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Happy Earth Day from All of us here at Classic Auto Group! Toyota is focused on working to make a better planet by focusing on environmentally sustainable solutions from design concepts all the way to manufacturing and distribution.  Toyota of North America has dedicated efforts to building an environmentally responsible program around four basic focus points: Carbon, Water, Materials, Biodiversity. more Carbon Toyota is making concerted efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles by improving fuel efficiency, increasing hybrid technology, and electrification.  On the manufacturing and logistics side, Toyota employes innovative energy initiatives which cut fuel and energy consumption and increase use of renewable energies.  By introducing an 8.79 megawatt solar array at the Plano Texas facility, Toyota expects this system will provide approximately a third of the power needed for the new headquarters facilities. Water Thanks to updates in the manufacturing process, each year the Toyota company uses fewer gallons of water during vehicle production.  The company places special focus on water-stressed areas sch as California, Texas, and Mexico by finding new ways to recycle and reuse water, and make a little bit go a long way.  Toyota Manufacturing in Baja is the first Toyota plant in North America to use the MBR and RO system to conserve water and ensure efficient usage and storage while operating in limited water availability. Materials Toyota has maintained and exceeded efforts to recycle excess materials at all locations, and is even mindful to recycle waste when building new facilities.  They have also reduced use of chemicals thanks to efforts such as the ones by engineering specialist Dawn Ng’s efficient use of reduced cleaning solvent on painting vehicle bumpers.  These are just some of the efforts the Toyota team has put forth into reducing waste, recycling materials, and producing more efficient manufacturing facilities. Biodiversity Each time Toyota constructs new facilities for sales and manufacturing, they aim to minimize destruction and disruption of natural habitats.  They also work diligently to proactively support local pollinators and preserve native species, and restore the unique balance of local ecosystems.  In fact, they even partnered with NEEF to contribute a $200,000 grant to the Parnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. In 2015, Toyota also announced the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a company wide goal of moving towards Zero CO2 Emissions and establishing an eco-harmonious relationship between nature and the Toyota company.  You can visit the website to learn more about the Six Challenges and their eco milestones from now through 2030 and beyond.

After a taste of the warm weather earlier this month, we’re getting ready to make Summer plans and enjoy it to the fullest!  Today’s blog is going to be covering great Food and Wine/Beer Festivals near our Classic Auto Group stores.  Just a short drive away in your brand new Classic Auto Group car, you can be well on your way to fun in the sun with your loved ones! more Please remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so make sure you have a plan in place for rideshare or a “DD”.  As always, we encourage you to bring a designated driver to your festivals and tasting events. Some events may offer  a discounted DD ticket so they can still attend the rest of the fun with your group.  Please Drink Responsibly. The Glen Club of Glenview is hosting the “Glenview Bites & Brews event from 5PM to 8PM on Wednesday evening April 27th. On Saturday  April 30th from 12PM to 4PM head over to Long Grove Illinois for the Craft Beer Fest at the Stempel Parking Lot. On Saturday April 30th from 2PM to 4PM you can enjoy the fine musical stylings of the Big Al Wetzel Band at the Long Grove Craft Beer Festival from 2PM to 4PM at Buffalo Creek Brewing Head up North to the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival from 1PM to 5PM in Kenosha at the Brat Stop on Saturday April 30th. Head over to Main Street in Libertyville between 1PM and 4PM for “Let’s Vino In the Ville” Festival on Saturday April 30th. On Sunday, May 1st, at What’s Brewing? Supply in Palatine, you can head over from 10AM to 1:30PM for a Basic Beer Making Class! The College of Lake County in Grayslake is hosting the Food Truck Frenzy of 2022 from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday May 7th. The Harbor Brewing Co in Winthrop Harbor is hosting “The Harbor BRewing Company Proudly Presents Mr. E!” on Saturday May 7th starting at 6PM. Perfect Brewing Supply in Libertyville is hosting the 25th Anniversary Big Brew with N.U.B.S. from 8AM to 6:30PM on Satu On May 21st, head over to Vernon Hills at the Century Park Arboretum and catch the 8th Annual Craft Beer Tasting even from 10AM to 2PM! With over 40 vendors, live music, fine foods, and craft brews, the Craft Beer Festival in Mundelein is a surefire hit; stop by June 11th from 6PM to 10PM for a fun-filled evening. The Highwood Metra Station in Highwood is hosting “Highwood Days with Taco Fest” from 8AM until late night at 11:30PM on Saturday July 23rd and Sunday July 24th. On August 6th in Long Grove, Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting thei r “Saturday Night Food Truck Event” with the “Stadium Street Eats” theme running from 3PM to 7PM. Long Grove’s Woodfire Tavern is hosting the “Street Food Showdown” on Saturday August 20th from 2PM to 6PM. The Blues, Brews, & BBQs festival of McHenry is running from Friday August 19th through Sunday August 21st at Petersen Park!

Since today is Easter Sunday, we thought it would be super fun to highlight some of the easter eggs that are hidden in some of our favourite cars!  These fun little treats are a manufacturer and engineer’s way of paying homage to the automotive enthusiasts, and even give a nod to older models of years past.  Take a short walk out to your driveway and check the details on your new car from Classic Auto Group, or feel free to “hippity-hop” over to our dealerships this week if you’d like to see them in person! more The 2022 Toyota Tundra has several easter eggs hidden in its design.  The first is on the driver’s side as you open the hood, where you’ll find the state of texas stamped into the plastic near the grille, meant to represent the fact that it’s built in Texas.  On the passenger side, you’ll find the shape of MIchigan stamped into the black plastic to represent that the new Tundra was researched and developed in Ann Arbor!  The 2022 Tundra windshield also has morse code hidden in all of its trucks regardless of what trim package you choose.  The secret message: BADASSTRUCKS.  Tundra 4x4 models also feature hidden holographic stickers on both sides of the truck bed to signify the’re off-road ready; shine a flashlight on them at just the right angle and you’ll spot shimmering trucks driving up and down the numbers! Toyota Prius owners who bought a model 2016 or newer can find a hidden feature by using the key fob.  Press and hold the unlock button and all of your windows will unroll at once, perfect for letting out the heat during summer months.  Ready to park the car in a shady spot?  No worries, just push and hold the lock button on your key fob and they’ll all roll right back up again! The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has 24 hidden Toyota Logos emblazoned in discreet spots around the vehicle besides the usual spots.  You can find one etched into the window between the C-Pillar and the hatch, one at the base of the windshield, one inside the front grill on the lower left side, one hidden inside the plastic trim on the passenger side-view mirror, and lots more.  See how many you can find on your own. Some models of the Kia Soul have a hidden compartment in the trunk section.  To see if your car has it, take a peek at the trunk to see if there’s a handle; lift that handle and you'll find a convenient organizer with enough room to store roadside assistance items such as tools, blankets, towing cable, flashlight, charge cables, and more! The 202 Kia Soul has a Sound Mood Lighting System that emits soft glow from the center door panels, and a 3D pattern on the upper door panels. It will synchronize the lighting to the beat of the music, and the lights can be customized to any color of the rainbow. Some models of the Kia Telluride have an option for ambient lighting!  Place your car in park, and tap the “vehicle settings” on the infotainment screen.  From there, you’ll be able to select the Ambient Light menu and adjust the lighting color and the brightness.  It’s a fun little hidden feature to impress your friends or add a little mood lighting to your next drive-in movie. The Hyundai Veloster has a little easter egg game built into the infotainment system.  The car’s Blue Max Game tracks driving habits and rewards the driver with bonus points for being eco-friendly and fuel efficient!  You can’t really do anything with the points, but it’s a fun little reminder to improve driving habits and fuel consumption. The Hyundai Genesis has a hidden light under the side mirror that illuminates and projects the logo on the pavement. The Hyundai Sonata added some built-in relaxation into their infotainment system with a series of ambient noises.  Just select the “Sounds of Nature” option!

Record Store Day was started in 2007 by a group of indie record store owners and employees to help celebrate the magic and nostalgia of vinyl, and share the love of vinyl collecting culture with others.  There are over 1400 independent independently owned stores.  Each year, artists all over the world come together and create special collections, limited editions, and rereleases specifically for Record Store Day! It’s a great way to be introduced to new musical styles as well as supporting local indie artists and independent small businesses.  Each year a celebrity Record Store Day Ambassador is also chosen, and for 2022 that person is none other than the reining pop queen herself: Taylor Swift. more Check out these awesome local record shops you can patronize all year round: Play by Play Record Shop in Waukegan Reef Records in Antioch Reef Records in Lakemoor Vinyl Frontier Records in McHenry Scratched Vinyl in Barrington Blue Myrtle Records in Gurnee Offbeat Music Store in Lake Zurich Siren Records McHenry in McHenry Hip Cat Records & Music Videos in Wilmette Algonquin Records in Des Plaines Record Wonderland in Roselle MetalEdge Records and Tapes in Chicago Vintage Vinyl in Evanston Squeezebox Books & Music Inc in Evanston Rediscover Records in Elgin Cheap Kiss Records in Villa Park Tone Deaf Records in Chicago The Old School Records in Forest Park Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont Kiss the Sky in Batavia Rattleback Records in Chicago Mile Long Records in Wheaton Rolling Stones in Norridge Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park Reckless Records in Chicago Interstellar Space Records in Chicago Electric Jungle in Chicago Hyde Park Records in Chicago Shuga Records in Chicago Green Tangerine Records in DeKalb Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart Record Breakers in Chicago Black Circle Records in Lake Geneva WI Did you know there are also numerous benefits to listening to music: Music can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by elevating mood and reducing cortisol from stress. It can increase focus and improve your memory. It improves your performance in running and exercise. What are some ways that music helps you in your daily life? Check out these portable record players that connect to your favourite bluetooth device.  It’s perfect for taking with you on the road for campouts, beach days, and vacations: Victrola Vintage 3 Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Buit-In Speakers Crosley UO Exclusive Cream Rose Gold Voyager Bluetooth Record Player Turntable Record Player Portable with Built-in Speakers Belt-Driven Vintage Portable Turntable with Bluetooth Wireless R609

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home. more Here are some of the amazing benefits to gardening, aside from the positive environmental impact: A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community If you’ve not got the room for a container garden or your homeowner association/landlord doesn’t allow it, you can join a community garden!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery How To Start Your Own Container Garden A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper A large bucket of compost An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants Watering Can with Long Spout Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots. Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteadin g by Lisa Lombardo The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press

We love a good road trip car game that gets your ol’ noodle going!  So for today, National Scrabble Day, we’re sharing picks for fantastic car friendly word games for everyone to enjoy. From classic spoken word games using the alphabet to mobile and travel friendly versions of your favourite board games.  The best part about playing these games together is that they are silly, goofy, creative, and competitive and each one builds on each other to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  Who says learning can’t be fun?! more Free Word Games to Play With the Whole Family Think Fast (No Purchases Required!) One person begins by suggesting a category theme (ex: Food, Animal, Places. etc) and a second player will have until the count of 10 to say (or shout) the name of an item that corresponds with that theme.  If the second player cannot think of something to name in the time it takes for a 10 count, they lose their turn and it passes to the next one.  If they come up with a word, it’s their turn next to pick a category and count for the next player.  For an added challenge you can use the rule of starting with alphabetical order “The Category is Flower, and you must use the letter A!” “Aster!” “The next category is Food and you must use the letter B!” “Blueberry” and so on until someone gives up, or you reach the end of the alphabet! The Alphabet Game (No Purchases Required!) Starting with the letter ‘A’, one passenger takes turns calling out a word that starts with that letter, and the next player’s turn responds with a word beginning with ‘B’ and so on and so forth until you get to the letter ‘Z’.  If you’d like an extra challenge, subsequent rounds can have a theme such as “plants” or “animals” or “foods” to correspond with each letter. Same Letter (No Purchases Required!) Begin with a category, just as you would with “Think Fast,” except this does not involve a count timer.  One category chooses a word that matches that category, and the following player must follow-up on that theme using the last letter of that word as the first letter of their next guess.  For example: “The Category is Birds!” “Seagull” “Lark” “Kestrel” “Lovebird” “Duck” “Kingfisher!” “Robin!” and so on until the group gives up and someone is stumped. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (No Purchases Required!) Another great game that can be played with all car passengers and requires quick thinking, sharp memory, and alphabetical challenges A through Z.  The starting player will use the letter A, and will say the phrase “I’m going on a bear hunt, and I am bringing   The second passenger will follow by repeating the first item, and adding a second with the subsequent letter (in this case, ‘B’): I’m going on a bear hunt and I am bringing an avocado and a blueberry!  The third player will repeat those and add the next letter, and so on and so forth until you reach a point where someone cannot remember anymore, or you reach the end of the alphabet!  It’s great to play with small kids as well as adults. Great RoadWorthy Games to Pack for the Car, The Beach, or Picnic Fun We’ve got some great suggestions for travel friendly versions of classic board games.  From pocket-sized options to digitized versions to magnetic or tile-lock versions, you’ll find something to fit every need and age group of traveler.  Perfect for playing at a rest stop lunch break, while camping, or even while driving in the car to your destination. Scrabble: Road Trip Series Scrabble to Go (APP) Tile Lock Scrabble Travel Edition Word Master (APP) Words with Friends (APP) Scrabble Slam Hasbro Boggle to Go Boggle Travel Edition Scroll-O-Matic Banana-Grams Duel Fournier’s Magnetic Hangman Bananagrams: The On-the-Go Edition Melissa & Doug Flip-To-Win Hangman What’s My Word (Travel Edition) Hot Tips for Scrabble Points Using Automotive Themed Words Engine, 7pts Carburetor, 14pts Serpentine, 12pts Gasoline, 9pts Brakes, 12pts Transmission, 14pts Tires, 5pts Windshield, 18pts Antifreeze, 22pts Pedal, 8pts Gears, 6pts Bumper, 12pts Warranty, 14pts Insurance, 11pts Mechanic, 17pts Lease, 5pts Motor, 7pts Hoses, 8pts

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and we’re sharing our picks for road trip worthy restaurants for the best grilled cheese across our illustrious state and the cheese capital of the US, Wisconsin!  You can also check out our list of Grilled Cheese fun facts and see how these top sandwiches stack up to their potential. more Fun Facts About the Grilled Cheese The Grilled Cheese began as an open faced snack of melted cheese on one singular piece of bread during the WWII era; the classic toast-cheese-toast configuration appeared in the 1960s and is what we know and love today as the “grilled cheese!” One of the most expensive grilled cheese sandwiches ever sold belonged to Diana Duyser.  She claimed her grilled cheese sandwich was brandished with the toasted image of the Virgin Mary; it sold for $28,000 on Ebay in 1994! The highest priced actually edible grilled cheese sandwich is priced at $214 from the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City.  It features rare cheese, white truffle butter, Dom Perignon champagne, and edible gold flakes. Wow! Top Notch Grilled Cheese Sandwich Establishments in Illinois and Wisconsin: Chicago Grilled Cheese & Mac Factory in Chicago IL Edzo’s Burger Shop in Evanston IL McAlister’s Deli in Springfield Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago IL The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Peoria IL Jerry’s Sandwiches in Chicago IL Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Lakeview in Chicago IL Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co in Naperville IL Wyler Road in Chicago IL Mak’s House La Grange in La Grange IL Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill in Morris IL Little Goat Diner in Chicago IL BIG & little’s Restaurant in Chicago IL The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park in Chicago IL Same Day Cafe in Chicago IL Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal IL CYOC Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak in Waukegan IL Green Town Tavern in Waukegan IL Glen Flora Tap & Grill in Waukegan IL Leno’s Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan IL Brat Stop in Kenosha WI Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI Spanky's Bar and Grill in Kenosha WI Franks Diner in Kenosha WI House of Gerhard in Kenosha WI The Coffee Pot in Kenosha WI Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha WI Pepi’s Pub and Grill in Racine WI Tino’s Carry Out in Racine WI The Dish Restaurant in Racine WI

The Next-Generation Toyota Tundra is Here, and It’s going to Rock Your World! Backed by the trusted quality, durability, and reliability you’ve come to expect from Toyota, the Tundra is blazing a new trail in the full-size truck vehicle category.  It features improved towing and payload capabilities, an all-new multimedia infotainment system designed right here in North America, a spacious and comfortable interior cabin, and two new powertrain options: A twin-turbo V6 option, and a hybrid twin-turbo V6 option, both with a 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission.  The new 10-speed transmission features updated technology such as sequential shift mode, uphill/downhill shift logic, and Tow/Haul driving modes! more But the real showstopper is the iFORCE MAX Powertrain, boasting 437 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 583lb-ft of torque at just 2,400 rpm.  The new Power Control Unit (PCU) is employed to ensure excellent durability and thermal performance from its 288V Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery located under the rear passenger seats.  Using either the SPORT or SPORT+ feature under drive mode increases power and responsiveness. In addition the EPA has estimated its fuel economy and efficiency at 18MPG city and 24MPG highway for 2WD SR models, and all other 2WD models at 18MPG city, 24MPG highway. And its interior and exterior design are built to match and exude an air of power, strength, and performance!  The design team paid great attention to detail using only premium materials and fabrics inside, and achieving a balance of rugged, tough design with sleek, modern angular lines.  It certainly adds up and delivers a stunning aesthetic indicative of its strength, durability, quality, and reliability. “Our design goal from the beginning was to create the most powerful, rugged and sophisticated looking full-size pickup that will take Tundra to a whole new level,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research. “Because recreation and an outdoor lifestyle are at the core of Toyota truck identity, we set out to create a muscular, chiseled and athletic design that also looks like it could handle the toughest towing demands.” In short, it’s a truck made by Truck People, for Truck People, and it’s all designed, engineered, and built right here in the United States of America! Check out the incredible features and amenities here, and then stop by our dealership to spec one out for yourself!  Our trusted and knowledgeable sales associates are ready to help get you behind the wheel ASAP. The All New 2022 Toyota Tundra Features: Standard i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Produces up to 389 hp, 479 lb.-ft. Available i-FORCE MAX Powertrain Produces 437 hp, 583 lb.-ft. Up to 12,000-Pound Maximum Towing Capacity Available 14-inch Touchscreen Highlights All-New Audio Multimedia System Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 Active Safety Standard on all Grades EPA Estimated Fuel Economy 20 mpg Combined on i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 2WD Models You get all of that state-of-the-art technology, sleek modern design, powerful towing capacity, and unparalleled fuel economy starting at $35,950 MSRP!  Stop by Classic Toyota’s dealerships to spec one out for yourself with custom features and designed to your personal styling.

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secure plans for a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. more Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw

Just a few hours north of our Classic Auto Group dealerships in Waukegan, is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is the most populous city in Wisconsin, and one of the 25 largest cities in the entire United States.  Incorporated in 1846, this city has also historically been a very bustling and vital international seaport for North America.  The worst of Milwaukee winter is over, with January being its coldest month, and the weather is warming up for plenty of outdoor activities and sunshine!  Thanks to Lake Michigan’s “lake effect” weather, summers are a little cooler here with July reaching an all-time high of 75-80 max.  It’s the perfect city to explore for walking tours and sightseeing trips. more Awesome Walking Tours of Milwaukee: Untapped Tours Milwaukee City Tours offers small group sightseeing tours of the city from local guides who really know all there is to see, do and love about Milwaukee!  The tours are a combination of driving in a mini-coach bus with stop-offs for walking tours to see history sites, architecture, food, and brews and cocktails. Historic Milwaukee Store & Tours starts at a local historic Milwaukee gift store, where you can choose from guided architectural tours or historic walking tours of the city.  Local docents will take you sightseeing, and you can feel good knowing that your dollars have gone to supporting this nonprofit historic tourist organization! City Guided Tours MKE Milwaukee take you for an interactive tour around The MKE with a combination of history, food, and brewery tours.  Who doesn’t love a little snack and a beverage with their history lesson?  Exactly! Gothic Milwaukee Haunted Tours of Milwaukee explores a darker, spookier side of the city like you’ve never seen before.  With options for private and group tours, this is a truly unique experience led by a costumed tour guide leading you through the shadowy past and dark secrets of Milwaukee’s past. You may even see some spirits or and spooky sightings. Milwaukee Food Tours are perfect for the adventurous foodies in our midst!  You’ll get to sample all sorts of local cuisines and culinary delights such as breweries, taquerias, regional pizzas, desserts, fine spirits, and so much more.  Make sure you come with an empty belly and excited tastebuds, because it’s a delectable experience. Milwaukee Ghosts Tours and Investigations leans into the local legend and folklore of the region,and is the original Ghost Tour of the area!  You’ll learn about the arts districts dark and menacing history once known as “The Bloody Third” and so much more American Family Field Walking Tours in Milwaukee are perfect for those who are big fans of America’s Pastime: baseball!  You can take a tour of the Milwaukee Brewers home field from Monday through Saturday, and get an inside look at this iconic sports destination.  Take a self guided tour at your own pace, or book a group tour. Other great destinations to explore and walk around the city include: Immortal Milwaukee History Tours, Milwaukee Seven-Seat Bike Tours, Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, Historic Miller Caves Tour, North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Tour the Historic Pabst Brewery.  And you’ll definitely want to make sure you explore all there is to offer at the annual Summerfest Milwaukee event! In addition to these fun walking tours, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the city’s most interesting museums, arts venues, and science centers: The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum The Charles Allis Art Museum The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics, and Technology The Milwaukee Art Museum The Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee Public Museum The Mitchell Park Conservatory The Schlitz Audubon Center The Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum The William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising & Design The Milwaukee Repertory Theater The Pabst Theater The Milwaukee Ballet The Milwaukee Theatre The Florentine Opera Company Once you’ve spent the day exploring all the city has to offer, we know you’re going to be absolutely famished.  We’ve made a list of top notch restaurants and bars to grab an incredible bite to eat to refuel before your next endeavor. Sanford at 1547 N. Jackson Street Birch at 459 E Pleasant Street Swingin’ Door Exchange at 219 E Michigan Street Zarletti at 741 N Milwaukee Street Calderone Club of Downtown Milwaukee at 842 N Old World 3rd Street Morel at 430 S 2nd Street Rodizio Grill Milwaukee Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant at 777 N Water Street The Capital Grille at 310 W Wisconsin Avenue Harbor House at 550 N Harbor Drive in Pier Wisconsin Third Coast Provisions at 724 N Milwaukee Street Carnevor at 718 N Milwaukee Street Stella Van Buren at 550 N Van Buren Street in the Westin Milwaukee Ardent at 1751 N Farwell Avenue Blue’s Egg at 317 N 76th Street in Jennings Village Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro at 3133 E Newberry Boulevard in Lake Park Story Hill BKC at 5100 W Bluemound Road The Diplomat at 815 E Brady Street The Original at 2498 N Bartlett Avenue Mason Street Grill at 425 E Mason Street at the Pfister Hotel Momo Mee Asian Cuisine at 110 E Greenfield Avenue Maxie’s at 6732 W Fairview Avenue

Our Classic Auto Group Decoder is back in business with another installment of our Automotive Terminology lessons.  We’re here to decode and demystify the jargon, vocabulary, and terms so you can feel confident when going in for service appointments or shopping for a new ride.  Today we’re covering the vital appliance you can’t live without for the summer months: The Air Conditioner. more The air conditioning system works by changing refrigerant fluid from liquid state to gaseous state, and this allows it to remove heat and humidity from your car during warmer weather and return cool, dry air to keep you comfortable as you drive.  Your car’s air conditioner system can function to cool and heat your vehicle all year round. Using your AC Compressor while also running the heat can help dehumidify the air inside your vehicle, and thus clearing up window condensation and reducing fogged windshields and windows.  As an added bonus, running the AC system for 10-15 minutes per week in cooler months can help keep fluids circulating in the system and keep it from off-season wear. Your air conditioner should be serviced a minimum of once or twice per year.  If you notice that your system is not functioning properly, you can call our trusted service center to schedule a maintenance appointment. There are a few things that may be happening with your AC system to make it malfunction: Electrical issues such as blown fuses, pressure switches, temperature switches, or defective blower fans may be the culprit. Your cabin’s air filter may be clogged, which leads to poor air quality and cooling output. Leaves and debris may be blocking the system and vents; check under the hood and clear out any muck you find and it should improve airflow. If it doesn’t, your mechanic may check the AC Evaporator. The AC Condenser may need replacement or cleaning of paper, dust, leaves, or debris clogging the fan and causing an overheat. Low refrigerant levels or corroded and worn parts may have damaged the AC Compressor and it may require a service technician to replace it. The experienced car enthusiast may wish to try troubleshooting their AC issues on their own at home before calling a service technician, but please note that not all parts are user serviceable.  If you’re skilled enough to do the basics, we remind you that you will want to wear proper safety equipment such as goggles or safety glasses, and thick gloves in case of contact with refrigerant so you do not get burns or frostbite from contact.  If you're not confident enough to do the maintenance, we’ve got plenty of professional mechanics standing by to help! Important AC Related Terms to Know: Air conditioner refrigerant The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures. Air conditioning The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicles cabin air. Air conditioning filter A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system. Air filter A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine. Air filter restriction indicator A device that identifies an impedance to the air filter system. Air filtration The removal of solid particulates (such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria) from a vehicles cabin air by a filter placed in the ventilation system.

The Chicago Poetry Center began in the 1970s with readings at the Museum of Contemporary art, and has since grown over the last 40+ years into extensive programming all around the city.  They’ve also forged a 20+ year partnership with the Chicago Public Schools to bring creative writing and poetry workshops and special events to children in schools around the city.  Since April is National Poetry Month, we thought it only fitting to highlight some of the work they’ve been doing over the years, and we’d like to encourage you to stop by to learn more about their mission, how to donate or volunteer, and other ways you can support their venture. more You can follow them on social media to stay up to date on their current offerings or events. Did you know that the Chicago Poetry Center is located next to some fantastic other Arts and Culture destinations you can visit?  Check out our list of suggested places to see before or after attending one of their fantastic events this year: The Chicago Cultural Center Pritzker Military Museum & Library The CIBC Theatre Museum of Illusions Chicago James M Nederlander Theatre Richard J. Daley Center The Art Institute of Chicago Harris Theater for Music and Dance Jay Pritzker Pavillion Millenium Park Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago Architecture Center While you’re waiting for the next event from the Chicago Poetry Center, why not check out these amazing Chicago poetry events: Claudia Rankine at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago on April 6th Respect the Mic (In-Person) at the Poetry Foundation of Chicago on April 7th Cultures of Belonging Book Launch at the Poetry Foundation on April 9th The Red Carpet Poetry SLAM 2022 at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago on April 7th The Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill on April 10th Ocean Vuong - “Time is a Mother” at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago on April 11th Padded Room Open Mic at Bobo Emporium 2 on April 12th In One Ear Open Mic at Heartland Cafe on April 13th Berlin Family Lectures: Claudine Rankine with Titus Kaphar on April 13th and 14th at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago In One Ear Open Mic at Heartland Cafe on April 20th In One Ear Open Mic at Heartland Cafe on April 27th