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Compact Crossovers Earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Status The 2023 Sportage and Sportage Hybrid have been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award. The designation applies to the Sportage and Sportage Hybrid when equipped with LED projector headlights, and also makes the Sportage the ninth Kia vehicle to earn either a 2022 TSP or TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) award. more "Kia’s longest running nameplate continues to evolve into something greater with each generation, with the fifth generation delivering more of everything – especially safety – for today’s savvy, adventurous, and eco-conscious compact SUV buyers,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “These latest TSP designations are proof positive of that.” For 2023, the Sportage is underpinned by Kia’s all-new third generation N3 platform and delivers a wealth of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability, Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) also received TSP awards for 2022 earlier this year, while the Kia K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. To receive a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests – as well as an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations.  In addition, the vehicle must have at least one available headlight system that earns a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating. Kia America: Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Today is Manufacturing Day, a time when manufacturers open their doors and educate the general public in their processes, foster career growth in the industry, and provide insight into the positive potential of modern manufacturing to improve conditions globally.  Over the next decade, it’s expected that manufacturers will seek to fill nearly 4 million jobs! more This annual initiative is hosted by The Manufacturing Institute with partnership from Fabricators & Manufacturers Association to not only grow the industry but diversify its ranks through skills training, community building, and support for women, veterans, students, and workers. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the automotive industry and related manufacturing: By 2030, it’s anticipated that the automotive industry will achieve nearly $9 trillion in revenue/sales. In 2020 the US Motor Vehicle and Retail Parts trade revenue was $1.25 trillion The United States produced 8.8 million vehicles in 2020, which is 19% less than in 2019 In 2021, nearly 15 million vehicles were sold across the United States In 2021, the global automotive manufacturing market was more than $2.8 trillion USD As of 2021, the automotive industry manufacturing market in the US was valued at $82.6 billion In 2022, the global automotive manufacturing market is expected to grow to nearly $3 trillion USD In 2022, the current revenue of the car and automotive manufacturing industry is an estimated $100.9 billion USD (ibisworld) In 2022, it is expected that the US Car and Automotive manufacturing industry will increase in growth by nearly 3% (ibisworld) Due to increasing demand, it’s anticipated that 26% of net car sales will be electric vehicles in 2030, with 58 million new self-driving cars hitting roads by the same year according to Statista. An estimated 923,000 US residents work in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing and the average automotive production worker salary in the United States if $31,000 annually The automotive industry employs more than 1.7 million people who are all involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, assembling, and sales/service of motor vehicles Some of the best paid positions in automotive manufacturing include: Automotive Designers, Automotive Engineers, Coordinate Measuring Machine Technicians, Mechanics, Process Engineers, Process Technicians, and Production Supervisors Only 15% of automotive production workers are women, as opposed to 85% which are men; the industry is seeking to improve these statistics and diversify the workforce and promote equal employment opportunities Here’s some great videos that detail the process of manufacturing and assembling vehicles from factory to the consumer: Behind the Scenes at Vodafone and Automotive Manufacturing Tools and Tech UpSkul Explains the Car Manufacturing Process Car Parts Explained by Car Manufacturing Channel on YouTube Inside Lake County Manufacturing New Kia Sportage Production Plant 2022

Kia America returns to the iconic all-women off-road navigational challenge for third consecutive year Returning teammates Verena Mei and Tana White determined to outdo their outstanding performance from last year 2023 Sportage X-Pro outfitted by LGE-CTS Motorsports will compete in X-Cross class more Rebelle Rally 2022 IRVINE, CA, Sept. 28, 2022 – Kia America is headed to the iconic Rebelle Rally for the third year in a row, this time with a 2023 Sportage X-Pro that has been modified to handle the harsh topography that makes up the 1,500-mile navigational challenge. Teammates Verena Mei (driver) and Tana White (navigator) return this year for redemption in the X-Cross class after placing second in the Sorento PHEV last year. “Kia’s longest running nameplate has a storied past of off-road desert racing with impressive results to boot in the Paris-Dakar rally and Baja 1000 race,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “An incredible off-road contender back then, the latest iteration of the Sportage will build upon its legacy by tackling the arduous Rebelle Rally with finesse, especially with such a fierce team at the helm.” Rebelle Rally 2022 To help further the success of the team out on the trail, Kia partnered with Theresa Contreras and Sara Morosan, the powerhouse-sister team and owners of LGE-CTS Motorsports and Baja Forged off-road products, to prime the 2023 Sportage X-Pro for the rally. Wearing a wrap inspired by Kia’s new slogan, “Movement that Inspires,” the Sportage dons custom Baja Forged front- and rear bumpers complete with tow points and a custom roof rack. Skidplates in the front, rear and underbody will help protect the Sportage’s underbelly, while 17-inch Rhino wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A K02 tires, sponsored by Michelin. Rebelle Rally 2022 This treatment enhances the already capable Sportage X-Pro, which is powered by a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Made for outdoor adventures right out of the gate, the X-Pro comes standard with an Active AWD system and multi-terrain drive modes with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow. In 2021, two 2022 Sorento PHEVs earned podium spots in the X-Cross class with second- and third place finishes. The previous year, a 2020 Telluride narrowly missed first place in the X-Cross class. Follow this year’s team on RebelleRally.com from Oct. 6-15. Kia America Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Today is National Truckers Day!  In the age of lighting-fast shipping, ubiquitous subscription services, and even grocery delivery, today’s Truck Drivers are more valuable than ever; in fact, the industry is expected to grow 21% in the next 10 years as a result!  So let’s take a look at some of the neat fun facts about the trucking industry, and the ways that it’s evolving with our ever-changing world! more The first semi truck was invented in 1898 by Alexander Winton from Cleveland Ohio since he needed a way to transport his cars to buyers many miles away. German-American blacksmith Charles Freuhauf is credited with inventing the first tractor trailer in 1914, devised as a way of conveniently transporting his boat! There are over 15 million trucks in operation today across the United States, and if you lined them up end-to-end they would reach from Earth to the Moon! Truck engines are engineered to drive more than one million miles before they’re retired, which is 800,000 more miles than the average car engine lasts. Talk about efficiency! Since the trucking industry consumes about 50 billion gallons of fuel each year, with the average commercial truck consuming 20,500 gallons of gas annually. As a result, engineers are committed to producing cleaner fuel vehicles such as clean diesel, hybrid, and even electric models, and it’s come a long way already! Operating one diesel truck back in 1988 equates to the clean diesel emissions of sixty of today’s modern trucks, and emissions from large trucks have been cut over 95% in the past two decades. 1 in every 14 jobs in the United States is directly affected by the trucking industry, something we’ve all become heavily aware of during the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. The majority of trucking companies across the US are small business operations from everything like fresh food to medical supplies to livestock to construction supplies. Have you ever ordered groceries online for delivery? Perhaps you have your favorite pantry items on autoship fulfillment? Or maybe you’ve dined out at a restaurant recently? Then you will find it less than surprising that 90% of Americans like you have eaten food that’s been delivered via refrigerated truck! While we’re ordering overnight goods and groceries to our cozy homes, the truckers who deliver them are spending an average of 240 nights away from their homes and families each calendar year. About 60% of Truck Drivers today own pets, and 40% of those drivers take their buddies on the road with them. There are more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, and on average the age of drivers is older than most other professions at 45 to 46 years old.

Today is National Techies’ day and we’re covering some of the latest and greatest in updates to automotive technology including some features we now use everyday that once seemed quite futuristic!  From self-driving cars to plug-in hybrids to voice activated features, we’re taking a look into some of the latest and greatest features of the automotive industry.  Whether you’re looking for a daily driver, family car, or even something to hit the track on weekends, there’s so much fascinating technology on the market today and in the pipeline pending!  Let’s take a look at some of the latest news on updates to vehicle design, new tricks for older cars, and other advances in technology together on today’s blog. more When Marty McFly and the Doc hit the road in the mid 1980s in their flying time machine DeLorean, it seemed a far off futuristic concept.  How could we have such astounding tech as hoverboards, electric cars,or flying cars?  Yet here we are in 2022, looking down the pipeline at some of the most fascinating and convenient amenities in technological advances. Today, we’ve got smart tech hybrid vehicles that can optimize fuel efficiency without human interference, and fuel-free vehicles that charge anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for up to 350+ miles in range, and with feature options such as Built-in 4G LTE and 5G Wi-Fi hotspots allowing passengers and drivers to access phone calls, streaming services, GPS apps and much more without having to use their wireless carrier’s data plan. Enjoying the backup cameras, lane-keep assist, and collision warning features?  Miniature camera sensors installed all around the car, surveilling the exterior of your vehicle for objects, people, animals, and obstructions, something that just a few decades prior seemed only achievable in science fiction movies.  Got your hands full from all the grocery shopping?  Not a problem! Your truck or SUV is equipped with sensors to open and close the trunk, hatch, and doors upon sensing you approaching.  Hate getting into a hot car in summer or a frigid car in winter? Many cars also feature not just heated seats but cooling and massaging options, with modern styling that’s as much about ergonomics as it is aesthetics.  What once seemed unattainable is now the every day! It’s really, really impressive how far we’ve come in just a short amount of time! And that, friends, is just the beginning.  Let’s investigate some of the unveilings and concept vehicles of recent years automotive conventions and shows! Take a peek at every electrical vehicle that was on display at this year’s recent Chicago Auto Show thanks to EV Motoring on YouTube. Kia has announced that they’ll have 14 fully electric models by 2027!  The EV9 SUV, unveiled in 2021 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be the first car to use autonomous driving technology, AutoMode. AutoMode is the range of autonomous driving technologies including a highway driving pilot mode, and a series of additional self-driving tech and safety features.  The vehicle is expected to be launched in 2023! Learn more about this feature and vehicle here: The new future of racing may just be this incredible car from Hyundai like the N Vision 74 Drift car.  Are you itching to see the new tech live and in action for this concept car come to life? Well, we’re thrilled to share this video from Top Gear where you’ll get to see this one-of–a-kind vehicle take a few rounds on the track.  And we’ve got to say, we’re really excited about it, and it gets our little gearhead hearts revving for sure. Attendees to the Chicago Auto Show 2022 this year got a great look at the Toyota Rhombus Concept Car.  This vehicle is a battery-powered electric vehicle with an aggressive and modern looking diamond shaped design.  While the vehicle may or may not be produced in its current incarnation, it’s been thus far well-received by enthusiasts. It places high value on interior space comforts with ample legroom and swivel seats for a lounge-like interior.  The good news is that this is just one of their 10 BEVs anticipated for announcement over the next few years. Toyota also dropped a series of incredible updates to their model range and tech, and has unveiled new features and at least 6 different electric vehicles.  They’re expanding their lineup with an increase in options and models in the HFCVs, EVs, Hybrids categories. Let’s check out the 2023 Toyota bZ4X electric vehicle and its features here: Looking for a hybrid model car in your favorite crossover size? Toyota’s got you covered with the Corolla Crossover Hybrid 2023: Take a look at some of the features and aesthetics of the upcoming Toyota Vehicles including electric cars such as the Rhombus and the bz4x…and even flying cars: Looking to explore concept cars and independent builds for futuristic vehicles? Check out these cool videos for even more neat automotive technology. VantaTech is exploring 55 of the most beautiful future concept cars with designs predicted from 2023 through 2050 in concept releases. The Fully Charged show got a sneak peak at the Aptera, an incredibly unique EV inspired by none other than fish!

We’re swinging into the autumnal season with gusto!  Check out our latest community calendar of events for the best and most exciting fun you’ll have this month.  And keep your eyes peeled for a special bonus edition later this month for Halloween festivities at the end of the month, too. more On Sunday October 2nd in Northbrook, gather your friends for an evening of fine art, tasty beverages, and delicious food at the “Vermillion” Art, Wine & Gastronomy Pop-Up Event from 11AM to 3PM. On October 8th from 10:45-3:45PM at Palatine Stables in Palatine is the fantastic family friendly Fall Festival. On October 5th at Waukegan High School, come on down starting at 5:30 for the “Pasta & Pops” hosted by the Music Department and serenaded by the Orchestra, Choir, and Band! On Thursday October 6th, the Grayslake Heritage Center is hosting a delightful event called Bubbles and Brews starting at 5PM. On October 7th from 6:30-8:30PM a t Dandelion Gallery & Studio, sign up for the Glow Art Youth Paint Social where kids from 6th grade to 12th grade will enjoy a guided art class with black light, neon, and glow-in-the-dark Looking for a unique date night idea on Friday October 7th? Head to Madame Zuzu’s Tea House in Highland Park for Story Seranade! True Stories + Impromptu Music event starting at 7:30PM. On Saturday October 8th and October 9th, you’ll have a blast with an excellent opportunity to Cosplay and don your favorite costumes because it’s time fo r Wauke-con at Waukegan’s Comic Book Convention! All proceeds benefit the Three Brothers Theatre, so you’ll have a blast all for a good cause. On October 8th and October 15th at the Waukegan Public Library, the whole family will enjoy a history of Dia De Muerto s and a sugar skull decorating class! Harbor Brewing Company is hosting a Plant & Sip Succulent Terrariums & Pumpkin Planters class on October 9th at 2PM On October 14th from 10AM on,, stop by the Art Center Highland Park in Highland Park fro the Recycled Art Sale Opening Weekend event! October 15th from 6PM to 10PM at the Dandelion Gallery & Studio is the ArtWauk Showcase Event in 7 Deadly Skins & Virtues Exhibition Opening Day from 5PM to 9PM. On October 16th at Whiskey River in Glenview, enjoy a day of “Food and Fun” to support Cooper Roberts and Family. All month long on weekends throughout October from 11AM to 4PM at Blackberry Farm in Aurora enjoy Pumpkin Weekend 2022 for some family friendly autumnal, harvest festival fun! On October 22nd starting at 9AM at Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, come decked out in your spookiest finery and faux blood because it’s the Go Waukegan Zombie Walk Saturday October 29th at 11:30 AM head over for a Free Family Event at the ITAV Pumpkin Patch in Chicago On Saturday October 29th at Barrington’s White House in Barrington is the Elgin Symphony Halloween Chamber Concert for Families. Starting at 1PM. November 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Westlake Christian Academy, it’s the Fall 2022 Drama Production of “Murder’s in the Heir.”

September 30th is International Podcast Day, a global celebration of one of the most popular media forms around the world today.  Founded in 2014, this “holiday” was created to celebrate the incredible power of podcasts as informational and entertainment media. Podcasts have truly changed the way people consume and receive media, giving listeners and viewers an opportunity to engage in topics they love most with this innovative, streamable “radio show” style media.  Once an obscure, strange new form of media, this beloved streaming audio and talk-show format has now become as ubiquitous as gas stations and coffee shops! Today we’re sharing some of our picks for best automotive related podcasts, and we’ve included links to their companion YouTube channels or visual components for a more enhanced experience. more What are your favorite automotive podcasts? Let us know in the comments and we may feature your suggestions in a future update! The Collecting Cars Podcast with Chris Harris and Edward Lovett is an excellent show dedicated to “motoring horror stories” and tall tales from the community. It is an extension of the Collecting Cars YouTube channel, dedicated to highlighting the adventures (and misadventures) of automotive enthusiasts and collectors. Everyday Driver Car Debate with Paul and Todd is an informative and entertaining podcast dedicated to helping listeners find their perfect daily driver.  The hosts debate which car is the right fit, give a little behind the scenes access on their review channels, and other hot topics in the automotive industry.  They also discuss the highs and lows of car shopping, car ownership, and car collecting. The Smoking Tire with Matt Farah and Zack Klapman features a rotating cast of weekly guests from all corners of the automotive industry.  From professional drivers to avid collectors and automotive icons, there’s no shortage of excitement and entertainment here. With experience as an automotive journalist, Farah’s channel is a unique spin on the typical car chatter, covering topics from daily drivers to sports cars to supercars and beyond.  It’s a very thoughtful channel and companion podcast with no shortage of entertainment! The Best of NPR’s Car Talk is one of America’s funniest podcasts, featuring Tom and Ray Magliozzi, also known as “Click and Clack, the car guys,” as they attempt to troubleshoot, diagnose, and otherwise lovingly hassle their listeners from live call-ins to their radio broadcast.  Their charming wit, goofy antics, and friendly demeanor has made them an accessible show for listeners of all age levels and experiences.  Their witty banter, wild sense of humor, and charming conversation with listeners makes for an unforgettable and timeless podcast that is at once hilarious and informative!  You’ll find yourself listening to your favorites again and again, and even learning a thing or two along the way. Past Gas by Donut Media continues the channel’s quirky, offbeat sense of humor and enthusiasm for all things automotive. Join these goofy gearheads as they take a deep dive into the stories behind your favorite car manufacturers, car collectors, and automotive superstars.  In true Donut Media Fashion, they present information and factual anecdotes with expert comedic timing, plenty of laughs, and an overall jovial atmosphere.  It’s a wonderful lighthearted look at some of the wildlest, weirdest, and most interesting aspects of the car industry. The TrailChasers Podcast is a weekly unscripted podcast providing fun and informative content for those looking for a little offroad adventuring.  Created as a tie-in to the “OFFROADERLANDER” community the producers and cohosts deliver the perfect blend of informational content, anecdotes and first-hand stories, and community input from offroad adventures.  Their aim is to connect drivers and adventure enthusiasts to accessible offroading equipment and inspire a wondrous sense of adventure in their listeners! Hooniverse Podcast exists at the intersection of all things automotive: cars, trucks, race tracks, road trips, things that run, things that don’t, and everything in between!  Helmed by Jeff Glucker, also known for his work with Autotrader and Motor Trend, this podcast serves as an outlet for a love of the more offbeat side of the automotive industry. Driving While Awesome is a weekly podcast hosted by automotive experts and three of the RADwood Co-founders: Lane Skelton, Warren Madsen, and Art Cervantes.  Tune in to listen to these long-time friends discuss the ins and outs of gearhead life and the automotive industry, but especially sports cars and vintage rides from the 80s and 90s.  With more than 700 episodes and counting, you’ll never run out of things to listen to on your daily commute or next road trip! Car Pro Podcast is your go-to source for just about everything and anything automotive.  From buying to selling to leasing to maintaining and collecting cars, this show covers it all!  Hosts Jerry and Kevin provide listeners with an insightful look at the industry by providing insider information on how to buy your car, secure the best deals, prices on the new/used car market, and much more.  Not sure whether to buy gas or electric?  Contemplating used versus new versus leased? They’ve got you covered on their detailed shows live every Saturday on WBAP or wherever your fave podcasts are streaming. Behind the Glass Podcast with Sam from SeenThroughGlass on Youtube.  The show aims to provide listeners with a behind the scenes look at the car industry and world of automotive YouTubers!  Each episode features a new and exciting guest from the car vlogging and/or automotive social media sector.

Just like your car requires gasoline or electrical charging to go, go go, so do humans!  Many of us get a little extra pep in our step thanks to our bff, coffee.  Since today is National Coffee day, we’re celebrating with some fun facts about nature’s magical bean brew, and we’ve gathered up some suggestions for best coffeeshops in our area and across Illinois. Check it out! more Five Fun Facts about Coffee: Did you know that Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day? That’s right, and in a year’s time we consume about 146 billion cups of coffee here in the US. In 2022, Finland is leading the charge as the world’s biggest consumer of coffee per capita, drinking an average of 4 cups a day!  In fact, the country even legally mandates  that workers be allowed two 10-minute breaks for coffee on shift. The United States has the largest coffee market globally, reaching more than 80 billion USD in revenue; second in line is Brazil, followed by Japan and then Canada. The Number 1 coffee brand in the world is Starbucks. The company reported annual revenue of $23.52 billion, and has over 33,000 stores in 80 countries. There is even a Starbucks on site at the CIA headquarters (where they don’t allow any names on cups, for obvious reasons.) The average 12oz cup of coffee contains somewhere between 90 to 150 beans per cup. Where to get the best brews in Illinois (in alphabetical order, because we aren’t playing favorites; we love them all!): AREA Coffee in Mundelein Bean Counter in Springfield Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst Common Grounds Coffee in Carbondale Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville Custom Cup Coffee in Springfield Daisy’s Artish Cafe in Lake Villa Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago Flipside Coffee and Espresso Bar in Rock Falls Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Chicago He Brews coffee shop in Jonesboro Honey Hill Coffee Shop in Wauconda Little Bean Coffee Company in Antioch Mad Goat Coffee in Danville Maeva’s Coffee in Alton Metric Coffee in Chicago Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills Oromo Cafe in Chicago Pilot Pete’s Coffee in Elmhurst Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff Sawada Coffee Co in Chicago Something's Brewing Downtown in Grayslake Stompin Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich Strange Brew Cafe in Palos Hills The Wormhole Coffee in Chicago Thirty Thirty Coffee in Peoria Three Twigs Bakery in Springfield

There’s something about that crisp, autumnal air in September and October that really inspires us to get outside and enjoy nature.  Whether you’re taking a trek into the wilderness on foot, or you’re taking a road trip in your new car from Classic Auto Group, there’s no shortage of gorgeous National and State Parks to explore across the country. Today we’re highlighting our picks for great National Sites and Parks in the Northern Midwest and Northeastern US, as well as beautiful state parks of Illinois.  So get your hiking boots and camping gear ready, because you’re not going to want to miss these gorgeous preserved wilderness areas! Let’s learn about National Parks together! more What is a National Park? National Parks are protected lands managed by the United States of America’s federal government agencies.  These are large areas of land with wide open spaces waterfalls, natural vistas, trails, and recreational resources and etcetera, all made available to the national public.   Nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness are protected through the National Parks System so that the American People may experience the great outdoors and our heritage.  Many of them also serve as wildlife preservation areas for reintroduction, rehabilitation, and reintegration of endangered species.  As of August 18th in 1970, the National Park System was defined as “any area of land or water now and hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.” How Many National Parks are there in the United States? At the time of publication, there are 423 national park sites across the US with parks located in almost every state and US territories (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.) Retro style travel poster design for the United States. Scenic image of mountains and pine trees at sunset. Limited colors, no gradients. Vector illustration. What are some National Parks, National Monuments, and National Sites to visit in the Northeastern/Northern Midwest United States? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire MI is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along the shore of Lake Michigan. The 71,000 acres of pristine protected lands includes North and South Manitou Islands; it’s also known for its incredible, scalable dunes of “The Dune Climb” and “Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail” which winds through the forests. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI encompasses 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coastal protected areas.  In addition to the incredible bluffs on the shores of Lake Superior, it’s also home to the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the nation! Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Rhinelander WI spans a jaw dropping 1.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness across Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  You’ll find no shortage of outdoorsy activities such as canoeing, hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and more. Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL encompasses 289,000 stunning acres of parkland located in Southern Illinois and nestled between both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Visitors will find breathtaking scenic views from the top of great canyons and sandstone cliffs, and stunning crystal clear waters and rocky streams. The many lakes, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and streams of the area are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the sprawling prairies and woodland trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running and more. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson IL is the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental US at 261 miles in length!  The refuge includes protected wetlands, islands, marshes, and floodplain forests, many of which are accessible only by boat. Some portions of the refuge are open to seasonal hunting, trapping, and fishing but they do have very restrictive regulations. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio sits along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron.  The parklands contain several waterfalls, including the gorgeous Brandywine Falls!  You can find ample opportunities for hiking, or perhaps catch a ride through the park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which runs through it.  It also includes The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail from the Erie Canal’s original path, and explores the history of the 19th century waterway at the official Canal Exploration Center. Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter IN has 15 miles of gorgeous shoreline along the southern banks of Lake Michigan. The park is home to some of the highest dunes towering over the lake at nearly 200 feet high with impressive views and landscapes of the area!  It’s also an incredible destination for birdwatching, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature photography! Other great National Parks to explore on your next road trip: Gateway Arch National Park in St Louis MO Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Republic MO Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry IA Voyageurs National Park in International Falls MN Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit in Highlands NJ Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Bushkill PA Minute Man Historical National Park in Lincoln MA Fire Island National Seashore in Ocean Beach NY Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater NY Acadia National Park in Maine Amazing State Parks in Northern Illinois Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry Matthiessen State Park in Oglseby Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville White Pines Forest State Park in Mt Morris Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna Lowden State Park in Oregon IL Apple River Canyon STate Park in Apple River Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Lena Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais Staved Rock State Park in Oglesby Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa IL Cave-In-Rock State Park in Cave-In-Rock Illini State Park in Marseilles Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove Glacial Park Conservation Area

It’s no secret that we here at Classic love to get involved in our community and meet new people!  That’s why for World Tourism Day, we’re sharing some of the wonderful places newcomers and visitors can explore when visiting our area. We want you to get to know our towns and cities as well as we do, and enjoy all of the things that make it so great to live here!  Let’s show the world all of the incredible things that the Lake County Illinois and surrounding area have to offer. Feel free to chime in with your picks in the comments on our social media, too. We’d love your input and feedback! more Genesee Theatre in Waukegan hosts year round events, concerts, shows, and live music.  It’s one of the best venues in town! Waukegan Municipal Beach is a 400-acre lakefront with a mile-long stretch of beach. It’s open 6AM to 9PM all 7 days a week, and s free to the public on a daily basis from Labor Day to Memorial Day, making it a great budget friendly option to visit in the off-season and enjoy some time in nature. ZumBier Bier Halle in Waukegan is a great way to spend a few hours and support a local small business!  Schedule a tour, visit the taproom, or take advantage of their wide array of products for sale or buy and fill a growler to take home and share with friends. Waukegan Harbor Lighthouse is located at the end of “Government Pier” on Lake Michigan. It’s a great destination for photographers and tourists! Lyons Wood Forest Preserve is a gorgeous 272 acre park with prairie and forest areas that’s just perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running, and wildlife viewing. Three Brothers Theatre is a local non-profit independent venue that offers an intimate theatre going experience.  It thrives on diverse and inclusive programming that’s “brash, brave, and bare”, producing shows that are driven by the artist and creator, providing audiences with a truly unforgettable experience! The Anderson Japanese Gardens are 12-acres of meticulously manicured Japanese garden grounds in Rockford Illinois featuring peaceful Koi Ponds, winding paths and scenic bridges, trickling streams, cascading waterfalls, and award winning botanicals. The Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse in nearby Kenosha, WI is not just a gorgeous coastal lighthouse open for tours, but it is also home to the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio, an incredible community of artists and art enthusiasts. Geneva Lake Museum in Lake Geneva, WI is a one-of-a-kind local history museum filled with an indoor replica of a historic town, local relics, and interactive exhibits inside a historic waterworks building!  It’s a great destination for tourists to spend the day and learn a little about the local area! Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, WI is an absolute must-visit on your list for kids and the kid-at-heart!  It’s a unique science museum exploring not just the history of carnivorous dinosaurs and their biology, but also their connection to modern birds and raptors.  It’s a small but truly fascinating location with impressive dinosaur skeletons and educational displays. Where are some of your favorite local and regional destinations to visit? What would you recommend tourists put on their must-see list? Let us know in the comments and we may feature them in future updates!

Of course, the arrival of Autumn means breaking out the cozy sweaters, scarves, boots, but that’s not all!  In addition to wardrobe changes and seasonal decor, Fall also means ushering in of rainier, foggier weather and slippery roadways.  Today we’re covering some helpful tips and tricks for car care maintenance to ensure you’re prepared for these autumnal weather changes.  Need a little help to get your car in tip-top shape? Give us a call at Classic Auto Body Shop to schedule a service appointment and we’ll handle your vehicle’s maintenance in a jiffy! more Install some all-weather floor mats and trunk mats. Fall weather means more time outdoors in nature, and with it comes all manner of dirt, grime, dust, and debris as well as those blustery, rainy days that bring mud and muck.  Protect your car’s interiors and cut down on your cleaning maintenance with a good set of rubber/silicone floor mats! Inspect the vehicle’s wiper blades, defroster, and heating systems. As the weather gets colder and rainier, it’s vital to your safety that you have properly working wiper blades to clear away wet leaves and debris, and maintain clear visibility during inclement weather.  Check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re getting the proper size wiper blades, and consider one with hydrophobic coating built-in!  It’s also important to check the defroster and heat blower system, as it will help dissipate the fog and condensation off your windshield before you start driving and keep visibility clear.  Before it gets too cold out, consider applying a thorough application of a water-repellant such as RainX to the glass surfaces on your vehicle to aid in visibility during storms. Service your whole brakes system: Emergency Brake, Brakes/Lines, Rotors, etc. It’s vital to have a good set of brakes and quality rotors, and is the difference between the ability to stop safely and avoid accidents.  It is important to make sure that your braking system and brake light are in perfect working order before you’re faced with a split second decision to swerve, stop short, or find a wet patch of leaves on the roadway. Check your front and rear brakes, emergency brake, and brake light system before the slippery road conditions start!  You want to drive with confidence knowing your vehicle will keep you safe in the event of potential accidents! Check your car battery. Colder months mean we’re more apt to leave our car running to “warm it up” so we don’t shiver on our morning commutes.  This also means a higher potential for draining the battery through accidental means.  Be prepared in the event of human error or issues at start-up by always keeping a portable battery charger to jump-start in the event you’re stranded with no one around, or in a space where no one can reach your vehicle.  If a vehicle is going into or coming out of storage, the battery should definitely be checked and replaced as they do lose charge while sitting. Have a wheel alignment and tire rotation, and inspect the tires thoroughly. We’ve recently covered tire maintenance on an earlier blog this month, but it’s always worth mentioning again! After all, it’s one of the most vital components to your vehicle’s function.  Check your tire pressure and make sure the PSI matches the manufacturer requirements (can be located in your manual or on a label on the side door pockets or frame.)  Look for signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bubbles, cracks or small tears, or significant tread wear leaving bald spots.  Consider rotating your tires if you’ve not done it in a while.  Any damaged tires should be replaced, and a good set of all-weather tires swapped in for summer tires. Ensure your car’s headlights and casings are clean, and replace dim or broken bulbs. Fall has ushered in the beautiful fall foliage, and also those gorgeously moody, foggy and misty mornings, and the waning evening sunlight.  It’s important that you make sure you have bright, clear headlights to maintain road safety and reduce accidents. See something we’ve left off our list? Want more car care maintenance tips? We’re all ears! Let us know in the comments what you think we should include on upcomings lists and blog posts.

Happy Autumnal Equinox!  Everyone here at Classic Auto Group is so excited for Leaf Peeping Season to begin.  That’s why we’re celebrating with an amazing list of places you can scope out top notch fall foliage across Illinois and Wisconsin, and great autumnal locations for family portraits. more 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.  If you’re looking to take some family portraits in the local area, this is a great place to visit! 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.  Its protected woodlands are home to multiple endangered species of wildlife and plants.  Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos! 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. 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.  It’s a wonderful backdrop for couples photos and family portraits. 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! Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike!  Take the whole family including your pets out to the forest preserve for some fall foliage family photos (try saying that one three times fast.)  Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville. Looking for more great trails and areas to explore in Lake County? Check out this great list for more options. Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy some U-Pick Orchard family fun time with some cozy sweaters, fall flannels, and take some coordinated family portraits for memory making! Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest, which is also home to Autumn Fest on September 23rd from 4PM to 7PM.  Bring the whole family out to enjoy some nature hikes, or stop in for a guided lesson with local experts! Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages!  The farm has a rotating series of events and gatherings all season long through Halloween!  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! Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is an incredible 271 acre state park known for hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing.  There is a family friendly campground for those who wish to immerse themselves in the autumnal wonders of the forest and lake.  Explore the 5 miles of hiking trails and scenic views and snap some great autumnal photos. Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin is unparalleled excellence in autumnal scenery.  This 2 mile nature trail is the main attraction in Grant Park, one of the oldest parks in Milwaukee County.  You’ll be lost in the beauty of Mother Nature from the forest out to the beach!  It’s very family friendly. Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin is an outstanding place to experience the full effect of autumnal foliage.  High atop the hill at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Holy Hill provides a birdseye view for striking sightlines of the fiery landscape below. Did we leave your favourite leaf peeping spot off our list? Let us know your favourite places to see the leaves in the comments below and we may feature it in a future update.