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Minqua is a year round fishing destination and 2,300 bodies of water located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. With one of the country’s largest concentrations of freshwater lakes, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for anglers and outdoor aficionados.  Game fishing season opens the first Saturday of every May for walleye, northern pike, and bass, but you can snag perch, crappie, and bluegill as open options year round. During the month of May through the first week of June walleye northern pike crappie perch and bluegill are top priority. Not into fishing? No problem! There’s plenty more to do in Minocqua besides!  We’ll cover plenty of other great activities and adventures in this post, too. more Local Fishing Hot Spots in Minocqua Area to Snag the Best Catch Minocqua Chain of Lakes is a very popular area of lakes right in the middle of Minocqua, and while it's a very busy region in the summer, you’ll still find plenty of quiet areas in the evenings for a more leisurely experience.  It’s one of the most popular fishing areas, but also has lots to do for the angler averse.  The lake includes 5 different lakes with plenty of opportunities to catch quite a bit!  First up is Tomahawk Lake, a 3,462 acre lake that’s 84 feet deep with unparalleled clarity.  You’ll find muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish.  Minocqua Lake has 1,339 acres and is 60 feet deep with moderately clear water.  You’ll find muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish.  Kawaguesaga lake is 700 acres and 44 feet deep; you’ll find panfish to be the most common catch followed by muskie, smallmouth bass, and walleye.  Mid Lake is 221 acres, and just 12 feet deep; its most common catches are muskie, northern pike, and panfish.  Little Tomahawk Lake is 153 acres and 48 feet deep; common catches here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass,walleye, and muskie. Outside of the Minocqua Chain of lakes you’ll find plenty more boating and fishing areas. Squirrel Lake is a gorgeous 1,309 acre lake with a 46 foot depth, and anglers have noted muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish as the most common fish to catch, although northern pike have been found as well.  Clear Lake is 95 feet deep and 873 acres, with common catches including muskie, walleye, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish.  Shishebogama Lake is 700 acres and 42 feet deep and a great spot to snag some muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish. Other local hot spots include Blue Lake. Amber Lake, Bolger Lake, Booth Lake, Buckskin Lake, Carrol Lake, Madeline Lake, Pine Lake, Stone Lake, Sweeny Lake. Here’s a great guide to local fishing tips and tricks in Minocqua by fish type! Amazing Adventures and Activities for the Angler Averse Sure, fishing may be one of the greatest American pastimes, but we understand that it’s not for everyone. It requires an immense amount of practice, patience, and persistence.  Sometimes, folks just want to get right into the excitement and action on vacation instead of sitting and waiting. We get it!  That’s why we’ve rounded up our picks for great things to do outside of boating and fishing. Why not take a visit to the Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Nature Center! This incredible 168 acre zoo and safari park is a fun, educational experience with plenty of excitement for the whole family. You’ll explore more than a thousand animals encompassing more than two hundred species!  It’s the second largest zoo in Wisconsin, and is just a short drive away from the fisherman’s paradise.  You can opt to stroll on your own, or take a guided tour from the local staff.  Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there’s also plenty of opportunity to participate in hand-feeding the animals for a truly memorable visit. Take a walk in the wild side with a ziplining tour through the treetops with Northwoods Zipline. Adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers will check off all their boxes during this two and a half hour zipline through the lakes and forests of Minocqua.  With 9 different ziplines and 5 adventure bridges to cross, there’s never a dull moment here. Plus, there’s an exhilarating tree-top obstacle course, swings, and climbing areas to enjoy. Hit the trails with an ATV tour and experience the lake from a new perspective. A&M UTV Rentals offers ATV Tours t hrough the more than 200 miles of trails in the forest and around the lakes.  Rentals are available for a maximum of 8 hours, perfect for a full day of sightseeing and thrill seeking for any wilderness enthusiast. Grab your bicycles and mountain bikes and head for a trail ride, or your best running and hiking shoes for a trail hike and dash at Bearskin State Trail. With more than 18 miles of scenic trails and landscapes through lakes, creeks, and forest, you’ll get up close and personal with nature. Bring your binoculars and digital cameras to capture some great nature photography or go birding, too! Book a ticket to watch the Min-Aqua Bats amazing water ski show during the summer! This local Minocqua team of waterskiers perform must-see tricks such as juggling, jumps, and flips from their water skis! Looking for some more ways to unwind and relax in Minocqua? Check out this local guide of activities and fun things to do in the area.

Today is National Picnic Day, and what better way to celebrate than making big plans to celebrate with friends and family with a picnic and some delicious local food at State Fairs around Illinois and Wisconsin! more Amazing State Fairs and Outdoor Events in Wisconsin and Illinois for Spring and Summer 2023 Running now through May 13th in Spring Grove, you won’t want to miss out on the incomparable Richardson Farm Tulip Festival. With more than 5 acres and 300,000 bulbs featuring 30 different varieties of flower, this memorable event is the experience of a lifetime.  From wine tastings to photo ops to delicious donuts and more, your whole family will have something to enjoy!  Plus, you’ll get to pick your own free tulip with each admission ticket. The Spring Fling is celebrating its first annual event in Springfield, Illinois featuring local food and drinks, horse riding, and special events by the Wooten Rodeo Company as well as the Fairground Showdown Youth Speed Challenge, all happening at the DuQuoin State Fair Grounds Reserve May 20th to enjoy  an annual family-friendly celebration in Springfield for the LGBTQIA+ Springfield Pridefest event! With plenty of live entertainment, local food and drink, and unique local vendors and artisan goods, you’ll have the time of your life.  So don your best rainbows and your glitteriest accessories, and come on down. Reserve the first weekend in June to visit H arvard, IL and enjoy the celebration of “Harvard Milk Days”.  Each year, a two mile stretch of the town center is flooded with more than 30 special events and exhibits as they celebrate the local dairy industry for more than 80 years!  Visitors will enjoy a very festive parade, rides and games, local food, a fireworks show, a petting zoo, a Jr. Cattle Show, special races and contests, live entertainment, and so much more. On June 4th from 10AM to 4PM, the local favorite Good Old Summertime Art Fair is returning to Kenosha, Wisconsin! This free admission event is held rain or shine, so you can make your plans with confidence.  Enjoy the regional and local fine arts and local handcrafted goods in the downtown area at Civic Center Park. The Bristol Renaissance Fair takes place in Kenosha, WI every weekend from July through September.  Families will love leaping back in time to the late 1500s!  With more than 2,000 performers and 13 stages as well as special guests, visitors will enjoy a rollicking good time enjoying parades, live music, historical reenactments, special exhibits and live demonstrations, and so much more. The Wisconsin State Fair runs this year from August 3rd through the 13th, celebrating its roots and traditions for 172 years!  Families will find all sorts of affordable fun and activities at this entertaining and educational event.  Explore the agricultural showcase featuring renewable energy programs and agricultural demonstrations, learn about horticulture, crafts and textile, and even culinary competitions!  There’s also dozens of stages offering country, pop, rock, R&B, oldies, and comedy shows to fit all kinds of folks.  Not to mention, there’s hundreds of local and regional food and beverage vendors. Don’t forget oto sample Wisconsin’s official state food while you’re there: The deep-fried Cheese curd.  There’s also lots of games, attractions, and shopping to enjoy! The Annual Illinois State Fair is back again in Springfield from August 10th through the 20th.  This agricultural fair celebrates the rich history of Illinois as a farming community, with good ol’ fashioned state fair fun!  Welcoming nearly 350,000 visitors every year, fairgoers will enjoy live entertainment, big names in country and rock concerts, horse racing, a carnival and parade, local foods and beer, and so very much more!  Head on over to sample the famous corndogs and ogle the butter cow sculptures. It’s a can’t-miss local event! The 40th Annual Port Clinton Art Festival 2023 will be held on August 26th and 27th in Highland Park, Illinois This beautiful family friendly event takes place downtown and features an incredible array of local artists and artisans.  The downtown streets are closed to traffic, so you can enjoy a relaxing stroll to admire the art and handcrafted goods on display and for purchase in the market.  It’s also wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly! Close out your summer with the Annual Hoopeston National Sweet Corn Festival, happening August 31st through September 4th 2023. The self-proclaimed corn capitol of the world, Hoopsetown hosts a 5-day festival celebrating you guessed it: Corn!  Festivalgoers will have a blast at the themed parade, followed by a carnival, 5K Run, Demo Derby, Tractor Pull, and all sorts of fun contests and activities with live entertainment.

Kia presents bold ‘Opposites United’ design exhibition, which offers new approach to delivering sustainability solutions, at  Milan Design Week Kia to prioritize design that overcomes divergence of human everyday needs  and  essential sustainability requirements New Kia EV9 exemplifies new approach and utilizes a range of innovative sustainable materials, to deliver a premium look and feel, setting new standards for sustainable mobility Brand’s first global exhibition nominated for ‘Fuorisalone Award’ which recognizes the ‘best’ of the Milan Design Week more Here at Classic Kia, we’re so proud to be a part of a manufacturing and automotive brand that is so committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility.  Earth Day may be but once a year, but at Kia, the advancement for human and environmental wellbeing is an everyday effort! On April 21st in Milan, Italy, Kia presented an impressive “Opposites United” design exhibition, sharing the company’s vision for a new approach to sustainability solutions.  Kia is setting goals to prioritize designs that work with humanity’s evolving need for mobility and harmonizing these concepts with essential environmentally responsible practices.  The company hopes that this innovative approach will improve customer experience, advance mobility and design, and transform the products for modern lifestyles, all while keeping environmental concerns in mind to leave a positive, lasting legacy behind for future generations. Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, commented: "Kia is crafting transformational products that are desirable and balance the contrasts between environmental responsibilities and modern life. Through this approach, we aim to create authentic and inspiring experiences for our customers, which enable them to foster greater societal connections and pursue a better quality of life.” The Kia EV9 is just one of many planned vehicles that utilize a range of sustainable materials and innovative designs to create an automobile with modern amenities, sleek design, and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.  The EV9 is the first model which embraces the three-step Design Sustainability Strategy. The Design Sustainability Strategy initiative plans to phase out the use of leather; increase the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oil; and apply 10 “Must-have” sustainable items to all new Kia models.  Kia will also continue to fulfill its commitment to increasing the use of recycled plastics used to 20% by the year 2030, and aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2045. "Kia's design philosophy represents far more than just the way our cars look,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO. “It reflects our commitment to compatibly advance two crucial areas which have come to be at odds with one another: human mobility needs and environmental sustainability.” “With the 'Opposites United' design philosophy, Kia aims to demonstrate its innovative approach that enriches customers’ experiences while leaving a positive legacy for future generations,” Song added. Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is based on five key design pillars, each of which was illustrated in a dedicated space as part of the Milan exhibition: Bold for Nature; Joy for Reason; Power to Progress; Technology for Life; and Tension for Serenity. Bold for Nature Bold for Nature is based on interaction with and informed by the details, shapes and proportions found in both the natural and human worlds. It is about both embracing nature and making a positive mark on the world. This design pillar creates organic yet technical structures and finishes for vehicle interiors. Exterior designs are characterized by a combination of clear and simple lines with bold, ever-changing surfaces. The Bold for Nature space shows the promise of harmonizing in front of large nature representations, acquiring teachings and finding fundamental motifs therein. This work contains a message for human beings to pursue bold beauty with respect for all things in nature. Speakers include design critic Alice Rawsthorn and landscape architect Bas Smets, with an evening performance by electronic music producer Pantha du Prince. Joy for Reason Joy for Reason focuses on experiences that spark joy, which will influence the feel and ambience of Kia’s future vehicles. It stands for playful products, touching experiences, and new interactions. Future designs embracing Joy for Reason will fuse the emotional with the rational, creating vehicles that influence their passengers’ moods by relaxing and inspiring. It will also influence the adoption of new organic materials and more daring colors, expressing a sense of youth and playfulness. The Joy for Reason space depicts the promise of Kia Design to turn even mundane experiences into unexpected joyful memories. Speakers include writer Pr. Helen Hester, and producer, actor, and editor Carlo Antonelli, with a classical evening performance by the quartet of La Scala. Tension for Serenity Tension for Serenity evokes the tension between opposing forces and creative contrasts. It embraces the equilibrium that comes from two opposing forces and encompasses bringing order out of chaos and purpose to the future. Applied to automotive design, Tension for Serenity delivers striking design concepts that use sharp, highly technical details to create surface tension and realize a harmonized, future-oriented vision. The Tension for Serenity space brings tranquility through eloquence and harmony at all boundaries where there were conflicts or opposite elements. Speakers include NTS Radio Founder, Femi Adeyemi, and composer and sound designer Nicolas Becker, with an evening performance by singer-songwriter Alewya. Technology for Life Technology for Life embraces new technologies and innovations to foster positive interactions between humans and machines. It focuses less on devices themselves and more on the way humans engage with them, hinting at future Kia products that will adopt a next-generation in-car user experience (UX). This will be achieved through design innovation and advancements in lighting, feel, and in-car connectivity – all with the goal of helping customers engage with their cars. The Technology for Life space contains content based on technology and know-how accumulated by Kia Design. It shows Kia’s commitment to becoming a partner that can help customers make important memories in life. Speakers include designer Bethan Laura Wood and design curator Marco Sammicheli. In addition, evening performances feature electronic music by Talpha. Power to Progress Finally, Power to Progress stands for the drive to move forward, onward, and upward. In the context of design, this means building on the brand’s current strengths. By drawing on and developing the skills and expertise learned throughout Kia’s recent design-led transformation, the designs and layouts of the brand’s future products will continue to evolve. Future designs will draw on experience and creativity to invent and innovate. The Power to Progress area illustrates how human beings can pursue happiness by harmonizing their goals with nature and experiences. Speakers include curator Andrea Lissoni and philosopher Emanuele Coccia. Evening performances feature musician, sound designer, and drummer Missing Ear; pop music producer Hudson Mohwake, and electronic music DJ Afrodeutsche. Besides the guiding principle of the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, Kia’s future design will also embrace the company’s new Sustainable Design Strategy. This three-step initiative outlines ways to improve the sustainability of the materials used in building its cars: Action 1 stands for ‘Leather free,’ meaning Kia will completely phase out the use of animal-sourced leather in all its future products – starting with the EV9. Replacing leather and PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) with recycled materials will reduce the use of toxic chemicals as well as the amount of carbon emitted during the production process. Action 2 denotes ‘Ten must-have sustainable items.’ This step defines a baseline of ten sustainable materials – recycled, organic, or biodegradable – which will be applied to all Kia models in the future. Action 3 stands for ‘Bio fabrication,’ the ambitious goal of developing new, bio-based materials for use in cars. Successful tests have already been carried out with mycelium, which is found in the root structure of mushrooms. To accomplish this, Kia is partnering with startups and innovators and investing in research and development to grow new materials for its cars. Kia has a long history of integrating sustainable materials into its products, starting with the use of bioplastic and sugar cane bio-fiber through the second-generation ‘Soul EV’ in 2014. Now, Kia’s environmentally friendly materials range from eco-processed leather and vegan alternatives to recycled plastic waste, and even recycled ghost nets which were retrieved from the ocean.

Summer is Coming! And it's time to talk about the importance of cleaning and servicing your car's AC and ventilation system before the heat wave hits. We're here to break down some of the important terminology and terms with our next installment of Classic's Automotive Terminology Decoder! more Here are some of the terms you may hear when speaking with your mechanic or service professional about your AC and Climate Control system: A/C compressor An engine-driven pump in the air conditioning system that increases the pressure of the refrigerant. A/C drain hose A hose used to drain condensation from the air conditioner evaporator. Air conditioner refrigerant The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures. Air conditioning The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicle's cabin air. Air conditioning filter A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system. Air filter A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine. Climate control The computer-controlled regulation of heating and air conditioning systems to accommodate a user-specified temperature setting. HVAC Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Radiator core & AC condenser The part of a vehicle's radiator and air conditioning systems made up of small-diameter tubes with a series of thin, heat-conducting fins in between. Rear HVAC The climate-control system used to regulate heating and air conditioning for the area of a vehicle behind the front row seating. How does it all work? Your car’s climate control system is a complex combination of components that include the compressor, condenser, receiver/dryer or an accumulator, a thermal expansion valve or orifice tube, and an evaporator. The compressor helps pressurize refrigerant to cool the air, and can sense the temperatures both inside and outside the vehicle, moves air to the condenser, etc.  The condenser helps reduce the temperature and the pressure of any hot gasses emitted from the refrigeration system, and moves cold liquid refrigerant to your receiver/dryer or the accumulator.  The most common parts to need service are the compressor and the condenser Additionally, low refrigerant (can be caused by leaks), a worn or broken v-belt or serpentine belt (helps the compressor function), or a busted compressor switch may also be the culprit. How do you diagnose an issue with your vehicle’s AC/Heating system? If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s an indication that your car’s AC system is in need of help from a pro: The air from the vents is not actually cold.  This may be due to debris clogging the AC unit, low or no refrigerant, damaged cooling fans, or more. You hear strange noises coming from the vent such as banging, rattling, squealing.  This might be a simple fix such as removing debris, or it may be a broken component inside. Your nose twinges due to foul smelling, musty, stale, or strange smells coming from the AC vents.  This may indicate that you need a new air filter or clear debris, but it may also indicate that you have mold growth inside the unit.  If you notice a chemical smell, that may indicate a leak in the AC or the radiator. There are water stains inside your vehicle instead of underneath it.  Your AC system drains water out from underneath your vehicle, and it’s a perfectly normal, healthy sign.  However, if you run the unit and notice any puddling or dampness inside on your floormats or under the dash, it may indicate that there’s a clog. There may be a leak in the AC system, which a professional will diagnose with special dyes to help identify and indicate the location and source of the leak. If you spot any of the above issues, it’s time to schedule a call with our service department for an AC system check.  Our professional technicians will thoroughly inspect your climate control system and its components to diagnose if the problem is mechanical or electrical. What can I do to help maintain my car’s ventilation and air conditioning system? Check under the hood and remove any leaves, trash, or other debris from inside the engine bay (when the car is cooled!) Check the cabin air filter and clean it or replace it. Clean your vehicle’s air vent system with a microfiber cloth, small brush, and air sanitizer.

Tribute Edition bows out with optional exclusive Steel Matte Gray exterior color1 and sport-focused enhancements inside the cabin Limited to 1000 global units; 440 units allocated for the U.S. Existing Kia customers and hand raisers among first to receive word on Tribute Edition’s arrival at dealers MSRP for the limited-edition model starts from $53,3902 more With just 440 units for sale across the U.S., and 1,000 models worldwide, the Stinger Tribute Limited Edition is certain to make some waves as the Stinger fastback sedan ends its 6 year production run.   This  limited run Stinger Tribute edition is on track with the rest o the Stinger GT-Line, which have impressive features such as the 3.3 liter turbocharged V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options.  The Stinger sedans have sold a cool 65,000 models since their launch in the US in 2019. "While it may be the end of the road for Stinger, its legacy lives on through our innovative products, both current and forthcoming,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “A catalyst that set off Kia’s advancements in engineering and driving dynamics, the Stinger ultimately put the brand on the map among enthusiast drivers. Thanks to our learnings from the Stinger, we were able to develop adrenaline-inducing products like the EV6 GT - which recently won the 2023 World Performance Car of the Year award - so giving it a proper send off with this commemorative edition felt absolutely necessary. In celebration of this incredible car, the limited run has some truly unique and impressive features including the Steel Matte Grey exterior paint option, a 3.3 liter turbocharged V-6 with optional all-wheel drive, black-accented details and exhaust tips, Brembo brakes, and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior features  luxurious terracotta nappa leather-trimmed finish seats with custom logos, a synthetic suede headliner, and a carbon fiber simulated trim on the interior, and numbered plates inside the door sill.  It’s a truly stunning, eye-catching ride that is sure to make its mark on the automotive collector community! “We want to give our loyal customers a jump on the opportunity to own this ultra exclusive Stinger Tribute Edition,” said Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales, Kia America. “By notifying them of the Stinger’s arrival first, along with hand raisers who have expressed interest in the iconic sport sedan, we anticipate this customer base will flock to dealers to snag the last of the Stingers.” Existing Kia customers will receive the first notices of the Tribute Edition’s arrival at dealerships across the country, so keep your eyes peeled for that special announcement!

It’s time for another fun Youtuber Roundup where we gather all of the latest and greatest videos from our subscriptions on the streaming platform.  Whether you’re looking for fun shorts or lengthier DIYs and tutorials, we’ve got you covered. more First up is the latest published today from Donut Media, covering the fastest American cars of all time.  Watch the crew test out the vehicles on camera, and give you a little history and tech specs on each! Get your car summer ready by super-cleaning its interior before your next lengthy road trip!  From the dashboards to the doors to the backseat and floor, ChrisFix has got you all set with a step-by-step detailed tutorial. Always struggling with packing too much or too little when you travel? Here’s some great advice on packing your road trip essentials to get you started.  Gemini Discover on YouTube has even included a handy downloadable list, and includes a link to part 2 with essential clothes and toiletries!  Definitely a must-watch before you plan your next vacation. Get ready for a summer of travel with this classic video from CNET Cars and their helpful checklist of preparations from tire treads to fluid levels and then some, with honest and upfront advice. Driving a manual transmission car isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and if you’ve ever been a passenger along for a bumpy, jerky ride, you’ll know that there’s definitely a right and wrong way to do it.  The Conquer Driving Channel video has some great tips and tricks to demonstrate how to drive a manual car smoothly!  Bear in mind that this video is UK based, so please don’t drive on the wrong side of the road here. Looking for even more manual driving tips?  This video from US based Casey the Car Guy is another great watch! Changing your car’s fluids and taking it in for a service appointment are a must-do on your pre vacation checklist.  However, if you prefer to take matters into your own hands, or perhaps you’re stranded while traveling and need to DIY it, ChrisFix has yet another wonderful video!  This step by step comprehensive guide will take you through the process of changing your own oil including what tools and supplies you will need to do it safely. Headlights looking a little dull and murky, but feeling overwhelmed with the amount of options that are available for headlight restoration kits? We feel you! Thank godoness for this helpful video from WatchJRGo where he runs through every single kit at O’Reilleys and tells you which one works best for his needs.  You’ll find a great jumping off point along with links to help you along.

We’re celebrating National Mushroom Day the only way we know how – by bringing cars into it!  Whether you’re a fan of these little fungi due to nostalgia from your Nintendo days, you’re a fledgling mycologist, or you’re just into the cottagecore or goblincore aesthetic, we’re here to bring you the best, and most charming of car accessories  There’s all sorts of fun, unique ways to add character to your ride, and we love the idea of gussying it up with things that reflect your interests and personality. Best of all, many of these items are also barriers to protect your vehicle from mess, muck, mud, and even stinky aromas. more Summer is almost upon us, and that means plenty of iced coffees, slushies, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas!  Keep your vehicle’s cupholders clean and tidy with a set of car coasters!  Here are some magical little mushroom themed ones to fit the theme: These Sparkling Resin Cottagecore Frog and Mushroom coasters from WonderlandArtShopUS on Etsy These neoprene cottagecore mushroom car coasters from WHFlies on Etsy. These cork cottagecore coasters with mushrooms and frogs (plenty of options for personalization) from WalnutCreekGiftsCo on Etsy. Want to keep your car smelling fresh as the woodland air, as sweetly scented as the fresh wildflowers of the forest?  We’ve got just the thing for you!  Here’s our picks for best mushroom themed car fresheners! These sustainable option s from ShopVroomBlooms on Etsy are made of wood and come with their own fragrance oil bottle to get you started! These Mushroom Car Freshies from LisaReneeDesignsCo on Etsy are great options for longlasting scent with a bit of pizazz! Choose your scent and color option to personalize your car freshener. Add some vintage flair with these retro inspired mushroom air fresheners in Black Ice Scent from 13Tumbleweeds on Etsy. We love this Super Mario Movie and Game inspired Mushroom air freshener that has a fresh strawberry scent sold on Amazon. Always misplacing your keys and wondering where you put them? Well, why not make them easy to find with a unique and colorful keychain!  Whether you misplace them at work, at home, or at the store, having a unique identifier like a mushroom keychain will help you get back on the road in no time. These personalized Super Mario Mushroom Nintendo Inspired keychains from CCWorks3D on Etsy are just the thing to help you find your keys in a flash. These holographic hotel style mushroom keychains from BagsFromBeyond on Etsy are truly an eyecatching design! They’ll glimmer and glint their way back into your hands, if you can even take your eyes off their mesmerizing holo to begin with. If you prefer something very light in weight but heavy on personality, this happy toadstool keychain from LydiaJeanArt on Etsy is going to really excite you! They say home is where the heart is, but nothing much matters if you lose your keys and can’t get into the car to drive home, or into the front door of the house itself!  Why not get this charming little frog and toadstool keychain from WildflowerandCompany on Etsy! If you’d like to keep in theme with the more rustic of accessories styles, this handmade 3 inch burned wood mushroom keychain from AASBCreations on Etsy is going to be just the perfect option! It’s almost earth day, so why not celebrate by preserving this incredible piece of mother nature as a keepsake right in your pocket? This natural, real chanterelle mushroom is preserved in eco-resin with natural forest moss in an acorn keychain shape from IrisArtTextile on Etsy. Long summer road trips and vacation travel means you need to keep your hands and body parts cool during the drive!  We’ve got some great picks for seatbelt covers, backseat fabric covers, seat covers, and steering wheel protectors all with our fun little theme. This Mushroom Car Accessory Wheel Cover is made of fabric and neoprene to keep your hands off the burning hot steering wheel and driving safely, and it’s available on Amazon! If you’d like to coordinate your entire vehicle with the same pattern, we’ve got this fantastic set of front and rear seat covers, seatbelt covers, car coasters, and more, sold on Amazon. For a less psychedelic effect, this woodland themed mushroom car seat and accessories collection on Amazon is going to be a more subtle option. If you’re looking to take your pups on the road with you, we’ve got a great set of backseat car covers that are pet friendly! Rainasvibes.com has a wonderful selection of different mushroom and retro themed pet seat covers that will keep them free of muck, sand, and grime as you and your best pal become globetrotters.

Here at Classic we have all sorts of interests and hobbies, but somehow we always find our way back to cars!  Today is National Anime Day, and we’re sharing our picks for some of the most amazing animated cars from Anime shows and movies.  From real life designs to the most fantastical cat bus, you’ll find all sorts of cool cartoon cars on today’s blog. more The iconic Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro Thanks to the whimsical imagination of Hayao Miyazaki, we have one of the most incredibly imaginative vehicles in anime.  This wacky set of “wheels” transports its passengers by flying! The Toyota AE86 from Initial D This iconic car is inspired by the real deal street racing favorite in Japan!  This pinnacle anime has inspired live action adaptations, as well as movies like Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. This anime is absolutely chock full of incredible vehicles, though, and our pals over at Donut Media took the time to rank every car in the series for your viewing pleasure. Speed Racer’s incredible Mach 5 Racer This anime was inspired by real life racing cars, and has become an indelible memory across multiple generations.  Adapted from the Mach GoGoGo anime into a cartoon anime series in 1967 and subsequent live action film decades later. The historic 1928 Mercedes Benz SSK in Lupin III Although Lupin also drove a Fiat 500, the Mercedes car was a familiar transport in the first, second, and third series! Becoming as much a character of the show as their human counterparts, these two vehicles have permeated pop culture references since the show premiered. 1,500 × 840 The Spinners in Blade Runner: Black Lotus These stunning futuristic transports are snatched right from the live action film and given a glossy, technicolor anime update for the spectacular anime spinoff. Looking for some recommendations for anime to watch if you’re into racing and cars?  We’ve scoured the internet to find you some great recap videos and top lists to peruse and find your new favorite show. KingMart on YouTube has a “Carguy’s Watch Series” with their top 5 Street Racing Anime if you can’t get enough of franchises like Initial D or Fast and furious. An oldie but still a goodie, the gang at Donut Media (we love ‘em!) compiled a list of their personal Top 10 Auto Racing Animes.  It may be from 2017, but the recommendations are still top tier.

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to transport your new plants home, or move your favorite plants from your old dwelling to your new one safe and sound! more Gardening has some truly wonderful benefits for your mind, body, and soul! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. Gives your body a boost of Vitamin D from working outdoors in sun! How to Transport Plants safely in your car: Cardboard boxes, foldable storage bins, laundry baskets Sheet cake pans Small towels Small plastic bags or trash bags Recycled newspapers Optional: nonskid mats for your trunk, floor, hatchback First things first, line your car with the nonskid mats.  Next, line up your cardboard boxes or bins side by side. If you’re transporting smaller plants, sheet pans are a great option!  Wrap the bottom of the pots in plastic bags or newspaper to prevent dirt and moisture from getting into your vehicle.  Then, place your plants gently into the boxes or bins, grouping small plants together closely as possible, and medium or large plants in their own boxes.  Place rolled up newspaper or small towels between the plants to ensure they don’t slide around while driving. If you’re driving a long distance, or making a few stops for more errands, make sure to place low-light plants in the shadier areas of the car, and the ones who like direct sunlight in where they’ll get the most sun to avoid wilting. If you’re taking plants with you while moving house or apartments, you’ll want to make sure the plants are in a temperature-controlled environment so avoid too-hot or too-cold temps blasting from the vents; likewise, if they’re making a big move with you, be sure to give them adequately wet soil before the drive!  You’ll also want to consider pruning your plants before the big move to get rid of dead leaves and the like. Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Buena Vibra Plant Shop in Waukegan Larsen Florists & Greenhouses Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery Community gardens are an incredible way to connect with your local neighbours and fellow citizens, especially if your current home doesn’t have much room or your landlord doesn’t permit it.  But that’s not all community gardens can do! Planting wildflowers can restore local pollinator populations.  Container gardens, replacing sidewalk grass strips with planters, and even small scale orchards in public parks can beautify the area, reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Waukegan Garden Club Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills

We’re so excited that Record Store Day is back for another year!  Founded in 2007 by a group of very enthusiastic indie record store owners, this holiday was intended to share a love of record collecting, vinyl record culture, and music history with others.  Since then, the holiday has blossomed into an industry wide favorite, with record companies and artists producing a wide array of super special singles, limited pressing Record Store Day collectible vinyl, and other goodies just for fans. more If you’re on the hunt for a specific pressing, we recommend showing up bright and early. It’s not uncommon for record shops to have lines around the block before opening time!  The thrill of the hunt is half the fun, and scoring some prized picks to share with friends and appreciate for the lifetime is all the rest!  Plus, it’s a great way to support local commerce and your friendly neighborhood small business owners.  Indie record stores are a treasure to behold, and provide such a fun, creative place to visit.  That’s why we’re sharing a list of our picks for great Wisconsin and Illinois record shops that are worthy of a little road trip with your pals to make memories with some seriously magical music.  Check it out! Each year a new Record Store Day Ambassador is crowned for the season. This year’s 2023 ambassadors are husband-and-wife duo Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell.  And as an extra special treat, they’re releasing “The Sound Emporium EP” as a Record Store Day Release with brand new songs. Check out these awesome local record shops you can patronize all year round: Play by Play Record Shop in Waukegan Reef Records in Antioch Reef Records in Lakemoor Vinyl Frontier Records in McHenry Scratched Vinyl in Barrington Blue Myrtle Records in Gurnee Offbeat Music Store in Lake Zurich Siren Records McHenry in McHenry Hip Cat Records & Music Videos in Wilmette Algonquin Records in Des Plaines Record Wonderland in Roselle MetalEdge Records and Tapes in Chicago Vintage Vinyl in Evanston Squeezebox Books & Music Inc in Evanston Rediscover Records in Elgin Cheap Kiss Records in Villa Park Tone Deaf Records in Chicago The Old School Records in Forest Park Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont Kiss the Sky in Batavia Rattleback Records in Chicago Mile Long Records in Wheaton Rolling Stones in Norridge Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park Reckless Records in Chicago Interstellar Space Records in Chicago Electric Jungle in Chicago Hyde Park Records in Chicago Shuga Records in Chicago Green Tangerine Records in DeKalb Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart Record Breakers in Chicago Black Circle Records in Lake Geneva WI Did we accidentally leave your fave local indie music store off the list? Please let us know in a comment so our readers can find and support your faves.

2023 Kia Sportage named among Autotrader’s 11 Best New Cars of 2023 Fifth-generation compact SUV was redesigned this year, inside, outside, and under the hood “We are proud to receive Autotrader’s Best New Car of 2023 recognition for the Kia Sportage,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The redesigned Sportage continues to impress adventure seekers and tech-savvy drivers, alike, with its versatility and multi-faceted appeal.” more 2023 Sportage HEV The all-new redesigned Kia Sportage has been recognized as a top pick of “Best New Cars” in 2023 by AutoTrader for its available electrified powertrains as well as its versatility!  The 2023 Kia Sportage is the brand’s fifth generation of the iconic SUV, which is available in a variety of options such as the internal combustion engine, a hybrid electric vehicle, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2023 List is selected by their team of expert editors. The vehicles are extensively tested and scored using a range of criteria including lifestyle needs, interior comfort, build quality, technical features, driving experience, and many more.  The editors pay special note to vehicles which have groundbreaking features and technology or which offer significant advantages and value in a particular category.  Additionally, winners in this category were those whose base model was priced under $110,000. "The latest Sportage is a significant improvement versus the past model and yet another Kia SUV that is best in class,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "What was once a competent compact SUV has been recast as a stylish, tech-laden, and very attractive competitor in the red-hot compact SUV segment."

Isn’t spring just fantastic? The days are getting longer. The sun is shining brighter. The weather is getting warmer. The roads are finally clear for us to embark on our next big adventure.  If you’re looking for something to spark your imagination when planning a truly unique road trip, let this guide light your way. more Today, we’re taking a moment to appreciate National Library Day by highlighting incredible libraries across the USA!  Any of these amazing, impressive libraries would make a great jumping off point to plan a grand trip and make memories of a lifetime with your friends and loved ones. Gorgeous and Inspiring Libraries Across America to Add to Your Future Road Trip Itinerary Milwaukee’s Central Library Stony Island Arts Bank The Poetry Foundation Library Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch The Central Library in Indiana The Central Library in Missouri The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale The Boston Public Library George Peabody Library at Johns Hopkins University Hearst Castle Library The Library of Congress Los Angeles Central Library New York Public Library The Morgan Library and Museum The Seattle Public Library The Geisel Library Looking for an inspired list of libraries to explore state by state? Photographer Robert Dawson and his son Walker spent a summer photographing libraries across the country for a special book about American Public Libraries. Check out their recommendations here. Visit your Local Library Before Your Next Trip Bulk up on your summer reading with these wonderful road trip memoirs to check out at the local library or county library: America Day By Day by Simone De Beauvoir is a wonderful memoir of the French author’s travels across America in 1947.  Going coast to coast from New York to Los Angeles via car, train, and Greyhound bus, she chronicles her adventures and chance encounters with unique individuals. Flaming Iguanas by Erika Lopez puts a unique spin on the road trip memoir as an illustrated novel!  This is not your mama’s average travel story, though, featuring a colorful cast of characters and chronicled in the author’s quirky, offbeat perspectives on each new adventure! Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham is sure to inspire travelers to take a chance and see the world from a new perspective!  Vietnamese born but California-raised, the author sells his worldly possessions and returns to Saigon in the wake of his sister’s passing.  Follow along on his incredibly personal journey as he bicycles across the globe from his home country of Vietnam to the Mexican dessert and even Japan! A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the World i s a collection of stories from solo women travelers as they navigate their way through terrifying, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hilarious adventures in new countries and cities. Whatever You Do. Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison is a hilarious collection of essays from his personal life in the African Bush as a safari travel guide.  From goofy tourists to wild animals, there’s plenty of tales to entertain and delight you. We hope that these unique travel stories inspire you to log your own adventures and travel tales so that you can enjoy the memories for generations to come!