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Here at Classic, our Auto Body Shop is standing by with a team of experienced and knowledgeable service personnel to guide you through the process.  If you find yourself in need of a little bit of advice or a refresher on how to do these things, we’re here to help!  Of course, it’s always good to be prepared for anything and arm yourself with the basics on vehicle maintenance.  That’s why today we’re dedicating some blog space to tire education, to make sure you’re “wheely” well informed on this important safety point.  Let’s learn more together. You should be regularly checking tire air pressure and keeping an eye on the wear-and-tear and tread depth, along with knowing how to gauge when it’s time to swap out to a different type of tire for the season or a change in driving habits. It’s always a great idea to be thinking about your vehicle’s tires, so here’s some tips to get you started. more Learn the different types of tires: Check with your mechanic or trusted tire installation technician to find the best tires that match your vehicle’s recommended size/type, your driving style and average mileage, local/seasonal weather hazards, and your budget. Here’s a little more information on the types of tires available, and things to consider when selecting the right option for your needs: Touring Tires - designed for day to day driving, can be used on a broad range of vehicles, available for all-season and summer-only options Performance Tires - designed for energetic drivers who focus on a more sporty driving style, available for all-season and summer-only options, and focus on features like dry or wet traction All-Terrain Tires - designed for both street and off-road driving, focusing on toughness and durability and strong off-road features for dirt/mud/ice/etc. Winter/Snow Tires - designed for maximum grip and traction in winter weather conditions, optimal for cold weather use and not made for warm-weather driving Donut or Spare Tires - designed for very short term use of no more than 50-70 miles, and are intended only for short term emergency use until you can replace your worn/damaged tire with new ones or get them repaired; these are also not designed to be driven at high speeds and it’s recommended at a max of 50 MPH or below for safety What to look for when performing regular routine maintenance checks on your tires: Check your tire pressure monthly, or whenever the temperature changes with a difference of 10º  higher or lower, and inflate to the specifications listed in your manual or on the inside of the door panel. Check your tire’s tread depth each time you check the pressure, and replace the tire if it is worn down to 2/32nds to 4/32nds of an inch.  You can insert a penny into the tread groove with President Lincon’s head upside down.  If you are able to see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace the tires.  Alternatively, if your tire treads are extremely low, you may notice your tire’s “tread wear indicators, which are raised sections between the tire’s treads; if you can see these, replace them immediately. Make sure to have your tires rotated with each routine service appointment such as an oil change or alignment.  This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and safely, reducing the chance of flats due to overuse or extreme wear. Examine tire treads and sidewalls for any cuts, cracks, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps, or cracks.  Take a good look to make sure there are no nails, screws, or other foreign objects lodged between them.  If you spot any damage or wear-and-tear, you should bring your car in for a patch by a trusted service employee or a full replacement. Tires typically last around 50,000 miles, which is about 3 to 5 years average for the typical driver, but this does vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and where you drive most. Drivers who frequently use unpaved roadways, go off-roading, and those who are “lead-foot drivers” may need to replace them more frequently than average.  Check with your trusted mechanic or local tire specialist to assess your needs. Here are some tools you should keep on hand to make changing tires a breeze: A manual car jack - used for raising your vehicle higher off the ground so you can remove and swap the flat tire A Spare tire or donut - swap this in place for the broken/damaged tires A lug wrench or torque wrench - a special tool designed to remove the nuts attaching your vehicle wheel to the rotors A portable tire inflator - a mechanical device that either is hand-pumped or more recently, powered by your vehicle’s electrical outlets that can inflate the tire to pressure within minutes. A tire gauge - A small tool either analog or digital that can help you determine the current air pressure of your tires Check out these helpful tips and videos to learn more about how to change your tire in an emergency:

FuelCell Energy’s Tri-gen technology produces three products: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen, and usable water Marks Toyota’s first port vehicle processing facility in the world to be powered by onsite-generated, 100 percent renewable electricity Models how fuel cell technology can play a role in helping reduce emissions from commercial operations, as a scalable system that can be implemented in a variety of settings/locations more Toyota Motor North America and FuelCell Energy, Inc have announced the completion of the first-of-its-kind “Tri-Gen System” at Toyota’s Port of Long Beach operations location.  This system, owned and operated by FuelCell Energy, produces renewable hydrogen, renewable electricity, and water from directed biogas.  Toyota and FuelCell Energy have entere a 20-year purchase agreement; FuelCell will provide Toyota with the products of Tri-Gen in order to enable Toyota Logistic Services Long Beach to be the first port vehicle processing facility in the world which is powered by onsite-generated, 100 percent renewable energy.  This change represents the innovative, bold, and thoughtful investments the company is making as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability. “By utilizing only renewable hydrogen and electricity production, TLS Long Beach will blaze a trail for our company,” said Chris Reynolds, Chief Administrative Officer, Toyota. “Working with FuelCell Energy, together we now have a world-class facility that will help Toyota achieve its carbon reduction efforts, and the great news is this real-world example can be duplicated in many parts of the globe.” FuelCell Energy CEO Jason Few said, “FuelCell Energy is committed to helping our customers surpass their clean energy objectives. By working with FuelCell Energy, Toyota is making a powerful statement that hydrogen-based energy is good for business, local communities, and the environment. We are extremely pleased to showcase the versatility and sophistication of our fuel cell technology and to play a role in supporting Toyota’s environmental commitments.” Tri-gen Supports Toyota’s Port Facilities and Operations FuelCell Energy’s innovative fuel cell technology will support Toyota’s operations at the port through an electrochemical process that converts directed renewable biogas into electricity, hydrogen, and usable water with a highly efficient, combustion-free process that emits virtually no air pollutants. Tri-gen produces 2.3-megawatts of renewable electricity, part of which will be off-taken by TLS Long Beach to support its operations at the port, which processes approximately 200,000 new Toyota and Lexus vehicles annually. The FuelCell Energy Tri-gen system can produce up to 1,200 kg/day of hydrogen which will provide for TLS Long Beach’s fueling needs for its incoming light-duty fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Mirai, while also supplying hydrogen to the nearby heavy-duty hydrogen refueling station to support TLS logistics and drayage operations at the port. Hydrogen production can be ramped up and down based on needs/requirements. 1,400 gallons of water will be co-produced per day from Tri-gen’s hydrogen production process and will be used by TLS Long Beach for car wash operations for vehicles that come into port prior to customer delivery. This will help decrease the use of constrained local water supplies by approximately half a million gallons per year. Tri-gen System Benefits the Community By supporting TLS operations at the Port of Long Beach, Tri-gen’s carbon neutral products are expected to reduce more than 9,000 tons of CO₂ emission from the power grid each year. “Renewable hydrogen is an important fuel for the future of the Port of Long Beach and the shipping industry,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “The renewable hydrogen generated by the ‘Tri-gen’ system that Toyota commissioned, and similar projects, is part of our multi-strategy approach to help fuel the transition of equipment like locomotives, harbor craft, cargo-handling equipment and trucks to zero emissions.” Tri-gen will also help to avoid more than six tons of grid NOx emissions, which are harmful to both people and the environment, and has the potential to reduce diesel consumption by more than 420,000 gallons per year by using hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks in port operations. Additionally, excess electricity not used by TLS will be delivered to the local utility, Southern California Edison, under the California Bioenergy Market Adjustment Tariff (BioMAT) program, adding a renewable, resilient, and affordable baseload electric generation resource to the electric grid. About FuelCell Energy FuelCell Energy is a global leader in sustainable clean energy technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, and global urbanization. It collectively holds more than 450 fuel cell technology patents in the United States and globally. As a leading global manufacturer of proprietary fuel cell technology platforms, FuelCell Energy is uniquely positioned to serve customers worldwide with sustainable products and solutions for businesses, utilities, governments, and municipalities. The Company’s solutions are designed to enable a world empowered by clean energy, enhancing the quality of life for people around the globe.

When it comes to Star Trek, the most memorable modes of transportation that come to mind are ships like the infamous USS Enterprise, but did you know that several classic cars made an appearance or two as well?  We’re celebrating Star Trek Day with a look back at some of the most memorable moments featuring real-life vehicles and vehicle brands in the classic Sci Fi franchise.  We bet some of these may surprise you, too! more A 1930s Ford Model AA, A 1939 GMC AC-Series Truck, a 1928 and 1930 Chevy, and a 1930 Buick All of these cars make appearances together in the episode from Star Trek the Original Series in “The City on the Edge of Forever” when the crew travels back in time thanks to a mishap with Dr. McCoy. A 1931 Cadillac V-12 This classic oldie makes an appearance in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series.  The crew of the Enterprise discovers a strange planet which hearkens back to the 1920s mafia/gangster run atmosphere of big city culture.  The vehicle is driven by Captain Kirk and his best friend, Spock as they attempt to drive around and blend in with “the locals”. A 1936 Ford Model 67 This vehicle made an appearance in the series Star Trek: Voyager. The crew detects a surprising readout of rust during a routine data analysis, and upon further investigation discovers a 1936 Ford Truck floating around in space!  The crew attempts to start the truck and play the radio, discovering an unusual radio frequency that leads them to solve a larger mystery. A 1965 Corvette Stingray Captain Kirk returns in the reboot from JJ Abrams with Star Trek 2009, and we’re introduced to the character in a thrilling high-speed escape as the young kirk absconds with his step father’s vintage corvette…and then promptly drives it off a cliff. A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pilot Tom Paris is quite the Earth History Aficionado, with a particular interest and fondness for vintage earth transportation. The Camaro makes an appearance in the “Vis a Vis” episode of Star Trek: Voyager’s fourth season, with Paris working on the car via holodeck, and enjoying a rendezvous in the car with his future spouse. A 1971 Ford LTD Country Squire and a 1974 Ford Mustang II Star Trek: Voyager makes several appearances on this list thanks to history jumping storylines. In this episode, Captain Janeway is recapping a story about her family’s past centering around a person names Shannon O’Donnell.  The vehicles appear in a scene where O’Donnell gets into a fender bender with the Mustang. A 1975 Chevrolet C-10 In the1986 theatrical film, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Kirk and his crew receive a distress call from earth and travel back in time to San Francisco in the 1980s to save mankind. Kirk and his cronies befriend a whale biologist, Dr. Gillian Taylor, who picks them up in the ‘75 chevy as they ride off to save humanity from doom with the help of two humpback whales. A 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Van and a 1995 Dodge RAM Star Trek: Voyager strikes again, this time featuring two different vehicles in the same episode.  After the crew of the Voyager gets thrown back in time, Tom Paris and Tuvok (along with a special guest) use the vehicles to avoid gunfire and make a quick getaway to safety.

Today is National Beer Day and we’d like to share a list of great local businesses and breweries to visit on your next date night or friend's meet-up. There’s nothing we love more here at Classic than something that brings us together as a community and supports our local friends and neighbours. Locally owned and operated businesses are a vital part of our community!   Consider stopping by these businesses for a brew or booking them for a special event. more Local Micro Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Beer Companies: Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewery ZumBier Lake Bluff Brewing Company Tighthead Brewing Company Buffalo Creek Brewing Booners Bosacki’s Brewery Light the Lamp Brewery Roaring Table Brewing Oppidan Spirits Only Child Brewing Company Black Lung Brewing Company Mickey Finn’s Brewery Ravinia Brewing Co North Avenue Tap Liquid Love Brewing Flapjack Brewery Goose Island Brewhouse Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Crushed by Giants Brewing Company Chicago Metropolitan Brewing Chicago A reminder about responsible, safe driving: Please, remember that even just one alcoholic beverage before driving can impair your thinking, reasoning, and coordination.  Bear in mind that generally you should wait at least one to two hours after one drink, so your body has enough time to process the beverage.  In any case, no matter where you’re going or how many people you’re with you should have at least one designated driver in attendance when you visit any bar, brew pub, or event where alcohol is served.  The safest driver is a fully sober driver! Why support local breweries? What do they offer to the community? These businesses are the foundation of our local economy, provide diverse resources, function as community meeting centers, create meaningful connections and networks, and provide plenty of jobs to local citizens. They also help increase local property and sales tax, and those tax dollars help fund city projects, schools and education services, and road improvements. Plus, they provide a valuable source of tourism for the area since visitors also book local lodging options, explore local shopping, and enjoy local restaurants. Many small breweries also host tasting events that include open mic nights, small art shows or vendor markets, and many even hire musicians to perform and small independent artists to create beautiful murals or public artworks.  Lots of businesses also choose to host holiday parties or networking events at breweries as well as local groups for social meetups.  And as an added plus, if you’ve got a furry friend in tow, you’ll be happy to know most distilleries and breweries are pup friendly! Some breweries include specialty brews made with locally sourced ingredients such as fresh local honey, local fruits and berries, or even partner with local catering companies and farms for joint events! These are just some of the wonderful ways that breweries keep the local area hustling and bustling with community participation and make a positive impact.  As you can see, small brewing companies and tasting rooms are a valuable part of our community.  So check out some of the options on our list and help support our local businesses and neighborhoods.

September is a very busy time for family and friends, and it’s easy to fall behind on car maintenance as work resumes and kids go back to school.  So we’re bringing back our friendly service tip reminders with some great tips on maintenance checks for Autumn. more Why wait until the weather gets stormy, slippery, and you’re stuck in the lurch?  Prevent accidents and issues before they happen.  Be sure to schedule an appointment with your local service center and trusted mechanic, and ask them to start on these great checkpoints. Heating and Cooling System - As the temperatures in early Autumn tend to fluctuate these days, giving us heat waves during the day while dropping much cooler at night, it’s important you check your cooling system hoses, belts, and connections.  Ensure that your AC Unit, Radiator, and other cooling system parts receive tune-ups before major issues arise. Switching back and forth between heating and cooling is normal for the first few weeks of autumn, so be sure everything receives proper maintenance.  It’s also a great time to clean out or replace your air filter! And make sure to clear any leaf debris from your vehicle’s exterior for better airflow and intake. Defogging and Defrosting Features - Although we’re just bidding farewell to Summer, it’s important to check your heating and defrosting system before the cold weather necessitates.  Mid to Late Autumn can see a decrease in temperature including frosty temperatures at night.  Save yourself a lot of time and worry in your already hectic mornings by not having to add scraping frost to your task list.  Ensure that your heat and defrost vents are free, clear, and functioning at optimal condition before cold weather hits! Steering and Suspension - Inclement weather conditions such as fog, rain, flash flooding, and even fallen debris from trees can lead a driver to stop short in an instant.  Be sure that your steering and suspension have had a thorough inspection by your trusted mechanic.  It is recommended you have an alignment now, before winter weather strikes, to ensure that you have accurate steering and suspension.  Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately, don’t wait until slippery conditions cause an accident! Tires and Tread Depth - There’s nothing more unpleasant than hydroplaning in a sunshower or catching a pile of fallen wet leaves while trying to stop short. Ensure that you can stop on a dime with properly inflated tires and reasonable tread depth.  Switch out your summer tires for all-season or winter tires before the late autumn hits, to prevent accidents from improper road grip.  Remember to also monitor your tire pressure and ensure they’re properly inflated; change in seasonal temperatures of up to 10 degrees can cause immense changes to a tire pressure. Inflate according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, and prevent accidents due to slipping, sliding, or flat tires.  And remember to rotate your tires, especially if you’re using All Season ones. Windshield Wipers - We’re going to remind you of the importance of fully functional, pristine wiper blades with every seasonal change.  Clear visibility and streak-free windshields are a vital part of your automotive safety, and can prevent major accidents due to poor vision.  Early Autumn Thunderstorms are the worst time to get caught with damaged wiper blades.  Check your wiper blades and replace any damaged blades immediately.  Consider also adding an application of hydrophobic coating such as RainX to your windshield for increased visibility.

It’s National Cheese Pizza day, and we thought we’d take some time to highlight some of the best pizza places in our great state of Illinois. Of course, these type of lists are always contentious, and we get it!  If you feel your favorite place has been slighted and left off our list, please let us know and we’ll make sure it makes it into rotation on next year’s list.  We love to hear input from our readers, and always enjoy learning more about local favorites so we can check them out, too! more In no particular order of favoritism, here are some of the top highly rated pizza places across our state of Illinois (including some favorites from right here in Lake County): Louie’s Pizza in Waukegan This local haunt has been getting top marks since 1941, and that sense of comfort and nostalgia keeps people coming back year after year!  Customers love their classic cheese pizza, but that’s not all they love.  Reviewers report their taste buds are delighted by the garlic butter bread starter, as well as specials on the menu like the “Poor Mans Lobster” (cod with hot melted butter), Greek Salad, Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, and their drink specials.  It’s some of the best pizza around in the county. Quonset Pizza in Waukegan You’re getting old-fashioned classic thin crust pizzas, along with local favorites like Chicago-style Italian beef and of course, wings!  Customers here rave about how perfect the pizza crust is, and the delicious amount of toppings you can choose from.  While you can never go wrong with a traditional cheese pizza, locals also recommend asking for the “BLT Pizza” or “The Works”. SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company in Wauconda If you’ve never had a coal fired pizza, get ready because you’re in for a real treat!  This crispy, smoky, flaky crust is like nothing else you’ve experienced.  Customers here recommend showing a little restraint in your topping choices, preferring to opt for things like a margherita pie (#4 on the Original Menu) where you can fully savor the delightful tomato gravy, fresh basil, and scrumptious heaps of melted fresh mozzarella.  If you’re making it a date night, you’ll love their expanded menu of Small Plates to share! Crosstown Pub & Grill in Naperville This is a local hub for great pub food and local sports that boats some of the best pizza and wings around.  While they are far from the traditional pizza, the Crosstown Turbo Flats are really out of this world.  Try the Chk Thai Thai for a pizza style flat bread with a little pizazz!  Or combine their legendary wings with a flat bread pizza experience.  Wash ‘em down with an ice cold brew and enjoy the Bears game while you’re there!  It’s top notch, one-of-a-kind eatin’. Leona’s Pizzeria in Elk Grove Village Open since 1950, this is the place to go if you want to order your pizza with options. It’s the perfect place to come with friends, because everyone can order the pizza style they love most and enjoy a ½ pan or a 12” pie to themselves.  Choose from thicker, airy crust of a Sicilian Style Pizza, a Thin Crust Pizza, or their very impressive Stuffed Pizzas!  Got a bottomless stomach or just a bad case of indecision between pizza and pasta?  They’ve got you covered with their Leonas Classic Sides Menu, featuring a lush, creamy fettuccine alfredo, a small plate of their famous Italian Meatballs, and more. Bricks Wood Fired Pizza in Naperville Casual style dining with an upscale taste!  This is the home of authentic wood fired and brick oven pizza since 2005, making them a relative “newcomer” in regional pizza fare, but no less of an expert at their craft.  You’ll never get bored of the “same old, same old” here!  Choose from unique pizza like the “Betty White Arugula” or the “Sunny Side Up” and the simply delectable “Honey Love” pie.  And of course, be sure to check the rotation of their signature seasonal favorites (currently the “Red, White, Bleu” and the “Hawaiian BBQ”). Antioch Pizza Shop in Antioch For more than 40 years, this shop has built a reputation as a fan favorite for pizza fanatics around the country.  Choose from one of four pizza styles: Thin crust, the Double Decker, Pan Pizza, or Stuffed.  They’ve also got a super yummy Gluten Free Pizza for those on a speciality diet.  Local favorites here include the BLT Pie and the Bacon Double Cheeseburger, but their shining star is the Buffalo Chicken with its spicy buffalo sauce, deliciously moist chicken, and creamy mozzarella cheese. On a Quest to eat some of the best pizza across the state? We don’t blame you!  Add these stops to your road trip quest and you will go home with a happy belly, for sure: Freedom Brothers Pizzeria and Alehouse in Plainville Flingers Pizza Pub in Bloomington Italian Pizza Kitchen in Roselle Pequods Pizza in Morton Grove Spacca Napoli Pizzeria in Chicago Gino’s East in Chicago Piece Brewery in Chicago Iron Horse Ale House in Chicago Haymarket Pub and Brewery in Chicago

Today we’re going to celebrate National Tailgating Day with our best pals and some great ideas on how you can reunite with your friends, family, and fellow fans.  we’re bringing you plenty of ways to party with your friends and social bubble and recreate the game-day experience.  Whether you’re celebrating at the stadium or at home in your driveway, we’ve got some great gear and recipes for some good ol’ fashioned tailgating with a healthy dose of modern convenience. more If you’ve never planned a tailgating event before, we’re here to help. Follow our easy guide to coordinate and plan your first get together on game day and make it a great success: Plan out your guest list and get a headcount. Read up on stadium policies regarding beverages, food, and cooking procedures. Shop for your food and purchase extra ice packs for storage. Divvy up the menu amongst your friends to reduce the workload day-of, and prep as much as you can the night before. Pack some tailgate friendly games like bean bags, connect four, a football to toss around, etc. Show up early so you have plenty of time to socialize as well as enjoy apps, meals, and of course a dessert, too! (3 to 4hrs early is common) Bring plenty of seating, sun shades, and pop-up tables for prep and for eating. Leave time before game time to clean up your space. Respect the tailgating events around you, and keep the energy friendly. Let’s get the party started with some Tailgating Gear Dancing Frogs Camp Blanket for picnics and bbqs Dancing Frogs packable camp chairs for extra seating REI Co-Op Skyward Chairs The Big Agnes Woodchuck Camp Table Leave It Better Than You Found it Clean Up Kits Eureka SPRK Camp Grill Eureka SPRK Camp Stove ALPS Mountaineering Iron Ridge Cook Station National Parks and Igloo Playmate Coolers Don’t show up empty handed, here’s some great gear and recipes to take with you whether you’re host or a guest! Great Tailgating Recipes and Travel Friendly Cookwares Every good tailgating grill master will want to have the following on hand at all times to ensure their toolbox has all the essentials for an outdoor ‘cue or picnic: High heat silicone tongs 1 high heat silicone spatula Large metal serving spoons Metal serving bowls set Grilling tools set Industrial trash bags Camping plates and cups set 100% Compostable Utensils Set Vintage Car Hop Trays Reusable Burger Holder for Mess Free Eating Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ grilled meats and bottled beverages? Spice things up with these new recipes and impress your guests. Easy BBQ Brats Must-Try No-Cook Tailgating Recipes by Mighty Mrs 11 Best Tailgate Grill Recipes Pullapart Dogs in a Blanket Ring Mary Alice’s Hoagie Dip Butterscotch Peanut Butter Bars Mini Sliders Grilled Slowcooker White Chicken Chili Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Beer Punch Venezuelan Empanadas Devon’s Award-Winning Chili Spiked Lemonade

We love to find interesting gadgets, shiny new tech, and other fun accessories to gussy up our vehicles, but we love sharing them with you even more!  Today’s blog is all about interesting accessories you can place inside your car to enhance your driving experience, and add a little convenience to your daily commute.  If you see something in this list we may have missed, just let us know in the comments! more This strange little device may look like a cross between a hands-free calling earpiece and a little fishing lure, but it’s a lifesaving piece of technology! The Alertme Lifesaver Alert can detect when you’re starting to get a little drowsy while driving, and issues an alert to prevent you from falling asleep at the wheel. Reduce allergens, prevent the spread of pathogens, and give your car some fresh, c lean, crisp air with the Pure Enrichment PureZone mini portable air purifier. It’s a cordless HEPA filter device that fits in your car and hangs off the seat back or other area to cycle the air and remove impurities. The Wolfbox G840S 12” 4k Mirror has a dash cam included, 2160P Full HD smart rearview mirror capabilities, a 32GB Card, Parking assistance, and more!  If you’re looking for fully loaded safety and assistive technology in an easy-to-install package, this is the perfect choice.  This rear view mirror will give your older vehicle a kickstart into 2023! Want to upgrade your car’s gauge cluster without spending big bucks? This budget friendly option from Arestech upgrades your Gauges and GPS with a Mobile Heads Up Display and coordinating Display Holder (sold separately.) For less than $100, you’ll have access to your stats without having to look away from the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road and your passengers and fellow drivers much safer! Keep your smartphone nearby so you’re not fumbling around, causing distracted driving and increasing your chance of accidents. These handy magnetic phone holders are universal fit for your air vents, allowing you to mount your small tablets or smartphones with ease, and keeping them right at your fingertips!  Plus, with a handy two pack you can share one with your passenger, too! When we find miniaturized items that fit into cupholders and seat pockets, we can’t help but shout about it!  And what could be more convenient than having a mini garbage can right at your fingertips to dispose of those straw wrappers, cardboard cup wraps, and other tiny trash that tends to get chucked onto the floor mats. Worry no more! This fits right into the cup holder for a portable trash container that holds an impressive 7 gallons capacity. Comes in several colors, too! Upgrade your commute comforts with this lumbar support back pillow seat cushion.  If you opted to forgo the luxe seating packages for your vehicle, you’ll rejoice to know that budget-friendly comfort is just a click away! With breathable 3D mesh and adjustable strap, this memory foam lumbar cushion will have you arriving at work relaxed and refreshed. Keep your phone cables free and clear of the steering wheel, your pedals, and your gearshift with these incredibly convenient self-adhesive cord clips! Stick them to your dashboard, center console, or door to manage your cables with ease.

September is the month for car aficionados in the Lake County Area!  For this month’s community calendar, we’ve rounded up an incredible number of car shows, car events, and pop-ups to delight gearheads of all ages. Plus, we’ve got other fun events like comedy nights, craft and sip events, and more! more Today at the Improv Playhouse from 8PM to 9:30PM, enjoy an hour and a half of great standup during First Friday Funnies! On Saturday, September2nd, celebrate with Gold Coast Social in Chicago for Barbie Brunch and Bottomless Mimosa for an all-day party pop up and Barbie Themed Decor. On Saturday September 3rd, join in the annual fundraiser for Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force (LCSPTF) for their 11th Annual Hybrid Walk/Run for Awareness and Suicide Prevention 5K event. September 9th is a fantastic time to stop by Libertyville for the MainStreet Wineberry & Wine Tour of local homes! You’ll take a walk through the local houses in the Wineberry subdivision and then head over to the Joyful Gourmet for discounted wine tastings! September 9th is a can’t miss 2nd Annual Cruisin on Center Grayslake Car Show from 9AM to 2PM on the Historic Downtown Grayslake area! Center Street will close down to make a pedestrian plaza full to the brim with live bands, cool cars, and raffle contests!  You can even come and take your picture with the Volo Auto Museum’s Bat Mobile! September 9th at The Lot in Highland Park, come out for the Vintage Car Show from 12PM to 5PM!  There will be gorgeous vintage cars to peruse as well as music and light snacks and food. The Annual Lakemoor Charity Show returns this year on September 10th from 8AM to 3PM with food, raffles, great music, and of course: CARS!  Head down to help the 24th year of raising money for scholarships for Lakemoor students. Head over to the Zion-Benton Moose Lodge on September 10th from 10AM to 3PM for the Misc-Shifts Zion Benton Car Show! This is a charitable event featuring a food and bake sale, trophies, music from the 50s-60s-70s as well! Thursday September 14th you’ll have a great afternoon spending time at the LZ Area Chamber of Commerce from 4PM to 7PM! Fiestas Patrias Food truck Car Show Pop Up Event is sure to bring the heat and the excitement to the Belvidere Discount Mall in Waukegan on Sunday September 17th from 12PM to 6PM.  This family friendly event is free to attend and will have food, vendors, music and entertainment, family friendly activities, and plenty of cars! You can enter your vehicle for just $25 apiece and enter to win the trophy prize that evening. September 17th is a great day to gather some friends and head over to Harbor Brewing Biergarten for a Plant & Sip Event. Your first drink and succulent arrangement are included with your ticket, where you’ll be putting a twist on the typical “paint and sip” by planting your own succulent garden! September 20th is the perfect time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Car Fun on 21 with MainStreet Libertyville as Cook Avenue and Church Streets close down for a spectacular car show featuring vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles. You don’t want to miss this! Calling all Families of Lake County! On September 30th from 10AM to 2PM, head over to the College of Lake County in Grayslake for the Annual Lake County FAmily Fun Fest for this free admission day of fun!  Check out live music, shop local vendors, learn about local community resources, and check out all the outdoor activities and games for families and kids of all ages! The Lake County Jeep Invasion is back for a 2nd year on October 8TH! More than 1000 jeeps are rolling up for the event featuring a mud pit, kid friendly family areas, local vendors, more food trucks, and plenty of surprises and excitement!

We’ve covered a lot of grounds as far as National Parks go, giving you lots of travel guides and road trip itinerary inspiration.  Today, we’re celebrating National Park Service Founders day with a brief history of the National Parks Service and its founding, followed by a short list of National Parks and Historic Sites to explore in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin! During the Act of March 1st, 1872, Congress established the grounds of Yellowstone Park in the territories of Montana and Wyoming, which kickstarted the whole National Parks Movement.  Later, in August 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act which created the National Park Service, a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department, as well as future ones not yet designated.  The Executive Order in 1933 helped transfer 56 national monuments and military sites to the National Park Service.  Today, the National Park system is made up of more than 400 designated areas, including the 50 US States and Territories. How many national parks have you been to? Here’s a starting point to mark off on your National Parks map: Lewis & Clark Historic Trail (Spans 16 states including IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV) winds through almost 4,900 miles of the homelands from over 60 Tribal nations. It follows the inbound and outbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburg through to the Pacific Ocean. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (In IL, IA, NE, UT, WY) follows the 1,300 mile path of the Mormons who fled Nauvoo and settled down in the Great Salt Lake Valley from 1846-1847. Pullman National Historic Park in Chicago, IL i s located on the far south side of Chicago.  The visitor center offers tours at 11AM and 2PM daily. 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. 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. Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter IN has 15 miles of gorgeous shoreline along the southern banks of Lake Michigan. The park is home to some of the highest dunes towering over the lake at nearly 200 feet high with impressive views and landscapes of the area!  It’s also an incredible destination for birdwatching, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature photography!

We love sharing road trips and travel guides with our readers!  It’s exciting to share suggestions for an itinerary full of amazing entertainment, excitement, and adventure, and help you discover great new places in the MidWest. Today’s road trip destination is Fort Wayne, Indiana, less than a four hour drive from our hometown of Waukegan.  It’s a great getaway for a long weekend or a new destination to shake things up from your usual.  So let’s take a look at the fun things in the area, and make some plans together! more Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a beautiful botanical garden and conservatory with more than 2,000 indoor and outdoor garden plants, and a stunning set of seasonally rotating displays and events.  It first opened its doors in 1983, and has been a prime destination for visitors ever since.  This oasis features a Tropical Garden with a waterfall, a Desert Garden with cacti and succulents from around the world, a Showcase garden with seasonal displays, and oh so much more jam packed into its 24,500 square feet of space.  It is a must-see stop on your Fort Wayne vacation. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has been charming families since 1965, and it’s easy to see why! Located on 40 gorgeous acres of habitats and walkings paths, you and your family will get an up close look at more than 1,000 animals!  In fact, just recently t he zoo welcomed a recent addition of a new baby to the Orangutan family This zoo is so beloved that is named one of the nations best zoos, with TripAdvisor ranking it as the 7th best zoo in the nation.  It’s a definite point on your bucket list for family fun! Fort Wayne Museum of Art has both permanent and national traveling exhibitions, and is part of the accredited American Alliance of Museums.  The museum's specialty is American fine and decorative art from the 19th century to contemporary.  You can easily spend several hours here perusing the exhibits, and attending special events and lectures on their calendar. Their collection is very unique and features a lot of culturally diverse works. Science Central Museum is a fantastic hands-on science museum that will delight visitors of all ages!  You can check out the remains of a mastodon found right there in Allen County, take an exhilarating ride down the 2-story slide, participate in live science demonstrations, and check out the rotating exhibits. Public Art Trail of Fort Wayne is an amazing way to take in the sights of the city, while exploring incredible works by local artists. This self guided tour features points of interest like full-scale wall murals, larger than life paintings, functional and interactive sculptures, and many more pieces of public art.  You’ll explore more than 100 different “instagrammable” locations and perfect backdrops for family photos.  Plus, there’s a special interactive game where you can check-in at different locations and win prizes!  Sign up for the mobile pass to track your route and play along while exploring. Other fun areas to look into include: The Embassy Theatre, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, The History Center of Allen County, Electric Works and Union Street Market, Heritage Trail Walking Tour, Historic West Central Walking Tour

Today is National Discovery Day, and we’re sharing some incredible places that are hidden gems right in your own backyard here in the Lake County area.  From theatre shows to indoor adventure parks to gaming simulators to animals, we’ve got an incredible selection for just about every set of interests and hobbies.  Let’s explore our community and support some new businesses and creative establishments together. more The Citadel Theatre Company in Lake Forest, IL This beautiful, small theater company presents a wide range of theatrical productions year round from drama, comedy, contemporary theatre, classics, and cutting-edge new works from emerging artists.  They also offer workshops to teens and children, allowing kids to explore the joy of self-expression through dance, theatre games, improv, voice and character development.  You can grab tickets to individual performances, or join as a subscriber for special benefits and perks! Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL This delightful stop off is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy country life through a trip to the farmyard, featuring a petting zoo, mini-golf mini train ride, bouncy house, and old-fashioned classic carousel.  There’s also plenty to do for furry friends with the Dogwood Pet Shop, a great eatery on site at the Magnolia Cafe and Bakery and Sugar Maple Country Store, and prime shopping/antiquing at the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop.  Best of all, each visit and purchase supports our community by helping maintain operations!  You’ll have a blast while supporting people with developmental disabilities who live and work at Lambs Farm. Improv Playhouse in Libertyville, IL Improve your comedic timing, boost your confidence, and increase your ability to think on your feet by taking a class with the fine folks at the Improv Playhouse!  Offering classes in comedy, improvisation, stand-up, acting and so much more, there’s no shortage of fun ways to explore self-expression.  And if you prefer to spectate, there’s plenty of opportunity to do that at their Saturday Night Improv Shows or Stand-Up Comedy First Fridays. The Tempel Lipizzans of Old Mill Creek, IL Tempel Farms has been around for nearly 60 years, educating the public about the incredible Lipizzan horse, and sharing breathtaking live performances and so much more.  There are matinee and evening performances featuring incredible performance riding demonstrations, and giving visitors an inside look at professional dressage and competitive equine sports. The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville, IL If you’re looking for a great way to connect with friends or a fun date night out, this is the place to be!  This gourmet kitchen establishment has a wine bar, live cooking kitchen for classes and events, and a retail store.  From wine tastings to cooking demos and classes, you’ll have a blast exploring your culinary prowess here. Explore everything from hand crafted tarts to Julia Child’s classic desserts to worldwide fare like Korean Dumplings! It’s a delicious local venue that you just have to try.