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It’s National Cleaning Week, and we couldn’t think of a better time of year for that than the beginning days of Spring!  We’re shaking out the dust bunnies and clearing out the clutter from our hibernation in our homes, garages, and yes, of course even our cars.  Today’s blog is all about sharing some seriously smart cleaning tips and hacks!  Our smart car cleaning tricks will keep those dollars in your wallet so you can put more gas in your tank and add more miles to your travel logs.  Get ready for road trip season with these professional level clean results on a pauper’s shoestring budget. more Clothing lint rollers can help pick up grit and pet hair from upholstery in seconds. Those dollar store lint rollers will save you time and money between detailing. Use it the same way you would on your clothing, and for the nooks and crannies just give it a few press-and-taps to remove things from the seams. Condition your vehicle’s leather using olive oil and a microfiber cloth. Of course, it’s nice to use the high-end vehicle conditioners when you have the budget, but if you’re looking to protect and condition for $5 or less, this will do the trick!  Add a small amount of olive oil to your microfiber cloth, and gently rub in soft circles to apply the oil into the leather. Protect your cup holders from sticky mess and melted drinks with cupcake liners. Your local grocery store or dollar store probably sells multipacks of these convenient cupcake and muffin tin liners for a low price!  Place a silicone cupcake liner into the bottom of each of your cup holders, and when they get sticky or dirty you can swap them out and pop them out for clean ones, and put the dirty ones in with the dishes. Easy peasy! It’s also great for easily accessing change for tolls or vending machines or air-pumps in a jiffy. Keep your car fresh and clean the natural way with baking soda and essential oils. Reducing the use of VOCs and other additives in the air can help allergy sufferers greatly during the spring season. Find a small jar that fits inside of your cup holder, and poke a few small holes in the lid; add baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil and mix together. Put the jar in your vehicle and it will absorb odors while releasing a mildly pleasant aroma! Remove rust with a bottle of Coca Cola and a bit of foil! If you’ve got rust spots on your bumper or other metallic accents on the body, consider a bottle of Coke and a piece of foil. Pour the soda on the rust spot, and gently scrub it with some aluminum foil folded over 3 to 4 times into layers.  You’ll notice the rust will begin to flake off!  Once it does, you can switch off to a gentle dish sponge.  When the rust is removed, grab some gentle soap and clean water and rinse off the sticky pop and remaining debris. Use a cereal keeper container as a lidded trash can for travel! Forget about those hanging fabric garbage cans, or putting a bin/box on the floor that rolls around as you drive.  Grab a budget friendly cereal container with a lid at your local dollar store, and line it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in the backseat of the car and use it to store your trash while you’re on the go.  Makes cleaning easier with nothing sticky left on your floor mats or carpets or tipping over on turns. Remove dead bugs and insect splats with dryer sheets! No need to gather complicated cleansers or soaps to get those stuck-on nasties off your windshield or bumper.  Any brand of dryer sheet will do the trick nicely!  Rinse your car with clean water, then grab the damp dryer sheet and simply wipe them away.  Rinse with water again and you’re good to go! Use a cereal keeper container as a lidded trash can for travel! Forget about those hanging fabric garbage cans, or putting a bin/box on the floor that rolls around as you drive.  Grab a budget friendly cereal container with a lid at your local dollar store, and line it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in the backseat of the car and use it to store your trash while you’re on the go.  Makes cleaning easier with nothing sticky left on your floor mats or carpets or tipping over on turns.

Today is the International Day of Forests! We’ll be covering some of the beautiful forests of Lake County Illinois as part of our participation. So, hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan because we’re going on a little adventure to get back in touch with nature! more Why should we care about forest preservation? In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly instituted the International Day of Forests as a way to honor and raise awareness globally for the importance of all varieties and types of forests. The International Day of Forest s is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating effects of industrial agriculture, logging, and mining efforts, and inform the general public about the importance of restoring forests, protecting the environment, and increasing our conservation efforts.  Since agriculture is an important part of our economy here in Illinois, we thought it especially pertinent to share this knowledge with our readers so we can all do our part to protect and replenish our environment. Forests and trees are important to the sustainability of our agricultural practices in Illinois. Our forests are an integral component in pollination, improving water quality, climate regulation, helping soil composition and preventing soil erosion, homes to native birds and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity and more!  Did you know that forestland only covers about 12% or so of our state, but houses more than 60% of native flora?  Additionally, forests are also a source of timber, which means they’re also a vital part of our state’s financial stability and commerce. As you can see, it’s imperative that we make sure to connect with our environment, support sustainable agricultural and environmental practices, and work towards a greener, cleaner future!  Visiting local forests is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature and reminds us to care better for our planet.  Let’s take a look at some of these incredible places to visit right here in our own backyards! Beautiful Lake County Area Forest Preserves to visit this year: Lake County Forest Preserves manage more than 31,000 acres of natural lands for conservation efforts, recreational purposes, and nature/agricultural education. Here are a few of those areas you can visit that also make great destinations for outdoor picnics and family get togethers: Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway makes its way through 12 different Lake County Forest Preserves. The Independence Grove Forest Preserve is 1,000+ acres of preserve with a 115 acres lake and 7 miles or so of trails. Ryerson Woods covers 552 acres of preserve forest land with just over 6 miles of trailers. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers beautiful access to the Lake Michigan Shoreline through numerous hiking trails that wind from forest to shoreline. Almond Marsh Preserve is over 100 acres of nature preserve residing insider the larger Liberty Prairie Reserve area and is prime time viewing for bird watching. Captain Daniel Wright Woods offers multiple trail options including a short loop trail, and a 3 mile trail, as well as a wheelchair accessible fishing pier with access to the 3-acre pond. Greenbelt Forest Preserve is right in our own backyard, nestled cozily between Waukegan and North Chicago.

We’re celebrating the slightly chilly Spring Equinox with some helpful maintenance reminders for all vehicle owners with this handy Checklist of To-Do’s for Spring cleaning! Check your vehicle’s light bulbs. Cold winter weather can take its toll on your lightbulbs and tail lights.  Do a quick once over on your car, and make sure that all of your car’s headlights and exterior lamps as well as interior lights are working properly at full brightness.  Properly working light bulbs and LEDs can increase your visibility during foggy, hazy weather and rain. Change your cabin filter. Springtime is notoriously bad for allergy sufferers, and the cabin air filter is a great way to clean the air and reduce pollen, mold, and other allergens in your car’s interior.  Consider adding a portable HEPA filter to your vehicle in the back seat or center console/cup holder to aid in filtering out allergens! Stop ignoring your dashboard lights. Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up and get a reading on all those blinking lights you keep trying to ignore.  Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your post-lockdown road trips with confidence. Give your car a thorough exterior car wash to remove salt and grime, and be sure to detail your vehicle’s interior. Make sure you have your car professionally cleaned to remove the winter muck and salt residue!  Next, be sure to get a good upholstery shampoo and vacuum on all of your car’s fabric, or bring it in to a local vehicle detailer.  If your car has a leather or leather-blend interior, it’s important to condition the fabric so it doesn’t crack or peel during hot weather months; consider applying a leather conditioner and protector to the surfaces.  Get into all the nooks and crannies to clear out the grit, grime, and gravel! Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Cold and freezing temperatures can cause the rubber and plastics to crack or split, thus weakening their ability to move properly.  Save yourself a lot of money and aggravation by ensuring all belts and hoses are replaced before they cause your vehicle to stall or your engine seizes. Pop open the hood and take a look inside and ensure that all of the belts, hoses, and connections are in tip-top shape. If you notice cracks or wear-and-tear, call for a service appointment to have them replaced. Top off your oil and do an oil change. Warm weather means lots of joy rides, so you may need an oil change sooner than you’d expect!  Make sure to book your regular oil change appointment, but also check with your service center to see if your vehicle needs a different higher temperature oil for the incoming warmer weather. Replace wiper blades and apply hydrophobic coating to your windshield. April Showers bring May Flowers, but it’s important to have clear visibility as you drive if you’d like to see the sights of springtime blooming around you! Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up. Don’t ignore your dashboard lights. Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your upcoming road trips with confidence. Clean and wash your pet’s seat protectors, crate, and other transport items. Bringing your pets on the road with you is always a fun time, but it’s important to remember they track in a lot of dirt, gravel, grime, and build-up too!  Giving their car seats, seat covers, and other car accessories a thorough vacuuming, washing, and sanitizing can help remove allergens from your vehicle, as well as preparing you for more fun hiking and treks with your pup!

In February, J.D. Power released the results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, revealing Toyota returned to the top of the corporate rankings with a composite score of 146 (PP100) with 16 of 17 eligible Lexus or Toyota models ranking in the Top 3 of their segments. more If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, stylish new car, we highly recommend a Toyota!  In fact, there’s never been a better time for Toyota, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Toyota ranked in one of the top three brands showing the greatest improvement over previous years owner-reported issues, and is the highest ranked brand in the mass market segment while Lexus ranks highest overall, and remains at the top of the premium brands segment. In February, J.D. Power released the results of the J.D. Power 2024 US Vehicle Dependability study, which revealed that 16 of 17 eligible Lexus or Toyota Models returned to the top of tha ranks. The brands received a total composite score of 146 (PP100), and ranked in the Top 3 of their segments! For Toyota, the winners included 4Runner in the MIdsize SUV category, Camry in the Midsize Car Category, Corolla in the Compact Car category, Tacoma in the Midsize Pickup category, and the Tundra in the Large Light Duty Pickup Category. As for Lexus, the brand received awards for Lexus ES as Midsize Premium Car, IS for Compact Premium Car, NX for Compact Premium SUV, and the RX for Midsize Premium SUV. The 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses collected from August through November 2023, and from more than 30,000 original purchasers and lessees of new 2021 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.

It’s Super Mario Day, a special occasion every year on March 10th celebrating the iconic Nintendo game character. Today, we’re going to highlight one of our favorites in the franchise, which should come as no surprise is the infamous Mario Kart! The first game, Super Mario Kart, was released in Japan and North America in 1992, with a subsequent release in 1993, and has been winning our hearts over ever since.  We’ve all got our favorite Mario Kart Racer, of course, as we’re sure you do, too, but we bet you didn’t know that it was the first game to feature other playable characters from the Mario franchise besides Luigi and Mario! more Here are some super fun facts about Mario Kart to impress your friends with at game night or on your next road trip! The idea for Mario Kart was inspired by a glitch during development for the Super Mario Brothers game. Project team members noticed an error where the Koopa Troopa shell bounced back and forth across the screen, inspiring the initial concept for a kart racing game! In its initial release, Mario Kart sold more than 8 million copies, but today they’ve outsold that number more than tenfold with over 100 million copies! Your advantages as a player will vary depending on which character you choose, as each of them have their own unique abilities and qualities that impact racing performance and playability! Waluigi made his character debut as Wario’s evil brother in Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. The iconic yellow turtle who counts the track laps with that infamous sign is named Lakitu, but that’s not his only gig! He’s also the owner of all the tracks in the game. That dastardly Blue Shell has more of a purpose than wreaking havoc on your peers (although, we certainly do enjoy that quality about it, too!)  Originally the blue shell was added to prevent gameplay performance issues by game devs who were concerned the game may lag if too many players were next to one another on the track at the same time.  It was intended to spread racers apart, but of course gamers took matters into their own hands, creating the infamous spiny nemesis! Adding up the console and mobile versions of Mario Kart, there are 170 original race track courses through the franchise, more than half of which can be seen in Mario Kart 8 (for a total of 96 tracks in the game!)

We love everything automotive themed, and sometimes that also includes toys and collectible versions.  It’s National Barbie Day, and we thought it would be the perfect time to explore the many different collectible cars our bold heroine has driven over the decades.   Our blonde-haired, pink clad, fashionista doll has hda some of the most iconic toy cars in history, and best of all they’re stylish, powerful, and entirely hers!  These are some of our favorites from her incredibly impressive garage collection. more Barbie’s First Car: Austin-Healey 3000 MkII, 1962 Barbie’s first car was certainly an iconic one, modeled after the British automaker. It arrived on the scene an exact replica of its real life counterpart: in a stunning peachy-pink color with a bright aqua interior, featured chrome rimmed white wall tires, chrome grill, and a sporty 2 seater model. It also came in less common colors such as blue and red, followed by a ballet shoe pink option late in the run, all of which are now pretty rare collectibles.  It was discontinued a few years later in favor of a more “All-American” vibe for the doll’s lifestyle and branding. Barbie’s Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 1962 The second car in Barbie’s fabulous garage was another 2-seater roadster, this time in an electric turquoise and orange.  Variations also exist in a powder blue and orange, turquoise and white, and powder blue and white combo. The Country Camper, 1970 The first of many home-on-the-road Barbie vehicles, this incredible camper had room for Barbie and several pals, a picnic setup, a pop-out tent with sleeping bags, and a camper kitchen!  It came in a sunshine yellow and vivid orange color scheme with the Barbie logo, bubbles, and a rainbow. The Star ‘Vette, 1976 The Corvette design has become synonymous with the Barbie aesthetic, with the first of many iterations appearing as a bright magenta and purple exterior and white interior 2-seater convertible (a red and white option was released in Europe).  It was outfitted with racing tires and shooting star emblems on the hood and doors. Western Horse Trailer and Off-Road Vehicle, 1981 Barbie was living her best Western ranch life with an off-road vehicle capable of towing her show horses to and from the rodeo!  Emblazoned with a western motif of the Barbie logo, it featured towing rope, thick tires, and came with a stable mucking kit. The Ferrari 328 GTS, 1987 This stylish car hit the streets of Barbieland in a candy-apple red hue, black trim, and later a white with black trim option. The commercials played up the car’s sporty appeal and head-turning scarlet paint job announcing it was a “red-hot” ride. Animal Care Safari Jeep, 1987 This open-air safari vehicle was outfitted with bright pink trim, bright pink frame, and bright pink tires, and featured a zebra motif on the hood and body.  It was also one of the few Barbie vehicles to use the actual “Jeep” name in the branding.  It featured a friction operated motor, no batteries required! ‘57 Chevy Bel Air Convertible, 1988 This throwback retro styled convertible was available in pink or turquoise options with chrome rims, chrome detailing and hood ornaments, and chrome grille. It also had a trunk that opened and closed, and fit 3 other passenger dolls in addition to Barbie in the driver’s seat. Porsche 911 Cabriolet, 1991 Barbie’s newest sportscar featured real working headlights and was available in an eye-catching neon magenta hue with a white interior and custom Barbie license plate. Barbie Volkswagon Beetles, 2000s Barbie’s gearhead garage expanded in the 2000s with several color options of VW Beetle including red, yellow, blue, and of course: pink!  They featured the trademark bubble retro design, and also included Barbie sized seatbelts. Cali Girl Chevrolet SSR, 2004 This Chevy pickup was available in a lemon yellow or a deep blue, and came outfitted with a real CD player in the trunk space. It featured a convertible 2 seater interior design and a see-through trunk.

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the 69th Annual 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Chicago, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion!  The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact.  We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog. more This year’s theme is “Mental Health is Essential'', and the guest of honor is none other than Mr. Patrick Kennedy, who served as a congressman from 1995 through 2011, and has been one of the leading voices in supporting mental health and addiction treatment access and awareness. The parade theme highlights the work of The Kennedy Forum and also commemorates the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA or Parity Act), requiring health insurance carriers to ensure coverage parity between Mental Health and Substance Use disorders and medical/surgical benefits; it was the signature achievement of Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s 16 years of work in Congress. The focus of 2024’s theme is to highlight that everyone’s mental health is critical and vital part of their overall health and wellbeing!  The theme will guide the achievement of The Kennedy Forum’s national 90/90/90 goal: By 2033, 90% of all individuals will be screened for mental health and substance use disorders, 90% of those screened will be able to receive evidence based treatment, and 90% of those receiving treatment will be able to manage symptoms in recovery.  If you’d like to help support the cause and learn more, visit www.thekennedyforum.org The grand marshall of this year’s parade is Peter O’Brien, Sr., President and CEO of MADO Management.He was born and raised right here in Chicago to a family of Irish roots, and he has become a community and civic leader as well as national advocate for mental health and substance use treatment equity.  His company, MADO, is named in honor of his parents Mary and Dan O’Brien. This year’s Parade Queen, Grace, was chosen by a panel of judges and she will be making her 2024 Parade debut! You can catch the parade on Saturday, March 16th starting at 12:15PM, with a live broadcast on ABC 7 Chicago. It will also be live streamed on ABC7CHICAGO.com and the ABC 7 News App. If you’d like to catch the river dyeing, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM. And the best views are from Upper Wacker Drive between Columbus and Fairbanks.  Please note, businesses along the Riverwalk will be closed on Parade Day, and the stairwells leading to the lower riverwalk will be closed. Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to the high volume of visitors and parade viewers, and multiple street closures; CTA train stations in the Loop are walking distance from the parade procession route. he parade will kick off at Grant Park before marching its way North on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, so make sure you arrive early to get a prime spot!  Entry to the parade route begins at 10AM and will only be allowed at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells. The main Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain, and this is where dancers and bands will pause to wave to attendees, so you’ll want to arrive early to secure the best spot.  Grandstand VIP Seating is $65/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grandstand will open at 10:30AM.  March 15th at 8AM is the last day to purchase tickets no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry. Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed. The Northwest Side Irish Parade will be taking place on March 17th 2024 at 12PM starting between Northwest HWY and Raven.  Parade participants will arrive at 10AM, and the parade will kick-off at 12PM for bystanders and onlookers.  Check out their Facebook Page for more information. The Southsiide Irish Parade will be on March 17th starting at 12PM and will kick off at 103rd and Western Avenue, and march south to 115th and Western.  The parade is approximately two hours long, and full event details, including events before and after, can be viewed on their website. May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group!

Today is National Safety Day, and we thought it would be a great idea to share some descriptions of different car safety features on the market today.  We understand that buying and shopping or cars is not part of our customer’s daily lives, and not everyone is as familiar with the terminology and lingo of the field!  We hope our guide will help you learn more about these important tech and safety features so you can get the most out of your vehicle. more What’s the difference between passive and active safety features? Passive Safety Features are features such as seat belts, airbags, side-impact beams, head restraints to prevent neck injuries, shatterproof glass,  Anti-lock Braking systems, crumple zones, and park assist. Active Safety Features include systems such as, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, headlight aiming systems, driver monitoring/driver drowsiness detection, blind spot detection, Lane Keep assist/Lane Departure warnings, tire pressure monitoring systems, etc. Here are four of the latest top safety features to consider when shopping for a new vehicle: Forward Collision Warning - This safety feature helps monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you by utilizing sensors, cameras, and radar systems.  Your vehicle will use this data to help warn of impending events with visual and auditory cues to alert you, giving you extra time to react and avoid an accident. Rear Parking Sensors/Camera - Avoid unnecessary dings and dents from bumping curbs and signs, and keep an extra eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles with the use of rear cameras.  The sensor system will help you back into and out of confined spaces with ease, alerting you to any potential danger or collision with audible alerts and visuals on the infotainment center. Most rear sensors also have an optional parking guide with lines and arrows designed to help you line up the spot properly. Driver Attention/Driver Alert Warning systems - Being always on the go from work to school to activities, it’s no surprise that we’re all a little worn out by the end of the day.  Avoid collisions due to exhaustion and falling asleep behind the wheel thanks to this specialized system.  Having this Driver Attention System in place can help monitor your concentration level and steering wheel use, and lets you know when you need to refocus or pull over and take a short rest.  If you need a break please take one; this system alert can provide with that much needed reminder that distracted driving is a real safety concern! Pedestrian Detection Systems - The advanced driver assistance system uses built-in sensors, cameras, and AI technology ato identify the presence of pedestrians around and behind your vehicle. It detects human movements, and some versions of the system may even apply the brakes if the driver does not respond quickly to the alert. It acts as an additional set of eyes and alerts the driver or may automatically apply the brakes when a pedestrian is in the path of the vehicle at speeds of 25mph+.

Spring is just around the corner, and we’re so excited!  This month we’re celebrating with some fun events for an enjoyable and exciting Spring Break, jampacked with day trips, weekends events, and plenty of fun in the fresh air.  If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids and have some family togetherness, we’ve also got a lot of fantastic options for you, too! more On March 5th, the Lake Forest Public Library in Lake Forest is hosting a beautiful workshop with Nancy Swanson from Northshore Music Therapy and invites you to “Explore Music Therapy” from 7PM to 8PM. On March 5th at The Board Room in Libertyville, enjoy a St Patricks’ Day Savory Charceuterie Class starting at 7PM! Usher in Spring with a fabulous “Paint Night” at North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks on Wednesday March 6th from 7PM to 9PM as you create your own work of art with handcrafted cocktails. Class led by artist Brooke Dahmen and we’ll be painting some beautiful blossoms together! Get in the competitive spirit on Thursday March 7th for a fun night of games and trivia at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville! Test your knowledge in local facts, history, and paleontology for Family Trivia night starting from 6PM to 7PM. If trivia night has you itching to play more games, join in the fun for Family Game Night at Deerfield Park District in Deerfield on Friday March 8th! Admission prices include games and snacks. On March 8th at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan, celebrate Women’s History Month with a special Art Exhibition Showcase for Women's International Celebration with Dandelion Gallery! The event takes place from 5:30PM to 8:30PM Calling all dog lovers! On March 9th from 10AM to 11Am at the Lake Forest Public Library, stop in and enjoy a presentation and meet a real life therapy dog visiting from Paws for Patrick, a nonprofit supporting young folks by connecting them with ESAs and therapy dogs! Saturday MArch 9th and Sunday March 10th at the Lake Coutny Fairgroudns and Event Center in Grayslake the annual Grayslake Antique and Flea Market comes to town! Featuring vintage clothing, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, and other incredible collectibles and retro finds.  Hours are 9AM to 4PM on Saturday and 9AM to 3PM on Sunday. Rivalry Alehouse in Antioch is hosting “Barbie’s Birthday Bash” on Saturday March 9th from 11AM to 3PM in Downtown Antioch! The whole town will be participating with fun Barbie themed activities. The first 100 people to register will also receive a special Keepsake Barbie Bag! Celebrate the St Paddy’s day excitement with your family for “Leaping Leprechauns” at the Grayslake Park District in Grayslake from 5:30PM to 8PM. There will be pizza, crafting, dancing and merriment, and even a hunt for leprechaun gold.  This is a drop-off class, so parents can send the kiddos and have a little R&R. On Saturday March 16th, the Vine Martini and Wine Bar in Grayslake is hosting a special “Mom and Me” class! Each ticket bundle has 1 adult ticket and 1 child ticket, a cookie kit for each of you, a special drink, and a surprise. This special “Decorate Cookies: Taylor’s Version” is the perfect event for Swifties! On Saturday MArch 16th from 5PM to 9PM the Art Wauk in Waukegan is back!  Enjoy special events and showings all around downtown Waukegan in the Arts and Entertainment district. Now through April 28th, the Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee is hosting a spectacular family friendly “Spring Breakout” event with yoga, arts and crafts, games, and dance parties. Now through March 30th at the Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire, you and your family will be able to enjoy a whimsical world of fantasy with Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” feature a Tony Award nominated musical score and lyrics!

Today we’re celebrating Today we’re not only celebrating women’s history month but also Read Across America Day with a wonderful selection of wanderlust inspired books.  These four fabulous travel and road trip themed books penned by women authors will have you riveted.  So load up your kindle and stack up your Audible wishlist because these book are here to inspire your own bucket list travel goals more Living the Vanlife: On the road toward sustainability, community, and joy written by Noami Grevemberg This non-fiction book chronicles Noami’s years living life fulltime on the road and evolving from corporate office life to one of simplicity and eco-conscious choices.  Her journey began in 2016, and she takes us along on a thoughtful and inclusive look at this increasingly popular lifestyle!  Exploring what it means to live life on the road as a BIPOC, Noami’s identity as a Trinidadian immigrant offers a different perspective than most.  Learn the ins-and-outs of budgeting for vanlife, finding alternate employment, keeping yourself safe, and even converting a van to fit your needs and wants. It’s packed full of color photographs that will captivate and inspire you! Mothertrucker: Finding Joy on the Loneliest Road in America written by Amy Butcher This true story is bittersweet but inspiring, exploring what it means to love again after loss and grief, test the bonds of friendship, search for personal fulfillment, and find your inner strength.  After reaching the limits of her emotionally turbulent home life, Amy contacted Joy “Mothertrucker” Wiebe , an instagram famous 50 year old mother, wife, and the country’s only female ice road trucker!  Joy responded by inviting Amy to join her on this profoundly life changing 400+ mile journey through the Alaskan Wilderness.  Between these pages you’ll find stories that led them to their unexpected friendship, explore the reality of living with domestic violence, the challenges of being a woman, and the beauty of female friendships. It’s a truly compelling read like nothing else! A Trip of One’s Own: Hope, Heartbreak, and Why Traveling Solo Could Change Your Life written by Kate Wills Travel Writer Kate Wills has penned a captivating and compelling memoir about hope, healing, and self-discovery as she makes her way solo across the world.  From thrills, chills, and vulnerable personal moments, you’ll grow along with Kate as she experiences the world on her own terms.  Filled with personal stories as well as amazing tips for solo travel, this is a fascinating read that will give you the itch to hop on a plane and try something new! From Excuses to Excursions: How I started Traveling the World written by Gloria Atanmo Broken up into four parts The Dream, The Journey, The Adventure, and The Destination), each of these curious titles encapsulates a different part of Gloria’s personal journey. If you’ve been wanting to travel, but are waiting for the “perfect moment”, let this book be the nudge you need to step out of your comfort zone and become the globetrotter you’re meant to be.  With inspiring and insightful stories, tips, and essential knowledge for successful and fulfilling travel, Gloria will take you along from her girlhood dreams to fruition as a world traveler.  There’s plenty of humor, wit, and wisdom in these pages and engaging glimpses into her own mind and soul.  Don’t miss this one!

It’s National Minnesota day, and we thought we’d bring you another fun road trip guide to celebrate the occasion. From waterfalls and state parks to zoos and museums, we’ve got some great destinations to add to your next itinerary! more The state has a plethora of fantastic Scenic Byways to explore if you’re looking to do some joyriding and enjoy a scenic tour of the state.  Scenic byways are public roads and highways that provide a unique roadside view to scenic areas, natural landscapes, and other areas of cultural and historical significance.  There are more than 2,900 miles worth of incredible scenic byways throughout the state, so there’s plenty of opportunity to add a few to your next drive! Let’s check it out four incredible byways to get you started: Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is the road you’ll want to take if you’re short on time, but want to make sure to see a little bit of everything Minnesota has to offer!  You’ll find plenty of spectacular scenic views and vista points, perfect for snapping a family photo or having a little picnic. There are lots of stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and other outdoor recreational activities.  Explore the Chain of Lakes, featuring Nokomis, Harriet, Maka Ska, and Lake of the Isles. Walk along the downtown riverfront area along the Mississippi River.  Explore spectacular botanical gardens like the wildflower garden at Theodore Wirth Park and a Rose Garden at Lake Harriet. Observe some beautiful artwork at the Weisman Art Museum or Minneapolis Institute of the Arts or the Minneapolis Sculpture garden. Catch a show or a performance at Orchestra Hall or the Guthrie Theatre!  Plus, numerous historic sites, shops, stores to peruse, and plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway is a 220 mile route winding through stunning lakes, majestic woods, and sprawling farmlands.  As the massive glaciers that once covered this area began to melt away, they left behind a series of sparkling lakes dotting the hills and ridges of central Minnesota.  This route also winds through three different state parks: Sibley, Monsoon, and Glacial Lake, perfect for a nature lover’s day trip with lots of hiking, birding, wildlife spotting, and even fishing. Otter Trail Scenic Byway features over 1,000 glistening lakes along ,impressive wetlands chock full of local wildlife, scenic trails for hiking and biking, historic sites and roadside sculpture attractions.  The area is also a prime spot for outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, boating and watersports, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and more. It’s a wonderful year-round destination! Lake Country Scenic Byway encompasses 88 miles of scenic drive connecting Walker, Park Rapids, and Detroit Lakes, as well as a segment of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail.  This region is one of the area’s top spots for birding, with Itasca and the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge being two places of note.  There are numerous lakes offering plenty of hiking, biking, camping, and lakeside resort stays.  If you’re interested in exploring local arts and culture, there are numerous art galleries and historic sites. There are more than 20 incredible byways located all around and across the state, and we encourage you to explore each of them and experience a wide variety of opportunities to experience the state in a new light. Here’s a full list of Minnesota’s byways so you can plot out your next road trip to include one or more! If you want to add some unique and unexpected experiences to your memory books, you’ll love these four suggestions on our list of wild, weird, and strange places to explore in Minnesota. The Runestone Museum is located in downtown Alexandria, and it houses an impressive collection of both Nordic and Native American artifacts and exhibits, and gives visitors a chance to learn about the local history of the area as well as explore its wildlife and environment.  Be sure to check out the mysterious Kensington Runestone while you’re there.  They also have a family friendly Scavenger Hunt that’s sure to please everyone in your travel party. The Spam Museum is located in Austin and worth a stop especially since it’s a $0 admission destination! This quirky little roadside museum features the world-famous canned pre-cooked meat product, chronicling its history and exploring its culinary significance around the globe.  You’ll find an extensive collection of pork products, try your hand at the mock assembly line, or pose for some goofy photos.  It’s a silly but worthwhile stop on your next trip through the area. The Franconia Sculpture Park features 100 sculptures in its rotating collection spread across 50 sprawling acres, and is home to a rotating cast of residency artists.  Each year the sculpture park hosts numerous public and educational events and special arts programming. Open from 8Am to 8PM daily, it’s free and open to the public, making it a wonderful place for budget friendly vacation fun.  This everchanging exhibit of large scale artwork blends into the landscape and each piece looks uniquely fresh in its environment depending on the weather and the seasons, making it a great place to return to again and again for a fresh new experience each time! House of Balls is sure to bring the giggles with its eccentric exhibits designed to be touched and interacted with!  The inventive exhibit has no set hours, making it a perfect plot on your map to stop whenever you need a break on your travel schedule.  These whimsical pieces are created with the hopes that visitors will tap into their sense of wonder, play, and imagination.  Artist and sculptor Allen Christian has been working on his vision since the late 1980s, and his pieces explore the connection between humans and the inanimate world around them.  Most of the materials in the sculptures are sourced from found objects, and created in the image of the human figure.  A visit to the House of Balls will undoubtedly leave you feeling creative, curious, and cheerful! If you’re craving some time in the great outdoors so you can get back in touch with nature, here are four fantastic spaces to explore and get back to your roots with green grass, tall trees, and beautiful botanicals. The Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area boasts more than 1,200 miles of majestic canoe routes, over 12 different hiking trails, and over 2,000 different campsite areas.  It’s considered one of America’s most beautiful and remote places, and it’s easy to see why. With more than one million rugged acres of wilderness and nature trails, it’ll take your breath away!  Take a trek through the pristine forest regions, paddle across the glacial lakes, wade through the sparkling streams, and bask in the fresh air and sunshine of the Superior National Forest. It’s unparalleled beauty and natural wonder. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200 acre curated horticultural garden and arboreum established by the University of Minnesota.  Enjoy seasonal demonstrations such as the Maple Fest where more than 350 trees are tapped for sap to make syrup.  Attend the annual Spring Flower Show and view some spectacular species of plants and flowers.  Check out what’s blooming in the weekly Garden Highlights section to find out what to look forward to on your visit with each seasonal change. Check out the local artist panels and works inspired by nature such as the “Mosaics and Mirrors Artist Talk”. Learn about local plants and wildflowers with a walk through the garden, and stop in for some light reading about gardening and horticulture at the Andersen Horticultural Library. Niagara Cave is a local wonder offering visitors a chance to hike below the earth’s surface, as well as getting up close and personal with some pretty impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural wonders.  The natural limestone cave is around 200 feet below ground, and houses impressive formations such as the Elephant’s Head and the Wishing Well!  There’s also a magnificent 60 foot underground waterfall that can’t be missed. Book a Guided Cave tour, learn about the history of the Vikre family, and explore what it’s like to live as a professional geologist.  It’s a must-see natural park area, and it’s in the Top Ten highly rated caves in the US! Gooseberry Falls is one of the top waterfalls in the state, and worthy of a visit no matter the season.  In the autumn, the area looks like an artist’s paint palette with vivid ruby reds, burnt oranges, sunshine yellows, and mossy greens.  In the winter, the falls freeze over and the area becomes a veritable winter wonderland and ice palace.  In the spring, the waterfalls are at their strongest as the ice and snow melt and feed the rushing waters. In the summer, the area is a verdant paradise of lush greenery and wildlife.  You absolutely have to add this to your road trip bucket list!

We love to explore all there is to see right here in our own backyard in Lake County, but there’s something special about breaking outside our comfort zone and checking off new places on our bucket list!  Pack up your pals and all your best flannels, because we’re heading to the west coast on this latest travel guide.  Today, we’re celebrating “Twin Peaks Day” with the ultimate road trip inspiration itinerary to check out all of the mysterious and mind-bending places in David Lynch’s iconic television series. more Big Ed’s Gas Farm - Issaquah, WA This gas station’s pumps were removed right after filming the pilot episode, so the majority of Big Ed’s scenes were filmed in California.  It’s now a New Age crystal shop, but you can still stop by and check off an iconic stop on your list and snap a few pictures, and maybe buy something mysterious inside to commemorate the visit! Laura Palmer’s Crime Scene Beach - Poulsbo, WA This infamous scene was filmed at the Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo. You can stop by and see  the foggy, misty shoreline and the giant log is still there on the pebble beach.  Just be sure to have some patience and wait your turn for photos, as this is also a popular hot spot for locals to snag some wedding portraits! Twin Peaks Road House Bar - Fall City, WA This local family-friendly roadhouse was used in exterior shots as the Twin Peaks roadhouse biker bar.  No interior shots were used here, as those were filmed at another location in Seattle, but you’ll have plenty of time to stop here for a few posed photos and grab a quick bite before heading off to your next stop! Snoqualmie Falls - Snoqualmie, WA Featured in the opening credits, this misty, mysterious waterfall appears to be secluded in a remote location, but in reality these falls are a hot stop for nature enthusiasts!  It’s one of the most-visited attractions in the state ,so we recommend you head there early in the day to beat the crowds and get your best memory-book snapshots! (Pack your ponchos and waterproof camera gear, because thai 270 foot waterfall is very strong and the observation areas are very wet and misty.) It’s adjacent to the Salish Lodge and Spa, making it a very convenient overnight stay location! The Great Northern Hotel - Fall City, WA The infamous interior scenes of The Great Northern Hotel were actually filmed at the Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo and on a soundstage in LA, but the closet thing for fans to check out is Salish Lodge and Spa!  There’s a wonderful gift shop filled wall to wall with fun Twin Peaks ephemera and goodies, and you can book a stay in their woodsy lodge style rooms that look straight like you leapt right into the TV screen! Twin Peaks High School - Snoqualmie, WA Mount Si High School doubled as the fictional school for Audrey, Laura, Shelly, and Donna in the television series, but was recently demolished.  If you’re looking for the location used in the corresponding movie, “Fire Walk With Me”, you’ll want to head over to Snohomish High School in Snohomish, WA instead. The Iconic Entry Road/Sign to Twin Peaks - Snoqualmie, WA Those establishing shots of Cooper driving into town are seared into our memories!  The iconic “Welcome to Twin Peaks” population sign is no longer on the side of the road here, but fans will have no trouble recognizing that iconic winding, misty road with the stunning Cascade mountain range in the background.  It’s none other than local street Reinig Road.  If you’d like to add your own sign back into the photo, you can stop by the original sign filming location about 1 or 2 miles east of Ronette’s Bridge and Sparkwood and 21 on Reinig Road. The Double R Diner - North Bend, WA This real life location for the infamous diner is actual called Twede’s Cafe!  When you enter the cafe you’ll find familiar signs and decor hinting at it’s double life moonlighting as the Double R Diner in the series!  And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest you order yourself a “damn fine cup of hot coffee, black as midnight on a moonless night” with a side of their delicious cherry pie.  It’s a must-see on your fandom road trip! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the return of The Real Twin Peaks Festival in Snoqualmie Valley, WA! Rumors have it that it’ll be back in late 2024/early 2025!