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There’s nothing better at a cookout or picnic than a delicious, crunchy, perfect bite of juicy, tender fried chicken!  Today we’re highlighting some of the best places you can grab fried chicken as suggested by locals.  So check out our picks below and grab a bite to eat this afternoon for lunch. (And of course, if you feel so inclined to drop off a few orders for your favorite local car dealership we certainly would not complain, haha!) more Today is National Fried Chicken Day!  Whether you like it double-dredged, buttermilk marinated, straight up, or tossed with sauce, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic meal.  The first published recipes for fried chicken appeared as early as 1747, but historians believe it appeared as a mealtime offering as early as 7500BCE-5000BCE in Ancient Egypt. And the Scottish were some of the earliest to deep-fry it in fat.  The first record of fried chicken being printed in a regional American cookbook was as early as 1824!  No matter where it’s from or who holds the claim to being able to say they were “first!” we’re really glad someone created it. What’s your favourite type of fried chicken? Do you prefer wings, drumsticks, thighs, tenders? We’re having a hard time deciding which one we love most, so we’re going to order them all! Got a favourite place of your own or a hidden gem that we should put on our radar? Let us know in the comments on our social media! We’d love to hear from you and include your picks in a future blog post. Bb.q Chicken Waukegan at 554 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3160 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Hillery’s Bar BQ at 2021 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant at 1739 Sheridan Road in Waukegan Taste of Belize at 2207 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar at 4030 Northpoint Boulevard in Waukegan Test Kitchen BBQ at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Gojos Cafe & Pancake House at 2929 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan JJ Fish & Chicken at 1332 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Looking to make a trip over to Chicago for a day out with friends and family? Check out these great suggestions on places to grab some delectable fried chicken! Gus’s Fried Chicken in Chicago: Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken in Chicago: Harold’s Chicken Shack in Chicago:

If you’ve ever taken a car ride with kids, you know it’s almost always a “bumpy ride” so to speak.  With the advent of Summer, that means lots more trips: to the beach, to grandma’s, to the cabin, to the world’s biggest ball of yarn, etc etc.  And that means lots more need to keep the little ones entertained so you can arrive to your destination with minimal nerves frazzled. more Every parent or caregiver knows that long car rides can be a test of patience and strength when it comes to traveling with your children. But we’re here to help ease the stress with great options for keeping your kids too busy for them to argue, bicker, or ask “ are we there yet?” for the 100th time! Our content today is a fun car post filled to the brim with activities and entertainment for your whole family while on the road. We’ve also got a list of great games for playing at your hotel, campsite, or vacation home.  And as always, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments and it might make it into a future blog post. Families will love bonding with classic card games like Memory, Go Fish, Spoons, and more with the National Parks Playing cards, and parents will feel great knowing that funds from each sale of the minimalist Playing Card Deck go into helping fund America’s National Parks System.  Their bright geometric designs make them an eye catching delight to any games collection. Making a roadside stop for the night or looking to give the kids a screen break in the RV? Take a load off and enjoy the Parks Board Game. It’s a fun game for the whole family, and also a great strategy game with an educational twist about our National Parks system. This National Parks Travel Edition for Yahtzee is perfect for planes, trains, and automobiles!  Families will love this update featuring icons and imagery of some familiar National Landmarks in the Parks System with unlimited hours of family game night fun. National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas is jam packed with games, maps, activities, and facts to entertain kiddos on any car trip.  It’s also a great way to get kids involved in vacation planning, as there are lots of iconic stops and sites listed.  Try letting your kids suggest a point on the map for your next getaway! The Road Trip Travels and Activity Journal for Kids has a plethora of more than 100 Games, Mazes, Mad Libs, Scavenger Hunts, Word Searches, and so much more.  There’s also fun prompts to get your kids engaged with the road trip experience by writing about what they see and how they feel, and log their family memories.  It’s a wonderful alternative to screen time and allows them to connect with creativity. The 50 States: Explore the USA book is perfect for family fun time in the car.  Take turns reading out facts about each state, or hone in on the one you’re visiting and see how many places you've been!  It’s also a great way to begin orienting your kids to using maps, and familiarizing themselves with US locations and historic sites. National Parks of the USA is a wonderful illustrated book that details all of the beauty and wonder of America’s great National Park system.  Kids will love learning about landmarks, geography, wildlife, and plants of each area.  It’s perfect for history and nature enthusiasts alike.  The bright, colorful, and bold illustrations are captivating for all ages, making it a great activity to share between siblings. Follow That Map! Is a wonderful introduction for kids to navigating a physical map. In the age of GPS technology, reading a map is no longer a typically acquired skill, but it’s important nonetheless.  Kids can gain a better understanding of how to use a map’s key features and icons, and learn how to chart a trip or hike with this basic guide.

Today we’re very excited to bring you another edition of our beloved Classic Auto Group Community Calendar! Summer is finally here, and there’s so much to see and do!  We’re so excited to see what’s happening in our local community, and to find fun new activities and events to share with family and friends. If you’ve got an event in the area coming up over the next few months, please let us know via the comments on social media!  We’d love for folks to connect with you and attend your functions.  And who knows! They might even make it onto a future Community Calendar update. more Check out what’s happening in July and August: Saturday, July 2nd, from 8AM to 9AM you can enjoy Yoga at the Beach with Marlene at the Stine Pavillion brought to you by the Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan.  Missed this one? Never fear! There will be another opportunity on July 9th and July 16th and more. Saturday July 2nd from 7PM to 10PM at Green Town on the Rocks you can catch a live show with Crows On A Wire and local fare with Food Truck: Daily Special. Saturday July 2nd at 7PM at Bass Station you can catch Star Spangled Banner with headliner SNAILS at this three stage musical event (18+.) On July 3rd, Latin Fest is coming to Green Town on the Rocks from 1:30 to 9PM and you can hang all day and enjoy the tunes for a $10 cover charge. There will be multiple performers and bands and local food trucks! On July 6th from 5PM to 8PM at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course you can come hang out and enjoy the lovely weather and a nice dinner for just $10 at the Chillin’ & Grillin’ with Stayin Late event. On July 5th from 6:30PM to 9PM at ZumBier, you and your friends can enter in a round of LIVE trivia and win prizes!  BYO snacks or order delivery; it’s free to attend! On July 8th at the Waukegan Public Library from 12PM to 1PM you can enjoy one of the wonderful live music events as part of the Summer Courtyard Concerts, this round is with Jim Jacobs; sponsored by Friends of the Library. On July 10th at the Belvidere Mall from 12PM to 4PM is the fantastic Cars & Elote car meet! Grab your friends and some delicious Elote and head over for the free live music, free car meet, and free entertainment! On July 15th please stop by the COOL Ministries Annual Golf Outing at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course from 10AM to 7PM. We love to support COOL Ministries and their efforts in supporting folks within our community. Please join in the fun for a round of golf and Bonnie Brook’s delicious Fish Fry! On July 15th at Victory Park starting at 8PM, families can enjoy one of five seasonal free outdoor movies hosted by the Waukegan Parks District. There will be free popcorn while supplies last, and free admission to the viewing. This round is “Petre Rabbit 2: The Runaway.” Enjoy a night out on the town and support local artisans and businesses on July 16th for the ArtWauk, a celebration of arts every month  sponsored by the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District! On July 17th, get in touch with your creative side and come paint your furry family members at Dandelion Gallery & Studio for a fun Paint Your Pet with Sandie Bacon workshop from 3PM to 5PM and bring the whole family; materials are included but you’ll need a photo of your pet for reference. On July 24th, head over to Beacon Place community center for the 2022 Beacon Place Walk With Your Neighbour event for a fun evening of socializing and getting to know your local neighbours! On July 26th at the Waukegan Public Library, the Lake County Audubon Society’s Sharing Our Shore Waukegan series will present “Monty & Rose 2” with a Q&A frrm Bob Doglan. On July 29th from 12PM to 1PM at the Waukegan Public Library you can enjoy the next edition of their outdoor Summer Courtyard Concert Series with Lady A. On July 30th from 9AM to 12PM at Hinkston Park you can run and walk for a cause to help build an inclusive space for the kids in the community by registering and donating for Run/Walk for Kids with Vertical Encounter.

We’re running a special edition of our Community Calendar devoted solely to highlighting Fireworks Displays and 4th of July Events in and around Lake County and Southern Wisconsin.  If we’ve missed your event, or you have another suggestion, please leave it in the comments on our social media! We’d love for you to share with others so they can check it out, too. more This evening, July 2nd, over in Antioch, you can enjoy a Fourth of July Celebration at Rivalry Alehouse with Green Day Tribute Band “American Idiots Chicago” This evening, July 2nd, in Long Grove, you can enjoy the “Let Freedom Ring! Independence Day Party” at Brothers’ Field starting at 1PM! The Independence Day Parade Picnic is taking place today, Sunday, July 3rd from 5PM to 7PM in Waukegan! On Sunday July 3rd from 6PM to 9:30PM, head over to the Wauconda Park District’s Cook Park in Wauconda for  food, and music at their Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks will follow the festivities and entertainment. On July 3rd in the morning from 9AM to 2:30 PM, head over to Crystal Lake’s Main Beach to enter for free admission, and you can enjoy a rousing patriotic concert and fun in the sun at the beach before the fireworks. After 2:30PM a $5 ticketed admission will apply to guests above the age of 3yrs. On Sunday July 3rd, the Coca-Cola Six Flags Fourth of July Festival is happening at Six Flags Gurnee from 10:30AM to 10:00PM. On July 3rd and July 4th, you can enjoy a fun-filled holiday weekend in Mundelein at the Mundeline Community Days Festival. There will be a carnival, parade, food, games, music, entertainment, and of course – Fireworks! It’s a very kid-friendly and family friendly event and there will be lots of contests, prizes, and activities for children all weekend long/ On July 3rd, Adults can enjoy a day out at the “ Red White and Booze Cocktail Class & Fireworks Viewing” at Side Lot Brewery in Wauconda. On Sunday July 3rd, head over to Monument Square in Racine for the 4th Fest Party on the Square from 6PM to 10PM for fun and games, live music, and local food before the fireworks! The City of Kenosha is celebrating the 4th of July weekend in style with multiple events, musical performances, contests with prizes, entertainment, activities, local food and vendors, and so much more! Running from Jul 2, 2022 - Jul 4, 2022. 3-10 P.M. July 2 and July 3, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks are 9:30pm July 4th!

It’s International Mud Day, and what better way to get in touch with your wild side than off-roading and ATV adventures!  Today’s blog is all about excitement and exploration as we take a look at great trails across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that are built just for adventure and thrill seekers!  Some of these destinations are a distance away, but they’ll make a perfect road trip for you and some friends.  Hitch the trailer up to your new car from Classic Auto Group and take this show on the road, whether you’re offroading in your Truck or SUV or hitting the trails on your dirtbike, ATV, or motorcycle. more Great Trails for Offroading and Rally Racing: Des Plaines River Trail in Libertyville, IL - 10 miles from Classic Auto Group Grants Wood Preserve in Ingleside, IL - 15 miles from Classic Auto Group Lakewood Preserve in Wauconda, IL - 18 miles from Classic Auto Group River Road Rally Park in McHenry, IL - 25 miles from Classic Auto Group Richard Bong State Recreation Center in Kansasville, WI - 32 miles from Classic Auto Group Rocky Glen OHV Park in Rockford, IL - 100 miles from Classic Auto Group Fox Valley Off Road in Ottawa, IL - 105 miles from Classic Auto Group The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park in Marseilles, IL - 110 miles from Classic Auto Group South Wayne ATV Park in South Wayne, WI - 127 miles from Classic Auto Group Cheese Country Trail at Mineral Point WI - 161 miles from Classic Auto Group Riverview ATV Park in Kewaunee, WI - 170 miles from Classic Auto Group South Fork Dirt Riders in Taylorville, IL - 250 miles from Classic Auto Group Brushy Ridge Motosports in Browning, IL - 255 miles from Classic Auto Group Sandhill Wildlife Area Scenic Drive - 226 miles from Classic Auto Group Redbird State Recreation Area in Duggar, IN - 266 miles from Classic Auto Group Coyote ATV Trails in Coulterville, IL - 360 miles from Classic Auto Group Little Egypt Off Road Motorcycle Club in Marion, IL - 370 miles from Classic Auto Group Looking for trailers to haul your ATV and bike? TrailerSuperstore.com has just about anything and everything you can think of to take your equipment on the road. New to ATV and off-roading? No problem! Check out these great videos for some beginner tutorials, or perhaps a refresher.  Not sure how to load an ATV into your truck or trailer? We’ve got you covered.  It’s all here in our gallery of YouTube Videos:

Summer is here and National Sunglasses Day has arrived just in time.  Today we’re checking out recommendations for eyewear, and learning more about how to select the best pair of sunglasses.  Since so many of us are taking to the roads for our next big Road Trip Adventure, we thought it would be great to highlight some great options before you head out of town on vacation. more Did you know that poor vision is cited as one of the leading causes of car accidents? You can avoid adding yourself to the statistics by ensuring that you get regular eye exams, and wear safe sunglasses while on the road to protect your vision.  Not sure when you’re due for a checkup? It’s important that a driver have clear, unfettered visibility while on the road, and that includes proper eye protection. Most eye doctors recommend that folks between the ages of 40-64 get an examination every 2-3 years and people 65 and older to go every 1-2 years.  If you need corrective lenses, one of the ways that you can best care for your eyes is ensuring that you purchase prescription sunglasses if you need them or transitional lenses which serve dual purpose.  If it’s been awhile since your last visit, you may want to schedule an appointment! When selecting your sunglasses, it’s recommended that you choose frames that sit properly on your face snugly and securely and ensure they’re either wraparounds or thin enough they don’t distract or hamper your peripheral vision. Choose polarized lenses which have been tested for blocking UVA/UVB rays for maximum protection and clarity.  Adding an anti-Glare coating can also help with extreme sun glare on super bright, clear sky days, and it can also reduce glare in the evening hours from oncoming headlights. It’s recommended that you choose tinted lenses over clear, but avoid the temptation to buy colorful tints such as blue or pink or green or red; the optimal tint is grey, followed by amber and copper. Vividly tinted sunglasses can hamper a driver’s ability to properly tell if a signal light has changed, and may lead to increased risk of car accidents due to poor vision.  Save the costume lenses for the beach or a day out on the boardwalk! We’ve rounded up a few options for sunglasses at different price points for your convenience: This 3 Pack Polarized Sunglasses Matte Finish Multiple Color Choices for $21.99 is an incredibly affordable option that allows you to pick and choose what tints work best for you! Place a pair in each of your cars and carry on on hand for whatever you need. It’s great for vacation travel, too, because these budget friendly sunglasses won’t break the bank to replace should you leave them behind. The AO Original Pilot Sunglasses come in multiple frame finishes and Polarized tinted lenses to suit every driver’s needs.  Our favourite is the gold frame with gray tint, because it has a charming modern style with retro aesthetics.  It’s also lightweight and comfortable. The Maui Jim Lighthouse Rectangular Glasses are a bit pricey, but worth every penny!  They’re lightweight, have excellent light filtering, are polarized, and come in your choice of safe tints for driving. They’re also rather stylish and fairly timeless in design, so they’ll be in style for years to come. The Persol PO3268S Rectangular Sunglasses are polarized and come in a variety of tints. Their lightweight acetate frame makes them very comfortable, so light you’ll almost forget you’re wearing them. Here are some of our suggestions for options in protective eyewear as reviewed on YouTube!

School’s out and summer is in full swing!  Today we’re covering some great road trip worthy destinations for families that are also great for couples getaways and bestie trips.  You’ll find plenty of variety in activities from hiking to biking to art museums and historic sites.  These four cities are just a few hours drive away from our dealerships here at Classic Auto Group!  So what are you waiting for? Hop on in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road together. more As always, if you’ve got a suggestion for a future blog travel guide, we’re all ears!  Let us know your picks for great destinations and your thoughts on where we should go next in the comments on our social media. Let’s get this show on the road! St Louis, MO - A perfect couples retreat spot for some artsy tourism and beautiful walking tours, and a great family getaway with lots of activities and historical sites. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great way to do some light movement and spend a few hours and a wonderful place to take some family or couples photos. The City Museum is a converted 100 year old warehouse with exhibits created from repurposed architectural and industrial objects from the area, and its a one of a kind experience! The Saint Louis Art Museum is an impressive three story building jam packed with historic artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and an impressive rotation of contemporary art exhibits. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is on Washington University Campus, and it boasts an impressive collection of 19th, 20th, and 21st century  European and American artworks. Those looking for a taste of the great outdoors will have a blast exploring the John F Kennedy Memorial Forest inside Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park is a US National park near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the Mississippi River. Traverse City, MI - Is the largest city in Northern Michigan, and situated along the shores of Lake Michigan known for its culinary delights, wineries, and bustling arts and culture scene. Adults will enjoy a bit of respite with a wonderful Traverse City Tour of wineries and breweries in the area, or you can visit any of the region's beautiful breweries and vineyards individually like Mari Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Grand Traverse Distillery, and more.  The adventurous in your midst will enjoy a day of kayaking at Clinch Park, boating on Grand Traverse Bay, Sunset Sailing tours, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, bicycling and walking tours. The Dennos Museum Center is an all ages destination to explore arts and culture and a rotating series of workshops, exhibits, and lectures. And the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a wonderful stop for families to enjoy creativity, hands-on exploration, and a fun-centered learning experience. Cincinnati, OH - An all-encompassing city on the Ohio River with a wonderful arts and culture scene, plentiful history and science museums, and a plethora of family friendly activities. Everyone will enjoy a visit to the 2nd oldest zoo in the US, the illustrious Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and explore native plant life, wildlife conservation efforts, and much more! The Cincinnati Art Museum has a gorgeous and extensive permanent collection of artwork, as well as inclusive and diverse programming for rotating exhibits, lectures, and workshops. The Taft Museum of art may be small but it has a big local impact; located in a 200 year old historic house, the museum is a living landmark with a beautiful manicured garden, a tea room, and select works by European and American fine art  masters.  If you’re looking for a memorable and unique excursion, the 20,000 square foot American Sign Museum i s a must-see institution, commemorating over 100 years of American Sign history and preserving designs and iconography for future generations. Adults will enjoy a Cincinnati Brewery Tour with friends, and foodies of all ages will rejoice to experience the open air Findlay Market, with local vendors, culinary treats, farm-to-table and seasonal fare, and artisanal goods you can’t find anywhere else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5AkQfblKA Saugatuck, MI - This Lake Michigan Coastal city is perfect for those seeking an escape from city life and folks with a hankering for outdoor adventures along the Kalamazoo River. Beach lovers will enjoy a myriad of activities at Oval Beach such as swimming, sunning, and relaxation, in fact it’s been named one of the 25 Best Shorelines in the world by Conde Naste Travelers Magazine! Travelers of all ages will enjoy the plentiful U-Pick orchards and berry farms of nearby Fennville, MI such as cherries, peaches, pears, plums and more.  Anglers will be delighted at the opportunities for fishing such as Wade’s Bayou, Wick’s Park, and “The Saugatuck Sign.” There’s plenty of hiking to be done in Saugatuck Dunes State Park with 13 miles of trails and lakeshore to explore, or you can enjoy a Saugatuck Dune Ride if you prefer.  The experienced outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a trek up Mount Baldhead with ample opportunities for hikes, walking, and even trail running; as an added bonus, photographers will rejoice at the stunning panoramic views at the top!  It’s just a taste of what this wonderful area has to offer! On rainy days, you can explore the indoors of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, and other creative galleries and art studios in the area.

Today is Take Your Pet to Work Day!  So we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few safety tips for traveling with your furry friend in the car and on the road.  These tips and tricks will keep your pets healthy and secure on all of your adventures, be they commuting to the office or away on a vacation.  Check it out! more Always travel with ample water to ensure that you and your pet can remain hydrated and cool down in event of excess heat and extreme weather conditions.  In some cases, you can even include a small towel to saturate with cool water to help your dog stay cool. It’s tempting to keep your dog in your lap for company, or to allow them to roam in the car instead of howling or whining anxiously in the back, but it’s extremely important to keep them secured and safe.  Not only are roaming dogs a distraction for drivers, but it can cause a pet unnecessary injury or death should your vehicle become involved in an accident. The safest place for your pet is secured in the backseat in a pet-safe seatbelt harness or pet friendly car seat, or secured in the cargo area. If your dog gets car sickness and vomits, you can avoid that situation by having the dog travel on an empty stomach, and keep them secured in their seat so they will settle and rest. For dogs that are nervous or excitable about car travel, having your dog practice by letting them sit in the car with you in the driveway, followed by short drives of increasing length around the local area can help get them accustomed to the feeling. Keep your car well ventilated while driving, but don’t allow your pet to hang out of any open windows or hatchbacks. Dogs have been known to jump out of windows and be placed in peril on busy highways, or leap out of them in parking lots or spotlights and go missing.  Cracking the window only enough so they cannot fit their head through, or aiming air conditioning/heating vents in their direction is best. On lengthy car trips, be sure to stop and allow your pet exercise every few hours and plan in some water and potty breaks in a dog-friendly area to reduce accidents as well as anxiety. Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. No matter whether it’s just for a moment, or if the windows are cracked, your pet should never be left by their lonesome in the car. In fact, as of May 2018, 28 different states have laws to protect animals left in a vehicle, especially when parked in dangerous conditions such as intense heat or cold, or parked in direct sunlight, etc.  Law enforcement may reserve the right to forcibly enter the vehicle to rescue the animal. A Car can be 20 degrees hotter inside than the outside ambient temperature, meaning even on a 70 degree day that feels lovely outside? Your vehicle can reach a dangerous high of 90 degrees in the interior, even with the window cracked.  On an 85 degree day, your car’s temperature will climb above 100 degrees in mere minutes, and within half an hour it will be an unbearable 120 degrees!  Shady spots do not offer efficient heat protection on hot days and as the sun shifts, so will the direct sunlight. Pets who are overweight, in their senior years, have special medical needs, and those with very dark coats are extra susceptible to the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.Remember that Flat Faced Dogs and Cats are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, as their flat nasal and mouth cavities prevent their ability to properly breathe and cool themselves.  They cannot pant properly, and what appears to be “stubbornness” may in fact be exhaustion and early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke! Ensure that your animal has a proper grooming and haircut for the summer months and warm weather.  Be sure to bring your pet to an experienced groomer for a trim, but be sure that they don’t fully shave them down to their skin unless medically necessary to prevent sunburn. Know the signs and symptoms of overheating in your pet.  These signs can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling, weakness and wobbling, dazed or confused behavior, and even fainting.  Extreme heat can cause seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperatures. Do not walk your pet on pavement or asphalt without proper foot protection for their paw pads; ambient temperatures above 65 degrees can already cause physical burns and discomfort as well as irreparable damage due to the fact that roadways, concrete, and rocks will be even hotter. This helpful information from the AKC will explain safe temperatures for pets and when footwear is necessary. CNET’s Smart Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Car: Teach Your Dog to Get Into the Car: 5 Items to Have with you When Driving with Your Pet:

🏆 Toyota Vehicles Awarded Best Resale Value by The Detroit Bureau 🏆⁠ ⁠ Purchasing a new car is an investment in your future, and it's important to select a vehicle with longevity and resale value. ⁠ That's why at Classic Toyota we're thrilled to see several Toyota vehicles on this list from the Detroit Bureau of 2022 Vehicles with the Best Resale Value. In fact, Toyota's reputation is so strong, this is the sixth year in a row that Toyota has been included. Wow!⁠ Check out the full article to find all of the details and financial value. ⁠ ⁠ Three Toyota vehicles were included in the Top 10 Vehicles overall: the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Toyota 4Runner. And the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is included on the list of Best EVs with resale value. How exciting!⁠ Stop by our dealership to test drive a vehicle, and we'll get you behind the wheel of these top choice cars!⁠ ⁠ Head over to our website to learn more: https://www.classicdirecttoyota.com

Today is National Eat Your Veggies Day! In honor of that, we’ll be exploring some of the great Farmers Markets and U-Pick Farms and Orchards around Northern Illinois.  But first we’re going to take a little look into the great agricultural history of Illinois. more Did you know that Illinois is one of the leading producers of soybeans and corn?  Thanks to the wonderful climate (cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers) and 1,500 types of nutrient dense soil, the farmers in Illinois are able to cultivate a wide variety of crops.  These include wheat, oats, sorghum, buckwheat, horseradish, and much more!  In fact, farming is so prolific in the state that 27 million acres, roughly 75% of the total state land, is used by nearly 72,000 farms.  In addition, many farms cultivate crops and livestock - everything from cows to pigs to emus and even fish!  Altogether this brings the state of Illinois over $19 billion dollars annually. There are also over 2,600 food manufacturers who help process and distribute the food and related industrial products worldwide. In fact, our state is the third largest national exporter of agricultural products, with more than $8 billion being exported to other countries.  We’re proud to be living and working in a state that contributes so much to the world! Want to get an up close and personal look at the agricultural industry?  Let’s check out these amazing local farms and farmers markets. You’ll have a chance to see the process of planting, picking, and harvesting as well as meet some animals up close and personal.  You might even get a chance to shake hands with the farmers and employees of the farm, and learn a little more about day to day operations and how to cultivate plants. These fantastic farms are all just a short drive away in your new Classic Auto Group Car: U-Pick Farms, Orchards, and Produce Farmer Markets of Northern Illinois Royal Oaks Farm in Harvard, IL Stades Farm and Market in McHenry, IL Heinz Orchard in Green Oaks, IL All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, IL Woodstock country orchards in Woodstock, IL Mccann Berry farm in Woodstock, IL Go-Ro Fresh u-pick vegetables in Genoa, IL Plank Road Orchards in Sycamore, IL The Enchanted Valley farm in Kingston, IL Goebberts Farm and Garden Center in South Barrington, IL Prairie Crossing Farm in Grayslake, IL Didier Farms in Lincolnshire, IL Where to get your veggies: Grayslake Farmers Market in Grayslake Lake Zurich farmers market in Lake Zurich Fox lake farmers market in Fox Lake Wauconda farmers market in Wauconda Mundelein farmers market in Mundelein Deerfield farmers market in Deerfield Libertyville farmers market Libertyville Ravinia farmers market of Highland Park Buffalo grove farmers market of Buffalo Grove Looking for some great tips to growing your own veggies? Check out this list of tips by crop from University of Illinois Extension.

It’s National Dump the pump day! National Dump the Pump Day exists to help commuters and drivers reconsider the use of fossil fuel vehicles, spreads awareness on the depletion of natural resources such as fossil fuels, and encourages consumers to consider public transportation and alternative fuel vehicles.  We understand that not everyone has the privilege to be able to take advantage of mass transit or to walk, bike, or skate to their jobs, so we’re going to also explore some greener options in automobiles!  Today we’re going to highlight some of the differences between Hybrid versus Electric versus Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, and learn a little bit about alternatives to fossil fuel only cars.  Let’s get started! more Traditional Hybrid Vehicles are powered by a combination of a traditional internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which pull from stored energy in an array of batteries.  They rely on traditional gasoline engines to keep the batteries charged while you’re driving. Plug-In Hybrids have larger batteries charged with a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet installed in your home or in a publicly accessible charging station.  The Plug-In Hybrid will rely on depleting the stored battery charges, and once depleted will revert to using the gasoline engine. All-Electric or Battery Electric Vehicles have an electric motor in place of an internal combustion engine.  They’re propelled by a system of one or more electric motors powered by stored energy from battery banks; they have zero exhaust emissions, don’t use gasoline, and can be recharged at home or at publicly accessible charging stations. Additionally there are also Fuel Celle Electric Vehicle options, but they are not as widely available as the aforementioned; FCEVs receive their electric energy from a chemical reaction which generates electricity via hydrogen or other source. Are you looking to replace your current gas-powered vehicle with a greener alternative?  Stop by our dealership to find out which option is best for you and your family: Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, All-Electric. We’ll be happy to discuss the options with you, and get you behind the wheel of a vehicle for a test drive so you can decide for yourself.  We know you’re going to love the way they handle the road, and you’ll feel confident knowing that you’re helping to protect our environment! Here’s a great breakdown of the difference in vehicles between Hybrid vs. Electric vs. Plug-In Hybrids by Edmunds Cars on YouTube: Let’s take a fascinating look at some of the ideas behind and options for Synthetic Fuel vehicles from the gang over at Donut Media: One of our favourite vlogging channels is Engineering Explained, and we love this informational breakdown on Synthetic Fuels as an alternative to fossil fuel vehicles: Unsure of which car to choose, a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle?  The crew at Car Help Corner has some great pointers on the different options available, and how to decide which is better for your needs:

Every year on June 15th is “Nature Photography Day,” a holiday sponsored by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) to raise awareness for nature conservation, promote enjoyment of nature through the arts, and to document wildlife and landscapes on local and global scales.  The first official celebration began on June 16th in 2006, and it has continued to grow and be adopted by people all around the world! more Feeling a little intimidated by the idea of taking snaps of the great outdoors? Fear not!  The wonderful thing about nature photography is that you can document it using whatever equipment you have on hand; you don’t need a fancy DSLR or expensive equipment to snap a picture of beautiful scenery or wildlife, we all carry a wonderful high tech camera right in our pockets: the smartphone! The Student Conservation Association has a great list of 9 tips for taking brilliant nature photos with your Smartphone. Now that you know a little more about the holiday, we’ve got a fun list of places that would make a great little road trip for nature photography in Wisconsin and Illinois!  Check it out: Big Manitou Falls near Superior, WI is home to Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls and a beautiful trail system for hiking, camping, birding, and more! Lake Wissota State Park in Chippewa Falls, WI is a 1,062 acre state park set along the northeast shore of Lake Wissota reservoir. It’s great for camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and it even has a beautiful beach! Devils Lake State Park Baraboo, WI is a gorgeous state park set along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail with gorgeous scenic views of Quartzite bluffs along each of the many trails.  There’s plenty of scenic views to behold, and it’s perfect for both experienced hikers and novices. Pafrey’s Glen State Natural Area near Merrimac, WI is set within Devils Lake State Park and is a designated State Natural Area, the first one of its kind in Wisconsin!  There’s a 1.7 mile trail that boasts spectacular views of the sandstone gorge, and has access to a waterfall. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, WI is an incredible destination year round for photographers.  This National Park is filled with islands, waterfront caves, and lighthouses.  You’ll have spectacular views of beaches and cliffs and local wildlife, as well as sprawling views of crystal clear water. Garden of the Gods Shawnee National Forest near Herod, Illinois and Equality, Illinois is one of the most photographed locations in the whole state!  Whether you’re camping or hiking or here for a photo excursion, you’ll find plenty of scenic views and gorgeous sandstone rock formations. Starved Rock State Park in Lasalle County near Oglesby, IL has gorgeous scenery that changes depending on the season, including seasonal waterfalls, beautiful caves with deep green mosses and trees, and many brooks and streams.  It’s so popular, in fact, that it’s one of the top destinations for local travelers! Here’s 10 Wildlife Photography tips from Will at the NatureTTL Channel on Youtube: Here are 7 Easy Tips that will improve your landscape nature photography from Nigel Danson on Youtube: Looking to connect with your viewers through Landscape photography? Check out this helpful post for taking evocative imagery by Nigel Danson: And another great series of tips on creating atmospheric imagery from Marc Robbins on YouTube using available light and composition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma_xn1-YgLM