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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Today is Small Business Saturday.  As fellow Lake County residents and business owners, we wanted to take a moment to shout out our appreciation for all of the small business owners that make our community such a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful place to live!  We encourage everyone to shop small and shop local if you’re able to do so this holiday season. Today we’re sharing that love and paying it forward with a great list of some great local businesses in the surrounding area to support.

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After a whole day spent with family, friends, and enough food to last a lifetime, why not take a day off to kick back, relax, and go for a ride to clear your mind!  Take in the gorgeous scenery all around Illinois as you “take the long way” back home.  Prolong those vacation day vibes with a slow stroll down charming little villages. Explore the unique people and places in the historic towns that dot the highways and byways, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature along trails and shorelines. 

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Thursday marks the official kickoff to the holidays, which means lots of traveling to and from friends and relatives for the next month and change.  No matter if you’re traveling one mile or one hundred miles, we’ve put together a handy checklist of things to check before you hit the road.  These basic service tips are vital safety checks on your vehicle to prevent accidents from early frosts, wet leaves, and blustery conditions.  If you need any of these items replaced or serviced, please do so before embarking on your holiday journeys.  We want to know our customers and clients will arrive safely at their destination to enjoy their turkey dinners!

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With a nod to the past and an eye toward the future, Toyota announced today the North American debut of the first-ever Toyota Crown Signia. As the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup, the 2025 Crown Signia also marks the nameplate’s entry into the SUV category. For almost 70-years of Toyota history, the Toyota Crown name has become synonymous with quality and sophistication among Toyota vehicles. In 2024, the Crown Signia will add a new dimension to the ongoing legend, bringing North American customers an elevated ride and premium quality in a stylish crossover package. 

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Earlier this week in Los Angeles, California, the Toyota Camry rang in celebrations of it’s Ninth Generation with an all-new look and facelift, impressive performance enhancements, and an outstanding Hybrid Powertrain that’s a cut above the rest.  Designed and assembled right here in the United States, the reimagined Camry has artfully intensified the most beloved qualities drivers find in a Camry, and added more power, updated aesthetics, enhanced features and modern conveniences, and exquisite handling!  Plus, in conjunction with Toyota’s goal to provide a cleaner, greener future and electrification for all, this 2025  Toyota Camry will be available exclusively as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) model, providing drivers with all the power they love and fuel efficiency they need for economical, environmentally friendly daily driving.

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The holidays are here! If you’re wondering what to get the car enthusiast on your list this year, let us help guide you through.  We’ve got some great budget friendly options for gifting or stocking stuffers that are sure to please any gearhead.

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Before the winter weather arrives, we’ve got a checklist of items that will keep you safe on the road during inclement weather and icy conditions.  If you need support or to schedule a maintenance appointment, feel free to call our service center and we’ll help you get your car winter ready!

And be sure to check out our service specials for new deals and offers each month.

• Survey the windshield and wiper blades for any signs of damage.  Bring your car in for a windshield ding/crack repair before it gets chilly and cracks further.  Replace any damaged wiper blades with new ones.  Apply a thin coat of hydrophobic coating such as Rain-X.  And refill your wiper fluid with one designed for colder temps and is also hydrophobic.

• Schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected and tires rotated so that you can drive confidently knowing you can stop short on a dime and be safe in treacherous weather conditions.  If they need service or replacing, prioritize this repair before the snow and icy weather rolls in.

• Test your heating and ventilation and defrosting systems to ensure they’re properly functioning.  There’s nothing worse than getting into a freezing cold car and having to commute!  And it’s no good to have a window fog up or freeze over while driving due to lack of properly working defrosters.  Call for a service appointment to have your mechanic get it working in tip-top shape before the temps drop too low.

• Check the underside of your car for rust, loose pipes, loose wires, or anything that might be wiggling and flopping about and causing an issue.  Schedule a maintenance appointment for anything that looks rusted, torn, flapping, or otherwise out of place.  This will prevent winter weather, ice, or cold temps from cracking items further and leading to costly repairs.

• Get your car professionally washed and polished.  When you get home, give the vehicle a once over to check the paint on your vehicle for ships, scratches, cracks, and other physical damage that has occurred over the last few seasons.  If you find any, clean the spots with rubbing alcohol or acetone and fill in the spaces with a pot of touch-up paint or paint pen from your car’s manufacturer or the local automotive supply shop.  This will help prevent rust and further damage from bad weather and road salts.

• Check your fluid levels and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.  Check hoses for any signs of wear and replace anything that is cracked, worn, or shows any sign of damage.  Schedule a regular oil and filter change.  Have the coolant/antifreeze flushed and filled if need be as well to prepare for the drop in temperatures.

• Check your tires for adequate tread depth, replace cracked valve caps, and ensure there are no signs of wear and tear that could lead to flat tires or cause you to lose control if stopping short in icy conditions.  Be sure to properly inflate your tires as well, as the decrease in temperatures can cause them to lose air pressure.  You may even want to consider a pair of winter weather tires if you live in an area prone to lots of snow.

• Gather supplies to create a winter-weather safety kit.  Your kit should include: an ice scraper and brush, a rechargeable battery jump start kit, a small or foldable snow shovel, a crank operated or battery powered flashlight with LED, a small container of road salt or kitty litter, a clean set of warm clothing, spare gloves and hat and scarf, a thick warm blanket and a towel or two.  In case you get stranded, all of these things can come in handy to keep you safe, dry, and warm until help arrives.  For an added bonus, you can get a pair of Tire Traction mats to place under the tires and afford you some extra grip on the road

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