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In the spirit of the season of giving, and the fact that it’s National Philanthropy Day, we’re going to take a moment to share some great ways you can give back right in your own backyard. You don’t have to sign up for huge events, participate in large fundraiser shindigs, or even head overseas to make a difference. By doing small acts of kindness and caring in your own community, you’re helping neighbors, friends, and families as well as local businesses make a big impact. more Showing empathy and kindness through philanthropy helps improve the community’s overall wellbeing, beautifies your neighborhoods, and creates an incredible tapestry of human friendship and connection where everyone can thrive and flourish! While the most obvious and upfront version of philanthropy is financial support and monetary donations, there are so many other great ways to help. Check it out on today’s blog and learn more! Great Ways to Demonstrate Philanthropy Right Here at Home Build an empathetic community by sharing a moment with a “stranger” through a little dose of kindness. This can look like helping someone load groceries into their car, paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive through, paying in advance for the coffee of the person in line after you, leave an extra large tip at the next restaurant or bar you visit, call the local utility company or medical facility and pay off someone’s bill at random. Reach out to a local nonprofit and ask what they need. Most local not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations will have a reserve bank of volunteers they reach out to when needed. This might include stuffing envelopes for capital campaign donations, distributing flyers for special events, helping set up for receptions and Make a donation to a local food bank or host a food drive in your neighborhood. Encourage your friends, neighbors and loved ones to donate non-perishables to your efforts or add to your donation bin. Remember to include shelf-stable specialty goods like allergen friendly ingredients, gluten free food, and even seasonings!  Organize a drop spot at your business or your school or office, and then bring the collective donations to a larger facility. You can also host your own pick-up event for those who need it, or leave a shelf outside your business for those who require it to take what they need. Create a Little Free Pantry for your home or local park. Stock the free pantry with shelf stable goods, toiletries, hygiene products, and refill it often.  This small act of community giving provides easy access to healthy foods and necessities without having to fill out lengthy applications for funding, stand in long lines, or other prohibitive measures.  It can also be helpful to stock these pantries with pet-friendly items, too. Volunteer your time and energy at local spaces. Donating your time  within your local community soup kitchen and/or shelter can do a world of good. Volunteer your cooking prowess at your local soup kitchen to help shop, prepare, organize, and serve meals to those who need it most.  Call your local senior center or nursing home and ask if they need volunteer visitors for game nights, bingo events, musical performances, etc.  Lend your skills on contracting, carpentry or woodworking skills to building community housing for nonprofit housing organizations. Stay educated on the local level and vote to lend your support in local, state, and federal elections. Exercising your right to vote is a vital part of the process to improve local legislature to ensure public assistance programming, special grants, and local non-profits receive essential funding. Electing  lawmakers and legislature which support community-based care programs, free and low-cost school lunches, public housing, and affordable medical/psychiatric care programs makes a big difference. Hand out winter-weather survival packages with necessities and personal care items in your local city or town. Create bags with shelf-stable allergen-friendly foods, personal items and toiletries, etc.  and hand them around to folks who need it. Likewise, you can drop them off at the local domestic shelter or homeless shelter or you can give them out to people in need as you meet them.  During cold weather months, give out hats, mittens, scarves, thermal underwear, and thick socks to the packages. Consider also adding gift cards to local food stores or ride share services to help the folks sustain their safety and access resources. Include local area non-profits as part of your inheritance in your will. If there is a particular cause that really aligns with your goals and values, in many cases it is possible to leave a legacy gift by listing the organization as beneficiary.  You’ll need the charity’s full legal name and tax ID Number and have an attorney draft up the gift amount.  This legacy gift can also be left in your memoriam or honor of your family.  You can designate the funds for a specific cause within the organization such as a “capital campaign” “children’s group project” “arts school classes” etc.  It’s possible to leave cash, real estate, personal property, and even stocks as part of this legacy gifting. Join a local creator, musician, or other group’s Patreon subscribers. Enrolling as part of someone’s Patreon account can provide lasting and ongoing support for independent creators and artists. By becoming a patron of this person, you are allowing them to continue to support their creative endeavors, lifelong project goals, special releases, limited runs of artwork or music, and more. It allows the person a guaranteed source of income to pursue their business goals and dreams. Some tiers may offer gifts or rewards, but you can also back the projects at a no-reward level or amount of your choosing above their ascribed tiers. It’s a great way to support local artists and ensure a thriving community of vibrant creative people and beautify the areas! What are some things that you and your family do to give back to your communities and help fight hunger and homelessness, and provide stability to those in need?  Feel free to contribute to the conversation by pitching in your own community-centric, neighborly suggestions in the comments on our social media.

Celebrating Active Lifestyles of All Forms, Toyota Sparks The Imagination of What’s Possible at SEMA 2024. Toyota returns to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with a diverse exhibit that celebrates Toyota adventure for every lifestyle. Located in the Central Hall, Booth No. 22200 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 display features a stunning array of vehicles. Highlights include several unique specialty builds and a variety of Toyota models enhanced with lifestyle features from the expansive Toyota Associated Accessory Products (AAP) portfolio. more “At Toyota, we have an unwavering commitment to performance and adventure, no matter where our customers find it,” stated Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Division Marketing. “We are passionate about assembling vehicles that fuel and support the lifestyle interests of our customers, and SEMA is the perfect place to show Toyota customers and fans what is possible.” Toyota’s 2024 SEMA showcase is logically organized into several brand interest areas, each narrating a unique story of lifestyle adventures. Whether it’s off-roading, overlanding, camping, tailgating, performance, or track experiences, every section highlights the diverse capabilities and versatility of Toyota vehicles. New accessory showcases enhance each vehicle set, with a standout AAP entry in this year’s SEMA New Product Showcase: Toyota Racing Development’s (TRD) Forged Billet Upper Control Arm Kit for 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner and 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. At the core of the exhibit, attendees can explore limitless possibilities through the immersive and expansive display. These scenarios feature vehicles such as the Land Cruiser, RAV4, Tundra and Tacoma, all meticulously outfitted with enhancements from Toyota’s extensive AAP portfolio. “At a show like SEMA we want to spark the imagination by taking stock vehicles and upfitting them with our Toyota accessories portfolio to do incredible things,” Tripp stated. “But, of course, this is SEMA, so we have also once again produced some truly amazing, one-of-a-kind vehicle concepts that are sure to thrill our fans!” This year, Toyota‘s booth includes: 4Runner TRD Surf Concept This stunning concept build is a tribute to Southern California’s surf culture, blending the 2025 4Runner body with the rugged charm of the original 4Runner, including a removable top and stylish design cues—perfect for today’s adventurous beachgoers. CALTY Land Cruiser ROX Discover the Land Cruiser ‘ROX’, which redefines open-air adventure. This innovative concept, conceived and crafted by TMNA’s Calty Design Research Team, revives the spirit of iconic topless Land Cruisers, merging heritage with modern design to immerse passengers in the natural world. GR86 Rally Legacy Concept Inspired by racing video games, the GR86 Legacy Rally Concept pays tribute to Toyota’s rich rally heritage. This is a true vehicle mash-up. With GR86 body and chassis melded with GR Corolla turbocharged powertrain and GR-FOUR AWD drivetrain, this dynamic concept blends nostalgia with Toyota’s ceaseless commitment to impressive performance in a celebration of the future of rally racing. Ultimate Tailgate Tundra Toyota redefines the tailgating experience with the Ultimate Tailgate Tundra. Inspired by Toyota’s NFL partnership, this Tundra transforms into an audio-visual powerhouse, featuring five 55-inch TV screens and a spacious, 185-square-foot canopy for ultimate game day excitement. Toyota RAV-X Concept Developed by Toyota’s Service Parts and Accessories Development (SPAD) team, RAV-X is a radical crossover concept inspired by the spirit of the world-famous Dakar Rally. Building on the success and reputation of Toyota off-road racing, RAV-X has been built to thrill performance-oriented off-road enthusiasts. Suprabird Tribute Designed to pay homage to NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the Suprabird is a modern twist on ‘The King’s’ iconic 1969 Superbird. Based on a GR Supra, the Suprabird features an aerodynamic, custom body kit, Petty Blue livery, and several performance enhancements. This unique concept honors Petty’s legacy while showcasing Toyota’s innovation and dedication to racing and NASCAR. #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept Inspired by Tacoma’s storied legacy of Baja dominance, TRD collaborated with Toyota Driver Jimmie Johnson on the Baja Tacoma race truck concept. Starting with a Tacoma SR5, this truck has been entirely re-imagined as the ultimate TRD off-road race truck and packed with desert-conquering race features, all wrapped in a rugged, lightning-themed “mud bath” exterior. Classic Adventure Cruiser This tasteful build features a full Toyota lift and iconic 20×9-inch wheels that enhance both performance and aesthetics. The build highlights Toyota’s engineering excellence in a way that appeals to enthusiasts and adventurers alike.’94 Toyota Drift Truck Old school minitruck meets drift car… in hot pink. This outrageous mash up spawns the perfect blend of American minitruck culture with Japan’s underground drift scene. Modellista Overland Vision Concept Known for its style and panache, Modellista stylists enhance this Land Cruiser with a sophisticated styling statement that seamlessly mixes function with form. Toyota Accessories Portfolio Rooted in a passion for performance and lifestyle adventure, Genuine Toyota Accessories are engineered specifically for each Toyota model to enhance performance and style. Toyota is also expanding its AAP accessories portfolio with approved partner products. Toyota Accessories are a central theme of the show and adorn many of Toyota’s SEMA display vehicles. TRD Forged Billet Upper Control Arm Kit Display The TRD Forged Billet Upper Control Arm Kit is a Toyota Genuine Accessory suspension performance option guaranteed to thrill Toyota 4Runner and FJ Cruiser owners. Crafted from forged 6061-T6 aluminum, this kit offers enhanced strength and durability. Its racing-inspired design features signature TRD red anodizing with a protective clear coat and directly replaces factory components by using factory ball joints and bushings. Vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.

Today’s blog is dedicated to spending some time in the Great Outdoors! Whether your nature enthusiast tendencies lean towards hiking, mountain biking, nature photography, kayaking, or even hunting, we’ve got some great places for you to check out. more Don’t let the chilly temps get you down, there’s still so much to do and enjoy in the local, county, state, and even national parks nearby.  Let’s explore together in today's post for National Get Outdoors Week. Check Out These Hunting Spots in Illinois First, we’re going to share some selected spots for hunting throughout the state of Illinois. Remember, you do need a valid state hunting license, local and federal stamps and permits for particular game, and to abide by signage in each area .Be sure to check-in with local park rangers to double check restrictions and off-limits areas at each region. Let’s check out the Shawnee National Forest. From early fall through late winter, certain public lands in Illinois are open for animal population control by permit, and your choice of firearms or archery will vary by date. For those seeking out whitetail deer and turkey, you’ll find a plethora in Shawnee Forest, along with squirrels, doves, and various waterfowl. The best areas include Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Pennant Bar Openlands, Whoopie Cat Lake, Bald Knob Wilderness, Panther Den Wilderness and more. Next on our list is the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. This spot is home to numerous deer, turkey, small game like rabbit and pheasant. This area contains bottomland hardwoods, upland fields, and plenty of waterfront areas. Be mindful of posted prohibited game such as specific waterfowl and limitations on age/type of deer available. Chain O’ Lakes State Park offers a variety of game options seasonally, including deer and turkey, squirrels and rabbits, pheasant, partridge, quail, rabbit, and more. This area also allows permitted falconers to do trained raptor-based hunting, which is a unique option.  Fishing is also extremely popular as well. Horseshoe Lake and the nearby Chouteau Island and Bohm Woods Nature Preserve areas offer limited hunting for waterfowl and dove. Enjoy a Trek To Reunite with Mother Nature The leaves may have fallen and gone, and the landscape may appear barren, but there’s still so much to appreciate about late November and early December before the major snowfalls begin. Your usual overlooks and vista points will offer an unparalleled view of even more mountains and cities than ever before thanks to the lack of leaves obstructing the landscape. So take a chance and explore these great parks and waterfalls in the less popular season for a new perspective on your favorite places. Iron Oaks Forest Preserve in Olympia is a fantastic family-friendly destination full of nature adventures, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.  The forest preserve has everything from climbing walls to create climbing challenges to a high ropes course and so much more.  In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions on the nature trails. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has 11 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulties that also allow horseback riding, cycling, and even cross-country skiers weather permitting. This preserve offers savannas, oak and maple woodlands, prairies, and of course the beautiful Rocky Glen Waterfall. Busey Woods Gateway Trail offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of town but without the long trip.  Nestled in the center of the Champaign-Urbana area, this beautiful area offers  plenty of paths and trails!  You can even partake in geocaching, some immersive nature and wildlife appreciation, and lots of information boards along the way to learn about plants and animals. White Pines Forest State Park covers 385 acres of parklands and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway.  You’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, nature photography, bird watching, archery, cross country skiing, hunting, and much more.

No matter what you celebrate, it’s always good fun and cheer to share gift exchanges with your friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, there’s the annual company party with coworkers.  If you’re looking for a little guidance to get the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some great gifts for car enthusiasts and serious gearheads. more If you’re looking for something for your fellow gearheads or to gift to your car enthusiast family member, these items will be a surefire hit!  We’ve scouted out some different pricepoint options for each item, too, so we can help you find something to suit every holiday gifting budget. First on our list is this Tekton ½” Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench with a convenient carrying case which is about $50. And this Amazon Basics ¼” Drive Click Torque Wrench which is slightly more budget friendly.  Both of these torque wrenches are a must-have, and will be one of the most used tools in your garage. The Diehard 73-Piece Roadside Emergency Tool Kit with Portable Tote is the perfect gift for an amateur mechanic as well as the seasoned road-tripper. This will help get you out of a pickle in a pinch, with easy-access basic tools to fix most minor to intermediate automotive problems on the road, and get you started in your home garage explorations Next on our list we’ll be sharing some tire jacks for different budgets and garage set-ups!  First up is this 2 Ton Compact Trolley Jack from Pittsburgh Automotive as our most budget friendly option with easy carry-handle and caster wheels for ease of transport. If you’re looking for something easily portable and perfect for everyday travel the Car Jack Kit from Gurduenon features a 2 Ton Scissor Jack, a ratchet and lug wrench, gloves, tire gauge, and handy storage bag to stow away in your trunk. The Daytona 3 ton Low-Profile Professional Floor Jack with Rapid Pump is the perfect choice if your vehicle has been lowered or has low-clearance.  It’s great for show cars! As you drive back and forth to your holiday get-togethers, it’s important to remember that traffic will be high and accidents generally increase, and it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re safe and secure. So with that in mind, we’re sharing some great options for various price points in the Dash Cam sector, starting with this affordable option from I sEasy available at Walmart!  This option has a front and rear camera and a 2” screen that records in 1080P and includes an infrared night vision and 24hr recording. One price point higher is t he K600 4K Dash Cam with front and rear cameras and a slightly larger screen with 2160P quality and Night Vision and wide angle camera mode. Offers built-in 5G wifi with app access. The Pruveeo 360 degree 4 channel dash cam offers front, rear, inside, left, and right recording with Night Vision for additional coverage and security. The Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam comes with built-in Alexa with voice activation, 1440P recording, is bluetooth and wi-fi enabled, is enabled with an emergency SOS that contacts local emergency services in case of an accident, and more. It’s the priciest option in the group, but certainly well worth it for the feature rich experience.

We’ll take any available chance to hit the road and explore any of our country’s 50 unique states! Today, we’re celebrating Louisiana Day with a fun guide of interesting and must-see destinations around the state.  You’ll find kitschy roadside stops, haunted houses, historic museums, and plenty of photo-worthy stops on our guide. Just say “good bayou” to boring vacations and hello to excitement and unforgettable memories. more Memorable and Exciting Places to Visit in Louisiana The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum is a fascinating locally run attraction commemorating the couple’s very dramatic end on their final ambush.  The owner of this facility is the son of one of the officers that responded to the scene at the time. The result is an eclectic mix of memorabilia including firearms, the original car windshield, replicas of their tombstones, and items from Bonnie and Clyde’s personal wardrobe. Every spring there’s even a special event called “Bonnie and Clyde Day” which includes speakers and special displays. There’s no charge to visit the museum, making it a perfect add-on to any trip for something offbeat and unusual. It’s a small stop off but jampacked with Great Depression era information and a specialty look at these romanticized historic icons. The Abita Mystery House is a true roadside gem and one-of-a-kind experience. This is a truly offbeat art installation and collection of oddities and creative sculptures made of found objects and vintage collectibles. Visitors all have trouble adequately describing the full experience, and encourage other travelers to stop in and see for themselves just how unusual and kitschy it is! Many of the displays are interactive, making it a prime spot for children who adore hands-on experiences.  You can even purchase some unique gifts and memorabilia in the shop at the end. If you get the chance to speak with the owner/artist, too, we’d recommend it for a more enhanced experience. It’s described as an abstract, surrealist, nostalgic venue. Stop in for yourself and see what you think and let us know your thoughts! The Kentwood Historical Museum and Cultural Arts Center offers two unique buildings: one dedicated to WWII history, featuring photographs and artifacts brought back by local soldiers in the war; the second dedicated to the life and career of the iconic pop star, Britney Spears, whose hometown is Kentwood. The Britney Spears exhibit is the facility’s most popular, and chronicles her rise to pop stardom, featuring artifacts and costumes from tours, photographs from her life, awards and displays, and a replica of the stage created during her Dream Within a Dream tour! The Museum of Death New Orleans is located in the French Quarter, and has fully leaned into its macabre fascination with this natural human process. While the exhibits are labeled as all ages, some sensitive visitors may find some displays a little too graphic or upsetting, so use caution if visiting with younger children; although if you do faint from shock, you’ll apparently be awarded an “i passed out at the museum of death…and lived to talk about it.” commemorative shirt!  The strange museum features items such as a body back collection, letters and pictures sent in from serial killers, death themed oddities, shrunken heads, skeletons and taxidermy, embalming and autopsy video displays, and other morbid ephemera.  It’s not for the faint of heart, but certainly a very memorable experience! Music Box Village features unusual architecture and a fantastical collection of hands–on displays encouraging an exploration of music and song.  The grounds were curated and designed by a creative collective of more than 80 artists and designers, each offering unique sculptures, interactive music houses, and whimsical experimental artworks. This avant garde venue also hosts a series of public art workshops, movement and music classes, and focused panels on creative topics. You can also enjoy local food from the NOLA area, and specialty drinks at the full on site bar!  The rotating cast of artists-in-residence means the grounds are always growing, evolving, and updating. Make sure to check the calendar and event listings to catch something unique on your visit! Jungle Gardens on Avery Island features 170 acres of curated tropical gardens and botanical installations, and a stunning rookery/bird colony where thousands of birds migrate and shelter each year. This beautiful haven on Avery Island is also home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, making it an incredible place to visit for nature lovers. You can spot black bears, wildcats, coyotes, armadillos, otters, and more in and around the island area.  For a reasonable price of $50, photographers can wander the grounds year round and snap incredible nature backdrops in their family photos!  You can opt into the TravelStorys app and take yourself on a self-guided tour with an enhanced experience. Other fantastic areas of note include: The USS Kidd Veterans Museum featuring a Fletcher-class Destroyer from WWII era. Gardens of the American Rose Society f eaturing 118-acres of stunning curated roses. Global Wildlife Center is the largest wildlife center of its kind, and offers a fun safari tour! Musical Legends Park features life-sized statues of famous music artists from NOLA. Atchafalaya Basin is the largest swamp in the entire country and offers numerous tours. Chauvin Sculpture Garden has more than 100 statues by mysterious artist Kenny Hill. Tabasco Factory Museum Tour and Restaurant on Avery Island. Bayou Suvage National WIldlife Refuge covers 24,000 acres and is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the US. National Hansen’s Disease Museum chronicling the history of a quarantine hospital for leprosy patients and cemetery. Bayou St. John Confederate Submarine at the Louisiana State Museum exhibit.

The RAV-X Concept Redefines What a Small Crossover Could Deliver to The Off-Road Segment Enthusiast LAS VEGAS (Nov. 5, 2024) – Toyota has pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation with the unveiling of the Toyota RAV-X, a radical small crossover concept inspired by the spirit of off-road race vehicles, at the 2024 SEMA Show. The RAV-X is the brainchild of Toyota Service Parts and Accessories Development (SPAD), a team focused on accessories and performance upgrades. For SEMA 2024, SPAD engineers took on the challenge of taking the RAV-X from concept to reality, handling everything from initial sketches and CAD designs to 3D-printed parts and final assembly. more This groundbreaking concept is designed and engineered to echo the rugged endurance reputation of the Dakar Rally. Renowned for its grueling desert challenges, Dakar is a testament to the toughness, ingenuity, and excellence required to conquer extreme environments. The SPAD team focused on creating a vehicle that would emphasize agile off-road capability and high-speed performance. “The vision behind the RAV-X was to create a halo vehicle concept for the RAV4 lineup,” said Jakin Wilson, senior engineering manager, Toyota Service Parts and Accessories. “By leveraging the knowledge and capability from years of high-performance off-road vehicle development, the engineers created a concept that is true to the off-road enthusiast,” Wilson said. Building on the stock RAV4’s everyday utility, the RAV-X is all about off-road prowess. A 2024 RAV4 PHEV served as the foundation for the build, providing power on the order of 302 net combined horsepower before being paired with a ram air intake. The low center of gravity due to the battery placement made it an ideal platform for off-road performance. SPAD engineers worked their magic under the chassis, crafting long-travel suspension with bespoke components that increased vehicle height by 2 inches (51 mm) and track width by 6.3-inches (160 mm). Custom, fully adjustable, 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks are found front and rear.  Dual Speed Compression adjustment allows precise tuning of the shock absorbers to smooth out the terrain and enhance vehicle handling and control. Front external reservoirs and rear piggyback reservoirs are added to keep shock oil temperatures in check when wheeling the vehicle off road. Ensuring the vehicle can repeatedly tackle the high desert terrain at speed, the SPAD engineers developed forged aluminum front lower control arms and forged aluminum rear upper supports. High clearance front and rear skid plates armor the undercarriage while raised rocker panels contribute to increased clearance. A Dakar-inspired front bumper with integrated cooling ducts and bespoke fender flares with front-wheel ventilation efficiently move air throughout. To fill the wheel wells, the team placed 17×8.5-inch forged aluminum wheels mounted with 265/65R17 tires at each corner. Together, these components provide the necessary clearances for enhanced approach and departure angles. The result is a vehicle that excels in off-road dynamics, pushing the limits of what a small crossover can achieve. The RAV-X’s aerodynamic styling includes an aggressive rear spoiler along with strategic venting throughout the front fascia designed to relieve engine and front wheel well pressure zones. A high-clearance dual exhaust integrated into the rear bumper further streamlines the overall package. “This Toyota RAV-X is more than just a concept; it’s a bold statement of what’s possible when innovation meets performance, said Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Division Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “RAV4 is one of our most popular and versatile vehicles; with RAV-X we’re showing an entirely new possibility of just how cool and adventurous a small crossover like this can be.” The RAV-X concept embodies Toyota’s commitment to pushing the limits of automotive engineering and design. RAV-X will be on display at the 2024 SEMA Show November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Toyota booth (Central Hall, Booth 22200). Enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are encouraged to visit Toyota’s exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show to experience the RAV-X firsthand and discover the potential that lies ahead for small crossover vehicles. Vehicle referenced is a special project prototype vehicle, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal. Related Media Related Images Related Videos Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Send email Copy Link About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant, in North Carolina, will begin manufacturing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 30 electrified options. Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

Today is National Stress Awareness Day, and nothing could be more fitting as we close out this tenuous election year season.  Today, we’re sharing some tips and tricks that can help you remain calm while driving, reduce your stress during your commute, and assist you in increased focus while on the road.  Alleviate your travel stress with these pointers, and they may just reduce your stress elsewhere in your life, too. Make more time for calm and mindful activity in your life, and you might also see improvement in your physical health as well. more No matter where you’re heading off to, try to allow yourself an extra 15 to 30 minutes of driving time to allow for delays, traffic, and a little unwinding time after arrival. Allowing a buffer zone for delays has been said to significantly reduce stress and affords drivers more patience to obey traffic laws and speed limits. Instead of panicking about tardiness, it allows us plenty of time to account for unexpected delays such as traffic, accidents, or other roadway hazards.  Additionally, should you encounter a delay, you’ll have plenty of time ahead of the game to alert your coworkers or anyone who is expecting you about the delays, so they can make alternative arrangements for your absence. Give yourself a break from the daily commute by opting for public transportation, carpooling, and rideshares to alleviate pressures from constant traffic exposure. Utilizing mass public transit options can provide us a little relief from having to be focused on the commute, and allow us more personal time to read, explore hobbies, chat with friends, etc. Taking public transport also can provide a sense of community and satisfy our brain’s inherent desire to be around other people, and to experience novel environments.  It may also reduce spending on fuel and car repairs over time. Take the scenic route when possible! Driving on the same roadways and highways through busy urban areas can become monotonous and stressful.  Give your brain and body a rest and take the route with less tolls, less highway congestion, and opt for some backroads instead such as roadways which lead you through wooded or natural reserve areas.  Take in the scenery around you as you drive, and roll down your windows for some fresh air! Create a routine of mindful breathing, meditation practices like yoga or mantra recitation, peaceful walks in nature, or other methods of calming measures to reduce overall stress loads on and off the roadways. Building a repertoire of deep breathing and calming techniques can come in handy when you encounter frustrating drivers on the road!   Focus on taking slow, calm, and controlled breaths by inhaling slowly through your nose, then exhaling slowly through your mouth. You can always pull over and focus on some music and continue your breathing if necessary until calm and close your eyes to tune out the environment.vehicles to have a break from constant hustle-and-bustle, allowing you more disposable income for other activities. Try not to drive on an empty stomach, and make sure to eat something with adequate protein and hydrate before you hit the road. Many people have increased frustration and decreased patience when hunger sets in, and a hangry driver isn’t going to make a friendly driver!  You can increase your patience and calm, as well as be more focused and intentional about your driving after you’ve eaten well.  If you know you’re short on time in the mornings or between activities, it can be helpful to keep a stash of shelf-stable snacks and beverages in your vehicle for easy access. Do your best to keep to posted traffic speeds and reduce “lead footed” driving habits. When driving above the posted speed limit, it can increase frustration when driving behind someone who is perceived to be “a slowpoke”, causing undue stress for everyone involved.  Road rage isn’t good for anyone! Keeping to posted traffic speeds and obeying road signs can reduce our tension, increase our focus on the changing traffic patterns, and allows plenty of time to stop short to prevent accidents. Keep your eyes on the road and off of your electronics for more mindful driving habits. Distracted driving can cause significant accidents and increase stress due to lack of focus. In fact, statistically speaking, watching videos on your infotainment center, participating in video chats or even texting whilst driving can significantly increase accident risk, even more than drunk driving. Reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety about collisions by keeping your eyes on the road and off of our phones, devices, and infotainment screens.

The only thing we can think of that’s more American than Baseball and voting on Election Day is American Football!  The NFL really has become such an indelible part of our social culture that it’s synonymous with the fall season and Thanksgiving holidays. There’s truly nothing like sitting down for a good, hearty meal with your loved ones, and then napping it off on the couch later while watching the Big Game. Today, we’re celebrating American Football Day with some super fun Chicago and Wisconsin themed car gear that you can snag to show your loyalty to local teams.  With the approaching holidays and everyone gearing up for family bonding time over sports, we thought it would be a great day to share some fun NFL themed gear so you can drive to your dinners in style and team-spirit!  (Plus, these items would also make the perfect gift for that gearhead in your life who has just about everything they could want for their personal garage, so they can add a little more personal touch to their ride.) more Check it out on today’s blog, and tell us who you’re rooting for this football season in the comments! Head into tailgate season with these fun Chicago Bears themed items! Insulate your hands from that cold lake-effect wind with this Chicago Bears Logo Steering Wheel cover. Don’t leave Fido behind this Thanksgiving!  Protect your car and take your furry friends along for the festivities with this Chicago Bears themed Pet Hammock Car Seat Protector. Add a little pizazz and team spirit to your front and rear plates with this Chicago Bears Chrome Color License Plate Frame! You don’t have to sacrifice style and personality on your pickup trucks and SUVs. You can have it all with this Chicago Bears Metal Tow Hitch cover! Keep your car’s interior protected from harmful UV rays with this Chicago Bears branded Windshield Sun Shade! Add a little subtle hint of where your loyalties lie during football season with this Fanmats Chicago Bears Windshield Decal! We love these Chicago Bears themed flags that clip into your truck or SUV’s hood as an alternative to the window-clip flags. Let everyone know you’re screaming Go Pack Go as you drive by with these Greenbay themed car gear items! Bringing your pets with you for holiday visits or the kids’ sports games? Protect your car and take your furry friends along for the festivities with this Greenbay Team themed Pet Hammock Car Seat Protector. Keep your keys handy and never lose your work badge again with the Greenbay Packers themed Lanyard set Protect your vehicle’s interior from all your off-road messes and flag football game mud with these NFL Rally Seat Covers in the Greenbay Packers Pattern! We absolutely love these car coasters shaped like a wheel of cheese emblazoned with “Cheesehead” so you can show your GB Pride even in the smallest of details. Who doesn’t love a quirky car decoration, like this J ordan Love windshield wiper sticker, guaranteed to bring a smile to whomever is following behind you on a grey, rainy day. This textured Packers Football Grip Steering Wheel Cover is a comfort grip steering wheel cover with an embroidered team logo and faux football textured accents.

Of course, we focus most of our attention and content to automotive related things, but we’re a company with multi-faceted staff who have lots of hobbies and interests outside of cars!  Today, we’re taking a little detour from our usual content to explore some of those interests, and flexing our culinary muscles. We’re sharing some festive food ideas you can take on the road to family dinners that are ready in a flash and easy to make-and-take, as well as some serious head-turner main dishes!  Give a little creative spin on the traditional holiday classics and dishes we all know and love with these fresh new twists. more Swap Out Your Sides for These Unique Options! Switch up your potato game from traditional mashed potatoes with a swap for potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, this ultimate blend of velvety and crunchy with the Mashed Potato Casserole, the alternative Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash, the deliciously crispy Perfectly Roasted Potatoes, or the head-turning crisp tender Hasselback Potatoes. Say goodbye to grandma’s jelly cranberries because we’re shaking things up with exciting options like Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, or this no-cook food processor friendly Cranberry Relish, or the nuanced flavors in this Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce with Chile and Ponzu for a spicy little flair, the kid-friendly Cranberry Fluff, and the delicious appetizer friendly Pomegranate Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta! Bid adieu to the boring mushy veggies and take a bite out of these delectable veggie options instead. We are absolutely loving this Roasted Winter Squash with Vanilla Butter, this absolutely gorgeously colored Root Veggie Tian, punch up your salad game with this Creamy Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Shallot option, this crisp and fresh yet festive Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, and an absolutely irresistible Fresh Green Bean Casserole option. Check Out These Crazy-good Carbs You’ll Be Craving for Days Say goodbye to dull, spongey, flavorless mac and cheese because we’re speeding on in to Flavortown with these incredible savory seasonal upgrades like Pumpkin and Cider Mac and Cheese, the combo of another classic side with your mac for Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese, the stunning Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash halves, and the sweet and creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, or skip the mac entirely and opt for this festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball dip! Skip the boring bread basket and jump start your taste buds with  these biscuits and quick-breads instead!  We’re all about these tender, flaky Gluten-Free Biscuits made in a flash, these simply sinful Southern Butter Rolls, comforting Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter, warmly spiced Ginger Buttermilk Biscuits or Maple Cinnamon Biscuits, these berry studded Cranberry-Orange Crescent Rolls, a sweet take on traditional cornbread with this Pan de Elote, and this buttery cake-like Apple Cinnamon Bread. Forget About Dry, Boring Birds and Get Ready for Mouthwatering Main Meals We’re tossing those old-fashioned dried out, dull turkeys and kicking things up a notch with these gourmet brines, rubs, gravies and more to help you craft the most succulent turkey and chicken roasts you’ve ever tasted! We’re absolutely sure you can’t go wrong with this Turkey Roulade with Parmesan and Walnuts, the toasted and richly flavored Sesame-Ginger Spatchcocked Turkey, this apple-infused bird featuring Cider-Glazed Turkey and velvety Lager Gravy, a truly stunning Smoked Turkey with Spicy BBQ Rub, kid-friendly and the kid-at-heart options like Stuffing-Fried Turkey Tenderloins, caramelized and herbaceous Roast Chicken with Maple  Butter and Rosemary, this citrus-infused Orange Herb Roasted Chicken with pan jus, and this absolutely gorgeous Roasted Chicken with Honey-Thyme Stone Fruits. Let us know some of your favorite seasonal recipes for the holidays, and we may just feature them in an upcoming post!

We’re kickstarting our holiday gift guides with the Ultimate Gift Guide for Road-Trip Travelers!  On today’s list, you’ll find all the tools, travel gear, and comfort items you can imagine to make lengthy car trips a breeze. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your canine companion in tow, or you’re heading off with your closest friends, you’ll have plenty of gear to keep you safe, hydrated, fed, and well-rested.  Send your loved ones this easy wish-list guide for one-stop shopping and be all set for your bucket list travel destinations when the snow thaws out this spring! more Keep all of your gear safe and secure with these handy-dandy and tough duty straps and ratchet tie-downs. We love these Ratchet straps from Walmart from Keeper brand for under $15 apiece. And these Green QuadWinder Standard duty ratchet tie down straps from SmartStraps, under $25 at Walmart. This heavy-duty set of straps from REI are another wonderful choice under $20, too. Have your smartphone at your fingertips with these convenient dashboard, window, and vent mounts. The ONN Car window or dash phone mount from Walmart offers flexibility in mounting location and 360 degree rotation for easy viewing and access. It’s easy to install and remove, and very budget friendly under $10. The iOttie Easy One-Touch 5 Universal Dash Mount is available at Best Buy f or under $30 and offers wide compatibility with modern smartphone sizes, and has a telescoping arm for easy access and viewing. Rest easy even if there’s no room at the inn!  These convenient camping style blankets, pillows, and bed rolls will keep you comfortable for a little R&R whether you’re spending a night under the stars, or on the side of the road at a rest stop. These compressible pillows from Therm-a-Rest come in three sizes, available at REI and range from $35-$50 apiece depending on size or pattern. They’re easy to stow and go, and pack down to the size of a water bottle for easy packing.  Made of 60% recycled materials, too! The NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket available at REI comes in multiple colors and ranges from $85-$95 depending on pattern.  It rolls up and packs down to the size of a large water bottle, making it totally portable and packable even if you’re low on cargo space.  Offers water-resistance for durability and comfort, and is machine washable for convenience. The NEMO Equipment victory blanket is perfect for picnic lunches, resting while hiking, or even at the beach.  Comes in four different sizes and colors ranging in $150-$200. Available via Amazon. Keep your vehicle and your devices charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice, and be ready to repair and recharge!  These portable toolkits, power inverters, and battery chargers will keep you in contact with the outside world even while you’re off-grid. The BESTEK 300W Power inverter offers USB charging and DC to AC power outlets with fast charge capabilities. Ultra light, compact, and portable making it easy to charge your tablets, phones, and GPS devices in a flash. AVailable on Amazon from $30-$50 range. The WEEGO Amp Jump Pack offers 3 different power and size options on Amazon ranging from $80-$175. They’re capable of charging passenger car  batteries as well as ATVs, UTVs, Boats, trucks, and more. Conveniently priced, reasonably sized, and fairly lightweight compared to other models on the market. The Lifeline First Aid AAA 16ft 6G booster cables a re weather resistant, making them an excellent option for the off-road traveler! They come in a convenient carry case and are extra long for getting your vehicle out of a sticky situation when necessary. Available for under $50 at Lowes. The DECKED Tool bag with tool roll will give you everything you need to repair your vehicle on the go.  No need to be carrying multiple tool sets and unnecessary gadgets, this convenient roll-up carry case has every tool required for unexpected repairs and with quality you can trust. Let passersby and local rangers know that you’re in need of help and other drivers know to use caution and slow down. These Emergency LED Road Flare beacons are a safer alternative to the typical flares, and offer a magnetic base and flashing red lights with a 60-hr run time. Available on Amazon under $30.

Although the cooler weather has us wanting to cozy-up at home and get ready for the holidays, there’s nothing that says we can’t get excited about next year’s road trip season!  Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore different cities and states as we visit friends and family for the holidays. So, we thought it would be a great idea to celebrate National Ohio Day with a list of fun things to do all across the state.  From festive holiday venues to nature walks to shopping and historical museums, you’ll find no shortage of fun, entertainment, and educational tourism on today’s blog! more The House from a Christmas Story is located in Cleveland, and allows visitors to travel back in time to the classic holiday film set!  The tour begins in the gift shop, and takes you through the museum, past the Bumpus’ house, and through the iconic family home!  You can even book a stay at the Bumpus House for a little seasonal family fun. Children 5 and under are free, everyone else is $20 per person general admission. West Side Market is located in Cleveland, and is the city’s largest and oldest continuously operating public market. You’ll find a plethora of fresh, locally grown produce, hand-carved meats and butcher shop offerings, local and regional dairy delights, prepared foods, and so much more. It’s open year round with 70+ local vendors to peruse! It’s officially on the NAtional REgister of Historic Places, having opened way back in November of 1912! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chronicles the history of the Rock and Roll genre, offers a comprehensive music library and archives, features a curated collection of memorabilia and archival instruments, offers live performances, community outreach, and more! Ohio Amish Country is located in Holmes County, and offers numerous artisan markets, small shops, local farms,  and historic downtown areas to shop and tour.  We highly recommend checking out the Warther Museum, Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum, Historic Zoar Village, and Historic Roscoe Village if you’d like to take a step back to yesteryear. Enjoy plenty of shopping and fine handcrafted goods at shops like The Pottery Niche, Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Helping HAnds Quilt Shop, and Wendell August Forge. Catch a show or presentation at the Ohio Star Theater, Amish Country Theater, or the Tuscarawas Philharmonic.  You can easily spend a weekend away in the area and still not cover all it has to offer. It’s a perfect family vacation destination. Castle Noel is located in Medina and is America’s Largest Indoor Year-Round Christmas attraction!  It features the world’s largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas Movie props and costumes, curated items from famous holiday window displays, and a fully immersive tour in all things holiday entertainment. It’ll have you in the festive spirit no matter what season you’re in, but makes a particularly exciting visit during the November/December/January holiday season. The Wilds is located in Cumberland, and offers an open air Safari Experience as well as plenty of outdoor adventures. You can camp several ways through a luxury yurt or opt for the “Outpost” destination to rough-it in the great outdoors!  Take a sunset safari tour, exhilarating zipline adventure, dine in the rooftop Terrace Grill restaurant, test your skills with some mountain biking, and more.  Funds from your admission from the zoo’s excursions, camping, dining, and etcetera all help support the Zoo’s conservation efforts and wildlife research. Ash Cave is located inside Hocking Hills State Park in Bloomingville. This enormous natural cavern offers stunning seasonal waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. The cave area is also mostly wheelchair-friendly, offering a great opportunity to travel with family members and friends who require mobility aids. This is one of the largest rock formations in the entirety of Hocking Hills State Park, though the rest of the park is vast and truly worth exploring over the course of a day or two as well!  You’ll have the opportunity to walk right up to the cave walls, traverse accessible boardwalks and walking paths, and take some spectacular nature photos.  It’s well worth it for all ages of travelers to make some magical memories. The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati features nearly 20,000 square feet of museum space dedicated to this classic piece of Americana! It’s a really unique experience. From antique electric signs to hand-painted and gold-leafed neons, and modern signage with plastic and LEDs.  There is also a permanent collection of more than 1,000 sign-related books and research material in the Sign Museum Library (by appointment only, and is free with admission!)

We’re back with this month’s edition of the Classic Auto Group Community Calendar of Events for Lake County and Chicagoland area!  This month, we’re bringing you some great gift markets, early holiday events, and local history. more Saturday November 2nd and Sunday November 3rd at Peter Patterson Glassworks, s top by and make your own festive glass pumpkins that are perfect for holiday centerpieces!  Happening from 10AM to 4PM in Mundelein. Swing on by for a bit of local history on Sunday November 3rd through November 5th from 12PM to 3PM at the Waukegan History Museum for a special presentation of “Waukegan’s Past-Time”  highlighting the local baseball team’s history and baseball through the last 200 years! It’s Trivia Night at Beer Bazaar on November 5th and 19th from 6:30PM onwards with topics ranging from sports to music to pop culture and movies. Free to play! Explore local and national history at the African American Museum at England Manor from Sunday November 3rd through November 6th in Waukegan for “The Great Migration” Exhibition. “Lights, Camera, Candles…Movie Night!” is happening at the Romney Brown Candle Company in Grayslake for an interactive movie night and candle making class starting from 6PM through 8PM.  Create a custom candle and watch the classic comedy “Freaky Friday” with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Cuirtis. Pizza will be served! Waukegan’s 25th Annual Turkey Trot with the Waukegan Park District is back again on Saturday November 9th from 10Am to 11AM at Greg Petry Park in Waukegan. Join the race and/or bring a donation to benefit the local COOL Food Pantry. First-place winners receive a turkey. It’s a Food Truck Frenzy at Venture Athletics in Mundelein for the grand opening event starting at 11AM on Saturday November 9th. Enjoy the special ribbon-cutting ceremony, facility tours, a skills showcase with local skilled athletes, raffle prizes, and more! Get a little jump start on your holiday shopping at the JJ Twigs Holiday Craft Fair on November 10th from 10AM to 2PM in Wauconda. There will be plentiful vendors offering crafts, handmade ornaments, jewelry, clothing, housewares, florals, and more. Test your knowledge of seasonal Hallmark Movies at the 102.3 Free Country Chicago and Lambs Farm “Hanna’s Hallmark Bingo” event on November 14th from 6PM to 8PM! There will be delicious food from the Magnolia Cafe and Bakery and plenty of prizes including an overnight stay at the Wisconsin Dells Chula Vista with waterpark and dining certificates included! Where you lead, I will follow - is what your friends and family will say when you invite them to Gilmore Girls Trivia Night on November 12th at 6:30PM. Play 6 rounds and get 10% off drafts during trivia - free to play for all! Holiday shopping is under way at Buffalo Creek Brewing on Friday, November 15th from 5PM to 9PM for locally made artisan goods, bespoke gifts, handcrafted items  and more!  Stop by the food trucks on site and enjoy local drinks from the brewery. Happening in Long Grove! Ring in the start of the holidays a little early with Santa’s Arrival Parade at the Gurnee Mill Mall on Thursday November 21st from 6PM to 7PM! Enjoy a photo with Santa, a live DJ, coupons from local stores, and more! Get ready for the season and enjoy a handmade holiday with the Cocktails and Crafting Garland Bar event at North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks on Thursday, November 21st from 5:30PM to 8:30PM. Round out the autumn season with the “Love Sonnets and Songs” event by the Waukegan Concert Chorus at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan on Saturday November 23rd from 4PM to 6PM. The Long Grove Turkey Trot is back again in Historic Downtown Long Grove on Thursday November 28th! Select from a 5K or 8K option in person, or virtually with other Turkey Trotters around the country! The Village of Gurnee is hosting the Jon Callaghan Memorial Turkey Trot Event on Thursday November 28th. This event aims to bring the community together in the spirit of the season as well as raising funds for both the John Callaghan Memorial Fund and the Gurnee Community Church Youth Work Camp. Usher in the chilliest of the ‘ber months and the holidays with the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event in Antioch on Mainstreet in Downtown Antioch on Friday November 29th from 6:30PM to 9:30PM