Blog

We’re back with another fun edition of Classic’s Community Calendar of Events for the month of October. We’ve scoured the internet and local postings to find you some of the most fun and exciting events around the Lake County and Greater Chicago areas.  If you’ve got a local event coming up, feel free to drop it in the comments section of our Calendar post on social media so our readers can find it, too!  From dance class to painting to concerts to seasonal fun, we’ve got a little bit of everything for our community to enjoy. There’s plenty of family fun for everyone, too. more Sundays and Fridays Starting with October 1st and October 6th, head over to Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach at 7PM t o take a walk through the weird, witchy, and wild rooms and interactive experiences in this local haunted house attraction.  Back for its 21st year, the haunted house is chock full with horror carnival games with prizes, mini escape rooms, a haunted bar, and even a gift shop. October 2nd through the 14th starting at 11AM, head over to Downtown Long Grove to enjoy a series of free events called Long Grove October Days! Enjoy a rotating calendar of events and activities including DIY Scarecrow day, family fun nights, ladies night out and much more. October 2nd at the Wauconda Area Public Library from 7PM to 8PM, enjoy the local Oktoberfest event! More than just beers and brats, immerse yourself in German Language, dance, music, and even more fun in store! Tuesday night at 7PM on October 3rd, head over for an incredible night of live music with DJ SPontaneous and Up in Smoke Creations at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan! On October 3rd, Tuesday, head over to Prairie Crossing Farm in Grayslake from 10AM to 1PM to enjoy their Fall Festival event! The morning of October 3rd from 10AM to 10:30 is a great time for parents and tiny tots to come over for the Drop-In Terrific Twos Storytime event at the Lake Forest Library in Lake Forest. October 4th at Ni ghtshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, head over for a night full of fun, friends, and unlimited laughs for Drag Queen Trivia Night! Wednesday October 4th is Highland Park’s 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Ravinia Farmers Market! Celebrations kick-off at the opening of the market, which runs every Wednesday through OCtober 25th from 7AM to 1PM. Thursday, October 5th, is a great day to check out the L ibertyville Farmers Market in Cook Park from 1AM to 1PM. October 5th at Events at Independence Grove in Libertyville, e njoy a festive night of live music with local artists at the Beer Garden Music Nights event running from 6:30PM to 8PM. The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival community night and opening carnival event is headed into town in Highwood on Thursday October 6th through the 8th! Come enjoy the pumpkin carving displays, carnival rides, costume contest, trick or treating, live music and so much more! Get in touch with your creative side and try out the historic art of Blacksmithing with a Basics of Blacksmithing workshop at Wade House in Pleasant Prairie, WI from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday October 7th. October 7th is a busy day over at the American Aid Society Oktoberfest in Lake Villa! Stop by and check out the local food, live music, and entertainment!  Doors open at 6:40PM and a $9 donation per person applies, with kids under 12 admitted free. On Saturday October 14th from 10:30AM to 1:30PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio of Waukegan, join in for the Creative Wellness Fundraiser event featuring Yoga, Meditation, Peace Circles, art, and dance!  Appropriate for children ages 5+ and adults. On October 14th, you’ll have a blast at the Genesee Theatre for Sugar Skull! A Dia De Muertos Musical Adventure starting at 6:30PM. Children 12 and under are just $10; children under 12 mos are permitted on laps of a paying ticket-holder. Adult tickets range from $20 to $50.  Enjoy this exciting, heartwarming musical and 8-person cast of musicians, actors and dancers as they explore Mexican traditions and culture through song, dance, and drama! October 20th, 21st, and 22nd, head over to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a “dog-gone” good time at the Fall Harvest Cluster Dog Show event from 8AM to 6PM each day in Grayslake. This is a great family friendly opportunity to check out the Kenosha Kennel Club and Skokie Valley Kennel Club’s jam packed weekend full of dogs and puppies and demonstration of canine skills! On October 21st, the Waukegan Parks District is pleased to announce the return of the GO Waukegan Zombie Walk! It’s happening at 9AM in Hinkston Park, where everyone will be able to walk together as a community and celebrate the season!

With October just on the precipice, we’re gearing up for Halloween like nobody’s business! What better way to usher in the scariest time of the year than spending our commute with some ghostly paranormal podcasts. And wouldn’t you know, today just happens to be National Ghost Hunting Day AND National Podcast day. So take a look at our list for best picks for Paranormal Themed Podcasts for your morning commute and get into the Halloween spirit with us! more From Nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan comes the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast. Take a tour through all things paranormal with your hosts Wayne Thomas, Brandon Hoezee and Kim Kolean as they explore the things that go bump in the night with the help of special guests.  Learn tips of the trade and listen to their tales from the field as they cover topics from Aliens to Cryptids to Ghosts and much more. The Tipsy Ghost crew hail from Kansas City, Missouri and these besties share a common love of paranormal investigations and true crime!  Sarah, Lindsey, and Boydston take trips to haunted locations and report on their findings and personal experiences.  From Europe to the UK to the States, they’re globetrotting ghost hunters with tall tales to tell their listeners, so be sure to tune in if you’re brave enough. Atlanta based Ghost Brothers host the beloved Urban Legends Podcast where they get down to the nuts and bolts of paranormal happenings across the country.  From Bloody Mary to Cropsey to Cryptids lurking in the shadows, they’re on a mission to uncover the truth behind these American Urban Legends! Take a tour to the other side with the trio and their rotating cast of special guests and find the truth for yourself. Unearthing Paranormalcy with husband and wife team Dave and Amy digs into the dirt, dust, and dastardly happenings of the paranormal across the globe and investigates what’s real, what’s surreal, and what’s supernatural.  This Oklahoma based podcast takes a look at haunted destinations, urban legends, and otherworldly experiences such as Hauntings, Cryptids, Spiritualism, UFOs, and even Missing Persons Cases. It’s a great choice for those who love sleuthing out the truth in unsolved mysteries and unexplained phenomena! The Dead Files is a unique podcast that marries the real world with the spiritual as your host Amy Allan, a medium, and reality-based retired homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi help solve unexplained mysteries that defy logic and reasoning all across the US.  From a home in Maine with unwelcomed supernatural houseguests to terrifying spirits terrorizing in a family-owned restaurant to historic hotels plagued with paranormal activity, they’re determined to get to the bottom of it. We had to cut our list off at 5 of our favorites or we’d go on forever!  But we know that you’ve got plenty of suggestions to share with us, so tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite haunted or paranormal themed podcast?  Who are your favorite ghost hunting hosts?

We are so excited to usher in the cooler temps of autumn, because we are more than ready to get out there and do our best “leaf peeping”.  There’s nothing like traipsing through woodland paths strewn with crunchy leaves!  What could be better than immersing yourself amidst golden sunset yellows, vivid rusty oranges, lush scarlet and ruby, and sepia tans of the foliage around you for a family photo op to post to the ‘gram.  It’s one of the most beautiful times to get back to nature, for as the pensieve scholar Albert Camus said “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” So what are you waiting for? Save this handy guide to your bookmarks so you can get the most out of autumn and find the best backdrops for your selfies before the season disappears. more Here are our annual reminder of photography tips for capturing the best autumn scenery with a smartphone: Charge your phone before you go! And bring a portable charging device with you. You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies.  Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability. Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. The Rule of Thirds is your friend here! Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative angles by getting low to the ground, or tilting your phone to capture things at a new angle instead of straight on.  To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed or Photoshop Express to cut down the image and center in closer for more clarity. Finding the Best Foliage in Illinois Right now, most of Illinois is still “business as usual” for foliage hues, but come the first week of October things will begin to shift.  You’ll notice more golden yellow, burnt oranges, crisp reds, and sepia tinged trees.  In Northern Illinois, the peak season will drop around 2nd or 3rd week of October. In Central Illinois, expect to enjoy peak leaf viewing in the 3rd week. By the end of October and perhaps into early November, the Southernmost regions of our state will be in full swing. If you play your cards right, you can drive your way through the state one week at a time, spending each week in prime viewing areas for the most optimal autumnal experience!  Of course, for your most accurate leaf report check the Enjoy Illinois Fall Planner by clicking here. Great Foliage Stops in Local Lake County and Beyond Bowen Park in Waukegan is a 60 acre park once home to John Charles Haines from 1857-1896, and is now a family friendly recreational area with picnic grounds, hiking trails, a playground, and beautiful gardens. Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion has breathtaking views of the autumnal leaves!  Whether you choose to sit back and relax at the lakeside, or wish to explore the 10 miles of hiking trails there’s no shortage of picturesque scenery here! Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe spans 385 acres with 27 gardens to explore.  When autumn rolls around, the trees will display a dazzling array of fiery colors and the autumnal shrubs and flowers will also put on a fabulous display. Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages!  From hayrides to corn mazes and pumpkin picking to harvest festivals, it’s an iconic part of local traditions each Fall, for more than 100 years! Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations. Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest.  Bring the whole family out to enjoy nature hikes, or stop for a guided lesson with local experts. Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike!  Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods IL is a beautiful 552 Acre preserve with 6.5 miles of scenic hiking trails which wind through the forest and over to the Des Plaines River. Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos! The University of St. Mary on the Lake in Mundelein has a beautiful lake surrounded by natural wonders, bridges, and monuments.  It’s a truly stunning sight to see when the fall foliage makes its appearance and its lake reflection twinkles in the light of golden hour. Looking for more great trails to explore in Lake County for fall portraits and autumnal hikes? Check out this great list for more options. More Great Fall Foliage Destinations in Illinois Humboldt Drive in Humboldt Park; Chicago, IL Winnemac Park; Chicago IL Schiller Woods along Des Plaines Trail; Chicago, IL Grandview Drive; Peoria Heights, IL Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway; Peoria, IL Midway Plaisance between Jackson Park and Washington Park; Chicago, IL Prairie Sky Orchard; Union, IL Stade’s Farm and Market; McHenry, IL Finding the Best Foliage in Wisconsin We love using the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report website for up-to-date information on the best regions for fall foliage at its peak.  Right now, Central and North Wisconsin are beginning to change color, and your best chance of optimum foliage viewing will be in the 1st and 2nd week of October! Here are some fantastic foliage vista spots and larger park areas to try in Northern Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Devils Lake State Park Door County Eagle River Chain of Lakes Holy Hill Marinette County Pattison State Park Pewits Nest Vilas County Wisconsin Dells The southern portion of Wisconsin is just beginning to see the early stages of foliage color change, so folks in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie regions have a little bit more time to plan their excursions, as foliage isn’t expected to peak in the area until the 2nd or more likely the 3rd week of October.  As weather changes, however, things can speed up a bit so keep your eye on the accurate and live-updated foliage report by clicking here. Here are some great places to view fall foliage in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie region: Brighton Dale Park Bristol Woods County Park Carre-Hogle Park Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area Fox River Water Trail Gordon Tabor Woods Island Park Kenosha Sand Dunes Maple Grove Park Northern Trailhead for Donald Hackbarth Trail Old Settlers Park Petrifying Springs Park Ponderosa Pit Trail System Pritchard Park Quarry Lake Park River Bend Nature Center Spring Bluff Forest Preserve

Since today is World Tourism Day, we thought we would do something a little different with our usual travel blogging content. This week, we’re looking outside of our own backyard and doing a little globe trotting!  Let’s check out four of the most scenic places to drive from all around the world. more The Amalfi Coast in Italy is world renowned for its picturesque scenery of sparkling turquoise waters and coastal towns with candy colored buildings and old world charm, and snakes in and amidst plunging rock cliffs. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported onto the scene of the most romantic movie in history.  The drive along the coast is full of winding, narrow roads which slip in and out of the cliffside providing absolutely breathtaking views, especially through the areas of Salerno and Positano. Chapman’s Peak Drive in South Africa is a short but very sweet drive compared to other entries on this list.  You’ll find absolutely stunning views of the coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, with the peak forming the gateway between Cape Town and the South Peninsula. It’s prime time viewing at sunset, with 180 degree views along the rocky shoreline and sandy bays. Be sure to stop along the way to snap some gorgeous photos at the scenic picnic areas, too! Icefields Parkway in Canada is a one-of-a-kind experience, and one of the most scenic roadways in all of Canada. It reaches all the way from Jasper National Park over to Lake Louise in Banff National Park.  You’ll want lots of time to take in the sumptuous scenery, so plan for a week-long excursion split between both parks if you can.  You won’t be able to get enough of those emerald green trees, crystal clear waters, breathtaking glaciers, and some of the most exquisite natural landscapes and mountainscapes you’ll ever see. The Great Ocean Road in Australia wraps along the southeastern coast with heart-stopping oceanscape views and the most iconic local rock formations known as the “Twelve Apostles”.  You’ll also be able to visit the oldest surviving lighthouse in Mainland Australia, the Cape Otway Lightstation.  It’s an unforgettable ride along coastal seaside towns, winding through rainforests, blissful views of waves crashing ashore and against the limestone cliffs, and through plenty of scenic viewpoints.  Visiting this gorgeous location is a once in a lifetime experience from start to finish.

There’s nothing we love more than finding exciting and interesting new places to explore right in our own backyard!  Today, we’ve found some really neat farms to visit in the Greater Chicago Area, Lake County region, and just over the state line into Wisconsin.  That’s right, folks, we’re celebrating National Alpaca Day with a great list of exciting local and regional Alpaca Farms to tour.  Get an up close look at these incredible animals, a chance to pet them and feed them, as well as learning more about the history of alpaca in the fiber industry across the globe.  It’s a unique experience and opportunity to learn and get some great photo ops to boot.  Check it out on today’s blog! more What is an alpaca? These goofy little guys are a smaller species of South American camelid mammals which are often mistaken for llamas, though the two are closely related and have been successfully cross bred.  They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Why do farmers raise alpacas? In the United States, alpacas are bred as a source of fiber production, which is quite profitable as their wool is harder to process, harder to acquire, and more expensive to make. In South America they’re also used as a food source similar to how we breed cattle, sheep, pigs, etc. How can I meet or learn more about alpacas? The best way to learn about these fuzzy farm animals is to visit a farm in person!  We’ve got a great list of local area alpaca farms to check out. You can get up close and personal with some for petting and walking, learn about fiber processing, buy some alpaca clothing or yarn, and so much more. Magic Meadows Alpacas is located in McHenry, IL and is our top recommendation for fun and interesting places to visit for alpaca aficionados!  Call to schedule an appointment for a private tour; visits are by appointment only unless you’re attending the public open house events posted to their site.  Enjoy a 45 minute long private tour of the grounds, learn about alpacas, browse gifts on site, and meet some of the alpacas in person! Ye Olde Alpaca Shoppe and Safehouse in Barrington, IL offers visits by appointments or you can book the farm for private events such as weddings, birthdays and more.  15 years agp. SafeHouse Farm began breeding alpacas as pets, hobby farming, and show-quality stock.  Today, they’ve opened their farm to visitors to help increase awareness about farm life, animal husbandry and care, handling and feeding, and sharing education and general compassion for animals. Krolls Harvest Farm in Waukegan, IL offers an opportunity to meet, feed, and even pet a variety of farm animals including alpacas! Other great places in the area to learn about or meet alpacas include: Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL Patch 22 in Wadsworth, IL Kamins Farm Sanctuary in Grayslake, IL Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm in Kenosha, WI Richardson Farms in Spring Grove, IL

We love sharing driver tips and tricks with our readers!  Today, we’re sharing something that may be a little unconventional for a blog topic, but at the same time is a pretty regular occurrence on the road.  According to AAA and the Federal Highway Administration, nearly two million collisions occur between wildlife and vehicles annually in the US. Since today is National RoadKill Day, we’re here to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of driving safely around wildlife, what to do if you accidentally hit an animal, and how to remove roadkill out of the main path until authorities can arrive.  (Be sure to share this advice with younger drivers, too, so they can be in the know and drive as safely as possible.) more How to avoid collision with animals and wildlife: Stay alert, be vigilant. Be on the lookout for signs that indicate a high animal crossing area. You may notice species specific signs such as deer, moose, bear, etc depending on the area you’re traveling in.  If you’re driving in rural areas, you may notice signs for cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animal crossing areas.  During migration seasons, additional road signage may be added to highways and streets alerting drivers for high-traffic areas of wildlife migration. Keep your own pets safely stowed inside the vehicle cabin in crates, car seats, or other safety restraints; simply placing the animal on a passenger/driver’s lap or holding them in your arms is not sufficient. If you’re traveling with your faithful furry companions in tow, it’s important to be mindful of their behavior when approaching wildlife on the road. Make sure that your pets are safely secured with restraint devices, to avoid additional distractions such as them lunging, climbing, or jumping forwards to get a closer look. Make sure that your pet is unable to lean out of or squeeze through any open windows or hatchbacks, being mindful to trigger window-locks, child-safety features in the rear doors, and otherwise barring escape routes. Escaped family pets chasing wildlife can cause additional stress and accidents on the road! Pay extra attention during Dusk and Dawn. Many animals are crepuscular, meaning they’re primarily active at dawn and at dusk, the times that they feel are safest to avoid their predators. This means that your chances of collision are higher during these hours, so you’ll want to remain extra attentive.  The animals may be more prey or food focused as well, and may leap to grab a bite to eat without cautiously surveying the area. Be prepared to stop more frequently. Where there is one, there are likely many! Lots of animals move in groups, flocks, and herds.  If you notice one lone animal or a few sparse stragglers crossing, stop and pause to observe if there are additional animals coming behind them. It’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and wait to see if there are more nearby. Be mindful of Seasonal factors such as wet leaves, rain, snow, and ice. Certain animals may also be more visible or less visible in different weather conditions. Check the wildlife in your area for their seasonal mating patterns, and be extra attentive during those times.  Some animals may also venture out with their offspring in the Spring/Summer season, increasing regional populations. Being mindful as well of any wet, slippery, and icy conditions can help you maintain safe distance and reasonable speeds to further reduce your statistical chances of accidents in this time frame.  Additionally, October through December are peak mating and hunting season times, so animals are more likely to be on the move. Use your high beams and reduce your speed. Many of these animals will do their best to avoid bright light, and it may increase your chances of preventing a collision. Animals will see the lights coming, and steer clear of the roadways. Likewise, this can provide additional visibility on dark or dimly lit roadways, providing you extra safety measures in spotting wildlife before it's too late.  Flicking your high beams on and off at incoming wildlife may also encourage them to turn around and avoid crossing. Be on the lookout for loose dogs and stray cats, especially in urban and residential areas. While it would be ideal if Fido and Fifi could stay in their homes or yards or safely attached to leashes, accidents happen and sometimes household pets make a break for it.  In busy city areas or suburban streets, your chances of coming across a stray dog or cat increase.  Additionally, some people do not obey leash laws and allow their dogs off-lead walking space, which can lead to animals darting away from their owners unexpectedly to chase another animal or greet someone across the street. Driving the posted speed limit in these areas is important, to avoid hitting someone’s household pet and causing injuries or death. Use your brakes, but don’t swerve! Reducing your speeds, honking the car horn, flashing your lights, and tapping your brakes can not only warn the incoming animals but may alert other drivers behind you or in front of you.  If there are no other drivers behind you, hard braking to avoid collision is recommended.  If you find collision is inevitable, do your best not to swerve, and instead maintain control of your vehicle so you don’t veer off the road or skid into other obstacles or cars. What to do if you find roadkill on the street: Roadkill should be removed from roadways as soon as possible; call local authorities. Leaving the deceased carcass in the road can cause additional accidents as drivers swerve to avoid hitting it, as well as attracting additional scavenging wildlife to the area hoping for a meal.  The best way to remove the roadkill is contacting local authorities; animal control or other law enforcement agencies will come to the area to remove it. If you must remove roadkill from your property or quiet street yourself, follow important safety precautions. Wildlife carries a high risk of transferring pets, diseases, bacteria, and other zoonotic illness, and this is especially true of deceased animals.  It is best that you call local pest removal companies to dispose of the animal.  However, if you are in a situation where  this is not possible, and the carcass needs to be removed immediately, follow safety protocols. Make sure you do not touch the roadkill with your bare hands; though as mentioned it is inadvisable to move the roadkill yourself, if you must, be sure to use a mask, thick gloves as well as a shovel or other implement that enables you to lift it without touching it and transfer it to heavy-duty garbage bags, and place safely out of the way of incoming drivers. Clean the area by hosing it down and using an environmentally friendly disinfectant to clean the area of hazardous bacteria. Do not attempt to salvage or reclaim the roadkill. Some sport hunters and taxidermists may be tempted to take the roadkill home to repurpose, but in most states this is strictly prohibited. Some states or towns may allow this with specific permits or tags if it is then registered with local state authorities within a limited time frame (usually within 24 hrs). Again, this is not recommended due to high risk of disease and parasites, and you should always adhere to local and state regulations.

World Rivers Day was created to remind communities of the critical importance of rivers as waterways and as pathways to communities all across the globe. Not only do they provide environmental protection to wildlife, serve as vital sources of fresh water and food, provide estuaries and passageways for travel and transportation, and an overall life support for global ecosystems. more In the United States we have more than 250,000 rivers, totaling out to 3.5 million miles, each of which are vital resources for fresh drinking water as well as the food we consume daily.  Not only that, but they’re also incredible opportunities for us to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, rafting, and kayaking! Illinois has more than 87,100 miles of rivers and streams within state lines, and 880 miles of rivers along its borders.   Learn more about canoeing and Kayaking throughout the state here! Here’s a look at some of the longest rivers in our state: The Mississippi River is the world’s 4th longest river and North America’s longest river!  580 miles of which runs through Illinois; it is the state to have the largest population living along the river. This includes towns such as East Dubuque, Galena, Nauvoo, Hamilton and more. The Illinois River is about 270 miles long, and is a primary estuary for the Mississippi River.  You can travel along 150 miles of the Illinois River Road Corridor and visit the cities and towns along the way including: Ottawa, Marseilles, Princeton, Henry, Peoria, Canton, Pekin, and Havana just to name a few!  Activities include birding, nature photography, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The Ohio River is 981-miles long and located at the boundary between the midwestern and the southern US. The Illinois portion of the river begins at the mouth of the Wabash River and flows 133 miles to confluence with the Mississippi River at Fort Defiance.  Towns along the Ohio River banks include Cairo Old Shawneetown, Elizabethtown, Golconda, and Metropolis just to name a few. The Wabash River is a tributary of the Ohio River, and is 503 miles long. It flows to southern Illinois where it forms the border between Indiana and Illinois.  You can  gain access to the river from Hutsonville, Westport, St. Francisville, Mt. Carmel, Grayville, Maunie, and New Haven.  This is considered a very challenging river to navigate even by the most experienced boaters, as the water depth can vary anywhere from 6 inches to 50 feet deep!  It is prized by anglers, however, for its unparalleled access to fish not found on any other water source in Illinois. Rivers to Visit and Explore in Lake County area: Buffalo Creek Des Plaines River Fox River Nippersink Creek Skokie River Waukegan River

September 23rd is National Public Land Day, celebrated annually on the 4th Saturday of each September.  It promotes both the enjoyment of and volunteer conservation efforts for conservation of public lands; it was created by the National Environmental Education Foundation. NEEF aims to make our environment more accessible, relatable, and relevant and connected to the daily lives of all Americans. more NEEF has spent decades cultivating an environmentally conscious mindset through funding community outreach programs, critical STEM/STEAM programming to foster public land conservation and health in K-12 groups, promote environmental literacy, and partnering with diverse groups in local communities to make environmental care accessible and enjoyable for all! What began as just one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, National Public Lands Day has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for maintaining public lands.  In celebration of this special day for fostering a strong connection between the public and the environment, it’s also a “Fee Free Day” at all National Parks and Public Lands! Did you know that even kids and teens can participate in projects?  NEEF has a host of youth friendly environmental education resources to help even our youngest community members learn to care for our planet and be environmentally responsible! 30th National Public Lands Day: 70,000+ Volunteers Gear Up to Enhance Parks, Forests, and Waterways Across the Country on September 23! Here’s where you can help locally: If you’d like to take part in the celebrations, head over to the Grove National Historic Landmark to learn about The Grove’s history, and participate in a restoration work day led by NEEF’s Natural Resources Manager in Glenview, IL. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering with Friends of Loomis St. Gardens and Skinner Park Advisory Council. Activities for all ages. No experience necessary. Refreshment and lunch provided. And Round Lake Logging Dam, Northern Wisconsin is a hub for this year’s efforts, too! US Forest Service staff will host a Fall Colors Photography Tour and BioBlitz at the Round Lake Logging Dam, first constructed in 1876 and restored in 1995. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a walk through history among hardwood and hemlock trees while taking photos of local biodiversity to share with local researchers using the iNaturalist app. Here’s some great National Parks to explore! Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI encompasses 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coastal protected areas.  In addition to the incredible bluffs on the shores of Lake Superior, it’s also home to the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the nation! Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Rhinelander WI spans a jaw dropping 1.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness across Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  You’ll find no shortage of outdoorsy activities such as canoeing, hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and more. Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL encompasses 289,000 stunning acres of parkland located in Southern Illinois and nestled between both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Visitors will find breathtaking scenic views from the top of great canyons and sandstone cliffs, and stunning crystal clear waters and rocky streams. The many lakes, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and streams of the area are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the sprawling prairies and woodland trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running and more. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson IL is the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental US at 261 miles in length!  The refuge includes protected wetlands, islands, marshes, and floodplain forests, many of which are accessible only by boat. Some portions of the refuge are open to seasonal hunting, trapping, and fishing but they do have very restrictive regulations. Amazing State Parks to explore in Illinois all year round: Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry Matthiessen State Park in Oglseby Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville White Pines Forest State Park in Mt Morris Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna Lowden State Park in Oregon IL Apple River Canyon STate Park in Apple River Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Lena Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais Staved Rock State Park in Oglesby Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa IL Cave-In-Rock State Park in Cave-In-Rock Illini State Park in Marseilles Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove Glacial Park Conservation Area When you’re visiting national parks and preserved public lands, be sure to be a conscientious visitor! Be sure to abide by these tips and rules for responsible and eco-conscious behaviors: Be prepared for anything. National public lands are wilderness environments, and some are quite far from “civilization.” Be sure to pack enough food, water, and emergency supplies for your whole party. Live by the Leave No Trace principles. Whatever you bring into the public lands and parks needs to make its way out with you.  Whether the garbage is man-made or natural (fruit peels, veggie waste, pits and seeds from fruit, etc) it all needs to leave when you do.  This helps prevent growth of invasive species, or cluttering our trails with garbage. Check out our previous blogs for convenient car accessories for camping and trash collection. Never feed wildlife or animals. Wild animals depend on instinct and natural foraging skills to survive; visitors who feed wildlife can inhibit the animals self-sufficiency.  Animals who depend on handouts from humans can be destructive and invasive as well as endangering the survival of their own species. Always read the posted signage at the entrance and within the parks. Signs posted in and around national parks and public lands are there to protect you as much as they are the wildlife and environment. Adhere to posted signs to stay on the trails, conceal your food, or avoid specific areas, etc. Know your limits and keep it close. Adhering to openings and closings of parks will help ensure your safety and wellbeing.  The same can be said of not taking risks such as exploring “uncharted” areas or going off trail in posted areas.  We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, battling environmental issues such as widespread forest fires and flooding, and it is creating a crisis for first responders and medical professionals.  Being conscious to mind the rules and regulations of parks can prevent unnecessary accidents such as injury or death, both in the parks and in the general public, due to a lack of timely response or shortage in supplies and rescue equipment. Check out this list provided by the NPS in the US for additional information and precautions.

Today is Native American Day, and in honor of that, we’re highlighting a local destination, the Dickson Mounds at the Illinois State Museum, so you can get an up-close and personal look into the history of Native peoples in our region’s history. more Located in West Central Illinois in Lewistown, t he Dickson Mounds Museum is  a branch of the Illinois State Museum and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the US, it offers a truly unique opportunity to explore 12,000 years of Native American history in the Illinois River Valley.  Visitors can explore the interactive and interpretive exhibits, learn about archaeological sites, and attend ongoing special events and workshops on local history. With more than 15,000 square feet of exhibits, there’s no shortage of educational opportunities. Permanent collections include “The River Valley Gallery”, featuring the connection between local indigenous people and the Illinois River from Ice Age to the present day; People of the Valley exhibit hosts a collection of artifacts, murals, photographs, and hands-on exhibits from Ice Age to the 19th century; The Discovery Center is a perfect family-friendly, all-ages exhibit where visitors can enjoy a history session through the joy of play. Running now through December 2023, the museum is hosting “Interrupted Journey: A Photographic Journal of Bird Rescue and Relationship” as a temporary exhibition. Through the photographs and journal entries of Ojibwe/Anishinaabe artist Nora Moore Lloyd, visitors will explore the relationship between art, artist, and her work with bird rescue and release in the Chicago region.  Each photograph honors the local area birds which have been displaced and interrupted by human activity, and is rooted in Lloyd's indigenous perspective of mutual respect and friendship with the natural world. If you’re looking for something unique to do, the museum is hosting some wonderful events upcoming! On Saturday, September 30th at 1PM, stop by the Dickson Mounds Museum for Girl Scouts of Illinois as they present “Trees, Flowers, and Bugs! Oh My!” where girl scouts can explore the path of the Naturalist at ISM-Dickson Mounds. On Thursday, October 5th 15 9:30AM, you and your tots can stop by for this month’s “Tot Time” event featuring farm animals! And that’s not all.  Check out the f ull calendar of events at Dickson Mounds Museum here.

We’re back with another Classic Auto Group Local Eats Guide in celebration of N ational Fried Rice Day! Today, we’re sharing our picks for incredible and community recommended Asian restaurants in Lake County and surrounding areas. more Whether you’ve got a penchant for sushi plates, a hankering for street style Thai noodles, are clamoring for some traditional Chinese dishes and dim sum, we’ve got you covered.  Each of the picks on this list has received top marks from local foodies and comes highly recommended. Know a restaurant we’ve left off our list? Let us know in the comments on our social media so our readers can try that one out, too! Asian Bowl Grayslake Thai and Japanese in Grayslake Bangkok Tokyo in Lake Bluff Blue House Korean BBQ in Mundelein Blufish Sushi Bistro in Vernon Hills, Glenview, and Park Ridge Green Peapod in McHenry Hong Kong Chop Suey in Mundelein Kawa Japanese Restaurant in Grayslake Lovely Thai in Grayslake Panda Chinese Restaurant in Grayslake Pho House in Libertyville Pl8 Simply Asian in Barrington Red Sun in Lindenhurst Royal Cantonese in Mundelein Royal Thai in Gurnee Shakou Restaurant in Libertyville Sushi Thai in Libertyville Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant in Arlington Heights Yu’s Mandarin in WheelingPlum Garden in McHenry Looking for a fun way to enjoy your Fried Rice cravings wherever you go? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve also found some super fun portable, travel friendly cookware to make yourself some stir fry and fried rice on your next camping trip or road trip.  That’s right, folks, you can take your love of Asian cooking with you wherever you go thanks to these convenient options for campfire friendly cooking and other accessories. The Cowboy Wok from Barebones Living is a great gift accessory to give to the off-road adventurer in your life. This shallow, disc-shaped pan with a large cooking surface is perfect for fast meals and holds its temperature well!  Great for stir frying over the fire, flipping tortillas, and so much more. The Bonfire Cast Iron Wok Top + Hub from Solo Stove is perfect for backyards o r bonfires or whatever adventure you bring it on!  Custom made to fit the Bonfire Cooking System by Solo, this fun accessory brings fine culinary cookware to the campsite.  Perfect for wood-fired stir fry or bbq on the go. The King Kooker 12” portable propane outdoor cooker with wok is an excellent budget friendly wok for the foodie on the go.  Great for off-grid living and camping, as well as bringing to the RV park to host a community cook-out with a little flare.

It’s National Smithsonian Day!  Did you know that the Smithsonian has curated a special online collection called “Explore America: Illinois” with art, americana, and other interesting information about our amazing state? Yep, pretty cool!  But that’s not all there is to love about our state, there’s the Smithsonian Center for Science and Industry, a mere hop skip and jump away in Chicago! more Let’s get exploring and see some highlights of the museum’s current and rotating offerings. Blue Whales: Return of the Giants is now showing in the Giant Dome Theater. If you’re hankering for an eye-opening, awe-inspiring, and jaw-dropping educational film on one of our planet’s most majestic creatures. Learn about their behavior, environmental concerns, conservation efforts, and more.  The film makes a great follow-up to The Blue Paradox exhibit examining the environmental crisis of ocean plastics and pollution. Pompei is a history exhibit featuring artifacts and materials excavated from the doomed Italian City and will be part of the rotating collection on view now through January 16th!  So hurry in because you don’t want to miss this fascinating look back in history to the city frozen in time.  And when you’re done, head back to the Giant Dome Theater to check out Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation. Engineers and scientists of all ages will be fascinated by the Passport to the Universe film playing in the Giant Dome Theater.  It’s a budget-friendly way to take a trip into space to explore the cosmos in depth, and appreciate the vastness of our universe! Transportation fans will have a blast exploring the Transportation Gallery, Flight and Motion Simulators, the Pioneer Zephyr train, a tour of a U-505 Submarine, and a NASCAR Next Gen Ford Mustang Stock Car. If you’re looking for something unique and interactive, we recommend enrolling your youngsters in the MSI Camp experiences, or taking your middle school aged kids to the Science Exploration Days, enjoying an overnight experience at the Science Snoozeum event in December.  There’s even special dates and times to allow an accessible experience for those with sensory issues during “Low Sensory Mornings”! Environmental enthusiasts will be overjoyed to get in depth look and real-time view of our planet at the Earth Revealed exhibit, learn about modern farming techniques and processes in the Farm Tech exhibit, view glacial photography at the Extreme Ice exhibit, and appreciate the incredible natural patterns that form all over our planet at the Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze exhibit. Have you been to the Smithsonian Museum of Science and Industry? Let us know your favorite experiences and share with our readers on social media!

Since its inception in 2011 by Irwin Tools company, National Tradesmen day has been helping the public understand the importance of trade careers and the individuals who work in them.  These skilled workers and professionals are the backbone of our community, providing vital services such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC service, trucking and logistics, masonry, carpentry, welding, and of course our favorite automotive services!  These strong, dedicated individuals help us build and maintain our schools, offices, hospitals,and homes, as well as repairing our vehicles, transporting goods and important medication, and so much more. more During the early onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it became more clear than ever just how essential these services are to our global economy and communities!  So, take a second to thank a local tradesman or contractor in your life for their hard work and dedication. Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a skilled tradesman in the automotive industry! Automotive mechanics perform more hands-on skills and are the backbone of every automotive dealership and service center.  The mechanic is in charge of inspecting each vehicle, ensuring that all electrical and mechanical components are in tip-top shape and working order.  They can inspect the vehicle’s computer and electronic components and let you know what requires maintenance or repair.  They focus on your vehicle’s functionality and longevity through regular tune-ups and service, and perform in-depth service appointments to get your vehicle back on the road. Automotive technicians perform basic care and maintenance services on your vehicle. This includes but is not limited to oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations and alignments, repairing and replacing worn parts, replacing vehicle parts for manufacturer recalls, and performing electrical diagnostics. Both jobs require an ability to handle specialized tools and heavy equipment, certification from vocational schools or adequate apprenticeship under a seasoned certified mechanic, the utmost precaution and care for safety regulations with regards to electronic equipment, dangerous and corrosive chemicals and fluids, thorough working knowledge of vehicle diagnostic methods and tools, and an outstanding knowledge of the mechanical and electrical components of various makes/models of vehicle. There are an average of 600,400+ people employed as automotive mechanics and technicians as of 2023! Although it is still a predominantly male dominated profession (98% men, 2% women), there’s plenty of growth and opportunities to level the playing field for women.  More and more programs are encouraging STEM/STEAM programming and activities in younger grades to inspire more girls and women to join the ranks in the automotive industry, and more opportunities are opening up for women across multiple fields in automotive sports.