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Today is National Crayon Day, so why not check out these colourful facts about one of the world’s greatest and most accessible art supplies, plus today is also the birthday of the Crayola brand! more Colourful Facts About the History of Crayons In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’d also like to highlight the fun fact that the name “Crayola” was coined by Alice Binney herself, and The very first crayola crayons were sold door-to-door!  Binney & Smith had the brilliant idea to market the products to educators and children of school age.  In 1903, they sold their first 8 packages of crayons for one nickel apiece as door-to-door sales. The Gold Medal on early Crayola packaging represents Binney & Smith’s prize winning innovation of dustless chalk at the 1904 World’s Fair. At the time they were invented, there were no machines to press on those trademark Crayola Crayon paper wrappers, so they were hand-rolled by employees and families of local farmers for the 1st 40 years of manufacturing! In 1994, Crayola had released a line of scented crayons called “Magic Scent” but they were removed from the market just one year later after parents expressed anxieties that children may try to eat them.  As a result, subsequent crayon scents were changed to create less appetizing smells such as dirt, grass, etc. Yuck! Yale held a study with 20 of the most recognizable scents, Crayons were number 18 on the list.! The scent that you normally associate Crayola wax with in the “unscented” lines is actually a derivative of beef tallow known as stearic acid. Colin Snedeker, a chemist for Crayola, devised the trademark washable crayons after numerous customer complaints of kiddos scribbling on walls with the original crayons which weren’t easily removable.  He also invented the neon and color-changing marker options! Crayons are not just for kids! Check out the work of these notable artists who feature crayons as a theme or use Crayolas in their work as a medium. Check out these fantastic Crayola Coloring Pages with car themes from their site: Formula 1 Racecar Coloring Page NASCAR Stock Racing Car Coloring Page

“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts ” William Shakespeare’s As You Like It Today is World Theatre Day!  Today we’re highlighting our picks for best places you can visit to support the arts, catch some local theatre, take a class to boost your confidence, or become a patron of the arts with a donation. more Supporting the arts by way of membership or volunteering at your local theatre or performing arts venue is a great way to give back to the area, support youth education, improve the local economy, and create a vibrant arts community.  Check out our suggestions and feel free to let us know your personal faves in a comment on our social media!  We’d love to hear from you and include your suggestions in a future post. Local Theatre Arts Classes and Workshops The Jack Benny Center is right here in Waukegan and has lots of creative ways for you to express yourself and enjoy the dramatic arts.  They function as a social hub for social gatherings, private parties, and meetings, as well as offering a host of creative lessons in music, art, dance, drama, crafting and so much more.  Hone your acting chops with one of their workshops, or stop by a local art show and get to know local creatives.  The possibilities are endless! Improv Playhouse Theater in Libertyville has excellent classes for all ages, but they especially shine with their youth workshops.  It’s great for individual classes or even camp sessions for kids during spring and summer break! Standing Ovation Theatre Academy is a nonprofit venue in Gurnee specializing in musical theatre, vocal techniques, and performance arts.  It’s the perfect place for children and teens looking for their moment in the spotlight! Rootz Dance and Theatre School in Northbrook offers a wide variety of creative programming including Yoga, Dance, Theatre, Music, Art and so much more.  If your child is interested in pursuing a creative pastime, this is the place for it!  They’ll have plenty of fun activities to choose from, and can even dabble in fitness classes and the sciences.  When coupled with art and music, children’s knowledge of math and science is said to improve immensely! Local Performing Arts Venues If you’re looking to support local community theatre and professionally organized plays, musicals, foreign and independent cinema, and stand up comedy then you can book a ticket or two, or even a group visit, to one of these wonderful venues: Genesee Theatre in Waukegan The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire Catlow Arts Center in Barrington James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake Groton Communtiy Center in Lake Forest CenterStage in Lake Forest in Gorton Community Center Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake Adler Arts Center in Libertyville Lake County Symphony Orchestra in Zion The Lake County Folk Club in Grayslake Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie Did you know that our great state of Illinoois was and still is home to many great Playwrights in America?  With your support of the local performing arts centers, patronage at dramatic arts and music classes, and The Arts in our local schools, you may even be fostering the creative minds of our future who one day may top this list!  Check out some of these notable names of local arts fame: Sam Shepard was from Fort Sheridan Lorraine Hansberry is from Chicago David Alan Mamet is from Chicago Adam Rapp is from Chicago

March is Women’s History Month, and today is National Poetry Day!  And we thought it a match amde in heaven to highlight wonderful women in poetry for today’s blog.  We’ve rounded up some of our top picks and critically acclaimed collections of prose by leading ladies in literature.  Check out our suggestions and add them to your media player or e-reader/tablet to take them on your next vacation or road trip! more These titles are great to bring on your next travels, allowing you to read in between excursions or a short break while on the road at a rest stop. And of course as always, drop your favourite in the comments on our social media and we may just feature it in a future blog post update. Reverie and Reality: Poetry on Travel by Late Imperial Chinese Women by Yanning Wang Night Travels: Poems for Women on a Journey by Charlotte Zang If They Come for Us by Fatimah Asghar Shipbreaking by Robin Beth Schaer Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon The World’s Wife by Carol Anne Duffy Duende by Tracy K. Smith The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur 2AM Thoughts by Makenzie Campbell The Sun Will Rise and So Will We by Jennae Cecelia Home by Whitney Hanson Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head by Warsan Shire Changing with the Tides by Shelby Leigh Monsters of the Mind by Caitlyn Kelly The Words I Want You to Keep by Gaby Compres The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace I Would Leave Me If I Could: A Collection of Poems by Halsey Please Love Me At My Worst by Michaela Angemeer Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism by Danielle Barnhart I Am Not Your Final Girl: Poems by Claire C. Holland Into the Forest and All the Way Through by Cynthia Pelayo

The weather is starting to warm up, and we’re itching to get outside and spend time in the sunshine!  Today’s post is all about wonderful options for walking tours in the great state of Illinois!  Won’t you come join us?  Let’s explore the history of our state’s wonderful cities and historic villages, or take a trek through beautiful nature centers!  No matter what you choose from our list, it’s going to be a wonderful walk down memory lane with family members for years to come! more Great Walking, Hiking and Sightseeing Tours in Illinois Chicago Prohibition Tours in Chicago offers both bus guided and walking tours exploring Chicago’s storied history during The Prohibition Era.  You’ll visit many of the area’s historic speakeasies, and become a “scofflaw” as you learn about the history of politics, gangsters, and Prohibition crimes.  You’ll love that it’s coupled with great food and drinks along the way on your 3 hour trek or 2 ½ hour bus tour. Bobby's Bike Hike Tours of Chicago have been the USA’s longest running bike tour company, and offer a wide variety of bike, food, and walking tours of the Chicago area.  No matter your age or skill level, there’s a tour for you!  You’ll get a new perspective on the Chicago Metro Area, learn about its history, and have some delicious local Chicago Favourites to eat. Chicago Architectural Center Tours offers a 90-minute walk through tour highlighting the most famous buildings in Chicago, and the history and stories behind their inspiration and design.  This wonderful nonprofit organization aims to inspire new generations of architects and designers. The city also has numerous options for walking, bus, or boat architecture tours if you are further inspired by the CAC’s exhibits and programs Chicago Detours Walking Tours offer a personal and up close look at the different neighbourhoods around Chicago!  You will be invited to learn about the history, food, and culture of the city while connecting with local businesses and enjoying some sightseeing.  You’ll take “the roads less traveled” and explore the city from a local’s perspective, and see the city like never before. Shawnee National Forest Guided Tours and Shuttles in Eddyville are an excellent way to make memories with your loved ones while exploring the hidden wonders of the Shawnee National Forest.  Choose from Guided walking tours, adventure excursions, and guided shuttle trips.  You’ll have lots of opportunities to explore breathtaking views and get up close with nature, so be sure to bring your camera! Downtown Elgin Public Arts Tour is a wonderful walking tour celebrating the rejuvenation and revitalization of the downtown area.  The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission has been working hard over the last six years to cultivate public art projects and commission new mural work.  Grab the map from their website and be sure to bring your camera as you wander the city exploring beautiful artwork and creativity.  Two new pieces are commissioned each year through the New Works Program, so there’s always something fun to see! Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center in Franklin Grove is a stunning wildlife preserve with over 3500 acres to explore.  Flowing grasses, native wildflowers, and beautiful Bison grazing along the plains are just some of the natural wonders you’ll see.  The visitor center will help you choose which paths to explore, and what other plants, critters and creatures you may find along the way. If you’ve got a recommendation for a great walking tour that our readers would like to check out, let us know in the comments on our social media!

It’s Women’s History Month, and today we’re celebrating great women in Automotive Racing History!  Join us in learning more about these groundbreaking drivers and their wonderful accomplishments. more Ann Chester participated in two Grand National Races in 1950.  She drove in the Vernon and Hamburg rounds but didn’t finish them due to her PLymouth’s engine failing at Vernon and a crash at Hamburg.  However, even her limited participation was notable as it was 1 of 3 occasions where women have raced in a top-tier NASCAR race. Fifi Scott hailed from West Sacramento California, just like Chester, Scott was one of the earliest women drivers to participate in the NASCAR circuit.  Although she only entered into 2 races, she made her mark on the heavily male-dominated industry. Thus paving the way for women racers in the future! Bonnie West is presumed to be the first woman to win a NASCAR Late Model Race in 1975. She was the biggest female rival driver to the famed Diane Teel, and the two competed against one another in a match at Langley Speedway in Virginia in 1977  Sadly, her career met an untimely demise very early on after she and her husband were convicted and sent to jail for 5 years due to car theft related charges. Diane Teel began her racing career in 1976, when her husband Donald Teel, a NASCAR Crew Chief worked with Joe Carver to enter her into a local race to promote a local automotive store.  In 1977, she leveled up into the Limited Sportsman Racing Division, and had 16 top-ten finishes in 19 races, and half of them were Top 5 spots!  She also was considered one of the most successful drivers in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 1982 and 1983, and the first woman to win an official NASCAR-sanctioned event! Janet Guthrie was the first woman to race on a superspeedway in the 1976 World600, She first attempted to enter the Indianapolis 500 in 1976, but didn’t qualify at the time. Later she ended up qualifying in and competing for the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 in 1977.  She continued racing from 1977 through 1980!  She earned Top 10 starting positions and Top 10 Finishes in Indy-Car and NASCAR Cup racing.  In addition to her racing chops, she was also a former flight instructor and an aerospace engineer!  You can check out her driver’s suit and helmet on display at the Smithsonian Institution.  In 2006 Guthrie was also inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.  You can get a copy of her autobiography here! Shawna Robinson was one of 16 women who competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and 1 of 3 women to race in the Daytona 500 event.  Robinson began racing Semi-Tractors in 1983, with 30 victories, and in 1984 she became the GATR Truck Series Rookie of the Year.  In 1988, Robinson emerged into the stock car racing circuit becoming the first woman to win a top level NASCAR sanctioned race in Third Place.  In 1994 she earned pole position in the NASCAR Busch Series.  After a brief break from 1995 through 1999, in which she ran an interior decorating business and started a family, she eventually returned to racing in the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series.  NASCAR welcomed her back in 2001 in the Winston Cup Series, and she continued racing until 2005 when she retired.  Robinson continued on running her interior design and furniture business while continuing to spend time with her family. She is also a Stage 3 Breast Cancer survivor, which is in remission as of 2015. Arlene Pittman began her racing career at the young age of just fifteen in 1985.  Thanks to her determination and racing chops, she worked her way up the ranks in the local circuit with a top local championship win in 1999!  She switched from stock cars to truck racing in 2000, leading to her competing in multiple Truck races at the professional level.  In addition, she competed in NASCAR’s Goody’s Dash Series as a race car driver, coming in 15th out of 68 competitors.  Sadly, she suffered a career-ending accident just a few years later, leading her to retire early in 2003.  She’s still an active participant in the industry though, and now manages her own race track and managing PR in the motorsports field. Kelly Sutton is another woman who began in stock car racing and the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series.  She went on to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2003 to 2007.  Sutton has also raced for her family team, Sutton Racing!  She has also received recognition for being the only NASCAR driver to date who has actively competed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Thanks for representing the disability and chronic illness community, Kelly! Danica Patrick got bit by the racing bug as a kiddo, when she began Go Kart racing at the age of 10, winning the World Karting Association Grand National Championship thrice over.  In 1998 she dropped out of high school to move to the UK where she competed in the Formula Vauxhall and Formula Ford events.  After returning to the US, she competed 5 times in the Barber Dodge Pro Series for Rahal Letterman Racing.  From 2003 to 2004 she raced in the Toyota Atlantic Series, where she was 3rd overall and was the first woman to win pole position in the series.  In 2005, she won three pole positions in the IndyCar Series, and was awarded Rookie of the Year for the ‘05 Indianapolis 500 and the ‘05 IndyCar Series! Patrick sped into the stock car racing circuit in 2010 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series/Xfinity Series, winning 4th place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in ‘11.  Following in Shawna Robinson’s tracks, she placed 10th in the 20212 season, becoming the 2nd woman to receive a pole position in the Nationwide Series.  In 2015, she also topped Janet Guthrie’s record for highest number of Top 10 finishes by a woman in the Spring Cup series.  Danica Patrick dropped to part time racing in 2017, and officially retired in 2018 after racing in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. Cheers to the next great generation of women in racing. May you continue to break records and break boundaries!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from all of us here at Classic Auto Group!  Today we’re celebrating by highlighting some wonderful facts about Ireland’s automotive history!  And when you’re fully in the spirit o’ the holiday, we’ve included lots of local pubs and restaurants to visit or some recipes you can make to enjoy Irish meals at home. more Fast Facts About Famous Irish Race Car Drivers Derek Patrick Daly is an Irish-American race car driver who drove competitively for 17 years and participated in 64 World Championship formula one grand prix races in his career. Eddie Jordan was not only a race car driver who won the Irish Kart Championship in 1971, but he was the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix Formula One from 1991-2005. Tommy Byrne is a former race driver fro Irland, participating in two Formula One Grands Prix races in 1982, raced in the Irish Formula Ford Championship in 1981, and won the 1982 British Formula 3 Championship. Ryan Smith is an Irish racing driver who drove in the British Formula Ford Championship in 2012, the GP3 Series in 2014, and currently competes in the European Le Mans Series races. Oliver O’Donovan is an Irish Rallycross Driver who currently competes in the FIA European Rallycross Championships.  He was previously the 2007 British Rallycross Champion. Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.  In 1968, he participated in the London-toSydney Marathon, but he and teammate Tony Nash lost the race to stop and rescue two drivers from a collision.  A race car participant crashed headlong into a commuter, despite the fact that the road was to be closed to the public through traffic.  Hopkirck and Nash pulled both drivers to safety and returned to the race site to warn other drivers and call for help. Martin Birane is the owner of Mondello Race track, and also a former race car driver who won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985.  He also set the Irish land speed record in 1990, going 176mph! If you’re looking to visit Ireland and explore the racing culture in person, you might want to check out these wonderful tracks and locations: Mondello Park in Naas, Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Kirkistown Racing Circuit in Newtownards, Carlow Autograss Club in Leinster, ALMC Motor Club Limited in Drogheda, Nutts Corner Raceway in Crumlin, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in Downpatrick. Fun Facts About Driving and Cars in Ireland: It is prohibited to use your car horn between 11:30PM and 7AM. The minimum age for a driver’s license in Ireland is 17 years old. The Alesbury was the first Irish Car; it had solid tires, a 10 horsepower engine, debuted in Dublin in 1907, but was discontinued just one year later in 1908. The Shamrock was an ill-fated Irish dupe of the classic American Cruiser of the 1950s, failing to achieve peak sales and manufacturing output due to poor handling, awkward aesthetics, and weak 53 horsepower engine. The Shamrock was only manufactured for one year due to its poor design and drive capabilities (too large for UK motorways, and too slow for American roads.) The owner built a 40,000 square foot factory in County Monaghan, and planned to make 3,000 cars per year but sadly less than 12 were made total; only 3 of them made it to the US. John DeLorean received over $130 million dollars to build upwards of 9000 DeLorean DMC-12s in Dunmurry, Ireland.  Sadly, the cars had many quality control issues since many of the employees at his manufacturing facility had never worked in automotive before. Electric vehicles are catching on worldwide, and Irish manufactured/designed ALEX eRoadster is aiming to take their crack as an industry competitor. Ford Motor Company opened in Ireland over 100 years ago, manufacturing models such as the Prefect, Escort, and Sierra on site; it continued to manufacture sedans there until 1984. Now that we’ve got you all excited about celebrating Irish accomplishments and achievements in automotive history, why not paint the town green at these local establishments?  And if you prefer to celebrate at home, we’ve also rounded up some of our recommended reacipes tha are easy ot make in a pinch. Great Bars and Pubs to Visit Today and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Waukegan Bally Muck Bar in Waukegan Frolic Bar in Waukegan Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee The Mill in Mundelein Up North Pub in Waukegan Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights Flanagan’s Bar & Grill in North Chicago Booners in Waukegan The Taproom in Waukegan Green Town Tavern in Waukegan Toby’s Tavern in North Chicago Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Waukegan Eleven19 Kitchen & Cocktails in North Chicago The Park Inn in Round Lake Park Wholesome St Patrick’s Day Recipes to Make At Home with Your Family: The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew Absolute Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Irish Colcannon Fried Cabbages Irish Boxty Potato Cakes Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread

We love exploring the local area, but we especially enjoy spending the day taking in Chicago’s bustling metropolitan energy!  Today we’re sharing our top picks for great walking tours in the area, so you can see the city from a whole new perspective!  You’ll find everything from tours which appease the local history buffs in your midst to the dark, spooky tours that will win over even the most persnickety of brooding teenagers.  You can even choose to snack your way around the city with a Food Tour or two! more We’ve done our best to find you as many affordable or free options as we could, and price points to fit even the most frugal budgets.  You’ll find it all right here on today’s blog!  If you've got a favourite tried-and-true option for walking tours, feel free to give us a shout out on social media with your suggestions. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a water bottle for hydration, and charge your phone and camera. You won’t want to miss a minute of these memorable city views and experiences! Free Tours By Foot offers no-cost and low-cost walking tours of chicago!  Connect with the city like never before with a local freelance tour guide.  There are numerous tour styles to choose from such as architectural tours, ghost tours, historical tours, nature watching tours, and more all available on a daily or weekly basis, and many of them on a “pay-what-you-can” basis.  Check out their current catalogue of events right here! Free Chicago Walking Tours are led by local guides who know the neighborhoods inside and out for free public tours or reasonably priced paid private tours for groups of more than 6 and up to 20!  (Tipping your guide is recommended, especially on the free options.)  This group’s tours are perfect for those who do not want to do endurance training via sightseeing, because they’re just 1 to 3 miles in distance!  It’s the perfect option for those with kids and teens, because it’s just the right amount of time.  It’s a great way to make new friends and socialize with locals and tourists alike.  Click here to learn more about upcoming tours or schedule a private group! GPSMyCity has a great app that allows you to fly solo and take self-guided tours of just about anywhere!  You can download the app, select Chicago, and choose from any number of detailed tour maps with navigation and notable attractions.  It’s also available offline, so you can save on data and still access your guides.  Click here to learn more about it and download the app! If you’re a foodie we think you’ll really enjoy Chicago Food Planet Tours! Explore local culinary treats and restaurants as well as an option for purchasing a gift box to enjoy locally sourced snacks.  Choose from private or public tours exploring the most delicious neighborhoods and local haunts in Chicago for up to 3 hours.  Or perhaps a family-owned and operated local romp around the city with Tastebud Tours will do the trick (they also operate around the country!) Bizarre Bucktown is where it’s at if you’re looking for interesting, quirky, and memorable experiences of Chicago.  It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the city, you’ve never seen it like this!  On your 90 minute walk with a small, intimate group of folks, you’ll learn about the history and hauntings of Bucktown and Wicker Park.  Tickets are just $15 per person, but the memories are priceless; click here to book your tour! Chicago Gangsters and Ghost Tours give you two creative experiences for the price of one, and run four times a day.  Explore Chicago’s gangster era of the 1920s and 1930s, and the storied past of its hotels, speakeasies, mysteries, and murder!  You’ll get to walk through haunted crime scene locations frequented by the ghosts of gangsters and their victims, and experience some spooky twists.  Click here to reserve for yourself or request a group visit. Weird Chicago Tours is an excellent option for adults, finicky teens and older tweens to experience history with a bit of mystery.  With options for Walking tours and Bus tours, you’ll enjoy a wide range of entertainment and education.  It’s a dark, mysterious, and dramatic Chicago tour touching on true crime, gangsters and mobsters, and haunted happenings in the city.  Click here to immerse yourself in the dark side of Chicago’s historical sites. The Offbeat Street Tours are the best way to explore the city and its unique characteristics.  Celebrate the street scene and indie arts culture that has helped turn the metro area into a living, breathing gallery of murals and drawings.  Explore the vibrant arts scene of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square and get a background about each artist, their painting styles, and their inspiration.  Tickets range from $15-$25 and you can reserve a time slot and tour by clicking here. The Art Institute of Chicago offers guided tours, interactive experiences, and educational lectures so you can learn more about the pieces on display, and history of the institute.  You can choose from a variety of topics and experiences and workshops, such as “American Art,” “Asian Art Through a Global Lens,” “Mindfulness Tours,” “Impressionism: Monet, Degas, Renoir, and More,” and other wonderful experiences!  Tours may be limited for the time being due to Covid19 pandemic restrictions and limitations, so be sure to check the schedule frequently for updates.  Click here for more info about the tours and rates. The Loop Mural Walk is a free downtown adventure tour and self-guided journey to view the ever-changing landscape of street art in Chicago.  It features more than 20 murals by internationally recognized artists and creatives around the globe.  You can use your smartphones to navigate the turn-by-turn directions to view the works in the recommended order, or check out “The Murals” option to take your own path.  It’s a colorful, creative, and unforgettable experience for the whole family, and makes a fun day out with pals as well!  Be sure to bring your camera or leave extra room on your smartphone, because the murals make excellent backdrops for selfies and portraits.  Click here to l earn more about the Mural Walk program.

Today we’re sharing our tips and tricks about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022, and best places to watch it along with other fun ways to celebrate the occasion!  The Chicago St Paddy’s Day Parade is the largest one in the whole US, and we’re very proud of that fact.  We’ll be covering where to catch the parade, more information about VIP access, and recommendations for local Irish eateries afterwards. It’s all right here on today’s blog more 2022’s Guest of Honor is Kevin Byrne, the Consul General to the Midwestern US, and Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with Special Responsibility for the Office of Public Works at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The return of the 67th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will kick off at 12:15PM on Saturday March 12th, and in celebration of the first parade post-lockdowns the traditional beautiful Kelly green hued river will return!  (If you’d like to catch the river dying, you’ll want to get a spot along the Michigan Avenue Bridge, between Columbus Drive and State Street before 10AM.) Public transportation to and from the parade is recommended due to high volume of visitors and parade viewers. The parade will kick off at Grant Park before marching its way North on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Drive, so make sure you arrive early to get a prime spot!  Entry to the parade route begins at 10AM and will only be allowed at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells. The Viewing Stand is located at the Buckingham Fountain.  Grandstand seating is $60/seat to be purchased in advance, and the grand stand will open at 11:15AM. The 11th is the last day to purchase tickets, and it closes at 9AM; no refunds will be given, and ticket + ID is required for entry. While Masks and COVID-19 Vaccination cards are not going to be required for parade entry, bu they are still recommended for personal safety and reduction of community spread.  Security will be checking bags and personal items such as purses; note that coolers, alcohol of any kind, open beverages, and personal water bottles won’t be allowed. In addition to the main event, two more annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations are resuming their festivities this year! The Northwest Side Irish Parade will begin at 12PM in Norwood Park starting at the William J. Onahan School; the South Side Irish parade will walk through Beverly and Morgan Park, then head south from 103rd street and Western Avenue. Fresh Shepherd's Pie, Made in a Cast Iron Skillet If you’re looking to continue the celebrations post parade and well into the next week, we recommend headin over to the following restaurants and bars on St Patrick’s Day the 17th for some official Irish meals and treats: Cork & Kerry in Chicago Charm’d in Chicago PB&J in Chicago The Gage in Chicago LG’s Bar & Kitchen in Chicago Chief O’Neill’s in Chicago Mrs. Murphy’s & Sons Irish Bistro in Chicago Emerald Loop Bar & Grill in Chicago The J. Parker in Chicago aliveONE in Chicago The Owl in Chicago Shamrock’n the Block in Chicago Central Park Bar in Chicago The Mill in Mundelein Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee Pug Mahones Irish Pub & Grill in Fox Lake Celtic Knot Public House in Evanston Green Town Tavern in Waukegan The Harp And Fiddle in Park Ridge Island Tap in Libertyville Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub in Schaumburg May every petal of the shamrock bring you joy and good luck We hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe trip to the parade this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Classic Auto Group!

It’s not only Women's History Month but it’s also International Women's Day.  Today we’re going to talk about some amazing historic sites to visit that celebrate the amazing progress and contributions women have made and continue to make. more Great Spring Break Day Trips to Sites Celebrating Womens’ History in the Chicago Area Who says learning can’t be fun?  Why not head over with your friends and family to these amazing historical sites and destinations, and make a nice memorable day out of it at a nearby eatery. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum; 800 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL The Hull House museum was co-founded in 1889 by JAne Addams and Ellen Gates Starr as a settlement house for European Immigrants; by 1911 that one house had expanded to 13 buildings.  Nowadays, two of the original settlement buildings have been converted into a National Landmark, Meeting Center, and Museum.  The Hull Home and the Residents’ Dining Hall are host to many educational and informational programs and special speaker events regarding current social issues.  It is a way to honor the legacy of Jane Addams and the many residents of Hull-House who helped pass critical legislation and policies on health, education, free speech, labor laws, immigration, and other topics.  It’s been an integral part of cultural and political and social history in Chicago!  You can stop by the grounds and visit in person, sign up for a lecture or event, or even take a virtual tour from wherever you are right now! Where to Eat Nearby: Boston Blackie’s on S. Riverside, The Marq on W Adams Street, Thai Bowl on W Taylor Street, Tuscany Taylor on W Taylor Street, Green Street Local on S. Green Street, The Outpost Mexican Eatery on W. Harrison Street, Portillo’s Hot Dogs on W Taylor Street, Busy Burger on W Taylor Street, Chilango Mexican Street Food/Litos Empanadas on W Taylor Street, Chez Joel Bistro Fancais on W Taylor Street, Two Shades Cafe in W Taylor Street Jane Addams Memorial Park 550 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL With nearly 4 and a half acres of beautiful, quiet space across from Navy Pier and at the edge of Ohio Street Beach, this park once was home to a 6-piece sculpture series honoring Jane Addams created by Louise Bourgeois titled “Helping Hands;”  the sculptures  were vandalized and later moved to Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens thanks to a restoration and relocation effort.  Today the park is a beautiful green oasis with many walking paths connecting it to Olive Park Woodland, Milton Lee Olive Park, and the beach. Where to Eat Nearby: XOCO at N Clark Street, Barrio on W Kinzie Street, Little Goat Diner at W Randolph Street, Bub City at N Clark Street, Cindy’s Rooftop on S MIchigan Avenue, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap at E. Superior Street, Tempo Cafe at E. Chestnut Street, Moti at W Huron Street Chicago Women’s Park 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL Covering 3 and a quarter acres and the former site of the Vietnam Veterans Museum, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, aka “the South Loop.”  There’s a beautiful indoor playground, a wonderful cafe, and event space/meeting room area at the park’s fieldhouse facilities.  In addition, renovations have been completed on 3 fitness studios, the Kids’ Club Room, and the new Kids Science Labs which host field trips, summer camp, and science workshops for children.  It’s a great place for families and friends to meet and have a wonderful day out, especially in nature.  You can spend time enjoying the warmer Spring days at he community gardens, the walking paths through the landscaped garden grounds, and viewing the relocated “Helping Hands'' sculpture commemorating Jane Addams.  It’s also close by to the Widow Clarke House and the Glessner House if you’d like to make a whole day out of it!  Be sure to check out the local community calendar for an updated list of the park’s classes, events, and special programming. Where to Eat Nearby: Goddess and the Bake r, Hanabusa Cafe, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, Sweet Bean, Cafecito, Heritage Outpost, Dollop Coffee Co, Patisserie Coralie, Lasalle Cafe Luna, Mojo Coffee, Saucy Porka, Nutella Cafe, Cafe Michelle Other Fabulous Women Centric Destinations to Visit for Spring Break: Frances Willard House, Ida B Wells-Barnett House and Grave, O’Hare Rotunda, Illinois Suffrage HIstoric Sites and Markers Trail, DuSable Museum, Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Botanical gardens are incredible places to visit!  Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at and relaxing to walk through, but they’re a wonderful place for science!  The botanical gardens document local and exotic flora for the purpose of scientific research, education, and conservation. Did you also know that spending time within nature has the potential to improve your health, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and a whole lot more?  Between the open spaces, gorgeous greenery, delicate blossoms, and special events like art and music, there’s so many opportunities to find joy, relaxation, and stress relief. more Put a little Spring in your step today, because we’ve got a great list of amazing destinations to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine over spring break.  Today’s post is all about gorgeous botanical gardens in the area. Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Over Spring Break Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison WI Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago IL Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Frame Park Floral Gardens in Waukesha Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau WI Green Bay Botanical Garden in Greenbay WI Morton Arboretum in Lisle IL Garfield Park Conservatory Lurie Garden in Chicago Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens The Magic Hedge Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst Prospect Gardens Park Anderson Japanese Gardens NIcholas Conservatory and Gardens Sunken Garden in Aurora Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center in springfield Schaub Floral Display Center in Decatur Brooks Farms in Fairmount Herrin Park District in Herrin The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton Mandala Gardens in Marion How to Prepare For Your Day Trip to the Botanical Gardens You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so we highly recommend that you wear your most comfortable and supportive footwear, dress in layers such as tees/tanks under a hoodie or windbreaker/jacket.  Make sure you’re also wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses since a lot of the area will be open without treecover, and likely very sunny. And make sure to bring a backpack, bag, or tote with the following: Water and Electrolyte Beverages Energizing and Protein packed snacks Sunscreen and bug spray Cash for donations, souvenirs, access to special exhibits Portable battery chargers for your phone and camera Small plastic bags to collect your trash and throw it away easily Optional - A plant and flower identification guide and/or bird identification guide Optional - A field notebook or small sketchbook with pens and travel art supplies

Today’s post is all about that “treat yourself” mindset and living your best life!  We’re highlighting some our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those adventure seekers living their fullest.  You’ll find everything from luxury glamping equipment to portable power units that can run your whole camper and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  So, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to spend your tax refund this spring, let us make a few suggestions.  With these cool gadgets and gizmos, you’ll be the talk of the town on all the travel blogs.  Check it out! more The Belkin Magnetic Wireless Apple Compatible charger is the lowest priced item on our list, but certainly a must-have for tech savvy travelers. It’s compatible with the newest iPhone models from the 12 onwards, and uses USB-C and works with official MagSafe cases. GentleTent’s inflatable furniture options are perfect for those who love a good campout or RV trip!  Forget about folding chairs and uncomfortable pop-up benches, this is the comfortable yet durable option you want to have.  With options for single seating or multiperson, you’ll find an option to fit any lifestyle. Luno’s Air Mattress is the best in the game when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  You can find a custom fit air mattress for your exact make and model, as well as other convenient accessories and apparel options.  There’s even a package called the “Ultimate Car Camping Bundle” which includes some of their best selling items!  And very soon they’ll be offering a truck bed air mattress for those who prefer wide open skies above them while they snooze. The Tread Powersport Navigator by Garmin is the ultimate accessory for your off-road adventures.  Gone are the days of shaking your phone in exasperation as the signal drops out again.  Forget about waiting for the infotainment system to load with its 1 bar of service.  With Tread, you’ll have seamless transition from road to rugged terrain along with a group ride option with radio and tracking for up to 20 of your pals.  You can sync the data across several wireless devices, too. It's perfect for traveling off the beaten track, with its weather resistant features and topographic mapping options.for North and Central America as well as US Forest Roads, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and street makes of North America.  It highlights land boundaries and national parks and much more. YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  It’s a plug-and-play option with solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about carrying containers of fuel around.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Works in weather conditions as chilly as 32º or as warm as 104º! The Yakima 7G Road Shower is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle.  It’s made of lightweight but durable aluminimum and its sleek modern design means it’s convenient for traveling and storage.  With the Road Shower you’ll bid farewell to dirty boots, gear, and car mats;  rinse your equipment off before stowing it for the ride home, or wash your boots after hitting the muddy hiking trails.  Or keep it on hand at your next off-grid campout, so you can have a nice warm shower with fresh clean water!  Holds up to 7 Gallons of water which are heated by solar and monitored by an easy-to-read stick-on thermometer.  This pressurized pump and hose with nozzle will make cleanup a breeze anywhere you go!

We’re very excited that it’s World Wildlife Day!  This year’s theme is all about recovering key local species with the intent of restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.  By raising awareness of the creatures and beings that live right here in our own backyard, we will be able to have a much better life for the future. more Caring for our home and its native species will help us cultivate and preserve the unique aspects of our region, inviting new folks to visit, stay, and play here!  In addition, we’ll be ensuring that animal, insect, and plant life will be thriving and surviving for many years and generations to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the native animals right here in the neighbourhood where Classic Auto Group lives, works, and plays, too! What kind of ecosystems do we have here in the Lake County Area? The southern portion of Lake Michigan has been, home to several types of ecosystem: northern bog and tundra, eastern deciduous woodlands, southern swamps, western prairie!  The wide variety of environments and ecosystems makes the region one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.  It’s very exciting! What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world, a particular habitat or ecosystem, and it is essential for all living things.  There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; without a wide variety of plants, microorganisms, and animals, our world and humans would suffer immensely as a whole.  We rely on biodiversity to provide us the air we breathe and the food we eat, so it is important we care for the physical environment to ensure its preservation and survival.  Together we have to work to fight against climate change and preserve life! Let’s take a closer look at some of the beautiful wildlife and creatures that call Lake County home! Highlighting Some of the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Lake County Illinois: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel (image via Squirrel Gazer) Achaearanea Globosa Spider Acorn Weevil American Black Duck American Coot American Pipit Bald Faced Hornet (image from Northcoastjournal.com) American ToadBanded Longhorn Beetle Banded Wooley Bear Beaver Big Brown Bat Black Bullhead Black Swallowtail Calico Crayfish Canvasback Bird Caspian Tern Channel Catfish Chinese Mantis Deer Mouse Eastern Pipistrelle False Darkling Beetles Gizzard Shad Hoary Bat (image from Batcon.org) Indigo Bunting Katydid Long-Tailed Weasel Masked Shrew Northern River Otter Northern Water Snake Peoria Gemmatella (Image from bugguide.net) Racoon Rams Horn Snail Red Fox Ruddy Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatch Short-tailed Shrew Silver-haired Bat Snapping Turtle Tiger Salamander (image from Statesymbolsusa.org) Verbena Moth Violet Dancer Warmouth Fish Yellow-throated Vireo Woodchuck Zebra Spider Check out the full list of Local Lake County creatures and plants right here.