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Kia’s first three-row SUV EV is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter! Standard 800V architecture permits DC fast charging; 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge in under 25 minutes 3 Standard seating for up to seven passengers In 2024, EV9 is expected to be the first EV for Kia to be assembled in North America Equipped with a long list of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) On September 27th 2023, Kia America announced the base price for the all-new 2024 Kia EV9, the company’s first three-row SUV EV.  The EV9 Light RWD stars at $54,900, and comes standard with DC Fast-Charging capabilities, roomy accommodations for up to seven passengers, full SynTex leather trimmed seating, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with heating and ventilation all powered by a seamless permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that produces 215HP and 258lb.-ft of torque. more While it was initially built in South Korea, assembly is scheduled to move to Kia’s state-of-the-art production facility in West Point, Georgia in 2024. Soon after, the pricing options for the Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Lines will be announced. “We knew we had to get the EV9 pricing right and we believe today’s announcement will be a wake-up call to the industry,” said Steven Center, EVP & COO, Kia America. “A well-equipped three-row SUV EV doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. It should offer the perfect balance of standard features, the ability to fast charge and be equipped with the technology savvy EV buyers are looking for. The EV9 provides all of this, and we can’t wait for it to go on sale later this year.” The all-electric EV9 is the brand’s flagship vehicle, and it embodies the ruggedness and sophistication one would expect from such a title.  The 2024 EV9 is packed to the brim with incredible new features, stunning tech savvy features, and all the creature comforts you could ever imagine. It features Kia’s next-generation, ultramodern Connected Car Navigation Cockpit System.  The infotainment center processes with ultra fast speed and higher fidelity, and offers frequently used Quick Controls to allow you to navigate options with a simple screen swipe.  Navigation-based charging guidance provides arrival time and distance-to-empty features to help soothe any range anxiety and get you the most efficient route to the nearest charging station. The ultrawide band-based Digital Key 2 allows customers to use compatible Apple, Google, and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to allow lock/unlock and drive options.  Drivers can also unlock the EV9 without holding their smart phone near the door with the new, advanced technology, and can also share digital keys with family and friends via text message over compatible devices. The driver cockpit features an elliptical-shaped dashboard, custom designed to give the illusion of an effortless floating effect.  The wide panoramic display sits at the top, increasing digital usability with standard dual 12.3 inch screens along with a 5.0 inch HVAC screen, both seamlessly integrated into a singular panel.  The result is a modern, minimalist aesthetic that is sure to delight discerning customers.  Beneath the screen are hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features, mounted centrally for ease of use; they appear as soon as the EV9 is switched on. And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the incredible addition to the EV9’s 20 standard ADAS features: the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-2) feature; this system is designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring in specific conditions.  In the EV9, this system has been further enhanced to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving; oncoming vehicles when turning left at intersections; crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection.  It also provides an additional degree of protection for braking and/or steering to help prevent or minimize collision if the system detects things like oncoming vehicles while passing, vehicles in front of the car while changing lanes, and other obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles in front of the car while driving straight.  It’s an impressive addition to an already award-winning combination of standard safety options you’d expect from the Kia brand. Curious to learn more about the Kia EV9? Stop by our dealership today and our trusted sales staff will help point you in the right direction!

Here at Classic, we love any holiday or event that gives us a chance to give back and connect with our community. Today is National Do Something Nice Day, and we’d like to celebrate by illustrating some amazing ideas for you to give back and help out other people. The world could always do with a little more kindness, so why not use today’s blog list as a springboard!  Feel free to contribute to the conversation by pitching in your own community-centric, neighborly suggestions in the comments on our social media, too. Here are four great ways to inspire others around you, and get you started with thinking in a community service oriented mindset: more Simply letting someone know that you care and are thinking about them can do a world of difference in their day. T oday is a great day to remember to check in with your friends and neighbors to see how they’re faring.   Perhaps offer to drop off a snack or a homemade meal, send them something fun in the mail, or fire off a few GIFs and memes via text or messenger.  Just knowing someone out there is hoping you have a good day can really bring about a smile or two! Do some volunteer work within your local community. Spend some time walking or playing with animals at the local shelter or city pound.  Donate some crafting supplies to the local senior center and do a little visiting while you’re there.  Put together some care packages of snacks and toiletries and drop them off at the local domestic shelter or homeless shelter; you can also give them out to people in need as you meet them. Help a “stranger.” There’s lots of ways to give back even if you don’t have the largest social circle.  This can look like helping someone load groceries into their car, paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive through, paying in advance for the coffee of the person in line after you, leave an extra large tip at the next restaurant or bar you visit, leave a “Just because” gift card on someone’s windshield for a few dollars to the store they’re parked at, call the local utility company and pay off someone’s bill, or even donate some brand new books or clothing to a local family shelter. Sponsor or organize a local park cleanup effort. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors and rally together to help clean up your local community spaces such as parks and playgrounds.  Clear the garbage, sort the recycling, clean up the graffiti or damage to benches and equipment, help plant some new trees or flowers, participate in community fundraisers to add new attractions to local parks, volunteer at a local public event, install some public artwork like murals or street art or host public art shows, and help fundraise for green initiatives in your community.

We’re back with another fun edition of Automotive Terminology, where we demystify vocabulary, phrases, and terms used by industry professionals. We understand that buying, selling, and fixing cars is not a part of most of our customers daily or even weekly lives, so we’re here to help take the stress out of selecting or repairing your vehicle! Through our Classic Auto Group Decoder series, we’re giving you the tools to decode and navigate conversations with automotive professionals be they salesperson or mechanic.  And of course, if you have any questions or something you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll keep it in mind to answer for future posts! more Today, we’re going back to basics and taking a look at the 8 most essential parts of a vehicle and their functions.  We’re going to learn about the engine, transmission, front and rear axle, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires, and brakes.  Let’s break it down into easier to digest parts so you can get a good understanding of what each of them does. The Engine: The engine’s job is to transform fuel into energy. This includes three primary categories: Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Engines (internal combustion + electric), and Electric Engines. Internal combustions work by taking in a mixture of fuel and air, compressing the air and fuel in the cylinder, which causes a small explosion that generates energy and expels the waste fumes as exhaust. The Electric Engine gets its energy from being plugged into a charging point, storing that energy in rechargeable batteries that power the motor and turn the wheels; they can accelerate much faster than conventional engines! The Hybrid combines the best of both worlds, utilizing the internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors; these do not usually require being plugged in, as the battery is usually charged by regenerative braking. The Transmission: This is one of the most essential components of your vehicle, as it’s what moves the power from a vehicle’s engine to its wheels. It helps ensure that your engine spins at the proper rate without going too fast or too slow at a given speed.  The transmission fluid inside it is a special oil that cools and lubricates the gears, and functions as a source of hydraulic pressure to shift the gears.  Parts that help your automatic transmission function include transmission fluid, torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear set, clutch pack, brake band, output shaft, oil pan, and valve body. Front and Rear Axle: These parts are responsible for rotating the wheels. Most vehicles have a front and rear axle, but some vehicles that are larger may have more.  The Front Axle is responsible for assisting your steering and processing shocks as you drive along the uneven roadways; it has four major components: the beam, swivel pin, track rod, and stub axle.  The Rear Axle is designed to deliver power to the driving wheels; it has two halves also known as half shafts which are connected by the differential. Steering System: A vehicle’s steering system includes not just the obvious steering wheel and steering shaft but also: ball joints, bushings, sway bar links ,center links, idler arms/pitman arms, rack and pinion units, tie rod ends/sleeves, CV Joints/boots, CV Axle Half shafts, shock absorbers, struts/cartridges.  Electric power steering is most commonly used in modern vehicles because it does not require steering fluid and thus has less maintenance requirements.  Some systems use electric assist, and others like hydraulic steering systems require power steering fluid. Suspension System: This system helps provide stability and performance of your vehicle by absorbing bumps in the road to provide you with a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride.  This includes the tires, air springs, sway bars, struts, shock absorbers, and linkages which connect the vehicle to its wheels.  It’s responsible for keeping the car in control as you drive, supports weight, and helps maintain tire contact with the road. Wheels and Tires: The wheels are spun by an axle powered by your vehicle's engine.  A vehicle’s tires wrap around the rim which acts as a framework of support and form, so that when you fill it with air it keeps its shape. Rims are usually made from steel or aluminum.  These in turn work together to help you turn and propel your vehicle forward using friction and constant ground contact. Brakes: The brakes help you apply friction, leverage, and hydraulic force to bring your moving vehicle to a stop or slow in speed.   When friction is applied, your brakes get hot from the kinetic energy converted from the wheel’s motion!  The brakes system includes the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines and brake hoses, disc brakes (caliper, brake pads, brake rotor), drum brakes (brake drum, wheel cylinder, brake shoes.) It’s important to bring your car in for regular maintenance and scheduled repairs as soon as possible. Your local mechanic, like those at the Classic Body Shop, can help keep your ride in tip top shape, ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and fellow drivers on the road.

We love a fun, pop culture moment, and October 3rd is the best of the best: Mean Girls Day! In celebration of this silly cinematic holiday, we’re bringing you a post filled with super fun Pink items for your vehicle. Because as everyone knows … on Wednesdays we wear pink, but our car is bedecked 24/7/365. more Add some pink flair to your car with these budget-friendly Neon Pink Car LED Strip Lights from EJ’s SUPER CAR Store on Amazon, just $13.59 at the time of this blog’s publication. The soft pink glow will add so much ambience without breaking your bank! Hop in on the pre-order with a special deal to save $70 on a Front and Rear Seat bundle with these Luxury Seat Covers in Pink or Black and Pink from SeatCover Solutions! They’re currently available in a full set via your make/model/year for just $389.99 We can’t resist a good sparkly, glittery accessory. Can you?  C heck out this 27 piece set of Blinged out gemstone car accessories from NBTEPEM Store on Amazon for just $49.99. If pink isn’t your thing, they’ve got additional colorways to choose from, too. The SINGARO Car Cup Holder Coasters are a bestseller for a reason! They’re convenient, non-slip and colorful accessories to help keep your car clean.  Pop ‘em in to protect from drink spills and coffee stains in your cup holder. They’re on sale at the time of publication of this blog for just $5.99! What could be more fun to do on October 3rd than express your inner Mean Girl with this 5 inch vinyl bumper sticker on Amazon from StickerU. Support a small business for just $4.95! Keep your car detailed and spotless with this THINKWORK Pink Portable Vacuum and Car Cleaning Kit with Cordless Rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner. I t’s budget friendly clocking in under $50 with a pricetag at just $45.99. Never be caught unprepared for a vehicle emergency with this handy, and also stylish, hot pink car emergency kit from THINKWORK!  It includes jumper cables, a basic first aid kit, handy tools, and safety gear to get you through until help arrives.  Just $69.99! Who says girls can’t be gearheads, too? Exactly!  If you’d like to snag yourself a set of hot pink tools, we say go for it.  Your garage should reflect you and your interests, and there’s nothing wrong with a little color! This 220 piece tool kit from FASTPRO has everything you need to get your projects done, and then some. Currently on sale at the time of publication for $69.31. Carbella’s Pink Car Mats come in a 3 piece set with waterproof trim-to-fit car mats to fit your car, truck, or SUV. Keep your floors clean and tidy between detailings and washes after all your off-road adventures with this colorful trio.  Just $54.99 on Amazon right now.

We’re back with another fun edition of Classic’s Community Calendar of Events for the month of October. We’ve scoured the internet and local postings to find you some of the most fun and exciting events around the Lake County and Greater Chicago areas.  If you’ve got a local event coming up, feel free to drop it in the comments section of our Calendar post on social media so our readers can find it, too!  From dance class to painting to concerts to seasonal fun, we’ve got a little bit of everything for our community to enjoy. There’s plenty of family fun for everyone, too. more Sundays and Fridays Starting with October 1st and October 6th, head over to Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach at 7PM t o take a walk through the weird, witchy, and wild rooms and interactive experiences in this local haunted house attraction.  Back for its 21st year, the haunted house is chock full with horror carnival games with prizes, mini escape rooms, a haunted bar, and even a gift shop. October 2nd through the 14th starting at 11AM, head over to Downtown Long Grove to enjoy a series of free events called Long Grove October Days! Enjoy a rotating calendar of events and activities including DIY Scarecrow day, family fun nights, ladies night out and much more. October 2nd at the Wauconda Area Public Library from 7PM to 8PM, enjoy the local Oktoberfest event! More than just beers and brats, immerse yourself in German Language, dance, music, and even more fun in store! Tuesday night at 7PM on October 3rd, head over for an incredible night of live music with DJ SPontaneous and Up in Smoke Creations at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan! On October 3rd, Tuesday, head over to Prairie Crossing Farm in Grayslake from 10AM to 1PM to enjoy their Fall Festival event! The morning of October 3rd from 10AM to 10:30 is a great time for parents and tiny tots to come over for the Drop-In Terrific Twos Storytime event at the Lake Forest Library in Lake Forest. October 4th at Ni ghtshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, head over for a night full of fun, friends, and unlimited laughs for Drag Queen Trivia Night! Wednesday October 4th is Highland Park’s 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Ravinia Farmers Market! Celebrations kick-off at the opening of the market, which runs every Wednesday through OCtober 25th from 7AM to 1PM. Thursday, October 5th, is a great day to check out the L ibertyville Farmers Market in Cook Park from 1AM to 1PM. October 5th at Events at Independence Grove in Libertyville, e njoy a festive night of live music with local artists at the Beer Garden Music Nights event running from 6:30PM to 8PM. The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival community night and opening carnival event is headed into town in Highwood on Thursday October 6th through the 8th! Come enjoy the pumpkin carving displays, carnival rides, costume contest, trick or treating, live music and so much more! Get in touch with your creative side and try out the historic art of Blacksmithing with a Basics of Blacksmithing workshop at Wade House in Pleasant Prairie, WI from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday October 7th. October 7th is a busy day over at the American Aid Society Oktoberfest in Lake Villa! Stop by and check out the local food, live music, and entertainment!  Doors open at 6:40PM and a $9 donation per person applies, with kids under 12 admitted free. On Saturday October 14th from 10:30AM to 1:30PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio of Waukegan, join in for the Creative Wellness Fundraiser event featuring Yoga, Meditation, Peace Circles, art, and dance!  Appropriate for children ages 5+ and adults. On October 14th, you’ll have a blast at the Genesee Theatre for Sugar Skull! A Dia De Muertos Musical Adventure starting at 6:30PM. Children 12 and under are just $10; children under 12 mos are permitted on laps of a paying ticket-holder. Adult tickets range from $20 to $50.  Enjoy this exciting, heartwarming musical and 8-person cast of musicians, actors and dancers as they explore Mexican traditions and culture through song, dance, and drama! October 20th, 21st, and 22nd, head over to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a “dog-gone” good time at the Fall Harvest Cluster Dog Show event from 8AM to 6PM each day in Grayslake. This is a great family friendly opportunity to check out the Kenosha Kennel Club and Skokie Valley Kennel Club’s jam packed weekend full of dogs and puppies and demonstration of canine skills! On October 21st, the Waukegan Parks District is pleased to announce the return of the GO Waukegan Zombie Walk! It’s happening at 9AM in Hinkston Park, where everyone will be able to walk together as a community and celebrate the season!

Kia returns to the all-women off-road navigational challenge for fourth year in a row Custom 2024 Telluride X-Pro outfitted by Baja Forged set to compete in X-Cross class Newly matched teammates Verena Mei and Susie Saxten ready to test their mettle and put the 2024 Telluride X-Pro through its paces Kia America is returning once again to the Rebelle Rally off-road navigational challenge for the fourth exciting year in a row!  This year’s competition is looking fierce, but Kia is in it to win it with the most-awarded 2024 Telluride X-Pro. more Verena Mei will be driving with her co-pilot teammate Susie Saxten as navigator as they pilot the Telluride X-Pro over nearly 1,600 miles of desert from California to Nevada. When it comes to heavy duty driving, there’s no more formidable opponent than the 2024 Telluride X-Pro!  The Telluride X-Pro has been outfitted with a top tier off-road treatment by BAJA FORGED.  It features a custom roof rack, front-and-rear bumpers to increase approach and departure angles, additional tow points, skid plates to protect the undercarriage, and 18-inch KMC716 wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 Tires.  It’s also been lifted 1.5 inches on top of the X-Pro’s increased clearance for a total of 10 inches ground clearance to roll right through the tough stuff with ease.  The competitors don’t stand a chance! In 2020, the Telluride just narrowly missed first place in the X-Cross class.  In subsequent years, the 2022 Sorento PHEVs earned second and third place finishes, and last year the 2023 Sportage X-Pro finished amidst the top five! Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, says they’re eager to see what more the Telluride X-Pro can do after a second place win in the X-Cross class.  “With BAJA FORGED modifications and a stellar team leading the way, we are confident the TElluride X-Pro will reach new heights of off-road capability and prove itself a tough competitor once again,” he said. If you’re looking for thrills, chills, and excitement, follow along with the team’s journey this year from October 12th through the 21st at RebelleRally.com

With October just on the precipice, we’re gearing up for Halloween like nobody’s business! What better way to usher in the scariest time of the year than spending our commute with some ghostly paranormal podcasts. And wouldn’t you know, today just happens to be National Ghost Hunting Day AND National Podcast day. So take a look at our list for best picks for Paranormal Themed Podcasts for your morning commute and get into the Halloween spirit with us! more From Nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan comes the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast. Take a tour through all things paranormal with your hosts Wayne Thomas, Brandon Hoezee and Kim Kolean as they explore the things that go bump in the night with the help of special guests.  Learn tips of the trade and listen to their tales from the field as they cover topics from Aliens to Cryptids to Ghosts and much more. The Tipsy Ghost crew hail from Kansas City, Missouri and these besties share a common love of paranormal investigations and true crime!  Sarah, Lindsey, and Boydston take trips to haunted locations and report on their findings and personal experiences.  From Europe to the UK to the States, they’re globetrotting ghost hunters with tall tales to tell their listeners, so be sure to tune in if you’re brave enough. Atlanta based Ghost Brothers host the beloved Urban Legends Podcast where they get down to the nuts and bolts of paranormal happenings across the country.  From Bloody Mary to Cropsey to Cryptids lurking in the shadows, they’re on a mission to uncover the truth behind these American Urban Legends! Take a tour to the other side with the trio and their rotating cast of special guests and find the truth for yourself. Unearthing Paranormalcy with husband and wife team Dave and Amy digs into the dirt, dust, and dastardly happenings of the paranormal across the globe and investigates what’s real, what’s surreal, and what’s supernatural.  This Oklahoma based podcast takes a look at haunted destinations, urban legends, and otherworldly experiences such as Hauntings, Cryptids, Spiritualism, UFOs, and even Missing Persons Cases. It’s a great choice for those who love sleuthing out the truth in unsolved mysteries and unexplained phenomena! The Dead Files is a unique podcast that marries the real world with the spiritual as your host Amy Allan, a medium, and reality-based retired homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi help solve unexplained mysteries that defy logic and reasoning all across the US.  From a home in Maine with unwelcomed supernatural houseguests to terrifying spirits terrorizing in a family-owned restaurant to historic hotels plagued with paranormal activity, they’re determined to get to the bottom of it. We had to cut our list off at 5 of our favorites or we’d go on forever!  But we know that you’ve got plenty of suggestions to share with us, so tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite haunted or paranormal themed podcast?  Who are your favorite ghost hunting hosts?

We are so excited to usher in the cooler temps of autumn, because we are more than ready to get out there and do our best “leaf peeping”.  There’s nothing like traipsing through woodland paths strewn with crunchy leaves!  What could be better than immersing yourself amidst golden sunset yellows, vivid rusty oranges, lush scarlet and ruby, and sepia tans of the foliage around you for a family photo op to post to the ‘gram.  It’s one of the most beautiful times to get back to nature, for as the pensieve scholar Albert Camus said “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” So what are you waiting for? Save this handy guide to your bookmarks so you can get the most out of autumn and find the best backdrops for your selfies before the season disappears. more Here are our annual reminder of photography tips for capturing the best autumn scenery with a smartphone: Charge your phone before you go! And bring a portable charging device with you. You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies.  Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability. Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. The Rule of Thirds is your friend here! Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative angles by getting low to the ground, or tilting your phone to capture things at a new angle instead of straight on.  To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed or Photoshop Express to cut down the image and center in closer for more clarity. Finding the Best Foliage in Illinois Right now, most of Illinois is still “business as usual” for foliage hues, but come the first week of October things will begin to shift.  You’ll notice more golden yellow, burnt oranges, crisp reds, and sepia tinged trees.  In Northern Illinois, the peak season will drop around 2nd or 3rd week of October. In Central Illinois, expect to enjoy peak leaf viewing in the 3rd week. By the end of October and perhaps into early November, the Southernmost regions of our state will be in full swing. If you play your cards right, you can drive your way through the state one week at a time, spending each week in prime viewing areas for the most optimal autumnal experience!  Of course, for your most accurate leaf report check the Enjoy Illinois Fall Planner by clicking here. Great Foliage Stops in Local Lake County and Beyond Bowen Park in Waukegan is a 60 acre park once home to John Charles Haines from 1857-1896, and is now a family friendly recreational area with picnic grounds, hiking trails, a playground, and beautiful gardens. Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion has breathtaking views of the autumnal leaves!  Whether you choose to sit back and relax at the lakeside, or wish to explore the 10 miles of hiking trails there’s no shortage of picturesque scenery here! Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe spans 385 acres with 27 gardens to explore.  When autumn rolls around, the trees will display a dazzling array of fiery colors and the autumnal shrubs and flowers will also put on a fabulous display. Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages!  From hayrides to corn mazes and pumpkin picking to harvest festivals, it’s an iconic part of local traditions each Fall, for more than 100 years! Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations. Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest.  Bring the whole family out to enjoy nature hikes, or stop for a guided lesson with local experts. Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike!  Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville. Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods IL is a beautiful 552 Acre preserve with 6.5 miles of scenic hiking trails which wind through the forest and over to the Des Plaines River. Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos! The University of St. Mary on the Lake in Mundelein has a beautiful lake surrounded by natural wonders, bridges, and monuments.  It’s a truly stunning sight to see when the fall foliage makes its appearance and its lake reflection twinkles in the light of golden hour. Looking for more great trails to explore in Lake County for fall portraits and autumnal hikes? Check out this great list for more options. More Great Fall Foliage Destinations in Illinois Humboldt Drive in Humboldt Park; Chicago, IL Winnemac Park; Chicago IL Schiller Woods along Des Plaines Trail; Chicago, IL Grandview Drive; Peoria Heights, IL Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway; Peoria, IL Midway Plaisance between Jackson Park and Washington Park; Chicago, IL Prairie Sky Orchard; Union, IL Stade’s Farm and Market; McHenry, IL Finding the Best Foliage in Wisconsin We love using the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report website for up-to-date information on the best regions for fall foliage at its peak.  Right now, Central and North Wisconsin are beginning to change color, and your best chance of optimum foliage viewing will be in the 1st and 2nd week of October! Here are some fantastic foliage vista spots and larger park areas to try in Northern Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Devils Lake State Park Door County Eagle River Chain of Lakes Holy Hill Marinette County Pattison State Park Pewits Nest Vilas County Wisconsin Dells The southern portion of Wisconsin is just beginning to see the early stages of foliage color change, so folks in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie regions have a little bit more time to plan their excursions, as foliage isn’t expected to peak in the area until the 2nd or more likely the 3rd week of October.  As weather changes, however, things can speed up a bit so keep your eye on the accurate and live-updated foliage report by clicking here. Here are some great places to view fall foliage in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie region: Brighton Dale Park Bristol Woods County Park Carre-Hogle Park Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area Fox River Water Trail Gordon Tabor Woods Island Park Kenosha Sand Dunes Maple Grove Park Northern Trailhead for Donald Hackbarth Trail Old Settlers Park Petrifying Springs Park Ponderosa Pit Trail System Pritchard Park Quarry Lake Park River Bend Nature Center Spring Bluff Forest Preserve

Since today is World Tourism Day, we thought we would do something a little different with our usual travel blogging content. This week, we’re looking outside of our own backyard and doing a little globe trotting!  Let’s check out four of the most scenic places to drive from all around the world. more The Amalfi Coast in Italy is world renowned for its picturesque scenery of sparkling turquoise waters and coastal towns with candy colored buildings and old world charm, and snakes in and amidst plunging rock cliffs. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported onto the scene of the most romantic movie in history.  The drive along the coast is full of winding, narrow roads which slip in and out of the cliffside providing absolutely breathtaking views, especially through the areas of Salerno and Positano. Chapman’s Peak Drive in South Africa is a short but very sweet drive compared to other entries on this list.  You’ll find absolutely stunning views of the coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, with the peak forming the gateway between Cape Town and the South Peninsula. It’s prime time viewing at sunset, with 180 degree views along the rocky shoreline and sandy bays. Be sure to stop along the way to snap some gorgeous photos at the scenic picnic areas, too! Icefields Parkway in Canada is a one-of-a-kind experience, and one of the most scenic roadways in all of Canada. It reaches all the way from Jasper National Park over to Lake Louise in Banff National Park.  You’ll want lots of time to take in the sumptuous scenery, so plan for a week-long excursion split between both parks if you can.  You won’t be able to get enough of those emerald green trees, crystal clear waters, breathtaking glaciers, and some of the most exquisite natural landscapes and mountainscapes you’ll ever see. The Great Ocean Road in Australia wraps along the southeastern coast with heart-stopping oceanscape views and the most iconic local rock formations known as the “Twelve Apostles”.  You’ll also be able to visit the oldest surviving lighthouse in Mainland Australia, the Cape Otway Lightstation.  It’s an unforgettable ride along coastal seaside towns, winding through rainforests, blissful views of waves crashing ashore and against the limestone cliffs, and through plenty of scenic viewpoints.  Visiting this gorgeous location is a once in a lifetime experience from start to finish.

There’s nothing we love more than finding exciting and interesting new places to explore right in our own backyard!  Today, we’ve found some really neat farms to visit in the Greater Chicago Area, Lake County region, and just over the state line into Wisconsin.  That’s right, folks, we’re celebrating National Alpaca Day with a great list of exciting local and regional Alpaca Farms to tour.  Get an up close look at these incredible animals, a chance to pet them and feed them, as well as learning more about the history of alpaca in the fiber industry across the globe.  It’s a unique experience and opportunity to learn and get some great photo ops to boot.  Check it out on today’s blog! more What is an alpaca? These goofy little guys are a smaller species of South American camelid mammals which are often mistaken for llamas, though the two are closely related and have been successfully cross bred.  They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Why do farmers raise alpacas? In the United States, alpacas are bred as a source of fiber production, which is quite profitable as their wool is harder to process, harder to acquire, and more expensive to make. In South America they’re also used as a food source similar to how we breed cattle, sheep, pigs, etc. How can I meet or learn more about alpacas? The best way to learn about these fuzzy farm animals is to visit a farm in person!  We’ve got a great list of local area alpaca farms to check out. You can get up close and personal with some for petting and walking, learn about fiber processing, buy some alpaca clothing or yarn, and so much more. Magic Meadows Alpacas is located in McHenry, IL and is our top recommendation for fun and interesting places to visit for alpaca aficionados!  Call to schedule an appointment for a private tour; visits are by appointment only unless you’re attending the public open house events posted to their site.  Enjoy a 45 minute long private tour of the grounds, learn about alpacas, browse gifts on site, and meet some of the alpacas in person! Ye Olde Alpaca Shoppe and Safehouse in Barrington, IL offers visits by appointments or you can book the farm for private events such as weddings, birthdays and more.  15 years agp. SafeHouse Farm began breeding alpacas as pets, hobby farming, and show-quality stock.  Today, they’ve opened their farm to visitors to help increase awareness about farm life, animal husbandry and care, handling and feeding, and sharing education and general compassion for animals. Krolls Harvest Farm in Waukegan, IL offers an opportunity to meet, feed, and even pet a variety of farm animals including alpacas! Other great places in the area to learn about or meet alpacas include: Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL Patch 22 in Wadsworth, IL Kamins Farm Sanctuary in Grayslake, IL Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm in Kenosha, WI Richardson Farms in Spring Grove, IL

We love sharing driver tips and tricks with our readers!  Today, we’re sharing something that may be a little unconventional for a blog topic, but at the same time is a pretty regular occurrence on the road.  According to AAA and the Federal Highway Administration, nearly two million collisions occur between wildlife and vehicles annually in the US. Since today is National RoadKill Day, we’re here to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of driving safely around wildlife, what to do if you accidentally hit an animal, and how to remove roadkill out of the main path until authorities can arrive.  (Be sure to share this advice with younger drivers, too, so they can be in the know and drive as safely as possible.) more How to avoid collision with animals and wildlife: Stay alert, be vigilant. Be on the lookout for signs that indicate a high animal crossing area. You may notice species specific signs such as deer, moose, bear, etc depending on the area you’re traveling in.  If you’re driving in rural areas, you may notice signs for cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animal crossing areas.  During migration seasons, additional road signage may be added to highways and streets alerting drivers for high-traffic areas of wildlife migration. Keep your own pets safely stowed inside the vehicle cabin in crates, car seats, or other safety restraints; simply placing the animal on a passenger/driver’s lap or holding them in your arms is not sufficient. If you’re traveling with your faithful furry companions in tow, it’s important to be mindful of their behavior when approaching wildlife on the road. Make sure that your pets are safely secured with restraint devices, to avoid additional distractions such as them lunging, climbing, or jumping forwards to get a closer look. Make sure that your pet is unable to lean out of or squeeze through any open windows or hatchbacks, being mindful to trigger window-locks, child-safety features in the rear doors, and otherwise barring escape routes. Escaped family pets chasing wildlife can cause additional stress and accidents on the road! Pay extra attention during Dusk and Dawn. Many animals are crepuscular, meaning they’re primarily active at dawn and at dusk, the times that they feel are safest to avoid their predators. This means that your chances of collision are higher during these hours, so you’ll want to remain extra attentive.  The animals may be more prey or food focused as well, and may leap to grab a bite to eat without cautiously surveying the area. Be prepared to stop more frequently. Where there is one, there are likely many! Lots of animals move in groups, flocks, and herds.  If you notice one lone animal or a few sparse stragglers crossing, stop and pause to observe if there are additional animals coming behind them. It’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and wait to see if there are more nearby. Be mindful of Seasonal factors such as wet leaves, rain, snow, and ice. Certain animals may also be more visible or less visible in different weather conditions. Check the wildlife in your area for their seasonal mating patterns, and be extra attentive during those times.  Some animals may also venture out with their offspring in the Spring/Summer season, increasing regional populations. Being mindful as well of any wet, slippery, and icy conditions can help you maintain safe distance and reasonable speeds to further reduce your statistical chances of accidents in this time frame.  Additionally, October through December are peak mating and hunting season times, so animals are more likely to be on the move. Use your high beams and reduce your speed. Many of these animals will do their best to avoid bright light, and it may increase your chances of preventing a collision. Animals will see the lights coming, and steer clear of the roadways. Likewise, this can provide additional visibility on dark or dimly lit roadways, providing you extra safety measures in spotting wildlife before it's too late.  Flicking your high beams on and off at incoming wildlife may also encourage them to turn around and avoid crossing. Be on the lookout for loose dogs and stray cats, especially in urban and residential areas. While it would be ideal if Fido and Fifi could stay in their homes or yards or safely attached to leashes, accidents happen and sometimes household pets make a break for it.  In busy city areas or suburban streets, your chances of coming across a stray dog or cat increase.  Additionally, some people do not obey leash laws and allow their dogs off-lead walking space, which can lead to animals darting away from their owners unexpectedly to chase another animal or greet someone across the street. Driving the posted speed limit in these areas is important, to avoid hitting someone’s household pet and causing injuries or death. Use your brakes, but don’t swerve! Reducing your speeds, honking the car horn, flashing your lights, and tapping your brakes can not only warn the incoming animals but may alert other drivers behind you or in front of you.  If there are no other drivers behind you, hard braking to avoid collision is recommended.  If you find collision is inevitable, do your best not to swerve, and instead maintain control of your vehicle so you don’t veer off the road or skid into other obstacles or cars. What to do if you find roadkill on the street: Roadkill should be removed from roadways as soon as possible; call local authorities. Leaving the deceased carcass in the road can cause additional accidents as drivers swerve to avoid hitting it, as well as attracting additional scavenging wildlife to the area hoping for a meal.  The best way to remove the roadkill is contacting local authorities; animal control or other law enforcement agencies will come to the area to remove it. If you must remove roadkill from your property or quiet street yourself, follow important safety precautions. Wildlife carries a high risk of transferring pets, diseases, bacteria, and other zoonotic illness, and this is especially true of deceased animals.  It is best that you call local pest removal companies to dispose of the animal.  However, if you are in a situation where  this is not possible, and the carcass needs to be removed immediately, follow safety protocols. Make sure you do not touch the roadkill with your bare hands; though as mentioned it is inadvisable to move the roadkill yourself, if you must, be sure to use a mask, thick gloves as well as a shovel or other implement that enables you to lift it without touching it and transfer it to heavy-duty garbage bags, and place safely out of the way of incoming drivers. Clean the area by hosing it down and using an environmentally friendly disinfectant to clean the area of hazardous bacteria. Do not attempt to salvage or reclaim the roadkill. Some sport hunters and taxidermists may be tempted to take the roadkill home to repurpose, but in most states this is strictly prohibited. Some states or towns may allow this with specific permits or tags if it is then registered with local state authorities within a limited time frame (usually within 24 hrs). Again, this is not recommended due to high risk of disease and parasites, and you should always adhere to local and state regulations.

World Rivers Day was created to remind communities of the critical importance of rivers as waterways and as pathways to communities all across the globe. Not only do they provide environmental protection to wildlife, serve as vital sources of fresh water and food, provide estuaries and passageways for travel and transportation, and an overall life support for global ecosystems. more In the United States we have more than 250,000 rivers, totaling out to 3.5 million miles, each of which are vital resources for fresh drinking water as well as the food we consume daily.  Not only that, but they’re also incredible opportunities for us to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, rafting, and kayaking! Illinois has more than 87,100 miles of rivers and streams within state lines, and 880 miles of rivers along its borders.   Learn more about canoeing and Kayaking throughout the state here! Here’s a look at some of the longest rivers in our state: The Mississippi River is the world’s 4th longest river and North America’s longest river!  580 miles of which runs through Illinois; it is the state to have the largest population living along the river. This includes towns such as East Dubuque, Galena, Nauvoo, Hamilton and more. The Illinois River is about 270 miles long, and is a primary estuary for the Mississippi River.  You can travel along 150 miles of the Illinois River Road Corridor and visit the cities and towns along the way including: Ottawa, Marseilles, Princeton, Henry, Peoria, Canton, Pekin, and Havana just to name a few!  Activities include birding, nature photography, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The Ohio River is 981-miles long and located at the boundary between the midwestern and the southern US. The Illinois portion of the river begins at the mouth of the Wabash River and flows 133 miles to confluence with the Mississippi River at Fort Defiance.  Towns along the Ohio River banks include Cairo Old Shawneetown, Elizabethtown, Golconda, and Metropolis just to name a few. The Wabash River is a tributary of the Ohio River, and is 503 miles long. It flows to southern Illinois where it forms the border between Indiana and Illinois.  You can  gain access to the river from Hutsonville, Westport, St. Francisville, Mt. Carmel, Grayville, Maunie, and New Haven.  This is considered a very challenging river to navigate even by the most experienced boaters, as the water depth can vary anywhere from 6 inches to 50 feet deep!  It is prized by anglers, however, for its unparalleled access to fish not found on any other water source in Illinois. Rivers to Visit and Explore in Lake County area: Buffalo Creek Des Plaines River Fox River Nippersink Creek Skokie River Waukegan River