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Toyota’s impressive GR Corolla MORIZO Edition Pace Car will appear once again on the racing circuit as a pace car after its previous appearance at the 2023 National Auto Sports Association Championship in Pittsburgh.  The celebrity tour continues in December with NASA at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis, Indiana from December 7th through the 9th.  The event, which is held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, is considered to be the world’s premier auto racing trade show and a must-attend event for businesses and professionals across the automotive racing industry. more “At Toyota, we have a passion for motorsports and it’s an honor to support racing enthusiasts and the motorsports industry,” said Mike Tripp, group vice president Toyota division Marketing. “Having the GR Corolla Pace Car at PRI reflects our ongoing commitment to engineer track-inspired and fun to drive vehicles for our customers, and we’re excited to be in the NASA booth this year. Every customer who buys a brand new 2024 Toyota GR Corolla receives a complimentary one-year NASA membership with a complimentary track day at a NASA High Performance DRiving event as part of a partnership between Toyota and NASA.  The program was designed to give GR Supra owners a performance driving experience under the guidance of expert instructors, and has expanded from its humble beginnings in 2019 to now include all GR Sports cars, including the GR86 and GR Corolla. The remarkable 2024 GR Corolla is packed with potential, including a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine with an impressive 300hp and 273 lb.-ft of torque.  The magnificent 1.6 liter engine is mated to Toyota’s rally developed GR-FOUR AWD system, allowing drivers to choose from 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70 power distribution to the front and rear wheels.  Drivers can also select from ECo, NOrmal, Sport or Custom drive modes, and adapt it to a wide range of driving styles and situations. The 2024 GR Corolla comes exclusively with an intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and is available in three grades: GR Corolla Core, Premium, and Circuit Edition. “We’re thrilled with our partnership with Toyota,” said NASA CEO, Jeremy Croiset. “Together, we’ve created an amazing way to introduce sports car owners to the world of performance driving in a safe and responsible manner.  And it just made sense to have the GR Corolla Pace Car in the NASA booth at PRI this year for everyone in the industry to check out.”

Well, we don’t know about you, but one of our favourite things to enjoy when there’s even a little nip in the air is indulging in a cup of luscious hot chocolate!  There’s just something about this rich and velvety hot drink that warms a person straight to the soul.  Whether you make yours with steamed milk or boiled water or a few shots of espresso, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sweet wintry drink.  Today we've got recipes for our fave hot chocolate mixes, plus we've got some great on-the-go mugs to enjoy it while you hit the road for the holidays! We’re sharing our picks for best travel mugs for gifts this holiday season!  They’re perfect for white elephant gifts, commuting coworkers, and family members on the go. more The YETI Rambler is a fantastic option that comes in multiple colors, including special seasonal limited edition options! Available here on Amazon for $35. We love this luxury option from Zojirushi with a vacuum insulated design, It comes in more than 15 colors, so there’s an option for everyone on your list. Available here on amazon. You can’t go wrong with a Stanley!  This viral travel mug and tumbler is a hit with adults and kids alike, and for good reason: it’s durable, portable, and fashionable. This one comes in 17 different colorways, too! Available on Amazon here. Available in 7 stylish colors, this Kinto Day Off travel tumbler has a very modern, stylish design and a convenient carry handle on top! Perfect for hot or cold drinks, and comes in 7 color options. Available on Amazon. Fans of a wide mouth travel mug will love the heat-lock technology and sleek modern design aesthetic of the Fellow 16oz Carter Wide Travel Mug.  It’s got a locking lid and spill proof seasl!  Available in multiple colors and made of stainless steel. Get it on Amazon here. Best Recipes for Hot Chocolate: Adult Hot Chocolate from Spruce Eats Homemade Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Homemade White Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Mexican Hot Chocolate from Bon Appetit TikTok Hot Chocolate Bombs Xocolatl (Traditional Aztec Chocolate Drink) Authentic Mayan Hot Chocolate Mayan Chili Cocoa Elixir Vegan Mayan Drinking Chocolate Easy Hot Cocoa for Kids

Today is National App Day!  We’re sharing our picks for the best apps to add to your smartphone and infotainment systems to make your commute and road trip a breeze.  From WiFi spots to Road Trip Itineraries to Meal Planning and more, we’ve got you covered with convenience every mile of the way.  And feel free to recommend your own favorite apps in the comments on our social accounts! more Roadtrippers App We love this app!  You can plug in your departure and arrival locations, and plot out a fantastic map of stops along the way. Create your own itinerary, or download one of the pre-planned trips or community created add-ons.  You can even use the maps if you go offline, making it super convenient for remote areas. Roadside America App If you’re into ridiculous roadside attractions, you’ll go bananas for this one!  If visiting the world’s biggest ball of yarn or bizarre roadside dinosaur parks are your brand of fun, you’ll find no shortage of it with this app.  Look up the areas you’re passing through and find the weirdest and wildest kitschy and campy stops along your route, or even in your own backyard! WiFi Map App This helpful app helps you locate free WiFi Hotspots in the US and worldwide, and gives you pertinent public login information as needed.  You’ll be able to find a connection no matter where you’re going, which is convenient for those who work on the go! Flush Toilet Finder App The convenience is right there in the name: find a toilet wherever you drive.  Is there anything worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no rest stop in sight? We think not. That’s why we love that this app gives you the ability to find bathrooms anywhere, and even add your own to the map and help others. Waze This community-based app gives you live GPS navigation with traffic and safety updates. Join as a community member and you can add your own blips to the map for road closures, traffic slowdowns, road obstructions, and more. GasBuddy App If you’re looking to save a few pennies in fuel so you can get your little “morning coffee” to go, this is the app for you!  GasBuddy has saved its users more than $3billion in fuel costs, which is nothing to scoff at with rising prices.  Download the app and find the best prices for fuel near you, wherever you are driving.  Plus, gather some rewards as you use the app to unloc special deals! HipCamp App This app is perfect for the offroad adventurer!  This app works with landowners to provide you with overnight camping stays on private land.   You can find tent friendly campsites for backpacking trips, glamping for those who prefer a little more luxury, and even RV parks.  Perfect for car campers and #VanLife folks! USA Rest Stops App Whether you’re looking for the nearest state welcome center, a rest area, or service plaza for fueling and bathroom breaks, they’ve got it!  No matter which Interstate, US highway, or state highway you’re traveling, it’ll be mapped out here for your convenience.  It’s a must-have especially when traveling as a family with kids. HappyCow If you or someone in your travel party has dietary restrictions, this is a very useful mobile app and site!  Find the best nearby restaurants featuring Vegan and Vegetarian diets in your area.  You can even check out grocery stores, farm stands, and food trucks nearby, along with options for gluten free menu items in most places.

The holidays are a very busy time of year, and the days can fly by in the blink of an eye! If you’ve been consumed with holiday parties, get togethers, family reunions, and seasonal events and forgotten to do some holiday shopping? We’re here to help alleviate the stress. We’ve found great last minute digital gifts for the car aficionados on your list that are sure to bring plenty of merriment and cheer. Don’t fret over holiday shipping guidelines, we’ve found some great electronic delivery alternatives! Check out our picks for stocking stuffers, virtual gift giving, and instant purchase on today’s blog.  From how-to guides and reference books to tales of travel and road trip adventures, there’s something to satisfy every giftee! more How Cars Work Everyone from budding mechanics to seasoned gearheads will appreciate this in-depth, illustrated guide to vital car parts!  Whether your favorite family mechanic keeps it on hand as a desk reference, or they share it with their kids or grandkids to pass on the knowledge, it makes a great giftable book.  Digital format means no clunky manuals or shelf space wasted, and car lovers can keep it in their pocket for reference and knowledge on the go. Snag it for kindle here. Everyone’s Guide to  Buying a Used Car and Car Maintenance This ebook makes a fantastic virtual stocking stuffer, and it’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list!  Learn the ins and outs of shopping for and buying a used car from seasoned pro Scotty Kilmer (Check him out on YouTube!) Covering everything from test drives to bartering to basic maintenance, this is an indispensable guide that will be treasured for years to come. Auto Repair and Maintenance: Easy Lessons for Maintaining Your Car So It Lasts Longer Making sure that our customers can enjoy their new favorite car from Classic for decades to come is one of our passions.  We like to make sure that our customers are armed with the knowledge to maintain their family cars and daily drivers in tip-top shape.  That’s why we recommend this handy ebook guide that covers just about everything.  You’ll learn enough to navigate basic maintenance on your own, and be able to follow along and navigate convos with your trusted mechanic on larger service issues.  You’ll be able to troubleshoot basic issues, and diagnose common problems before they turn into larger more costly ones.  And of course, it’ll always be available at your fingertips with a simple swipe of your ereader app! Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Specifically tailored to women and femme drivers, this guide will help you navigate a male-dominated industry.  From advice on how to get respectful and honest service at the mechanic, DIY service tips and tricks, roadside emergency advice, and more, this is an indispensable book for the women in your gift giving circle. Buy a copy here. The Science of Cars The Science of Cars is perfect for the automotive enthusiast who loves to learn.  They’ll be lost in the pages for hours while reading about the science, mechanics, and engineering behind some of the world’s fastest cars! Buy it here. Autonimousity Technology is advancing every single day.  Cars have more automatic features, more guided safety options for autonomous driving.  And eventually, they’ll be entirely driverless.  That is the goal of the industry at least for some engineers! Buy this in depth ebook right here. Tales of a Road Warrior This non-fiction book is a collection of true short stories from someone who has logged millions of travel miles over several decades. It makes a great gift for the globetrotter or traveler in your life. And it might even serve as a little road-trip planning inspo for their 2024 itineraries! The Budda and the Bee: Biking Through America’s Forgotten Roadways on an Accidental Journey of Discovery History and travel lovers will appreciate this candid true recounting of Cory Mortenson’s journey across the US from Minnesota to California.  Learn about America's roadways, national parks and history, and gain one man’s insights into the self discovery journey he experienced along the way.  We think your gift recipient will be inspired to try a new adventure this year after reading this one. Memory Road Trip: A Retrospective Travel Journal This unique memoir and travel journal is deeply personal and eye opening.  Readers will relate to the author-protagonist as she navigates coming-of-age trials and tribulations, and connects with history, explores the land, and finds her sense of place and belonging.  Personal anecdotes intermingle with an intense appreciation for nature, art, architecture, history, and personal connection.

Today is National Brownie Day!  Perhaps you’re not a fan of the holiday cookie platter, and instead rather indulge in these delectable, fudgey, ooey-gooey confections.  We’re right there with ya. We’ve also got some tips for baking things juuuuust right, from ooey-gooey center squares or to the crisp and chewy edges. There’s no denying brownies are a timeless treat no matter how you slice it! more Here’s some tips from the folks here at Classic to perfect your holiday baking, and bring your brownies to the next level!  From add-ins to mix-ins and ratios, you’ll find some great hints: For a seasonal surprise, try adding some crushed peppermint candies or mini marshmallows to the batter. Craving a peppermint mocha latte? Take your favorite brownie recipe up a notch by adding a teaspoon or two of instant espresso granules and a little bit of peppermint extract to the batter. Top with a little dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder just before serving. For gooey, soft brownies you should look for a recipe with a higher concentration sugar, butter, and eggs.  You can also try folding in some mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips into the batter for little pockets of melty flavor. For cakier style brownies, you’ll want to use a higher ratio of cocoa powder and flour than the rest of the ingredients (butter, sugar, egg) If you’re mixing your batter and the ingredients start to separate due to the melted butter and oil, you can add a little bit of milk into the mix to help it all meld together Your choice of brand in cocoa and melting chocolate does matter; you need to select higher quality ingredients for each to produce that prime fudgy texture and richer flavor.  Cut any bitterness of dark chocolate or higher cacao percentages by adding a little pinch of sea salt. Avoid dry, flaky brownies by pulling your pan out a little bit early while they appear “underdone” and softer in the center as they will set while cooling in the tin Whether you’re looking to flex your baking muscles or keep it simple and classic, we’ve got a brownie recipe to fit your needs: Crinkle topped brownie bites in a muffin tin Some sweet and nutty British Brownies Ooey-gooey Salted Caramel center brownies Quick and easy One-bowl brownies Spice up Friday Pizza night with a Brownie Dessert Pizza The very first “Palmer House Brownie” recipe with apricot glaze Super chocolatey Black Bean brownies 5-ingredient Flourless Chocolate brownies Chocolate chickpea brownies are a fun alternative to traditional brownies Race to the top of the favorite bakers list with these  fabulous Racecar Brownies! Perfectly fudgy frosted brownies Delectable crackly topped gooey chocolate brownies Don’t let friends with allergies go hungry, try some gluten free, dairy free cocoa brownies Accommodate dietary needs with these Paleo and Keto friendly super fudge brownies Spectacular 4-ingredient breakfast brownies (Yes, you heard right!) Nanny’s Fudge Brownie Bundt Cake A batch of brownie batter waffles And who could hate these delectable, decadent Deep Dish chocolate brownies If you’re looking for some fun suggestions on how to create some festive brownie treats for your friendly neighbnourhood mechanic or car dealership (nudge nudge) here’s some of great kitchen tools to do just that!  Plus, we’ve also got some great gadgets for baking top-tier traditional brownies: Car Cake Tin for baking Car Cupcake liners Lightning McQueen Wafflemaker Wilton Spatula with Car design NASCAR Baking Race Car driving All Edges brownie pan Car themed Nordicware Bundt Baking Tin Fondant rubber racecar tire mold Brooklyn Brownie Baking Tray Charming Baking Molds with Car Shapes! These amazon silicone car molds for baking would be perfect for XL brownies and fudge cake recipes. Yum! This great two pack of mini silicone chocolate car molds for cake, jello, candy and more!  Would also be a great way to make brownie bites or chocolate minis for cake decorating. For a little variety in your baking, try these clever little truck and car themed bakeware trays!  And buy an extra set for multipurpose use for crafting in addition to the ones used for baking.

Winter is upon us!  This holiday season, give yourself the gift of security and safety with regular vehicle maintenance appointments. Today’s blog is all about winter weather service tips to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and make sure you can commute to and from holiday gatherings safely. more Need assistance with your service and maintenance? Make a call to our experienced service technicians and inquire about a winter car care appointment! It's important to bring your car in periodically for regular oil changes and fluid top-offs, and you may also request that our expert mechanics inspect your vehicle for the following: Battery - In cold weather and decreasing temperatures, it requires more energy to start your car.  This puts an increased stress on your car’s battery.  Have a trusted mechanic test your battery for quality and longevity, and if it’s in need of replacement don’t delay in doing so.  Ensure that the connections are cleared of any build-up and residue as well so that it makes proper contact.  It’s advisable to replace your car battery a minimum of every 3 years to ensure optimal performance; please note that other factors including climate, driving style and habits, and duration of driving patterns may require you to change the battery sooner. Heating System - If you’ve not done so already, have your AC/heating system serviced and refreshed before the cold weather fully sets in.  It’s important to maintain properly working ventilation systems and heating for safe winter driving.  Ensure that your defrosters and vents are in working order so you can clear inclement weather off your windows, mirrors, and windshields while driving!  Proper visibility is essential. Brakes - Stopping short in wet, icy, slippery conditions can mean the difference between life and death or catastrophic damage to your vehicle and others.  Have a trusted technician inspect your brakes, rotors, and wheels for damage such as rust, salt buildup, or regular wear and tear.  Have any damaged or worn items replaced ASAP to ensure you can stop safely on a dime if necessary! Tire Quality and Tread Depth - In tandem with properly working brakes, regular tire maintenance is imperative. Your tire pressure can drop significantly with every 10 degree change in temperatures, so it’s important to keep an eye on this regularly.  This coupled with proper winter or all-season tires can increase your safety when stopping short or hitting a patch of road with wintry conditions. Be sure that you have adequate tread depth, no signs of extreme wear, and have properly inflated your tires to pressure.   Make sure you also have your tires rotated regularly to ensure even wear. Road Emergency Kit - Make sure you have a winter emergency kit stocked up and ready to go. In a bin, box, or duffel bag we recommend keeping the following on hand in your trunk or backseat: thermal blankets and fleece blankets, a clean set of warm clothes, extra winter hats & gloves, kitty litter and/or small container of rock salt, a small portable or foldable snow shovel, flares, hand-crank LED flashlight or LED lantern, hand warmer packets, jumper cables, a fully stocked first aid kit, an ice scraper and snow brush, and a tow rope. These can all help you should your vehicle become stuck in any ice or encounter any other inclement weather related accident. We also recommend making sure you have a fully charged portable battery to jumpstart your vehicle and charge your mobile devices on hand at all times.

There’s no place like home for the holidays, unless of course you’re booking a hotel and enjoying a fabulous weekend getaway to relax and recharge! Today’s blog is all about amazing winter season friendly destinations for a weekend trip or short break from the rat race of life. Hop in your new car from Classic, and hit the road in style as you embark on your quest for a little “me-time” or family togetherness. more Great Wolf Lodge is an amazing year round destination for families, but from November 24th through January 8th you can enjoy a very special winter wonderland treat! Special events during the Snowland season include a Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, special winter holiday yoga sessions, seasonal arts and crafts, and holiday games such as Trivia Night, Bingo, bean bag toss, and more.  There’s even a scavenger hunt to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your stay with special clues around the lodge.  And on select dates, you can even meet the big man himself: Santa Claus.  And of course, year round water park fun. Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center is always a favorite for nature lovers year round, but during December there are some wonderful holiday themed events.  Adults and children alike will enjoy the crisp fresh air while taking a guided hike, offered on Saturdays and Sundays.  There’s a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet.  Historic Trolley Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays for a few hours each day.  You can also snag a special holiday trolley tour of the gorgeous lights displays from December 10th through the 14th and again on December 17th through the 21st!  Plus, there's breakfast with Santa, special Eagle Watch weekends.  Not to mention there's plenty of fine dining, live entertainment, and lots of local area destinations to explore. Farmer’s Guest House in Galena will feel like your home away from home this winter.  Cozy on up with a homemade breakfast fresh from their scratch kitchen (specialty diets accommodated with advance notice) and have a fresh hot cup of coffee to start the day.  Then enjoy some leisure time with a board game or a puzzle in the common area before you head out for some local shopping. You can also make it a weekend in and get snuggled up with a “Dinner Date Night Package” with your special someone!  In December, Galena has a lot to see and do such as the Mistletoe Stroll Holiday House Tour, Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows, and the Generals Christmas Ball event!  January and February are just as delightful with a Bonfire on the Bluff and the Winter Carnival Weekend events.  It’s a very personal, down to earth stay and perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa are already in the Christmas Spirit with more than 2 million Christmas lights in their indoor and outdoor displays, including a “12 Days of Christmas” drive through holiday lights show!  The resort hosts a 6 week long seasonal extravaganza including Breakfast and Brunch with Santa, holiday trolley tours, igloo dining at the Embers Terrace, a special Christmas Eve Brunch, a magical Gingerbread House Walk, and so very much more!    You can even opt in for a fully decorated Christmas Tree with special ornaments and ribbon topper, and a keepsake decoration for you to take home.  This is the place to go if you love Christmastime! Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark is a one-stop destination for  family fun all year round!  The waterpark offers 50,000 square feet of fun with a 35-foot slide, 500 feet of lazy river rafting fun, and a gorgeous 300 foot heated indoor pool!  There’s an arcade, character meet and greets, and even mini-bowling!  If that’s still not enough to keep your family busy, you can go off the property and explore all of the wonderful things Lake Geneva has to offer!  Sundays in December you can opt in for a Breakfast with Santa to make the holidays a little more merry, or visit Santa on vacation in his waterpark cabana on December 22nd and 23rd before he heads back to his workshop for the big day! Other great lodging options and getaway destinations include: Villa Olivia in Bartlett Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn Chestnut Mountain Resort Bittersweet Ski Resort in Ostego Michigan Crowne Plaza Hotel in Madison WI

The temperatures are dropping at that blustery winter weather is almost upon us. We’re preparing for the annual lake effect snowstorms with some new gear for our cars.  Today’s blog is all about special tools and tech that will keep you safe this winter, no matter what the weather.  You’ll drive confidently knowing you’re protected with the best safety features in your new car from Classic, as well as your new accessories such as snow socks for your tires, top tier ice scrapers, emergency snow shovels, and more.  Plus, these make great gift ideas for the hard-to-please mechanic or car enthusiast on your gift list. You can never go wrong with a practical present. more These snow socks are a great alternative to snow chains for additional traction.  Their easy portability makes them a great item to keep on hand for ice storms and winter weather emergencies.  They’re tough, reusable, and washable, and install in under 5 minutes! Find the right size for your tires from small to XXL, perfect for everything from cars to vans to light trucks. Priced under $100 on Amazon here. Keeping a small portable snow shovel in your car can be a lifesaver during winter months.  Scoop your car out of the parking lot at work, or remove snow and ice from around your tires to provide traction, or even shovel your way from the driveway to your front door with ease.  No mater what your needs, this budget friendly option is a great choice! Just $29.97 at the time of publishing this blog. Save time and energy and reduce your frustrating with this snow and ice scraper removal tool. Thanks to it’s portable, rechargeable battery, you can remove winter mess in no time flat. This electronic ice scraper is great for deicing and defrosting, too!  It’s a great budget friendly gift for commuters, coming in at under $35 on Amazon. Custom fit your car with one of these fantastic Automotive Windshield Snow Covers and make snow removal a breeze!  Keeps your glass free and clear of frost, ice, sleet, and snow.  And since it’s priced under $25, it makes a great stocking stuffer. Forget about finding a place to store multiple snow and ice removal tools. This extendable scraper with multiip[le attachments and pivoting head is a great choice!  You’ll be able to reach the top of your car and across the windshield with ease. Budget friendly at under $15 If you catch yourself stranded in the snow and in need of a tow, it’s important to makes sure you can keep warm until help arrives.  This portable electric blanket with 12V plug and USB attachment converter is perfect for both new and used vehicles.  It’ll keep you nice and cozy while you wait for the tow truck or roadside assistance, and fits modern and older outlets. Another great financially friendly option priced under $35! This 6 pack of LED Road Flare emergency lights is an indispensable piece for your winter emergency kit.  It has 9 different flash modes, and you can outfit each disc with your own rechargeable batteries to make them more cost efficient. They’re a very practical gift for anyone on your list, and priced under $50 for an affordable option.

Looking for something fun, festive, and cozy to do this month in the Lake County area? We’ve got you covered with our latest Classic Community Calendar of events.  From winter outdoor fun to holiday shopping to seasonal concerts and more, we’re bringing you some of the best and brightest activities for holiday cheer. Check ‘em out on today’s blog. And, as always, feel free to let us know your favorite local events this month in the comments on our social media! This afternoon at the Jack Benny Plaza in downtown Waukegan, come on out and support the GO WAUKEGAN Winter Wonder Walk with the community! more Today at Highland Park in Highwood from 5:30 to 11PM come out for a festive “Elf Invasion Pub Crawl” for adults, a special event with local seasonal food and drinks.  Come dressed in your elf finery and enjoy the silly seasonal cheer! Free for all to enjoy, with some admission fees priced per activity, or special food and beverage deals. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the whole holiday season, the Haines House Museum is hosting a very special Victorian Christmas Event at the Museum from 12PM to 3PM! Sign up today for the Kiwanis Santa Run for the kids event in Crystal Lake!  The Run takes place on December 4th. The annual Kids Only Holiday shop is back again at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest on Wednesday, December 6th starting at 2:30.  Your kids can explore local vendors and artisans and find kid-friendly priced items to gift to their family and friends. Everything for sale will be priced $10 or less including taxes.  Sensory friendly hours available starting at 2:30! Plus, there’s a team of pro gift wrappers available to help with that too. Learn more here. You won’t want to miss the special December 6th Hops and Holiday Wreaths event at Roaring Table Brewing Company!  Enjoy some delicious hops beverages and make your own top notch fresh evergreen holiday wreath. Bring your friends and family out for a fun afternoon at Buffalo Creek Brewing on December 7th  and December 14th for the Gingerbread House Competition events! On Friday December 8th from 3PM to 7PM, register in advance to enjoy the Holiday Part Dance for Individuals with Disabilities at Zion Park District’s Shiloh Center. (Event may be waitlisted!) Enjoy a festive seasonal Sip and Paint event with some hot chocolate and holiday themed painting at the Belvidere Recreation Center on Friday December 8th from 6PM to 7:30PM. Registration in advance recommended. The holidays can be rough on parents with all the hustle and bustle, gift shopping and wrapping, hosting and holiday travel… so why not take a night off and relax. The Parents Night Out event at Butler Lake Park in Libertyville will do the trick!  Head on over from 5Pm to 8PM for a night on the town and festive fun. Make your own holiday ornaments together with your friends and family at Reclaimed Artisans with a special instructional workshop by Tanya Designs on December 9th! On December 9th at the Orlin D. Trapp Auditorium, dress in your holiday finest and come on out for a magical musical evening with a classic seasonal Sing-Along event beginning at 7PM. Looking for a fun, child appropriate night out? The Kids Night In Holiday Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Lindenhurst Park District is right up your alley!  From 5:30PM to 8:30PM, kids aged 5 through 12 will enjoy a fun afternoon of seasonal activities for their age group. Make sure to sign up in advance. On Friday, December 15th, the Bowen Park Theatre is bringing you a traditional holiday favorite about believing in your dreams and sharing the reason for the season: love, family, and togetherness!  The Jack Benny Center for the Arts and Bowen Park Theatre present Miracle on 34th Street starting at 7PM with additional showings available.  Book now! Bring your competitive holiday spirit with the Gingerbread house Building Competition and Family Social at the Adaptive Recreation Center on December 16th from 2PM to 3PM! On December 19th at the Belvidere Recreation Center, enjoy some holiday baking fun with the Youth Cookie Club’s special Holiday Cookies workshop event from 6PM to 7:15PM. On December 20th, the Egg Harbor Cafe is hosting the big man himself for a magical holiday Breakfast with Santa event from 9AM to 12PM in Libertyville! A special cooking class called “I can Bake: Holiday Baking” workshop is being held on December 21st at the Adaptive Recreation Center! And of course, you’ll want to pencil in your first act of bravery for the year when on January 1st 2024 starting at 10AM, the community gathers for the Waukegan Municipa l Beach’s 25th Annual Polar Bear Plunge event!

There’s no place like home for the holidays!  And what better homecoming gift is there to bring to loved ones than a plate of freshly baked homemade cookies.  How fitting then that today should be National Cookie Day.  To celebrate our love for these sweet treats as well as gear up for holiday baking sprees, we’re coming at you with a list of our favorite recipes, favorite baking equipment, and local bakeries to order a cookie plate.  Check it out! more FUN FACT! Did you know that the modern day holiday cookies we know and love today began with recipes from Medieval Europe?  As people began to travel and explore other cultures, previously unavailable ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, almonds, and dried fruit made their way into Western Europe’s homes and bakeries. FUN FACT! The earliest known appearance of Christmas Cookies in the US was in the 17th century by Dutch Settlers.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cookie cutters began appearing in the US thanks to more relaxed import laws, and recipes using them became more prevalent. FUN FACT! North American traditions of leaving out cookies and milk for Santa originated in the 1930s. (That is, if mom or dad don’t eat them first!)  As you can see, cookies are a beloved traditional holiday food! If you’re not a baker, we’ve got a great list of local shops where you can order your own for the holidays.  Here’s where to order your holiday cookies and cookie platters in Lake County: The Frosted Baker in Waukegan Tony’s Bakery in Waukegan Illusion Bakery in Waukegan Poparrazzi Gourmet Treats in Waukegan O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Bake Share Baking in Grayslake Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee Lovin Oven Cakery in Round Lake Beach Nana’s Rum Cakes in Mundelein Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake Taste of Paris in Mundelein Hewn Bakery in Libertyville Karina’s Bakery in Mundelein Tony Cannoli in Mundelein When we’re not in the dealership working on cars or selling them, we’re at home with our families indulging in some of our favorite holiday traditions, which of course includes baking holiday cookies!  Here are some of the kitchen tools we find indispensable for cookie prep and decorating. Silpat Baking Mats Melamine Mixing bowls with lids Cheat Sheets Silicone Baking Trays Wide Spatula Glass Prep Bowls Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop KitchenAid High Speed Hand Mixer Love cookies as much as we love talking about them? Why not try your hand at creating your own traditions with our favorite holiday cookie recipes (vegan and gluten free options included!) World’s Best Cookies Ever Cherry Cheese Windmill Cookies Cinnamon Bun Cookies Hidden Mint Morsels Crinkle Top Chocolate Cookies Gluten Free Cutout Cookies with a Dairy Free Option Classic Rich Roll Cookies Chocolate Covered Katie’s Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Copycat Mrs. Fields White Chocolate Chip Cookies Loving It Vegan’s Simple Oatmeal Cookies Soft Baked Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies Best Ever Soft Sugar Cookies Slice and Bake Rainbow Arch Cookies Tie-Dye Butter Cookies Lidia Bastianch’s Italian Rainbow Cookies Gluten Free Christmas Cookies Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

What is Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday is a great reminder to step back from the consumerism of the holidays, and get back to the roots of the season: connecting with others, appreciating community, giving the gift of our appreciation and support, and caring for others in the spirit of kindness.  This annual event aims especially to help local and national non-profits and charitable organizations gain visibility, attract new patrons and donors, and engage with the community to increase awareness and support for their causes. more Here are some wonderful non-profits and charities in our area that could use your support or membership: United Way of Lake County in Gurnee Habitat for Humanity Lake County in Waukegan COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan Casa Lake County in Vernon Hills Fill a Heart 4 Kids in Lake Forest Women Enuff, Inc in Zion Growing Healthy Veterans in Gurnee Mothers Trust Foundation in Lake Forest Rae of Sunshine Foundation in Long Grove Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Bluff Help Them to Hope in Gurnee Mano A Mano Family Resource Center Have a local charity or non-profit organization that could use support? Let us know in the comments! Other fantastic ways you can give back within our communities: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Offer ride share service to your neighbors, local seniors, and disabled individuals. Oftentimes these folks may need rides to important appointments, picking up their meds, and gathering groceries! Providing transportation as needed can be a great help! Start a community garden and urban agriculture project and encourage your friends and neighbors to join in planting, cultivating, and harvesting fruits and veggies and other edible plants. Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation, and make a few contributions to local organizations like COOL ministries and others. When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage and contribute a percentage of your purchases to the charity of your choice. Create care packages for the local unhoused population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Remember to include some additional bags for pets; many unhoused individuals do care for family pets, have service animals, and general animal companions. Providing food and water and treats for peoples’ pets can help as well! Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town.  Remember to include extended sizing from infant to toddler to juniors as well as adult XS to XXXXL when purchasing or collecting clothing! All bodies deserve comfortable clothing and warmth. Volunteer at a local animal shelter to do dog walking and animal playtime sessions, drop off canned and bagged animal food and kitty litter, donate gently used blankets and sheets and towels, bleach, pet safe salt/gravel, and other daily use pet items. Contribute specialty food goods, seasonings, and allergen friendly items to local food banks, pantries, and community fridges.  Just because someone is unhoused does not mean they no longer have dietary restrictions or don’t deserve a healthy, delicious meal! Remember to contribute personal hygiene items such as diapers, diaper rash cream, sunscreen, deodorant, soap and shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, over the counter medications such as fever reducers and children’s meds, and toilet paper to local food drives, shelters and collection banks in addition to food. Spend some time at local senior centers, nursing homes, and care facilities, especially around the holidays!  Due to the Covid19 pandemic, many elderly and disabled people have had a difficult few years in isolation, and spending time with fellow community members can lift their spirits!  Remember to protect our vulnerable populations, though, and adhere to social distancing and vaccination/mask requirements. And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Kickstart the holiday joy this season by packing your family and friends into the car for a festive road trip!  We’re bringing you a selection of some of the most holly-jolly and very merry lights displays to add a little holiday spirit to the season.  Check it out on today’s blog! The Christmas Wonderland 2023 lights display at Rock Spring Park in Alton opened on Thanksgiving and will run through the 27th of December.  Open from 6PM through 9PM every Monday through Friday, and 5PM to 9PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  Suggested donations are $10 for cars and small vans, or for larger vehicles of 10+ persons a suggested $1 per person donation.  This year, the festivities include an Enchanted Forest where you can vote for your fave festive tree, and even get a visit to Santa Claus himself!  There’s a drive through and walkthrough option, so you can experience the magic two different ways. Get more info here at Riversandroutes.com The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is hosting a festive display of seasonal cheer for the 80th year! With humble beginnings of one single tree in 1942, this beloved annual exhibit now houses a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree as the centerpiece of more than 50 different trees and gorgeous volunteer-decorated lights displays!  This year’s theme centers on “The Science of Snow” and features an incredible array of snowflake photography by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht, alongside thematic holiday and wintry music.  Admission to the display is included with regular Museum Entry admission, and you can catch it now through January 7th 2024. The 11th annual Illumination: Tree of Lights at the Morton Arboretum event opened November 18th and will run through January 6th 2024! Grab your tickets in advance, because they’re selling out fast and you don’t want to miss this seasonal spectacular!  With more than 50 acres of trees to explore in festive immersive art and light exhibits, it will delight visitors of all ages. And best of all, this year the event has been made even more inclusive with a new path added that’s fully ADA compliant for patrons with disabilities and mobility devices!  The 1-mile paved walking path features festive music, special lighting effects, and a dazzling winter woodland scene. Members receive 20% discount on tickets and ordering in advance ZooLights of Lincoln Park Zoo is back and better than ever with new and exciting lights displays, seasonal festive photo ops, and plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy! The seasonal event opened on November 17th and will run through January 7th 2024.  Zoolights also includes a special Sensory-Friendly night where most of the lights displays will remain static, music will be played at a reduced volume, and any moving light displays will be slowed down.  Guests are welcome to wear noise reduction headphones for a more accommodating experience.  Tickets are required but are just $7 per person. Special additional holiday programming such as an Adults Night Out, Live Music, and even seasonal rides are available on select dates and time s. The Festival of Lights in Peoria returns for another festive season and its 39th year of magic!  It opened the season on November 18th with a spectacular Parade of Lights event, and will continue to dazzle from Friday November 24th through January 1st.  Experience the magic from 5PM to 9PM every Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours from 5PM to 11PM on Friday and Saturday.  Hours amend to 5PM to 9PM on December 24th through January 1st 2024. Admission is $10 for regular vehicles, $30 for small busses, and $150 for a motorcoach. The Shelbyville Festival of Lights opened on November 17th and will run through December 31st.  Enjoy the gorgeous lights from 5PM to 9PM Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM.  Donations are suggested at the end of your tour.  When you’re done with the Forest Park display of lights, enjoy the Festival of Trees with more than 40 decorated trees each weekend in the Chautauqua, and you can  vote for your favorite; happening every Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM and Sundays from 5PM to 9PM.