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Take the precautions to travel safely

Let’s Hit the Road, Baby: Great Gizmos for Traveling with Infants and Newborns

We’ve been publishing a lot of travel guides and travel blogs over the last few months, so we thought it was high time we included a great travel gear post, too!  The avid globetrotter has more than likely got their own system of checks and balances when it comes to packing up luggage, preparing for flights and car rentals, and booking hotels or excursions.  But when you a child or two in the mix, things can start to unravel quickly. more When traveling with little ones, there’s infinitely more bags to pack, more toiletries to remember, and certainly more people to keep happy and entertained.  But don’t you fret, yet!  We understand the anxieties of parenting, and that is why we’re here to help ease a few of the pains and woes of traveling with little ones.  You’ll love our handy-dandy  guide to great road-trip and travel worthy gadgets for babies and newborns. We’ve got everything you need to make road trips with your offspring a real breeze.  Check it out! And if you’ve got a hot tip on tools for traveling parents, please be sure to let us know in a comment or on social media. We would love to feature your input on a future blog post! Great Gear for Traveling with Little Ones The Chico KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is an excellent option for safety, convenience, and style when traveling with your smallest, most precious cargo.  It has 10 different colour ways, comes with a SuperCinch Latch for easy installation, and you can opt for a Zip-Extend canopy feature for sun and weather.  It’s easy to clean, and has removable newborn head and body supports.  It will grow with your family as your baby grows!  Best of all it’s under $300, which makes it easy on the wallet. Grab one here! Protect your car’s new upholstery with this convenient seatsaver cover from Buy Buy Baby.It’s easy to clean, a cinch to install, and conveniently priced at under $30, too.  It has 3 colorways for your choice of contrasting or blending with your interior. Get it here. Sure, the ideal situation is always to have an adult riding in the backseat with the baby, but busy parents sometimes need a little help.    Modern Parenting problems?  Meet modern parenting solutions!  The Itomoro Baby Car Mirror is a fantastic modern option for monitoring your baby in the backseat. It has daytime and night time modes to accommodate all travelers!  Aim this pocket sized web-cam at your kiddo in the back, and mount the monitor to the dashboard.  It’s the safest way to keep your eyes forward while also keeping your little ones safe.  And because it’s priced under $50 that means it’s friendly for new-parent budgets, too! Grab one here before they’re gone! This incredible diaper bag folds from backpack out into a full changing station.  It’s a three in one bassinet, changing table, and storage bag.  Also functions as a USB charging station for on the go convenience.  What parent doesn’t appreciate the heck out of a multipurpose carry-all item?  If you’re taking your kids on the road, this is going to be an indispensable part of your traveling gear. Get it today right here; comes in multiple colors. The Me4Kidz Medipro All Purpose First Aid Kit has over 100 items in a handy reusable container!  It’s portable, convenient, and practical.  It’s colorful and easily organized and great sized for shoving into luggage or diaper bags, or even the backseat pockets. You can grab it on amazon for under $10! This is a fantastic way to hold onto wet clothes, dirty diapers, or other icky articles without mussing up your purse or satchel.  It’s the perfect on-the-go roadside option until you can get to a garbage bin or a washing machine.  The Planet Wise Small Wet Bags come in multiple colours to match any look, but no matter what pattern you pick they’ll still have the same trustworthy qualities. Grab them today under $15! The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is worth every single penny spent.  It is lightweight, portable, sturdy, safe, and reliable.  Take your pick of three different colour options, and purchase it as a kit with a fitted crib sheet or on its own.  It is light as a feather which makes it a wonderful option for fitting into luggage or carrying to the beach or popping up for rest-stop naps.  It’s comfortable, portable, and easily washable too! Check it out for under $350 here.

She's plant-savvy

National Houseplant Day: Classic's Local Guide to Greenhouses and Houseplant Tips

Going green is all the rage, and we fully support it all: from EVs and Hybrids to Solar and Renewable energy and fuel.  There’s so many ways we can all do our part for the environment.  And it’s a good thing that today is National Houseplant Day, because that gives us one more reason to celebrate green living!  Houseplants are not only good for your personal environment, but they’re a great gateway to learning how to garden.  We think you’ll find that potted houseplants are a great source of inspiration for better living, and that’s just one of  their amazing traits! more Check out our picks for great local greenhouses and plant shops to support, and even some fun tips for growing plants in your car.  You can even check out some of the audio books we’ve selected on gardening to keep your green thumb more verdant than ever! Local Area Businesses to Support for Plant Shopping Larsen Florists & Greenhouses Plant House Mary’s Greenhouse Paquesi Home & Gardens Balmes Flowers Gurnee Country Gardens Garden Center Horvat’s Garden Center & Gift Shop Lurvey Landscape Supply Buss Flower Shop Escazu Nursery Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs Roots & Shoots Plant Shop Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery Windy City Garden Center Mini Earth Greenhouses Sprout Home City Escape Garden Center and Design Studio Plant Shop Chicago Adams & Son & Daughter Gardens Vedas Plant Shop The Sill Chicago Coach House Plants Gethsemane Garden Center Semillas Plant Studio The Succulent City According to scientific research, including studies done by NASA, house plants can help reduce toxins and improve air quality!  That’s right they’re not only beautiful but they’re useful as well.  Grab some for your home, office, and even your car to freshen up that stale air.  We’ve got a list of options you can look for at your local shops below: Air Purifying Houseplants Barberton Daisies English Ivy Snake Plants Aloe Vera Broad Lady Palm Red Edged Dracaena Weeping Fig Chinese Evergreen Pothos aka Devils Ivy Rubber Plants Flamingo Lillies Kimberly Queen Ferns Peace Lillies Philodendron Calathea ZZ Plants The Surprising Indoor Spot That’s Perfect for Houseplants Adding plants to your home, office, or even your garage can really perk up the environment.  But that’s not the only indoor environment in which plants can thrive!  Did you know that you can even keep plants in your car if the conditions are right?  Yes that’s right!  There’s a few easy tips to follow to ensure that your little greenery pal stays safe and sound.  Check them out: Place your plant in a stable spot in your vehicle.  The cupholder is a great option so you don't spill dirt inside your nice new car. Place a thermometer in your car to monitor the temperature and decide when you should take your plant indoors for some TLC. Choose a sturdy breed of plant: Pothos, snake plants, lucky bamboo, hearty succulents like echeveria. Choose plants which love a warm, sunny environment to ensure that you make use of those sunny parking spaces. Help keep the temperature regulated on hot or humid days by keeping your car window cracked.  Not only will this be more comfortable for you to drive in later, but it’ll keep your plants from overheating and drying out. Water your plants at the end of the day when you get home from work using your leftover water bottle from that day. Check out this fun car gear with plant themed aesthetics: Cactus Car Decorations for the Dashboard Faux Succulents for Car Daisy Themed Vent Clips Monstera Tropical Leaf Print Car Seat Covers Colorful Floral and Plant Themed Car Floor Mats Audio Books About Gardening to Listen to On Your Next Road Trip Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening Stay Grounded: Soil Building for Sustainable Gardens Easy-Growing Gardening Series Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education

iStock-1178310965

Great Roadtrip Worthy Skiing Destinations

Winter is here and it’s the prime time to hit the slopes!  Bundle up and get ready to embark on some great winter sports adventures, because today’s blog is all about great destinations for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more.  From Illinois to Wisconsin to Indiana, we’ve selected some fabulous destinations for road-tripping with your family and friends over the winter season.  Grab some season passes or book a weekend getaway for some fresh mountain air. The choice is yours and the possibilities for fun are endless! more Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports Ski School in Lisle, Illinois With ski areas open to all ages and skill levels, Four Lakes Alpine has been operating for over 60 seasons and is home to some of the top downhill skiing and snowboarding trails in the area.  It’s got gorgeous panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains, too!  You can’t beat it as a great winter vacation destination. Where to Stay: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotels Lisle, Arborhouse Naperville-Lisle, Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk, Sleep Inn Oakbrook Terrace, Aloft Bolingbrook, Inn At Water’s Edge Where to Eat: Raymes Steak & Fish House, NWB Next Whiskey Bar Lisle, The Bavarian Lodge, Manna Kitchen, Evviva! Bar & Eatery, Apolis Greek Street Food, Stillin’s Neighbourhood Pub & Grill, Yerbabuena Mexican Cuisine, Taco Dale Lisle, Wheatstack, JR’s Place Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot, Wisconsin Operating since 1938, this family friendly resort has been a pinnacle vacation destination for Midwestern folks.  You’ll find skiing, snowtubing, and snowboarding on 120 acres with 25 trail options.  For days when the weather is less than favorable, their state-of-the-art snowmaking machines pump out the best of the best for modern snow conditions. Where to Stay: Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, Best Western Executive Inn Wilmot, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Geneva Inn, Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast, Hampton Inn & Suites Kenosha Where to Eat: Wilmot Stage Shop, The Wilmot Riverside, Wisconsin Style Barbecue, Roof & Bricks Bar & Grill, KC’S Cabin, Pizza Time Villa Olivia in Bartlett, Illinois No matter if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, there’s something exciting in store for you at Villa Olivia!  Sign up for some of the guided classes and learn something new, or head right to the lift if you’re ready to rock!  Passes are available for regular visits, too.  Check the website for regular updates on weather conditions, but with state of the art snow-making things should be ski-ready at a moments notice even if Mother Nature won’t cooperate. Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Extended State America, Hampton Inn & Suites Where to Eat: McMae’s Tavern & Grill, Pietanza’s, Elly’s Mexican Tacos, Ambrosia Greek Eatery, One Twenty Live, Bovino Lounge Fusion, Straight Flush Restaurant, Ray’s Family Restaurant, La Taqueria Inc Authentic Mexican Food Chicago Snow Studio Ski SChool in Chicago, IL Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI Tucked away in the countryside and nestled in the snow covered hills around Lake Geneva is the Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center.  It’s one of the top rated ski resorts in the region, with plenty of fun to be had from skiing to snowboarding and then some!  There’s lots of opportunities for young enthusiasts to learn the ins-and-outs of skiing, too.  And don’t worry, if you’re an adult who needs to learn the ways of the slopes, you’ll be well at home here with their beginner lessons for all ages.  There’s even skating and sledding available for those who are averse to sliding down mountains at breathtaking speeds. Where to Stay: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Abbey Resort, Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, The Geneva Inn, Mill Creek Hotel, The Ridge Hotel, The Belfry House Where to Eat: Ristorante Brissago, The ChopHouse, Grand Café, Links Bar and Grill, Smokey’s  Bar-B-Que House, Cuoco Pazzo Eatz & Drinkz, Lake GEneva Pie Co, Next Door Pub & Pizzeria Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL This ski resort has got it all!  Whether you’re looking for prime winter sports activities or you prefer watching them in 4K high definition on the big screen at a sports bar, there’s lots to do at Chestnut MMountain Resort.  Plus, it’s even got a great indoor pool and hot tub for warming up with some hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.  There are also great restaurants for dining in and refueling between your downhill runs!  It’s family friendly, but also makes a great getaway for friends or couples looking for a bit of respite. Where to Stay: Chestnut Mountain Resort, Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, DeSoto House Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Stoney Creek Inn Galena, Greenbriar Country Inn & Suites Where to Eat: Log Cabin Steakhouse, Savory Kitchen, Little Tokyo Restaurant of Galena, Green Street Tavern, Fried Green Tomatoes, Vinny Vanucchi’s, Fritz & Frites Bistro, Embe Eatery and Lounge, Amelia’s Under the Lamplight Dinner Theatre Bonus Round Road Trip Ideas: Wh y not make this the year you visit all 50 states?  Check off a few more on your list with a visit to these great skiing destinations Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, IN Paoli Peaks in Paoli, IN Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in Jones, MI Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont, MI Marquette Mountain Resort in Marquette, MI Bittersweet Ski Resort in Ostego, MI

Reading at home with pet. Cozy home weekend with interesting book, dog and hot tea. Beige and blue. Chilling mood

Best Books for Mechanics of All Ages

January is National Hobby Month, and we are all about highlighting our love of cars and our own automotive hobbies!  Today’s blog post will be focusing on books to help you learn the most about the things you love: cars!  Check out our picks for great books on mechanical fundamentals, technology, auto repair, and more. more You’ll have a “to be read” pile about a mile high by the time you’re done reading this!  And we’ve also been keen to include youngsters in the mix as well with great books to inspire mini mechanics in your midst as well.  Check it out and let us know some of your faves in a comment! How Cars Work By Tom Newton This is an excellent illustrated book with clear, concise terminology, and linework illustrations and diagrams which make it a great choice for beginners.  By the end of this book, you’ll have a great working knowledge of how your vehicle works and a fundamental understanding of auto related terms. Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service By James Halderman This book is in its fifth publication due to its easy-to-read reference points for beginning and professional automotive mechanics.  It’s incredibly informative and in-depth in the principles of diagnosis and service broken down into short, easy to digest sections. P hysics for Gearheads By Randy Beikmann This is a fascinating option for gearheads as it breaks down the science behind what makes our favourite cars go go go! All of your time spent driving, tuning, modifying, and adjusting your car will help you gain even more of an understanding in the realm of physics.  Learn how your knowledge and experience can be translated into the basics of physics.  The book breaks everything down into easy to understand principles and terminology, using automotive and motorsports as reference. How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, 2nd Edition By Michael Geier Inside the pages of this tome, you’ll find all sorts of tutorials for repairing just about anything in modern electronics from stereos, MP3 players, digital cameras, TVs, laptops, headsets, and mobile phones.  It’s a great guide for exploring the fundamentals of electronics before you graduate to larger devices such as cars and motorcycles.  It might even help you with upgrading your stereo, infotainment system, and minor repairs to your car! Auto Repair for Dummies By Deanna Sclar Perhaps your love of cars has always been behind the wheel as opposed to under the hood.  Why not expand your horizons with practical knowledge in auto mechanics thanks to this great jumping off point!  With over 400,000 copies sold, it is an indispensable guide to how cars work and how to fix ‘em.  You’ll be able to understand how to fix dents and scratches, jump-start your car, identify and diagnose problems by sounds or smells or noises, and much much more!  It will give you a great head start on your quest for knowledge Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at how Cars Work By Richard Hammond of Top Gear Split into four sections, this book examines “How It Works,” key concepts in Physics, the future of cars, and a timeline of automotive technology along the way.  It’s a great book for adults to read with kids and inspire new, young minds into the field of mechanics and service.  Learn together, play together, grow together! Pocket Genius: Cars: Facts At Your Fingertips By DK Aimed at kids 12 and under, this is a great guide for families to help kids learn more about the history of the automobile, examine facts and key points about different makes and models, and brilliant colorful photos to engage and encourage them to keep reading. Did we miss your favourite book? Let us know and we may include it in a future blog!

Having fun in the winter

Classic's Guide to Winter 2022 Snowmobile Trails

Great Destinations for Snowmobiling in Wisconsin and Illinois This Winter When the winter weather hits, plenty of people like to cozy up under the blankets near the fire with a good book and a mug of tea.  But if you’re the outdoorsy type, this is the best time of year for exciting adventures.  For those of us that enjoy getting in touch with nature, here’s nothing like that crisp, fresh winter air just after new snowfall! The glistening sunlight giving sparkle to that fresh powder against the backdrop of brilliant blue skies brings unparalleled joy! And that’s why we’re dedicating today’s post to highlighting some great road trip worthy destinations for wintersports lovers.  Let’s get that adrenaline pumping with exciting snowmobile trails! more Grant Woods in Ingleside Illinois 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota A gorgeous scenic preserve of 1,226 acres with 6 miles of gravel trail perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and 4.5 miles of trails for the snowmobile enthusiast make this a perfect destination for day-trips!  It’s also an excellent stop for observing wildlife and exploring your newfound skills in birding (see our previous blog post for details here and here!) Where to Eat: Kross Inn, The Tank, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Fanella’s Pizza & Pub, Zaza’s Steakhouse and Italian Eatery Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester Illinois 4hr 19 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota With over 1,700 acres of property to explore such as 5 miles of foot trails through virgin wooded forests, a 93-acre lake, and plenty of year round options for camping and outdoor exploration.  You can enjoy a wide variety of wintertime activities such as ice skating, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobiling! This beautiful nature preserve is just waiting for you to come and explore the grounds. Learn more about it here. Where to Eat: The Old Dairy, Hometown Café, Los Charros, Magnolias Restaurant & Catering, Chick’s on the Square, Palermo Pizza & Subs, Mili’s King Gyros, The Full Scoop Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Macom b, Super 8 Wyndham Macomb, Hampton Inn Macomb, Inselhaus Macomb, Plymouth Rock Roost B&B, Nauvoo Log Cabins Snowmobiling in Rhinelander 4hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Rhinelander is an amazing destination for snowy family fun!  You’ll find lots of trails to explore, ice skating at Pioneer Park or the Rhinelander Ice Arena, and it’s also known as the Ice Fishing Capital of the World! With more than 1,000 miles of grounds to cover on the Ho-Dag Sno Trails, you’ll have opportunities for infinite amounts of fun on your snowmobile!  The Hodag Organization maintains over 140 miles of adventure trails, and publishes maps that you can pick up in the local area.  These will help plan your route through the connecting trails from the following areas: Tomahawk, Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua, St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Sugar Camp, Monico, Crandon Pelican Lake, and Antigo.  Want to join the organization?  Check out their calendar for more info and special events! Where to Eat: Friendship House Family Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Shady Sue’s, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, The Jailhouse Saloon, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC, Crimson Cafe, Tilly’s Where to Stay: Comfort Inn Rhinelander, Holiday Acres Resort Quality Inn Rhinelander, North Branch Lodge, Merry Dale Resort, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire St. Germain in Wisconsin and the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club 4hr 50 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota St. Germain is situated in between the pines, surrounded by gorgeous lakes and rivers.  It’s the perfect place to visit if you love The Great Outdoors!  There are over 100 miles of trails, ice-covered lakes, and frozen backcountry to explore.  You’ll find miles of woods to hike through such as the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trai l, top tier ATV/Snowmobile options, try out some ice-fishing with a guide from Rays Landing, and grab a bite to eat in the many delicious restaurants and bars to warm up after. It’s also the place the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club calls home!  The club has created a designated, well-marked system of trails which are expertly maintained and well-groomed.  You can join the club with a membership, grab warm weather merch, or check out their recommendations for equipment rentals. Where to Eat: DJ’s Northwoods Family Restaurant, Wolf Pack Cafe, Knocker’s Pizza Company, 3C’s Coffee Cup Cafe, Legends of the North, Pig in the Pines, The Timbers Bar and Grill, Pub N Prime Supper Club Where to Stay: Hearthside Inn, Rustic Manor Motor Lodge, Whitetail Lodge, Idle Hours Resort, North Woods Rest Motel, St. Germain Lodge & Resort, The Waters of Minocqua, Cedaroma Lodge, The Estrold Resort, Hiller Vacation Homes Hurley Wisconsin with the Mercer Sno Goers and the White Thunder Riders 5hr 30 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Hurley is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true!  From downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, there’s lots of adventure to be found.  There’s plenty to do all year round of course, but winter is the peak season for this area! Visit nearby Moose Lake State Natural Area or Island Lake Hemlocks State Are a in Hurley and get in touch with nature.  There’s also lots of opportunities for ice skating nearby, too! Join the Mercer Sno Goers Club and make the most of your winter season with their snow sledding and snowmobiling events and trails.  The club maintains over 220 miles of groomed trails in Iron County, and is very welcoming to newcomers.  Their trail reports will help you find the best locations to take your sleds, snowmobiles, and ATVs and are updated frequently! Where to Eat: Iron Nugget, Brite Spot 1, Mac’s Bar, Bank Club Bar & Grill, Ladder 715, Chub & Sandy’s, Scotti Pecotti’s, Kimball Inn Restaurant Hurley, North Pole Tavern Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Hurley-Ironwood, Rodeway Inn Ironwood, Days Inn by Wyndham Hurley, Indianhead Ironwood, Timberline Lodge Eagle River Wisconsin Snowmobiling and Ice Castles 5hr 40 min drive from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota Eagle River is known as the Snowmobile capital of the world but there’s even more to do and explore there!  You can enjoy Fat Tire biking on the trails, or visit the breathtaking and intricate ice castles and igloos made by volunteer sculptors, and even try cross country skiing or snowshoeing! Did you know that it is also home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby?  Fondly known as the Indy500 of Snowmobile Races, it’s the largest and most prestigious competition in snowmobiling.  Racers will achieve speeds of more than 100mph as they fly around the ice oval!  And sno-cross pilots will compete in sno-cross racing across a very exciting snow and ice course.  Visit the World Championship Derby Complex Facebook Page for more information on this year’s course and event. Where to Eat: The Craftsman American Tavern, Friendship House Family REstaurant, Williams’s Pine Gables Supper Club, House of Dogs, Eddie B’s White Spruce Inn, J en’s Dinky Diner, Buckshots Downtown, Timmys Holiday Corner, Bortolotti’s Cin Cin Where to Stay: Cody’s Point of View, Best Western Derby Inn, Super 8 By Wyndham Eagle River, Edgewater Inn & Cottages, Hiawatha Lodge & Resort, Quaint Northwoods Escape, Wild Eagle Lodge, Chanticleer Inn, Northernaire Resort, The Last Resort

Millennial Driver

Great Automotive Gadgets for 2022

Got some holiday gift money burning a hole in your pocket, but not sure what to spend it on?  Start your year off right by investing in these convenient gadgets for your vehicle!  You’ll find a wide variety of tools and gizmos for all manner of uses.  Check it out on today’s blog. more Great Gadgets for 2022 Fanttik’s X8 APEX Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor In 5 minutes the average sized car tire will be inflated to pressure. One full charge can inflate 4 average car tires!   It’s a convenient, fast, and efficient way to save time and pump air safely.  Small size makes it easy to travel and stow. OCUBE Cordless Rechargeable Vacuum With incredible suction power capable of lifting tough dirt, dust, grime, and pet hair.  It’s lightweight, under 2lbs, and fits perfectly into your car’s storage departments.  Operates on a single charge for up to 30 minutes of tidying power.  Feature a washable, reusable stainless steel filter as well for maximum usability and convenience.  Budget friendly and comes with a 2 year warranty included! Disklabs Key Shield Modern cars have lots of safety features and security options, but you can never go wrong with another layer of protection.  The Disklabs Key Shield Faraday Bag, is an extra layer of protection which helps shield your car key from thieves looking to gain entry to your vehicle.  Protect your keyless car fob with this convenient pouch. The Swigzy Car Cup Holder Extender & Adapter This expandable insert fits inside most automotive cup holders.  Twist the top of the device to expand or retract the base to properly fit your car’s cup holder.  The top will expand to fit larger drink containers or water bottles.  Best of all it fits so securely that it will remain in the cupholder even when you remove the beverage!  No more drinks getting stuck or spilling. It’s safe and secure. Autosop Car Cover Waterproof Cover With multiple sizes to fit just about any type of vehicle, this is a great item to keep on hand for winter weather months.  It’s got year-round benefits such as dust prevention, rainproof, and more!  But is especially good for preventing snow and ice and saving time in the morning before work.  No more need for ice scraping! The DMLuna Car Registration and Insurance Holder This item is a convenient wallet sized compartment for all of your automotive essential information.  With easy to use elastic, multiple pocket compartments, and clear windows.  Comes in your choice of colors, patterns, or textures.  It’s great for keeping in the glove box or center console so you never have to search for your information again. Electric Car Blanket by Fullity Brand 12Volt Option If you’re still driving an older model car, or your newer model has access to the 12V port, this is going to be a game changer in emergency car items and travel.  Great for cold weather road trips and breaks at rest stops, or for those game-day tailgating parties.  Plugs into the “cigarette port” and warms up within 5 minutes!  Adjust the temperature by the controller on the cable for your perfect center. Echo Auto - Handsfree Alexa for the Car This handy device will add Alexa features to your car!  Alexa connects via the app on your phone and plays via your car speakers via bluetooth or aux cable.  You can mount the device on your dashboard or using the air vents.  It’s programmed to calibrate for noises on the road such as music, A/C, and in-cabin road sounds. Nexpow 2000A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter This compact, easy-to-store, travel friendly portable battery has USB quick charge 3.0 capabilities, and can charge up to a 7.0L Gas or 6.5L Diesel engine.  It’s got 3-5 times more power than previous model generations.  You won’t want to travel without it!  Great for teens and younger drivers who may be nervous about connecting cables from car-to-car for jumpstarting, too.

Two sparrows on plastic bird feeder

Classic's Guide to Bird Watching in Illinois and Wisconsin

Get to know the local area birds and water fowl! Today’s blog is Classic Auto Group’s guide to getting in touch with nature.  That’s right, today we’re highlighting amazing sites to visit for bird watching.  From a crash course in birds of Chicago, Lake County, and even Wisconsin, to guided tours for beginners and intermediate birders, and even open nature preserves and parks to explore on your own when you’re ready. more If you’re looking for a fun, rewarding pastime that gets you, your friends, and your family exploring the great outdoors, we’re here to help!    Break free of the cabin-fever by enjoying a socially distanced walk on the wild side in the fresh air.  Let’s spread our wings and try a new hobby! How to Start “Birding” For Beginners Gather a pen, pencil, journal, notebook, or even your tablet. You’ll need this to note your observations Step outside in your own backyard, balcony, patio, or local park.  Sit/stand quietly and observe your surroundings, note the time of day, the weather conditions.  You may want a chair so you can get comfortable and stay awhile! Listen closely to hear the sounds around you. Do you notice any birdsongs?  Are there any hoots or squawks or screeches?  Note them in your book underneath your other notations. Take some snapshots of your surroundings or any birds you spot, and/or videos to record the sounds.  You can use these to document your findings and verify your bird sightings later! Now walk around the area, slowly.  Observe the ground and see if you notice any footprints in the dirt, sand, dust, snow, or mud.  Take a peek amongst the trees, foliage, underbrush, or potted plants and gardens for any stray feathers, broken eggshells, or other signs of nests.  Note them in your book, and take photos if you are able.  You can print the photos out later and add them to your book! Now that you’ve practiced basic birding techniques, try to repeat your observations several times over the course of a week at different times of day and night.  See how many new bird friends or signs you find as you go along. If you’re not seeing any signs of birds just yet, don’t panic!  You can try adding points of interest for your avian neighbours: Invest in a suet bird feeder which makes great options for winter food sources. You can even make your own suet cakes and suet refills! Add a suction-cup bird feeder to a window or windows of your dwelling.  Fill them with different varieties of birdseed: black oil sunflower birdseed, black thistle birdseed, wild songbird birdseed. Place a hummingbird nectar feeder in your garden or on the balcony or near some natural wildflowers. Plant bird-friendly flowers for Northeast and herbs in your garden. Observe how birds react to these feeders and plants, see if you attract any new varieties. Keep your journal year round and compare bird patterns, varieties, and frequency of visits per season and time of day. Common “Backyard Birds” in Illinois and Wisconsin Depending on the season and time of day, these beautiful varieties of birds may be visible at different times.  Some are up at dawn or dusk, some in the middle of the day, and others have migratory patterns based on the weather! You can check with your local wildlife groups online, or the Audubon Society in your area.  Here are some of the local birds to keep an eye out for. How many of these have you seen in your yard or around town? American Robin American Goldfinch American Crow American Tree Sparrow House Finch Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove European Starling Downy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Song Sparrow Red-Bellied Woodpecker Common Grackle White-breasted Nuthatch Indigo Bunting Barn Swallow Grey Catbird House Wren Eastern Wood-Pewee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated hummingbird Mallard Duck Great Blue Heron Sandhill Crane Red-Tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Dark-eyed Junco Explore and Observe More Avian Friends At These Great Spots Once you’ve practiced your observation skills, and you’ve catalogued a list of local birds, it’s time to get out there and explore!  Here’s a list of excellent guided groups for novice birders to get their feet wet, or experienced birders looking for a little socializing.M  Bring your birding log, binoculars, a camera equipped for distance shots and zoom, and your best walking shoes.  Let’s go bird spotting with a local club! Lake County Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Bird Conservation Network Red Hill Birding Tours Hoy Audubon Society Audubon Great Lakes Chicago Audubon Society Chicago Ornithological Society Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society Evanston North Shore Birding Club Illinois Audubon Society Thorn Creek Audubon Society Prairie Woods Audubon Society Great Local Parks To Start Your Bird Watching Adventures Once you’ve got your bird watching skills down pat from guided hikes, workshops, and classes, you can try your hand at your own observations.  These parks and nature preserves are well-known spots for common bird observations as well as seasonal and rare sightings.  Plus, if you’ve got the National Geographic energy going at top speed, you can observe a lot more than just avian pals at these locations.  What other wildlife do you think you will see on your adventures? Bowen Park in Waukegan Waukegan Beach in Waukegan Bonnie Brook Sanctuary in Waukegan Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in Wadsworth Serenity Park in Waukegan Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary Illinois Beach State Park Jackson Park Lake Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Starved Rock State Park Matthiessen State Park Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville Waukegan Harbor Light in Waukegan Bird Watching is Fun for the Whole Family Check out these great resources for kids, tweens, and teens to join in on the fun of bird watching!  You’ll find bird watching and observation projects, log books, flashcards, illustrated and photographic guides, and more. Best Birding Sites By Car Learn to Bird From the Car Bird Behaviourist Bird-Watching Project Bird Journal Bird-Watching Project Bird Track Tracing Bird-Watching Project Birdcall Bird-Watching Project My Bird Watching Journal Logbook for Kids and Families (Hardcover/Paperback) Backpack Explorer : Bird Watch (Hardcover) Audubon Birding Adventures for Kids Birds of New York Guide Printable PDF Booklet Sibley Backyard  Birding Flashcards Merlin App by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology National Geographic’s Birds of New York National Geographic’s Birds of North America Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Toddler Flash Cards Backyard Birds Fandex Family Field Guides to Birds Plow and Hearth Cape Cod Wooden Birdhouse Sun Grow DIY Paintable Birdhouse with Porch Attracting Birds with a Nesting Ball 10 Bird Learning Activities for Kids Owl Pellets and Dissection Kits from Pellet.com The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling Birds in Watercolor Collage and Ink

Pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce on a wooden background.

Celebrating Italian History in Auto Racing and Great Italian Eateries for National Spaghetti Day!

Today is National Spaghetti Day! And we thought it would be fun to celebrate in a few different ways. Today’s blog post will be a light and cheerful one full of delicious facts and exciting eateries. more First, we’ll be highlighting some of the great racing drivers and pioneers from Italy throughout motorsports history. And secondly, we’re going to shout out some of our favourite local eateries to grab a nice plate of Nona’s “s’getti and meat-a-balls!” So dig in to today’s post and mangia these fun historical anecdotes to impress your friends at your upcoming pasta dinner. Image of Alberto Ascari from thesportsman.com Alberto Ascari competed in motorcycle racing and car racing, and was described as “Italy’s Greatest Ever,” a claim even supported in part by Enzo Ferrari! He was known as “Little Ascari” and “Ciccio.”  Ascari was a Formula One World Champion twice over, and competed for years in the racing circuit until an accident caused his untimely death on May 26th 1955. Image of Giuseppe Farina from Formula1.com Guiuseppe “Nino” Farina was the first official Formula One World Champion and won the first driver’s title, crowned in 1950!  He was also the Italian Champion in 1937, 1938, and 1939 consecutively.  He was sadly killed in a car accident in 1966. Image of Mario Andretti via indycar.com Mario Andretti was born to an Italian family and achieved fame as one of the most successful American F1 racing drives in all of motorsports history.  His name is synonymous with several championship wins, and notoriety as one of only 2 race drivers to win races in F1, IndyCar, World Sportscar, and NASCAR!  He was also the only person to be dubbed United States Drive of the year in 3 different decades (1960s, 1970s, 1980s.)  He is currently 81 years old. Image via Ferrari.com Giancarlo Fisichella has been a celebrated Italian racing driver since 1984.  Heentered his first race in 1996 at the Australian Grand Prix, and continued on to participate in an impressive 231 races, three of which he won in the Formula 1 circuit.  He also made an appearance in the beloved movie “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” Image from F1.Fandom.com Michele Alboreto was an Italian race driver. He was runner up to Alain Prost in the ‘85 F1 World Championship, and later won the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring races.  He passed away in April 2001 in an accident in Germany at the Lausitzring during a test drive with Audi. Image from italyonthisday.com Luigi Musso was an Italian race participant who competed in 24 Formula 1 races, and 15 of them were under the ferrari flag starting when he was just 30 years old. He won the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, but unfortunately perished after just 5 years in the circuit in a fatal accident at the 1958 Grand Prix. Grab a Great Plate of Spaghetti at These Fine Establishments Jimano’s Pizzeria at 938 N Green Bay Road Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2602 Grand Avenue Waukegan K&R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Potesta’s Pizza on 434 S Green Bay Road Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Waukegan Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Honey Bay’s Barbecue at 1726 Belvidere Street Waukegan La Scarola in Chicago, IL Siena Tavern in Chicago, IL Viaggio Restaurant in Chicago, IL Quartino Ristorante in Chicago, IL Sapori Trattoria in Chicago, IL The Pasta Bowl in Wicker Park in Chicago, IL Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Chicago, IL Il Porcellino in Chicago, IL Riccardo Trattoria in Chicago, IL Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago, IL Topo Gigio Ristorante in Chicago IL Salute Italian Restaurant in Racine, WI Casa Capri Restaurant in Kenosha, WI Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen in Kenosha, WI Renzo’s Pizzeria & Trattoria in Kenosha, WI Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2 in Kenosha

Garage Mess

New Year, New Garage: Get your space organized and ready to rock!

Welcome to the “New Year!”  If you’re one of the many folks who prefer a fresh start and a clean slate, you’re going to really love today’s blog post.  Today we’re focusing on all the different ways you can reorganize your workspaces, workshops, and garages.  You’ll find lots of helpful hints and tips along with all the tools you’ll need to keep your space in tip-top shape. more If you're the DIY mindset person, we’ve also got some helpful YouTube videos that show you how to get the job done yourself.  All that and more with just a click of the button, so what’re you waiting for?  Let’s get your New Year, New Garage goals checked! Check out our handy guide to learn how to go from Mess to Less! Little Things Make a Big Difference: Why You Should Paint Your Garage Image from Home Depot A fresh coat of paint may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to livening up the workspace and protecting it from spills, messes, and mishaps in your garage, you can’t skip it!  We recommend giving the walls and ceiling of your garage and workspace a fresh coat of paint in a gloss or semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning.  Choose something that’s kid-friendly even if you don’t have any, as these are often low-odor, fast drying, and easy-to-clean options!  Alternatively, a great exterior paint will hold up to just about all the elements (manmade or natural!) and make cleanup a breeze.  They’ll keep your space looking fresh and pleasant for years to come no matter what mess you fling at it.  Clear out the space and give the room a fresh coat before installing your new organizers, cabinets, and other gadgets. Image from Exterior Performance Coatings Once you’ve painted the walls and ceiling, but before you install your hardware, furniture, and organizers, you’ll want to also consider painting the floors.  Providing the floors with a protective coating can prevent motor oil, household chemicals, and other fluids from damaging the foundation and flooring. Consider hiring a professional to install and apply a polyaspartic coating on the floor, or at the very least applying a primer + sealant + paint to any concrete base.  This will keep your garage looking smart and also prevent costly repairs due to damage.  Plus, it really brightens up the space which can be a big help when working indoors. Now It’s Time To Get the Ball Rolling: Organizers, Workbenches, Cabinets and More! The Gladiator Garage Overhead Storage Rack gives you a fantastic way to use unconventional storage in spaces people usually overlook!  Place seasonal items up overhead when not in use, and take advantage of the space while leaving room to park your cars during inclement weather. Clean, simple, easy to use, and bright.  Those are just a few of the reasons we love the WFX Utility shelving option sold on Wayfair. It has lots of options to reshuffle and reorganize your tools for easy storage and removal; great for rakes, shovels, snow scrapers, and more.  It comes with a set of hooks and bins to get you started, too. Looking for something even more simple and basic?  You can go the utilitarian route with the Holeyrail Garage Organizer for under $50 on Amazon right now. It makes a great alternative to the slatboard and pegboard options, and everything will be ready to go at your fingertips.  It’s versatile, simple to install, and best of all it’s ultra budget friendly! If your garage has lots of open wall space, consider mounting some cabinets and shelves above your workspace.  If you don’t like the look of tools hanging about in the open, this Hanging Tool Cabinet from Harbor Freight is a great way to tidy up your workspace as well as maintaining a neat appearance.  As an added bonus, the doors lock to keep curious kiddos out of the danger zone, and to help prevent theft of your valuable tools should you forget to lock your garage. Every good workshop needs a sturdy workbench or work table.  They’re great for planning and prepping, great for spreading out while mid-project, and even double as extra storage while you’re rearranging your space. Harbor Freight has a wonderful mobile 46” Mobile Workbench with plenty of drawers and cabinet space that can fit just about anywhere!  Use it indoors or outdoors for flexibility and versatility, and the 1200lb storage weight capacity makes it the perfect place to stash hefty tools without worry. Helpful DIY Videos

Children Going Sledding Together

Classic's Local Community Calendar for Chicago Area and Waukegan in January and February 2022

We’re back with another installment of the Local Community Calendar!  We’ve rounded up some lovely events and entertainment for you to enjoy over the next month and change. Please be sure to double check all websites and listings for cancelations, delays, and closures due to weather or Covid19 regulations.  Remember to mask up, social distance, test frequently and often as possible to keep  your family and peers in the community safe. more Classic’s Local Community Calendar for Waukegan and Chicago Area On January 3rd, enjoy a Free Outdoor Men’s Workout at the Columbus Park Golf Course in Chicago from 5:30AM to 6:15AM. January 5th at the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan, bring the family for a day of fun at Holiday Adventures with the Waukegan Park District from 7AM to 6PM. January 5th is a lovely evening to enjoy the finer side of the arts with “Kiss Me Kate” at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Repeat performances this morning in afternoons and evenings. January 5th at Dan Ryan woods in Chicago, bring your kids and teens for Open Nature Play Day in Chicago from 10AM to 1PM. January 6th there’s a great Baby friendly storytime session at the Palatine Library District from 10AM to 10:30AM in Palanti ne. Tired of dinners at home? January 6th you can head to the Lucky Burger and Grill Foodtruck from 5PM to 8PM at the Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Enjoy Legos @ The Library at the Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha from 4:30 to 5:30, perfect for families and kids under 5. January 7th is a great time to take your kids over to the McHenry Public Library for “Storytime for Little Ones!” from 4PM to 4:30PM. January 7th is a great day for family fun!  Head over to the Watts Ice Center in Glencoe for an exciting Superhero Skate for Friday Family Skate Night from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. January 7th at the Palatine Library District from 4PM to 5PM is a great time to get the older kids out of the house for a Tween Hangout Session in Palatine. On January 8th at the Genesee Theater, enjoy an outstanding tribute to David Bowie at “David Brighton’s Space Oddity.” On Sunday January 9th from 4PM to 9PM, enjoy some wonderful outdoor time with friends and family at Skating in the Park at Rosemont in Rosemont. January 9th is a wonderful time to enjoy an evening of fine jazz music with Magnetic Jazz at Madcats from 5PM to 8PM in Palatine. On January 9th starting at 5PM, enjoy the ChiTown Movies Presents: Finding Nemo at ChiTown Movies in Chicago. Let’s support local agriculture and find something exciting to make for dinner at the Kenosha HarborMarket in Kenosha from 9AM to 1PM. If you’ve resolved that 2022 means you’ll get the job of  your dreams or bust, you’ll definitely want to check out the Waukegan Job and Career Fiar at the Job Center of Lake County.  The event runs from 11AM to 2PM on January 12th and January 20th and January 26th! Pencil in a day of fun January 13th from 12PM to 8PM at the Lake County Fairgrounds at Grayslake for the Northern Illinois Sports Show in 2022. January 19th, tune in for a special Family to Family Health Information Center webinar series hosted by ARC of Illinois with Molly Hoffman, DSCC. January 20th at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan from 7:30 to 11:30PM, throw it back to the 90s and 00s with Nelly in concert! On January 22nd at 8PM, come spend an evening at Bass Station in Waukegan for Euphoria II and have an amazing night on the town. Head over to the College of Lake County in Grayslake for the Mini Job Fair from 11AM to 1PM. Head to Schaumberg on January 27th from 12PM to 8PM at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Enjoy another fun evening of Family togetherness at the Blackhawks Night for Family Skate Night in Watts Ice Center in Glencoe on the 28th of January. February 6th in Highwood at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory enjoy the musical selections and fun activities at the Chicago Bass Festival at BGH from 9AM to 5PM. February 5th and 6th is the Waukegan Township’s “Groundhog Shootout” for 6 more weeks of Basketball! February 13th at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, book a ticket to see West Side Story live on stage!

Portrait of a mother and daughter holding New Year's sparklers at home

Local NYE Celebrations and a List of Ways to Celebrate at Home

Tonight is New Years Eve!  We’re glad to be here to celebrate the close of another wild year.  We’ve all been through so much the last year or two, and we deserve a night off.  So we thought we would use today’s blog space to suggest some fun activities to let loose, unwind, and relax! more Let’s begin the new year as we mean to end it, on a happy note, with good intentions, and paying no mind to any stresses, trials or tribulations. Get your noisemakers ready, because we’re here to party! Local New Year’s Eve  Fun New Year’s Eve Sparkly Fun at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan from 8 to 11:59PM! New Year’s Eve Party at Just for Fun Roller Rink from 11AM to 2PM in Mundelin Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Fox Lake from 4:30PM to 6:30PM New Year’s Eve Sip, Nibble, Celebrate and Stock up in Wauconda New Year’s Eve Early Bird Dinner Show at The Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire from 2PM to 8PM Unwind with a Festive and Fun New Years Eve Party at Home! With virus rates on the rise again in many places, some folks may not be up for the usual party antics. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a super swell shindig anyway.  Check out our suggestions for long-distance celebrations for those of you who wish to avoid the bar and restaurant scene this year, and celebrate more low-key options at home. Schedule a virtual game night with your pals! Whether you’re gaming together on Xbox or PC etc, or gathering over zoom for a game of virtual charades, there’s lots of ways to play party games from afar!  Here are some fun racing games with online play options with friends: Forza Horizon 5 Forza Motorsport 7 Super Mario Kart Split/Second: Velocity Gran Turismo Sport Bake up some fun treats and do a drive-by dessert swap this evening with friends!  We recommend raising a proverbial toast to the new year with these festive boozy-treats (recommended for adult consumption only!)  These are easy enough to make and take today! Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Pink Champagne Cake Pink Champagne Truffles Blood Orange Champagne Creme Brulee Sparkling Champagne Cookiewiches Almond Champagne Poached Pears with Almond Whipped Cream Plan a virtual watch party with friends and family for a movie night!  Grab your favourite movie snacks and queue up a movie chat via Teleparty or other streaming chat service.  Here’s a great list of movies to rent or stream on New Years Eve: An American in Paris (1951) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Evil (1980) via Amazon Prime Terror Train (1980) via Amazon Prime When Harry Met Sally (1989) via Amazon Prime Mermaids (1990) via Amazon Prime Sleepless in Seattle (1993) via Amazon Prime While You Were Sleeping (1995) via Amazon Prime Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) via Amazon Prime RENT (2005) via Amazon Prime High School Musical (2006) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Eve (2011) via Amazon Prime Snowpiercer (2013) via Amazon Prime The Great Gatsby (2013) via Amazon Prime Phantom Thread (2017) via Amazon Prime Make a list of New Year's Intentions instead of New Years Resolutions.  Instead of making very specific promises to ourselves that most of us won’t keep, let’s think more abstractly. You can add in your own flair and flavor, but these statements are more broad, all-encompassing, and less intimidating. Here’s some examples: I intend to prioritize joy and happiness. I intend to take more chances and be brave. I intend to turn my hobbies from side projects to center stage interests. I intend to spend more time with my loved ones and prioritize social time. I intend to prioritize my health, and not procrastinate important appointments, or prolong necessary rest. Create fun collaged vision boards together!  Grab those rogue catalogues, flyers, magazines, and promotional postcard materials.  We’re going to use them to make some super fun art together.  Cut out all of the inspiring images that you wish to manifest this year: that dream road trip, a brand new car, upgraded gadgets to your vehicle, a new pair of driving gloves, bucket list destinations.  Then paste them to a piece of paper or poster board and decorate with photos of yourself, your friends, your family, and words of encouragement cut out from headlines and articles.  You can be inspired by financial goals, personal goals, career goals and more! Then share them with your friends and family via web chat or post to social media.  It will be fun to look back on next year and see how many you were able to check off. No matter what you do this evening, we hope that you have a wonderful close to 2021.  And we are all sending you best wishes and good cheer for the happiest, healthiest, most optimistic New Year in 2022!

Closeup of slices of crispy hot fried bacon

Classic's Local Eats Guide: Best Local Brunch Spots on National Bacon Day!

We’re celebrating National Bacon Day with a list of amazing local restaurants that could use your support!  You’ll find amazing brunch restaurants, brunch recipes to make at home for the holidays, and fun bacon themed gear. more Amazing Brunch Spots in the Area These establishments all offer a host of menu items that really hit the spot after an evening of holiday parties and festive celebrations.  From Bacon Hash to Bacon Grilled Cheese to Maple-Bacon Pancakes, there’s a plethora of comfort food that’s perfect to pig out on. (Pun intended!)  Check them out below, and let us know your fave local brunch spots in a comment! Emily’s Pancake House in Waukegan Monica’s Diner in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant in Waukegan Avocado Express in Waukegan Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Waukegan Coffee Break & Lunch in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Miramar Bistro in Highwood Garden Berry Cafe in Vernon Hills Taste of Paris in Mundelein Maevery Public House in Lake Bluff Caribana in Lindenhurst Brunch Cafe in Fox River Grove Egg Harbor Cafe in Libertyville Brunch Cafe in Roselle Brunch Cafe in Niles Best Bacon Centric Recipes for Holiday Brunches Get ready for Post-Christmas family brunch and New Years day hangover cures with these bacon-centric recipes to make at home!  Bonus: We’ve also included cocktails and desserts to round it out. Pioneer Woman’s Bacon Brunch Ring Cafe Delite’s Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash Bacon Egg and Cheese Roll-Ups Alex Guarnaschelli’s Candied Bacon Dinner at the Zoo’s Breakfast Casserole with Bacon Tablespoon’s Maple Bacon Breakfast Pie Butter w a Side of Bread’s Breakfast Rolls with Bacon Damn Delicious’s Bacon Breakfast Pizzas Food Network’s Bacon, Egg and Maple Grilled Cheese Spruce Eats Bacon Me Crazy Cocktail Southern Kitchen’s Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Guy Fieri’s Maple Pig Cocktail A Breakfast Negroni Hy-Vee’s Bloody Mary Mocktail Pineapple and Bacon Infused Vodka Bloody Mary Tammi Lee Tips Bacon Manhattan Cocktail Jones Dairy Farm’s Bacon Pecan Bars Pepperidge Farm’s Brown Sugar Bacon Puff Twists Tablespoon’s Bourbon Bacon Crunch Cake Savory Experiments Chocolate Bacon Saltine Toffee Mr Food’s Maple-Bacon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sizzling Hot Bacon Car Decor Keep Calm and Eat Bacon Car Flag is perfect for announcing your allegiance to your top choice breakfast side far and wide! Accoutrement’s Bacon Air Freshener will give you that tantalizing breakfast aroma of everyone’s fave sizzling meat in your car 24/7! While you’re waiting for the MVC/DMV to ship you your new license plates, try this bacon centric license plate cover as a placeholder! This fully realistic bacon weave printed center console cover has your name written all over it!  Good news, it’s quirky, stylish, and it won’t get any grease on your clothes. The breakfast club can hold a new session every commute to work if you deck your ride out in these kitschy and fun pop-art style breakfast themed seat covers!

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