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Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! more Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. more Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

We’re back with another great guide to Winter Sports fun in Illinois and Wisconsin.  Check out our latest travel blog and get to planning your great winter escape outdoors with some of our great picks for destination getaways and day trips.  From snowmobiling to snow tubing to ice skating and more, there’s lots of fun for everyone! more Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club This incredible group maintains over 160 miles of trails in Northern Wisconsin in the Minocqua area.  The group grooms the trails weekly, ensuring they’re in prime condition for weekend activities.  You can view the full map of trails here! There’s a lot of additional wintertime Northwoods activities in the area, too: ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding galore!  There’s even snow tubing and an incredible winter zipline course. Where to Eat: Northfork Fin & Filet in Arbor Vitae WI; Mary’s Place North in Arbor Vitae WI; Mavericks Restaurant Mexicano in Woodruff WI; Black Bear Bar and Grill in Minocqua WI; Great Northern Coffee Traders in Minocqua WI; Minocqua Prime in Minocqua WI; Lakeside Grill in Minocqua WI; Dixies Coffee House in Manitowish Waters WI Where to Stay: Timber Bay Resort in Lac du Flambeau; Pointe Hotel & Suites and Conference Center in Minocqua; Pine Hill Resort in Minocqua; The Waters of Minocqua; Whitehaven Bed & Breakfast in Minocqua Winter Park Other Activities Nearby: The Northwoods Petroleum Museum, Rhinelander Logging Museum, Three Lakes Center for the Arts, Campanile Center for the Arts, Island City Antique Market Bearskin State Trail This 26 mile trail stretches through two counties in Wisconsin.  You’ll enjoy activities all year round such as walking or biking and fishing in the warmer months, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter time.  Enjoy beautiful views of densely wooded pine forests, and enjoy the many lakes and ponds inviting you to enjoy the sites and sounds of the majestic regional wildlife. Where to Eat: Shady Sue’s Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, Crimson Cafe, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC Where to Stay: Quality Inn, Days Inn & Suites, AmericInn by Wyndham, Clear Lake Inn and Resort, Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire-Tomahawk, Kafka’s Resort Other Activities Nearby: The Hodag, ArtStart, Rhinelander Historical Society Des Plaines River Trail Wadsworth Spanning a whopping 56 miles in both Cook and Lake counties, this gorgeous trail is perfect for year round fun.  You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, walking, and horseback riding in warmer weather, or head out for a cool afternoon of winter fun with cross country skiing or snowmobiling.  This trail winds its way along protected lands and 85% of the river running through Lake County.  Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of nature and do a little bird watching or wildlife photography while you’re out there! Where to Eat: The Shanty Restaurant in Wadsworth; Captain Porky’s in Wadsworth; The Duck Inn in Wadsworth; Mama K’s Pizza and Grille; Pho Kho Gia Lai Vietnamese, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville; Madras Kafe in Vernon Hills; Nirvana Wine & Grillerie in Vernon Hills; Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Where to Stay: The Lotus Suites, Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, The Inn on Sheridan, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Illinois Other Activities Nearby: 60 to Escape; Funflatables Gurnee; Extreme Flight Simulation; Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve; Midlane Country Club, Russell Military Museum Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Whether you’re heading out for a solo day to get in touch with nature, or breaking away from the screens with your family and friends for outdoor fun, you’ll have a blast here in the Wauconda area.  From Ice Fishing to Ice Skating to Sledding and Snowmobiling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wintertime outdoors at the Lakewood preserve.  There are even several dog parks for your canine companions to enjoy a little socialization time! Where to Eat: SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company; Bulldogs Grill; Uncle D’s Bar and Grille, Strawberry Moon; ALonso’s Burrito Express; Whisk Bakery & Coffee; Deacon’s Restaurant & Bar at the Golf Farm; Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant Where to Stay: Victoria Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast; Waterfront Hotel & Marina; Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; The Cottages on Petite Lake; The Mansion Bed & Breakfast; Cypress Resort & Marine Other Activities Nearby: Wauconda Bowl, Silver Lotus Yoga, Wedgewood Riding Center; Nippersink in Volo; Side Lot Brewery; Avolve Fitness More Great Destinations for casual sledding and tubing: Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills, IL Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Wadsworth Sledding Hill in Wadsworth, IL Hart’s Hill in Round Lake, IL Paulus Park in Lake Zurich, IL Caboose Hill Sledding Hill in Lake Villa, IL Blair Park in Lake Bluff, IL Warren Township Sledding Hill in Gurnee, IL Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee, IL Great Destinations for Ice Skating in the Waukegan Area: Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee, IL Skate Room in Vernon Hills, IL Watts Ice Center in Glencoe, IL Skating Ring at Midway Plaisance in Chicago, IL Inwood Ice Arena in Chicago, IL Kenosha Ice Arena in Kenosha, WI Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI

Celebrating National Movie Day with Movies That Feature Great Stunt Car Driving and Getaway Scenes We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now!  So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue. more But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood: Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000. Most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities.  Professional filmmaking ventures will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways in order to film. Nearly all vehicles used in motion picture stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury to the stunt driver.  Many of them include a roll cage as well as using heavier steel construction.  Other modifications include overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions.  In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps. Many stunt cars, such as the ones in the Fast and Furious Franchise have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism.  Other cars, such as the ones used in Mad Max: Fury Road, are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view of all the action as the cars are in motion.  Before technological advancements which allowed for this modification, camera crews and directors often followed the action by motorcycle or adjacent car riding alongside! Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood! Getaway Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube. Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal.  Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone.  This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills.  Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism. Watch the Trailer here: The French Connection Starring Gene Hackman Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring.  Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US. Watch the trailer here: American Factory A Documentary Streaming on Netflix. This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman.  An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement.  Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles. Watch the trailer here: Gran Torino Starring Clint Eastwood Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu Korean War Veteran and Retired Automotive Worker Walt Kowalski spends most of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who attempts to steal his car.  Kowalski is forced to examine his perspectives and begins to understand they may have more in common than he realizes in this heartfelt drama. Watch The Trailer: Drive Starring Ryan Gosling Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play Gosling stars as a man who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals.  Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intense drama/thriller. Watch The Trailer:

Today’s blog is focusing on transportation and automotive themed projects for kids of all ages.  We know that parenting during a pandemic can be quite a challenge, and equally so for our young scholars.  So we thought it would be a delightful idea to spread a little happiness and joy along with a bit of education.  These projects are excellent STEM/STEAM related opportunities to get creative, foster independent learning, and inspire young minds to think “outside the box.” more You’ll find solo projects and teamwork based options, giving you a little flexibility in play style and learning methods.  Each workshop or project is  either good for keeping young ones busy while you work on things during the day, or a bit of togetherness time for weekends and evenings or breaks in the day.  It’s a multipurpose blog post today!  Feel free to suggest your own activities and we may include them in a future blog roundup. TamingLittleMonsters.com has three different physics related experiments and projects to inspire the physicist in your midst!  The projects are delightful, and your children will be so engaged they won’te ven realize they’re learning the fundamentals of a scientific field.  Inspire those free thinkers to get creative in problem solving.  Each one lists the materials you’ll need to get started. Lifeovercs.com has an excellent Transportation Activities unit ready to go.  You can engage children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school ages with these activities.  From Math to Literacy to Arts and Crafts, it’s a full STEAM ahead list of engaging hands-on ideas. Keep preschoolers interested in play and increasing their motor skills and independent play with some of these excellent activities from Preschoolactivitiesnook.com ! It’s a great option for kiddos who are home from preschool or daycare and are missing the engagement with their peers.  There are 5 daily lessons that can be done with a sibling or an adult, as well as on their own for exploration. Stirthewonder.com offers an excellent lesson using straws, wooden beads, and a little artistic creativity to create wind powered cars!  Kids will learn a little science, fine art skills, and improve motor skills.  Great for kids in preschool and early elementary school to do on their own, but would make a wonderful sibling-and-me project for older tweens/teens to do with smaller kids. KiwiCo kits are an excellent idea to engage young learners and encourage them to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  You can subscribe for a few months at a time, and kits will automatically ship to your doorstep.  You can find projects for just about any age from from infant to toddler, early elementary, middle school, and beyond.  The company offers “Koala Crates” “Kiwi Crates” “Atlas Crate” “Doodle Crate” options!

Best Books for Mechanics of All Ages January is National Hobby Month, and we are all about highlighting our love of cars and our own automotive hobbies!  Today’s blog post will be focusing on books to help you learn the most about the things you love: cars!  Check out our picks for great books on mechanical fundamentals, technology, auto repair, and more. more You’ll have a “to be read” pile about a mile high by the time you’re done reading this!  And we’ve also been keen to include youngsters in the mix as well with great books to inspire mini mechanics in your midst as well.  Check it out and let us know some of your faves in a comment! How Cars Work By Tom Newton This is an excellent illustrated book with clear, concise terminology, and linework illustrations and diagrams which make it a great choice for beginners.  By the end of this book, you’ll have a great working knowledge of how your vehicle works and a fundamental understanding of auto related terms. Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service By James Halderman This book is in its fifth publication due to its easy-to-read reference points for beginning and professional automotive mechanics.  It’s incredibly informative and in-depth in the principles of diagnosis and service broken down into short, easy to digest sections. P hysics for Gearheads By Randy Beikmann This is a fascinating option for gearheads as it breaks down the science behind what makes our favourite cars go go go! All of your time spent driving, tuning, modifying, and adjusting your car will help you gain even more of an understanding in the realm of physics.  Learn how your knowledge and experience can be translated into the basics of physics.  The book breaks everything down into easy to understand principles and terminology, using automotive and motorsports as reference. How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, 2nd Edition By Michael Geier Inside the pages of this tome, you’ll find all sorts of tutorials for repairing just about anything in modern electronics from stereos, MP3 players, digital cameras, TVs, laptops, headsets, and mobile phones.  It’s a great guide for exploring the fundamentals of electronics before you graduate to larger devices such as cars and motorcycles.  It might even help you with upgrading your stereo, infotainment system, and minor repairs to your car! Auto Repair for Dummies By Deanna Sclar Perhaps your love of cars has always been behind the wheel as opposed to under the hood.  Why not expand your horizons with practical knowledge in auto mechanics thanks to this great jumping off point!  With over 400,000 copies sold, it is an indispensable guide to how cars work and how to fix ‘em.  You’ll be able to understand how to fix dents and scratches, jump-start your car, identify and diagnose problems by sounds or smells or noises, and much much more!  It will give you a great head start on your quest for knowledge Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at how Cars Work By Richard Hammond of Top Gear Split into four sections, this book examines “How It Works,” key concepts in Physics, the future of cars, and a timeline of automotive technology along the way.  It’s a great book for adults to read with kids and inspire new, young minds into the field of mechanics and service.  Learn together, play together, grow together! Pocket Genius: Cars: Facts At Your Fingertips By DK Aimed at kids 12 and under, this is a great guide for families to help kids learn more about the history of the automobile, examine facts and key points about different makes and models, and brilliant colorful photos to engage and encourage them to keep reading. Did we miss your favourite book? Let us know and we may include it in a future blog!

Got some holiday gift money burning a hole in your pocket, but not sure what to spend it on?  Start your year off right by investing in these convenient gadgets for your vehicle!  You’ll find a wide variety of tools and gizmos for all manner of uses.  Check it out on today’s blog. more Great Gadgets for 2022 Fanttik’s X8 APEX Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor In 5 minutes the average sized car tire will be inflated to pressure. One full charge can inflate 4 average car tires!   It’s a convenient, fast, and efficient way to save time and pump air safely.  Small size makes it easy to travel and stow. OCUBE Cordless Rechargeable Vacuum With incredible suction power capable of lifting tough dirt, dust, grime, and pet hair.  It’s lightweight, under 2lbs, and fits perfectly into your car’s storage departments.  Operates on a single charge for up to 30 minutes of tidying power.  Feature a washable, reusable stainless steel filter as well for maximum usability and convenience.  Budget friendly and comes with a 2 year warranty included! Disklabs Key Shield Modern cars have lots of safety features and security options, but you can never go wrong with another layer of protection.  The Disklabs Key Shield Faraday Bag, is an extra layer of protection which helps shield your car key from thieves looking to gain entry to your vehicle.  Protect your keyless car fob with this convenient pouch. The Swigzy Car Cup Holder Extender & Adapter This expandable insert fits inside most automotive cup holders.  Twist the top of the device to expand or retract the base to properly fit your car’s cup holder.  The top will expand to fit larger drink containers or water bottles.  Best of all it fits so securely that it will remain in the cupholder even when you remove the beverage!  No more drinks getting stuck or spilling. It’s safe and secure. Autosop Car Cover Waterproof Cover With multiple sizes to fit just about any type of vehicle, this is a great item to keep on hand for winter weather months.  It’s got year-round benefits such as dust prevention, rainproof, and more!  But is especially good for preventing snow and ice and saving time in the morning before work.  No more need for ice scraping! The DMLuna Car Registration and Insurance Holder This item is a convenient wallet sized compartment for all of your automotive essential information.  With easy to use elastic, multiple pocket compartments, and clear windows.  Comes in your choice of colors, patterns, or textures.  It’s great for keeping in the glove box or center console so you never have to search for your information again. Electric Car Blanket by Fullity Brand 12Volt Option If you’re still driving an older model car, or your newer model has access to the 12V port, this is going to be a game changer in emergency car items and travel.  Great for cold weather road trips and breaks at rest stops, or for those game-day tailgating parties.  Plugs into the “cigarette port” and warms up within 5 minutes!  Adjust the temperature by the controller on the cable for your perfect center. Echo Auto - Handsfree Alexa for the Car This handy device will add Alexa features to your car!  Alexa connects via the app on your phone and plays via your car speakers via bluetooth or aux cable.  You can mount the device on your dashboard or using the air vents.  It’s programmed to calibrate for noises on the road such as music, A/C, and in-cabin road sounds. Nexpow 2000A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter This compact, easy-to-store, travel friendly portable battery has USB quick charge 3.0 capabilities, and can charge up to a 7.0L Gas or 6.5L Diesel engine.  It’s got 3-5 times more power than previous model generations.  You won’t want to travel without it!  Great for teens and younger drivers who may be nervous about connecting cables from car-to-car for jumpstarting, too.

Today is National Spaghetti Day! And we thought it would be fun to celebrate in a few different ways. Today’s blog post will be a light and cheerful one full of delicious facts and exciting eateries. First, we’ll be highlighting some of the great racing drivers and pioneers from Italy throughout motorsports history. And secondly, we’re going to shout out some of our favourite local eateries to grab a nice plate of Nona’s “s’getti and meat-a-balls!” So dig in to today’s post and mangia these fun historical anecdotes to impress your friends at your upcoming pasta dinner. more Image of Alberto Ascari from thesportsman.com Alberto Ascari competed in motorcycle racing and car racing, and was described as “Italy’s Greatest Ever,” a claim even supported in part by Enzo Ferrari! He was known as “Little Ascari” and “Ciccio.”  Ascari was a Formula One World Champion twice over, and competed for years in the racing circuit until an accident caused his untimely death on May 26th 1955. Image of Giuseppe Farina from Formula1.com Guiuseppe “Nino” Farina was the first official Formula One World Champion and won the first driver’s title, crowned in 1950!  He was also the Italian Champion in 1937, 1938, and 1939 consecutively.  He was sadly killed in a car accident in 1966. Image of Mario Andretti via indycar.com Mario Andretti was born to an Italian family and achieved fame as one of the most successful American F1 racing drives in all of motorsports history.  His name is synonymous with several championship wins, and notoriety as one of only 2 race drivers to win races in F1, IndyCar, World Sportscar, and NASCAR!  He was also the only person to be dubbed United States Drive of the year in 3 different decades (1960s, 1970s, 1980s.)  He is currently 81 years old. Image via Ferrari.com Giancarlo Fisichella has been a celebrated Italian racing driver since 1984.  Heentered his first race in 1996 at the Australian Grand Prix, and continued on to participate in an impressive 231 races, three of which he won in the Formula 1 circuit.  He also made an appearance in the beloved movie “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” Image from F1.Fandom.com Michele Alboreto was an Italian race driver. He was runner up to Alain Prost in the ‘85 F1 World Championship, and later won the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring races.  He passed away in April 2001 in an accident in Germany at the Lausitzring during a test drive with Audi. Image from italyonthisday.com Luigi Musso was an Italian race participant who competed in 24 Formula 1 races, and 15 of them were under the ferrari flag starting when he was just 30 years old. He won the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, but unfortunately perished after just 5 years in the circuit in a fatal accident at the 1958 Grand Prix. Grab a Great Plate of Spaghetti at These Fine Establishments Jimano’s Pizzeria at 938 N Green Bay Road Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2602 Grand Avenue Waukegan K&R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Potesta’s Pizza on 434 S Green Bay Road Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Waukegan Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Honey Bay’s Barbecue at 1726 Belvidere Street Waukegan La Scarola in Chicago, IL Siena Tavern in Chicago, IL Viaggio Restaurant in Chicago, IL Quartino Ristorante in Chicago, IL Sapori Trattoria in Chicago, IL The Pasta Bowl in Wicker Park in Chicago, IL Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Chicago, IL Il Porcellino in Chicago, IL Riccardo Trattoria in Chicago, IL Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago, IL Topo Gigio Ristorante in Chicago IL Salute Italian Restaurant in Racine, WI Casa Capri Restaurant in Kenosha, WI Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen in Kenosha, WI Renzo’s Pizzeria & Trattoria in Kenosha, WI Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2 in Kenosha

Welcome to the “New Year!”  If you’re one of the many folks who prefer a fresh start and a clean slate, you’re going to really love today’s blog post.  Today we’re focusing on all the different ways you can reorganize your workspaces, workshops, and garages.  You’ll find lots of helpful hints and tips along with all the tools you’ll need to keep your space in tip-top shape. more If you're the DIY mindset person, we’ve also got some helpful YouTube videos that show you how to get the job done yourself.  All that and more with just a click of the button, so what’re you waiting for?  Let’s get your New Year, New Garage goals checked! Check out our handy guide to learn how to go from Mess to Less! Little Things Make a Big Difference: Why You Should Paint Your Garage Image from Home Depot A fresh coat of paint may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to livening up the workspace and protecting it from spills, messes, and mishaps in your garage, you can’t skip it!  We recommend giving the walls and ceiling of your garage and workspace a fresh coat of paint in a gloss or semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning.  Choose something that’s kid-friendly even if you don’t have any, as these are often low-odor, fast drying, and easy-to-clean options!  Alternatively, a great exterior paint will hold up to just about all the elements (manmade or natural!) and make cleanup a breeze.  They’ll keep your space looking fresh and pleasant for years to come no matter what mess you fling at it.  Clear out the space and give the room a fresh coat before installing your new organizers, cabinets, and other gadgets. Image from Exterior Performance Coatings Once you’ve painted the walls and ceiling, but before you install your hardware, furniture, and organizers, you’ll want to also consider painting the floors.  Providing the floors with a protective coating can prevent motor oil, household chemicals, and other fluids from damaging the foundation and flooring. Consider hiring a professional to install and apply a polyaspartic coating on the floor, or at the very least applying a primer + sealant + paint to any concrete base.  This will keep your garage looking smart and also prevent costly repairs due to damage.  Plus, it really brightens up the space which can be a big help when working indoors. Now It’s Time To Get the Ball Rolling: Organizers, Workbenches, Cabinets and More! The Gladiator Garage Overhead Storage Rack gives you a fantastic way to use unconventional storage in spaces people usually overlook!  Place seasonal items up overhead when not in use, and take advantage of the space while leaving room to park your cars during inclement weather. Clean, simple, easy to use, and bright.  Those are just a few of the reasons we love the WFX Utility shelving option sold on Wayfair. It has lots of options to reshuffle and reorganize your tools for easy storage and removal; great for rakes, shovels, snow scrapers, and more.  It comes with a set of hooks and bins to get you started, too. Looking for something even more simple and basic?  You can go the utilitarian route with the Holeyrail Garage Organizer for under $50 on Amazon right now. It makes a great alternative to the slatboard and pegboard options, and everything will be ready to go at your fingertips.  It’s versatile, simple to install, and best of all it’s ultra budget friendly! If your garage has lots of open wall space, consider mounting some cabinets and shelves above your workspace.  If you don’t like the look of tools hanging about in the open, this Hanging Tool Cabinet from Harbor Freight is a great way to tidy up your workspace as well as maintaining a neat appearance.  As an added bonus, the doors lock to keep curious kiddos out of the danger zone, and to help prevent theft of your valuable tools should you forget to lock your garage. Every good workshop needs a sturdy workbench or work table.  They’re great for planning and prepping, great for spreading out while mid-project, and even double as extra storage while you’re rearranging your space. Harbor Freight has a wonderful mobile 46” Mobile Workbench with plenty of drawers and cabinet space that can fit just about anywhere!  Use it indoors or outdoors for flexibility and versatility, and the 1200lb storage weight capacity makes it the perfect place to stash hefty tools without worry. Helpful DIY Videos

We’re back with another installment of the Local Community Calendar!  We’ve rounded up some lovely events and entertainment for you to enjoy over the next month and change. Please be sure to double check all websites and listings for cancelations, delays, and closures due to weather or Covid19 regulations.  Remember to mask up, social distance, test frequently and often as possible to keep  your family and peers in the community safe. more Classic’s Local Community Calendar for Waukegan and Chicago Area On January 3rd, enjoy a Free Outdoor Men’s Workout at the Columbus Park Golf Course in Chicago from 5:30AM to 6:15AM. January 5th at the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan, bring the family for a day of fun at Holiday Adventures with the Waukegan Park District from 7AM to 6PM. January 5th is a lovely evening to enjoy the finer side of the arts with “Kiss Me Kate” at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Repeat performances this morning in afternoons and evenings. January 5th at Dan Ryan woods in Chicago, bring your kids and teens for Open Nature Play Day in Chicago from 10AM to 1PM. January 6th there’s a great Baby friendly storytime session at the Palatine Library District from 10AM to 10:30AM in Palanti ne. Tired of dinners at home? January 6th you can head to the Lucky Burger and Grill Foodtruck from 5PM to 8PM at the Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Enjoy Legos @ The Library at the Uptown Neighbourhood Library in Kenosha from 4:30 to 5:30, perfect for families and kids under 5. January 7th is a great time to take your kids over to the McHenry Public Library for “Storytime for Little Ones!” from 4PM to 4:30PM. January 7th is a great day for family fun!  Head over to the Watts Ice Center in Glencoe for an exciting Superhero Skate for Friday Family Skate Night from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. January 7th at the Palatine Library District from 4PM to 5PM is a great time to get the older kids out of the house for a Tween Hangout Session in Palatine. On January 8th at the Genesee Theater, enjoy an outstanding tribute to David Bowie at “David Brighton’s Space Oddity.” On Sunday January 9th from 4PM to 9PM, enjoy some wonderful outdoor time with friends and family at Skating in the Park at Rosemont in Rosemont. January 9th is a wonderful time to enjoy an evening of fine jazz music with Magnetic Jazz at Madcats from 5PM to 8PM in Palatine. On January 9th starting at 5PM, enjoy the ChiTown Movies Presents: Finding Nemo at ChiTown Movies in Chicago. Let’s support local agriculture and find something exciting to make for dinner at the Kenosha HarborMarket in Kenosha from 9AM to 1PM. If you’ve resolved that 2022 means you’ll get the job of  your dreams or bust, you’ll definitely want to check out the Waukegan Job and Career Fiar at the Job Center of Lake County.  The event runs from 11AM to 2PM on January 12th and January 20th and January 26th! Pencil in a day of fun January 13th from 12PM to 8PM at the Lake County Fairgrounds at Grayslake for the Northern Illinois Sports Show in 2022. January 19th, tune in for a special Family to Family Health Information Center webinar series hosted by ARC of Illinois with Molly Hoffman, DSCC. January 20th at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan from 7:30 to 11:30PM, throw it back to the 90s and 00s with Nelly in concert! On January 22nd at 8PM, come spend an evening at Bass Station in Waukegan for Euphoria II and have an amazing night on the town. Head over to the College of Lake County in Grayslake for the Mini Job Fair from 11AM to 1PM. Head to Schaumberg on January 27th from 12PM to 8PM at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Enjoy another fun evening of Family togetherness at the Blackhawks Night for Family Skate Night in Watts Ice Center in Glencoe on the 28th of January. February 6th in Highwood at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory enjoy the musical selections and fun activities at the Chicago Bass Festival at BGH from 9AM to 5PM. February 5th and 6th is the Waukegan Township’s “Groundhog Shootout” for 6 more weeks of Basketball! February 13th at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, book a ticket to see West Side Story live on stage!

Tonight is New Years Eve!  We’re glad to be here to celebrate the close of another wild year.  We’ve all been through so much the last year or two, and we deserve a night off.  So we thought we would use today’s blog space to suggest some fun activities to let loose, unwind, and relax! more Let’s begin the new year as we mean to end it, on a happy note, with good intentions, and paying no mind to any stresses, trials or tribulations. Get your noisemakers ready, because we’re here to party! Local New Year’s Eve  Fun New Year’s Eve Sparkly Fun at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan from 8 to 11:59PM! New Year’s Eve Party at Just for Fun Roller Rink from 11AM to 2PM in Mundelin Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Fox Lake from 4:30PM to 6:30PM New Year’s Eve Sip, Nibble, Celebrate and Stock up in Wauconda New Year’s Eve Early Bird Dinner Show at The Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire from 2PM to 8PM Unwind with a Festive and Fun New Years Eve Party at Home! With virus rates on the rise again in many places, some folks may not be up for the usual party antics. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a super swell shindig anyway.  Check out our suggestions for long-distance celebrations for those of you who wish to avoid the bar and restaurant scene this year, and celebrate more low-key options at home. Schedule a virtual game night with your pals! Whether you’re gaming together on Xbox or PC etc, or gathering over zoom for a game of virtual charades, there’s lots of ways to play party games from afar!  Here are some fun racing games with online play options with friends: Forza Horizon 5 Forza Motorsport 7 Super Mario Kart Split/Second: Velocity Gran Turismo Sport Bake up some fun treats and do a drive-by dessert swap this evening with friends!  We recommend raising a proverbial toast to the new year with these festive boozy-treats (recommended for adult consumption only!)  These are easy enough to make and take today! Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Pink Champagne Cake Pink Champagne Truffles Blood Orange Champagne Creme Brulee Sparkling Champagne Cookiewiches Almond Champagne Poached Pears with Almond Whipped Cream Plan a virtual watch party with friends and family for a movie night!  Grab your favourite movie snacks and queue up a movie chat via Teleparty or other streaming chat service.  Here’s a great list of movies to rent or stream on New Years Eve: An American in Paris (1951) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Evil (1980) via Amazon Prime Terror Train (1980) via Amazon Prime When Harry Met Sally (1989) via Amazon Prime Mermaids (1990) via Amazon Prime Sleepless in Seattle (1993) via Amazon Prime While You Were Sleeping (1995) via Amazon Prime Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) via Amazon Prime RENT (2005) via Amazon Prime High School Musical (2006) via Amazon Prime New Year’s Eve (2011) via Amazon Prime Snowpiercer (2013) via Amazon Prime The Great Gatsby (2013) via Amazon Prime Phantom Thread (2017) via Amazon Prime Make a list of New Year's Intentions instead of New Years Resolutions.  Instead of making very specific promises to ourselves that most of us won’t keep, let’s think more abstractly. You can add in your own flair and flavor, but these statements are more broad, all-encompassing, and less intimidating. Here’s some examples: I intend to prioritize joy and happiness. I intend to take more chances and be brave. I intend to turn my hobbies from side projects to center stage interests. I intend to spend more time with my loved ones and prioritize social time. I intend to prioritize my health, and not procrastinate important appointments, or prolong necessary rest. Create fun collaged vision boards together!  Grab those rogue catalogues, flyers, magazines, and promotional postcard materials.  We’re going to use them to make some super fun art together.  Cut out all of the inspiring images that you wish to manifest this year: that dream road trip, a brand new car, upgraded gadgets to your vehicle, a new pair of driving gloves, bucket list destinations.  Then paste them to a piece of paper or poster board and decorate with photos of yourself, your friends, your family, and words of encouragement cut out from headlines and articles.  You can be inspired by financial goals, personal goals, career goals and more! Then share them with your friends and family via web chat or post to social media.  It will be fun to look back on next year and see how many you were able to check off. No matter what you do this evening, we hope that you have a wonderful close to 2021.  And we are all sending you best wishes and good cheer for the happiest, healthiest, most optimistic New Year in 2022!

Winter is here, and the weather outside is about to get a little frightful.  That means saying goodbye for now to the weekend joy rides and long trips “on the road.” Instead, it’s time to hunker down with some exciting books about cars and automotive history to live vicariously. more From cool pictorial retrospectives, kids books and easy readers, and lots of other fabulous vehicle themed pop culture reading material, we’ve got something for everyone to share.  Check it out on today’s blog and let’s get cozy for some chilly weather reads! Cool Cars By Quentin Wilson Chrysler’s Turbine Car: The Rise and Fall of Detroit’s Coolest Creation By Steve Lehto How Cars Work By Tom Newton Built for Speed: The World’s Fastest Cars By Publications International LTD Classic Cars: The Definitive Visual History By DK Books New Driver’s Guide To Things Not To Crash Into By Lea Dodykavis My Dad Had That Car: A Nostalgic Look At the American Automobile By Tad Burness A Brief History of Motion By Tom Standage Bullitt: The Cars and People Behind Steve McQueen By Matt Stone Making Hyundai, Remaking Seoul By Lee Myung-bak Wheels for the World By Douglas G Brinkley A Man and His Car: Iconic Stories of Cars & Men Who Love Them By Matt Hranek Of Metal and Earth By Jennifer M. Lane Antique Cars and Vehicles By James Homans Eat My Dust! Henry Ford’s First Race By Monica Kulling Monster Trucks By Susan E. Goodman Elbow Grease: Teamwork Wins By John Cena Have we left your favourite tome off the list?  We’d love your input, so don’t be shy!  Let us know your favourite car related literature in a comment, and we may just feature it in an upcoming blog post.