Blog

With winter forecasts bringing snow to our area over the next few weeks, we thought we’d share some fun activities to enjoy in the Kenosha, WI area, just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from our Waukegan dealership.  It’s a great time to get outdoors, take in the crisp winter air, and enjoy those snowdays from work and school, or even a weekend away having fun with family and friends. more Winter Fun in Kenosha The Snow Daze Festival in January This year’s annual Snow Daze Festival is coming back to town on January 27th at Veterans Memorial Park and throughout the downtown area beginning at 12PM.  This amazing festival gives visitors a chance to check out an ice carving demo from 1PM to 3PM in the park from professional ice sculpture artists Art Below Zero of Franksville. They’ll be creating a truly one-of-a-kind work of art just for the event!  There will also be unique ice sculptures on display both in the park and throughout Downtown Kenosha from 12PM on.  You can find the full list of sculpture locations here so you don’t miss a single one of these amazing creations!  Festivalgoers will also be able to partake in free ice skating in the park, and special deals and discounts around town from shops and businesses.  And make sure to come hungry, because there’s a fantastic Snow Daze Pizza Brunch serving up specialty breakfast and lunch pizzas with mimosas. Ice Fishing (Weather and Ice Permitting) If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, we recommend ; a day full of fun on the lakes with a little ice fishing! Top spots to visit include Silver Lake, Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth aka the “Twin Lakes”, Powers Lake, The Fox River, and along Lake Michigan’s shores. If you’re just trying it out, you can apply for a special “one-day fishing license”.  And remember, the third full weekend in January is a “Free Fishing Weekend” – don’t miss out on that, because the next one isn’t until June!  Remember to check the ice reports with the WI DNR and refresh yourself on some ice safety tips. Snow Tubing and Sledding (Weather Permitting) There’s nothing like making memories together with the family and your friends with a day of good old-fashioned fun like sledding! There are give great parks to enjoy downhill sled rides and good clean snowy fun: Alford Park, Fox River Park, Petrifying Springs Park, and Washington Park. If you don’t want to wait for the perfect weather day, we recommend hitting the slopes at Wilmot Mountain for some adrenaline pumping snow-tubing fun. Plus, they make their own snow if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate! Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing (Weather Permitting) If you find yourself missing those warm weather hikes, you might want to get out and enjoy a fresh new perspective on trail walks in winter.  Whether you opt for snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing, you’ll certainly get quite the workout as well as breathtaking views of the woodlands and forests. These two activities can be enjoyed at numerous parks, trails and wildlife preserves in the Kenosha area including: Bristol Woods Park, Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, New Munster Wildlife Area, and more! Kenosha Restaurant Week in February and Early March While it’s a little ways off, you’ll also want to bookmark February 24th through March 3rd to enjoy Kenosha’s Annual Restaurant Week!  This nine-day event celebrates the incredible locally owned and operated independent restaurants, pubs, food shops, and cozy eateries in the area. You’ll be able to check out special dishes and special price menus just for the occasion!  The official list of restaurants participating is expected to be posted at the end of January!  If you’re worried about reservations, you can check the restaurant week page for updates, as well as the venue’s individual social media pages.

Continuing our posts for National Dog Training Month, we thought it would be fun to highlight some of the great snowy trails you can visit in Illinois with your furry best friend by your side!   Why leave your trusty sidekick at home when they could be having the time of their life running through the fresh powder, exploring the trails, and catching snowballs?  Check out our picks for winter destinations in WI and IL where you can have fun with your pets and enjoy things like snowshoeing, skijoring, and more. more Did you know that dog sledding and skijoring are allowed on non-designated cross-country trails and off-trail areas (so long as dogs are permitted on property) in Wisconsin? Here are some great places to visit if you’d like to enjoy winter sports with your pup! Justin Trails Resort in Sparta, WI - This dog friendly area has more than 200 acres of open areas and forests just rife with adventure opportunities.  You and your pup can enjoy camping on-site, or opt for a more cozy stay in a cabin, and accommodations can be made for up to 3 pets (for a small fee per night.)  This is a great location to enjoy skijoring or snowshoeing with your pet for some tandem snowy fun!  There are also plenty of options for snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing as well, and for the kids (and kid at heart!) there are sledding hills and tubing hills, too. Indian Lake County Park in Cross Plains, WI - This park has a beautiful 442 acre lake with a winding trail around it that leads to an incredible historic chapel from 1857.  If you’d like to go cross country skiing or snowshoeing, this is the place to be. If you’re looking for ski-joring, seek out trails marked pet friendly and ones that aren’t specifically groomed for x-country skiers.  You’ll find plenty of opportunities to take photos of your pooch enjoying the snowy conditions at any of the scenic vista points along the way.  There’s also a designated pet-friendly exercise area on site next to the small boat launch on the west side of the lake. Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls, WI - Although the area does not boast any official skijoring trails, the area has plenty of multi-use trails to choose from. Please bear in mind that some areas may be off limits to your pet, so always check the signage and keep them on leash as directed by Wisconsin State Park rules.  The Winter Recreation Trails are open for snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and pet friendly activities like walks, trail running, and skijoring; note that the Skyline Trail does prohibit pets when it’s been groomed.  The area is open to camping in tents, trailers, and RVs if you’d like to take a longer a pet-friendly vacation together. While you may be new to the concept of skijoring, it’s been growing in popularity as a sport in the Midwest!  In fact there are several skijoring competitions happening each year specifically in Wisconsin.  You may want to check out the Barkie Birkie in Hayward event, the Three Bear Sled Dog Race in Land O’ Lakes, Willow Springs Round Barn Sled Dog Race in Wausau. Pretty cool, right? Check out more information on Midwest Skijoring and Sled Racing here. Looking for something local? You’ll find lots of Skijoring and Sledding and winter dog sport opportunities right here in Illinois! We bet you didn’t know that the Waukegan Savanna is a ski-joring and dog sledding hot spot!  If you and your pup still haven’t had enough adventure for the day, there’s an incredible 11-acre off-leash dog park that’s perfect for snowy weather fun like snowball fetch, snowy running, and frosty socials with fuzzy pals. The Blackwell Forest Preserve is another wonderful area, especially if you’re just starting out with your skijoring and dog-in-tow snowshoeing pastime.  The trails are perfect for beginners and intermediate snowshoers, but if your dog hasn’t had enough physical activity you can make a stop at the off-leash dog area on site. For those seeking adrenaline and adventure, you’re also welcome to seek out the dog-sledding trails, too. Looking to join the fun on a regular basis and explore dog sports year round? The Windy City Mushers Club in Chicago is a great place to start!   If you’re looking for like minded dog owners who enjoy dogsledding, bikejoring, skijoring, and more, this group will point you in the right direction.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable vacation this winter, we’ve got the perfect place for you to explore.  As far as winter wonderlands go, there’s simply no better than Apostle Islands Ice Caves in Wisconsin as a seasonal stop!  The islands are always a popular destination for summer, but we daresay winter makes them even more special. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a smartphone shooter, a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual tourist, you’ll find nothing short of sheer beauty at this destination.  When the temperatures drop, the lake freezes over and the snow glistens on the surface, the caves overflow with the most magnificent icicles and ice formations, turning the Islands and caves into one of Wisconsin’s most breathtaking and magnificent landmarks. more What to Do at Apostle Islands in Winter With 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coast, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an ever popular warm weather destination, but that’s not all it has to offer! In fact, during the winter the area transforms into a magical kingdom of ice caves, glowing lighthouses, and quiet coastal towns to explore, dine, and enjoy! Outdoor excursions in the area include snowmobiling, winter hikes, and snowshoeing. The Apostle Island region and Bayfield County are home to more than 600 miles of snowmobile trails and incredible winter landscapes. With that many trails to choose from, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself whether ti’s your first time or your hundredth time on a snowmobile. As for hiking, seasoned enthusiasts will want to don best winter boots and explore the challenging 10 mile snowy hike around Lakeside Trail, which offers unparalleled views of the glistening ice and snowscapes as well as ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.  You’ll explore woodland areas, snowy beaches and shoreline, and breathtaking cliffside views.  It also offers a unique perspective on the ice caves from above! The bravest of the brave who don’t fear the frigid temps of Lake Superior in winter may even dare to try some late winter season surfing if they’re up for the challenge.  If the lake is frozen solid, extreme enthusiasts may alternatively wish to check out some of the campsite options on Madeline Island for a winter weather campout. For the slightly less adventurous but those who don’t mind sitting in the cold, an intermediate activity to partake in would be Ice Watching from the shoreline.  Tourists to the area report seeing amazing natural ice formations such as stacks, ice shelves, sparkling icicles, ice sheets, and more! Sometimes, you may even feel or observe the water moving beneath your feet in the areas where it’s thick enough and safe to walk across. Ice Fishing at the Apostle Islands is another lower stress local favorite activity to get in touch with nature and add a little excitement! History buffs will enjoy taking in some of the local lighthouses in the area with some of them opening for limited winter time hours for up close tours.  Otherwise, they make wonderful backdrop scenery during your local walking, hiking, and snowmobiling tours. But by and large, the best thing to experience in the area would be a tour of the Ice Caves of Apostle Islands. With the ever changing natural landscape and the dynamics of winter weather changing by the hour, the caves are never the same twice, even from one day to the next!  These incredible tours are only accessible by hiking across the thick frozen ice of Lake Superior, which is an adventure in and of itself with more than one mile of trekking across the spectacular surface to the caves across crystal clear, glass-like icy surface.  Late January and into February is the prime time to visit the caves, as the ice begins to start showing signs of thaw in March.  But in prime season, weather permitting, you can book any number of guided tours to various sections of the Ice Caves (sleds are encouraged if you’re bringing little ones who may be a little fatigued by the trek or the cold) Note: Be sure to check the weather reports before you set out, as this touring option requires optimal weather conditions to access by foot. The Ice caves are not always possible to visit every year as a result of changing weather patterns.

Did you know it’s National Train Your Dog Month? Here at Classic, we love being able to take our furry friends with  us on our road trips and vacations.  Before we hit the road, we practice acclimating them to the car, so they’ll be comfortable, happy, and calm on the journey.  We also make sure to secure our pets to reduce and eliminate distracted driving, as well as keep them safe in the event of an unavoidable accident.  On today’s blog, we’re going to share our favorite tips to acclimating your dog to being your road trip sidekick, and some suggestions for gear to keep ‘em comfy and belted safely. Check it out! more Need help showing your pup how to passeng safely? We’ve got some basic suggestions to get started on that journey. Introduce your pup to safety restraints, crates, and other car ride harnesses while indoors, and always while reinforcing positive experiences such as treats, praise, playing with their favorite toys, and physical affection (if your dog appreciates that!)  Your job here is to associate the safety gear with a happy, wonderful, enjoyable experience ahead of time so that when you’re ready to get on the road, they’re excited to use it! If your pet has never ridden in a car before or has a bit of nervousness, it’s a great idea to spend some time making sure to  associate the car with a positive experience. Some of the ways you can do this are by offering chaperoned and leashed socialization in and around your vehicle, making  a game out of loading in and out of the vehicle, and sitting inside quietly for very short durations. Once your pet is used to that, you can practice slowly driving in and out of your parking space or driveway, and increasing the distance and duration of travel time. Giving your pets a pet-friendly, safe area away from other passengers and the drivers can prevent distractions as well as make your pets feel safer and more secure.  Use a crate to keep them safe and sound, a grate between the front and back seat or cargo areas. Avoid driving situations where your pet is in your arms on your lap and unrestrained. If you’re not opting for a sectioned gate or a crate, secure your fuzzy pal with a seatbelt harness, appropriately sized pet car seat, and/or attach their harness into a special seatbelt attachment with shock absorber. Crack the windows no more than a few inches, making sure your pup cannot get any paws, their nose, or any other body part out the window.  Just enough for some fresh air! Have a friend or family member that your dog is comfortable with sit in the back seat alongside your pal to help them remain calm and seated or lying down. Get them a special elevated doggy car seat so they’re positioned up higher with a view of the outside that can help them see outside and acclimate their equilibrium a bit better. Open the windows just a pinch to circulate some fresh air and help them breathe more evenly.  The windows should not be open enough for your dog to get their head or body outside the vehicle. Note: We’re just very enthusiastic dog lovers, not canine professionals.  Please remember, these are just suggestions, but should not be taken as professional advice or replace instructions or routines given for training by a professional.   You may wish to consider hiring a certified, credentialed trainer or behaviorist to assist you further. Want to keep your pet pals safe and secure in the car? Here’s some great options for pet friendly restraint systems: Ruffwear’s Load Up Car Harness was created specifically with your dog’s safety in mind during collision and related road incidents.  The design includes strength-rated hardware, premium webbing fabric, and durable materials and padding to create a very secure, strong restraint for comfortable extended wear.  It was thoroughly researched and crash tested to provide comfort and safety for your pup, and its easy on/off attachment system was designed with convenience in mind for you. Kurgo’s Car Safety Harnesses are offered in two styles and sizes. The lower priced option is the Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness, and the higher price point option is the Impact Dog Car Harness.  The Tru-Fit harness was crash tested for dogs up to 75lbs, and features a 10” seatbelt tether with steel carabiner, can be used as an every day harness, features leash attachments on the back and front, and utilizes steel nested buckles and hardware with a padded chest plate. The Impact harness was constructed from a singular piece of webbing, features all steel hardware, a leash attachment on the back of the harness, and fully integrates with your vehicle’s seatbelt systems. The Carrotez Bungee Leash Extension offers shock absorption to reduce stress and injury from walking, running, and other impact related force.  The trigger snap carabiner attaches to your dog’s collar or harness securely, and the D-ring attaches to your seatbelt, leash, or harness to provide additional support.  It can also act as a small traffic handle to help stabilize your pup as they load in and out of the vehicle or for direction on walks. Paw Brands offers a variety of colors, materials, and sizes for dog-friendly car seats. Adding a plush, soft sided car seat may provide a calming environment for your dog, reducing their anxiety and/or discouraging physical movement while the vehicle is in motion.  This brand may be pricier entry to the pet car seat category, but has frequently offered promotions and sales for both holidays and seasonally.

Just because winter weather has arrived doesn’t mean you have to forgo enjoyment of the Great Outdoors!  Today we’re sharing some fantastic places to check out the winter wildlife, in particular: birds.  These beautiful nature parks, conservation areas, wildlife preservations, and hiking trails are perfect for winter birding.  If you’re a wildlife or nature photographer, you’ll want to bring your best gear with you, too, to catch some incredible seasonal snapshots of migratory species. more Despite chilly temps, here’s a four great hot spots for birding in Illinois: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is located in Lincoln Park. The area's best vantage point is a 150-yard stretch of shrubbery and treese known as “The Magic Hedge”, notorious for its incredible attractive power to migratory birds. More than 300 species have been noted at the sanctuary and nearby Montrose Beach Dunes.  It might seem counterintuitive to list a major metropolitan area like Chicago as a hotspot for wildlife, but this area is world renowned! Illinois Beach State Park is another wonderful stop on your bird watching adventure. The lake is home to many species of waterfowl including grebe, loons, ducks, and gulls. The southern region of the park features wonderful trails through each of the area’s habitats: forest, marsh, beach, dunes, and lakeside.  The northern region of the park is famous for the annual hawk watching season; visitors flock (pardon the pun) to the area in September through November to catch a glimpse of the migratory birds of prey including Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagles, Sharp-Skinned Hawks, Northern Harriers, and more. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area is a gorgeous tallgrass prairie adjacent to a section of marshy wetlands, making it the perfect home for wintering migratory birds. In the winter season, you’ll find an assortment of waterfowl, Bald Eagles, Rough-Legged Hawks, Short-Eared Owls, and Northern Shrike. As the weather begins to warm and Spring creeps towards us, you’ll notice breeding pairs arrive including Northern Bobwhites, American Bitterns, various wrens and sparrows, and more. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is an impressive 44,000 acre wildlife refuge area, with 7,000 acre Crab Orchard Lake at its center, and two adjacent smaller lakes, Little Grassy Lake and Devil’s Kitchen Lake.  It’s a prime spot for migrant and wintering waterfowl, as well as resident bird of prey nests.  Wander along the trails or follow the auto trail map via the visitor’s center and you’ll see species such as Bald Eagle, Canada Geese, several types of Warblers, Eastern Bluebird, and more. Here’s a list of some of the birds you’ll see across Illinois: Bald Eagles Winter Geese Snowy Owls American Tree Sparrows Chickadees Juncos Cardinals Purple Martins Woodpeckers Merganser Duck Scaup Duck Goldeneyes Diving Duck White-Winged Crossbills Pine Siskins Snow Buntings Lapland Longspurs Saw-Whet Owls Long-Eared Owls Short-Eared Owls Snowy Owls Red-Tailed Hawks American Kestrels Cooper’s Hawks Rough-Legged Hawks Red-Winged Blackbirds Ring-Billed Gulls Glaucous Gulls Iceland Gulls Thayer’s Gulls Carolina Wrens Yellow-Rumped Warblers

Winter weather is rolling in, and we’ve got a checklist of items that will keep you safe on the road during snowy, blustery, and icy conditions.  We’ve covered some of these before in previous seasons’ posts, but it’s always good to have a refresher.  Feel free to print out our checklist and do a thorough check of your vehicles.  If you need support or to schedule a maintenance appointment, feel free to call our service center and we’ll help you get your car winter ready! more Here’s some vehicle points to consider for winter weather safety: Survey the windshield and wiper blades for any signs of damage and check fluid levels.  If you notice any “stars”, cracks, or dings, be sure to schedule a windshield replacement ASAP to prevent vision hazards or injury due to further damage.  Remember to replace any damaged wiper blades with new, fresh blades.  We also recommend bringing your car into a garage and applying a thin coat of hydrophobic coating such as Rain-X.  When replacing or topping off your wiper fluid, remember to choose one appropriate for winter weather temperatures in your area. There’s nothing worse than hydroplaning on slushy snow or skidding out on the ice in a storm, and that’s why it’s important to ensure your tires and brakes can bring you to a safe, complete stop! Schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected so that you can drive confidently and be safe in treacherous weather conditions. Make sure you prioritize this service check before the winter weather escalates. Our service center will be happy to help you evaluate your tires for proper inflation and tread depth as well as ensure you’ve selected safe, efficient tires, but here’s some pointers: If you’ve not done so already, any summer tires should be swapped out for all-weather or winter tires ASAP for maximum safe road grip. Make sure to also check your tire pressure; the PSI number should match the manufacturer requirements (can be located in your manual or on a label on the side door pockets or frame), and if not, inflate until it does!  Look for signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bubbles, cracks or small tears, or significant tread wear leaving bald spots; replace worn or damaged tires immediately.  Make sure your spare tire or donut is in good shape and shows no signs of wear or damage; replace if necessary. In cold weather and decreasing temperatures, your vehicle requires a bit more energy to start up. This puts an increased stress and wear on your vehicle’s battery.  Ensure that the connections are cleared of any build-up and residue as well so that it makes proper contact. Call in for a service appointment and request to have the battery tested for quality, and if it needs replacing we can surely help with that! Test your heating and ventilation and defrosting systems to ensure they’re properly functioning.  You want to make sure you’ll stay nice and toasty during your commute or to keep warm while help arrives if heaven forbid any roadside emergencies occur! Call our shop to schedule  a service appointment and have your vehicle’s heating system serviced if anything is amiss. Request an inspection of electronic components like heated defrost mirrors and defroster elements to further ensure they’re in working order. Being able to properly defrost your windows and use heat to help melt frost, snow, and ice is vital for safe visibility in a storm. Pull your vehicle into your garage or a flat surface and do your best to check the underside of your car.  Be on the lookout for signs of  rust, loose pipes, loose wires, or anything that might be wiggling and flopping about and causing an issue.  Schedule a maintenance appointment for anything that looks rusted, torn, flapping, or otherwise out of place and our service team will replace or repair the damaged parts before they worsen further in the winter weather and lead to even more costly repairs. Make sure to top off all fluids in your vehicle, and ensure that seasonally appropriate options have been used. This includes making sure to top off your gas tank before you hit the road, especially if inclement weather is forecasted for your area. There’s nothing worse than being stuck for a lengthy period of time due to hazardous driving conditions or a white out, and running out of fuel.  You want to ensure that you’re prepared for delays and will stay warm while you wait. Our knowledgeable and experienced auto repair service crew at Classic Body Shop is here to help you!  Check out our service deals and specials for special seasonal discount and limited time promotional pricing options.

Today we’re sharing our local community calendar of events in Lake County and beyond.  We’ve got everything from trivia nights to karaoke to distillery tours to light shows!   Make new friends with like minded culinary interests at a cooking class. The new year is wide open ahead and full of possibilities!  Try your hand at a paint night and learn a new creative skill.  Join a Zumba class and test your rhythm. New year, new experiences!  What doors will you open this year? Let’s find out! more Enjoy the last celebration of the holiday season at the Dia de Los Reyes event in at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center on Thursday January 4th starting at 6PM.  Enjoy a meet and greet with “the Three Kings” and enjoy a magic show, face painting, balloon animals, and amazing local food!  It’s free to enter. The New Year Zumba-thon is moving and groovin into 2024 at the Mundelein Parks and Recreation District event on Friday January 5th from 6PM to 8PM.  Ticket prices are $9 for members and $15 for non-members. The incredible Frosty Fest at Viking Park in Gurnee promises a winter wonderland of fun for all ages! This free event is a perfect opportunity to have “snow much” fun as you enjoy outdoor sleigh rides, bumper cars, games, winter crafts, and so much more.  Plus, there’s a hot cocoa bar with fireside s’mores!  It’s all happening on Saturday January 6th from 10:30AM to 1PM. Gather your friends for the first hang out of the year as you enjoy a behind the scenes distillery tour of North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks from 4PM to 5:30PM on Saturday January 6th. Now through January 8th, head over to the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan for a special Holiday Adventure event.  Families can enjoy st is $35 per day for residents, $44 per day for non-resident guests. On January 9th gather your pals and head over for Throw Down Tuesday at Timerjaxe Axe Throwing Lounge from 6PM to 7PM in Libertyville. Tickets are $20 per adult for this Axe Throwing Meet-Up event where you can meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition! On Wednesdays at 7PM, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Company is hosting a very energetic and entertaining Trivia Night event! Cinephiles will rejoice when they attend this virtual event via the Lake Forest Public Library highlighting the Fabulous Films of the 80s from 7PM to 8:30PM with host Steven Frenzel for a blast from the past.  Enjoy music, behind the scenes anecdotes, and classic moments from beloved 80s cinema! Impress your guests this year with a dinner party thanks to Ramen: Hands On and Pan Seared Scallopes over Caccio e Pepe Pasta classes at the Joyful Gourmet. Or if baking is more your speed, you can try your hand at “Scones and Spreads” or French Macarons class instead!  There are so many cooking class options to choose from, but all of them as delicious as the last. Vernon Hills Winterfest returns for this special all-ages family friendly event at the Century Park Arboretum on January 13th from 11AM to 2PM.  There’s a special dog sled demonstration, fireside s’mores, and if weather permits: ice skating!  Admission is free, making it the perfect  family outing in the great outdoors. Enjoy the classic sounds of Swing Music as the Let it Swing Band of Deerfield brings high energy music to the masses from 1PM to 12PM at the Deerfield Park District on January 14th.  We bet you’ll be tapping your toes from the moment they start til the finale! Tired of screentime arguments? Let it goooo, and bring the family out of the house for a day of fun as you have a blast at Olaf’s Winter Wonderland at the Grayslake Park District event on Saturday January 20th. Enjoy an Olaf themed craft, listen to storytellers, play Olaf inspired games, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and snacks! Enjoy a night of artistic inspiration on Saturday January 20th from 5PM to 8PM with the Hero Youth Art Exhibition event and then test your skills in a painting technique classes and hone your creative vision with fundamentals of art at the Dandelion Art Gallery on January 21st! This months’ January Waukegan Art Wauk promises to be another great one on Saturday Januart 20th from 5PM to 9PM. Enjoy live music and special art exhibitions as part of this free event each month! Got an event you think our readers would enjoy? Let us know in the comments on our social media!

Out with the old, and in with the new!  Let’s make 2024 the year we all resolve to become better car owners and stay on top of our vehicle maintenance schedules.  Here’s some great tips to get you started on the right foot.  These are six easy tips will get you started, but you’re welcome to share your own in the comments section on our social media, too! more Keep your car clean! Make sure you follow the ol’ campground rules of “Bring it in, bring it out.”  Whatever you bring into your car, be it a cup of coffee, a bag of fast food, or even just some protein bar wrappers, remember to clear the trash out each time you leave your vehicle.  Consider purchasing a portable trash can or trash bag for your car to stow the refuse while you’re on the road, too. Make an effort to end distracted driving habits! Statistics show that an average of 9 people are killed by distracted driving every day. Distracted driving is causing an increase in accidents with severe bodily injury and even death. Forget about filming videos for TikTok and Reels.  There’s no need to update Facebook while en route.  You’ll have plenty of time to chat with your favorite people when you get to where you’re going, and so will the other drivers and pedestrians who share the road with you! That text or phone call can wait until you’ve safely reached your destination.  Best to keep your eyes and ears on the road, and your phone safely stowed away.  If you must answer a call or message, utilize hands-free methods like talk-to-text via your infotainment center, or speaker phone and voice command options.  But it’s best if you leave it. Create a Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for your vehicle. Most vehicles have average mileage checkpoints for service calls such as oil changes, tune-ups, and brakes, but some models may have additional requirements.  Hybrid and Electric vehicles also have their own unique maintenance needs that combustion engine vehicles may not have.  Consult your owner’s manual and create a handy checklist of your vehicle’s basic maintenance requirements and their mileage. A great way to do this is by utilizing a white board or an app like Google Sheets or Notion.  Keeping a monthly and yearly checklist can help you notice problems and patterns before they balloon into something very costly to repair! Schedule regular oil changes. Keeping your engine lubricated with clean, fresh oil is a must!  Skipping oil changes can lead to dirty oil, stalling engines, and poor fuel mileage among other things.  Vehicles generally need an oil change between 3,000-6,000 miles; mileage requirements depend on the type of oil, type of engine, and other factors.  Consult your vehicle manufacturer manual for exact mileage requirements and create calendar reminders on your smartphone to keep you in check! Learn how to perform basic vehicle emergency tasks. A great way to stay safe on the road is by making sure you know how to stay cool in an emergency situation.  Learning how to change a tire or put on a donut can save you a lot of time, stress, and money if you get a flat or have a leak.  Learning how to jump-start your car is another vital lifeskill, and thanks to portable battery jump chargers, you don’t even have to worry bout flagging down another driver or waiting for a tow.  Be prepared no matter what by packing a duffle bag of emergency supplies such as  duct tape, first aid kit, reflector flares or hazard triangles, a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and multi-tool (just to name a few!) Don’t ignore those warning lights on the dash! We know it’s scary when your dash lights start illuminating and little symbols flash across the gauge cluster, but we promise you it’s much scarier to wait it out.  Our friendly auto body shop team is here to help.  If you see any blinking, static, or intermittent warning lights in your car, we’ll be happy to perform an assessment and evaluate your vehicle’s needs.  It might be something smaller than you’re anticipating!  Sometimes it’s as simple as a loose wire or a sensor, but in case of larger issues, it’s better to bring it in for service sooner instead of complicating the situation by delaying.

We’ve had one busy year here at Classic Auto Group, and we’re so excited to see what the next one brings.  On today’s blog, we’re highlighting some wonderful local area celebrations in Lake County nearby for you and your favorite people to ring in 2024 together!  You’ll find family friendly events for New Year’s Eve as well as some adults only events for a kid-free night.  Got an event to recommend to us? Leave us a comment on our social media to share your shindig!  Let’s celebrate in style together. more Where to Celebrate New Years Eve in the Lake County, Illinois Area to Ring In 2024! December 28th and 29th there’s a fantastic kid-centric dance party at the G rayslake Library for “Noon Year’s Eve”! All ages are welcome at this hour long event featuring crafts, dancing, music, and more which all culminates in a “Countdown to Noon” ball drop balloon event! Registration is limited to one session only, and each family member requires registration. On December 29th from 4PM to 6:30PM head over to the Ve rnon Hills Park District Sullivan Community Center for a New Year’s Eve Family Party celebration! There will be music, dancing, and games and even a kid-friendly balloon drop.  It’s a perfect get together for those with young ones. Kids 2 and under are free, but everyone else is a $7 admission. Register by calling 847-996-6800. December 30th at the J oyful Gourmet is a New Year’s Dinner demonstration with chef side table event! You’ll learn to craft a gorgeous salad, delicious Chilean Seabass dish, and a delectably rich dessert!  Grab your besties and a glass of wine and register for a seat ASAP. On December 31st, all three locations of O’Toole’s (Gurnee, Lake Villa, and Libertyville) are hosting a New Year’s Eve Dinner Party and Countdown event! Celebrations include your drink of choice from a Champagne Split or High Life Tall Boy, along with fun seasonal party favors, a live DJ, and the most exciting party of 2023.Click the link above to get more info on each location. December 31st starting at 4PM, register for the New Year’s Eve Celebration Gala featuring live music and entertainment at Feather Glass Wine Bar and Eatery in Vernon Hills!  The three course meal will be paired with wines and cocktails and includes a midnight snack and bubbly toast!  ​​For more info, call 847-794-8182 or email info@featherglasswine.com December 31st is a WhirlyBall New Years Eve celebration from 12PM to 4:30PM a t Whirly Ball in Vernon Hills! Kids are $20 each and adults are $30 each.  Admission includes a 2 hour window to enjoy LaserTag, Pop-Up Games, a special Lunch Buffet, and endless Whirlyball!  Choose from Noon to 2PM or 2:30PM to 4:30PM time slot. Book now by emailing reservations@whirlyball.com or calling 847-918-0800Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve and Ring in 2024 in Lake County Illinois And we can T forget the 25th Annual Polar Bear Plunge right here at Waukegan Beach! This year is the 25th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for 2024, and if you're in the first 500 brave souls to make the leap you’ll get a special commemorative Polar Plunge Tee Shirt!  There will be food and beverage on site as well as special polar bear hats on-site for sale.  Are you brave enough to make the leap into 2024 from the shores of the glistening waters of Lake Michigan?  Let 2024 be the year of adventure and bravery! Help raise funds for a good cause and learn more about the Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge here!

Winter is officially here!  It’s time to celebrate the Winter Solstice and appreciate the changing of seasons. While we’ve got plenty of fun ideas to embrace the winter weather and chilly temperatures in our vacation and road trip guides, we thought we’d shake things up a bit and add some more ways to celebrate the season.  Today’s blog is all about exploring our connection to the great outdoors, as well as finding new ways to connect with our family and friends.  Here are some warm, comforting ideas to try over the holiday break with your favorite people, or even to work on as a community project with the kids in your area.  Plus, there’s some great last minute gift giving ideas (especially for the outdoorsy nature lovers on your list) with no shipping delays to worry about! more Let’s explore some fun and seasonal Yuletide traditions. Celebrate the Changing light and seasons - Take some time to measure the light in the day by recording sunrise and sunset with your family.  Mark the times on the calendar and create a little festive graph to measure the change from Winter to lengthening Spring days.  Celebrate the shortened winter days and feast by candlelight as a family!  As you light the candles on the dinner table, set some positive intentions and well wishes for the upcoming year to bring some more “light” into the dark, dreary winter days. Sip some Yuletide “wassail” cocktails - Wassail is a festive warm drink with mulled spices consisting of: 2qts apple cider, 1.5 cups of orange juice, ¾ cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.  Another seasonal variation includes tossing in some cranberries while you’re mulling and simmering the spices and juice mix.  Adults may also add a splash of Rum or Whisky for a festive holiday punch cocktail idea. Burn a Yule Log in the Fireplace or a Fire Pit - Historically, Nordic tradition was to burn a whole tree across 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Since that’s not exactly sanctioned by apartment management or condo associations (and definitely not feasible for modern hearths) the Yule Log is a popular alternative. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Max also have several fun “Fireplace for the Home” options that are smoke-free. If you’re using an outdoor firepit, try some color changing fire pit powder for a magical memory. Create a Solstice Pomander - You’ll need some toothpicks, very firm oranges, and a bottle or two of whole cloves for this seasonal craft. They look lovely hung inside, or make a beautiful outdoor decoration for your front yard’s trees or bushes.  Using your toothpicks, poke holes into your orange in a line around the middle, or get fancy and create a little pattern. Push the skinny side of the cloves into the orange into your pre-poked holes.  To hang them, poke a piece of long stiff wire through the orange, and create a little tear drop shape at the bottom for stability and one at the top for hanging.  You can wrap the wire with ribbon and a little dot of glue to hold it, or hang them by a ribbon from the loop.  As the orange dries, it will create a delicious smell in your home! Exchange nature and outdoorsy related gifts instead of store bought ones - Give your friends and family handmade gifts using natural and found components such as dried flowers, polished stones, twig ornaments, etc.  Give out coupons for a family adventure road trip to a national park or a “campout” certificate for a warm-weather vacation gift! Or perhaps some “Go for a Hike” coupons to redeem for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or winter weather family hikes.  Whatever you choose, the focus will be on enjoying the Great Outdoors together for some bonding time with loved ones. Put a Spin on the Traditional Dried Fruit Garlands - TikTok is all the rage over this spin on dried fruit garland like this fantastic woodland inspired mushroom decoration! Try adding your personal spin by adding ribbon or string through the mushroom cap and hanging from faux pine garland, or turning them into individual ornaments. Just make sure you follow directions for curing and dehydrating fruit in the oven, and remember to keep them dry to prevent mold and deterioration for use next year. Decorate a Wreath Together - Snag a plain pine wreath from a local tree farm or stand.  Get some glue or some twine or festive colored yarn and attach some dried orange slices, pine cones, holly leaves, and ivy to them. You can also add some small salt-dough ornaments by tying them with ribbons.  Place it on your front door, or use it as a table centerpiece for your holiday dinners.  It also makes a great seasonal decor item for your office door! Create Nature Themed Ornaments - This year, we’ve made a commitment to gifting and decorating withs.  Gather pet food cans, tuna cans, and/or mason jar lids, and turn them into ornaments. Decorate the background with some cut and collaged seasonal patterned paper into the back of the tins and lids. When that’s dry, glue in some moss, sticks, leaves, and other natural items on the bottom, along with little wild animal figurines. To hang them, simply use hot glue to attach festive seasonal cut ribbon on the back in a loop shape. Craft some Salt-Dough Keepsakes - We love making memories together as a family, and that includes creating seasonal Salt Dough ornaments for the tree!  Whether you’re using a gluten-free salt dough recipe or the traditional kind of salt dough, it’s a cozy weekend at home.  You can even involve your favorite family pets to create a gift that will last a lifetime of memories! Upcycle those holiday present shipping Boxes into DIY Ornaments and Garland - Finding ways to “go green” is very important to all of us here at Classic. And we love any chance we get to recycle, reuse, and transform discarded items into something new!  For this project, we’re utilizing our recycling pile to do some DIY artwork. Use cookie cutters to trace and cut out shapes of houses, and paint them with acrylic paint pens in white, red, and green to look like icing! Punch some holes in the top for hanging, and create your own ornaments or string them together for a garland!  You can even turn them into your very own Gingerbread House village,

We love a good Summer vacation road trip, jam packed with opportunities to get in touch with nature and appreciate the great outdoors. There’s nothing quite like swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating with our friends and family. Until the winter hits and it becomes prime time season for snowy weather adventures, and we get to experience the thrill of jetting downhill on our skis and hitting the fresh powder on our snowboards! Today, we’re going to share our picks for great winter weather getaways for skiing and snowboarding in nearby Michigan!  While there are more than 40 different ski areas in the Great Lakes region of the state, we’re going to highlight our favorites to get you started.  Planning a winter break vacation with your family and friends is a great way to beat the winter blues, too.  Plus, gifting an experience and memory-making vacation is a wonderful alternative to traditional holiday gift giving. more As always, feel free to leave us your recommendations for your top ski and snowboard destinations in Michigan and beyond!  Let us know what adventures you’re giving your loved ones this year for the holidays!  They just might make it into a future update. Mt. Holiday in Traverse City This is a non-profit run recreational ski area with 14 trails and 12 runs to explore!  It’s open December through very early March, conditions permitting, with peak average snowfall times in January.  Beginners will be able to learn the ropes at their Ski and Board School, featuring 90 minute lessons and a lift ticket for the day!  Group lessons are available by age groups.  Perfect for families, visitors aged 0-4 years and over 70 years will ski free, and there are options for Family Season Pass packages. Equipment rentals are available for those who travel light or are just getting started.  If you prefer something a little less intense, snow-tubing is available as well!  There isn’t any lodging on site, but nearby lodging accommodations recommended by the Mt. Holiday crews include the Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort, Hotel Frankfort, The Old Mission Inn, Hampton Inn Traverse City, Blossom Hotel & Suites, and more. Challenge Mountain in Boyne City This fantastic location has one of the first independent adaptive skiing programs in northern Michigan, allowing folks with disabilities to enjoy year round recreational opportunities!  Programming for events and lessons focuses on building community, strengthening personal confidence, and helping people realize their value on a personal level.  Winter programming here includes Sit-Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Cross Country Skiing, and Downhill skiing.  Limited options are available for equipment rentals, but feel free to inquire about availability!  Adaptive ski-lessons can be scheduled for individuals, groups, and families on a private basis as well as group offerings available.  If you’re looking for inclusive vacation options, this is the perfect destination!  Lodging options nearby include Boyne Mountain Resort, Water Street Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey. Alpine Valley Ski Area in White Lake Township While private and semi-private lessons are available for newcomers to winter sports as well as kid/teen group classes, this is the destination of choice for intermediate, advanced, and competitive skiers and boarders.  Join one of the seasonal leagues and enjoy the exhilarating competition of head-to-head races for adults, teens, and kids alike.  This season's offerings have expanded to include the new SBX racing, an adults-only league for like-minded competitive adults.  Choose from  the 6 week Tuesday night series or the new SBX series on wednesdays for 4 weeks.  Kids and Teens will enjoy Boardercross course races, Pinnacle Alpine Racing Club, Ascent Junior Racing, and high School racing options.  For those who prefer to go it alone without the stress of competitive sports, explore one of the three different terrain options on site: The Rope Park – a high speed tow rope course; The Big Park – set up for big air jumps and higher speed rail tricks and train for competitions; The Snowcross Track – great for training on different terrains to build endurance or take your skills to new heights.  There are several Hampton Inn/Suites lodging options nearby less than a 15 mile drive as well as The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston. Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort in Clarkston Enthusiasts will go wild for the 17 different ski runs and 3 snowboard terrain parks on the grounds of Pine Knob!  Novices and intermediate athletes can test their chops on a variety of slopes, or opt for group or private lessons to hone their skills further at the Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School.  Night Skiing hours are available until 10PM Monday through Saturday, and until 9PM on Sundays so you can make the most of your visit, or hit the slopes any time after your work day.  Keep an eye on their ongoing events calendar, and you can sign up for special workshops and clinics to level up your ride experience.  Local Lodging recommendations include the Millpond Inn Bed and Breakfast, The Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston, and the Comfort Inn & Suites. Mt. Brighton Ski Area in Brighton The downhill slopes at this ski resort might be man made, but who says curated hills can’t be exhilarating?  With 25 different trails spread across 130 acres of terrain, there’s no shortage of excitement and fun here.  Families have been flocking to this Michigan resort since the 1960s, and it’s easy to see why!  Options include Sunset and Nighttime skiing (separate tickets required) as part of the “Dew After Dark” series in conjunction with partner sponsor Mtn Dew soft drinks.  Group lessons and private class options for skiing and boarding are also available for all skill levels and ages, including multi-week lesson packages or Holiday Ski and Snowboard Camp programs.  Got a need for speed? No problem! The resort offers multiple competitive programs including XLR8 Alpine Race Training and Adult Racing Leagues.  Plus, there are many choice selections in lodging options nearby for you to cash in those mileage and hotel travel points you earned this past year! Looking for even more snowsports fun in Michigan? Check out these other great resorts and recreation areas in the state, too: Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones Mount Holly in Holly Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl in Grand Haven Bittersweet Ski Area in Ostego Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles

We’re gearing up for holiday break and winter vacations with a fun vacation planning blog!  Hop in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road to fun in the sun and snow as we travel across Wisconsin at these amazing resorts and ski-slopes.  Plus, if you’re looking for a great “gift of experience” instead of something bought in a store, this is a great source of inspiration for last minute gift ideas with lasting memories!  Gift your loved ones a “vacation coupon” to one of these amazing winter sports and snow filled destinations. more Let’s check out Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn. This year-round resort offers 365 days of fun, but you’ll find peak excitement in winter weather months!  Located just 2 hours from Chicago, this incredible family friendly resort is located in Southeastern Wisconsin.  The best time to visit is December through February for peak winter sports action, but the ski slopes are open from November through March, weather permitting..  There are 21 runs in total, snowmaking capabilities, and beginner to advanced options.  If you’re new to skiing and snowboarding, you can take advantage of their copious amounts of lessons including children’s lessons, build-your-own private lesson bundles, adult group lessons, and Ski School.  Lodging options are plentiful with over 100 rooms to choose from, but please be aware that certain time periods have a 2 night stay minimum.  Warm up after some fun in the snow with the indoor heated pool and hot tub. Next up is Cascade Mountain in Portage. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance for this family friendly skiing and snowboarding destination, because it is hot hot hot when it comes to winter travel.  With 48 different trails to choose from, folks of all ages and experiences levels will find something new to try!  There’s even snow-tubing for those who prefer something with plenty of excitement but a little less daring.  The area has a wonderful natural snowfall accumulation, but also has state of the art snowmaking capabilities for a perfect ride all season long.  There’s instructions and lessons on site for all experience levels, whether you’re a first-timer or you’re looking for a little more of a competitive edge with some racing and intense sport action.  Lodging options are just a short drive away and include Cedar Lodge and Settlement, Natura Treescape Resort, Atlantis Family Waterpark Resort, and Great Wolf Lodge. We can’t forget the family favorite Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva! In December, the resort leans full force into the holiday spirit!  The 12 days of Christmas event includes outdoor holiday lights and a drive-through light show, along with breakfast with Santa, and trolley tours!  There are 20 different runs on the mountain, along with fun options such as cross country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing, and ice skating.  You can book a room at the Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge Lodge, and dine at the finest restaurants such as Leinenkugel’s Mountain Top Lodge.  Plus, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down! Enjoy an amazing session of Night Skiing for a special experience.  Lessons are offered on your winter sport of choice, for all ages and skill levels.  The resort also offers memorable weekly experiences and special events throughout the season. One of the oldest resorts in the Midwest with oodles of winter fun is Little Switzerland in Slinger. Skiing and Snowboard enthusiasts will love this classic destination with 18 different trails, the longest run of which is 1800ft!  No equipment? No problem! Book a package and opt for equipment rentals, perfect for kids who want to test the waters and take a few lessons.  They offer an expansive selection of lessons for beginners, so it's perfect for families.  Plus, with state of the art snowmaking, they’ve got plenty of challenging runs to keep intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders too.  Need a place to stay? They’ve got  you covered with these wonderful properties owned and operated by the folks at Little Switzerland; you can stay at The Apres House or The Founders’ House.  Other hotels nearby include the Washington House Inn, Cobblestone Hotel and Suites Hartford, Hampton Inn & Suites West Bend, and more. Looking for even more fun this winter? Check out these other amazing ski slopes and resorts this winter: Christmas Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells, WI Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose, WI Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb, WI Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Whitecap Mountains in Upson, WI Granite Peak in Wausau, WI Devils Head in Merrimac, WI