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Looking for something fun to do in Southern Wisconsin near Kenosha and Northern Illinois around the Lake County area for Halloween weekend? We’ve got you covered! Today’s blog is dedicated to fun activities all weekend long for family and friends to enjoy the season’s best holiday.  From public trick or treat events to haunted trivia to spooky movie nights and haunted houses, there’s plenty to do no matter what level of fright you’re seeking.  So grab your BOO and head out on the town for a spooky fun time.  Let’s check out Classic’s Local Community Halloween Calendar together! more TUESDAY: On October 28th at Station 51 Truck Company Bar and Grill, enjoy Trick or Trivia, a family friendly halloween night out and start of a new local tradition! October 28th at Patty Turner Center, the Deerfield Park District will be hosting a Puzzling for Prizes Halloween event from 6PM to 8:30PM for visitors 21+. Admission tickets required. Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos Trivia Night is happening at Beer Bazaar starting at 6:30PM to 8:30PM in Grayslake on Tuesday, October 28th. WEDNESDAY: On October 29th with registration from 6:45PM to 7PM at Meadowview Park in Grayslake, come on out for a Skeleton Egg Hunt for a short stint of family-friendly fun!  Candy-filled eggs will be hidden throughout the park with participants searching by flashlight (BYO flashlight!) THURSDAY: It’s NO ACTOR NIGHT at Realm of Terror Haunted House in Round Lake Beach on Thursday night.  Get the full haunted house experience without the added layer of terror from interactive actor staff.  Enjoy a low pressure but still thrilling new way to explore the sights and sounds of Halloween with less anxiety.  Plus, it’s also movie night at Realm of Terror!  Meet the cast and crew of Haunt Season: The Movie and preview the new movie now streaming on Amazon Prime. Trunk or Treat Night of Highland Park is happening at Hidden Creek Aqua Park from 3:30PM to 5PM for some scare-free fun for kids aged 2 and up. This free event invites local community groups and costumed residents and guests to come on out and celebrate a less-spooky Trick or Treat event! The annual Boo Bash at Gurnee Mills is happening from 5PM to 7PM in the South Macy’s Wing Dining Pavilion. Come on out in your best costumes and grab some sweet treats, check out the spooky selfie station, listen to some live music and DJ, and other spooky seasonal fun! Legacy Dinner Theater in Wisconsin Dells is hosting it’s last two days of Monster Mash Spooktacular Dinner Theater event performances on Thursday October 30th and Friday, October 31st. FRIDAY: Day of the Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach will be hosted at the Cultural Civic Center of Round Lake Beach Starting at 6PM. The Puerto Rican Society of Waukegan will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event starting at 6PM til 9PM on Sheridan Road on Halloween Night, October 31st. On October 31st, Halloween Night, enjoy a Deerfield Townwide Trick or Treat from 3:30PM to 7PM. The Trail of Treats and Festival at Shihloh Park in Zion will take place from 4PM to 6PM  with a drive through trunk or treat event with participants encouraged to dress up in costumes. Families can drive through the lot to grab candy and stop at multiple trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses and the parks district. On October 31st, Halloween Night, Village of Fox Lake has designated townwide Trick or Treat Hours from 4PM to 7PM. The City of Kenosha will be hosting a townwide Trick or Treat on October 31st from 4-7PM. Genoa City will be hosting Halloween townwide Trick or Treating from 4PM to 7PM on October 31st, Halloween. The City of Highland Park will be hosting townwide trick or treat hours from 3:30PM to 7PM on October 31st. Grayslake Trick or Treat Townwide hours will happen from 4Pm to 7Pm on October 31st. The Mainstreet of Libertyville’s Town Trick or Treat event will take place on Friday October 31st from 11AM to 2PM in each of the stores downtown.  Participating stores have an orange pumpkin in the windows! Hawthorn in Vernon Hills is hosting Trick or Treating from 11AM to 1PM on Friday, October 31st. Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting “Another Glorious Evening” Halloween Party from 7PM to 10PM in Long Grove Enjoy the last weekend of Haunts at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds “Terror at the Fair” event on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd. Tickets are $25-$50 per person depending on your options (GenAd, Fast Pass, Instant Terror).

To celebrate Halloween, we’re dedicating today’s blog to some of the (supposedly) most haunted sites in Illinois and Wisconsin!  If you’re looking to level up your spooky season entertainment beyond the haunted houses filled with professional actors, some of these real life locations might just do the trick.  Check ‘em out…if you dare! Note: Please, if you’re itching to visit any of these locations yourself, be mindful of local posted signage for your safety and legal purposes! Do not trespass onto private property or desecrate any of the historic sites. Obey any closed off areas, caution tape, or signs listing environmental risks.   Some sites may be closed to the public. Enter at your own risk and ghost hunt responsibly. more Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Midlothian, Illinois The local area was originally settled by English colonizers and homesteaders who relocated from New England in the 1830s.  It was originally named the Everden Cemetery after the original property owner Conrintha Everden, who bought the land in 1835.  Spooky sightings here include a phantom car, floating orbs, mysterious lights, a farmer with his horse, and even a white cloaked spirit with an infant! Bartonville Insane Asylum in Illinois. Formerly in operation as a mental hospital as the Peoria State Hospital from 1902 through 1973, this location later closed due to lack of government funding, overcrowding issues, and overuse of psychotropic medications on patients. Patients with no legally recorded families or remaining living relatives were buried on site, leading to the need for 4 different cemeteries where 4,100 patients were interred. Paranormal investigators and visitors have reported ghostly apparitions and strange shadows flitting about the corridors, while others have noted sobs and whispers from patient rooms. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois This is a historic site once home to an ancient Native American village, and it is rumored to be home to a host of spirits of the Natives who used to reside here. There have been reports of orbs, strange shadows, and balls of floating light.  Remains of the Native Peoples have been found on site. Graceland Cemetery in Chicago,  Illinois From “The Eternal Silence” statue of a hooded cloaked monk to the isolated grave of Daniel Burnham to the imposing architecture of The Palmer Mausoleum, there is no shortage of haunts here!  You might hear cries of disembodied voices, or be overcome with an overwhelming sense of dread, or notice the eerie stillness and silence and cold spots.  You’ll just have to visit and see for yourself! Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois It’s believed that prior to the 1820s this was the site of a Native American Burial Ground until colonizers took over the site and used it as a graveyard from the 1820s on, becoming an officially recognized cemetery in 1857.  Visitors to the site have reported hearing screams and strange lights from inside some of the mausoleums.  Visitors report seeing apparitions of confederate prisoners in tattered uniforms wandering in a daze.  You might even come across The Greenwood Bride, a lonely figure in a wedding gown searching for her beloved! McPike Mansion of Alton in Illinois, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike. In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor. Peoria State Hospital Museum and Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois This large campus originally contained 63 buildings on site.  Many of the buildings have since been demolished, but the Bowen Building was the last one standing.  The grounds are also home to four different cemeteries.   Some paranormal investigators have even reported a strange sudden taste of blood in their mouths or the aroma of pine scent once used in cough syrups for ill patients. Investigators and ghost hunters have noticed the apparitions of patients walking through walls, echoes of footsteps, banging on the walls, and pushing or shoving of the investigators. Peoria Public Downtown Library in Peoria, Illinois Legend has it that this library was built on cursed grounds!  Mrs. Andrew Gray lived in the house in the 1830s, and when financial troubles ultimately led to foreclosure, she allegedly cursed the grounds for future owners and residents.  The house was eventually demolished and the library was erected in its stead in 1894.  Shockingly, the first three directors of the library died under quite mysterious circumstances!  Eventually the old library was demolished and a new improved building was built in its place in 1966.  Staff have reported feeling cold drafts, seeing apparitions of former directors lurking in doorways, and even whispering their name amidst the stacks. Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Book a spooky stay at this mysterious B&B and let us know what you think. In the past, former guests have reported a sleep plagued by the most disturbing nightmares, sighting apparitions floating down hallways and in and out of walls, and it’s even been said that blood was found in a bathtub that no one had been using.  Guests have been reporting hauntings in this four story building for nearly 100 years. Fork in the Road Mukwonago, Wisconsin We thought it might be nice to include a restaurant stop off on our trip, and what better than a haunted one!  Visitors to this establishment have reported seeing foggy apparitions out back, heard ghostly footsteps in the halls, and even heard the echoes of pool cues hitting pool balls and rolling across the floor. High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, Wisconsin If you like spending time in the great outdoors, you may enjoy the challenge of pitching a tent on one of the most haunted campgrounds in Wisconsin!  It’s considered a hotbed of supernatural and paranormal events, which some attribute to the fact that there are Native American burial grounds nearby the camping ground.  Some folks report strange figures and apparitions and otherworldly sounds in the dead of night. Kemper Hall in Kenosha, Wisconsin This former boarding school for young women is now a recreation center, but is also considered one of the most haunted destinations in Wisconsin!  Rumor has it that the grounds are haunted by the ghost of a headless nun who died at the hands of several students! Legend says they cornered her and shoved her down a stairway where she met her untimely end .  Some visitors have also reported apparitions of nuns peeking out of the windows. Karsten Hotel in Kewaunee, Wisconsin If you’re interested in strange spectral encounters, then this is the hotspot (or cold spot…) that ghost hunters like you are just dying to experience!  In fact, it’s so haunted that the owners have fully embraced the paranormal experience and accept it.  It has been in operation since 1912 and is home to at least three very active spectres.  Stay for the night, if you can make it that long… Maribel Caves in Maribel, Wisconsin This 75 acre park is on the former site of the Maribel Caves Hotel aka Cherner Hotel, which sadly burnt down to the ground with many guests still in their lodgings.  In its prime, the hotel had its fair share of notorious visitors from famed living gangsters and mobsters like John Dillinger to the spectral figure of the former owner’s ghost.  None of the paranormal sightings have been confirmed by park personnel, but visitors have reported eerie feelings and unusual ghostly figures. Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee Wisconsin This historic Milwaukee landmark has housed some of the most famous and notable baseball and basketball players over the years, many of whom have corroborated the stories of paranormal activities. And it’s also considered one of the most haunted places in the whole state! Visiting players have reported objects being moved or dropped, strange shadowy apparitions, electrical anomalies, and noises with unknown origin.  It has been reported that the older wings of the hotel are more haunted, along with the 19th floor of the tower addition and the grand ballroom area.

Today we’re headed to Salem on our next road trip guide!  You may know Salem, Massachusetts thanks to its appearances in movies like Hocus Pocus and The Crucible, but it was also once a great port hub for travel and trade in the Colonia era of New England’s history.  The city is always bustling with visitors thanks to its unique ties to the infamous Salem Witch Trials, but there’s so much more to see and do!   The town welcomes more than 1 million visitors for the season, and hosts a slew of parades, parties, vendor events, craft shows, special events and performances, and a costume-friendly atmosphere. If you do choose to visit during Halloween season, be sure to check out the Salem Haunted Happenings calendar online. more From historic house tours to fine dining to unique shopping and boutiques, you simply must add this town to your road trip bucket list.  While it’s most popular during Autumn thanks to its ingrained Halloween vibes, it welcomes visitors all year round and is actually much nicer to visit in the “off-season” if you don’t want to deal with lines and crowds.  But seeing as it’s officially Halloween month, we thought we’d share some of our favorite spooky destinations and historic sites, in case you’d like to make a weekend getaway at the last minute. Must-See Attractions and Activities to Enjoy in Salem Massachusetts All Year Long The Witch House is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the historic 1692 Witch Trials. It’s the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and offers visitors the chance to view life in the 17th century first hand.  It’s a short stop on your tour through town, as you can see most of the artifacts and creepy rooms in about 30 minutes.  There are numerous physical artifacts and antiques on display, and lots of plaques and educational materials to explain the significance.  Only 10 people are allowed in at a time, making it a very calm and relaxing experience. Peabody Essex Museum is a cultural history and art museum combining the Essex Institute and the East Indian Marine Society.  In particular, the facility has a world-class Asian Art Collection, one of the most well-renowned in the world, in fact.  With more than 1 million pieces and 22 historic buildings to explore, this is a must-see during your visit. Other collections include 3,600+ pieces of African Art, a large collection of American Art including 1,000+ portraits, over 6.000 Chinese Artworks, a collection of historic fashion and textiles, more than 5,000 objects in their Indian Art Collection, 18,000+ Japanese artworks and collectibles, 1,800+ pieces of Korean Art, 20,000 pieces of Native American art and sculptures, and a large selection of Maritime Artworks!  The museum’s Photography Collection originated in 1840 and is the largest single collection by number of objects, with more than 850,000 images!  And of course, you have to stop by the Phillips Library, with an expansive collection of rare books and manuscripts. Ropes Mansion is lovingly referred to by movie fans as “Allison’s House” in Hocus Pocus!  This 18th century mansion is a historic home with a sprawling, expertly curated garden out back.  The grounds are just begging for a peaceful stroll admiring the flowers, butterflies, and the charming songbirds. It’s also a great place to snag some photo ops when you’re done with the self guided tour both inside and out. House of the Seven Gables offers tours of this historic 1668 colonial mansion, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851novel by the same name. Built and owned by merchant and ship-owner John Turner, it was later sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll, who left it to his daughter Susanna, cousin of Hawthorne's!  Later, in the early 1900s, the home was purchased with the intention of becoming both a museum and non-profit Settlement House to assist immigrant families in Salem. Salem Willows Park is a charming little ocean front park offering food, games, family-friendly attractions, and delicious food!  A stop here makes a wonderful break from all the historic tours for the younger tourists. Salem Maritime National Historic Park preserves and interprets more than 600 years of New England maritime history, featuring 12 historic structures, a replica tall-ship, and 9 acres of park lands with trails, gardens, and more to explore. The Satanic Temple is the official religious headquarters of the church, and opened its doors in 2016 in a former Victorian funeral home. The site includes the Salem Art Gallery, featuring a Fine Art Room, Library, Milton Hall Exhibition Space, and other unique artifacts and artworks. It is open to the public most days, but please be mindful as it is a functioning house of worship and should be respected the same as any church grounds. Salem Witch Museum allows visitors to enjoy an immersive look into the historic Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s, told through dramatic interpretation through stage sets, life-sized figures, stage lighting, actors, and narration. Take a full tour around the city. A jaunt down Essex Street will bring you past numerous historic homes, small museums, galleries, and a plethora of boutique shops to spend hours perusing and shopping. A stroll down Derby Street or Chestnut Street will bring you around the neighbourhoods viewing historic buildings and homes with classic New England Charm. Embark on a guided tour of the city at night with the Specters and Apparitions Ghost Hunting Tour.  Head on over to the harbor as well for some unique history and local tours including the Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise, Lighthouse and Foliage Cruise, and the Eerie Stories on Salem Sound Tour. Oak + Moss is a brick and mortar store offering modern, chic and botanical inspired furniture and kitchenwares, gorgeous custom planters and plant pots, a curated selection of giftable bath and body products, handmade and eco-friendly candles, and a large variety of houseplants both potted and air-plant variety. Wicked Good Books and Silly Bunny Toys is a woman and neurodivergent owned indie bookstore and shop duo that has become a notable, growing presence in the community since 2014. Now in a larger, more expanded space, the shop offers a number of special events, author meet and greets, book signings, and a literary festival. The store’s owner and employees are very involved in the community, as well as focusing on support of indie authors, publishers, and makers to provide a curated collection of unique gifts and wares. HausWitch is a modern metaphysical shop offering vintage and second hand furnishings, handmade artisanal goods by local artists, and unique collectibles by indie makers.  If you’re looking to curate your home with whimsical and eclectic artwork and crafts, this is the place to go! Blackcraft Clothing is a combination retailer of unique goods with gothic and Halloween themes. Enjoy clothing and accessories tailored for adults, children, and even pets! The atmosphere is to die for, especially thanks to the delicious Blackcraft Coffee shop counter, offering handcrafted drinks and one-of-a-kind treats.  Grab your drink and shop around the store while you sip. VampFangs shop offers unique vampire themed gifts, vampire lifestyle accessories, special FX makeup including custom-fit vampire fangs, and so much more. Plus, it’s located right across the street from the Bewitched Statue!

It’s time for another Classic service reminder post! Today, we’re sharing our picks for essential service and maintenance tasks you should be checking on your vehicle in October.  It’s crucial that you think ahead of the incoming colder weather by preparing with regular service appointments. We offer service appointments with Service Specials every month! So be sure to check that out when you’re done with today’s post, and schedule your service appointment ASAP.  Prevent costly repairs down the line by keeping up with regular maintenance. Let’s get started on vital automotive service checkpoints to maintain in October for Fall Car Care Month! more Top off your fluids and flush any lines as needed. Make sure you’re checking your oil and antifreeze/coolant levels regularly.  Bring your vehicle to your favorite local mechanic to ensure that your coolant mixture is appropriate for the seasonal temperature change, and that your oil has been topped off or replaced.  Don’t forget to add winter-friendly windshield wiper fluids, too!  You don’t want that freezing up when you have to clear off mud, sludge, icy slush or road salt off your windshield. Check your tires and inflate them to proper pressure. Keep in mind that with every 10º change in weather, your tire pressure will change. Ensure that you’re regularly checking your tire pressure and keeping them inflated to maintain proper stopping distances in inclement weather. Likewise, be sure to check your tire treads and make sure they have adequate tread depth. Look for any signs of wear and tear on your tires, and have anything removed and patched, or the tires replaced if you notice any damage.  Consider making the switch to all-season or winter tires if you’re still driving on summer ones!  It’s recommended as well to have a wheel alignment and tire rotation to ensure even wear and tear and proper steering control. Have your battery tested for durability. The change in temperature each season can put some extra wear and tear on your battery. It may not be at full capacity, as car batteries can lose up to 60% of their strength in freezing temperatures. Your local experienced mechanic will be able to assist you with testing the battery and finding you the right replacement if needed.  Avoid short trips during the winter, as they do not give your battery adequate time to fully charge, leaving it weaker.  Investing your funds into the best battery you can afford is a great choice to improve and maintain your vehicle performance. Test the heater and defroster. Although we’ve all been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures this autumn, the time for overnight frosts is fast approaching. There’s nothing worse than getting ready in the morning to go to work and find your windshield covered in a layer of ice!  A properly working defroster and heating system can save you lots of time, not to mention keeping you warm and comfortable on your commute of course. Remember to also change your interior and exterior air filters to improve airflow and circulation and reduce foggy windows and smelly outflow of air/heat. Update your emergency car kit for winter. Since the weather is a little unpredictable, it’s better to be safe than sorry and prep your winter car care kit earlier than not.  Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a can of de-icer or similar product, a good quality ice scraper and snow brush, thick blankets, an extra set of warm dry clothing, a spare jacket and gloves and hat, some shelf stable snacks, a bag of kitty litter and pet-safe salt for traction in ice and slippery conditions, some cardboard or tire grips to help with traction in a pinch, and a portable snow shovel. And always remember to fill your gas tank with at least ¼ to ½ a tank at all times! Bring your vehicle in for a general tune-up and check-up before the cold. Since this is not a fully exhaustive list of maintenance tasks, you should always bring your vehicle in for a tune-up and service check at least once per season. Your mechanic can give it a thorough look over and point out any vital repairs.  They’ll check the brakes, steering, alignment, fluids, electrical, etc and let you know the hierarchy of importance on repairs or replacements.

You’ve probably seen plenty of Alaskan tourist brochures advertising a sea of colorful spring wildflowers, seasonal winter glacier tours, and plenty of summer camping and hiking, but there’s nothing quite like Alaska in Autumn.  As Autumnal enthusiasts, we are very excited that the season starts as early as August, meaning we can extend our cross-country leaf-peeping quest for an extra few weeks! Though the season is very brief here, it is one of the most remarkable destinations for fall-loving tourists.  You’ll get to witness the seasonal foliage change with unmatched fiery hues against the mountains as they get their first snow of the year.  It’s also a great time to catch some of the first seasonal sightings of the Northern Lights, and last sightings of migrating Humpback whales.   Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey no matter the season.  So, let’s take a look at some of the places you should add to your Alaskan Autumnal Road Trip Itinerary! more Trees, shrubs, and plants you’ll find on your Alaskan Foliage Tour include: Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey: Quaking Aspen, White Birch, Black Cottonwood, Red Alder, Sitka Alder, Deer Cabbage, Mountain Avens, Tufted bulrush, Ligonberry, Lapland Cornel, Small Cranberry, Willow, Squashberry, Kenai Birch, and more. Destinations You Can’t Miss on Your Alaskan Fall Foliage Tour (In alphabetical order!) Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, but it’s also got a plethora of hiking trails.  Nearly 300 miles of trails make their way in and out of Chugach State Park on the outskirts of the city. In Mid to Late September, this area is positively bursting with rich golden and chartreuse shades of foliage.  Fellow travelers recommend your Anchorage travel itinerary should include the Glen Alps Trailhead taking you to Cook Inlet, the Powerline Pass Trail, Flattop Trail, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.  Once you’ve had your fill of the natural wonders, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the city limits, too. Denali National Park has already made it onto our road trip travel blogs this year, but it’s always worth mentioning again!  In mid-August through early September, this park reaches its peak autumnal magnificence.  The higher mountainous elevations will see the most vibrant color first, while the tundra landscapes below begin to glow in stunning scarlet, ochre, and vermillion hues.  Fellow travelers to the area recommend taking a bus tour through the park so you won’t miss a thing; these tours run through mid-September. Fairbanks begins displaying stunning golden foliage in mid to late August with full peak by early September.  And while many people want to visit in Summer for the outdoorsy fun, and Winter for the peak Northern Lights, this in-between season is actually one of the most unexpectedly interesting times to visit!  The weather in this area is perfect to take advantage of summer season activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and catch an early glimpse of the Northern Lights and aurora simultaneously.  You can enjoy the local hot springs as the temperatures start to drop for a cozy early autumn treat, as well as catch the local Fall Migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes making their way South for the colder months.  White Mountains National Recreation Area and Chena River State Recreation Area are perfect for autumnal jaunts in the Fairbanks region. Girdwood is a mountain town just a little ways out from Anchorage. While you’re here, you’ll want to book a ride up the Alyeska Aerial Tram that takes you upwards of 2,000 feet in elevation up Mt. Alyeska, rewarding you with an awe-inspiring overview of the whole valley’s fall scenery. Portage Valley offers some hiking trails suitable for the novice to intermediate enthusiast, or you can opt for a one-hour boat tour which brings you out to the face of the Portage Glacier for an unforgettable experience. Drive the Glenn Highway for a grand sightseeing tour of some of Alaska’s most beautiful fall scenery in early to mid-September.  Make sure you stop off at Mantanuska Glacier which offers magnificent views of autumnal colors with seasonal grasses, wildflowers, and trees all shedding their emerald greens in trade for sunset worthy hues.  We can’t think of anything more beautiful than those rolling hills of butter yellow foliage against a backdrop of crisp blue and lavender toned snowcapped mountain peaks. Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see stop on your autumnal Alaska road trip. This park offers turquoise waters complemented by the stunning butterscotch yellow foliage and lichen green tree tops. In the background, you’ll see slate-blue mountain peaks rising above the treetops!  This area offers several tours for hiking, driving and even boating.  Take a day cruise through the park itself or head into Resurrection Bay, and you might even catch some humpback whales enjoying their last swim in the region before migration down south for the winter months.

We’re not trying to rush through Autumn by any means, but now is definitely the time to book your holiday festivities and getaways. Thinking ahead for those holiday celebrations can save you a lot of stress, and secure your spot before they book up fully. On today’s blog, we’re fast forwarding a bit to winter holiday getaways that you can book today. We’ve got three spectacular family-friendly destinations serving up that home-away-from-home experience for the holidays.  From brunches with the big-man himself to seasonal crafting classes to special brunch reservations, you’ll find that early holiday planning will be in your favor!  Once you’ve got those bookings made, you can get right back to those spooky costume parties and planning your Thanksgiving menus. more So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic in Waukegan and let’s hit those snowy roads to winter holiday fun! (In two months, that is!) Santa Claus, Indiana is fondly known as “America’s Christmas Hometown”, and with good reason!  This charming small town offers both Indiana and the US’s first themed attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in 1935.  In 1936, Santa Claus Town expanded with the addition of Santa’s Workshop and the Toy Village! Starting Thanksgiving weekend, things begin to jingle and twinkle with pure holiday magic: Santa Claus Land of Lights at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is a local festive favorite; the Live Reindeer make an appearance at Santa’s Toys; the Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show offers holiday gift shopping and artisan made goods; Santa storytime  at Santa Claus Museum and village; Christmas in Dale’s Light Show is open, enjoy Candlelight evenings on the Farm, Christmas Dinners and Breakfasts with Santa; the annual Santa Claus Christmas parade, and a whole lot more! Santa’s Candy Castle is open for visits and offers a whimsical blend of historic old-world charm with modern-day fun and games.  Enjoy a selection of vintage, old-fashioned candy, 35 different flavors of hot cocoa, frozen hot chocolates, and more.  Santa’s Toys offers a selection of nearly 3,000 different toys and games for all ages.  Evergreen Boutique and Christmas Shop offers an assortment of gorgeous clothing, accessories, and jewelry, plus one-of-a-kind holiday items and home decor such as candles, ornaments, tree trimmings, and more.  Several local hotels and motels in the area continue the holiday and Santa Claus theme with cozy winter accommodations, too. Frankenmuth, Michigan is better known as “Little Bavaria”, really leans into the magical holiday spirit full force in its mere 2 square miles. From mid-November, Main Street explodes with festive joy as more than 150 decorated, sparkling lit trees line the street. You’ll find Christmas and holiday decorations in each storefront, colorful light displays of seasonal cheer and famous characters, and more. And it’s all culminating at the center of town in a 40-foot Christmas tree featuring 23,000 synchronized lights for a 7-minute long light-and-music show for the holidays. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland spreads across 5 acres of different Christmas tree trims, gift options, ornaments, and more; while you’re there, be sure to check out the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a recreation of the chapel in Obendorf, Austria, where the song “Silent Night” was first performed.  Be sure to check out Christmas Lane in the evening when you’re done shopping for a brightly lit and festively decorated road that bursts into Christmas joy when the sun goes down. Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is a historic working farm located just across the street from Bronners.  Each year in December, the farm puts on weekend Christmas experiences including 2 special guest reindeer visitors!  The Frankenmuth Ice Rink also returns annually to Zehnder Park in the center of town and is open all week long to the public.  Be sure to check out the full Christmas itinerary on the town’s local seasonal calendar! Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is a rockin’ good time during the holiday season.  This cozy town features storybook level charm with twinkling lights, wholesome decorations, and plenty of holiday spirit.  Enjoy the Old World Christmas Market which is open daily from 10AM to 5PM starting December 5th through the 14th, now in its 26th year, featuring artisanal goods and handmade gifts.  Book a special holiday brunch with real live reindeers, a breakfast with St Nick Himself, or a Christmas Day Brunch for an extra special family memory.  The Hard Left Lounge will be hosting special holiday spirits and libations starting in November, creating a warm and friendly holiday atmosphere and cozy retreat from holiday hecticness.  The Pankratz Arts Exchange hosts their annual winter show at The Theater at the Shore Club featuring classic holiday favorites and cheer.  Nearly a dozen local shops are also offering extended retail hours and hosting their 14th Annual Holiday Open House on December 6th from 12PM-4PM. For families, you won’t want to miss festive events like “America’s Christmas Tree Lighting” on December 4th, Cookie Decorating and Ornament/Stocking Decorating for Kids on December 6th and 13th, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides on December 6th, 13th, and 24th, and more! For adults, don’t miss Ole Smoky Christmas Cocktail Class on December 4th,  the Sip and Spruce event on December 5th, Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktails on December 12th, and more.

Today is National Motorcycle Day!  It’s prime season in both Summer and Autumn to take a nice joyride to view the scenery, and that goes for both motorcyclists and cars alike.  Although we consider ourselves to be more automobile aficionados, we truly do respect our fellow road warriors just the same.  Today, we’re sharing our picks for best road trip worthy museums celebrating the history and achievements of Motorcyclists!  Slogans like “Look Twice, Save a Life” can remind us just how important it is to remain focused on the road, so we’re also sharing several safety tips to help motorists keep our two-wheeled peers safe on the road. more Give the motorcyclist space and share the road. Be on the lookout for cyclists who may momentarily share the lane or dip between cars during heavy traffic. If you notice this, make sure you slow down, and allow the motorcyclists plenty of room to maneuver past you. Always use your turn signals. Turn your signals on as early as you can when passing and turning near a motorcyclist.  Look for their turn signals as well, but give them plenty of time to complete a turn or pass into the lane/between cars safely.  If they’ve been riding with a turn signal for a while, make sure you give them more distance to allow them space to turn adequately and safely.  Remember to look in all directions multiple times before making turns, but especially when making left turns into oncoming traffic to avoid t-boning a cyclist! Allow increased stopping distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle. Ensure  that you keep a very large following distance, giving both you and the cyclist enough time to react and make decisions with enough safety.  Motorcycles have a different stopping distance time in dry weather versus inclement weather.  Give motorcycles even more distance when conditions are wet, rainy, and icy, as inclement weather heavily impacts the riders ability to see clearly. It’s also important not to tailgate them, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations, as rear-ending a cyclist can be fatal! There are no external frames or side airbags and things, they’ll have direct impact and may be thrown from the bike! Use extra caution when driving at night.  Avoid using your high-beams when motorcycles are present to ensure they have adequate visibility and aren’t blinded by excess light. Avoid passing at night when they’re present to reduce risk of accidentally merging into the cyclist or pushing them into an unsafe corridor. Check your blind spots and always look twice. The smaller stature of a motorcycle as compared to modern day cars and SUVs means that they’re more likely to be missed in blind spots.  It can also mean it is harder to judge by distance and speed of oncoming motorcyclists.  Make good use of any lane-departure warnings and visual assistance per your vehicle’s camera system for potential hazards when changing lanes. However, don’t fully rely on the technology to do your job for you – always give the environment a second and third glance when passing into a new lane or driving at higher speeds if you notice motorcycles have been present! Be mindful of roadway hazards and windy conditions. Hazards like debris from trucks or wind-strewn trash may be easy for you to dodge, but be careful about passing quickly if motorcycles are present. Amazing Motorcycle museums you simply must visit on your next road trip: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, OH Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, AL Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Bloomsburg, PA Haas Moto Museum in Farmers Branch, TX Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, KS Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburg NY New England Motorcycle Museum in Vernon, CT Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs, CO Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick, OK Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Solvang, CA Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in Sturgis, SD Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, NC World of Motorcycles Museum in Winamac, IN

There’s nothing better than crunching into a freshly picked crisp, juicy apple right from the farm!  And it’s even better if you’ve spent the day celebrating all things fall with your family. Each of the farms highlighted on today’s list brings a unique Fall Festival or Autumnal Celebration to enjoy with your loved ones, as well as unique treats such as heirloom apples, signature cider donuts, and more.  You’ll find the perfect fall destination that’s absolutely worth taking a road trip in your new car from Classic in Waukegan.  We know you’re going to have a blast picking fresh apples, the perfect pumpkin, and sampling those homemade baked goods. Of course, if you also saw it fit to bring your friendly neighborhood car dealer a few cider donuts to share, we surely wouldn’t complain!  So, hop in your car and let’s hit the dusty farm road for some classic family-friendly fall festivities on today’s blog. more Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove is a great family-friendly destination for fall fun. There are more than 30 different activities to enjoy on the farm year round, but autumn activities are where it’s at.  This fall you can enjoy the World’s Largest and Most Intricate Corn Maze featuring 28 acres of live corn and 9-10 miles of walking, the Pumpkin Patch and Sunflower Field, community campfires, and more.  Pumpkins are available to pick your own, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors!  This year’s corn maze theme is Back to 1985 and celebrates the iconic Back to the Future franchise! Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington is hosting its annual Fall Festival now through October 31st.  Highlights of this year’s festival include the Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur, Cornstalk Maze, a Haunted House, Charlotte’s Web play area, the Corn Box playground, and even Pig Racing!  The Harvest Market is also open daily, and will have a selection of pumpkins, fall decor, fresh veggies, and baked goods to enjoy!  We highly recommend checking out the apple cider donuts, they’re to die for. Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago is hosting their annual Fall Festival from now through October 30th.  Families can enjoy pumpkin picking, classic hayrides, fall themed food, games and amusements, and much more. Plus, as a spooky Halloween celebration, there are two Terror-iffic attractions to choose from: Wicked Hallows Hayride, bringing you through cursed forests and farm, and the Haunted Barn: Curse of the Scarecrow scare challenge and haunt!  You’ll need tickets in advance for those and they’re filling up quickly, so don’t miss out! Kuipers Farm in Maple Park offers three different fall themed events: the Sunflower Festival, Pumpkin FunFarm and U-Pic Apple Orchard.  The Pumpkin FunFarm offers numerous games, attractions, and photo opportunities for families to have some good ol’ fashioned fun on the farm.  Enjoy a pumpkin themed obstacle course, games and live music, pig racing, pumpkin picking, and more!  Pick your own apples in the orchard and select from a variety of in-season apples to snack on and take home for pies and autumnal baking. All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock has been named one of the top orchards in McHenry County by USA Today and local groups!  This year’s family fall fun includes multi-pack passes and ticket packages allowing you to take advantage of all the fun the farm has to offer!  Enjoy 30+ attractions, apple picking, barnyard visits and hayrides, obstacle courses and games, a corn maze, ropes course, and so much more!  Plus, there’s the delectable seasonal snacks including hand-dipped caramel apples, kettle corn, cider, and more. Stade’s Farm in McHenry offers a wide selection of seasonal U-Pick options which currently includes apples, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and more.  The Farmtractions Theme Park and Fall Festival is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  Enjoy the Express Train, Apple Cannon, Farmtraction park and more during their special event.  The “Shades of Autumn” festival is a family-friendly event celebrating the magic of the season. Apple Holler in Sturtevant, Wisconsin offers a Family Fun Park each year from May through November!  Enjoy a plethora of special seasonal activities and games, as well as agricultural education through play.  This autumn you can enjoy their Apple Picking Festival featuring tractor rides, corn mazes, fall themed games, Straw Mountain the Corn Palace Corn Box, and much more.  There are also several fun photo-ops this year including Giant Butterfly Wings, the Red Truck Photo Op, and the Rockinghorse Corral.  The Red Barn Restaurant offers first-come, first-served seating with a seasonal menu; this month, the farm is featuring its Apple Season Menu, with applewood smoked meats, apple glazed seasoning, apple butter dips, and more. Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn is in prime Apple Picking season!  There are more than 4,000 apple trees in this orchard with 12 different varieties!  The bakery and country store on site make fresh baked pies and cider donuts as well as fruit wines made on premise.  The orchard’s social media will always keep you updated on what’s currently available for picking, and they’ve just announced that pumpkins are finally ready. The orchard and winery grounds offer multiple events throughout each season such as the Corks and Colors event, Food Truck weekends, Fall Bucket List Weekends, and more – each featuring local food, special beverages, live music and entertainment, and more. Eplegaarden in Fitchburg, Wisconsin offers more than 100 acres of fall family fun.  You can enjoy their pick-your-own fall wildflower fields, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and more.  There’s a charming kids’ play area, a down home country farm store offering seasonal favorites, seasonal hayrides, and more. One of the most unique qualities about this farm is that they offer Heirloom and Antique Apples, varieties of apples that are historically favored for special practices like cider making, pipes, and more; these unique apples don’t always have a high-yield year, so they may be in limited supply, but it’s certainly worth the visit to try and catch these unique flavor varieties. Don’t see your favorite farm on the list? Let us know in the comments section what your family’s favorite farm is in Illinois and Wisconsin, and we may just feature it in a future update!

Maybe we’re a little bit biased because we live here, but we really think that Autumn in the Midwest is better than anywhere else in the country.  From the wide variety of harvest festivals and Oktoberfest events, unique farms and orchards, and absolutely unmatched scenic drives and foliage views, there’s just something special you can’t find anywhere else.  The views here are breathtaking!  So, on today’s blog, we’re bringing you four of the best places to visit for leaf-peeping season in your own backyard. more Northwest Illinois Loop in Illinois is a four hour loop drive winding through several stunning state parks.  You’ll start your journey in Galena and make your way through Mississippi Palisades Park, White Pines Forest, Lowden State Park, and Lake Le-Aqua-Na.  In Mississippi Palisades State Park you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous foliage views overlooking the bluffs of the Mississippi; the foliage here is usually peak by Mid-October.  White Pines Forest State Park usually hits peak in mid to late October, sometimes extending into early November if the weather is just right.  Lowden State Park is known for its picturesque walking trails through the autumnal foliage, which generally peaks in the 2nd and 3rd week of October.  Lake Le-Aqua-Na Recreation Area offers stunning reflective views of the changing foliage, especially the hickory, maple, and oak in the region which line the lake bluffs; color here peaks in the 3rd and 4th week of October. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is an impressive 200+ mile loop taking you on a gorgeous autumnal tour of the state with waterfront views, forest bluffs, and of course plenty of foliage.  Recommended destinations on the route include Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Peoria Heights and a little side trip for the views on Grand View Drive, Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, (both of the aforementioned we’ve covered in previous blogs!), Shore Acres Park, and both Allen Park as well as Washington Square Park in Ottawa. Door County Circle Tour in Wisconsin takes you from North to South to enjoy the full splendor of autumn in Door County.  The Door Peninsula includes 19 different communities, several smaller villages and towns, as well as a few islands, each of which can be reached through the Door County Coastal Byway System.  Recommended towns to include are Fish Creek, Ephraim, Baileys Harbor, Ellison Bay.  Peak foliage in Door county ranges from Mid-September to Mid-October, making it great for repeat trips to try every autumnal activity the area has to offer! Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in Wisconsin is a 115-mile trek that brings you through 6 different counties in the state. You’ll start at Elkhart Lake in the North and end near Whitewater Lake in the South.  This is the drive for nature lovers as it takes you directly through the massive Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering immersive and impressive autumnal foliage experience.  We highly recommend stopping by Spruce Lake Bog Natural State Area, Crooked Lake Wetlands State Natural Area, Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods State Natural Area, Eagle Oak Opening State Natural Area, Ottawa Lake Fen State Natural Area.

Now that October is fully underway, we’re celebrating with lots of leaf-peeping tours!  Of course, we’ve brought you plenty of travel destinations in the Midwest highlighting our best autumnal foliage, but who doesn’t love a grand adventure?  So throw on your best boots, cozy fall sweaters, and grab those cameras, because we’re hitting the road to explore four of the best regions in the US to do some serious fall foliage appreciation! more Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in Georgia In Mid-to-late October, the fall foliage will begin to show its full splendor in Northern Georgia, and will peak all the way until Mid-November if weather permits.  This route will bring you unparalleled views of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers plentiful hiking trails offering gorgeous vistas and numerous waterfalls.  The highlight of the trip, however, will be the  highest point of elevation in the state, Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level. From this view point you’ll be afforded 360º views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.  The stunning visitor’s center also features an 8,000 square foot museum with interactive exhibits highlighting cultural and natural history. The byway makes its way through three counties, with several charming towns of note along the way: Helen, Hiawassee, and Blairsville. Helen is a must-visit town, known for its autumnal foliage views, Bavarian inspired food and shops, and of course its magnificent Oktoberfest. Finger Lakes Region, New York Fall in the Finger Lakes will offer warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights with numerous farmers markets, outdoor activities, and of course – plentiful wine tastings!  While you’re here, you must enjoy the leaf-peeper’s haven that is the 1,000 mile Finger Lakes Trail. This trail winds through lush forests with vivid foliage in hues that look worthy of a postcard!   It’s a prime place for paddling, canoeing, and kayaking, too, as you make your way past lush valleys and hills exploding with fiery autumnal color. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t strongly suggest hopping on a winery tour to enjoy some crisp regional wines and seasonal specialties, and stunning views of the lakeshores.  If you’re interested in the classic New York State apple, you’re in luck, too, as there are several orchards and vineyards offering apple picking and bountiful fresh fruit treats! Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire You’ll want to hit this landmark highway earlier in the season, so planning ahead for next year is best.  Fall foliage views and leaf-peeping excursions begin here by the middle of September, and peak by mid-October. The towns of Conway and Lincoln offer numerous artisanal businesses and top-tier local dining!  You’ll want to schedule a stop off to trek through the Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch State Park, as well as a brave journey along the Mt Washington Auto Road. In addition to driving down “the Kanc” each of those destinations will bring you unfettered bliss by way of classic New England foliage that would make a Hallmark Movie set jealous. Not interested in driving it yourself so you don’t miss the views? No problem! Book a Scenic Byway Fall Foliage Tour service and get a personal guided tour of the best views in the area. Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming This incredible mountain roadway leads into Yellowstone’s northeast entrance and climbs nearly 11,000 feet!  Peak autumnal views here are late September to Mid-October, well, if the surprise snowfall doesn’t rush the timeline that is.  The area is known for its early snowfall season, generally between October 10th to the 15th which brings about the seasonal road closure.  If you’re heading over in the late season, you’ll want to check the park’s closure alerts. This stunning drive offers spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, wildlife, and wildflowers in addition to the colorful foliage. Something special of note along your route is that for the first time in 80 years, you’ll notice the buttery yellow, golden hues of the baby aspen trees that are seeing return growth!  And keep your eyes peeled for some grey wolf sightings which were reintroduced to the park and are responsible for keeping the elk population at reasonable numbers and contributing to the restoration of aspens.

Thank you one and all for coming out to this weekend's Cars & Coffee Event! We had a fantastic turnout for this month's event, and quite the impressive array of vehicles to peruse. Having an opportunity for the community to come out and connect with one another through our love of cars brings us great joy!Your energy and support has been so enthusiastic. It's been very exciting to watch this event grow and evolve with all of you, and we can't wait for the next one! Thank you again for joining us for this fun outing. Check out these pics that our staff snapped at the event, and feel free to reach out and send us some of your own, too. We'd love to see them! And of course, let us know your favorite in the comments! more

Set to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 model year, over 1.5 million Kia Souls have been sold in the U.S. since 2009 The Kia Soul’s ongoing popularity and influence on pop culture was fueled by some of the most memorable and effective automotive advertising in the history of the automotive industry From a humble beginning as a boxy concept vehicle in Kia’s U.S. design studio and continuing through 16 years of passion, the fun and funky Kia Soul urban runabout has always stood out from the crowd. As what most consider the first production vehicle in Kia’s design-led and historic transformation, the Soul has attracted new customers to the brand by projecting the kind of individuality and optimism that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart. And with Kia’s overall U.S. sales nearly tripling during the Soul’s lifetime, its impact simply cannot be overstated. more “The Soul was one of the cornerstones in Kia gaining a foothold in the United States and this one-of-a-kind vehicle – and the marketing supporting it – helped Kia move to where it resides today,” said Eric Watson, Vice President, Sales, Kia America. “Kia is steadily progressing towards its third consecutive annual sales record and all-time high market share, and that is possible thanks to the early success carved out by the Soul. We are proud of the legacy Soul will leave behind as it exits our lineup, but equally excited for the future of Kia’s expansive and award-winning utility vehicle lineup.” “BOAR WITH A BACKPACK” In the mid-2000s, Kia set out to design a global car that stood out from the status quo of compact hatchbacks. SUVs were continuing their climb towards market dominance at the time, and so it was decided that this new vehicle would combine the nimble efficiency of a small car with the versatility and proportions of an SUV. While watching a nature documentary on the life of wild boars, the team at Kia Design Center America was inspired by the idea of a “boar wearing a backpack” given this animal’s strength and attitude relative to its size and translated that idea into a mechanical form. All too often, during the transition from concept to production, a vehicle loses some of its celebrated spirit and edge. Not so for the Soul, as the 2006 production model was incredibly true to the original concept. MUSIC-LOVING HAM-STARS Introduced with the tagline “A New Way to Roll,” the highly customizable Soul offered an audio system that featured in-speaker lighting to help illuminate the beat. As an automaker looking to make a mark by launching a clearly different type of compact vehicle, Kia needed a marketing campaign that made a similar and strong impact. Enter a cast of hamsters with ears for hip music and paws on the pulse of pop culture. Tapping into the power of music, dance, and positivity, the “Ham-stars” cruised to playlists ranging from Black Sheep’s classic hip-hop track "The Choice Is Yours," LMFAO's smash hit "Party Rock Anthem,” to Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades.” The hamsters quickly became advertising legends, with the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame naming them the first-ever "Rookie of the Year.” INSPIRING NEW IDEAS Kia took the wraps off a number of Soul-based concept vehicles through the years including the 2009 Soul’ster, an unexpected pickup/utility variant of the Soul. Another standout concept was the 2012 Track’ster with its turbocharged 250-horsepower engine, two-doors, and AWD system that took the idea of “hot hatch” to another level. The Track’ster featured a number of design cues that would make their way into the second-generation Soul in 2014. Track gave way to trail at the Chicago Auto Show in 2015, with the debut of the Trail’ster concept. A more rugged interpretation of the Soul, it featured an e-AWD system to put ample power to all four wheels. Thanks to the Soul’s overall popularity, customer demand for new variations continued to grow so a more potent powertrain debuted in the Soul Turbo in 2017. While all-wheel drive would not be offered in the Soul, demand for an all-wheel-drive Kia subcompact SUV led to the development of the Kia Seltos. More than just AWD, the Seltos is an evolution of the Kia CUV that offers more cargo room behind the rear seats and increased ground clearance than the Soul. The Seltos also offers a spirited turbocharged engine and helpful Kia ADAS features. Throughout its life, the Soul was often at the core of Kia’s many memorable SEMA Show displays, with customized creations ranging from a mobile DJ booth and rolling music memorabilia museum to an all-electric reimagining of a classic ice cream truck. AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS STORY In 2018, Kia announced that more than one million Souls had been purchased by passionate owners ahead of the introduction of the third-and-final generation, which debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model. This gen-3 Soul was more refined than ever yet clearly also embraced the fun and funky spirit that made this machine such a sales success throughout the years. In fact, while the Soul was often marketed towards younger buyers, it also attracted an older demographic that Kia quickly realized were often people of the same spirit…just separated by age. A CHAPTER CLOSES The Soul is expected to end production in October, and with just a few thousand units remaining at dealers around the US. These are the last examples of Kia’s spirited runabout with a big personality, everyday functionality and efficiency. Awards and Accolades: 2009 “Best Bet” Distinction by The Car Book 2009 Ward’s AutoWorld “Interior of the Year” list — “Grooviest Interior” 2009 Kelley Blue Book “Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” 2009 Kelley Blue Book “Top 10 Back-to-School Cars” 2009 Red Dot Design Award (Product Design) 2010 Cars.com “Best Hatchback of 2010” 2010 TIME “Most Exciting Cars of 2010” 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick 2011 Effie Awards — Gold Effie (North America) for Soul hamster campaign (“This or That”) 2011 Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards — Automotive Ad of the Year (Hamsters) 2012 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study — Highest Ranked in Segment 2012 Kelley Blue Book — “Top 10 Back-to-School Cars” (No. 1) 2012 Kelley Blue Book — “Top 10 Tailgating Cars” 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study — Segment leader (repeat) 2013 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” 2014 WardsAuto “10 Best Interiors” 2014 Red Dot Design Award (Product Design) 2014 iF Product Design Award 2014 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) — Bronze (Transportation) 2014 Clio Awards — Silver (Music: Partnerships/Collaborations) “Totally Transformed” 2015 Red Dot Design Award — Soul EV 2015 GOOD DESIGN Award — Soul EV 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with specific headlights & optional front crash prevention) 2017 U.S. News & World Report — “Best Cars for the Money” (Compact Car) 2017 Parents Magazine & Edmunds — Best Family Cars (“Best Budget Vehicle”) 2018 (2019 MY) Consumer Guide Automotive — Best Buy 2019 Kelley Blue Book — 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Compact Car) 2019 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000” (No. 1) 2019 Kelley Blue Book — “10 Best Back-to-School Cars” 2020 World Car Awards — World Urban Car (Soul EV) 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick (with specific headlights/optioned AEB) 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (with options) 2023 Kelley Blue Book — Best Cars for College Students (New Cars Under $25,000)