Lake of the Ozarks is a gorgeous man-made lake, created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks and central Missouri.  Thanks to the Bagnell Dam, this 54,000 acre lake opened to the public in the early 1930s, and has become a fixture for locals and tourists alike ever since. Lake of the Ozarks is very special, seeing as it is the largest man-made, non-flood control lake in the United States, and boasts 1,150 miles of shoreline. It’s also one of the Midwest’s premier vacation destinations, touching 7 different cities with plenty to see and do when you’re not on the water.

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Put-In-Bay on Lake Erie in Ohio is a gem of a local island getaway!  If you’re looking for a great nautical adventure with Key West vibes without the flight, this is the place for you.  Put-In-Bay Island is a 397 acre playground and paradise for those who love the great outdoors and fun-in-the-sun vibe. This picturesque coastal village is located on South Bass Island, and it’s one of the top spots for locals. 

 It’s got a rich and storied history as a significant location for the US Navy in the War of 1812.  Naval Commander Oliver Hazard Perry used the port as a launch point to engage the British in the famous Battle of Lake Erie.  There’s a lot of incredible history to be explored as much as there are aquatic sports and recreational activities.  

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Once a popular beach destination with the locals, the Indiana Dunes has been adopted as one of the US’s newest National Parks!  Located along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor thrills and activities here.  From exploring the sand dunes to hiking the trails to biking and bird watching, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.  Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions and activities to try while you’re there!

Have you been to the Indiana Dunes National or State Parks? Tell us about your favorite things to see or trails to hike in the comments!

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It’s National I Love My Horse Day, and we couldn’t think of a better place to appreciate horses than Kentucky!   Since the early 19th Century, Kentucky’s “Horse Country” has been the top destination for race tracks, feed mills, and horse breeding.  It’s full of sprawlings farmlands and impressive landscapes as well as plenty of races and bluegrass music to boot.  Kentucky is a must-see destination for “Horse Girls” and their family and friends alike.  It’s the horse capital of the world!

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It’s Shark Awareness Day!  While there aren’t any sharks in the Great Lakes (that we know of…), we’re still going to take a moment to appreciate and honor this Apex Predator!  We’re sharing some fun facts about sharks on today’s blog, as well as a list of incredible aquariums to visit so you can learn even more. From Wisconsin to Illinois to Iowa to Michigan and Ohio, you’ll find amazing aquatic stops to explore on your next family or friends road trip.

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Welcome back to another fun edition of Classic’s Vacation Road Trip Guide! Today, we’re sharing our picks for great destinations for a splendid Summer in Sandusky and beyond.  Let’s take a look at some of the fantastic places you can visit with your friends and family on a road trip to one of Ohio’s most fun vacation spots.

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Looking for some fun in the sun featuring live music, games and activities, agricultural demonstrations, barbecues and beer, and more?  We’ve got just the ticket!  Today’s post is a roundup of some great select events across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that are a surefire summer blast!

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It’s Video Game Day! If you’re looking for a fun, exciting way to beat the heat this summer and keep cool indoors, we have got a great list of recommendations for new racing and car themed video games.  When you can’t be out on the race track or on the open road to adventure, these selections will keep you occupied and fulfill your need for speed!

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For the 10 th consecutive year, Classic is proudly supporting the USO BBQ for the Troops Initiative! The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and its dealer members have raised over $1,000,000 to support USO programs across Illinois.

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We’re back again with another fun road trip guide to visiting good ol’ Nashville, Tennessee! We want to highlight some of the more unique and interesting places that are often left off travel guides, and we hope you’ll find them intriguing enough to explore on your own!  This year’s guide also includes some great Family Friendly options to explore with kids (and for the kid at heart!)  We’re going to check out some of the classic stops and sites to visit, but also some great places with more untapped potential.  You’ll have plenty of options to explore even if it’s not your first visit to Nashville! Check it out and plan your itinerary now.

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