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Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner, so let’s get out there and see the world! Or, well, Wisconsin at least.  Today’s blog post is all about exciting places to visit in Wisconsin and get some lowkey exercise while we’re at it!  Let’s take a tour and explore some of the beautiful towns and trails of Wisconsin. more Burlington’s White River State Trail follows 19 miles of decommissioned rail corridor through Elkhorn, Dover, and Burlington.  You’ll find multiple scenic view stop-offs and vistas, fields and farmlands of green, natural wetlands and wildlife, beautiful bridges, and plenty of charming little towns with shops and restaurants to explore.  Best of all, it’s open year-round, and if you opt for a special state trail pass you can even go bicycling and horseback riding. Burlington Historic Walking Tour highlights the stops along the Underground Railroad path through Wisconsin.  You’ll stop at the Chestnut Street Bend, Museum of Burlington’ Historical Society’s Dyer Monument, Wehmhoff Square and the Pioneer Cabin, the Lincoln Monument, Echo Veterans Memorial Park, and Fred’s Parkview. Take a ride over to Plymouth and enjoy the Downtown Mural Walk with a side order of cheese, or the history of its production, that is!  You’ll see local murals and street art while learning about the local cheese and dairy industry in the state such as Gentine’s, Sartori’s and even Sargento. The Mural Walk in Downtown Ashland is a very popular tour with options for self-guided tours via the website (locations listed) or special  guided tours from the artists themselves!  Each of the murals gives a little peek into the history of Ashland over the eight blocks of Main Street buildings and businesses. Kenosha’s Library Park Historic District Walking Tour runs from Mid-May to Early October on every 2nd Saturday.  You’ll enjoy a 90 minute stroll around the park with a volunteer guide and historian discussing architecture, history, and significance of the buildings and sites in the area.  Make sure you book reservations in advance, and get your ticket for  $10 through the Kenosha History Center Waukesha Pewaukee is home to a myriad of amazing walking tours! Starting in Downtown Waukesha, you can enjoy the Guitar Town Murals and 10ft tall fiberglass Guitars.  It’s a great photo opportunity, and certainly a real eye-catcher and unforgettable!  If you’re looking for local history and art, you can enjoy the Waukesha Public Art & Historic Buildings Tour. And for the folks who love the scenic path, you can explore Pewaukee Village and Pewaukee Lake with opportunities to dine with lakeside views, or even bring your own boat for a day on the water. Consider a stop along the shores of Lake Michigan at Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan.  It’s perfect for traversing the boards down to the beach, and rounding out the day enjoying plentiful water sports activities along the harbor.  You can also take a tour of 3 Sheeps Brewery located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, and get a peek at the facilities, process, and even sample some rare beers.

Happy Earth Day from All of us at Classic Auto Group! Kia’s committed to building a brighter, greener, more sustainable future for the company and it’s customers.  The company has created a responsive framework to climate change by focusing on achieving carbon neutrality, reducing environmental impact across the entire value chain from supply to production to use and distribution/disposal.  Kia is on the way to success by employing an all encompassing vision for sustainable mobility and remains focused on realizing their goals for carbon neutrality through their “3S Activities”: Sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, sustainable planet. more LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW KIA IS MAKING STRIDES FOR A GREENER FUTURE Sustainable Mobility The company aims to pave the way for an all-electric future, and has set their sights on introducing 11 different Electric Vehicles to the consumer market by 2026.  They expect the European market to be fully electric by 2035, and fully electric on a global scale by 2045.  Kia also aims to recycle and upcycle waste into materials for interior fabric, seats, carpeting and more.  They’re reducing their use of animal leathers to reduce reliance on and eventually phase out leather to reduce animal skin processing, creating a much smaller carbon footprint during manufacturing. Sustainable Energy Kia has big plans to make sure that they achieve RE 100 by 2040.  This means that the end goal will ultimately show that all electric power used at manufacturing sites will be from 100% renewable sources!  Their first stepping stone is 100% powered by renewable energy by 2030 at overseas manufacturing facilities, and domestic production sites in Korea by 2040.  They’re already well on the way by beginning to install solar energy systems at plants in Korea, China, the US, and India.  Kia expects all vehicles used on site to also be EV class by 2030.  As of 2022, all tier-1 partners have received specific guidelines and support programs established to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and obtain carbon neutrality.  It is expected that by 2030, all supply chain partners of steel will be supplying the company with “green steel” for manufacturing, which produces ⅓ less carbon emission compared to current standards. Sustainable Planet Kia is committed to taking proactive measures to increase positive contributions to environmental efforts by way of “virtuous recycling loop.”  New programs have been implemented to reuse EV batteries, partner with local energy companies to recover and transform end-of-life batteries into new energy storage systems.  Kia also aims to include 20% or more of plastic parts used in Kia vehicles to be recycled plastics by 2030.  And then there is the wonderful Blue Carbon program, with efforts to protect and restore tidal mudflats in Korea absorb 260,000 tons of harmful emission annually, which equates to the emissions produced by up to 110,000 Internal Combustion Engine vehicles.  Preserving the tidal flats will be a major boon in environmental conservation efforts.  Additional external partnerships will see to it that the company recycles marine plastic waste collected through projects such as The Ocean Cleanup non-profit foundation. Learn more about Kia’s efforts for ECO-Friendly Car Lifecycle Management. Kia’s EV6 is the first Korean car in history to achieve a “Product Carbon Footprint.”

After a taste of the warm weather earlier this month, we’re getting ready to make Summer plans and enjoy it to the fullest!  Today’s blog is going to be covering great Food and Wine/Beer Festivals near our Classic Auto Group stores.  Just a short drive away in your brand new Classic Auto Group car, you can be well on your way to fun in the sun with your loved ones! more Please remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so make sure you have a plan in place for rideshare or a “DD”.  As always, we encourage you to bring a designated driver to your festivals and tasting events. Some events may offer  a discounted DD ticket so they can still attend the rest of the fun with your group.  Please Drink Responsibly. The Glen Club of Glenview is hosting the “Glenview Bites & Brews event from 5PM to 8PM on Wednesday evening April 27th. On Saturday  April 30th from 12PM to 4PM head over to Long Grove Illinois for the Craft Beer Fest at the Stempel Parking Lot. On Saturday April 30th from 2PM to 4PM you can enjoy the fine musical stylings of the Big Al Wetzel Band at the Long Grove Craft Beer Festival from 2PM to 4PM at Buffalo Creek Brewing Head up North to the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival from 1PM to 5PM in Kenosha at the Brat Stop on Saturday April 30th. Head over to Main Street in Libertyville between 1PM and 4PM for “Let’s Vino In the Ville” Festival on Saturday April 30th. On Sunday, May 1st, at What’s Brewing? Supply in Palatine, you can head over from 10AM to 1:30PM for a Basic Beer Making Class! The College of Lake County in Grayslake is hosting the Food Truck Frenzy of 2022 from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday May 7th. The Harbor Brewing Co in Winthrop Harbor is hosting “The Harbor BRewing Company Proudly Presents Mr. E!” on Saturday May 7th starting at 6PM. Perfect Brewing Supply in Libertyville is hosting the 25th Anniversary Big Brew with N.U.B.S. from 8AM to 6:30PM on Satu On May 21st, head over to Vernon Hills at the Century Park Arboretum and catch the 8th Annual Craft Beer Tasting even from 10AM to 2PM! With over 40 vendors, live music, fine foods, and craft brews, the Craft Beer Festival in Mundelein is a surefire hit; stop by June 11th from 6PM to 10PM for a fun-filled evening. The Highwood Metra Station in Highwood is hosting “Highwood Days with Taco Fest” from 8AM until late night at 11:30PM on Saturday July 23rd and Sunday July 24th. On August 6th in Long Grove, Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting thei r “Saturday Night Food Truck Event” with the “Stadium Street Eats” theme running from 3PM to 7PM. Long Grove’s Woodfire Tavern is hosting the “Street Food Showdown” on Saturday August 20th from 2PM to 6PM. The Blues, Brews, & BBQs festival of McHenry is running from Friday August 19th through Sunday August 21st at Petersen Park!

Since its introduction three years prior, the Kia Telluride has been one of the most in-demand and award-winning 3 row 8 passenger SUV’s in the US.  In fact, 75% of its buyers are new to the Kia line of vehicles, and Telluride owners have been some of the most brand-loyal consumers of any midsize SUV on the market!  It’s flexibility, reliability, and feature packed options make it a must-have for families, and a top pick for those who love adventuring off-road beyond the limits of regular highways and byways.  And the 2023 Kia Telluride has even more fantastic features and amenities for the discerning customer.  We just know you're going to love it! more Updates to the exterior aesthetics include revised vertical LED headlamps and foglamps, updated bumpers and grille, revised taillamps, new wheel designs for each trim, three new colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, Jungle Wood Green, and revised lower door trim/side sills.  The interior has an upscale finish including three spacious rows of seating to accommodate up to eight passengers, new interior color options, a redesigned steering wheel and dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC ventilation, and a dual set of beautiful seamless, curved 12.3 inch display screens with available gauge cluster and navigation options. The Telluride’s new technology, such as the 12.3 inch navigation screens and the optional full display mirror with HomeLink functionality and available smart power liftgate with “auto close” functionality make driving more accessible than ever before.  Thanks to the convenient Kia Connect system, Telluride owners can use compatible iphones, apple watches, and samsung galaxy smart phones as a virtual key to lock, unlock, and even drive the vehicle!  You can also share your digital key with friends or family on select devices; no more missing car keys here!  It also has an in-car wi-fi hotspot allowing you to connect up to 5 wireless devices to a 4G LTE internet hotspot.  Specialized Smart Speaker integration allows you to sync your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant smart speakers and devices to remotely operate some functionality such as remote start options! For the audiophiles in our midst, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of optimum music listening from the available 10-speaker HArman/Kardon audio system with AM/FM/SiriusXM capabilities. It also connects to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and has bluetooth wireless connectivity options.  Keep your eyes on the road and off of the gauges and the backseat with technology such as Head-Up Display, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and Rear Occupant Alert.  Kia aims to keep you and your loved ones secure and comfortable while on the road so you can reach your destination safely! But that’s not all! The Telluride is receiving two upgraded trim packages for 2023: The X-Line and X-Pro  These include more rugged aesthetics and plenty of capabilities to improve off road excursions and wilderness exploration. The X-Line package includes bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, exclusive 20 inch wheels, x-line badging and embossing on front seat upper backrests, and exclusive color packages.  It has higher ground clearance by 10mm, a tow mode for optimized trailer performance, and an upgrade traction control system.  The X-Pro option includes exclusively designed 18-inch black wheels with 18-inch all-terrain tires, x-pro badging and embossing on front seat upper backrest, 110-volt inverter outlet in the cargo area, and an increased towing capacity limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds! And of course, the Telluride is equipped with all of the safety features you have come to expect standard from Kia including: Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA) High Bean Assist (HBA) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Smart Cruise Control with sTop & Go Driver Attention Warning (DAW) Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear and Blind Spot View Monitor (available) And much, much more! Stop by our dealership and speak to one of our reliable, trusted sales associates to learn more and spec one out for yourself!  We’ll have you driving off the lot in the Telluride of your dreams in no time at all. HIghlights: Kia’s Flagship SUV Introduces New X-Line and X-Pro Models for Adventures in the Wild New X-Line and X-Pro models bring added ruggedness and capability More towing capacity with Tow Mode, higher ground clearance, Continental All-Terrain Tires, Raised Roof Rails, and Downhill Brake Control 1 Design enhancements further elevate its distinctly upscale and commanding presence with new front and rear fascias, lighting and wheels Refreshed interior receives redesigned and more technologically advanced dash and center console with newly available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens including standard navigation Upgraded convenience technology includes newly standard WiFi Hotspot and optional digital key supporting compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones Larger multi-color head-up display Class-leading interior roominess 3 Numerous standard advanced collision avoidance and safety assist features 4 including available Highway Drive Assist 2 with Semi-Autonomous Hands-On Capability and Auto Lane Change technology Assembled at Kia’s award-winning Georgia manufacturing facility alongside K5, Sportage, and Sorento

Since today is Easter Sunday, we thought it would be super fun to highlight some of the easter eggs that are hidden in some of our favourite cars!  These fun little treats are a manufacturer and engineer’s way of paying homage to the automotive enthusiasts, and even give a nod to older models of years past.  Take a short walk out to your driveway and check the details on your new car from Classic Auto Group, or feel free to “hippity-hop” over to our dealerships this week if you’d like to see them in person! more The 2022 Toyota Tundra has several easter eggs hidden in its design.  The first is on the driver’s side as you open the hood, where you’ll find the state of texas stamped into the plastic near the grille, meant to represent the fact that it’s built in Texas.  On the passenger side, you’ll find the shape of MIchigan stamped into the black plastic to represent that the new Tundra was researched and developed in Ann Arbor!  The 2022 Tundra windshield also has morse code hidden in all of its trucks regardless of what trim package you choose.  The secret message: BADASSTRUCKS.  Tundra 4x4 models also feature hidden holographic stickers on both sides of the truck bed to signify the’re off-road ready; shine a flashlight on them at just the right angle and you’ll spot shimmering trucks driving up and down the numbers! Toyota Prius owners who bought a model 2016 or newer can find a hidden feature by using the key fob.  Press and hold the unlock button and all of your windows will unroll at once, perfect for letting out the heat during summer months.  Ready to park the car in a shady spot?  No worries, just push and hold the lock button on your key fob and they’ll all roll right back up again! The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has 24 hidden Toyota Logos emblazoned in discreet spots around the vehicle besides the usual spots.  You can find one etched into the window between the C-Pillar and the hatch, one at the base of the windshield, one inside the front grill on the lower left side, one hidden inside the plastic trim on the passenger side-view mirror, and lots more.  See how many you can find on your own. Some models of the Kia Soul have a hidden compartment in the trunk section.  To see if your car has it, take a peek at the trunk to see if there’s a handle; lift that handle and you'll find a convenient organizer with enough room to store roadside assistance items such as tools, blankets, towing cable, flashlight, charge cables, and more! The 202 Kia Soul has a Sound Mood Lighting System that emits soft glow from the center door panels, and a 3D pattern on the upper door panels. It will synchronize the lighting to the beat of the music, and the lights can be customized to any color of the rainbow. Some models of the Kia Telluride have an option for ambient lighting!  Place your car in park, and tap the “vehicle settings” on the infotainment screen.  From there, you’ll be able to select the Ambient Light menu and adjust the lighting color and the brightness.  It’s a fun little hidden feature to impress your friends or add a little mood lighting to your next drive-in movie. The Hyundai Veloster has a little easter egg game built into the infotainment system.  The car’s Blue Max Game tracks driving habits and rewards the driver with bonus points for being eco-friendly and fuel efficient!  You can’t really do anything with the points, but it’s a fun little reminder to improve driving habits and fuel consumption. The Hyundai Genesis has a hidden light under the side mirror that illuminates and projects the logo on the pavement. The Hyundai Sonata added some built-in relaxation into their infotainment system with a series of ambient noises.  Just select the “Sounds of Nature” option!

Record Store Day was started in 2007 by a group of indie record store owners and employees to help celebrate the magic and nostalgia of vinyl, and share the love of vinyl collecting culture with others.  There are over 1400 independent independently owned stores.  Each year, artists all over the world come together and create special collections, limited editions, and rereleases specifically for Record Store Day! It’s a great way to be introduced to new musical styles as well as supporting local indie artists and independent small businesses.  Each year a celebrity Record Store Day Ambassador is also chosen, and for 2022 that person is none other than the reining pop queen herself: Taylor Swift. more Check out these awesome local record shops you can patronize all year round: Play by Play Record Shop in Waukegan Reef Records in Antioch Reef Records in Lakemoor Vinyl Frontier Records in McHenry Scratched Vinyl in Barrington Blue Myrtle Records in Gurnee Offbeat Music Store in Lake Zurich Siren Records McHenry in McHenry Hip Cat Records & Music Videos in Wilmette Algonquin Records in Des Plaines Record Wonderland in Roselle MetalEdge Records and Tapes in Chicago Vintage Vinyl in Evanston Squeezebox Books & Music Inc in Evanston Rediscover Records in Elgin Cheap Kiss Records in Villa Park Tone Deaf Records in Chicago The Old School Records in Forest Park Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont Kiss the Sky in Batavia Rattleback Records in Chicago Mile Long Records in Wheaton Rolling Stones in Norridge Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park Reckless Records in Chicago Interstellar Space Records in Chicago Electric Jungle in Chicago Hyde Park Records in Chicago Shuga Records in Chicago Green Tangerine Records in DeKalb Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart Record Breakers in Chicago Black Circle Records in Lake Geneva WI Did you know there are also numerous benefits to listening to music: Music can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by elevating mood and reducing cortisol from stress. It can increase focus and improve your memory. It improves your performance in running and exercise. What are some ways that music helps you in your daily life? Check out these portable record players that connect to your favourite bluetooth device.  It’s perfect for taking with you on the road for campouts, beach days, and vacations: Victrola Vintage 3 Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Buit-In Speakers Crosley UO Exclusive Cream Rose Gold Voyager Bluetooth Record Player Turntable Record Player Portable with Built-in Speakers Belt-Driven Vintage Portable Turntable with Bluetooth Wireless R609

While we all certainly love all things automotive, our staff have each got lots of other hobbies and pastimes, one of which includes gardening!  And we thought it only fitting that we celebrate National Gardening Day by highlighting local greenhouses and garden centers, and some tips on how to start your own mini garden at home. more Here are some of the amazing benefits to gardening, aside from the positive environmental impact: A boost of Vitamin D from being outdoors in the sunshine! You can boost your mood with just 30 minutes of gardening thanks to its ability to lower the stress hormone cortisol. It’s fantastic physical exercise and aerobic activity to help you raise your heart rate and break a sweat. It can improve your mental health by boosting confidence, increasing a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, and a dose of healthy self-esteem from a successful venture. It’s a bonding experience with your friends, family, and community If you’ve not got the room for a container garden or your homeowner association/landlord doesn’t allow it, you can join a community garden!  The incorporation of community gardens, flower beds, container gardens, and even small orchards can reduce urban poverty, increase environmental management efforts, and promote an inclusive space for all to enjoy. Community Gardens in the Area: Madeleine Fuqua Garden in Waukegan GreenTown Waukegan Mundelein Community Garden in Mundelein Century Park North Garden in Vernon Hills Grayslake Community Garden in Grayslake Plymouth Farms Community Garden in Vernon Hills Century Park Boat Dock Garden in Vernon Hills Check out our picks for local area garden centers, urban agriculture facilities with resources and classes, and even a Living Farm you can visit!  Then pack up your new Classic Auto Group home with some trunk storage supplies, and get started on your own container garden and urban agriculture project. Garden Centers in the Area: Gurnee Garden Center in Gurnee Mary’s Greenhouse in Gurnee Larsen Florists and Greenhouses in Waukegan Plant House in Waukegan Lurvey Landscape Supply in Park Cit y Country Gardens Garden Center in Lake Villa Pasquesi Home & Gardens in Lake Bluff Country Bumpkin Garden Center in Mundelein Roses & Roses & Roses in Wadsworth Windy City Garden Center in Evanston Reds Garden Center & Fireplace Logs in Northbrook Rolling Hills Nursery in Lincolnshire J&E Nursery in Libertyville Perricone Garden Center & Nursery How To Start Your Own Container Garden A set of large plastic planters, large utility buckets, small containers on wheels, something that is at least 4-6 inches in depth or deeper A large bucket of compost An XL bag of garden soil formulated for containers or raised beds Seeds of your choice or juvenile plants Watering Can with Long Spout Small gardening tools: hand trowel, claw rake, gardening shears, twine, floral tape Wooden stakes, tomato cages, moss sticks You can purchase containers such as Grow Bags, Self Watering Planter Boxes, Indoor Hydroponic Garden Tower, Modular Metal Containers.  If the area you’re planting in does not receive a lot of light, seek out plants which require low-light or partial shade to maximize growth and crop yield. Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Herbs all do wonderfully well in containers and pots. Great Books on Container Gardening and Urban Agriculture Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteadin g by Lisa Lombardo The Backyard Homestead in Carleen Madigan The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible by Edward C. Smith Grow Your Own Food Anywhere by Rita Butler Field Guide to Urban Gardening by Kevin Espiritu Grow Bag Gardening by Kevin Espiritu The Gardener’s Logbook by Peter Pauper Press

We love a good road trip car game that gets your ol’ noodle going!  So for today, National Scrabble Day, we’re sharing picks for fantastic car friendly word games for everyone to enjoy. From classic spoken word games using the alphabet to mobile and travel friendly versions of your favourite board games.  The best part about playing these games together is that they are silly, goofy, creative, and competitive and each one builds on each other to improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  Who says learning can’t be fun?! more Free Word Games to Play With the Whole Family Think Fast (No Purchases Required!) One person begins by suggesting a category theme (ex: Food, Animal, Places. etc) and a second player will have until the count of 10 to say (or shout) the name of an item that corresponds with that theme.  If the second player cannot think of something to name in the time it takes for a 10 count, they lose their turn and it passes to the next one.  If they come up with a word, it’s their turn next to pick a category and count for the next player.  For an added challenge you can use the rule of starting with alphabetical order “The Category is Flower, and you must use the letter A!” “Aster!” “The next category is Food and you must use the letter B!” “Blueberry” and so on until someone gives up, or you reach the end of the alphabet! The Alphabet Game (No Purchases Required!) Starting with the letter ‘A’, one passenger takes turns calling out a word that starts with that letter, and the next player’s turn responds with a word beginning with ‘B’ and so on and so forth until you get to the letter ‘Z’.  If you’d like an extra challenge, subsequent rounds can have a theme such as “plants” or “animals” or “foods” to correspond with each letter. Same Letter (No Purchases Required!) Begin with a category, just as you would with “Think Fast,” except this does not involve a count timer.  One category chooses a word that matches that category, and the following player must follow-up on that theme using the last letter of that word as the first letter of their next guess.  For example: “The Category is Birds!” “Seagull” “Lark” “Kestrel” “Lovebird” “Duck” “Kingfisher!” “Robin!” and so on until the group gives up and someone is stumped. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (No Purchases Required!) Another great game that can be played with all car passengers and requires quick thinking, sharp memory, and alphabetical challenges A through Z.  The starting player will use the letter A, and will say the phrase “I’m going on a bear hunt, and I am bringing   The second passenger will follow by repeating the first item, and adding a second with the subsequent letter (in this case, ‘B’): I’m going on a bear hunt and I am bringing an avocado and a blueberry!  The third player will repeat those and add the next letter, and so on and so forth until you reach a point where someone cannot remember anymore, or you reach the end of the alphabet!  It’s great to play with small kids as well as adults. Great RoadWorthy Games to Pack for the Car, The Beach, or Picnic Fun We’ve got some great suggestions for travel friendly versions of classic board games.  From pocket-sized options to digitized versions to magnetic or tile-lock versions, you’ll find something to fit every need and age group of traveler.  Perfect for playing at a rest stop lunch break, while camping, or even while driving in the car to your destination. Scrabble: Road Trip Series Scrabble to Go (APP) Tile Lock Scrabble Travel Edition Word Master (APP) Words with Friends (APP) Scrabble Slam Hasbro Boggle to Go Boggle Travel Edition Scroll-O-Matic Banana-Grams Duel Fournier’s Magnetic Hangman Bananagrams: The On-the-Go Edition Melissa & Doug Flip-To-Win Hangman What’s My Word (Travel Edition) Hot Tips for Scrabble Points Using Automotive Themed Words Engine, 7pts Carburetor, 14pts Serpentine, 12pts Gasoline, 9pts Brakes, 12pts Transmission, 14pts Tires, 5pts Windshield, 18pts Antifreeze, 22pts Pedal, 8pts Gears, 6pts Bumper, 12pts Warranty, 14pts Insurance, 11pts Mechanic, 17pts Lease, 5pts Motor, 7pts Hoses, 8pts

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and we’re sharing our picks for road trip worthy restaurants for the best grilled cheese across our illustrious state and the cheese capital of the US, Wisconsin!  You can also check out our list of Grilled Cheese fun facts and see how these top sandwiches stack up to their potential. more Fun Facts About the Grilled Cheese The Grilled Cheese began as an open faced snack of melted cheese on one singular piece of bread during the WWII era; the classic toast-cheese-toast configuration appeared in the 1960s and is what we know and love today as the “grilled cheese!” One of the most expensive grilled cheese sandwiches ever sold belonged to Diana Duyser.  She claimed her grilled cheese sandwich was brandished with the toasted image of the Virgin Mary; it sold for $28,000 on Ebay in 1994! The highest priced actually edible grilled cheese sandwich is priced at $214 from the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City.  It features rare cheese, white truffle butter, Dom Perignon champagne, and edible gold flakes. Wow! Top Notch Grilled Cheese Sandwich Establishments in Illinois and Wisconsin: Chicago Grilled Cheese & Mac Factory in Chicago IL Edzo’s Burger Shop in Evanston IL McAlister’s Deli in Springfield Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago IL The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Peoria IL Jerry’s Sandwiches in Chicago IL Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Lakeview in Chicago IL Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co in Naperville IL Wyler Road in Chicago IL Mak’s House La Grange in La Grange IL Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill in Morris IL Little Goat Diner in Chicago IL BIG & little’s Restaurant in Chicago IL The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park in Chicago IL Same Day Cafe in Chicago IL Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal IL CYOC Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak in Waukegan IL Green Town Tavern in Waukegan IL Glen Flora Tap & Grill in Waukegan IL Leno’s Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan IL Brat Stop in Kenosha WI Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI Spanky's Bar and Grill in Kenosha WI Franks Diner in Kenosha WI House of Gerhard in Kenosha WI The Coffee Pot in Kenosha WI Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha WI Pepi’s Pub and Grill in Racine WI Tino’s Carry Out in Racine WI The Dish Restaurant in Racine WI

Kia’s first dedicated EV signals the beginning of the brand’s transformative ‘Plan S’ electrification strategy! “Kia is undergoing a pivotal shift to electrification and the all-new EV6 is the first major step in that direction, underpinned by the company’s advanced E-GMP platform,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Partnering with Electrify America will enable our customers to enjoy a superior charging experience coupled with the outstanding all-electric range of the EV6.” more It’s finally here: The All-Electric EV6 Crossover from Kia, the 2022 European Car of the Year, and 2022 Red Dot Design Award winner! We’re very excited to unveil some of the spectacular features and amenities found in the new Kia EV6 vehicle. This ground-breaking new crossover is the first Kia model based on the company’s innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and paves the way for six new all-electric models to be released by 2026.  The EV6 has a state-of-the-art 77.4 kWh high-density lithium-ion battery which affords it an EPA-rated 310 mile driving range!  Ultra-fast DC Charging capability via the 800V multi-charging architecture system allows you to receive up to 217 miles of driving range in under 20 minutes with a 350kW charger. And this glorious EV really packs some power: 0-60mph acceleration in a mere 4.6 seconds – that means it’s faster than a Porsche Cayenne Coupe! Starting at just $40,900 MSRP, you’re getting state-of-the-art features, environmentally conscious all-electric technology, sleek and sporty styling inside and out, and unparalleled reliability and top-tier performance.  Not to mention up to 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America’s new partnership! Kia aims to round out its mission to electrify its European line by 2035, followed soon after by other key market lineups by 2040, so why not  race forward and always one step ahead of the curve?  Drive into the future in your very own award-winning EV6 from Kia! Learn More about complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America: Kia America and Electrify America have joined forces to provide Kia EV6 buyers with 1,000 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging at any of Electrify America’s nationwide charging stations.  What does that mean for you?  You’ll get anywhere from 3,000-4,000 miles of all-electric driving range on the house, depending on your model and driving habits.  Electrify America has one of the largest charging networks in the country, with a capacity for up to 350kW of high-speed charging (depending on make/model of vehicle.)  To receive your EV6 charging credits you’ll enroll in Kia Connect, and then login through the owner portal or via the Kia Access App to receive a special enrollment code.  That code can be used via the Electrify America mobile app all across the company’s charging network!  The 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging is available for up to 3 years from your purchase date. Check it out and see for yourself why the Kia EV6 is rising in rank to the top of its class in electric vehicles. Stop by our dealership to learn more about the EV6 and our current special promotional offers, and a trusted associate will help you through the process. Features and Specs of the All New EV6 from Kia: New Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) underpins all-new model in RWD or Dual-Motor e-AWD State-of-the-art 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery allows up to an EPA-rated 310-mile1 range for road trips and excursions; a 339-mile range was achieved in independent testing2 World’s first 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10-80 percent charge (up to 217 miles range) in under 18 minutes3 114.2-inch wheelbase equivalent to the Telluride SUV 102 cu.-ft. of passenger room; flat floor design yields 24.4 cu.-ft. of cargo room behind second row and 50.2 cu.-ft. of space with the second-row seats folded down Outstanding performance achieving zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds4 Innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns EV6 into a mobile power source for computers, camping, tailgating, and back-up power at home 21 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)5 with semi-autonomous driver capabilities including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) Augmented Reality6 (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD) system projects three-dimensional images on windshield

Kia America Hosts North America Debut of All-New 2023 Niro at New York International Auto Show IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 2022 - Kia America returns to the New York International Auto Show next week with the North American debut of the all-new 2023 Niro. As a key component to Plan S, the brand’s ambitious electrification and sustainability initiative, the Niro arrives sporting many of the design cues first seen on the Habaniro concept, including the unique and aerodynamic panel along the C-pillar. Other hints at Niro’s concept-car origins may be found in the dramatically designed LED headlights and high-mounted taillights. Inside is a cabin briming with technology, driver assist features and generous cargo capacity. Debuting in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric EV variants, the Niro will roll across the Kia display stand Wednesday, April 13, at 10:10 AM Eastern time and will be streamed live across Kia America’s social channels and may also be viewed at Kia.com. 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 nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. 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.

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. more There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secur planse a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw