Today is National App Day!  We’re sharing our picks for the best apps to add to your smartphone and infotainment systems to make your commute and road trip a breeze.  From WiFi spots to Road Trip Itineraries to Meal Planning and more, we’ve got you covered with convenience every mile of the way.  And feel free to recommend your own favorite apps in the comments on our social accounts!

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The holidays are a very busy time of year, and the days can fly by in the blink of an eye! If you’ve been consumed with holiday parties, get togethers, family reunions, and seasonal events and forgotten to do some holiday shopping? We’re here to help alleviate the stress. We’ve found great last minute digital gifts for the car aficionados on your list that are sure to bring plenty of merriment and cheer.

Don’t fret over holiday shipping guidelines, we’ve found some great electronic delivery alternatives! Check out our picks for stocking stuffers, virtual gift giving, and instant purchase on today’s blog.  From how-to guides and reference books to tales of travel and road trip adventures, there’s something to satisfy every giftee!

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Today is National Brownie Day!  Perhaps you’re not a fan of the holiday cookie platter, and instead rather indulge in these delectable, fudgey, ooey-gooey confections.  We’re right there with ya. We’ve also got some tips for baking things juuuuust right, from ooey-gooey center squares or to the crisp and chewy edges. There’s no denying brownies are a timeless treat no matter how you slice it!

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Winter is upon us!  This holiday season, give yourself the gift of security and safety with regular vehicle maintenance appointments. Today’s blog is all about winter weather service tips to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and make sure you can commute to and from holiday gatherings safely.

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There’s no place like home for the holidays, unless of course you’re booking a hotel and enjoying a fabulous weekend getaway to relax and recharge! Today’s blog is all about amazing winter season friendly destinations for a weekend trip or short break from the rat race of life. Hop in your new car from Classic, and hit the road in style as you embark on your quest for a little “me-time” or family togetherness.

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The temperatures are dropping at that blustery winter weather is almost upon us. We’re preparing for the annual lake effect snowstorms with some new gear for our cars.  Today’s blog is all about special tools and tech that will keep you safe this winter, no matter what the weather.  You’ll drive confidently knowing you’re protected with the best safety features in your new car from Classic, as well as your new accessories such as snow socks for your tires, top tier ice scrapers, emergency snow shovels, and more.  Plus, these make great gift ideas for the hard-to-please mechanic or car enthusiast on your gift list. You can never go wrong with a practical present.

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Looking for something fun, festive, and cozy to do this month in the Lake County area? We’ve got you covered with our latest Classic Community Calendar of events.  From winter outdoor fun to holiday shopping to seasonal concerts and more, we’re bringing you some of the best and brightest activities for holiday cheer. Check ‘em out on today’s blog. And, as always, feel free to let us know your favorite local events this month in the comments on our social media!

This afternoon at the Jack Benny Plaza in downtown Waukegan, come on out and support the GO WAUKEGAN Winter Wonder Walk with the community!

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There’s no place like home for the holidays!  And what better homecoming gift is there to bring to loved ones than a plate of freshly baked homemade cookies.  How fitting then that today should be National Cookie Day.  To celebrate our love for these sweet treats as well as gear up for holiday baking sprees, we’re coming at you with a list of our favorite recipes, favorite baking equipment, and local bakeries to order a cookie plate.  Check it out!

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What is Giving Tuesday?  Giving Tuesday is a great reminder to step back from the consumerism of the holidays, and get back to the roots of the season: connecting with others, appreciating community, giving the gift of our appreciation and support, and caring for others in the spirit of kindness.  This annual event aims especially to help local and national non-profits and charitable organizations gain visibility, attract new patrons and donors, and engage with the community to increase awareness and support for their causes.

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Kickstart the holiday joy this season by packing your family and friends into the car for a festive road trip!  We’re bringing you a selection of some of the most holly-jolly and very merry lights displays to add a little holiday spirit to the season.  Check it out on today’s blog!

The Christmas Wonderland 2023 lights display at Rock Spring Park in Alton opened on Thanksgiving and will run through the 27th of December.  Open from 6PM through 9PM every Monday through Friday, and 5PM to 9PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  Suggested donations are $10 for cars and small vans, or for larger vehicles of 10+ persons a suggested $1 per person donation.  This year, the festivities include an Enchanted Forest where you can vote for your fave festive tree, and even get a visit to Santa Claus himself!  There’s a drive through and walkthrough option, so you can experience the magic two different ways.  Get more info here at Riversandroutes.com

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is hosting a festive display of seasonal cheer for the 80th year! With humble beginnings of one single tree in 1942, this beloved annual exhibit now houses a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree as the centerpiece of more than 50 different trees and gorgeous volunteer-decorated lights displays!  This year’s theme centers on “The Science of Snow” and features an incredible array of snowflake photography by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht, alongside thematic holiday and wintry music.  Admission to the display is included with regular Museum Entry admission, and you can catch it now through January 7th 2024.

The 11th annual Illumination: Tree of Lights at the Morton Arboretum event opened November 18th and will run through January 6th 2024!  Grab your tickets in advance, because they’re selling out fast and you don’t want to miss this seasonal spectacular!  With more than 50 acres of trees to explore in festive immersive art and light exhibits, it will delight visitors of all ages. And best of all, this year the event has been made even more inclusive with a new path added that’s fully ADA compliant for patrons with disabilities and mobility devices!  The 1-mile paved walking path features festive music, special lighting effects, and a dazzling winter woodland scene. Members receive 20% discount on tickets and ordering in advance

ZooLights of Lincoln Park Zoo is back and better than ever with new and exciting lights displays, seasonal festive photo ops, and plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy!  The seasonal event opened on November 17th and will run through January 7th 2024.  Zoolights also includes a special Sensory-Friendly night where most of the lights displays will remain static, music will be played at a reduced volume, and any moving light displays will be slowed down.  Guests are welcome to wear noise reduction headphones for a more accommodating experience.  Tickets are required but are just $7 per person.  Special additional holiday programming such as an Adults Night Out, Live Music, and even seasonal rides are available on select dates and times.

The Festival of Lights in Peoria returns for another festive season and its 39th year of magic!  It opened the season on November 18th with a spectacular Parade of Lights event, and will continue to dazzle from Friday November 24th through January 1st.  Experience the magic from 5PM to 9PM every Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours from 5PM to 11PM on Friday and Saturday.  Hours amend to 5PM to 9PM on December 24th through January 1st 2024.  Admission is $10 for regular vehicles, $30 for small busses, and $150 for a motorcoach.

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights opened on November 17th and will run through December 31st.  Enjoy the gorgeous lights from 5PM to 9PM Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM.  Donations are suggested at the end of your tour.  When you’re done with the Forest Park display of lights, enjoy the Festival of Trees with more than 40 decorated trees each weekend in the Chautauqua, and you can  vote for your favorite; happening every Friday and Saturday from 5PM to 10PM and Sundays from 5PM to 9PM.

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