Blog

“Clouds” spot highlights new X-Pro model for Kia’s flagship SUV The new Telluride will be showcased during a 105-second integration mirroring EMMY AWARD categories and celebrated television genres including comedy, drama, action thriller, and reality more THE NEW KIA TELLURIDE X-PRO CLIMBS HIGH IN NEW CREATIVE CAMPAIGN DEBUTING DURING THE 74TH EMMY® AWARDS IRVINE, Calif., September 12, 2022 – Kia’s most-awarded vehicle ever, the Telluride SUV, is the star of a new creative campaign and in-show video integration making their debut tonight during the live primetime broadcast of the 74 TH EMMY ® AWARDS on NBC. For 2023, Kia’s flagship SUV introduces a new X-Pro model built for adventures in the wild, and Kia will take things to new heights through an in-show video montage highlighting the new Telluride. “The Kia Telluride took the Kia brand to new heights both literally and figuratively and now we’re showcasing just how rugged, capable and refined the new Telluride X-Pro is and how far off the beaten path it is ready to go,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “Telluride is Kia’s most capable SUV ever and we wanted to show how it can adapt to a variety of situations, no matter what ‘genre’ of lifestyle people lead. Kia is proud to return as the Official Automotive Sponsor of the Television Academy and the 74 th EMMY Awards for the third consecutive year and we have created video vignettes that play off the various award categories and celebrated television genres to highlight the versatility of Telluride with our 60-second spot displaying the SUV’s rugged capabilities.” During the live broadcast of “The 74 TH PRIMETIME EMMYS” airing Monday, September 12 th (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/5:00-8:00 PM, live PT) on NBC, and available to stream live on Peacock for the first time – Kia will debut a 60-second spot, “ Clouds.” Created by David & Goliath, Kia’s creative agency of record and filmed on the Imogene Pass near Telluride, Colorado at an elevation of 13,114 feet, the spot follows a couple as they drive a 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro  along a winding path which takes them higher and higher up the side of a desolate mountain. The Telluride comes to a clearing near the mountain’s summit and slowly rolls to a stop before a three-story painter’s scaffold where two painters in white jumpsuits on the top landing are expertly yielding long-handled rollers and casually painting the sky itself. The painters look down at the Telluride and then at each other with curious and bemused looks on their faces as the driver leans forward and states, “Huh! I think we went too high!” “Kia is a brand that is reaching new heights and much of that is thanks to the Telluride SUV,” continued Wager. “We wanted to highlight just how high the Telluride can take those that drive it, and also show how high the Kia brand is aiming because there’s no limit to how high this brand can – and will – go.” In addition to the 60-second spot, Telluride X-Pro will be featured as part of a unique in-show integration covering a variety of acting/television genres to highlight how one scene with the same dialogue and actors can be construed differently based on the approach. The 1:45 piece was created by Creative Partnerships @ NBCU and will cover the comedy, drama, action thriller, and reality categories with the dialogue in each scene – and the presence of a Kia Telluride X-Pro SUV remaining the same. The only thing that changes in each is how the scenario plays out based on the specific genre and the actors’ approach to the situation. Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., the Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with an array of enhancements that build upon the success of the original. The Telluride has not only attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia family, but because of high customer satisfaction, Telluride owners have the most brand loyalty of any midsize SUV when returning to market for another vehicle. Big, capable, and powerful, the Telluride is as ready as ever for adventures of all kinds, from family road trips across the country to off-road excursions bound by few limits. About 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. 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.

The experts at Classic Body Shop want to share their wealth of knowledge with you all on one of the most vital parts of your vehicle when it comes to safety and stability: The tires!  While it may seem like a “no-brainer” that tires are in need of maintenance, we’re going to share a little more detail on why we should all pay a little closer attention to the health of our tires beyond the obvious.  Let’s take a look at how a tire is constructed, what the elements do, and why keeping an eye on these things is tantamount to safe driving. more The tire has four very important functions for your vehicle: supporting the weight, changing and maintaining the direction of your driving, providing traction and braking, and absorbing road shocks.  Each element that composes the tire’s structure and frame is imperative to safe driving and functioning on the roadway. Carcass: This is the load-bearing framework which forms the body of the tire, made of thin textile fibers bonded into rubber.  It contains the inflation pressure and aids in supporting the load and absorbing impact, and helps it resist pressure. Tread: The tread,  sometimes also known as a “track”, is the rubber on the circumference of a tire that contacts the road surface.  Modern tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters (10/32nds to 11/32nds of an inch).  Good read depth should be 6/32nds of an inch or deeperWhen a tire has a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters it loses its grip, and impairs your vehicle control, stability, and braking performance. Shoulder: The shoulder on each tread is designed to protect the belt and carcass of the tire, and is where the tread and sidewall of the tire meet.. Belt: The Belt is a reinforcement layer extending to the outer circumference of the carcass under the tread, and improves the stiffness of the tread area.  It is made of rubber-coated layers of steel, fiberglass, rayon and other materials which provide puncture resistance, and also help the treads maintain contact with the road surface. Bead: The bead area supports the extremities of the carcass on each side of the tire, and is the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel itself. Bead Filler: This reinforcement rubber compound has a triangular cross-section, and is used to increase the stiffness of the bead and extends up into the sidewall area. It helps create a sea which holds air inside the tire. Bead Wire: A ring-shaped reinforcement material that is made by bundling together several high-carbon steel wires coated with red copper or bronze.  It has good flexibility and high strength, which is why it provides the framework for the tire structure. Inner Liner: The inner liner is a thin, air-tight layer of special rubber that keeps the air inside your tire and maintains the tire pressure, promoting good fuel economy. Side Wall: The sidewall is the smooth, vertical area on the tire between the tread and the bead, and provides lateral stability and support. It can be seen when you look at the tire from the side after its mounted on the vehicle. Rim: The tire wraps around the rim, which is the skeletal structure of the wheel assembly.  The rim provides structure and form, allowing the tire to wrap around it and fill with air. Now that you’re an expert on the anatomy of a tire, let’s go through some of the things you should know about maintaining, repairing, and replacing a tire. You should check your tire pressure monthly, or whenever the temperature changes with a difference of 10º  higher or lower, and inflate to the specifications listed in your manual or on the inside of the door panel. Check your tire’s tread depth each time you check the pressure, and replace the tire if it is worn down to 2/32nds to 4/32nds of an inch.  You can insert a penny into the tread groove with President Lincon’s head upside down.  If you are able to se the top of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace the tires.  Alternatively, if your tire treads are extremely low, you may notice your tire’s “treadwear indicators, which are raised sections between the tire’s treads; if you can see these replace them immediately. Examine the treads and sidewalls for any cuts, cracks, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps, or cracks.  Take a good look to make sure there are no nails, screws, or other foreign objects lodged between them.  If you spot any damage or wear-and-tear, you should bring your car in for a patch by a trusted service employee or a full replacement. Make sure to have your tires rotated with each routine service appointment such as an oil change or alignment.  This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and safely, reducing the chance of flats due to overuse or extreme wear. Check with your mechanic or trusted tire installation technician to find the best tires that match your vehicle’s recommended size/type, your driving style and average mileage, local/seasonal weather hazards, and your budget. Most tires typically last around 50,000 miles, which is about 3 to 5 years average for the typical driver, but this does vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and where you drive most. Drivers who frequently use unpaved roadways, go off-roading, and those who are “lead-foot drivers” may need to replace them more frequently than average.  Check with your trusted mechanic or local tire specialist to assess your needs. Curious to learn more? Checkout these great videos:

Today is National Live Creative Day and we’re super excited to bring you some content marrying two of our favorite things: All Things Automotive and The Arts!  We’re highlighting some fantastic career options and opportunities that meet in the middle for the best of both worlds.  Check it out on today’s blog! more Automotive Painting and Coating When you’re shopping for cars, the process of choosing a paint color and finish is an important step.  That’s because projecting your personality onto your ride is a big deal for many of us.  We don’t just want something practical and usable, but something that really shows the world who we are inside.  There’s also a large sector of automotive enthusiasts who love to customize their vehicle even further, by choosing a custom wrap or finish as a finishing touch to their interior and under-the-hood personalizations. Additionally, there are also those who are in the market for fully personalized mural work, airbrushing, gradients, and other designs.  Transportation Equipment Painters are trained to operate special equipment, tools, and machinery to provide drivers with custom finishes, restoring paint on vintage vehicles, color matching, and tailoring personalized artwork.  This involves use of a clean room, dust-free environments, and special paints and coatings.  Workers in this field can apprentice with professionals, receive on-the-job training, or take workshops/classes to learn the process. Automotive and Race Photographers and Photojournalists Photographers who enter the Automotive Field may train for documentary photography, commercial photography, and sports photography.  This allows them the flexibility to shoot photography for advertising, race-day documentary, photojournalism, car shows and model photography, and even cars within landscape photography.  These days, modern photographers often prefer to select digital photography as their mode of choice, but some do still use film methods.  These creative professionals will use digital cameras, computer software, technical lighting,and natural lighting to enhance the look of vehicles depending on their use.  You might find their work on social media, in automotive advertising, magazine and print work, history books, and more!  This field requires a lot of hands-on training, apprenticing with professionals, formal schooling, and ongoing education on new technologies.  They may shoot indoors in curated studios, on site of filming or commercial locations, at race tracks or events, or at automotive shows. Automotive Designers and Conceptual Designers This career sits at the intersection of engineering, business, and design worlds.  These are highly specialized and technically trained professionals specializing in industrial design.  They’re required to have a thorough knowledge of engineering, mechanics, automotive production, automotive materials.  Their job is to improve aerodynamics, ergonomics, and aesthetics of the automotive industry.  This field not only involves those scientific and mathematical perspectives, but also fine art.  These professionals include draftsmen, modelers and sculptors, digital and traditional illustrators and painters, and 3D CAD creators.  Requirements of this specialized industry include at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Design, Industrial Design and/or Engineering.  The formal “STEM” based training and education required is to be completed at technical schools or universities. Graphic Design and Digital Advertising Design Think about all of the ways you learn about new vehicles and shop for cars today.  You may find digital ads on social media, print ads, short segments from content creators.  Looking for promotional coupons and discount sales to get the best deal? Those were customized by a series of artists to match brand aesthetics and messaging.  Both static and motion graphics have been designed and created by artists to appeal to modern consumers, and tell a story through the visual and technical arts.  Each of these creative fields involve hands-on training as well as formal education to learn highly technical programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, 3D Modeling programs, etc.  Designers must research trends, stay on top of modern communication methods, and stay in the know with rapid changes to venues such as social media.  These designers incorporate traditional and digital art methods, multimedia and new media technologies, and the basic principles of design.  Most have acquired either extensive field experience, and/or a formal bachelors degree in Art, Multimedia, Graphic Design, etc. Other interesting avenues for creative minds to explore in the automotive industry today include but are not limited to: content creators, vloggers, fine artists, film and video editors, web developers and designers, art directors, logo designers, concept artists, product and packaging designers.

Wondering when you should bring your car to the body shop?  We’re here to help shine a light on some of the reasons you should take your car in for repair and service, and what major items a body shop sees the most. more The average auto repair shop will fix engine components, mechanical and technical issues, and restore worn or broken parts from daily use.  The automotive mechanic can diagnose technical problems with your vehicle, monitor fluid levels/lubrication, and all manner of things in regards to operation and running.  You’ll see a mechanic frequently to perform regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. An autobody shop can restore vital elements of the physical structure such as the frame, door, window, bumper, and other parts that aren’t involved in the mechanical function.  Auto Body technicians specialize in restoring, refinishing and replacing the structural components to match original factory specifications.  Visits to a body shop are usually less frequent than a need for regular mechanic maintenance appointments. What are the major reasons to bring your car to an auto body shop? If your car has been hit by debris from the road, the body shop can repair the dings, dents, and damage from daily driving: cracks and stars in windshield, refuse falling from trucks, knicks and scratches from roadway debris. If your car has been side swiped on the street and left with cosmetic damage or technical damage from scrapes, bangs, broken mirrors, and other issues from mild collisions If your car has been left to the elements and mercy of mother nature: fallen tree limbs, broken branches, hailstorms, icicles and snowdrifts, water damage. What does the auto body shop repair regularly? Removing dings and dents in the sheet metal and straightening them out Replacing bumpers, body panels, doors, etc. Windshield repair or replacement General restoration following an accident or collision Repairing paint, repainting clear-coat, and restoring factory match paint colors Frame damage repairs to prevent structural issues At Classic Auto Body & Service Center in Waukegan, we do it all!  We’re here to make your experience as easy and stress free as possible.  We have an on-site car rental facility, 24-hour towing service on request, and an easy process for requesting work estimates and scheduling appointments for repair!  Just give us a call and we’ll get you back on the road in no time at all.

Several Kia Models Recognized as Top Performers in Their Respective Segments Kia earned first-place and top-ranked honors in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings for the second half of 2022 Nine different Kia models across various categories were recognized, including the award-winning 2022 EV6 and 2023 Telluride, along with several other electrified vehicles MotorTrend updates Ultimate Car Rankings list twice a year; award criteria based on over 70 years of testing expertise as well as scores in safety, value and more more IRVINE, CA, September 2, 2022 – Nine Kia models were recognized in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings for the second half of 2022. More than half of the podium winners are electrified vehicles, including the crowd favorite 2022 EV6, which took the top spot in the Electric SUV category. "With so many of Kia's podium award winners hybrids or EVs, electrified vehicles are clearly becoming a strong suit for the brand,” said Buyer’s Guide Director Zach Gale. “From the superb Sportage Hybrid to the sporty EV6, Kia has made its presence felt in MotorTrend's Ultimate Car Rankings." 2023 Telluride The 2023 Telluride, 2022 Rio Sedan, and Rio Hatchback, came in first place in the 3-row SUV, subcompact sedan, and subcompact hatchback segments, respectively. Bolstering Kia’s stable of electrified vehicles, the 2022 Niro 1, Sportage Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid took second place in the Compact Hybrid Hatch, Compact Hybrid SUV, and 3-Row Hybrid SUV segments, respectively. 2022 Rio 5-Door “We are honored so many of our vehicles have been recognized, especially the EV6, which continues to reaffirm its leadership status among an impressive field of electrified competitors,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “While these rankings reinforce our advancement in electrification thus far, we’ll only become more formidable as our ‘Plan S’ strategy continues to unfold.” MotorTrend's Ultimate Car Rankings launched in 2020 to help the average car buyer better understand their options. Using its long-running Car, Truck and SUV of the Year award programs as a foundation, the ranking system evaluates how a car drives, long-term value, safety, efficiency, driving range, technology, and more. For more details on MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings, visit https://www.motortrend.com/cars/

Today is International Literacy Day!  We’re celebrating this important holiday, created in 1967 and supported by UNESCO, by sharing a list of amazing organizations and charities who support Literacy as a Human Right.  More than 770 million people around the world are lacking in basic literacy skills, but you can help change that by donating to funding efforts or sharing your time through volunteer efforts! more Through combined efforts of community outreach, charitable giving, active volunteerism, and advocacy work, UNESCO aims to promote accessible learning and increase resources to those who need it most.  This year’s theme is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces, and focuses on creating quality, equitable, and inclusive learning education environments for all.   With many schools and education systems disrupted by pandemic related issues over the last two years and change, access to school and literacy education has been lost or interrupted for so many vulnerable people. Check out these wonderful local organizations that promote Literacy and Reading in our community: Reading Success - United Way of Lake County Adult Classes at Waukegan Public Library Adult Literacy and ESL Programs at College of Lake County Illinois Literacy Volunteers of Illinois Literacy Works in Chicago Chicago Literacy Group Literacy Office of Illinois State Library Everyone Reading Illinois Center for Literacy at University of Illinois, Chicago Here’s a list of different ways that you can support Literacy efforts at home and in your community. Let’s help improve the lives of children and adults everywhere! Reading with Children: Start reading to kids at an early age.  Fostering a love for reading can begin as early as infancy!  Reading books to young children can encourage them to be more interested in books. Inviting them to participate in easy tasks such as looking at pictures and describing them, pointing out what they see, holding the book for you to read, and even turning pages can help them connect with books and reading in a positive light. Turn on the subtitle and captioning function for movies and television programs at home, to help children connect words and descriptions to the verbal dialogue and actions on screen, especially if they’re learning English as a multiple/second language. Establish a read-aloud routine with the children who are in your care.  Creating a specific time (or times) every day as a set scheduled story time can help children look forward to reading, and create healthy patterns and habits.  Kids love predictability and thrive on routine, and having at least 2 read-aloud time slots to look forward to can engage them with books and stories in a meaningful way. Engage in “See-Show-Say” strategies for early learning and childhood development, and highlight different vocabulary words as a focus of each story and read-through. Allow children to choose the books and stories you’re reading, and put at least one of their all-time favorite books in heavy rotation during your sessions!  The more excited children are about what content you’re reading, the more likely they are to participate, engage, and pay attention. Reading with Multilingual and English-Language-Learning Speakers: Offer ELL students one daily lesson with English vocabulary, and highlighting the structure and style of English Language, and encourage them to engage with content through verbal responses and answer questions at least one time each during each reading/learning session. Note that English language learners may require five years or more to catch up to fully fluent English-speaking students, so be patient, empathetic, and affirming in their positive steps forward. Encourage students in a class or workshop setting to engage with their peers through writing, peer-critique and feedback, and read-alouds in small groups. Increasing Access to Reading and Literacy at a Community Level: Help communities and schools provide screen readers, assistive listening devices, captioning, and other accessibility resources to disabled, hard of heating, and blind individuals. Create and maintain a “Little Free Library” in your neighborhood or community, and make sure it is stocked with reading materials for all levels. Include some phonics/comprehension and English Language Learning materials to increase accessibility. Include large-print books to help comprehension, as well as accessibility for those with limited vision or difficulty reading fine print.  Include wordless picture books to encourage storytelling and reading comprehension even if a person or family does not speak English fluently Donate books to local school libraries and classrooms, and ask local teachers and school librarians what books they have on their wishlist. Include books that are multilingual, bilingual, and feature diverse protagonists to encourage new readers or new ELLs to engage and connect with stories. Volunteer your time to reading of stories at local schools, libraries, family shelters, youth groups, and hospitals. Volunteer your time and patience to tutoring efforts for ELLs and new readers to gently and enthusiastically encourage them to continue learning outside of the classroom. Support local legislature that funds libraries, supports public schooling, funds summer reading programs, and other organizations that provide free learning tools and opportunities to the community. Donate your time and money to support local and international charities who provide learning resources and reading materials to underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented demographics around the world.

If there’s two things we love here at Classic besides cars, it’s celebrating fun holidays and supporting our fellow community businesses.  Since today is National Beer Lovers Day, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to highlight some of the wonderful micro breweries, indie brew pubs, and other related businesses in the area.  We’re always delighted to connect with new local businesses and patronize the establishments in our neighborhood. It’s a lovely feeling to get to live, work and play here in Lake County and the surrounding Greater Chicago Area! more Did you know that the craft brewing industry has had a magnificent impact on the economy here in the US? In 2021, the industry contributed more than $75 Billion into the US economy and more than 490,000 jobs?  The beer industry itself supports more than 2 million American jobs and more than $330 billion contributed to the US Economy according to a 2020 study. The early months of the Covid19 pandemic did shake things up a bit, and the industry is working hard to rebuild and reinvigorate jobs and production.  Supporting small breweries is a great way to help improve the economy on a local and national level! Locally owned and operated businesses are a vital part of our community!  These businesses are the foundation of our local economy, provide diverse resources, function as community meeting centers, create meaningful connections and networks, and provide plenty of jobs to local citizens. Consider stopping by these businesses for a brew or booking them for a special event!  Many of them also offer cases or multipacks that you can take home for your parties, gatherings, or sell wholesale to your restaurant or cafe.  It’s a great way to directly support your neighbors and local business while helping them reach new audiences. Local Micro Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Beer Companies: Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewery ZumBier Lake Bluff Brewing Company Tighthead Brewing Company Booners Bosacki’s Brewery Light the Lamp Brewery Oppidan Spirits Black Lung Brewing Company Mickey Finn’s Brewery Harbor Brewing Company North Avenue Tap Liquid Love Brewing Flapjack Brewery Goose Island Brewhouse Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Crushed by Giants Brewing Company Chicago Metropolitan Brewing Chicago Upcoming Beer and Brew Festivals: Highland Park Oktoberfest, September 16th/17th Grayslake Craft Beer Festival in Grayslake, September 17th Brewgrass Festival 2022 in Round Lake Beach, September 17th Oktober Fest Chicago, Friday September 23rd 6th Annual Beer in the Woods Festival in Chicago, September 24th Festival of Wood and Barrelaged Beer in Chicago,  November 4th/5th Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, September 30th A reminder about responsible, safe driving: Please, remember that even just one alcoholic beverage before driving can impair your thinking, reasoning, and coordination.  Bear in mind that generally you should wait at least one to two hours after one drink, so your body has enough time to process the beverage.  In any case, no matter where you’re going or how many people you’re with you should have at least one designated driver in attendance when you visit any bar, brew pub, or event where alcohol is served.  The safest driver is a fully sober driver! If you or someone you know have a drinking problem, there are organizations and people who can help. Lake County Health Department Addictions Treatment Program Banyan Treatment Centers - Arlington Heights Recovery Centers of America at South Elgin JEM Treatment INC Addictions Associates Therapy Inc of Libertyville

We’re all recovering from a very busy holiday weekend, so we thought we’d keep things a little lowkey when it comes to blog updates.  After the transition to work week vibes, we figured it would be fun to kick back and relax with a little YouTube video fun!  Check out our roundup of recent and interesting uploads to some of our favorite channels. more We love seeing all the ways that folks customize their cars and really make their mark on the automotive world. Check out these interesting vehicles and cool collectible cars in this Automotive Meet Recap from Ed’s Auto Reviews on Youtube. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Well, this wild van has had quite the ride from rags to riches to rags to abandonment and finally restored to its former glory.  Check out this super fun video from our fave channel, Tavarish! Donut Media has arguably one of the most fun channels in the Automotive YouTubesphere. The crew is testing “Shark Tank” Car Products and giving you a full rundown.  Watch the pitch, watch the test, and decide for yourself!  Check it out. If you’re not subscribed to Rich Rebuilds, what are you waiting for?!  You’ll love the wacky and creative antics of Rich and his pals as their Electrified Garage takes on a slew of unique electric and alt-fuel rebuilt and reconfigured vehicles. In this episode, they’re trying out a solar powered car with 1000 miles of range! Who hasn’t watched a sci-fi movie and thought man that would be so cool to drive those futuristic cars? Well, thanks to experimental technology and conceptual engineering you may be closer to your dreams than you think!  Check out this concept car test driven by the Fully Charged Show on YouTube. This video from Marques Brownlee’s “Auto Focus” segment (and channel!) highlights the future of the car industry and the switch from fossil fuels to alt and electric cars. Check out his feedback and experience driving and enjoying the recently released Hyundai IONIQ. Looking for ways to connect with other likeminded folks in automotive industry? Car Meets are a fantastic way to connect with the community and make friends and network.  Check out this video from Gears and Gasoline about the positive aspects of Car Meets and car culture!

It’s National Tailgating Day!  Whether you’re at the stadium or arena for a big pro ball game, or you’re hanging out with fellow parents at your kiddos’ local tournament, there’s never a bad time for a tailgate party. Get ready for the upcoming sports season with these fun car gadgets and travel worthy barbecue gear. more Great Gadgets for Tailgating at Home or Away with Friends Even if you opted out of season tickets this year, we’re bringing you plenty of ways to party with your friends and social bubble and recreate the game-day experience.  Gather your friends in your driveway, the cul-de-sac, or a local parking lot for some good ol’ fashioned tailgating with modern convenience. Camp X Chairs from REI Co-Op (currently on sale for 50% off at time of posting!) have a max capacity of 300lbs, making them very size inclusive.  They have integrated cup holders to keep your drinks from spills, a convenient pocket for your cell phone, and easy to clean mesh and polyester fabric. They’re light weight and packs up into its own carry bag. You’ll want to have at least a set of four on hand at all times! The Eureka Camp Table at REI (currently on sale under $100!) folds flat, stows easily, and pops up in no time! It can hold quite a lot of equipment and food at a 90lb capacity total, making it very convenient for tailgating and serving meals!  As an added bonus it comes with its very own carry bag for portability. We love it when gadgets are not just useful but also conveniently practical! This combination storage cooler and ottoman is the best of both worlds! Stuff it to the gills with your favorite drinks, meats, fruit, and other goodies. Empty it out, fire up the grill, and when you’re done you can pack it up flat to stow and go!  Great for all-year round use anywhere. Available at Overstock in multiple colorways. Looking for a portable and affordable grilling option?  Take your show on the road with this 13” barrel charcoal grill for less than $50 (and at the time of posting, it’s on a closeout deal!)  Easy maneuverability and ample space to do kebabs, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Available here at Wayfair. Even though Autumn usually ushers in the cooler weather, it’s still important to remember protection from the sun! The SUV Tailgate Canopy Tent attaches easily to the rear hatch and allows your guests to enjoy some shade. It’s also great for those misty, foggy days for a little protection from the elements so you can enjoy your games no matter the weather! Flexible set up for SUVs, Crossovers, Mini Wagons, or Pickup trucks with a cap. Available here at Sharper Image. Great Tailgating Recipes and Cooking Gear Every good tailgating grill master will want to have the following on hand at all times to ensure their toolbox has all the essentials for an outdoor ‘cue or picnic: High heat silicone tongs 1 high heat silicone spatula Large metal serving spoons Metal serving bowls set Grilling tools set Industrial trash bags Camping plates and cups set or disposable plastic/paper 100% Compostable Utensils Set Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Ziplock Bags A Lighter and/or long matches Charcoal or Butane fuel Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ grilled meats and bottled beverages? Spice things up with these new recipes and impress your guests. Easy BBQ Brats Must-Try No-Cook Tailgating Recipes by Mighty Mrs 11 Best Tailgate Grill Recipes Pullapart Dogs in a Blanket Ring Mary Alice’s Hoagie Dip Butterscotch Peanut Butter Bars Mini Sliders Grilled Beer Punch Venezuelan Empanadas Devon’s Award-Winning Chili Spiked Lemonade

We’re very excited to announce that today is National Skyscraper Day, and being as we live near one of the greatest cities in the US, we’re celebrating Chicago Architecture!  The world’s first skyscraper, The “Manhattan Building, was built in Chicago in 1888-1891 as designed by William Le Baron Jenney.  Although The Manhattan Building was but a mere 138 feet tall, it originally towered well above the rest of the city’s surrounding buildings. more The Rookery Building is a historic office building completed by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root in 1888, with help from Frank Lloyd Wright and William Eugene Drummond, and is one of their most iconic buildings and at the time of erection was one of the tallest buildings in the world at 11 stories high!  Once the home of their architectural firm Burnham and Root, it’s now a functional office building for multiple Chicago businesses and organizations.  Tourists are welcome to go into the lobby to observe its gorgeous architecture. Chicago Cultural Center building opened its doors in 1897 as the city’s first public library and Civil War Memorial, and was designated a Chicago Landmark historic building in 1976.  This Neoclassical style building.  It’s currently operated by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and remains the official reception venue for all diplomatic meetings of the Mayor of Chicago and their esteemed guests.  Currently, it houses art exhibits, free programs and community events, and remains open to architectural tours. The Wrigley Building is located in the city’s Magnificent Mile, right across from the Tribune Tower.  Construction began in 1920 by architects Graham, Anderson, Probst, & White, and was completed a year later in 1921 in the impressive Spanish Colonial Architectural style, inspired in part by the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral in Seville, Spain  It soars high above the city with an impressive clocktower, and 6 stunning shades of white that increase in brightness as the building rises.  The facade is illuminated each evening and through the night to provide a glimmering beacon for the city.  It was officially entered as a Chicago Landmark in 2012. Tribune Tower was originally built in 1868 and destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and and rebuilt over the course of two years from 1923-1925 in the Neo-Gothic/Gothic Revival style; In 1922, the Chicago Tribune held a global competition for design firms to submit their best design for the press’ new headquarters, and with more than 250 entries from more than 20 countries, the powers that be selected a design by Raymond Hood, John Mead Howells, John Vinci, and Edward J. Burling.   It was sold off in 2016 by Tribune Media to a group of developers, and is currently repurposed as luxury housing. Other Buildings of note include: TheMART (formerly Merchandise Mart), Marina City, Willis Tower (formerly The Sears Tower), Aqua Tower, St. Jane, Auditorium Building, NBC Tower. Want to tour the city’s architecture, but not break the bank with a paid tour? Check out this great Free Tours by Foot video on YouTube: Learn more about Chicago’s First Skyscrapers from the Chicago Architecture Center:

We’re back with the latest edition of Classic’s Community Calendar!  Whether you’re looking to occupy your Labor Day Weekend with fun-filled activities, or you’re planning ahead for weekend breaks from Back to School wackiness, we’ve got you covered! more On September 1st at Hinkston Park, stop by with your special someone for “Pop-Up Picnic in the Park Couples Date Night. On September 1st, 2nd and 3rd, enjoy a Guided Museum Tour of the African American Museum at England Manor at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM! On September 2nd, enjoy First Friday on Mainstreet in Libertyville from 10AM to 9PM for an entire day filled with community bonding, art, shopping, food, live music, and so much more! On September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th the Downtown area of Highwood is transforming into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row for its 5th Annual Nashwood Music Festival! It’s three whole days of FREE live music with country, bluegrass, southern rock flare.  There will also be plenty of delicious food and drink specials throughout the weekend, and 25 different venues including 10 outdoor spaces! On September 3rd shop your heart out at the Back to School Pop-Up at 12912 Cheyenne Road in Waukegan and check out the plentiful wares of local vendors and artisans! On September 3rd in the evening from 6PM to 8PM, head over to the Plant House in Waukegan for an evening of Therapeutic Art Making and experiential art making!  You’ll get to socialize, try new materials and mediums, and take a creative approach to self expression for your mental health. On Saturday September 3rd,  head over to the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce office from 5PM to 11PM for Wauconda’s 23rd Annual Street Dance event! On September 4th at the Belvidere Discount Mall, the gearheads among us will get their engines revving for the Cars & Elotes Labor Day Celebration event! September 4th at Art Pop in Lake Forest you can stop by anytime between 10AM and 5PM for “The Inside Art Show at Art Pop” September 3rd through 5th is the last weekend for the Bristol Renaissance Faire of Lake County IL. September 8th in Lake Zurich, stop by in the evening around 5PM to the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce for a super exciting “Cruisin’ Lake Zurich Car Show” event! September 10th from 9AM to 1PM enjoy a morning filled with fun classic cars at t he Grayslake Rotary and Fop Car Show Cruisin’ on Center at Downtown Grayslake Center Street. September 10th and 11th is the very exciting 11th Annual Mundelein Arts Festival, from 10AM to 5PM you can enjoy arts, music, food, shopping, and much more! Free admission and free parking. Sunday September 11th at the Impact Fuel Room is a wild and joyful “Drag Me to Brunch” event in Libertyville! Fun, food, and entertainment! On September 15th, 22nd, 24th, 29th starting at 5PM, head over to Waukegan BMX to catch the Local Race Single as part of the local race series for just $15. On September 17th in Lake Forest at the Gordon Community Center from 5PM to 7:30PM come on out for the Annual Block Party 2022! On September 21st at Green Town on The Rocks, come catch some wonderful live music from 6PM to 9PM at the lakefront with Billy Garner. September 24th at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens is a wonderful support charity event “Bottoms Up for Babies” with live music and a live speaker event starting at 6:30! Come on down to the Waukegan Public Library’s NonFiction Book Club on September 28th from 5PM to 7:30PM and learn a little something new! On September 30th from 6PM to 9PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio, come over and paint with Artist Cody Madura for an “Adult Paint Social: Autumn Inspired” class! September 30th at the Genesee Theatre from 6:30 to 7:30PM, get a jump start on the season of scary with a Ghost Wauk Tour!

If you’re a Last-Minute Larry when it comes to vacation planning, you’re certainly not alone!  Today’s post is all about convenient weekend and day-trip getaways that you can book in a jiffy. You’ll find all manner of entertainment and excitement on today’s list, and of course, we welcome your own suggestions in the comments section on all our social media.  Check it out and be well on your way to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for this last blast of Summer fun! more Out of State Excursions Wehr Nature Center, Wisconsin is a 220 acre nature preserve in Hales Corners Wisconsin outside of the Milwaukee area.  It’s located inside the 660 acres of Whitnall Park, and has 5 miles of meticulously maintained trails which loop in, around, and through different regions.  Choose from the Lake Loop, Woodland Trail, Family Friendly Trail, Red Trail-Grasslands Trail, and the Wetland Trail.  They’re rated by difficulty, so you can choose the option that best suits your experience as a hiker and trail rider.  It’s a beautiful area that has planted prairie land and savannas filled with waving tall grasses, flowering herbs and plants, and plenty of spaces for birds, furry critters, and more to call it home. Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa, WI is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to come and get an up-close look at the forest landscape of Wisconsin!  Its purpose is to educate the community about sustainable forestry, educational programming, and first-hand experiences through immersive trail walks and exploration.  It’s 1-mile trail loop is also wheelchair accessible, which is a wonderful option for inclusive travel needs.  The facility has both indoor and outdoor events at its interactive science center through its exhibits and rotation of programming. Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin is a bite-sized dose of natural wonders!  This award-winning botanical garden consists of 16 acres of impeccably groomed outdoor gardens and walking paths, and The Bolz Conservatory which is a 10,000 square foot indoor tropical garden.  You can check out the sunken garden, herb garden, tower garden, perennial garden, rose garden and so much more! Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin is a woodsy, outdoorsy state park which sees 3 million visitors a year!  You’ll find ample opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, as well as swimming, fishing, and other watersports.  Those who prefer to remain on land can enjoy hiking the many trails to scenic overlooks such as the 500-foot quartzite bluffs, or taking their bikes on a challenging trail ride.  You can stop in for the day, book a cabin or hotel offsite, or check out the campgrounds at the park itself. Killsnake Wildlife Area, Wisconsin is seated between multiple counties and spans a vast 7,000 acres between them!  If you’re looking to enjoy an immersive nature experience with less crowds and quieter foot traffic, this is the spot for you.  With plenty of landscapes to choose from such as prairie grasslands, uplands with wetland-grassland areas, a hardwood forest, cedar swamp, agricultural landscape, wetland restoration projects, and even a bog, you’ll have lots of variety for exploration.  As for activities, you can enjoy birding, canoeing, hiking, hunting (if in season, please adhere to posted signage and check WDNR resources), trapping, gathering of wild edibles, and plenty of opportunities for nature photography. In State Adventures Starved Rock State Park, Illinois is located along the Illinois river, and home to gorgeous sandstone canyons created by glacial melts hundreds of thousands of years ago.  You can enjoy wildlife watching and birding, hiking, river cruises, trolley tours, and swimming.  Depending on the rainfall and the season, you can also enjoy multiple waterfalls in the following canyon areas: St. Louis, French, and Wildcat canyons.  Looking for scenic views? Check out Lover’s Leap Overlook!  It’s peaceful, tranquil, and a majestic site to visit that your whole family will enjoy. Morrison Rockwood State Park, Illinois is a gorgeous place for family and friends to gather and drink in the last days of Summer!  With nearly 100 camping sites and the ever-popular Lakeview Picnic Area, it’s a fantastic place to meet up with loved ones for a picnic meal, and get some fresh air and detox from electronics, screens, and the rat race of the work week.  You can enjoy ample activities such as hiking and biking trails, boating and fishing, horseback riding, and then some.  And if you're looking for spacious blue skies, crisp, clean air, and a little solitude you’ll certainly find it on any of the 1,164 acres of this gorgeous Illinois State Park area. Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Illinois is a 1300 acre preserve area within the Illinois State Parks system.  If you’re into fishing and hunting, you’ll be in heaven at this state park; adhere to posted state and local area guidelines for what’s in season to hunt or fish.  Take in the wildlife at the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, or head out onto the lake for an afternoon of boating and fishing.  Hike any of the beautiful trails along the shores and into the forests.  Be sure to check the rules for specifics on watercraft, as there are limits to what type/size can be used. Galena, Illinois is a fantastic place to stop over for those who aren’t so interested in Nature and the Great Outdoors. You’ll have a blast jumping back in the past by touring places such as Ulyssess S. Grant Home, the Jo Daviess County Historical Society, Galena Museum, Old Blacksmith Shop, and many more historical sites.  Enjoy the finer side of life with a trip to Galena Cellars Winery, Blaum Bros Distilling Co., and take in the fine art at the Chicago Athenaeum.  If you’re looking for unique places to shop for yourself or even to find fun things for gifting during the upcoming holidays, the downtown area is full of unique nooks and interesting shops!  It’s a quaint little town rich in history, culture, and fun.