Blog

One of the things we love to do most when we’re not buying, selling, and leasing cars is to take our show on the road!  From road trips to vacations to visits with loved ones, we love to be on the go.  And of course, that means we need plenty of coffee to keep us going and stay awake for all those miles of highway. more Today, we’re sharing our gift guide to great portable espresso makers!  From camping to the football field to the dog park to the office, we love these on-the-go coffee makers that are travel friendly and fit in totes, work bags, and even backpacks.  You or your gift recipient can have fresh, smooth java anytime, anywhere! Plus, we’re sharing some great local coffee shops that you can support this holiday season with a gift card or two for your friends and family!  And feel free to let us know your favorites in the comments on any of our social media.  Cheers to the start of the holiday season! First up we have the WACACO Minipresso portable espresso machine, currently on sale at the time of publishing this blog for just $54.90! It’s manually operated, making it convenient for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities with no batteries or electricity required.  You just need a camping stove or fire to boil some water, and you’re good to go! The Wacaco Picopresso is another pocket sized option with it’s own secure carry case, but a little higher end in model and price point at $130~ish.  It’s one of the more luxurious options in small portables, creating very little bitterness and a deliciously lush crema!  You’ll have cafe ready drinks whether you’re on the beach or at the top of a mountain, or even your kids hockey game at 9AM on a saturday. The Aeropress is a classic and a household name for a reason! It’s affordable, convenient, and makes a great brew!  You can make an espresso or even some cold brew, making it a great all-weather option for your outdoor adventures. Affordably priced on Amazon for just $34.99 on sale right now. Best Local Spots for Espresso Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff, IL Drip and Culture in Waukegan, IL Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville and Lake Bluff IL It’s All Good Coffee & Espresso in Zion, IL AREA Coffee in Mundelein, IL Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee, IL Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea in Vernon Hills, IL Gurnee Donuts in Gurnee, IL Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan, IL Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills, IL Birdy’s Coffee House in Libertyville, IL Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, IL Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake, IL Something’s Brewing in Grayslake, IL Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville, IL He Brews Coffee Shop in Winthrop Harbor, IL

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we thought we’d share a few of our favorite new recipes for you to make-and-take to family and friends!  And of course, we’ll be sharing some ideas for great transport and storage items to keep your delicious homemade and handcrafted food safe and sound on the journey. You’ll love our list of portable food carriers and containers that are easy to carry, leak resistant, and convenient to heat and eat when you’re ready to serve.  Check it out on today’s blog, and let us know which of these is destined to become your new family Classic! Feel free to share your family’s favorite recipes with us in the comments section. more First up, let’s share some of our picks for great seasonal recipes that work well for harvest dinners and friendsgivings!  There’s something for everyone here on just about every dietary need. Homemade Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love Butternut Squash Soup from NYT Cooking Crunchy Roasted Za’atar Chickpeas from NYT Cooking Tamarind Spiced Nuts with Mint Autumn Harvest Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Savory Sweet Potato Bruschetta Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash Sumac Dry Brined Turkey Roast Maple Brined Roast Turkey Balsamic Oven-Roasted Carrots Easiest Creamiest Mashed Potatoes Ultimate Cornbread Stuffing Best Picks for Food Transport Containers for the Holidays The Williams Sonoma “Hold Everything Insulated Dual Compartment Food Carrier is perfect for transporting multiple dishes.  If you’ve got appetizers, chips and dips, or little desserts, it’ll be great!  Looking to transport two main dishes? It works for that, too! Best of all, there’s a coordinating line of other shapes and sizes to fit all your food transportation needs. The Arctic Zone Expandable Thermal Insulated Food Container comes in two colors, and you can transport your food straight from the oven into this insulated container. It’s the perfect option to keep food hot if you’re perpetually tardy and arrive right at dinner time!  It also works well to keep food chilled, so it’s great for fruit salads, greens salads, and chilled desserts. Keep those pies safe and sound and that crust nice and crispy! This Casserole and Pie Carrier from QCWN is durable, useful, and easy to carry.  It’s the perfect thing for carrying grandma’s classic apple pie Tired of plastic containers getting crushed, stained, and misshapen? We understand! That’s why we’ve found this incredible set of Food Storage items from Caraway. They’re easy to clean, durable, reusable, and nest easily for storage. We love ‘em! The lids also seal tightly to reduce leaks and spills, because no one wants to clean cranberry sauce from car upholstery. Plus, they look gorgeous on the table so you can go right from the car to heat-and-serve without dirtying additional bowls. What could be better than less dishes to wash?! Trying to impress the in-laws? What could be better than a host/hostess gift that’s filled with your contribution to the family dinner! These eco-friendly glass meal prep and transport containers from JazzyJadeDesigns on Etsy are the perfect option. Emblazon them with a sweet family message and the family name, and then bring your holiday snacks! We also love this clever pie plate that’s meant to be left behind and passed through the family or circle of friends.  It also makes a fun little host/hostess gift that can be regifted and reused by way of another pay-it-forward pie delivery. It can be found on Etsy from PellegrinGraphics! Are you an avid home chef and your family caterer? We’re ready to go with this incredible insulated food pan carrier! It’s meant for carrying multiple large capacity containers and keeping them sturdy.  Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold without the need for plugging into electricity or reheating!  Best of all, it is stackable for stability and fits into narrow spaces. We love it!

Just like your car requires gasoline or electrical charging to go, go go, so do humans!  Many of us get a little extra pep in our step thanks to our bff, coffee.  Since today is National Coffee day, we’re celebrating with some fun facts about nature’s magical bean brew, and we’ve gathered up some suggestions for best coffeeshops in our area and across Illinois. Check it out! more Five Fun Facts about Coffee: Did you know that Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day? That’s right, and in a year’s time we consume about 146 billion cups of coffee here in the US. In 2022, Finland is leading the charge as the world’s biggest consumer of coffee per capita, drinking an average of 4 cups a day!  In fact, the country even legally mandates  that workers be allowed two 10-minute breaks for coffee on shift. The United States has the largest coffee market globally, reaching more than 80 billion USD in revenue; second in line is Brazil, followed by Japan and then Canada. The Number 1 coffee brand in the world is Starbucks. The company reported annual revenue of $23.52 billion, and has over 33,000 stores in 80 countries. There is even a Starbucks on site at the CIA headquarters (where they don’t allow any names on cups, for obvious reasons.) The average 12oz cup of coffee contains somewhere between 90 to 150 beans per cup. Where to get the best brews in Illinois (in alphabetical order, because we aren’t playing favorites; we love them all!): AREA Coffee in Mundelein Bean Counter in Springfield Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst Common Grounds Coffee in Carbondale Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Libertyville Custom Cup Coffee in Springfield Daisy’s Artish Cafe in Lake Villa Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago Flipside Coffee and Espresso Bar in Rock Falls Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Chicago He Brews coffee shop in Jonesboro Honey Hill Coffee Shop in Wauconda Little Bean Coffee Company in Antioch Mad Goat Coffee in Danville Maeva’s Coffee in Alton Metric Coffee in Chicago Milkcow Cafe in Vernon Hills Oromo Cafe in Chicago Pilot Pete’s Coffee in Elmhurst Prairie Espresso + Wine Bar in Lake Bluff Sawada Coffee Co in Chicago Something's Brewing Downtown in Grayslake Stompin Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich Strange Brew Cafe in Palos Hills The Wormhole Coffee in Chicago Thirty Thirty Coffee in Peoria Three Twigs Bakery in Springfield

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

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

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

There’s no better way to say farewell to summer and hello to the pending fall weather than a great campout!  And of course, as the nights get cooler and the days shorter, a great campfire is an absolute must! Today is national campfire day, and we thought it fitting to share fun and easy ways to camp in your vehicle!  No matter if you’re just taking a little nap on the side of the highway on an epic road trip, or you’ve made plans for a wilderness adventure as a weekend getaway, you’ll find lots of useful content on today’s blog.  We’ve got tips and tricks for campfires, campsite meals, gadgets and gizmos to camp in your car without a tent, and more. more Here’s some easy hacks to staying safe while using your car as a campsite: Make sure the space you choose for your car campout is a legal parking area; some spaces may require temporary passes, permits, or registration. Choose a flat, shaded area so your car will be stable and cool, and make sure the parking brake is engaged to avoid accident or injury. Adhere to posted signage and any warnings for roving wildlife, natural disaster prone areas, areas available to hunters/bowman, etc. Charge your electronics while you’re driving and ensure they’re fully powered before you turn in for the night.  Otherwise, choose a portable solar charger or battery pack for your car and electronics. Ensure all of your food is safely stowed in a container with a secure lid or a cooler. Hang a battery operated headlamp or battery operated lantern nearby for safety especially in case you need to take a bathroom break, check on your pets or human companions, or just do a little late night reading. Make sure your windows are open to provide proper ventilation and air circulation; you can DIY your own mesh window covering or buy a car tent mesh window cover. Make sure you have given your location to a family member or friend for safety, and check in with them before you turn in for the evening, and again when you wake up, for safety precautions. Check out this really cool camping conversion for a car: Great Car Camping Gadgets Buffing Hero’s Non-Inflatable Car Mattress is under $200 and a great portable mattress for backseats, hatchbacks, and more. Portable Camping an with LED Lantern and 40H Battery Life is great for circulating air and keeping cool while resting for less than $20. EcoNour  Car Window Screens for Camping 2 Pack is under $20 and keeps the bugs and pests out but lets fresh air in and is under $20 a pair. Tips and Tools for Making a Great Campfire: Adhere to any posted signage that allows or prohibits bonfires, firepits, grilling, etc. Follow one of the 5 methods of building a campfire. Check out Smokey the Bear’s tips for maintaining a safe and sustained campfire. Do not light a campfire or ignite anything near a vehicle as it is a fire hazard. Learn how to choose the right area of a campsite to build your campfire or fire pit. Snag yourself these essential campfire tools The Campfire Pocket Torch on REI.com A good pair of fire gloves from REI.com Campfire utensils from REI.com A Cast Iron Fire Pit Griddle A Cast Iron Dutch Oven Wonderful Campfire Recipes to Try on Your Next Campout Vegan Camping Meals Campfire Fish Recipe Campfire Trout with Herbs and Bacon Mini S’mores Grilled Corn in Husk Camper’s Breakfast Hash Skillet Herb Bread Get-Up-And-Go Granola

What better way to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day than a post highlighting our neighbors to the North: Wisconsin!  Wisconsin is the Cheese capital of the world, and for good reason; the state is home to six hundred different cheeses. And of course, what goes better with cheese than an incredible wine? Good thing that Wisconsin is home to some of the area’s best vineyards, too.  So for today’s post we’re taking you to “Wisconsin Wine Country” as we explore some of the region’s best wineries. more Welcome to Wisconsin’s Vineyards: We’ve already covered a little bit of the history of Wisconsin’s dairy farming industry, but did you know it’s also an area where wine grapes flourish?  Wisconsin is home to a variety of specialized grapes which do quite well thanks to the unusual soil composition of the Niagara Escarpment, the climate of the Mississippi River Valley, and the eastern-facing vineyards with lake effect air from Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. Check out these wonderful wineries with locally grown, locally harvested, and locally aged wines in Wisconsin: Best vineyards and wineries in Wisconsin: Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prarie du sac Staller Estate Winery in Delavan WI Cedar Creek Winery in Cedarburg WI Botham Vineyards & Winery in Barneveld Three Lakes Winery in Three Lakes WI Brambleberry Winery in Taylor WI Fawn Creek Winery in Wisconsin Dells WI Hawk’s Mill Winery in Browntown WI Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery Timber Hill Winery in Milton AEppelTreow Winery in Burlington WI Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard in Waukesha Northleaf Winery in Milton WI Fermenting Cellars Winery in Janesville WI Edwin Brix Vineyard in Juneau SoLu Estate Winery & Meadery in Cascade Cambridge Winery in Cambridge Two Brothers’ Wines in Richfield Why do we love to pair wine and cheese? Here’s a little inside look into the science behind these iconic flavor profiles from usualwines.com! Wondering how to pair cheese and wine for an expert flavor profile?  Check out this blog from winecoolerdirect.com and learn more! Looking to pair your local wines with local cheeses? This Wisconsin Cheese Guide will do just the trick! Best places to snag artisanal cheese to host your own Wine and Cheese night: Best of Wisconsin Shop in Oregon WI Fromagination in Madison WI Wisconsin Cheese Makers in Egg Harbor WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee The Cheese Wedge in West Bend Alp & Dell Cheese Store

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day! And we’re thinking about all the great old fashioned soda shoppes of yesteryear, and thought it would be fun to explore some of the great ice cream parlors that are still in operation today.  So let’s take a look at some of the spots that would make great stop-offs on your next cross country road trip! more Homer Soda Company in Homer, IL - 182 Miles from Classic Auto Group This specialty soda company began as a small retail storefront and quickly grew into a nationally loved wholesale soda distributor of retro soda flavors.  Their specialty blends and classic flavors can add a little excitement to your traditional ice cream soda flavors. They also sponsor the Homer Soda Festival which brings together craft soda makers from all around the country to one central location where you can try cocktails, mocktails, ice cream floats, and more! Stop by and pick up your favourites to make your own ice cream floats and sodas at home. Doc’s Just off 66 aka Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard, IL - 261 Miles from Classic Auto Group This Local Family Favourite haunt started as the family owned Deck’s Drug Store in 1884, and a soda fountain opened some years later in1929. Taking over the family business from their grandfather, the lat Bill and Bob Deck maintained the property until the early 2000s. Bob and Renae Ernst purchased the building and renamed it as Doc’s Soda Fountain until it changed hands once again, but rest assured the new ownership has still kept tradition going strong!  Recent updates have seen a few facelifts and renovations to the interior, but it’s maintained much of its classic charms as a roadside stop off on the old Route 66.  Offering classic diner fare and soda shoppe treats. Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, MO - 326 Miles from Classic Auto Group This place is just about everything one could hope for in a retro soda-fountain stop!  Offering homemade chocolates and vintage style classic candies, classic American Diner fare for lunch and dinner, and a plethora of classic soda shoppe drinks and treats.  Plus, the front of the shop is perfect for snapping a family photo for the memory books! Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus, IN - 281 Miles from Classic Auto Group In operation since 1900, and founded by the 3 Zaharakos brothers from Greece, this magical establishment has opened its doors to countless families for every day treats as well as special events.  It’s got a classic soda shoppe facade, and interior that marks you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  In 2009, restorations included a Museum Room, Soda Fountain Library, Mechanical Music Library, Banquet Room, and the late-1800s Victorian-style Crystal Parlor.  So what’re you waiting for? Don your best vintage attire and come on over! Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, TN - 524 Miles from Classic Auto Group If you’re planning a trip to Nashville after our last travel guide, you’ll want to make sure to add Elliston’s to your itinerary!  Part soda shop, part diner, and 100% classic Southern, this gorgeous restaurant is sure to give you a memorable meal. It’s got charming old-school flare with retro tiled walls and classic jukeboxes galore! It’s a cant-miss destination. Other great American Soda Shoppes and Ice Cream Parlours to visit across the US: Brent’s Soda Fountain in Jackson, MS The Pickwick in Greenville, SC Goolrick’s Pharmacy in Fredericksburg, VA Toomer’s Drugs in Auburn, AL Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, GA Shady Glen in Manchester, CT Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, NY Little Drug Co in New Smyrna Beach, FL Highland Park Soda Fountain in Dallas, TX St. Francis Fountain in San Francisco, CA Cole Drug Co in Big Timber, MT The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

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:

Today we’re highlighting some of the best places you can grab fried chicken as suggested by locals.  So check out our picks below and grab a bite to eat this afternoon for lunch. (And of course, if you feel so inclined to drop off a few orders for your favorite local car dealership we certainly would not complain, haha!) more Today is National Fried Chicken Day!  Whether you like it double-dredged, buttermilk marinated, straight up, or tossed with sauce, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic meal.  The first published recipes for fried chicken appeared as early as 1747, but historians believe it appeared as a mealtime offering as early as 7500BCE-5000BCE in Ancient Egypt. And the Scottish were some of the earliest to deep-fry it in fat.  The first record of fried chicken being printed in a regional American cookbook was as early as 1824!  No matter where it’s from or who holds the claim to being able to say they were “first!” we’re really glad someone created it. There’s nothing better at a cookout or picnic than a delicious, crunchy, perfect bite of juicy, tender fried chicken! What’s your favourite type of fried chicken? Do you prefer wings, drumsticks, thighs, tenders? We’re having a hard time deciding which one we love most, so we’re going to order them all! Got a favourite place of your own or a hidden gem that we should put on our radar? Let us know in the comments on our social media! We’d love to hear from you and include your picks in a future blog post. Bb.q Chicken Waukegan at 554 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3160 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Hillery’s Bar BQ at 2021 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant at 1739 Sheridan Road in Waukegan Taste of Belize at 2207 Grand Avenue in Waukegan Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar at 4030 Northpoint Boulevard in Waukegan Test Kitchen BBQ at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Gojos Cafe & Pancake House at 2929 Belvidere Road in Waukegan Brown’s Chicken at 3150 Belvidere Road in Waukegan JJ Fish & Chicken at 1332 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Looking to make a trip over to Chicago for a day out with friends and family? Check out these great suggestions on places to grab some delectable fried chicken! Gus’s Fried Chicken in Chicago: Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken in Chicago: Harold’s Chicken Shack in Chicago:

June is National Dairy Month, and today is National Cheese Day!! We’d be remiss if we didn’t use today as a springboard to take a little trip over the state border into our neighbouring state of Wisconsin. more What do Cars and Wisconsin Cheese have in common? Glad you asked! Except for Switzerland, Wisconsin is also home to the only Master Cheesemaker program in the world, and is the only state in which you need a license to make cheese.  Steve Bulhozer is a local Master Cheesemaker in Monroe, Wisconsin at the Klondike Cheese Company. He and his family have been crafting feta, havarti, munster, and brick Cheese for five generations!  But cheesemaking isn’t the only skill that The Bulhozer brothers have perfected, they’re also interested in car racing!  In fact, they have their own unofficial racing team representing the family name and their passion for their family business. But that’s not all!  Did you know that someone in Wisconsin built their very own motorized, jet-powered cheese wedge? Wild, we know, but it’s true! Wisconsin Native Dieter Sturm, inventor and cheese loveer, created The Cheese-n-ator.  Check it out here on Youtube: In just a moment we’re going to take a little trip across Wisconsin to some dairy farms you’ll be able to visit in person and tour, but first we have some fun facts. Save them for your long car trip and impress your family and friends with your Expert Dairy Knowledge! You might think it’s cheesy, but we’re really excited to share these super fun facts with you about Wisconsin and it’s Dairy + Cheese production: Wisconsin produces more flavors, varieties, and styles of cheese than anywhere else; over 600 different cheeses are made from Wisconsin dairies. There are an estimated 100 cheese production factories in Wisconsin. 47% of all specialty cheeses have Wisconsin origins (Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin) Wisconsin produces the most Cheddar Cheese in the United States Wisconsin has been manufacturing many varieties of cheese for more than 150 years. Cheese production in Wisconsin has been attributed to the arrival of Swiss Settlers migrating with their cattle from Ohio to New Glarus, WI in the mid-1840s. As of 2020, the average consumer in the US eats about 40 pounds of cheese a year, which is up by 5 pounds in the last decade; the United States as a whole ate a whopping estimated total of 6 million metric tons of cheese, accounting for 24% of worldwide cheese consumption. Check out this great video from PBS Food on the history and origins of Wisconsin Dairy: Ready to get up close and personal with some dairy farmers and the cheesemaking process? Here are some great dairy themed events happening in Wisconsin this month that are worth a little road trip to experience: The Milk Merchant of Wausau is hosting a Rose & Cheese tasting on Thursday June 9th at 1PM. The New Glarus Beer, Bacon and Cheese Festival is rolling into New Glarus on June 11th. Clayton’s Cheese Days Craft and Vendor event runs from 10AM to 3PM on June 18th in Clayton. The Cheese Curd Festival of Ellsworth takes place on June 24th and June 25th from 10AM to 7PM. After reading our fun facts and making plans to attend some of those fun events, we wouldn't blame you if your taste for cheese can no longer be satiated!  That’s why we’ve created a fun little road trip around to some of Wisconsin’s dairy farms that welcome public visitors.  It’s a great way to spend the summer in your new car from Classic Auto Group.  Let’s hit the road and see where our favourite snack comes from: We’ve even mapped it out on google maps for you! DeVoe Family Farm Tours Wegmueller Dairy Farm Hinchley’s Dairy Farm Tours Blue Star Dairy Farms Knigge Farms Brickstead Dairy Farm Cozy Nook Farm Once you’re familiar with the dairy farmers and process of raising, caring for, and milking cattle, you’ll want to head out to see how the greatest snack in the world is made, of course!  Here are some fantastic “roadtrippable” Cheese factories and tours you can take across the great state of Wisconsin: The Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha is a cheese lovers paradise, and has everything you want from bricks to curds to even chocolate cheese fudge (don’t knock it til you try it!) Door Artisan Cheese Company ages their award-winning cheese on site, and you can take a tour of the Door County Creamery and find out where cheese comes from and how it’s made. Fromagination Cheese Shop has artisanal local cheeses and hosts special events and even Workshops and Classes! The Dane County Farmers Market is home to multiple Wisconsin creameries! The LaClare Family Creamery is a goat cheese manufacturing farm and family run business that allows you to enjoy a visit to the goat farm, sample and purchase specialty products, and even go on a self-guided tour.