Dawn of the Automobile Age by G. Wayne Miller The Machine That Changed the World by James P Womack, Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos A Brief History of Motion: From the Wheel, to the Car, to What Comes Next Car Talk: 25 Years of Lousy Car Advice by Tom Magliozzi and Ray Magliozzi Car Fever: The Car Bore’s Essential Companion by James May The Patron Saint of Used Cars and Second Chances Driving Like Crazy by PJ O’Rourke Check out these great digital subscription options for Magazines and more: Motor Trend Magazine Digital Subscription Autocar Magazine Digital Subscription Retromotive Magazine Digital Subscription Car and Driver Digital Subscription Give the Gift of an Experience: Gift your gearhead an opportunity to drive a Supercar with Xtreme Xperience.  With opportunities in the Northeast, as well as all across the US, there’s lots of options to choose from no matter where your gift recipient lives. Going on a trip in 2022? Why not add a Supercar Drive to the trip with a gift voucher at your vacation destination as an added surprise with one of their other locations. Got a racing fan in your midst?  Check out the NASCAR Racing Experience and choose from ridealong options or timed driving from 5 minutes to 48 minutes!  It includes one-on-one lessons and the full NASCAR pit experience.  Makes a fantastic gift for gearheads! Give the gift of autocross and exotic car racing experiences to the weekend racers and rally fans in your life!  MetLife Stadium is hosting several Exotic Racing experiences Autocross events, so why not sponsor a family member’s attendance as a race participant or book a private event? Check it out here!

With the blustery winds of late Autumn ushering in a cold front, we thought it might be nice to give you something to look forward to this Winter!  We’re sharing a great list of can’t miss scenic destinations to visit in the Late Autumn and the Winter.  Pile on into your new car from Classic and bust through your cold-weather cabin fever! more Our list is chock full of memorable sites to visit and beautiful scenery.  So let’s hit the road and liven up those winter blues, because this is most certainly drive-over country! Cool Places to Visit in Wisconsin & Illinois As Weather Gets Colder Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire; Pleasant Prairie WI 20 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This historic village tradition takes place every January at Park Drive in Pleasant Prairie.  The upcoming year’s event will be on January 6th 2022 at 6PM.  Everyone in the village takes down their trees and participates in a community tree burning.  There will be hot chocolate and holiday caroling!  Just a short drive away with some beautiful scenic lakeside views in the evening. Wilmot Mountain; Kenosha, WI 30 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Grab a season pass now to ensure an exciting time all winter long!  Beautiful mountain views, wintersports, snowshoeing, skiing, and special events galore at the Wilmot Mountain resort.  Great for weekend getaways or day trips!  It’s got gorgeous views and scenery so you’ll want to bring a camera for sure. Winterfest; Lake Geneva WI 45 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Lake Geneva is gorgeous any time of year, but Winter is especially beautiful.  Stop by on December 4th and attend the 46th Annual Electric Christmas Parade. Or plan a winter getaway for the family to Winterfest 2022 in February; would be a great holiday gift alternative!  Winterfest is home to the only US National Snow Sculpting Championship and it’s chock full of talented artists who sculpt the ice and snow in magnificent forms.  And there’s lots of fun to be had on the beach such as bonfires, s’mores roasting, and hot cocoa!  You might even want to try a hovercraft ride if you’re feeling brave. Ice Skating at Edgewater Skating Rink; Madison WI 128 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Located on Lake Mendota, this beautiful skating rink has lakeside views and the twinkling skyline of Wisconsin’s State Capitol.  The rink hosts special events and themed skate nights throughout the season.   Enjoy family skating events and take plenty of memorable photos.  A trip here would be a  great option for a holiday gift excursion instead of going with Big Box Retail gift items. Snowtubing at Cascade Mountain; Portage WI 153 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships There’s nothing more fun than sliding down a pile of snow at warp speed, laughing all the way down as you relive childhood bliss!  Gather your friends and family and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of snowtubing and other winter sports at Cascade Mountain. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery along the way! Garden of Lights; Green Bay WI 172 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships Just because the leaves have fallen and the temps are dropping doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at the Botanical Gardens!  More than 300,000 twinkling lights compose the exquisite displays of nature-inspired light and sculpture at the Garden of Lights experience.  Enjoy a walking tour or a Horse-Drawn Wagon experience.  A perfect gift for the whole family if you’re going the “giving an experience” route over toys or goodies. Winterfest Sled Dog Race; Merrill WI 255 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships With over 100 sled dog teams competing in past races, this is a great event for all ages to attend.  The race awards prizes for the Top 6 competitors.  You’ll find lots of other family friendly activities all weekend long, and even try your hand at some of the kid-friendly mini races!  Events will be announced by the Merrill Chamber of Commerce as it gets closer to January/February. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad; Trego WI 377 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This scenic 15-mile stretch of track runs along the Namekagon River and boasts some truly stunning views.  Book the bed-and-breakfast ride or a dinner excursion for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.  Fun for all ages and great for groups!  Would make a lovely family or friends trip for the holidays, or even a romantic date-night experience. The Ice Caves; Apostle Island National Lakeshore 420 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships These stunning ice caves are located in the Meyers Beach area of the Lakeshore region.  The Ice Caves are only open during certain times of the year, and access to the area may be closed in cases of inclement weather.  But as soon as Lake Superior’s surface has adequately frozen for safe travel, you’ll be able to explore the ice caves in person!  Behold the magnificent icicles and crystalline surfaces of the lake and sandstone cliffsides.  It’s a round trip distance of 3 to 6 miles depending how far you choose to walk on the trail.  Great for busting winter boredom and cabin fever! White Pines Ranch; Oregon IL 126 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships The Ranch is a beautiful 200 acre swathe of land with wooded areas, a sandstone canyon, horse trails and pastures, and places to hike.  Bring the kids and enjoy a day of horseback riding, visit with the local animals, and just take in the breathtaking views.  Enjoy the peace and quiet solitude of the area when snow blankets the pastures and creates a magical winterscape!  You can even enjoy workshops such as wilderness survival, enjoy some cross-country skiing, have a blast sledding, or kick back and relax with some crafting.  There’s lots to do at any age!  Book a stay and enjoy a late autumn, early winter getaway as an early holiday gift for the whole family. Depot Pond; Batavia IL 70 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships If you’re visiting in Autumn you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk which connects Depot Pond and Fox River.  It’s got some truly beautiful views of the riverside and shorelines. A classic spot for ice skating and winter activities as soon as the ice measures 8” thick or more!  It has even inspired several painters and artists to capture the whimsical winter wonderland and wide-eyed joy of children learning how to skate.  Pending on weather and seasonal closures, you might even want to visit the Batavia Historical Society’s Depot Museum nearby. Starved Rock State Park; Oglesby, IL 123 Miles from Classic Car Dealerships This state part is beautiful all year round, but visiting during the autumnal Golden Hour or in the early weeks of winter with fresh snowfall are a real treat!  Whether you’re hiking or perhaps birding in search of a Bald Eagle and the migratory birds or just taking your camera for a spin in hopes of catching a whitetail deer mid-leap, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do here.  The region includes the St Louis Canyon, French Canyon, and Wildlife Canyon and their beautiful waterfalls.  Enjoy views of the Illinois River as well as Starved Rock Dam as you explore these sandstone glacial canyons.  A wonderful place to visit during each season to observe the change in the landscape and scenery. Do you have a favourite place you like to visit in the area? We’re always interested in hearing from our readers about new places to visit in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Let us know your picks and we may just feature your suggestion in a future post!

We’re excited for all of the upcoming festivities during the holidays, and look forward to spending time with family and friends doing lots of fun things in the holiday spirit!  Here are some great ideas for ways to reconnect with family and friends and find some unique gifts.  We encourage our customers to shop small and support local artists, artisans, and small businesses this year.  Let’s spread some holiday cheer and the giving spirit, right here in our own backyard. more Check out these great markets, events, and activities in Southeast Wisconsin, Lake County, and the Greater Chicago Area! Your November and December Local Community Calendar On Tuesday November 9th, November 16th, and November 23rd from 10AM to 10:30AM, come over to the Kenosha Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha and enjoy a family story time for all children ages 2 and up.  Enjoy stories, singing songs, and lots of fun activities! Wednesday November 10th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM come out to Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie, WI and paint yourself a beautiful monogrammed piece of artwork for a holiday centerpiece! STarts at $38 per guest, supplies all included. On November 12th and 13th, get ready to rock your heart out at the Nightmare in November metalfest concert in Kenosha. Order your tickets here. Running from November 12th through January 2nd 2022, the Lightscape exhibit is a beautiful holiday lights spectacular at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. Order your tickets and get more info right here! On November 13th, shop small and shop local at the Holiday Handmade Market at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumberg from 10AM to 3PM. It’s a great way to support the community and find the most unique and beautiful gifts for loved ones! On November 13th, grab a ticket to the Lunar Tide Music and Arts Festival in Waukegan.  Event Runs from 7PM on Saturday through November 14th at 3AM. On Saturday November 13th from 3PM to 5PM, enjoy an afternoon of pumpkins and flowers in a painting class at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie! $38 per person with supplies included. On Friday November 19th starting at 8PM, enjoy an evening of wonderful music with Phil Vassar’s Piano Bar Tour!  An intimate showcase of this singer-songwriter’s best work with limited seating. Check for Tickets here. Open Nightly starting on November 20th and running through January 2nd 2022, the Willow Hill’s Winter Magic Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Experience is great fun for the whole family! Check this link for ticket timeslots and a calendar of availability. From November 20th through November 21st enjoy an evening of fine holiday shopping with local artisans and craftsmen at the Island Lake Holiday Art and Craft Faire. Forget about the stress of shipping holiday gifts and check out these local exhibitors and artists isntead! Admission is $1 and includes food booths and artist shopping stands. On Saturday November 20th at 2PM and a second performance at 6PM, head over to Genesee Theatre to enjoy a bit of holiday tidings with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” play!  It’s fun for the whole family; check availability of tickets here. Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 1PM bring your family and friends to paint a beautiful autumnal turkey for just $25 per person at a Pinot’s Palette painting class in Pleasant Prairie! On Saturday November 20th from 11AM to 12PM at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, come and visit The Young History Heroes Storytime session for ages 4 through 8. A new hero will be highlighted every month!  “How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln” will be the topic of 11/20’s session.  The following storytime will be December 18th! Enjoy the celebrations of “Long Grove Vintage Holidays” from 11:30AM through 6PM in Long Grove downtown! This free event first runs on November 20th and runs again every weekend from 11/21, 11/27, 11/28, 12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12,12/18, and 12/19.  Enjoy caroling and vintage carriage rides for the whole family.  Event is free but registration is required On Sunday November 21st from 10AM to 3PM, The Vault Banquet Hall and The Pine Blossom have partnered up to host the Winter Wonderland in Kenosha! Come and visit for a little early holiday fun, and kids can even meet Santa from 12PM to 3PM. On Friday, November 26th from 4PM to 5PM, head over to the Kenosha Public Museum and enjoy the annual “Lightin’ Up” celebration and Christmas tree lighting ceremony downtown!  It’s a free holiday program for all to enjoy. On Friday November 26th, skip the shopping madness and opt into a quiet afternoon of fun with friends and family by painting a snowy moon and stars landscape.  Or paint a festive Christmas Tree rustic truck painting from 6:30PM to 8:30PM Just $38 per guest at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday November 27th from 4PM through midnight, come kick off the Holidays with the Holiday in the Park & Parade event in Glenview! Fun for all ages starting at Glenview road and going through town. On Wednesday December 1st, paint this cheeky little gnome from 6:30 to 8:30PM and gift it to someone special for the holidays! Painting supplies and a lesson are just $38 at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie. On Saturday December 4th, paint a family heirloom winter painting of “The Perfect Tree” at Pinot’s Palette in Pleasant Prairie for just $38 per person with supplies all included! On December 4th, come listen to an evening of music by Yheti and Toadface at the Lakehurst Events Center in Waukegan. More event information here! On Saturday December 11th starting at 7PM, head on over to the Genesee Theatre for a wonderful festive evening as they host The Chris Isaak Holiday Tour!  Event and ticket availability may be limited, check here! Are you hosting a local event or market?  Got plans to take your family to a fun holiday event nearby? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in a comment all about how you plan to spend your holiday season together.

COOL Ministries has been working passionately since its humble beginnings in 1982, and has grown over the years into a fully-fledged non-profit social services organization.  COOL Pantry provides a comprehensive selection of ingredients for three square meals a day, including specialized options catering to diabetes, food allergies, as well as diverse selections in ethnic cuisine.  In addition, COOL offers safe housing options and assistance, counseling, life skills training, and other assistive programming, in order to help both veterans and families transition from homelessness to sustainable housing and stability. more Image from Cool Ministries Website If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please click here to find out more information about the COOL Food Pantry or click here to access the COOL housing application. If you’d like to get involved with COOL ministries as a volunteer, click here to see what services are currently needed! If you’re interested in supporting COOL ministries with a financial contribution, you’ll find all of that information right here. Want to join hands together with our Classic dealerships and COOL Ministries Food Pantry?  Check out our partnership food drive information below: Driven by (Care) Fill our Sorento and fulfill a big need at the Cool Ministries Food Pantry (graphic – food in back of sorento with hatch open but not completely full of food) Right here in Waukegan, people are going hungry. Every day. This Thanksgiving, join us in being thankful for what we have by helping those who have less.  For every three items you donate, you can choose from these thank-you gifts: Kia shirt 6 free car washes $25 off your next service * Free oil change $500 off the purchase or lease of a new or certified pre-owned Kia WHAT COOL MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS Cash donations to buy 2000 turkeys Packaged stuffing Boxed mashed potatoes Green Beans Cans of mushroom soup Desserts (shelf stable) Juice (bottles) Dinner Rolls *excluding oil changes

It’s National Sandwich Day! There are a lot of “hot takes” online about what makes a sandwich.  Is it simply some vegetables, meats, and/or cheeses stuffed between bread or dough items?  Do hot sandwiches count or only ones with chilled deli meats?   Is a hot dog a sandwich?! Do Tacos or Quesadillas count? Do you call it a Hoagie or a Sub Sandwich?! more Okay, okay, we could sit here and debate it all day long, but we’re getting a little hungry, and we’ve still got lots of cars to sell!  So instead of dishing out our own opinions, we’ll just share some of our favourite local restaurants with the best sandwiches around. From traditional Chicago Style dogs (okay, we’re counting ‘em!) to Chicago Style Beef sandwiches and other regional faves, you’ll find plenty of top notch eats.  Check out our picks for pheNOMenal bites in Waukegan, Southern Wisconsin, and the Greater Chicago area! Best Eats Around: Hot Hoagies, Cold Sandwiches, and More! We’ve got a great roundup of delicious restaurants and delis in the area just for you: Leno’s Sandwich Shop at 1826 Grand Avenue in Waukegan George’s Gyros at 2122 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Potbelly Sandwich Shop at 760 S Waukegan Road in Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2602 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Hoagie Hut in 2807 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Shirl’s Drive-In Waukegan at 2132 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan HealthyYums at 2724 Sheridan Road in Zion Rammy’s Sub Contractors at 834 Wheeling Road in Wheeling Frantonio’s Italian Deli & Cafe at 421 N Northwest Highway in Barrington Eleven City Diner at 1112 S Wabash Avenue in Chicago Giordano’s at 730 N Rush Street in Chicago J.P. Graziano Grocery at 901 W Randolph Street in Chicago Fat Shack at 2537 S Wabash Avenue in Chicago Capt’n Nemo’s Rogers Park at 7367 N Clark Street in Chicago Devil Dawgs on State at 767 S State Street in Chicago Cousins Subs at 3806 W 52nd Street in Kenosha, WI Morelli’s Deli at 7506 7th Avenue in Kenosha, WI Tenuta’s Delicatessen-Liquors at 3203 52nd Street in Kenosha, WI SoupDepot Breakfast Lunch & Dinner at 2731 18t Street in Kenosha, WI Rustic’s Subs at 1830 27th Avenue Unit 101 in Kenosha, WI Harborside Common Grounds at 5159 6th Avenue in Kenosha, WI Big Lou’s Standing Room Only at 635 75th Street in Kenosha, WI Final Inning at 9048 Sheridan Road in Kenosha, WI Curious as to ‘Wich Items Are Best for Taking Your Sandwiches to Go? Whether you’re going on a picnic, a road trip, or just your daily commute, we’ve got lots of great options for taking your sandwich with you safely. Check it out here: Check out the SnapLock sandwich keeper to protect your sandwich on the commute to work! Under $10, it’s a steal on Amazon! ​​ No matter whether you call it a Hoagie or a Sub, it still needs safekeeping!  Check out this great sandwich keeper specifically designed for long rolls. Under $25 and worth it to protect your artisanal eats, right here on Amazon! Steel yourselves for this next one, because it’s going to excite the environmentally conscious in our midst!  This plastic free option is made of stainless steel and is very sturdy. Protects both regular and gluten free sandwiches without judgement. Available here on Amazon!

November 1st and 2nd are part of the Dia De Muertos Celebrations, also known as “All Soul’s Day,” to commemorate and celebrate the lives of family members and friends who have passed away.  This two day festival is most notably celebrated in Mexico, but it’s also celebrated across Central and South American countries, as well as places such as Los Angeles, California with large Latinx communities.  And we’re very happy to celebrate with great local area restaurants and beautiful places to visit and events to celebrate Latin America. more The holiday ceremony has origins in Aztec tradition and ritual honoring the dead, but similar remembrance rituals are observed on All Saint’s Day/All Souls day by Christian/Catholic individuals, too!  No matter where you live, the sentiments are the same: it is a time to celebrate the harmony of life and death and the beauty and love within both.  Every living thing will eventually die, and every human being will become the same, just a skeleton or skull without the trials and trappings of life such as clothes or money or status. Celebrations include an “Altar de muertos” also known as an ofrenda, which is an altar displaying personal effects, photographs, and memories representing and celebrating the life of the person who has died.  Many people include friends, family members, and even famous figures that meant a lot to them.  Additionally, the festival is marked by parades, musical performances, and colourful decorations such as intricate paper cuttings strung up in banners, calaveras and calacas, and vibrant flowers.  Music and noisemakers are an integral part of the joyful celebration meant to wake the dead and invite them to join us and to keep close by to their loved ones! Celebrate Dia De Muertos in the Community On November 2nd from 12PM to 2PM, join in on a Day of Death Healing Circle hosted by The Wild Ones at The City of Chicago City Hall in Chicago for a day of self care, healing, and remembrance.  Tickets are free, register online. On November 3rd at 3PM, join NEIU as they welcome Mexican poet and artist Rocio Ceron with a special reading and speaking engagement with an interview and conversation to follow.  Part of the Lit & Luz Festival running from November 1st through 6th 2021.  The bilingual performance is free to attend from 3PM to 4PM  at Northeastern Illinois University. On November 3rd, head over to Osito’s Tap in Chicago from 6PM to 8:30PM for a special Dia De Los Muertos event, “Find Your Ancestral Spirit Dinner.” Tickets are on sale for $40 and includes welcome cocktails, dinner, dessert, and a night of remembrance.  All guests also receive a 10% discount on Prolijo Mezcal at Morenos Liquor. On November 5th, join the Brewja Co Gallery for a special Exhibition: Dia De Muertos - An Art Exhibition on Honoring Tradition. The event in Evergreen Park will showcase art honoring and exploring the Day of the Dead Traditions, and will include a public ofrenda. Feel free to bring photographs of your loved ones! Event runs from 7PM to 10PM and tickets range from $15 to $50. On November 5th from 6PM to 7PM, the Lit & Luz Book Club Presents: Jazmina BArrera, Rocio Ceron, and Pergentino Jose along with special guest Dr. Ignacio Sanchez Prado for a multilingual conversation about contemporary Mexican Literature.  Presented in part by UNAM Chicago & Instituto Cervantes; advance registration required, free to attend. Local Latin American Restaurants La Fondita Restaurant Mexicano at 916 W Greenwood Avenue in Waukegan La Canoa at 50 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Taqueria Toluca at 822 10th Street in Waukegan Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in 760 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Antojitos Tonatico at 1102 Glen Rock Avenue in Waukegan Tacos El Norte at 2663 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Comales de Waukegan at 2663 Grande Avenue in Waukegan Taqueria Guerrero # 1 at 205 W Water Street in Waukegan El Sabrocito Mexican Restaurant at 2941 Sunset Avenue in Waukegan El Rey Del Pollo Asado at 505 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Antohitos Guerrero at 1406 Washington Street in Waukegan Catrachos Restaurant at 330 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Carnivale at 702 West Fulton Market Street in Chicago Casa Yari in 3268 W Fullerton Avenue in Chicago Latin Patio Restaurant at 3115 N Central AVenue in Chicago La Cocinita Restaurant in Evanston IL Dia De Muertos Recipes To Make At Home Hosting your own celebration at home? Try one of these great traditional recipes to include in your festivities. Pan De Muerto Mexican Tamales Traditional Atole Champurrado Drink Tortillas de Cempazuchitl Mole Poblano Churros Tacha (Candied Pumpkin) Calaveras de Azucar Tortilla Soup Pabassinas

Who doesn’t love a good calzone with that ooey, gooey melty cheese dunked in some warm fresh marinara?  Mmmm, delicious!  And since it’s national Calzone day, we thought we’d share our picks for great local options in the Greater Chicago area. We’re so happy to be part of the community in Lake County, and we love to support fellow businesses here in the Waukegan area. more Consider ordering a lunch out from one of these fantastic restaurants, or taking a road trip to grab a bite from one of the best calzones in Chicago.  And we’ve also got some great recipes to try your hand at one at home, or great food transport bags to ensure your order gets home hot and ready to eat. The Best Around: Great Local Calzones Calzone & Macaroni at 260 Hawthorn Village Commons in Vernon Hills Ron’s Italian Ovens at 2195 N Illinois 83 in Round Lake Beach Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Luici’s Mundelein at 1130 W Maple Avenue in Mundelein Mama K’s Pizza and Grille at 1801 N IL-21 in Gurnee K & R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Buddyz a Chicago Pizza at 860 N Illinois Route 83 in Mundelein Potestas Pizza at 434 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Anasasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Blvd in Waukegan Rosati’s Pizza at 5404 Grand Avenue in Gurnee Donat’s Pizza at 205 Waukegan Road in Lake Bluff Jimano’s Pizzeria at 938 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Bongiorno’s Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria 405 N Wabash Avenue in Chicago Panino’s Pizza Chicago at 3702 N Broadway in Chicago Pizzeria Serio 1708 W Belmont Avenue in Chicago Homeslice at 938 W Webster Avenue in Chicago The StopAlong at 1812 N Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago Spacca Napoli Pizzeria at 1769 W Sunnyside Avenue in Chicago Lacoco’s Pizza & Sports Club at 3350 W 47th Avenue in Chicago Sarpino’s Pizzeria at 1852 N Damen Avenue in Chicago Damenzo’s Pizza at 2324 W Taylor Street in Chicago Coalfire at 1321 W Grand Avenue in Chicago Tano’s Pizzeria at 3038 W Irving Park Road in Chicago Chicago’s Pizza at 3114 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago Great Gadgets for Traveling with Pizza and Calzones in the Car Whether you’re delivering Calzones for a living as a food service worker or you’re bringing some noms to a party, the Freshie Insulated XXL Food Bag is the way to go! With drink holders and food insulation to keep meals fresh and hot or cool and crisp. As the weather gets cooler, this Homevative Electric Heated Food Delivery Bag is the perfect option to ensure your Calzones arrive with all that ooey gooey bubbly cheese nice and hot!  It holds up to 3 large pizza boxes, perfect for Friday Game Nights and Saturday Date Nights! Got plans to Netflix and Chill with Calzones? The smaller option from Freshie’s Food Bag lineup is a great idea for smaller to-go orders. Great for taking to dates at the drive-in! Great Recipes to Make Your Own Calzone Like the Experts Got dreams of opening your own Pizzeria?  Try your hand at making a calzone from scratch for some practice.  We’ve got some great options for you: Incredible Homemade Calzones Classic Calzones Lidia’s Calzones Quick and Easy Calzones

October may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end!  We’ve got a great roundup of family friendly activities and great events for adults and friends to enjoy this weekend.   Choose from our list of lots of festive events in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin regions! more From Halloween Parties to Trunk or Treats to Pet Halloween Costume Contests and Spooky Exhibits, there’s lots of fun for everyone you know.  So pile everyone into your reliable car from Classic, and let’s paint the town orange for Halloweekend! Today, October 29th from 4PM to 6PM in Zion, come on over to enjoy the Halloween Trail of Treats and some good old fashioned family fun at Shiloh Park! Tonight from 6PM to 8PM, head on over to the Northfield Neighborhood Library in Kenosha to enjoy a fun filled evening at the Nights at Northfield Howl-o-ween event with your family pet.  Come out to paint a pumpkin, enter the pet costume contest, and more! This evening from 7PM to 9:30PM  pile the family into your new car from Classic and drive on over to the Halloween movie Drive-in in Gurnee at Hunt Club Park for just $20 per vehicle! Pile the kiddos and their treat bags in the car and get ready for a fun filled day! Because on October 30th from 10AM to 4PM it’s “Boo At the Zoo” with the Racine Zoo in Racine, WI. Kids under 2 are FREE, and family member tickets will range from $5 to $10 by age and both Event participation and Zoo Admission is included in the price. On Saturday October 30th from 1PM to 2PM you can take the whole family out to Bach to Rock in Northbrook, IL for festive Halloween candy and celebrations for free to families with kiddos age 3 through 12. On Saturday October 30th from 1PM to 3PM come on out for the Halloween Trick or Treat Trail in Waukegan at Bowen Park!  Your kiddos can enjoy a 2 hour event with treat bags and lots of costumed characters for an early Halloween event. Saturday October 30th starting at 4PM come on out to the 5th Annual Trick or Treat on 6th Ave event in Kenosha, WI -- all families are welcome! At 6PM on Saturday October 30th, join in the Monster Mash Dash 5K Run & Walk at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. Looking for a night out on the town? Enjoy some chill Halloween Vibes from 7PM to 11PM with Stone Theory at The Kenosha Creative Space in Kenosha, WI. This Sunday October 31st in Gurnee, come down from 2PM to 5PM for family friendly Trick or Treating! Come in costume and enjoy the festivities for all ages. Scare up some fun this weekend in Chicago at the “Sweet Dreams Halloween Pop Up 2hr  Experience” at Rizzo’s Bar and Inn from 5PM to 11PM or 1PM to 11PM (depends on day of week!) Running all weekend through the 31st! It’s time to Eat, Drink and Be Scary at the Halloween Rooftop Movie experience at Whisky Business in Chicago happening on October 31st from 4PM to 10PM, starting at just $15. All month long the Museum of Illusions has been transformed into The Museum of Spooky Illusions! So head on out for some special Halloween Treats this weekend in Chicago.  Book your museum ticket and get ready to scare up some excitement with your whole family!