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Saddle up your horses and let’s hit the road!  Today’s travel guide is all about Nashville, Tennessee! We’re going to check out some of the classic stops and sites to visit, but also some great places with more untapped potential.  We want to highlight some of the more unique and interesting places that are often left off travel guides, and we hope you’ll find them intriguing enough to explore on your own! more And of course, as always, if we’ve left your fave destination off our list, you can suggest it in the comments of our social media. We love hearing from you and looking into reader suggestions for future travel guides. Grand Ole Opry is synonymous with Nashville. This American Country Music stage has been open since 1925 when it began as a 1-hour radio show on WSM, and has since been host to just about every legend in the genre!  You can book a behind the scenes tour of the facility for an up-close look at the past and present of country music performance, and then snag tickets to a show after! Country Music Hall of Fame Museum is a leading institute for research and preservation of American Music History, and one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music.  It has an incredible and extensive musical collection of more than 2 million artifacts from the industry. And it’s been building new exhibits and preserving more history year after year since the mid-to-late 1960s! Visit on your own self-guided, or schedule a tour with a local guide and group. Johnny Cash Museum is an amazing destination which commemorates the life, contributions, and career of the iconic music legend, and it’s one of Nashville’s top must-see attractions. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Garden Conservatory is more than just a beautiful place to stay!  In fact, you can enjoy it even if you haven’t booked your lodgings there.  The grounds are open to the public and managed by a staff of more than 20 horticulturalists. You can book a ticket and explore the grounds, visit the indoor and outdoor water park, and talk a walk through the historic hotel. The Nashville Parthenon at Centennial Park is an incredibly impressive full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon in Greece, since Nashville was known as “Athens of the South.”  Originally built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Expo, the city tore the structure down in 1920, and rebuilt it from long-lasting materials in 1931. A $12million restoration and renovation project was unveiled in 2001, and it is now reopened to the public for all to enjoy.  The Parthenon is open 7 days a week to the general public with minimal entry fees. “Music Row” is set in the heart of Nashville, and is home to just about every record label, radio station, and recording studio in the Country Music industry.  Many streets in the area are even named in honour of country music stars!  You can take a sightseeing tour and get an in-depth look at the industry for a more intimate experience.  You’ll even find RCA Studio B, home to recording artists like Elvis and Dolly Parton!  And if you play your cards right, you might catch a glimpse of some of your country music faves as they head in for a session or stroll about the town. Tennessee State Museum is a wonderful new place to explore the history of Tennessee in depth!  The rotating series of exhibitions and permanent collections cover the rich cultural history of the state.  Enjoy lectures and workshops on the history of community, culinary traditions, entertainment and music, sports and so much more.  Explore and learn about the Civil War, check out artifacts and clothing, and get an up close look at history. Lane Motor Museum holds one of the largest collections of European Cars and Motorcycles in the whole USA!  This non-profit organization was founded by the Lane family to commemorate the family automotive business, and chronicle the automotive industry.  Explore the permanent collection and a rotating series of exhibits with memorabilia, media, and more.  Your whole family will love looking at the unique cars and vehicles and archival goodies! Frist Art Museum has been contributing to the preservation of arts and culture in the area for more than 20 years now.  Housed in the historical building a former US Post Office, this 24,000 square foot facility is dedicated to providing locals with a rotating collection of arts programming, historical artifacts, and in depth overview of art from around the globe.  You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures to lectures to historical costuming!  It’s a fantastic place where fun meets curiosity and education. Texas Troubadour Theatre is a wonderful historic spot to enjoy live radio shows and musical performances, and is also home to a non denominational Sunday worship service if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s right across the street to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which would be the perfect way to end your day, enjoying live music with the family! Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic forest trail and roadway that runs 400+ miles from Nashville down to Natchez in Mississippi, and is a great mini-road trip side step on your getaway.  This route commemorates the “Old Natchez Trace” route, originally created and used by Native Americans in the region for centuries,; later, European traders and American explorers used it as a trade/travel route between eastern states and southern frontier land with food and lodging stations dotting the way.  It’s now one of the most used Federal Roads in the entire National Parks System! Music City Escape Room is a popular stop-off for friend groups and families to enjoy a little break from all the sight-seeing and concert performances.  Keep your brains active and thinking caps on as you race against the clock to escape the many themed rooms and puzzles. Marathon Village is housed in the brick building of the former Marathon Motor Works automotive factory which was built in 1881! This historic building is home to a bustling creative community including small businesses, one-of-a-kind retail shops, a bourbon distillery, antiques shop, and is also the homebase for the folks at American Pickers on HIstory Channel!  The site is also host to many wonderful, vibrant special events, workshops, and series  open to the public. It’s a hotspot for eclectic nightlife activities and unique dining options. Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Nashville is a bustling cultural hub for educational and spiritual activities, and promotes a very welcoming environment to all folks from all social, religious, and cultural backgrounds!  Attend a meditation workshop, explore the beautiful architecture and artwork, and visit the cafe restaurant on site.  It’s a very unique stop on your trip! Nashville Food Tours, Pedal Party Bars, and Local Distilleries/Breweries are plentiful in downtown Nashville.  You can take a pedal tour and do a pub/distillery crawl, or visit such places as the Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Tennessee Brew Works,  and more! Looking for unique places to eat in the area? Here are some of the top recommendations from locals and frequent visitors: Bluebird Cafe Butcher & Bee on Main Street Arnold’s Country Kitchen on 8th Ave South The Stillery on 2nd Ave North The Continental Restaurant Once Upon a Time in France Henrietta Red Ellington’s Rolf & Daughters Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Midtown on 19th Ave Bolton’s Spicy Chicken Main street Prince’s Hot CHicken Shack South Nolensville Pike Biscuit Love Got a unique stop and destination in Nashville we might’ve left off our list or a fave local eatery we should know about? Tell us in the comments section of our social media, and your suggestions might make it into an updated Travel Guide! Check out these additional local suggestions and vacation tips:

The last few years of pandemic related health issues have made us appreciate our medical care teams more than ever before!  Since today is National Nurses Day, we just wanted to give a little extra shout and highlight the hard work of Nurses today. We’re also going to be sharing some First Aid tips and tricks that can help you no matter where life takes you!  While these tips and tricks or suggestions cannot replace the professional care of emergency services or medical professionals, it can be helpful in a pinch. Please be sure to always call 9-1-1 and seek hospital care in emergencies; our blog is not meant to be a stand-in for hospitalization, EMT work, etc, but is simply a helpful hint if you’re in a pinch! more What should you keep on hand for emergencies when traveling?  Here are some of the suggested items that nurses feel is important to always keep with you on the go! Protective latex-free gloves (Medium or Large size will fit average adults) A tube of Burn cream or general First Aid cream Over the counter pain medication (update frequently for expiration dates!) A bottle of antiseptic spray or liquid Rolled gauze and gauze patches Latex-Free waterproof bandaids and Paper Tape A Pocket sized first aid kit at bare minimum A small whistle for gaining attention of passersby A small flashlight Rehydration powdered drink mix sticks Tweezers, small pocket knife, blunt tip scissors We love a good road trip and off-road excursion, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are faced with an emergency, having these skills can be the difference between life and death until emergency medical services arrive or you can bring a person to hospital facilities.    Nurses often recommend that adventure seekers make sure to take a basic Red Cross First Aid course, and Basic First Aid for Children, Babies and Pets.  These classes are frequently administered in local schools, churches, hospitals, and many offices for a low-cost or no-cost basis.  IApplying techniques to clear airways, keep a heart pumping, or staunch the bleeding on a wound is literally lifesaving.  If you’re unable to take a professionally administered class, at least reading on the basics of first aid can prevent serious injury and minimize pain in an emergency situation. This PDF pamphlet by BleedingControl.org has very easy steps that everyone can learn to stop the bleeding after an injury and safe a life. MedlinePlus has a great written guide to the basics of CPR for adults, children and even infants. If you’re a nurse who wants to brush up your chops, this is a great first aid resource for Basic Life Support that’s really helpful. For those who care for or are traveling with children, HealthyChildren.org has a great First Aid Guide for Parents and Caregivers. And if you’d like your child to be prepared in event of emergency, you can help your child with disaster preparedness and tips from Eartheasy.com The Protect Life Store Go Bag First Aid kit is a wonderful budget friendly option with 160 pieces to cover just about every minor medical mishap.  Great for packing in the car for family road trips, beach days, hikes, and camping. At the time of this post The Protect Life First Aid Kit is $29.95 on amazon. The M2 Basics First Aid kit is a multiuse emergency kit that is part emergency preparedness and part basic first aid.  If you’re traveling with infants, pets, and adults and doing some offroading or “roughin’ it” camping, this is the kit for you. At the time of publication The 300 Piece Premium First Aid Kit by M2 on sale for $36.88 on amazon. ​​ The Ready America Emergency Roadside Kit is a very thorough survival and first aid kit for just about any situation.  You’ll have basic first aid needs covered as well as survival food bars, water, survival blankets, masks, and so much more.  It’s in a convenient backpack sized kit and priced at the time of publication on a sale via Amazon for just $40.00.

Today is Cinco De Mayo!  We’re going to take a look at some iconic parts of Mexican American Chicanx Traditions, and the incredible car culture they’ve created out west with Lowrider cars.  We’re also going to learn a little bit about the origins of this commemorative holiday, and then grab a delicious Mexican and Tex Mex dinner at a local restaurant!  It’s a great day to support your local Mexican and Mexican-American owned local businesses, too. more What is Cinco De Mayo? Many people presume that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it actually has other origins!  Contrary to popular belief, its association with a feast of Mexican and Tex Mex foods is a popularly increasing celebratory trend of recent years. Cinco de Mayo, is actually the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a celebration observed in Mexico and parts of the US. The Mexican Army’s achieved victory over the French Empire on May 5th 1862, thanks to General Ignacio Zaragoza, and overtook the French Forces of Napoleon III.  The French later returned with reinforcements, but ultimately were defeated by the Mexican Army who took full control back of the city later in April 1867.  The battle remains a significant day in Mexican history, symbolizing Mexico’s determination to take back their home, and their fortitude in the face of foreign occupation and aggressors. All About Lowrider Car Culture Chances are you’ve seen a Lowrider car and had some stars in your eyes at these impressive rides!  Lowrider cars are traditionally quite colorful custom painted vehicles with white wall tires and wire-spoke rims. They certainly stand out in a crowd and have become an indelible part of Mexican American culture. Lowrider vehicles originated in the Meximerican Barrios in East Los Angeles during the 1940s.  Young men donned some dapper suits and hit the roads in their American Muscle cars which they’d DIY modified to create a whole new vehicle style.  They began with the idea of creating a low and slow driving art piece which reflected the history and culture of Mexican heritage, and went against the grain of traditional Anglo-American culture and societal standards.  From self-taught skills in detailing and painting, automotive upholstery,and custom engineered hydraulics, its an inspiring creative feat. Learn more: Inside Chicano/Chicana Culture in LA Donut Media Podcast Presents “How Lowriders Were a Protest Against White Supremacy Great Mexican and TexMex Eateries in the Lake County and Greater Chicago Area: Toluca’s Restaurant in Waukegan Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Waukegan Antojitos Guerrero in Waukegan El FAmous Burrito in Waukegan Taqueria El Charro in Waukegan La Canoa in Waukegan Taqueria Guerrero in Waukegan Golosinas El Encanto in Waukegan El Caporal in Waukegan Tacos El Norte in Waukegan Comales de Waukegan in Waukegan Sazon Cocina Mexicana in Waukegan Three Amigos in Lake Villa Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Libertyville Authentico Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Lake Forest Jalisco Restaurant in Gurnee Momcorn in Gurnee Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant in Island Lake Casa Bonita MExican Restaurant and Tequila Bar Mexican Grill Los Magueyes in Fox Lake

May Day celebrations center around springtime festivities and the start of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other plants beginning to grow and blossom.  It’s a wonderful time to get outside and celebrate nature and it’s beautiful greenery! more If you’d like to celebrate May Day at home, here are some great ideas to try with your loved ones today: Leave a May Basket on your neighbours and friends’ doorsteps. A time honored tradition on May Day is to leave a basket of fresh picked and hand-collected flowers and spring greenery as a gift for your friends and family.  You can create your own little basket by rolling a cone of paper in pretty spring colors like pink, blue, green, or yellow, and tying a beautiful colored ribbon or strand around it like a basket handle. Then fill it with beautiful blossoms from your walk, your own garden, or even faux florals for allergy friendly options and leave it with a little note that says “May basket! Happy Spring!” Go on a walk to a local nature trail or park, and collect a little basket of wildflowers and fresh floral branches and greenery (be sure to adhere to posted signs and do not trespass on protected botanical gardens.)  You and your family can use colored glasses, wine bottles, or other glassware to do a little floral arranging and brighten up your home. Grab some floral wire and floral tape and make a flower crown!  Gathering soft, pliable flowering branches from your yard, gently twist the floral wire around and in between the flowers, softly forming a little circle. Fasten the two ends of the branch into the circlet and secure with floral tape.  Add in extra blossoms with wire or floral tape, and decorate with flowing ribbons.  If you prefer something that lasts year round, you can make a Faux Floral Crown with silk or silicone flowers. Kids and teens will really enjoy some quality time together with friends and family as they create their very own May Pole and dance around one another to create a colourful, festive pole festooned with ribbons and flowers!  This How to Make a Maypole tutorial from Darleen Meier is the perfect idea. Local Area May Day Celebrations happening this week to celebrate the beginning of May: May Day celebration at Riverside Studio in Rochester, WI Take Home Craft: May Basket and Flowers at the Messenger Public Library in North Aurora May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii Celebration at Zen Life & Meditation Center Chicago in Oak Park Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Class at River Roast in Chicago 2022 Mother Earth Market at the Brushwood Center in Riverwoods Spruce Up Your Car with Spring Floral Accessories Spring Floral Car Coasters Set with Real Flowers, Ferns and Resin from BloomingBowtiqueShop on Etsy Woven Daisy Crochet Steering Wheel Cover and Car Accessories by Cashmeresan on Etsy Crochet Vintage Inspired Daisy Car Seat and Steering Wheel Cover and Car Accessories by CorshetN on Etsy Cute Plush Car Seat Covers and Pillows for Car by Embroiderydiypro on Etsy Hippie Smiling Daisy Smiley Face Decals by DustedInDaisies on Etsy

In the Mid-Twentieth Century, Chicago was a hot spot for up and coming musical artists in the Blues and Jazz category.  So it comes as no surprise that some of the region’s hottest jazz clubs can still be found there today!  We’re celebrating National Jazz day by tapping our toes to some of the greatest hits of Jazz music.  Be sure to listen closely, because you may recognize more of the songs than you’d expect!  Many modern day artists have been heavily influenced by musicians of yesteryear, and you’ll find many similar beats, riffs, basslines, and even reimaginings or covers of classic Jazz. more Regional Blues and Jazz music originated on Chicago’s South Side as the area saw an influx of around 6 million African American citizens during the Great Migratio n.  The city became a hotspot for entertainment as these folks brought their favourite music and vocal stylings along with them.  Chicago’s music scene featured heavily in bass and guitar music, included frequent solos to highlight each musician, and had a faster tempo than your average Jazz.  When the city’s population decreased post-WWII, many musicians migrated to the east coast to take advantage of the burgeoning music scene in New York City, but Chicago has never lost its passion for Jazz. Each year the city hosts the Chicago Jazz Festival at Millenium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center.  It’s a celebration of the cultural influence of music on the Windy City, an inclusive festival for local and national talent to showcase their chops, and best yet it’s free and open to the public and ready to inspire future generations of musicians! Interested in learning more about the arts and culture scene in Chicago? Why not get your friends and family together and enjoy a Chicago Music Tour of the city. You’ll have a chance to listen to an exclusive soundtrack themed to each of the specialized bus tours that Chicago Music Tour Inc offers. Can’t get enough live music? The Chicago Blues Festival is another must see for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. If you’re eager to get out on the town and enjoy some live R&B, Jazz, and Blues music from the pros, you can check out these fun events over the next few months: Christian McBride and Inside Straight on May 5th through May 8th in Chicago Blues on the Fox 2022 on June 18th and 19th in Aurora Common with special guest Black Violin on June 18th and 19th  in Highland Park Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown in Highland Park Lyle Lovett & His Large Band and Chris Isaak on July 10th in Highland Park Illinois Norah Jones on July 15th and 16th in Chicago Esperanza Spalding on July 31st in Highland Park Enjoy a memorable evening of fine dining and professional Jazz and Blues musicians at these wonderful venues: Rosa’s Lounge, Logan Square, Chicago Le Piano, Rogers Park, Chicago Harlem Avenue Lounge in Chicago Winter’s Jazz Club in Chicago Jazz Showcase, South Loop, Chicago The Green Mill in Chicago Kingston Mines, Lincoln Park, Chicago Buddy Guy’s Legends, South Loop, Chicago Open Door Repertory Company in Chicago Constellation, Roscoe Village, Chicago Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago Coco Club, Brighton Park, Chicago The Water Hole Chicago in Chicago Cue Up Some Incredible Jazz Playlists for Your Commute (These Links Open in the Spotify App or Website) The Chicago Jazz Collection The Chicago Jazz Ensemble Chicago Jazz Bar: A Night of Chicago Jazz Chicago Blues by Spotify Podcast: The Chicago Jazz Audio Experience Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra: Live and Screamin

Today is National Dance Day, and we’re celebrating with some creative car choreography and super catchy playlists.  Whether you’re bopping along in your car during rush hour, shakin’ your tail feathers on the dance floor, or having a me-party at home in your PJs on a friday night, we know a good beat is impossible to resist. Waltz into the weekend with these iconic video clips and song suggestions. more We Love to See it: Choreographing with Cars What do classic cars, an empty parking lot, and The Weeknd have in common?  It all adds up to this infamous performance at the 2021 Billboard awards.  We’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s truly a sight to behold! The Weeknd - The Weeknd – Save Your Tears (Live on The 2021 Billboard Music Awards) “La La Land” starts off with a bang in this now classic piece of cinematic genius.  We love it because it’s clever, interesting, and certainly the ideal response for drivers to have in a traffic jam (sadly, this is not reality so we’ll have to just keep daydreaming when in bumper-to-bumper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CVfTd-_qbc Amymarie Gaertner puts a little pep in your step using creative choreography and a one-of-a-kind display of miniature cars synced to the beat of the music.  We promise you’ve never seen anything like it before: “Fame” is an iconic 80s flick with an unbeatable soundtrack to boot.  In this memorable scene, a taxi driver inspires anyone within earshot to get up and dance in the streets. We love to see it! “Baby Driver” is at the top of the list when it comes to expert use of music along with dance and car related choreography. Every step, handshake, gear shift, and turn is synced with expert precision to the most phenomenal soundtrack a heist movie has ever had! The Step Up series might not have great plots, but they certainly have impressive choreo.  This scene in “Step Up Revolution” has a jaw dropping mix of car choreography mixed with slick breakdancing and hip-hop dance. And of course, it’s also really high energy and super colorful. Host Your Own Car Concert No road-trip is complete without a good playlist and we’ve got some great tunes that will have you dancing in your bucket seats!  Check out these upbeat, high energy song suggestions to keep you going on your next drive! 10 Updates of Classic Dance Tracks Playlist (these links will open in Spotify!) I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Covered by Fallout Boy Dancing Queen - Covered by Sixpence None the Richer Hot Stuff - Covered by Samantha Fox It’s Raining Men - Covered by Geri Halliwell Vogue - Covered by the Cast of Glee YMCA - Covered by The Skunks Everybody - Covered by B3nte, HUUXX, Derrick Ryan What Is Love - Covered by Moonshine, Twan Ray Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - Covered by Gamper & Dadoni Can’t Get You Outta My Head - Covered by Furkan Sahin, LANNÉ 10 Bops to Dance Along with in a Traffic Jam Playlist (these links will open in Spotify!) Sucker by The Jonas Brothers All Around the World by R3HAB, A Touch of Class 365 by Zedd, Katy Perry KIDS by Merk & Kremont Sixteen by Ellie Goulding If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes Starry Eyes by Young Bombs I Love It by Icona Pop Stayin’ Alive covered by Lizzo Bang Bang by Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande 10 Irresistible Boogie-Down Songs Playlist (these links will open in Spotify!) I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross Stop! In the Name of Love by The Supremes Girls Just Wanna have Fun by Cyndi Lauper Respect by Aretha Franklin I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!! By Vengaboys We Are Family by Sister Sledge Proud Mary by Tina Turner Barbie Girl by Aqua Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley 10 of Our Fave Car and Driving Movie Soundtracks Dance and Singalong To (these links will open in Spotify!) Baby Driver Soundtrack Fast and Furious Complete Soundtracks List Easy Rider Soundtrack Disney’s CARS Soundtrack The Italian Job Soundtrack Gone in 60 Seconds Soundtrack Deathproof Soundtrack Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Soundtrack Ford Versus Ferrari Soundtrack Need for Speed (Movie) Soundtrack

Today is National Superhero Day!  And we’re excited to share some great comics that feature iconic cars from superheroes and villains.  Check out our picks for recommended reading, and stick around to the end for some fun video content. more Speed Racer AKA Mac GoGoGo This series was published in 2 volumes both in 1966-1968 and then again in 1997.  Each issue chronicles the life of a young race car driver and his high-powered gadget filled race car.  It’s become an incredible iconic entry into automotive memorabilia as well as the world of comics.  You’d be hard pressed to find any car enthusiast that wasn’t immersed in its story at some point in their youth or adulthood!  Like “Initial D,” this series also received an anime and film adaptation, so you can continue exploring long after you’ve finished reading, or explore some of the spin-off materials. Black Beauty The Green Hornet’s infamous car, Black Beauty, has made its way from a radio show serial to television to comics.  She is a 1966 Imperial Crown (as per the TV series) and is stored in a secret hideaway garage at Brit Reid’s house beneath his daily driver vehicle.  Black Beauty is certainly a versatile getaway car, with the ability to fire explosives at the flip of a switch.  It also has a slew of hidden compartments and switches for secret weapons and infra-green headlights for nighttime stealth driving.  Snag a copy at your local comics shop to see what else she’s got hidden away! The Fantastic Four As comics go, The Fantastic Four is truly an iconic offering from Marvel Comics.  We’re choosing to highlight it on this list thanks to the ultra cool Fantasti-Car!  This 27-foot hybrid vehicle designed by characters Reed Richards and Johnny Storm.  This electric fan lift and jet engine thrust vehicle is capable of achieving speeds of 550MPH with all 4 members of the team in it. It’s also got a detachable mini-plane.  What’s not to love about the car that truly does it all?! Lola aka Low-Orbit Liftoff Automobile/Levitating Over Land Automobile This vehicle is a 1962 corvette modified by engineer Howard Stark and driven by Agent Phil Coulson during his employment with S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s modeled after earlier Marvel Comics issues in the 1960s and Nick Fury’s cars.  Thanks to the wonderful magic of crossovers, the car made its way from the screen into the pages of the comics, so snap one up to read more of her adventures. The Batmobile There are over two dozen iterations of this absolutely iconic comic book vehicle! Holy wow!  It first graced the pages of Detective Comics in Issue 27 in May of 1939. This legendary vehicle can do just about anything from capturing and containing baddies to tracking evil-doers and busting through walls or blasting through fireballs.  You can follow its evolution from page to screen and back again in any Detective Comics, Batman series, Teen Titans, or related spin-off issues. Have you always dreamed of owning a superhero car for your very own?  Check out this incredible youtube video by TechJoint highlighting great superhero cars and vehicles from movies that exist in real life: The Batmobile is one of the most iconic vehicles in movie and comic book history, but it’s ever changing and evolving to meet different needs for each generation of Batman storyline.  Check out this video from WatchMojo all about the batmobile: Images and videos belong to original copyright holders and used for sample only.

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

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

Our Classic Auto Group Decoder is back in business with another installment of our Automotive Terminology lessons.  We’re here to decode and demystify the jargon, vocabulary, and terms so you can feel confident when going in for service appointments or shopping for a new ride.  Today we’re covering the vital appliance you can’t live without for the summer months: The Air Conditioner. more The air conditioning system works by changing refrigerant fluid from liquid state to gaseous state, and this allows it to remove heat and humidity from your car during warmer weather and return cool, dry air to keep you comfortable as you drive.  Your car’s air conditioner system can function to cool and heat your vehicle all year round. Using your AC Compressor while also running the heat can help dehumidify the air inside your vehicle, and thus clearing up window condensation and reducing fogged windshields and windows.  As an added bonus, running the AC system for 10-15 minutes per week in cooler months can help keep fluids circulating in the system and keep it from off-season wear. Your air conditioner should be serviced a minimum of once or twice per year.  If you notice that your system is not functioning properly, you can call our trusted service center to schedule a maintenance appointment. There are a few things that may be happening with your AC system to make it malfunction: Electrical issues such as blown fuses, pressure switches, temperature switches, or defective blower fans may be the culprit. Your cabin’s air filter may be clogged, which leads to poor air quality and cooling output. Leaves and debris may be blocking the system and vents; check under the hood and clear out any muck you find and it should improve airflow. If it doesn’t, your mechanic may check the AC Evaporator. The AC Condenser may need replacement or cleaning of paper, dust, leaves, or debris clogging the fan and causing an overheat. Low refrigerant levels or corroded and worn parts may have damaged the AC Compressor and it may require a service technician to replace it. The experienced car enthusiast may wish to try troubleshooting their AC issues on their own at home before calling a service technician, but please note that not all parts are user serviceable.  If you’re skilled enough to do the basics, we remind you that you will want to wear proper safety equipment such as goggles or safety glasses, and thick gloves in case of contact with refrigerant so you do not get burns or frostbite from contact.  If you're not confident enough to do the maintenance, we’ve got plenty of professional mechanics standing by to help! Important AC Related Terms to Know: Air conditioner refrigerant The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures. Air conditioning The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicles cabin air. Air conditioning filter A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system. Air filter A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine. Air filter restriction indicator A device that identifies an impedance to the air filter system. Air filtration The removal of solid particulates (such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria) from a vehicles cabin air by a filter placed in the ventilation system.

Today is International Children’s Book Day!  Children’s literature is a vital part of a child’s well-rounded development.  It provides a young child with an opportunity to engage with written word and artistic illustrations, builds empathy and emotional intelligence, expands their horizons for multicultural and multiethnic experiences, and helps foster creativity and imagination!  Picture books help increase reading comprehension, improve language and communication skills, and engage with life lessons in an accessible way. more Providing regular opportunities to engage with books through read-alouds and independent reading will improve your child’s cognitive skills and educational abilities in all fields.  They’re a vital part of early childhood education through elementary school as well as middle grade and adolescent development. Today we’re going to share some of our picks for great books to take with you on your next trip.  Encouraging your kids to reduce their typical streaming media consumption, break from the video games, and instead pick up an eBook or engage with physical paperbacks and hardbacks is a great vacation activity.  Check out our suggestions right here, and feel free to leave your own recommendations in the comments on our social media! Our Picks for Recommended Reading for Kids of All Ages You can grab your own copy of these in eBook, Hardcover, Paperback, or you can stop by your local library to pick up a copy on a vacation loan!  In addition, there’s also a lot of readaloud versions of these books on sites like YouTube. Why not make a little playlist for your trip to play in the car for kiddos to engage with their favourites in even more ways! Pete the Cat’s Train Trip by James Dean Pete the Cat’s Family Road Trip by James Dean Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher La Rue Across America: Postcard from the Vacation by Mark Teague Just One More by Wendi Silvano A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owns C for Camping by Greg Paprock Duck Duck Moose by Dave Horowitz Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family Coqui in the City by Nomar Perez Where are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena Saturday by Oge Mora My Two Border Towns by David Bowles Just One More by Wendi Silvano My Car Trip by Sindy McKay Olivia Takes a Trip by Elli O’Ryan Barfing in the Backseat #12: How I survived My Family Road Trip Travels with My Family by Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel Sisters by Raina Telgemeier The Cottage on Sunshine Beach by Holly Martin The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther Open Road Summer by Emery Lord This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Camp Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford and Valorie Fisher Summer Reading is Killing Me by Jon Scieszka Rating Your Bunkmates and Other Camp Crimes by Jennifer Orr Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

April is National Poetry Month, so we thought we would start off by highlighting some wonderful poetry collections you can pack for your next vacation for some creative reading!  We’ve also rounded up our picks for some of the fantastic local events in the area for Poetry Readings and Open Mic Nights to keep you inspired. more Beautiful Books of Poetry to Read on Spring Break and Summer Vacations on the Road Their Footsteps by Kassie J. Runyon In Transit: Poems of Travel via Emma Press Publishing Madness by Sam Sax She is the Sun: A Collection of Poetry by Niccole Salm This One Wild and Precious Life by Sara Wilson Inspired Poems for Life’s Traveler by Edward McCoul No Matter the Wreckage by Sarah Kay You’re the The Stars You Forgot About: by Bente Benedict Magic of the Modest by R.C. Perez Most Beautiful Thing That Happened by Arisa White American Flowers by Tyler Flynn Dorholt Afterland by Mai Der Vang MyOTHER Tongue by Rosa Alcala Poem-mobiles: Crazy Car Poems I Hope You Stay by Courney Peppernell Healing is a Gift by Alexandra Vasiliu Drive, They Said: Poems about Americans and Their Cars by Kurt Brown Songs for the Open Road: Poems of Travel & Adventure Local Events for Poetry April 5th at 5:00PM to 7:00PM – Poetry and Printmaking workshop at New Lenox Public Library District in New Lenox April 7th at 6:30PM to 10:00PM – Red Carpet Poetry SLAM 2022 at Adler Planetarium in Chicago April 8th at 5:30PM to 7:00PM – Wax Poetic: Poetry Reading & Open Mic Night at Common Grounds Coffee in Sycamore, IL April 9th at 11:00AM to 12:00PM – First Peoples Poetry Reading A Tribute to the Living Nations, Living Words Project April 10th starting at 6PM – Uptown Poetry Slam at Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago April 11th from 2:00PM to 3:30PM – Poetry Greeting Cards at the Glencoe Public Library in Glencoe April 14th 7:00PM to 8:00PM – Open-Door: Madeleine LeCesne, Michell Mille, Nat Pyper Zheng at the Poetry Foundation in Chicago April 21st from 7:00PM to 8:30PM – Barbara Henry Poetry Reading at River Forest Public Library April 21st from 3:30PM to 4:45PM - Poems for Pancakes Grades 5 through 8 at the River Forest Public Library April 28th from 8:00PM to 9:00PM – Teen Poetry Open Mic Night at Des Plaines Public Library