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We’re closing out a lengthy autumnal celebration of all things spooky here at Classic, with one last guide to spooky travel destinations! Today, we’re sharing 5 notorious places to visit if you’re looking for paranormal activities and ghostly encounters. Halloween doesn’t have to end in October, if you’re brave enough to explore these unique destinations.  Book a ghost hunting package, take a self-guided tour, or even book a stay in some of these spine-tingling locations.  Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s make like Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine Crew and get spooky. And if you really do check them out, of course, we’d love to hear about it in the comments! more A ghost in a cemetery at night. Biltmore in North Carolina is a sprawling, majestic estate in Asheville built by the prominent Vanderbiut family in the 1800s, completed in 1895.  It features an overwhelming 250 rooms, several of which are said to be haunted! Visitors have reported several ghostly sightings throughout the years, the most famous of which is the woman in a pink dress flitting through the halls or sitting in one of the rooms, rumored to have been the ghost of George Vanderbilt’s mistress.  You might also see a young boy playing in the gardens, spirits going up and down the stairs, strange smells or cold spots, and strange footsteps echoing. LaLaurie Mansion in Louisiana is haunted by the ghosts of American history and decades of cruelty and violence towards the slaves who were captured here, leaving it teeming with ghostly figures, tormented souls, and aggressive apparitions.  Locals claim the historic mansion is cursed, having been home to the intimidating and unflinchingly violent MAdame Delphine LaLaurie.  There are significant reports of moans and wails coming from the room where LaLaurie imprisoned her slaves. Visitors report hearing echoes of footsteps down empty hallways, guides and visitors being physically tapped, poked, and grabbed by unseen spirits, lamp lights flickering on and off, and decades of other paranormal activities.  Even passersby report an overwhelming feeling of negative energy and extreme sadness and pain when standing or walking too close to the building. Winchester Mystery House in California is perhaps the most famous entry on our list, with dozens of ghosts and supernatural occurrences being reported over the years, and rumored to have been built by Sarah Pardee Winchester at the behest of the spirits from beyond! The most famous ghost spotted by tourists is the “wheelbarrow ghost” who carts a wheelbarrow of coal around the basement and Clyde, the spectral figure of a former worker in the home. However, there are so many sightings including strange disappearing shadows in the windows and mirrors, flickering lights, strange footsteps, unnerving sounds, phantom cooking smells, etc, all of which are unusual for a house that no one has lived in since the 90s.  Regardless of which stories may be true, both employees and visitors alike have reported paranormal experiences on a consistent basis! The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is affectionately known by paranormal enthusiasts as “The Disneyworld of Ghosts”, with sightings and reports too numerous to count.  Author Stephen King once stayed at this hotel with his wife, and the nightmares which ensued were the inspiration for his infamous novel, “The Shining”.  Guests, employees, and ghost hunters have all reported a variety of sightings including disembodied laughter, flickering lights, items moving on their own accord, shadowy figures lurking, doors opening and closing on their own, and more.  It’s rumored that the fourth floor may be its most haunted area, but the entire hotel is a hotbed for ghost hunting! Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts was the former home of Lizzie Borden and her family, all involved in the infamous 1892 unsolved murder of Lizzie’s father and stepmother and sensational trial. It’s rife with paranormal activity, and has now become one of the most popular haunted houses and spooky Bed and Breakfasts in all of America!  You can book a tour of the 6 bedroom home, or opt for an overnight stay in one of the rooms, including the notorious “murder room” if you dare. Visitors have reported it being one of the creepiest places they’ve ever visited.  You might encounter the ghost of the Bordens, hear some strange eerie laughter throughout the halls, experience flickering lights, and even catch a glimpse of a few spectral children gallivanting from room to room. You can even book a ghost hunting experience, if you’re brave enough. Other Notorious haunts you may want to look into: Hill House in Texas Sallie House in Kansas Franklin CAstle in Ohio Hotel Chelsea in New York CAptain Tony’s Saloon in Florida El Campo Santo Cemetery in California The Omni Parker House in Massachusetts

We’re rounding out our month-long celebration of the Halloween Season with a selection of some unique and spine-tingling haunted places to check out if you’re in Wisconsin.  Our neighbors up north have a plethora of destinations for ghost hunting enthusiasts and aspiring paranormal investigators.  From thrills, chills, and bumps in the night there’s no shortage of legendary lore about these fine hotels, restaurants, and stunning cemeteries. Pack the car with your best ghouls and goblins and let’s try our hand at being the crew from Scooby Doo! more Fork in the Road Mukwonago, W I has quite the storied history of tragic events including a death on site and several fires, the former establishment was known as The  Dillenbeck House Hotel, now Fork in the Road.  Visitors to this establishment have reported seeing foggy apparitions out back, ghostly footsteps in the halls, echoes of pool cues hitting pool balls and rolling across the floor, and disembodied voices whispering throughout the building. Saff report mysteriously opened cupboard and interior doors, cash registers opening on their own, glasses rattling and falling off racks, and unnerving experiences in the basement storage.  The dining room and bar areas are purported to have lights which flicker and dim on their own.  Want to learn more? Stop by and experience it for yourself. K emper Hall in Kenosha, WI is a former mansion turned former boarding school turned public community recreation center, and one of the most haunted destinations in Wisconsin!  Visitors and locals report capturing unnatural shapes and forms in photos, and seen shadowy figures in the hallways and lurking along the walls. Local lore also states that the grounds are haunted by a former nun who fell down the observatory staircase, as well as a student who fell to her death after jumping from the rooftop.  Many visitors report hearing creaking footsteps behind them and echoing through the halls, and disappearing apparitions and reflections of frightening faces in mirrors. Most ghosts seem innocuous, but at least one mysterious figure seems to have more vengeful intents, so travel safely! Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake, WI has a beautiful garden-like appearance, but don’t be fooled by the innocent exterior. Beneath the friendly facade, there are several specters and ghastly ghosts wandering these hallowed grounds, known for being one of the most haunted cemeteries in the state!  There’s Chief Highknocker, a Winnebago Native American chief who passed in 1911 by drowning; several soldiers of the civil war era; sickly children who suffered of illness before their passing; a woman who just wants to socialize with a rousing game of ring-around-the-rosie, and more. Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee, WI was built by George Brumder Senior for his son, George Junior, but George Sr tragically died before it could be finished; later the mansion was sold to Sam and Ed Pick, who worked for the infamous Al Capone. Decades later, the mansion is now a Bed and Breakfast, where guests have reported frightening experiences for almost 100 years!  Most famously, the mansion is home to a specter named Suzanne who loves to frequent the Gold Suite, and another holdover lady ghost from the speakeasy days flits around the lobby. If that wasn’t enough to startle you, other guests have reported experiencing disturbing nightmares, apparitions floating in the halls and in and out of rooms, and more. Karsten Hotel in Kewaunee, WI This inn is rife with mists, orbs, cold spots, hot spots, phantom aromas, and other strange things afoot; so many, in fact, that the current owners have decided to fully embrace the paranormal experience and lean into it!  The hotel has been in operation since 1912 and has become the permanent home for former housekeeper Agatha (stay in room 310 and introduce yourself), as well as former owners William Karsten Senior and Billy Karsten, Jr.  Visitors and staff report that Agatha can be a little temperamental when it comes to male guests in the hotel, and strongly dislikes workmen who come for repairs, but perhaps if you’re polite she might spare you her shenanigans (workers report she has moved tools, opened and close doors, and turned lights on and off without warning.) The Union Hotel & Restaurant in De Pere, WI is known for being the longest continually running hotel in the state, and with that longevity in operations comes a history of hauntings and apparition sightings.  Guests and staff have reported ghostly bartenders serving customers, spirits getting their jollies by flickering the lights on and off as they please, mysterious shadowy figures in the basement storage, and even the haunting sounds of a crooner from days gone by singing sweet melodies.  Don’t believe the hype? You’ll just have to stop by for a sip and a meal and see for yourselves!

It’s almost Halloween Weekend! Check out today’s blog to find some fun events across Wisconsin and Illinois to make the most of this festive season before it’s gone. Don’t let your shoulda-coulda-woulda haunt you like ghosts in an old cemetery!  Live your best life now instead of in the afterlife, with these parades, movie nights, costume contests, and more. It’s a great selection of community Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos events right here on the blog! more What to Do Halloween Weekend in Chicagoland Area and Southern Wisconsin Horror cinephiles rejoice, for The Music Box Theatre in Logan is offering “Music Box of Horrors: The Dream Child Film Series” featuring classic and cult horror movies including Amityville Horror: The Evil Escapes, Psyko III: The Musical, The House of the Devil, and more sponsored by Shudder, as part of their month-long Halloween Celebration. Tickets can be purchased online. Now through October 31st, enjoy a special series of slashers and classic horror at the ChiTown Movies Drive-In Theatre! Book a single showing, double feature, or triple threat experience, if you dare. Tickets can be purchased online. The Logan Theatre is celebrating Halloween week/weekend with a series of new and classic Horror movie releases!  Catch Creepshow, The Exorcist, Smile 2, and Terrifier 3 at select showings. On October 29th, you’re in for a treat with the original Halloween and The Shining. November 1st is also screening Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City. Tickets can be purchased online. This weekend, experience the ultimate in horror movie thrills and chills as the Dungeon of Doom in Zion celebrates iconic horror movie villains for “Slasher Weekend” from October 31st through November 2nd. Make your way through 45,000 square feet of some of the scariest and most exhilarating haunts!  27 years and counting of being one of the top-rated horror experiences and haunted attractions in the Chicagoland area. Tickets can be purchased online. Don’t miss the final week a t Realm of Terror Haunted House, with Halloween fun running October 31st through November 2nd. Enjoy some delicious seasonal themed foods, a snack menu featuring classic movie snacks, signature spooky cocktails for adults and mocktail options for all, horror-themed souvenirs and gifts, escape room experiences and games, and classic haunted house walkthroughs. Tickets can be purchased online. Ring in Halloween with pride at the 27th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade in Chicago’s landmark LGTBQ+ Northalsted Neighbourhood on October 31st Halloween Night. The parade is free to watch and attend and features fire performers, live musical performances and marching bands, a pep squad, and 5 categories of costume contests with prizes! After the parade, various venues around town will be hosting pop-up parties, dinner and drink specials, a Drag Competition,Trick or Treating, and more! Register for the costume contest before the parade at Halsted and Belmont or online. Grab your friends and head on over to The Checkpoint in Kenosha on Thursday, October 31st to enjoy an evening of Killer Karaoke starting at 7PM. There will be pumpkin painting fun, live tarot readings, drink specials with seasonal surprises, free caricature portraits from a guest artist, and more.  There’s also a Halloween Costume Contest, with the best-dressed winner receiving a $50 gift certificate, so make sure to put your best foot forward in your costume designs! Join your friends for an evening of drinks, dancing, and costumed fun at Dukes On Water in Milwaukee from 5PM to 11PM on Thursday, October 31st, and be ready to join the festive pub crawl event! Each venue along the tour is offering Hallowen drink specials, costume contests, door prizes, and more!  Come dressed in your Halloween finest and you may even win a special prize. Enjoy the revelry at the Haunted Hoedown featuring Do-Si-Do at Hiawatha Bar and Grill in Sturtevant on Thursday October 31st from 6PM to 8:30PM. All visitors are encouraged to wear their best Western/Cowboy themed costumes or Halloween finery and participate in the costume contest fun!  No experience required to participate in the square dancing events. If you enjoy getting dressed to the 9’s and leaning into your most lush, over the top gothic finery, you’ll be delighted to receive this invitation to th e Revenants Vampire Ball and Fashion Show at The Cooperage in Milwaukee. This 21+ event is Black Tie Vampire Attire Required, so give us your best lace gowns, velvet arm gloves, luxurious gothic tuxes, and more.   Doors open at 6:30PM for VIP and 7:30PM for GA.  You’ll enjoy an evening of live entertainment, DJ dance parties, themed libations, and submit yourself to the vampire council for consideration in best dressed contests. There will also be special Audio and Visual installations by SUBSPACE, and a Fashion Show by Silversark.  Tickets can be purchased online. The Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach is celebrating Day of the Dead on Friday, November 1st from 6PM to 9PM. This free event is open to the whole community!  Enjoy traditional folkloric dances, traditional ofrenda altars, children's games and crafts, artisanal vendors, delicious traditional food and drink, and more! Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Highland Park on November 2nd at the Recreation Center. It’s a free, all ages event! Enjoy traditional dance with Ballet Folklorico Tayahu, music by the Mariachi Sirens Dance, family friendly activities, seasonal crafts, and sugar skull face painting!  Running from 1PM to 3PM on Saturday November 2nd. On Saturday November 2nd and Sunday November 3rd from 12PM to 6PM, enjoy the Ofrenda de La Comunidad event for the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration in Waukegan. Head over to the Belvidere Discount Mall to enjoy live music, local small businesses and vendors, face painting, and family-friendly entertainment. Bring your loved ones photos and participate in the community ofrenda ceremony. Join in the local celebration of Mexican culture and heritage at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts right here in Waukegan on Saturday, November 2nd from 1PM to 4PM!  The free family friendly event includes ofrenda altar exhibits, art vendors, food and drink, live dance demonstrations, and sugar skull workshops. Partake in a cooking class celebrating local Mexican culture and foods with the Traditional Dia De Los Muertos Breakfast Cooking Class at the Joyful Gourmet of Libertyville from 9AM to 11AM.  You’ll make your own pan de muerto dough, Mexican hot chocolate, Xec salad, and more.

It’s no secret that we love a good road trip!  Whether it’s sightseeing national monuments, hiking through national and state parks, or visiting historic sites, there’s no shortage of excitement to be had!  Today, we’re leaning into the Halloween Spirit and sharing a guide to some of the oldest and most historic cemeteries in the United States. Each of these memorial sites allows us to connect with the past, learn about our country’s history, and explore the lives of people who came before us.  You can learn a lot about the history of a region and its community by visiting local gravesites and cemeteries.  So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to exploring! Tour Some of the Oldest and Most Interesting Cemeteries in the United States more One of the oldest burial sites in the US is the Ernest Witte Site (2700 BCE) located in Austin County, Texas. This site was accidentally discovered by two brothers in the 1930s in their quest to find gold and silver, but instead they unearthed some human remains. This aboriginal, indigenous cemetery sheds light on the prehistoric lives of regional indigenous Native Americans.  Remains of more than 230 people were found on the site in multilayered burial plots.  You can learn more about the burial site and remains that were discovered by visiting the Texas Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin. Located near Moundsville, West Virginia, the Grave Creek Mound burial site is believed to date back to 250 BCE. The site was home to a local indigenous group, the Adena peoples, a Pre-Columbian Native American community, and is also the site of numerous fossils and preserved ice-age animals. You can check out the historic artifacts found at the site, a museum, and an archaeological research center to learn more about this ancient society. The colonial Jamestown Original Burying Ground was established in the early 1600s, in an effort to avoid tensions and interactions with local Native American tribes. This original burial site was located within James Fort, but later the bodies were eventually moved and relocated to the Burying Ground, sometime in 1619. Thus far, about 36 burials have been logged and identified, and archaeologists excavate a few more bodies each year to be studied.  You can learn more about the historic remains of early colonists by visiting Jame Fort and touring the archaeological site. Historian’s say that King’s Chapel is Boston’s oldest burial place, created in 1630 as the final resting place for the next surge of colonists exploring “the New World.”  It was established by colonizer Isaac Johnson, and later a church was constructed nearby, thus later being named King’s Chapel Cemetery.  You can tour this historic cemetery as part of the Freedom Trail tour in Boston. The Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago was created in 1877 and established by the local Czech community that had settled in Chicago, and now covers an astounding 126 acres of land. Nearly 120,000 Chicago area’s former residents are buried here, including some travelers of the SS Eastland Shipwreck. Throughout the cemetery you’ll find stunning sculptures, impressive monuments, granite statues, and more commemorating the dead who are interned there.  Download the map online and take a historic tour of the cemetery to learn more about Chicago’s history and past residents. Explore the grounds of historic non-profit site at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, burial site of former US President James A. Garfield and more than 100,000 former local residents across 285 acres.  When touring the site, you’ll notice many historic markers and sites of major figures in US history and economics such as Henry Chisholm, John Milton Hay, Eliot Ness, and more.  You can take a walk through the grounds on a self-guided tour, or sign up for any of the numerous special events run by the cemetery’s organization including history tours, nature tours, and even live musical events. A fusion of historic, culture, and architecture, and preserved urban green space comes together  over a sprawling 55 acres at the historic Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. It’s the third largest private cemetery in the US, and is the final resting place for numerous US politicians and historic figures, as well as former President Benjamin Harrison, 23rd president of the United States. The site features more than 11,000 trees and 137 unique species in its arboretum, and has numerous historic preservation projects to restore tombstone, repair mausoleums, and preserve the incredible architectural structures on site.

Still looking for ideas for your Halloween costume? We bet you’ll get a real jolt of inspiration after you read today’s post.  For today’s blog, we’re aving some fun with the Halloween Holiday Spirit and celebrating Frankenstein Friday!  We’re sharing some fun facts about this classic piece of literature turned monster movie favorite, as well as rounding up some of our picks for creative movie monster car gear. more Fun Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About Frankenstein Did you know that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was the result of a ghost story contest between friends? Mary Shelley and her partner, Percy Bysshe Shelley, were on Summer vacation with their friends Lord Byron and John Polidori. The group was confined to the indoors thanks to some crummy weather, so Byron thought it would be exciting to challenge each other to pen a spooky story.  Mary Shelley’s daydream turned terrifying tale was voted the best of the bunch, and the rest is history. Upon its initial publication in 1818, no one knew the book had been written by a woman as it was published anonymously across 3 volumes. Did you know that the monster was not the bumbling mute, growling creature he is portrayed on screen? The name of the doctor is Victor Frankenstein, and he creates an unnamed creature as a science experiment. The doctor then rejects and casts his experiment aside, triggering an immense feeling of emptiness and loneliness. The creature longs for love, connection, and companionship, and continuously learns to read, write, and speak multiple languages as he embarks on this venture. The vision of the monster as a bumbling, grumbling, mute creature actually came from the early Hollywood adaptation and reactions of test audiences. Did you know that Frankenstein is considered the first Science Fiction novel? Frankenstein explores philosophical concepts about nature versus nurture, morality and ethics of experimentation and the experimenter, how science and technology shape and mold our society and affect who we are as humans, and other scientific boundaries. Fun Frankenstein’s Monster Themed Car Accessories To Dress Up Your Vehicles We love this movie-monster themed car sun shade with the classic movie monsters: Frankenstein’s Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Invisible Man. Available here on Etsy. These Frankenstein’s Monster and Bride car coasters are a great way to keep your car spooky and clean all year round. Available on Etsy. We love this reusable, sustainable, and rechargeable personalized “freshie” for your car made of laser engraved wood in the silhouettes of Frankenstein’s Monster and Bride of Frankenstein. Available on Etsy. Add a little surprise touch of movie monster fun to your tires with these replacement tire valve caps in a set of four, created out of black painted aluminum and emblazoned with your favorite movie monster. Available on Etsy. This Frankenstein's Monster classic vinyl key-fob is perfect for adorning your new set of keys to your car from Classic Auto Group!  Makes a great gift for the holidays. Available on Etsy.

This past Wednesday we got an early jump start on Halloween by participating in a Trunk or Treat at the Waukegan SportsPark, organized by Heart of the City.  Families and friends in the community gathered together for some festive spooky fun, decorated their cars and trucks with halloween decorations, and handed out some fun candy.  There was also a gourmet Taco Truck on site serving up seasonal specials and local favorites.  Participating in these family-friendly events is such a wonderful way for us to get to know more of you wonderful folks in the neighborhood.  We can’t wait to see what else is in store for the upcoming months, and how many new faces we’ll get to meet at our next event. more

We’re back with another fun edition of Automotive Terminology, where we demystify vocabulary, phrases, and terms used by industry professionals. We understand that buying, selling, and fixing cars is not a part of most of our customers daily or even weekly lives, so we’re here to help take the stress out of selecting or repairing your vehicle! Through our Classic Auto Group Decoder series, we’re giving you the tools to decode and navigate conversations with automotive professionals be they salesperson or mechanic.  And of course, if you have any questions or something you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll keep it in mind to answer for future posts! more EVs are taking the automotive industry by storm, so we thought it would be great to share with you some key terminology about the tech that powers them.  Today, we’re going to talk about the EV battery, an integral part and energy center of the electric vehicle. Without a traditional combustion engine and fuel to power it, electric vehicles rely solely on energy in the rechargeable battery, replenished through plug-in charging stations, regenerative braking and similar. EV batteries are composed of a variety of metals and minerals such as Graphite, Lithium, aluminum, nickel, manganese, iron, cobalt, steel, copper.  There are several common types of EV batteries: Lithium-Ion, Nickel Manganese Cobalt, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Sulfur, and Lead Acid. Within an EV battery, there are several components that each serve a unique function. Battery cells are the most basic unit which stores chemical energy; these may be shaped as cylinders, pouches, or prism shapes.  Battery modules are interconnected battery cells producing a specific voltage and holding a specific energy capacity. Battery Packs are the final shape of the battery systems comprising modules within a casing enclosure, and other components such as protective monitoring, thermal management, and high-voltage hardware. EV manufacturers are now focusing on implementing recycling programs for older batteries, creating new batteries from reusable, sustainable components, and potential alternatives to the limited resource of cobalt. What are some things you’d like to see from Electric Vehicles in the future? Are there any questions you have about EV batteries and charging? What do you love about your current EV or hybrid? Let us know in the comments!

It was our pleasure and honor to participate in once again supporting our local community through the donation of a 2012 Dodge Charger to Lake Forest High School.  Learn more about how this vehicle donation will improve the community and school grounds! more Classic Toyota of Waukegan Donates 2012 Dodge Charger to Lake Forest High School’s Safety and Security Department Lake Forest, IL – Lake Forest High School (LFHS) is excited to announce a generous donation from Classic Toyota of Waukegan. Fred Marks, the owner of Classic Toyota and a Lake Forest resident, has donated a 2012 Dodge Charger to the school’s Safety and Security Department. This donation will enhance the department’s ability to patrol the campus and support the safety of students, staff, and community members throughout the school day and at after-school events. Fred Marks, a parent of three Lake Forest High School students (LFHS 2017, 2020, and 2025), has maintained a close connection with LFHS Safety and Security Department Assistant John “JT” Teichman. Marks and Teichman first met in Libertyville when Marks was a teenage football and baseball player coached by Teichman. Their bond has remained strong over the years. Fred’s desire to support the community and his former coach has inspired him to make this meaningful donation. “We are immensely grateful to Fred Marks and Classic Toyota for their continued generosity,” said Dr. Matthew L. Montgomery, Superintendent of Lake Forest Schools. “This donation represents not only a significant addition to our security resources but also the strong community ties that help make Lake Forest a wonderful place for our students.” “I appreciate his thoughtfulness and that Fred cares about everyone at the school,” shared John Teichman. “Through our lifelong friendship, I’ve known him as a young man and have seen him mature into a well-rounded man, just a very good person.” This is the third vehicle Classic Toyota has donated to LFHS, further strengthening the partnership between the school and the local dealership. Fred Marks took extra care to inspect and prepare the vehicle before donating it, ensuring it was ready to serve the school at no cost. “This vehicle will be a valuable tool for our team,” said Chuck Walsh, Director of Safety and Security at LFHS. “We are fortunate to have strong community support that directly impacts our ability to maintain a safe campus.” Via Communications Department of Lake Forest School Districts

Happy National Apple Day! Today, we’re celebrating National Apple Day with some fun facts about our favorite fall fruit, as well as some amazing places you can check out locally to do some apple picking. These fabulous apple orchards and u-pick farms are a great way to celebrate all things autumnal. Whether you’re purchasing already made baked goods, or gathering some select produce to make your own for the holiday season, you’ll find the perfect thing at these local Illinoius and Wisconsin orchards..  Plus, we’ve also got some bonus recipe suggestions at the end to try with your freshly picked apples. more Did you know… The official state fruit of Illinois is the Goldrush Apple It takes 36 apples to make 1 gallon of apple cider There are more than 2,500 varieties of apple grown here in the US, but the only species native to North America is the crabapple. It takes an average of four or five years for an apple tree to produce its own fruits Apples float because they are made of 80-85% water; 2 apples equals about one average glass of water. The first apple pie was not American made but from England A bushel of apples weighs about 42lbs, and is equal to about 90-120 apples Check out these fantastic local apple orchards and U-pick farms! Many of these orchards and farms are one-stop shopping for family fun weekends. You’ll find plenty of activities from hay rides to petting zoos to farm markets and bakeries, corn mazes, and dozens of varieties of fruits and veggies to pick and take home.  So what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road to fun! Best Apple Orchards and U-Pick Farms in Illinois and Wisconsin Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, IL Apple Holler in Sturtevant, WI Berryville Farm in Racine, WI Creuziger’s Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm in Sturtevant, WI Didier Farms in Prairie View, IL Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove, IL Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington, IL Hafs Road Orchard in Genoa City, WI Heinz Orchard in Green Oaks, IL Homestead Orchard in Woodstock, IL Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, IL Prairie Sky Orchard in Union, IL Richardson Farms in Spring Grove, IL Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard, IL Rustic Road Farm in Elburn, IL Stade's Farm and Market in McHenry, IL Tanner’s Orchards in Speer, IL The Farm at Westmont, IL Thompson’s Strawberry Farm in Bristol, WI Okay, so you’ve visited a local orchard and done the fall fun things, but now you’re not sure what to do with your 42lb bushel of apples?  Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our favorite recipes for fall baking with those farm fresh apples. Amazing Autumnal Apple Recipes Tarte Tatin Dessert Old Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Cardamom Spiced Glazed Apple Fritters Apple Streusel Blondies Spiced Apple Mug Cakes Roast Chicken with Apples and Pecans Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Apple Pie Granita French Apple Cake Creamy Polenta with Sauteed Apples, Mushrooms, & Calvados Apple-Cardamom Babka Wreath Apple Cider Creme Pie Pork, Apple and Sage Meatballs Apple Walnut Crepes

There’s a saying that our dogs are our best friends for a short while, but to them, we’re their best friend for their entire lives. Today, we’re bringing you some fantastic local area destinations that you can enjoy with your best paw pal, so you can get in a few extra hours of bonding time!  Whether you’re looking for a place to socialize and meet new doggy pals, or you prefer a quiet, leisurely stroll just the two of you, we’ve got something for everyone’s puppy preference.  Let’s take a “paws” in our hectic life to appreciate our furry friends this weekend! more Let us know some of your favorite places to pal around with your pooches!  We’d love to hear all about it, so drop it in the comments below. Robert McClorey Bike Path in Waukegan is a beautiful “rail trail” area spanning 25 miles for hiking, biking, and more.  Looking to get into canicross? Well, this is a great venue to practice. The paths here are asphalt, concrete, and crushed stone and are bike, skate, and cross-country skiing friendly. It’s also a wheelchair accessible area, meaning disabled dog handlers can join in on the fun comfortably. Lakewood Dog Park in Wauconda covers 80 acres and offers swimming areas, walking paths, and large grassy areas where your dogs can roam free. Well-mannered, friendly dogs are more than welcomed here with a permit membership that can be purchased online; daily admission and annual pass options are available.  Your dog can try a little bit of everything nature has to offer, and explore safely in a dog-friendly environment for your peace of mind! Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha sprawls across 360 acres of land, and includes the Carlisle Family Dog Park!  You and your pup can enjoy some fun in the sun and fresh air with plenty of wooded trails, open picnic areas, and leashed playtime sessions. For the off-leash loving pups, you’ll want to head over to the Carlisle Dog Park where they can have much more freedom to roam without a tether. Equinox Botanical Boutique in Kenosha is perfect for a day of pet-friendly plant shopping. Stroll through the boutique with your leashed, well-mannered dog and enjoy some window shopping or seasonal plant purchasing. It’s a great place to give your dog some healthy socialization to new environments, smells, and sounds in a pet-friendly location. Oak Leaf Trail in Oak Creek is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program, much like the Bike Path in Waukegan. This trail winds along a decommissioned railroad corridor, providing natural enrichment and exercise for dogs and their humans. Please note, there is a 6-ft leash law here, and pets must be tethered at all times; no off-leash dogs permitted and pet waste must be picked up and disposed of immediately. Duck Farm Dog Park in Lake Villa features 48-acres of fenced in area for your off-leash adventure seeking pups!  You and your dogs can enjoy numerous options from open fields to grass trails to water features. Access is granted via daily or annual passes, and includes all 5 off-leash dog areas. Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove is great for a weekend get together with your dog-loving pals. This Bavarian themed brewery welcomes leashed dogs to the taproom, biergarten, patio seating, and the lawn area. It’s a local favorite! McHenry Outdoor Theater in McHenry offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a movie under the stars with your faithful canine companion!  Dog handlers are kindly requested to keep their pup quiet so as not to disturb other movie goers, and to clean up after any potty breaks. It’s a super fun way to spend a few hours with your car-obsessed pal! Pack ‘em up for a car ride and then snuggle up with their favorite snacks and blankie for a screening. Macushla Brewing Co in Glenview offers numerous craft brews and dining with your leashed, well-mannered pup on the patio or in the taproom. No snacks? No problem! Hop over to the next door neighbor restaurants from Hackney’s or Flaco’s Tacos and grab a bite to eat Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa welcomes your pawpals both indoors and out at hte brewery and the taproom! Enjoy a weekly rotation of fine craft brews and a BYO-Food and snacks environment. Don’t forget to include your furbaby in your meal plans! Gillson Dog Beach in Wilmette is available to locals and visitors for a fee entry (residents of Wilmette receive a discount, out-of-town residents will pay $200+ for annual access).  Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas, but are expected to be well-managed and monitored by handlers, as well as having proof of vaccination. Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka covers an impressive 894 acres, 36 miles of which are dog friendly paved and unpaved hiking, biking, and walking trails.  Leashes are required and there is no off-leash dog park area, and there are recent sightings of coyotes and other animals roaming the area, so please be mindful to obey leash laws for everyone and your dogs’ safety.

We’ve finally reached the “-ber” months! While many of us are out there enjoying the crisp autumnal weather, ever-changing treescape color palettes, and gearing up for ski season, there’s definitely something many of us will miss about the closure of road trip season. Today, we’re giving you some great inspiration for your 2025 trip planner: exploring Alaska! In honor of National Alaska Day, we thought it would be a lot of fun to share some great destinations to visit all over the state in every season. Let’s explore together Know some friends or family who are planning their getaway to Alaska next year? Consider giving your travel obsessed loved ones a voucher for a future excursion this holiday season, so they have something to look forward to on their 2025 trip! more Book a glacier tour day trip through the Kenai Fjords. This excursion is a perfect opportunity to explore the state, especially in the Spring and Summer months!  Whether you’re looking to do some birding, whale watching, photography, or you’d like to step off the boat tour and do some kayaking and hiking, this is certainly going to be an unforgettable experience. Tours follow a few main routes: National Park Tours lasting 6 to 8 hours; Resurrection Bay Tours lasting 4 to 5 hours; Northwestern Fjords Tours around 8 hours in duration; Glacier Dinner Cruises around 6 hours in duration. Tours run from March 10th through September 25th! Take to the skies in a Flightseeing Tour of the Ketchikan area. Choose from a floatplane or helicopter, and receive a personalized guided tour of the region. You’ll learn all about the fjords and  local wildlife (including some bear sightings!), and have opportunities to make a stop off at some remote fishing areas, hiking areas, a visit to a local Native American Reserve, stop at a few lakes for kayaking excursions, and even visit the Misty Fjords National Monument. No matter what option you choose, you’ll get a bird's eye view of the coastal glaciers and surrounding natural cliffs and landscapes. Tour prices vary depending on aircraft and duration of flight, which is anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on additional selected excursions. Immerse yourselves in the art of Totem Bight State Historical Park. This 11-acre park is an outstanding example of local Native cultures, and features restored and re-carved Totems and a beautiful Clan House. Learn about the history and culture of the Alaskan Natives by touring the Clan House, then traipsing through the rainforest to view the storytelling totems. Keep your eyes peeled while you hike as you will find some incredible wildlife hidden amidst the old growth rainforest including: brown and black bears, Sitka black tailed deer, bald eagles, harlequin ducks otters, sea lions, whales, and more! There’s a wonderful guided sightseeing tour and canoe tour option in the area that include the park in their excursion itinerary. Go dog sledding on a glacier and through the Tongass National Forest in the Skagway area. Join in on the summer training camps and enjoy an authentic dog sledding experience as you learn about the sport from the pros. Veteran Iditarod Mushers will give you the ins-and-outs of the sport, take you on a husky-powered sled ride, and provide a little bit of local history and sledding stories as you go about the town’s history as a vibrant stop during the Gold Rush era. Embark on a week-long excursion from Anchorage to tour the seasonal landscapes and see the Northern Lights in person. Choose your tour by car, train, or bus and take in some incredible autumnal landscape colors along the way! You’ll stop in areas like Talkeetna which are full of shops and restaurants and historic sites; make your way to Denali National Park to hike and enjoy the wildlife; head over to Fairbanks to explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Hotels in the area will also provide an “aurora wake up call” if you want to rest during the day after some sightseeing and stay up later to catch the lights at night. Book a stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort and enjoy the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum was crafted from locally harvested ice and snow and is always a cool 25° all year round, even in the summer. The museum is open every single day of the year, and offers several tours a day. The natural mineral water hot springs are a very popular attraction, offering a geothermal fed bathing pool nestled between the granite rocks, as well as indoor pool and hot tub options. It’s also a prime spot to view the Aurora Borealis lights, and you’ll find many guests stay up into the wee hours of the morning to get some of the clearest views around!

We’re celebrating Ada Lovelace day with an ode to this genius Mathematician and world’s first computer programmer!  Each year on the second Tuesday of each OCtober, Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated to help recognize the contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) more Who was Ada Lovelace and what did she contribute to modern computing? Interested in engineering and mechanics from a young age, Lovelace’s passion  for complex geometry, analytics, and intense numerical calculations led her to friendship with Charles Babbage. Together, the pair pioneered both a prototype of a digital computer (Babbage) and its first computer program, “The Analytical Engine” (Lovelace). Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for a machine, and recognized that the computer had capabilities and possible usage beyond just calculations, including such grand ideas as computer-generated music! Many decades later, computers have evolved into a fully ubiquitous part of our culture, right down to the tiny powerful computers we carry around in our pockets each day, our smartphones!  Everything from manufacturing to home appliances to entertainment to transportation relies on the hardwork and calculations of computer algorithms and programs. Today we’re going to dive into that a little bit and expand further on how computers help us get from place to place in our own personal vehicles. What are some notable inventions by Women in STEM that advanced the Automotive Industry? Bertha Benz helped engineer a new brake pad design when her vehicle’s brake pads failed while driving; she commissioned a cobbler to install some leather replacements! Mary Anderson engineered the first hand-operated windshield wiper to remove frost. Margaret Wilcox used her background in mechanical engineering to divert heat from the engine into the vehicle creating the first heating system, and the foundations for today’s modern climate control system. Stephanie Kwolek was a chemist whose work led to the development of synthetic fibers known as Kevlar which are used in modern day tire fabrication. Gladys Mae West was a Mathematician who created a mathematical model of the Earth’s shape which was incorporated into the creation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) which revolutionized the way we map and travel the world. Helene Rother Ackernecht was one of the first women to work as an automotive designer as part of the interior styling staff at General Motors. Katharine Blodgett developed a specialized liquid detergent that allowed 99% of light to pass through it even with thick layers applied to glass, which is credited to shaping the invention of non-reflective and anti-glare windshields in today’s modern vehicles. Suzanne Vanderbilt led a 6-woman team of designers who helped implement features like the retractable seat belt. Heady Lamarr was not just a famous Hollywood actress, she also helped develop a system that intercepted torpedo signals during WWII and bounced incoming signals from opposing naval ships to “hop” away. This signal hopping feature has been translated into modern tech from everything such as Bluetooth to GPS to Wifi. How are computers and their algorithms used in today’s modern automobiles? The automotive computer regulates the car’s engine to optimize its performance, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions by monitoring pollution control. The computer is in charge of firing the spark plugs during ignition, monitors each plug individually, and can adjust the timing of each piston to ensure efficiency and reliability in power output. There are many sensors and components which take readings and measurements and transmit them to the computer to improve and maintain performance: Electronic Fuel Injectors electronically monitor measured fuel consumption so the engine only gets the exact amount required and prevents the engine from getting flooded; it pumps the fuel at high pressure through a small valve or nozzle to aid in the combustion process, and by proxy improves efficiency and with less emissions. Rotation Sensors monitor and record the rate at which each component spins Position Sensor detects the position and movement of an object with utmost accuracy Temperature Sensors measure the temperature of liquids and gasses through variations in a circuit’s resistance Airflow Sensors measure the air fed into the engine through the intake manifold Knock Sensor is used to detect uneven fuel burning which can cause irregular engine vibrations. Oxygen Sensor measures how much oxygen is in the exhaust and gauges how well the fuel is burning. Tire Pressure Sensors monitor the air pressure and temperature of your vehicle’s tires, and trigger an alert if it’s too low or too high to improve fuel efficiency, extend the life of the tire, and improve driving safety. Additional sensors throughout the vehicle also tell the computer to do things like deploying airbags, apply assistive braking systems, unlock the vehicle doors, engage the vehicle security systems, apply automatic traction control, etc. These numerous systems work together to provide vital data and information to the car’s computer system when something goes awry through alerts called “Electronic Control Units” or ECUs. These ECUs trigger the Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) such as “Chjeck Engine” or “Tire Pressure” etc, and also provide the car’s computer with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).  Your trusted service technician and professional mechanic can utilize a special tool and portable code reading devices to pull the data from those sensors and diagnose the issue via the logged codes. Many vehicles also come standard now with state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring GPS, Radio, smartphone connectivity, onboard wifi, vehicle apps, music and radio features. This also controls things like in-built reversing cameras, proximity sensors, light sensors, feature sensors, camera sensors, parking guidance systems, driver alert systems, heads-up display projections, and even digital instrument clusters and gauges. Hybrid vehicles have even more complicated computer configurations to help manage the change between power sources (fuel to the internal combustion engine versus electric battery) for a seamless transition and smooth ride. In Electric Vehicles, the computers are the central functioning mechanism, governing all vehicle processes to ensure safety and efficiency, making these vehicles essentially a fully functional computer on wheels; examples include computerized speed controls monitoring proper wheel rotation, battery management, charging, regenerative braking, digital cockpit and dashboard features, infotainment, and other safety features.