It’s summer road trip time, and we’re heading to the 2nd largest city in Missouri, just 5 hours drive from Classic Auto Group.  What do you say, wanna meet me in St Louis?  Well, then, hop in your new car from Classic Auto Group and let’s get this party started.  From Barbecue to Blues to History and Adventure, there’s lots to see in this iconic city where Lewis and Clark began their westward journey exploring America!  Check out our picks for unconventional and exciting stops to see when visiting this lively metropolis.

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Today is Ice Cream Soda Day! And we’re thinking about all the great old fashioned soda shoppes of yesteryear, and thought it would be fun to explore some of the great ice cream parlors that are still in operation today.  So let’s take a look at some of the spots that would make great stop-offs on your next cross country road trip!

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Summer Vacation is all about having fun, and what could be more entertaining than celebrating National Zookeeper week at some of the most amazing Zoos in the area! We’re taking a look at the best zoos in Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri that are worth visiting while taking a little family getaway. We’ve also rounded up some additional picks in each state as well as closer zoos in Illinois and Wisconsin, and highlighted what great brand initiatives our vehicle makers have implemented. Check it out on today’s blog!

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We love creating new travel guides for our readers, and helping you find new, exciting, and interesting places to explore! Today we’re highlighting some of our picks for great car museums that highlight transportation history and the evolution of the automobile. We’ve even included a helpful mileage guide so you can plot your adventure there and back, and find other stops along the route.

Did we leave your favourite off the list? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we may just include your suggestions in a future post update.

Amazing Automotive Museums to Explore:

• Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners , MI– 215 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  Just a short trip from our dealership is this gem of a car museum, chronicling the history of the American Automobile. The facility hopes that by sharing the history and heritage of automotive industry, visitors of all ages will be able to connect with the past and improve the future of transportation! What started in the early 1960s as the personal collection of Donald Gilmore was eventually grown into an incredible museum thanks to the ingenuity of his wife Genevieve. The non-profit foundation and museum have collected more than 400 vehicles and established a 90-acre historic campus including a vintage restored diner, working Shell Gas station, and additional smaller museums!
• Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL – 758 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  This incredible time capsule of transportation history showcases more than 1,500 motorcycles and cars including more than 50 Lotus Racecars! It’s also home to the 3 day long Annual Barber Vintage Festival, one of the most renowned motorcycle events in the world! And if that’s not enough, the facilities also include an on-site racing track. If you prefer the more educational side of things, a trip to the on-site Museum Research Library and archives is in order; you can take a gander at some iconic trophies, awards, toys, models, artwork, and so much more.
• Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA – 1,019 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  Located on a portion of the grounds in Larz Anderson Park, the facilities are home to America’s Oldest Motorcar Collection! Two new exhibitions have been added to the 2022 roster, including “Hidden Treasures” and “Born of Necessity,” shown alongside the permanent exhibit known as “The Anderson Collection.” Visitors can get an up close look at historic vehicles and the evolution of the automobile since its inception, and can attend a series of workshops, lectures, and also observe memorabilia and literature on the subject. With the advent of warmer weather, the museum has also rekindled its series of outdoor driving events and car shows, so be sure to check out the calendar of events for updates!
• Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL – 1,141 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  This incredible automotive museum is truly one-of-a-kind and covers the history of the exhilarating sport of Drag Racing. Since 1976, the facility has been home to 300 cars on display in multiple galleries in 2 buildings. In addition, the facilities also house a collection of memorabilia and history presentations in racing sports history. It also houses the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about top competitors across the globe! They’re open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It makes a wonderful short stop-off on your next road trip or family vacation to Florida.
• National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV – 1,934 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  With an impressive permanent collection of more than 200 of America’s most iconic cars from celebrity vehicles to champion race cars and limited edition collectibles, this is a Gearhead’s Dream venue. Currently home to the “Cars of the Stars” exhibit and the “Batmobile Exhibit” to historic collections such as the “Thomas Flyer Exhibit” and “NASCAR Exhibit” you’ll have a chance to explore many memorable and educational galleries. There’s truly a car on site to impress just about everyone of any stage! Enjoy the life-like scenery and authentic recreations like a hardware store, vintage movie theatre, and more, each of which houses their own collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
• LeMay: America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA – 2,222 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  With a 9-acre campus, 4-story tall building, and 165,000 feet of exhibition space, there’s no shortage of things to see at the LeMay car museum. You’ll enjoy a rotating and permanent collection of exhibitions and at least 350 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Current collections include: “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection”, “Route 66: See the USA in your Chevrolet”, “Classics and Custom Coachworks”, “Legends of Motorsports: The NASCAR Story”, “Lucky’s Garage: A Tribute to Harold LeMay” and much, much more.
• Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA – 2,231 Miles from Classic Auto Group
  Consisting of five different galleries exploring different eras and topics in history, the Blackhawk Museum includes an extensive collection of automobiles in “The Classic Car Collection.” Covering everything from luxury performance cars to rare classics and contemporary collectibles, you’ll explore some of the world’s finest, most luxurious vehicles in a magnificent setting. The collection features a rotating selection of more than 40 iconic classic cars from movies to sports to racing.

Other Museums of note worth fitting in to your next Road Trip schedule:

• Auto World Museum in Fulton, MO

• Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, WI
• Wills Sainte Claire Museum in Marysville, MI
• Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, MO
• Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in MI
• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in Speedway, IN
• Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN
• National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY
• Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA

More Great Museums to Explore:

The Hollywood Star Car Museum in Gatlinburg TN

Vault Tour of the Peterson Museum Collection

The San Diego Automotive Museum

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCefoCa-GNhYe-dmZNnvxcwQ

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Looking for an exciting new place to visit this summer on a family road trip? In just half a day’s drive you can be on your way to exploring one of the great American traditions: The Kentucky Derby and world of competitive horse racing! On today’s post, we’re sharing our picks for great places to visit in Lexington and Louisville Kentucky and the surrounding areas. You’ll find plenty of history, horseback riding, and great food and drink in “Horse County” Kentucky! Check out our travel guide and start plotting the Summer vacation of your dreams today, or plan ahead for a visit later this year.

Our Picks for Seriously Cool Things to Explore in Lexington and Louisville of Kentucky

Lexington was founded as a city by the frontiersman and explorer William McConnell, about 17 years before Kentucky was ratified into statehood. It was named thus after word reached their encampment that the first battle of the American Revolutionary War had been fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. The settlers wanted to honor this iconic moment in American History, and named the settlement in kind.

• Book a public or private tour at one more more locations out of the 30+ Horse Stables, Farms, and Tracks in the Lexington Area via “Horse Country” Tours or one of these other organizations.
• Kentucky Horse Park is an incredible destination for horse lovers of all ages to tour the museum, walk about the facilities, learn about horse breeds, and even take a horseback ride or carriage ride. The activities, lectures, workshops, and presentations are educational and fun! You can even enjoy a weekend of camping for a taste of the great outdoors!
• Attend a race, learn about horses, or just enjoy the chance to explore the grounds on a tour of Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark. A destination for all things Horse Country, you’ll have an opportunity to pet horses or ride one, purchase locally made goods, and enjoy some prime fine dining, among other fun activities!
• The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of iconic American Political figure and spouse of President Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln. The home has been converted into a 14 room museum and historic home open for tours, exhibitions, and lectures.
• See Kentucky like you’ve never seen it before with a Zipline Canopy Tour through Kentucky River Palisades with Viator.
• Why not spend a lovely day with your family enjoying the fresh air and local food and a one-of-a-kind dining experience by booking a Private Picnic with Goats for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. We guarantee you’ll get some “instagrammable” moments and iconic family photos like never before!
• The Arboretum at the University of Kentucky is a beautiful and budget friendly activity for all ages. Your the grounds from dawn to dusk with absolutely free admission in this 100 acre public garden and horticultural displays on the campus grounds.

Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and named after King Louis XVI of France after his assistance during the Revolutionary War; it’s also known as “Falls City” as relates to its position on the Falls of the Ohio. It’s now known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, home of legendary boxer Mohammed Ali, and of course the famous Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats!

• The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville is an award winning museum and multicultural center devoted to preserving the legacy and history of Louisville native and champion athlete Muhammad Ali. Check out the exhibits, galleries and presentations to learn more about his life and legacy.
• The Saint James Court Art Show and Fair in Old Louisville returns annually in October!
• The Conrad Caldwell House Museum in Louisville is an incredible historic home from the Victorian Era that’s open to touring year round, and also hosts programs, events, and rotating exhibitions!
• The Louisville Mega Cavern is a true wonder to behold and great for explorers of all ages for walking tours, tram rides, as well as zip-line adventures!
• The Derby Museum in Louisville offers visitors of all ages a look into the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby event! You’ll also have an opportunity to meet Thoroughbreds, Miniature horses, and even create some horse themed artwork. It’s a blast for the whole family!
• Sportsfans will delight in a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Bourbon Tasting Room experience located next door!
• Explore the tastes of the South with a tour along the Urban Bourbon Trail of Louisville by exploring distilleries and breweries of craft brews and bourbons!
• The Waterfront Park at Louisville is a non-profit public park meant to connect residents and visitors with their neighbours, serve as a community hub, and central meeting point for folks from all walks of life! Enjoy fundraiser events, waterfront yoga classes, kids and family camps, Pokemon meet-ups, the yearly lantern festival flea markets and craft fairs, 5ls, bike racing and so much more all year round.
• The Frazier History Museum in Louisville offers a wonderful look into the local culture and tradition of Kentucky. Explore local history with a series of current and upcoming exhibitions highlighting historic neighbourhoods, iconic moments in US history, local artisans and artwork, and even regional food and beverage.
• Short on time or just passing through on the way to your next adventure? Here’s a crash course plan for exploring the best of Louisville, Kentucky in 24 hours!
• A 3-hour drive along the Kentucky Scenic Byway makes a great detour and day trip for those who enjoy a scenic drive with plenty of overlooks and stop-offs for photo opportunities. The 71/2 mile stretch of Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway runs from Hodgenville through New Haven, Bardstown, Springfield, Perryville, Danville and more as you drive along the Mississippi.
• Take a drive along the Bluegrass, Blues and BBQ Byway on a tour of Kentucky!

Amazing Eateries and Distilleries to Check out in the Lexington and Louisville area:

• Dudley’s on Short in Lexington
• Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington
• Tony’s of Lexington
• Josie’s Restaurant in Lexington
• Pies & Pints in Lexington
• The Social Vegan in Lexington
• Moody Mike’s in Lexington
• Mellow Mushroom Lexington
• Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine Lexington
• Minton’s in Lexington

• Oasis Mediterranean restaurant Lexington
• Lussi Brown Coffee Bar in Lexington
• Graze in Lexington
• Barzeiros Brazillian Steakhouse in Louisville
• Vincenzo’s in Louisville
• Proof on Main in Louisville
• Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville
• Prohibition Craft Spirits
• Copper & Kings Louisville
• Brough Brothers Distillery Louisville
• Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville
• Old Forester Distilling Co in Louisville

Check out these videos for more great travel tips:

Top Ten Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky

Kentucky Top 10: Travel Guide for Louisville and Lexington

15 Things to Do in Louisville Kentucky

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Today is Shark Awareness Day, a holiday created by marine biologists and scientists to dispel fear, myths, and misinformation around these incredible ocean dwelling creatures. Check out our post today to learn all about these amazing creatures, local aquariums where you can see them up close and personal, and other fun facts.

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Summer time means more time spent on the open road and exploring uncharted territories in the wilderness, and enjoying a day out soaking up the rays on white sand beaches listening to the ocean waves.  Unfortunately, both of those things also mean your vehicle will have regular contact with one of Mother Nature’s finest creatures: birds!

While you’re appreciating a meadowlark in the woods or giggling at the tricky antics of a fry-stealing seagull, their little feathered patooties can wreak havoc on your precious automobile with just a few stray droppings.  The acid in the feces begins to burn and bubble the paint and clear coat.  It will etch into the paint and corrode it with rapid inte. Ugh!  But never fear, Classic’s Body Shop is here!  Let us save the day from villainous bird feces and help you protect your car.

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Today is Classic Car Collector Day and what could be more exciting than that? Nothing!  Today we’re going to take a look at some of the great automotive museums you can visit in Illinois, and get in touch with automotive history!  Gearheads of all ages will appreciate the incredible history, culture, and design as well as the memorabilia and collectibles on display at these museums and galleries.

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Video games may have started in the research labs of 1950s scientists, but they’ve since become a ubiquitous part of everyday life all across the world!  From cabinet games to console gaming to desktop to online MMOPRGs to phone games, you’re able to play your favourites on just about anything, just about anywhere.  Today, we’re celebrating Video Game Day with a list of some of our favourite recent racing themed games, and a fantastic selection of local area gaming centers.  Grab your doritos, mountain dew, and your bffs and let’s play!

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Saddle up your horses and let’s hit the road!  Today’s travel guide is all about Nashville, Tennessee! We’re going to check out some of the classic stops and sites to visit, but also some great places with more untapped potential.  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!

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